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Penned Again
Amarinda Jones
Dedication
To anyone who has ever picked up an Amarinda Jones book and thought, “What the hell. IÅ‚ll take a chance on this Aussie." Thank you. Your continued support means everything to me.
And to the demons we know and those within us. Donłt they keep life interesting?
Trademarks Acknowledgement
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following word marks mentioned in this work of fiction:
Boy Scout: Boy Scouts of America Corporation
Dumpster: Dempster Brothers Inc.
Lone Ranger: Wrather Corporation
Lycra: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
Rip Curl: Rip Curl International Pty. Ltd.
Supernatural: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
The Twilight Zone: CBS Broadcasting Inc.
Zorro: Zorro Productions, Inc.
Chapter One
“I bet you canÅ‚t."
“Not only can I, but I will succeed."
“You havenÅ‚t got the balls to go back." Albemarle taunted Pendleton Ripley in front of a group of lower order demons in their particular enclave of Hell. The dingy room was encased in dark, ugly rock that matched both the atmosphere and the occupants. “Your mortal wife will laugh in your face." The other demons laughed.
Penn Ripley wasnłt worried about what a bunch of sycophantic demons thought about him. He had been an inmate from Hell for three hundred years. Like all the underground inhabitants, he was immortal. Penn had seen demons come and go. Only the strong survived. He knew demons followed whoever was the most powerful at any given time. They had no loyalties and he had none to them. They were the devilłs spawn with no redeeming qualities at all. At the moment they looked to him to lead them. Satan, the supreme being of Hell, had in his demonic wisdom, let the demons do what they liked as long as they left him alone to his own pleasures. Hence power had been thrust on Penn. It was not something Penn had sought but he realized by following his rule then at least Hell was not as hellish as it could be. He did not need these demons, nor did he care what they thought. Maybe once he had been like them but as the centuries passed he came to realize the utter futility of an endless life.
Penn had seen and tasted life above ground and he wanted more. He was tired of the endless drudgery of immortality. What was the point of an endless life that had no meaning? Living forever was vastly overrated when there was nothing worth existing for. He had been searching for the last ten human years for a something he could feel but not define. It was only when Penn had met Arlo, his wife, that he realized what more he could have. Suddenly he had seen what he could have. Now all he wanted to do was find a way to rid himself of his immortality and go back to Arlo where he belonged. That was, if she would have him back. He had treated her badly by not telling her the truth of his identity. But in his heart Penn knew she still loved him. This stupid bet of Albemarlełs gave him added impetus to go back to her.
He had allowed Arlo six months of space and time to move on and reassess what she wanted in life, hoping all the time she would realize it was him. In that time, Penn had constantly moved back and forward between worlds checking on her safety, welfare and her happiness. In a small way it pleased him she seemed miserable as she dragged herself through her days. He could see how forced the empty smile was on her face. It was exactly how he felt without her. Arlo had cried for the first four weeks of their separation and it had wounded him deeply to think he had made her so sad. Penn had wanted to rush back to her and pull her into his arms and try to make it all better. But he had known she needed time to think and knowing Arlo as he did, he knew it would have only made the situation worse. So, Penn had watched and waited. Now was the perfect time to reclaim his wife.
He looked at his enemy. Penn knew this had been a long time coming. He was not stupid enough to believe this was just a simple wager between friends. Demons had no friends. Penn knew what Albemarle sought. It was power. The way to get that was to get rid of him. But Penn was not easy to destroy or dismiss. He had been alive for three hundred years and no one had yet succeeded in coming close to killing him. He knew Albemarle wanted him dead.
“WhatÅ‚s the wager?" Penn was going back to his wife no matter what AlbemarleÅ‚s plans were. Arlo was everything to him. The last six months apart from her had been endless and depressing. There was no point to his existence without her. He knew Albemarle planned to use his need for his wife against him. That was okay. He could handle that power-hungry demon. Penn was interested to see what was on offer though. What was it Albemarle thought he would jump at and why?
“SheÅ‚s probably been fucking her brains out with another man or two," Albemarle taunted evilly.
If Penn Ripley knew nothing else, he knew that Arlo would never want anyone but him. It was not ego. It was just fact. He knew her. Penn also knew he would never lust after another woman. Some things were just meant to be. In all the centuries he had been alive, no woman had turned his head as Arlo had. If he hadnłt messed it up, Penn would be with Arlo now. He was determined to win her back.
“The wager, asshole." His voice was hard and uncompromising. To show anything but strength in Hell was to die horribly.
“If you can win your mortal wife back in a week, then IÅ‚ll help you gain your freedom."
Liar. But then thatłs what demons did. Penn had done more than his fair share of distorting the truth for his own means. That was evident in the fact that he had not told Arlo he was a demon. Penn had been too caught up in needing and loving her to understand that real love means total honesty. He had lost out badly. Penn looked at the other demon casually. Of course his freedom meant everything to him. That was no secret to anyone. They all knew he had married a mortal and what had happened. He was somewhat a joke to the demon fraternity. Not that Penn cared what they thought of him as they meant nothing to him. To be no longer a demon or immortal, and to be with Arlo was the only thing he craved. Penn was amused to think that Albemarle believed he might be desperate enough in his need for his wife that he would seriously take up any offer that a demon gave him. Not that Albemarle had any more control over their destinies than Penn did. But he would hazard a guess that Albemarle knew about his plan to seek out a spellbinder, a powerful being who was the only one who could truly free him from the curse of immortality.
Spellbinders were entities with immense powers who could, if they chose to, bestow great favor on those in need. But, they were also fickle. They did nothing without reason and they made those in need work for their desires. Penn was prepared to do anything asked of him to become mortal and live with Arlo until death did them part. It was his greatest wish. He only had a vague idea of where to locate a spellbinder. No one was sure how many existed but it was known that they kept constant tabs on all words, above and below ground. Legend had it that they came to you when your need was at its zenith. Penn hoped legend was right.
Penn knew what Albemarle wanted. It was absolute power. The problem was that Penn stood in his way. It was not because he wanted to. As far as Penn was concerned all the demons in Hell could burn. However there was a problem. Penn was considered a leader. Satan was a lazy bastard who played with the demons like puppets from his own private throne room in Hell. He enjoyed seeing the chaos that ensued. So far Penn had been able to keep the rabble together. And they were rabble. None of them seemed to possess an original thought. Lower order demons were like that. The problem was uncontrolled and en masse they were a force to be reckoned with as, like most mobs, they acted without thinking. Penn knew if he was gone then literally all hell would break loose if the mob fell under the control of Albemarle, for Satan would sit back and watch with glee. But Penn owed himself some happiness. Arlo made him happy. He adored her and he would get back to her come what may.
“And if I lose your little bet, Albemarle?" Letting him think he was taking on the bet worked for Penn. It gave him time to find a spellbinder and do whatever was required of him. Penn figured Albemarle would let him do all the hard work of finding a spellbinder then step in at the last moment like the greedy, manipulative bastard he was.
“You turn to into dust and Penn Ripley is no more."
“I wonÅ‚t lose." Finding a spellbinder and being with Arlo were the only things that mattered. “And when I win I will erase all existence of you and your cronies." If he could do that then that would destroy a huge power base of evil underground. He just had to find an elusive spellbinder.
“IÅ‚ll take that bet as you will not win. Your woman hasnÅ‚t spoken to you in six months. IÅ‚m sure she will not be all that happy to see you." Albemarle smiled evilly. “She most likely has had several other men and maybe even women between her legs since you."
Penn smiled back thinly. It would be so easy to rip Albemarlełs head off for the words he had just spoken. But he wasnłt worth the effort yet and his words were just thatill informed and desperate words. How little this demon knew of Arlo Ripley. In the few snatched glimpses Penn had of his beloved there was no man in her life. She was not a woman to give herself so lightly. When Arlo mated it was for life.
“Love never dies." It could get screwed up occasionally, as it was with Arlo at the moment. But I will fix the mess I made of our lives. It was PennÅ‚s mantra. He had never given up hope of being with his beloved once more.
“Mortals, especially women, are not rational creatures, Ripley."
“I know her as you do not." And Arlo was going to fight him tooth and nail. She wouldnÅ‚t be Arlo Ripley if she didnÅ‚t. Penn knew it was not going to be an easy seven days. He looked Albemarle in the eyes. “Deal." Penn planned to win back Arlo and his life. Destroying Albemarle was just the icing on the cake.
Now Penn just had to convince his darling spouse how much he loved her and how necessary he was in her life. Penn knew if he came bearing flowers and chocolates Arlo would happily take the candy and then tell him to take his roses and “piss off" and she would have every right to. Arlo was not a woman who could be bought with cheap sentiment. She had coped in her own way for six months without him. However Penn still believed Arlo had never stopped loving him.
“IÅ‚m going to have to do this in another good, old-fashioned way." He smiled as he thought of the perfect manner to win his way back into her heart. Penn was going to seduce his wife.
Albemarle watched him walk away. He knew why Penn wanted to go back to the mortal world above them. He wanted two things. His mortal wife and to find a spellbinder. Albemarle could not care less about the woman. She was useful only for the fact she could be manipulated as a pawn. Ripley was obsessed by her and that made him weak. But love did that. It made men into fools. An enemy with such weakness was prone to make mistakes. As for a spellbinder, that was different. That creature had the power to endow those it chose with their greatest wish. Albemarle knew what Ripley wished for. He wanted to be mortal. That was no secret among the demons. What a wasted wish, when Ripley had the backing of the demon underworld to rule over all of them. It galled Albemarle that he was the chosen one and he did not want to rule.
It suited Albemarle for Ripley to go above ground. He was an incredibly powerful demon if he chose to be. Mostly he kept to himself unless he was silencing the rabble or bending them to his will. Ripley was a demon who had the ability to find the elusive spellbinder where others had failed. Albemarle planned to shadow his movements until the mythical beast was found. He would then kill Ripley and his woman and trap himself a spellbinder. The bet was just a side issue. Albemarle wanted to toy with Ripley. He was hard in the dick yet soft in the head for his wife. The mortal woman would be his undoing.
“She will never take him back. IÅ‚ll make sure of it."
Chapter Two
It was such a long time since Arlo Ripley had felt the closeness of anotherłs skin again hers. She curled against the warm, male body and gave herself up to the dream she was having. Her hand touched the hard, hair roughened chest and luxuriant heat radiated through her arm and down her body. It was heaven to touch him once more. She had missed him so much. Him? Penn? Her eyes snapped open in shock.
“You!" Arlo jerked her hand away as she looked at the naked man in her bed. There was just enough light to see the deep green eyes of Pendleton Ripley. He had not changed one whit. Same dark, wavy hair, kissable mouth and a body to collapse against in need and hunger. And he was naked. Whoa! Too many memories there. She rolled away as fast and as far away as she could.
“Hi honey, IÅ‚m home," Penn murmured as he reached out and pulled his wife back against him.
“Holy fucking hell, what are you doing here?" Arlo struggled to break free from his hold. To do that, she had to touch him and he felt so good to her Penn-starved senses. Six months without touching him had been torture.
“I came to see you."
“Oh piss off." She slapped his chest in derision. Remember you hate him and he is a lying swine. Okay I can do this.
Pennłs finger gently traced the curve of her lips.
“I missed you, my beloved."
Oh crap. Penn was using “beloved" in that deep, husky voice he knew turned her on. Arlo closed her legs together tightly. He is back for a reason and that reason may not suit you. Be strong and donÅ‚t get sucked in again.
Arlo Ripley had endured six of the most horrible months of her life. It was like she was on a continual mood swing and it was all because of her husbandthe demon. I married a demon. It still seemed bizarre to her. It was more like something out of a 1950s schlock black-and-white movie. But it had happened and it still irritated her no end that Penn had not told her the truth. Honesty was as important as love to Arlo. That he did not tell her everything smacked at her self-esteem. During their separation she had railed against him, the unfairness of it all and wondered if love was really worth the hassle. Sure, she was lonely without Penn but at least she knew where she stood.
“What do you want?" Though his cock pressing against her thigh was a very good indication of where his mind was at. It was so long since sheÅ‚d had sex. The feel of that life force pushing against her made her remember the last, delicious time she had touched and tasted him. She still remembered the feeling of her eyes rolling into the back of her head as she came. Then Penn had gone and broken her heart. Bastard. Well, not again.
“IÅ‚m naked, youÅ‚re nakedwhat do you think I want?" Penn smiled at her knowingly.
I think I really need you now and I hate myself for being so weak.
“I think youÅ‚ve run out of clean clothes and want me to do your washing." Arlo always slept naked. She liked the sensual feel of the fine cotton sheets on her skin. However at that moment she wished she had on a granny nightdress, as her bare skin so close to his, was like holding a lit match to paper. Penn could make her hot with just one look and he looked mighty good to her famished senses. She ran her eyes over the length of his lean, strong body, stopping at the black, elaborate phoenix tattoo on his lower stomach. It had always turned her on. Her mouth watered. He still had the ability to take her breath away.
“Ah, my beloved, you still have a great sense of humor." Penn tweaked her nose teasingly.
“I married you didnÅ‚t I, Pendleton?"
“Hmmstill havenÅ‚t forgiven me?" His hand moved down to stroke her sheet-covered thigh.
Okay, this was getting dangerous. Arlo slapped his handed away. It was hard to hate him when she was so wet with need between the legs.
“Well, I did mention I would forgive you when Hell froze over. Has that happened yet? You know, it being your home and all." I married a demon. Where was my head? ThatÅ‚s right, you were thinking with other parts of your anatomy when it came to the “I dos".
Penn chuckled at her words.
“No itÅ‚s still quite balmy down there," he murmured thoughtfully as he picked up her hand. “You still wear both my rings." Penn looked her straight in the eyes as he toyed with the wedding and engagement ring.
Arlo blushed as she always did when he gave her that “I know you look". She prayed the dim lighting in the room covered up the telltale signs that he was getting to her once more.
Yes, she still wore them, sentimental fool that she was. Loving someone was a hard habit to break. She knew one day the rings would come off when she forgot about Penn. Probably on the twelfth of never. The man was unforgettable. Arlo looked at other men and no one came close in comparison.
“These two rings remind me how stupid I was and never to be that way again." She snatched her hand back. Did Penn feel the trembling just before their hands parted?
“I think you still love me, Arlo Ripley."
“Actually I hate you, Penn Ripley." I hate you so bad it hurts.
Penn arched one eyebrow at her in amusement.
“ItÅ‚s the same thing, beloved."
Okay. That was it. Arlo sat up sharply, the sheet dropping down to uncover her body to his hungry gaze.
“I am not your bloody Ä™belovedÅ‚, I do hate you and I want you to leave now." Arlo felt his eyes on her breasts. She knew that look. Penn was calculating how much it would take to get her flat on her back and submissive. If Arlo was honest she knew it would take very little. She snatched up the sheet and held it close to her body. “Anyway there is someone else."
“Bullshit," Penn responded succinctly, not believing a word of it. He sat up and looked at her matter-of-factly.
“There is." Oh God, now IÅ‚m sounding whiny.
“Who?"
“None of your business." She tore her eyes away from his body. The phoenix wasnÅ‚t the only thing rising.
Penn threw back his head and laughed.
“I love that you never change, Arlo. You are consistently obstinate and charming."
Arlo wasnłt sure if that was a compliment or not.
“Are you saying no other man would be interested in me?" She straightened up defiantly and looked at him furiously as she clutched the sheet to her breasts.
“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. To think that another man has even glanced at you makes me jealous."
This Arlo still did not understand. She was average in the extreme. Brown hair, thin lips, wide hips and a cellulite butt. Yet Penn always made her feel like a goddess. What did he see that she and others didnłt? Before Penn, no man had been interested in her.
“You are my wife and no other man will have you."
“DonÅ‚t start doing that master of the universe thing with me, mister." Arlo pushed one hand through her tangled, shoulder-length hair to clear her vision as she maintained her hold on the sheet.
“I am the only man for you, beloved," he told her as his hand came to rest on her hip.
Damn it he was right. No other man moved her like this one. But that didnłt mean he had automatic entry back into her life.
“What are you doing here?" Arlo had to get back on track and keep her rage boiling otherwise she was going to do something dumb yet delicious with this manthis demon.
“I have come back to claim you as mine."
Arlo knew from the smile on his face he had felt the shiver run through her body. She had never been able to control easily what she felt when she was with him. Arlo had thought she had hardened her heart enough to handle anything but Penn was in a league of his own.
“IÅ‚m not a hat or a coat you can pick up with a claim stub and I havenÅ‚t changed my mind about you, Pendleton Ripley."
“You only ever called me that when you knew you were losing control," he said with a triumphant grin as his other hand moved to her waist.
She wanted to slap his hands away but to do that the sheet would fall down and uncover her. Sure, he had seen her bare breasts many times but she was too angry at him that moment to allow him that privilege now.
“Well, now I am just pissed off at you." Arlo was pissed off that she was in this situation with him. If only they could go back in time and change what they had messed up. But then they would not be Penn and Arlo. They would be two rational, normal people. “I donÅ‚t want you as my husband."
“WeÅ‚re not divorced. In fact you havenÅ‚t even filed for one."
How would he know that she hadnłt? Or was it true what they said about lawyers that they were the devilłs spawn?
“ItÅ‚s a bit hard when your husband is in Hell." Arlo was annoyed that she had to defend her actions. She just forgot. She was busy. It was not like she was hoping Penn would come back to her. She wasnÅ‚t that pathetic. “What exactly is the address for my solicitor to send papers to you? Hell 666?" Where had Penn been? What had he been doing? Was he well? Arlo wanted to ask but she knew that would indicate that she cared and she had too much pride to show Penn how vulnerable she was. He had hurt her. She was not supposed to care about him. How many times have you told yourself that woman?
“You could have just called my name like the others times and I would have been at your side."
Arlo fought hard not to close her eyes as his hands stroked her stomach.
“I never called your name."
“In your sleep you have, beloved," he smiled softly at her as if he knew the struggle she was putting herself through. “I have stood and watched and waited for you to come to me willingly."
He had? When? If only I knew. Arlo gave herself a mental shake. She had to channel her inner bitch and suppress the needy woman begging to get out and do crazy stuff.
“YouÅ‚ll be waiting a bloody long time."
“All because IÅ‚m a demon?"
“You did not tell me." What part of that did he not understand? It was the reason that had broken up. If only he had been honest with her. Arlo could handle anything but lies.
Penn sighed tiredly.
“Honesty is overrated sometimes. Would you have married me if I told you?"
Yes, because I love you, yał big dope.
“It doesnÅ‚t matter now." Honesty was everything to her. Arlo had seen her fatherÅ‚s lies drag her motherÅ‚s spirit down. Her mother had stood by the cheating scumbag for years and slowly lost all pride in herself. Arlo was adamant that no man would do that to her. Would you have married me?" Penn repeated insistently as if the answer was paramount to him.
“We canÅ‚t change history, Penn." She could tell from his eyes what Penn wantedto go back in time and enjoy each other as they once had. However Arlo wanted more than just a tumble. She wantedwhat? I want it back the way if once was. But she knew that was wishing for the impossible.
Penn knew if he mentioned the bet Arlo would never help him. He had hurt her when he hadnłt told her the truth about who he was. The woman had her pride. He liked that about her. She knew her own self-worth and was not about to let anyone treat her as less than she deserved.
“I love you, Arlo." Penn had never loved anyone in his life. Demons normally didnÅ‚t. Therefore it was a complete shock to him when he met this mortal woman and completely lost himself in her. Three hundred lonely years had dissolved into nothing when he looked in her hazel eyes.
The woman in question rolled those eyes cynically at him.
“Oh please, youÅ‚re just saying that because you want sex."
It dismayed Penn that Arlołs hurt was so deep for her to believe that. Yes, he craved being physically close to her once more but not for sex alone. He needed Arlo to feel alive again. For the last six months Penn felt like he had been staggering around blindly without her. He had waited for her to call him, to break down and admit that she needed him as much as he needed her. But she had been as stubborn as ever. Taking unnoticed sneak peeks at her during their separation had only driven him crazy with need. Now it was time to take matters into his own hands. Penn planned to win his wife back. The bet was just a side issue.
“DonÅ‚t you need me too?" The need Penn saw in her eyes reflected his. He felt the shiver run through ArloÅ‚s body and he knew he wasnÅ‚t too late.
“No, I told you before Penn, thereÅ‚s someone else in my life now."
“Where is he? Or is it a she?" He grinned when she glared at him affronted by his insinuation.
“You know it would be a he." Penn had the ability to piss her off faster than anyone she knew.
“Would be?" There was no one in her life. They both knew it. Arlo was not a woman to give herself to just anyone. She was sexually inexperienced when they met almost a year ago. It had been the best seduction of his life teaching the then Arlo Kane to make love.
“I meant Ä™isÅ‚," she quickly corrected herself. Arlo arched her eyebrows in annoyance as if frustrated she felt the need to justify herself.
“Liar," PennÅ‚s hands moved up her body to her breasts. “ItÅ‚s only ever been me hasnÅ‚t it?"
“Ium"
His wife was at her sweetest when she blushed and looked confused. Penn had to admit he liked it when she was out of her depth and knew it. She had that panicked what-will-I-do-now look in her eyes. But then he loved her at any time and in any mood. Happy, sad, crankyshe was all woman and all his. He pulled her hands away from the sheet she held tightly to her breasts. The sheet fell down to her waist and his eyes locked with hers. Penn reached down and raised one of her hands to his mouth and kissed the palm.
“I need you, my beloved."
Oh bloody hell. This was the last thing she wanted to happen. Arlo had spent months hating her husband with a passion and here he was kissing her hand and touching her and all she wanted to do was open wide and swallow him whole. IÅ‚m oversexed and frustrated. I do not and will not love him. She shivered in anticipation.
“Penn I canÅ‚tI wonÅ‚t." ArloÅ‚s voice was an urgent whisper of denial. She knew she was fighting the inevitable but she still had to give it a go.
“Why not?" he asked, his hand gently enfolding hers.
“Because I want to hate you." She hadnÅ‚t meant to blurt the words out but sometimes the truth was unstoppable.
Penn nodded his head as if he understood the reasons she needed to withhold herself from him.
“I deserve your hate. I should have told you the truth. I treated you badly and I hate myself for hurting you."
When his deep, soulful eyes looked at her like that Arlo knew she was a goner.
“Oh Penn donÅ‚t do this." He could not be allowed to get to her again. Arlo had cried her heart out over him and here he was being all sweet and loving and making her want to be with him again.
“What am I doing to you, beloved?"
“You bloody know what," she hissed in a mixture of amusement and frustration. “YouÅ‚re being all nice and sweet and apologetic just to get to me." And it was working. Her nipples ached for his mouth and the slick wetness between her legs made her patently aware that he was the only man she would ever allow entrance to.
“You make me want to be those things."
“You know it gets to me."
“I know," Penn murmured as he grinned at her.
“Bastard," she murmured just as he leaned in and kissed her. Arlo gasped. It was a shock to her parched senses. It was like a drought had broken. A surge of pure, super-heated emotion ran through her body forcing the walls she had put up around her to crack. To not have kissed him back would have been unimaginable. It was just something that was so right that pushing him away would have meant she was denying what she needed most. Arlo kissed him with the intensity of someone who has just found what she needed to live.
Penn broke off the kiss and rested his forehead against hers so they were eye to eye.
“I love you, Arlo."
She swallowed hard. She did not want to hear that because hearing and believing it were two different things.
“DonÅ‚t." Please donÅ‚t let me fall for him again.
“I have to," he said as he kissed her lips softly. “We need to be together no matter what." PennÅ‚s lips slid down to her neck. “You feel it and you know it."
Any time Penn kissed her neck Arlo could never think straight. His lips were magical. They drew from her a response she wasnłt aware she was even capable of. As his hands moved down to caress her breast, she knew she was sunk. Six months of hunger for Penn needed to be assuaged.
“Penn" Penn what? Go away? Make me yours again? Let me lick your tatt?
“Admit it beloved, you need me."
When she found herself flat on her back, Arlo wasnłt sure how she got there only that it seemed the best place to be at that moment while the warmth of Pennłs lower body connected with hers as he rested his weight on his elbows.
“Penn" she repeated trying to remember all the reasons why this was a really bad idea. But the pulsing heat of his cock against her thigh was making it hard to think of anything rational or logical to say.
“What," he murmured as his lips trailed down to her breasts.
“Has there been anyone else?" She did not want him coming to her as his second- or third-best option. In her heart she knew it was crazy to think that way but her head kept reminding her of his past deception. Could he have loved another during their separation? Just how much did she mean to him? When his tongue touched her nipple she stopped breathing as the sensation was so exquisite.
“Breathe, Arlo," Penn chuckled softy against her skin as his hand tickled her stomach. “And no, there has been no one else."
Arlo let out the breath she was holding in relief at both his words and that she could allow herself the possibility to enjoy the touch of this man once again.
“Seriously?" Was it possible that someone as tactile and intensely sexual as Penn could have abstained from physical contact? “Never?"
“There will only ever be you and you know it." His hands massaged the mounds of her breasts. “I know youÅ‚re scared. You have every right to fight what youÅ‚re feeling but please donÅ‚t. Just for this one moment drop your defenses and be with me."
Arlo blew out a breath and shook her head. She wanted him. She needed him and he knew it.
“YouÅ‚re very good," she murmured with a smile. Penn knew all the right words to make her want him damn him.
“I know," he responded with a smile. “But the simple truth is that I want to make love to you and you want me to." He leant down and stroked her nipple with his tongue. “Just give in for this moment, Arlo."
Sex with her husband. It was so right and yet so wrong. She craved the touch of him and longed to feel him tight inside her once more yet she knew he was an addiction that had been hard to break. Six months of being without him had been horrible. She had toughened herself to the overwhelming cravings of wanting Penn. Or so she thought. Would one more time really be a bad thing? Arlo licked her lips and looked at him thoughtfully.
“Just this once, Penn." Even as she said the words, Arlo was aware of how crazy they sounded. It was like someone on a strict diet only having one slice of mud cake when they really want the whole cake.
“Of course," he agreed softly as his lips moved on down her body placing soft, sucking kisses on her skin, smiling as she shivered under his touch.
Arlo moaned and squirmed. She loved it when Penn did that. But she had to keep her head. This was a one-off. It was sex to fulfill a mutual need and nothing else. There was no point getting all worked up over biology. He would be gone once it was over.
“I mean it. I will not be Penned again."
Penn eyes locked with hers.
“My beloved I swear I will make love to you now and if I ever touch you again and you ask me to leave I will."
Pennłs words sounded like there was a loophole hidden in there somewhere but the man had his mouth on her inner thigh and worrying about loopholes seemed a moot point. Arlołs hands went down to the broad width of his shoulders, loving the feel of the muscle below. His skin was soft yet all male and luscious. She sighed as his mouth sucked intently on the flesh of her thigh. She longed for him to move up and lick the core of her.
“Penn"
“No words for now," he told her softly. When he touched her clit Arlo screamed. He looked up at her with a grin of satisfaction on his face.
“Screaming has to be allowed." It was virtually impossible for Arlo to hold back how she felt when he touched her. He always knew exactly what she needed.
“Let me make you scream again, beloved."
When his mouth fasted on her clit again Arlo shrieked, completely out of control, as she felt her eyes roll back in her head. Oh yeah. She had missed this. Penn Ripley had a way of making her come with virtually no effort at all. This was the reason she had not gone out and bought any of the toys that were designed to stimulate and please, as plastic and batteries did not come anywhere close to Penn. She had decided if she could not have the real thing then she wanted nothing at all.
“Pendleton, if you keep doing that, IÅ‚ll come." The memory of it made her tingle.
“So come," Penn replied with a smile just before he ran his tongue from her clit to her anus.
“I want to come with you inside me," she panted as she tried to hold back her need to climax while not digging her fingernails into his flesh in desperation. She was thankful she had remained on the Pill despite her husbandÅ‚s absence. As for a condom, they had not used them since they married. Sex to her was a commitment, not a game.
“ThatÅ‚s sounds so good to me." He moved up her body and stopped to suck on her breasts.
“Oh Penn," Arlo moaned as she instinctively lifted her legs up to his waist and rubbed her pussy against his cock.
“And if you keep doing that and IÅ‚m not going to have any time to play."
Pride be damned. She needed her husband now.
“ItÅ‚s been so long. Please darling." She hadnÅ‚t called him that for so long yet it felt good on her lips. “I need you now."
The happiness on Pennłs face at her words was priceless.
“I missed you, this, us."
He plunged his shaft inside her and Arlo let out a sigh of relief. There was nothing like being filled by this man. Without him she was an empty shell cursing herself for being stupid and needing him back in her life.
“Oh Penn," she whimpered as his thrusts started to elicit the most wondrous feeling within her.
“Do you need me, beloved?" Penn whispered against her lips as he kept up a steady rhythm.
“Yes," she moaned. There was no other answer. The orgasm, when it hit, left her gasping. Arlo writhed under her husband wanting to savor every second. He chuckled with delight but she did not care. She had six months of pent-up frustration to get out.
Penn pushed the hair from her face as he held her as the shuddering subsided.
“Okay?"
“Oh hell yes." She felt limp and sated in his arms. She looked into PennÅ‚s eyes. But something sure wasnÅ‚t limp. His cock was still rigid inside her. It was like the very first time they made love. Penn wanted her to come first. She knew by the look in his eyes what he planned to do and she wanted him to do it. When he waved his hand and the bottle of lube appeared, she knew the advantages of having a demon for her husband. Whatever he needed he just summoned.
“On your hands and knees, my beloved." He slid out from her body.
Arlo knew she could say no at any time and Penn would respect that but “yes" was the only word that seemed to spring to mind.
“Come on, you need this as much as I do," Penn said as he held out his hand to her.
The warm hand that clasped hers made her feel safer than she had in the past six months. She got to her hands and knees and turned to look at Penn who came up close behind her.
“You are aware of course that I hate you." She pushed her ass out toward him.
ęI know," he murmured agreeably as his hands parted the cheeks of her butt.
When his fingers pushed inside the tight puckered hole of her ass, Arlo squirmed. She liked the feeling of such a tight space being filled so completely.
“YouÅ‚re such a bastard." Penn knew what she liked and was more than happy to indulge her. His fingers slowly worked at stretching the muscle.
“IÅ‚m a bastard and you hate me and yet you also need me." Penn pulled out his fingers and lubed up his cock. “How annoying for you, Arlo," he mused.
When the head of his penis pushed into the tight ring of muscles, Arlo spread her legs wider to accommodate him. He was right. She needed to feel him high and hard up inside her again. Arlo had no idea how she had survived six months without this. She moaned as he slowly fed his shaft inside her. When his balls made contact with her ass, she shivered in pleasure.
“Move," she ordered through clenched teeth.
“Yes maÅ‚am."
“Harder." She needed to feel the liquid heat of him rushing through her body and making her feel alive once more.
“YouÅ‚re very bossy."
“Hey, Pendleton, IÅ‚m not the one at fault here."
Penn laughed at her words and slammed into her harder.
“Quite right, my beloved," Penn agreed. “Å‚Feel good?"
“You knowohit does." The sweat from his chest made his skin slide deliciously along her back. The orgasm when it hit would have driven her into the bedding but for the fact Penn held her close to his body, his arm possessively around her waist. “Bloody hell," she panted breathlessly as she kept pace with his thrusts until he growled with satisfaction and came inside her.
Penn pulled out from her and dropped her gently to the bedding where he gathered her up into his arms and kissed her thoroughly.
“Think about us, my beloved."
“ThereÅ‚s nothing to think about," she muttered defiantly. Like IÅ‚ll be able to think of anything else.
“Never forget I love you and desire you above everything else," he whispered against her lips. “I long to be with you forever." Then he disappeared.
“I am seriously in trouble." Arlo knew she was Penned again and she liked it.
Chapter Three
Almost one year ago
“Bloody hell, what do people think this is, a public library?" Arlo Kane picked up another couple of books and reshelved them in their correct place. Who knew working in a bookstore where they actually sold books would be like cleaning up after careless five-year-olds? Arlo understood that people needed to flip through a book in deciding whether to buy it, but dumping it on a table or shelf or even on the floor when you did not want it was just plain disrespectful and rude. It was an hour before closing time at Book-it-Out, her junior had gone home sick, the air conditioning was not workingagainand she had dozens of books to reshelve as well as needing to total up the dayÅ‚s takings. “Fucking, pain-in-the-ass customers."
Realistically, Arlo knew there was no point swearing to herself but she was pretty much alone in the small bookstore so who could she offend?
“Yep, customers suck," murmured a deep, rich masculine voice.
Oh crap. A customer lurked as they did just when you least expected them. Arlo put on her how-can-I-help-you-and-get-you-out-of-the-store-quickly face. She turned to look at the man and stopped dead in her tracks. Her mouth dropped open as the most gorgeous man she had ever seen smiled at her. Be still my heart. He had a smile that would send women off on quests on his behalf, sexy green eyes that would urge them to give in to whatever he had in mind, and a strong, lean body that no amount of clothing could camouflage. Arlo looked down at his hands. She believed she could tell a lot by a manłs hands. His were large and capable-looking. In all ways possible he had a rating of yum plus.
“YouÅ‚re reading IsherwoodÅ‚s Guide to Demonology and the Occult." Arlo was surprised. A man such as this one seemed like he would be more at home in the sporting section than in the dramatically named “Dark Arts" section.
“Ä™Just seeing if anyone I know is in it." He grinned at her pleasantly. “You seem surprised."
Surprised, hot and needy. That flash of white teeth between those sensually shaped lips almost had her panting. Get a grip woman. Like he would ever be interested in you. Arlo clutched a book to her chest as she tried to still her heartbeat.
“Well, to be honest only the teenage Gothic, emotionally draining types tend to hang out in the Dark Arts section." And not your handsome godlike types such as yourself who make me want to drool. Arlo licked her lips just in case any unchecked saliva was running down from the corner of her mouth. She jumped slightly when she saw his eyes follow the path of her tongue. She just bet he knew all the tricks of seduction when it came to a woman. It was a damn shame she was never going to have a chance to be seduced by him.
“Well, IÅ‚m definitely no teenager but I can be emotional when the time calls for it."
Oh boy, I bet you have a fine range of emotions and stuff.
“And you also are dressed in black and you have the whole dark, moody Heathcliff look going on." She placed the book that she held on a nearby shelf, uncaring whether it was in its rightful place or not.
“Do I?" He murmured in amusement as he shut the book. “Looks can be deceiving."
“That would be a shame I mean, um" Arlo stammered trying to think of something that wouldnÅ‚t sound like she was totally turned on by him. Which of course she was. The man had it all going for him. She shook her head as if to collect all the marbles and place them back in the right boxes so she could think clearly again. “I, ah, better get back to work." Before I say something really desperately dumb. She picked up another couple of books and tried to get a tighter grip on herself. This is work, heÅ‚s a customer and youÅ‚re twenty-six and wetting your knickers over a man who is totally out of your league. Move on, woman.
The man reached over and took the books from her, his hand accidentally brushing her breast as he did.
“Where do they go?"
Anywhere you want them to.
He was a customer who offered to carry books, for Godłs sake. She should be thanking the heavens for bringing her someone with manners instead of being all wobbly in the knees.
“Follow me," Arlo responded briskly.
“Gladly."
If she did not know better Arlo would have said that he was staring at her ass and that definitely wasnłt her best feature, but thatłs where she felt his eyes. She moved quickly to the safety of the sales counter.
“Here will be fine."
“My name is Penn Ripley." He held out his hand to her once he placed the books down.
“Of course it is," Arlo responded as her hand was engulfed in his. The smile he gave her was dazzling. As she always did in uncertain situations, she blushed hotly. “I mean you donÅ‚t strike me as someone who would have a normal name."
“How do I strike you?"
As delicious to lick and suck and Focusmind on job, not on the hot guy. Arlo reluctantly pulled her hand from his.
“Were you after something in particular?"
“Not when I came in," he murmured with a wink.
Arlo looked at him in amazement. Was he flirting with her? But that could not be possible. She was not the sort of woman men flirted with. She was plain and average. While she loved herself, from experience she knew she was not the type men pursued. That was okay. Arlo had accepted that.
“So, you want something now?"
“Yes," he replied leaning in close to her.
Oh boy. Arlo gulped.
“What?" To her own ears her voice came out in a squeak.
“You."
Oh yes, there is a God. All those Hail Marys had paid off.
“Seriously?"
Penn chuckled. “Oh yeah."
“Well, IÅ‚m not for sale." No matter how handsome the buyer was. “We sell books here and IÅ‚m not a book." Duh, can you sound any more prissy-assed? She nervously pushed back a tangle of brown hair that was forever escaping the supposed-to-be-neat bun on top of her head.
“Everyone is a book. Some are more interesting to read than others."
“YouÅ‚re a philosopher." If she was in the market to be picked up then being picked up by this guy would have to be considered a coup in womanhood.
“YouÅ‚re so pretty when you blush."
“Um" No one had ever called her “pretty" before. “Nice looking" was the best she had ever gotten and that was by her parents. Was he serious? And if so how did she respond to that? Take me IÅ‚m yours?
“Yes?" He asked quietly as if allowing her time to think.
“Ah, I have to get back to work." Boring, safe work was excellent to hide behind.
“WhatÅ‚s your name?"
“Arlo Kane," she responded, even though originally sheÅ‚d had no intention of telling him her name. But then sexy green eyes were hard to resist. She had the feeling he could make all sorts of secrets come to light with just a glance.
“Arlo," Penn Ripley repeated her name softly. “A unique name for a unique and beautiful lady."
Arlo gripped the counter to control herself. This was just fantasy. The man was toying with her. There was no way she was either pretty or beautiful or someone he would seriously want.
“Okay, if you are looking to pick some woman up, I can recommend the blonde who has just walked in." She waved at the woman in question. “She is always in here shopping for men." Moira would snap him up in a heartbeat. She was thirty-five, desperate and despite the lived-in look, she had a heart of gold.
Penn looked at her in amusement.
“In a book store?"
“Yeah, apparently the smart, single men hang out here." Or so Moira said. Until that moment, Arlo had never seen evidence of that theory.
“I take it you are not available for Ä™picking upÅ‚."
“Nope, IÅ‚m picky." Besides, for Arlo it was easier not to want if you werenÅ‚t someone men were attracted to.
“I like that youÅ‚re picky." Penn Ripley smiled at the surprise that registered on her face. “Have dinner with me, Arlo Kane."
Seriously?
“I just said IÅ‚m picky." Was this was a bet or a dare or something? Hot guy asks plain-Jane girl out?
“Yeah, but I intrigue you."
Yes you do.
“I donÅ‚t know anything about you."
“Ah, of course, youÅ‚re right. I could be an axe murderer."
“Or at least married." Surely someone had to have bragging rights over him. Unless he was gay and that would just be a waste of fine male flesh for a woman to run her tongue along.
“No ties, definitely heterosexual and I have my own teeth." He grinned widely to show her. “Are you involved with someone?"
“No." Arlo had been about to say Ä™yesÅ‚ but Ä™noÅ‚ came out first almost as if her normal rigid rules were being overwhelmed by this man.
“Excellent." Penn looked genuinely pleased at her words. “IÅ‚ll come back tomorrow and we can get to know each other."
“Tomorrow? Are you serious?" Arlo had a healthy self-esteem but she had to wonder why such a man was interested in her.
“Yes, Arlo, I am very serious."
Penn said her name like a caress. She watched him leave. After the door was shut, she leaned on the counter and sighed in wonder. Hot guy asks confused woman out. Stay tuned.
“Bloody hell."
“If you donÅ‚t want him, IÅ‚ll have him," Moira called out.
Penn felt surprisingly happy when he left the bookshop and happiness was not something he was accustomed to. As always, mortal women fascinated him. They were so different from the predatory women of the demon underworld. There, sex equated to power and a fuck was a power play. He did not doubt for a second that women like that existed topside as well. But this one, Arlo Kane, was anything but. There was an amazing purity about her that caught and held Penn. He could not remember the last time he had seen a mortal women blush. In his three hundred year existence he had never felt his cock so hard at the sight of pink cheeks.
The woman was not beautiful in the conventional sense. But beauty such as Arlołs was timeless. It was in the sweet curve of her lips, the tilt of her chin and the high planes of her cheekbones. She was not the sort of woman who was a fad or a momentary beauty as dictated by the media. Her appeal was in the full curves of her body and the natural innocence in her eyes. Penn had never been so taken aback by any woman. He was pleased that she was interested yet wary. He was tired of women who saw him as just an attractive man who may give them a few hours of pleasure. Penn Ripley, jaded three-hundred-year-old demon, wanted more.
That was why he was above ground once more. He was on his never-ending search for a spellbinder. It was rumored in the demon underworld that one of these elusive creatures was back from his sabbatical in another realm and he was once more roaming the earth among the human populace in Brisbane, Australia. It was considered a demon coup to bag a spellbinder hence the reason the rumor had shot around Hell. Even the hint of a rumor like this sent Penn on a mission to find one. Legend had it that a spellbinder could break the hold of immortality over a demon. Penn wanted to rid himself of that burden. He was above ground for that particular reason. He wanted done with the demon world. He knew above ground could be just as grasping and greedy as below but Penn wanted to be a normal man and a spellbinder could do that for him. He just had to find him and convince him to help him. It was said the spellbinders only did what they want to do.
Penn had never been hard up for women. They loved him and he enjoyed them, but no one had turned his head like this woman just did. The minute Arlo spoke he was compelled to look at her. When their eyes met, Penn actually felt his heart thump and that hadnłt happened before. Physiologically he was like a human apart from the need to circulate blood. Unlike a human his heart did not need to pump blood to keep him alive. He could only be killed if he was beheaded by a platinum sword made by craftsmen from the demon realm. Then he would disintegrate into dust and be no more.
Penn liked the feeling of his heart thumping. It made him feel hopeful for the first time in centuries. He almost passed by the small bookshop in the Brisbane suburb of Paddington, but something made him stop and go inside. When he saw Arlo he realized why. There was an innocence that shone from her that he craved. It was almost like she was the complete opposite of him and he was drawn to her side. Love at first sight? Maybe. Definitely it was lust and intrigue mixed with amusement and excitement. One thing was for sure, Penn Ripley was determined to get to know the woman called Arlo. The search for the spellbinder was important but it was overwhelmed by sudden, hot attraction that must be pursued.
Next morning he returned to the bookshop. He saw Arlo at the counter. She looked bored.
“IÅ‚m going to change that very soon," he murmured as he pushed open the door. He saw her look up as the bell rang. She blushed again. He grinned. This woman is mine. He knew it then and there. Arlo Kane would help him become the mortal man he longed to be. The spellbinder would help with his spells but Penn knew it was only through love that he could become the man he desired to be.
Itłs him. Woohoo! Hełs back. Oh shit, calm down. Be cool. She had spent all last night thinking about him. He was the basis of the hottest, most erotic dream she had ever had in her life. Her thighs sweated just thinking about it. Arlo felt like smiling like an idiot she was so happy to see him but she refrained. She did not want him to think she was a bunny boiler. In fact, Arlo wasnłt sure what she wanted him to think. She had never been in this position before. Embarrassingly, at twenty-six, but for one horrible time with a man who had the finesse of a pit bull and the tactile sensitivity of a crocodile, she had very little experience with men. She steered clear of anything more than friendship. Arlo suspected Penn could be both lover and friend but she really didnłt want to encourage him because when it came to the crunch she was terrified of sex because she feared the same humiliation and rejection she had once experienced with someone she thought had cared.
Never had a beefy woman before.
Youłre about as responsive as a fence post.
It was okay, but youłre too much effort.
Those comments were ingrained in her mind. How would a man of the world like Penn Ripley deal with someone so sexually unsophisticated? The answer was of course to be polite and firm and avoid anything further to do with this man.
The man in question came to her bearing two café cups.
“Hot chocolate." Penn handed her one. “You strike me as a lady who would like it."
Arlo looked at him. She could quite easily fall in love with a man who brought her chocolate.
“I donÅ‚t know you and"
“ItÅ‚s not poisoned," he interrupted her words. Penn took the cup from her hand. Their fingers brushed momentarily. Arlo felt her heart race. She watched as he removed the lid and took a sip of the liquid. “See? IÅ‚m okay. No poison." He handed it back to her.
Arlo blew out a sigh and shook her head.
“Seriously, who are you?" Why was this impossibly handsome man suddenly in her life bringing her hot chocolate and smiling at her as if he wanted to be with her only?
“IÅ‚m Penn Ripley," he answered her question simply.
“I know your name but what do you want with me?" It was not like she was some dumb women to fall for a pretty face or that she would be pathetically grateful for his attention to her. She did not need the attention. Arlo was capable of being alone. It was easier and less stressful.
Penn sipped his drink and looked at her thoughtfully as if trying to work out what was going on in her mind.
“I would have thought that was fairly obvious, Arlo."
Good grief? Seriously?
“Why me?" Men like this did not cross a womanÅ‚s path every day. Why him and why now? While Arlo believed in fate and things happening for a reason, she liked to know the whys and wherefores of everything that happened to her. It killed the spontaneity but it kept her safe.
“Why not you?" Penn seemed bemused by her question.
“There are thousands of women more attractive than me," Arlo pointed out the obvious.
“Maybe there are, but I only see you." Penn reached over and pushed a tangled wave of hair from her face. “They may be more attractive but you are beautiful."
Arlo gulped. He actually said that like he believed it. She knew better. She had been told how limited her looks were. She wasnłt ugly but she wasnłt anything to get excited over.
“You are either very sweet or deranged."
Penn smiled softly at her words.
“And you are either very wary of men or just plain scared."
Bingo. She was both. Some scars ran deep.
“IÅ‚m interested in you Arlo. I donÅ‚t want to scare you but I do want to get to know you. Have dinner with me."
“I Um," Arlo tried to find the words to say no but the thing was she really wanted to go out with him and that was weird. Normally she backed away from any invitations as she did not want things progressing any further into something that she felt too uncomfortable to handle. But Penn was different. Arlo wasnÅ‚t sure why but she wanted to find out more. What could happen at dinner anyway? They would eat, talk and she would shake his hand and go home. Though somehow he did not look like a hand shaker. What to do? Did she risk it or not?
“Please."
Okay, that did it. The soft, sincere “please" got to her. She felt like she was melting.
“Take a chance on me, Arlo."
She looked into his clear, green eyes and gave the only possible answer she could.
“Yes."
Chapter Four
Penn sensed the change in Arlo the minute he accepted her invitation for coffee when he walked her to the door of her house. Up until then, the evening had been perfect. He had met Arlo after work and escorted her to a nearby restaurant. Initially she had been stiff and shy but as she became more comfortable Penn was fascinated by the woman across the table from him. Arlo Kane was smart and funny. The veneer of reserve she hid behind slowly disappeared and he was completely smitten. She talked about books and her sister and the craziness of her job. She was fresh and alive and he wanted her in his life. Just being with her made Penn feel human.
It was only when he gave in to the urge and leaned forward to kiss her as she handed him his coffee, that Penn knew one kiss would not be enough. The minute their lips touched and he felt Arlo kiss him back, he put his coffee down and pulled her against him. She felt so good in his arms.
“Oh Penn," she whispered against his lips as if she wasnÅ‚t sure if she should be kissing him or not.
Penn didnłt give her any time to think. She was delicious and he craved more. He kissed her hungrily, his hands sliding down to the full curves of her ass. Touching her was like having been given a wondrous gift that he needed to explore. The urge to touch and taste and just be with this woman was overwhelming. She was like no other he had ever experienced in his three hundred years. He moved his hands up her back and around to the fastening of her blouse, never once breaking the seal of their fused lips.
When her blouse was undone, Penn dropped his head and licked the deep cleavage on display. He felt Arlo jerk in reaction.
“Whoasteady," she gasped as she pushed his head back from her breasts.
Penn mentally kicked himself. He was allowing his hunger to take over. He had never before lost complete control with a woman but with this one he knew it could quite easily happen without him realizing it. But this woman deserved and needed more than a quick fuck. He needed more than that. She was a woman to be savored and loved properly. He could see the desire mixed with confusion in her eyes.
“What are you thinking?" he asked as he freed her bundled up hair. He watched it fall in thick waves to her shoulders.
“IÅ‚m not I mean I donÅ‚t do this," Arlo mumbled in confusion as her hands went to his chest to steady herself.
“What?" PennÅ‚s finger traced the swollen line of her pink lips. He longed to taste her again.
She grabbed hold of his finger and looked at him seriously.
“You knowhave sex with just anyone."
Penn knew then as she blushed that he wanted to be making this woman blush for the rest of their lives together.
“Good to know." He kissed her again.
Arlo pushed him back breaking off the kiss.
“What I mean is you donÅ‚t have to I mean I donÅ‚t expect you to want me. It was just dinner and IÅ‚m okay if we just remain friends."
Penn looked at her in amazement. Was she so blind to how lovely she was? What made her think that she did not deserve to be loved? He picked up her hand and brought it t his lips.
“I not only have to, but I want to because I will surely die if I am not with you completely tonight." He smiled gently when he saw her dumbstruck expression. Mortal men were fools if they had not appreciated this woman before. Arlo was a goddess in his eyes.
“Seriously?" she asked in wonder.
Penn loved the way she kept repeating “seriously" when she was confused. On the outside she looked confident and accomplished. Yet on the inside, where it counted, she was sweet and shy and he wanted to gather her up into his arms and just love her as she deserved to be loved.
“Seriously."
“Um, IÅ‚m not very good at er" she stammered and looked uncomfortable.
“Sex?" Penn answered for her. “Maybe youÅ‚ve never been with the right man." The sudden look of embarrassment that crossed her face worried him. It would kill him if she was scared of him. He wanted Arlo to desire him as much as he did her. “What is it?" Penn needed her to feel safe with him.
“This is so embarrassing," Arlo began, unsure of herself as she dropped her eyes from his.
“You can tell me anything." He would do whatever he needed to in order to make her happy.
“Um, IÅ‚ve only everyou know, once."
Penn smiled as he lifted her chin and kissed her softly. If he wasnłt sure he loved her before, he fell in love with Arlo right then.
“ThatÅ‚s okay." How was it possible that no other men but one had desired this woman? Were mortal males blind to true beauty?
“What IÅ‚m saying is I donÅ‚t want to be a"
“A pity fuck?" Clearly the idiot who had taken her virginity had taken away a piece of her sexual self-esteem as well. Penn felt the anger surge up inside him at the thought of it. Some men did not care to fulfill anyoneÅ‚s needs but their own.
“Well, yes." Arlo nodded shyly at his words.
“I want to hunt down the ball-less wonder who made you feel this way." Penn wanted to consign him to his own special hell for treating this woman as he had.
“He said I was frigid."
Penn was aghast. The woman who kissed him back was anything but. He could sense deep-burning passion within her. He wanted to bring that to the surface.
“Inadequate men always blame women for their failure to perform." That the memory of that one encounter scarred her was evident in ArloÅ‚s eyes. Penn believed no woman, especially this one, should be made to feel this way. He kissed her again.
“ThatÅ‚s true but"
“No buts, Arlo. He was an idiot who did not take the time appreciate what he had."
Arlo blushed anew and tried to push away from Penn.
“Anyway"
“Anyway what?" Penn held her firmly by the waist. “YouÅ‚re not going to allow another man to make love you because of one fuckwit?"
“ItÅ‚s just sex," Arlo corrected him.
“Not if itÅ‚s not done properly." How he wanted her. She was everything Penn dreamed of finding. She was beautiful, smart and sexy. He knew that she could change his life for the better forever.
“ItÅ‚s a moot point."
Penn shook his head in amusement. He was going to enjoy changing her mind.
“I see. You think youÅ‚re never going to have sex again?" He could by the look in her eyes she believed that. He knew by the touch of her lips that she wanted so much more. “Let me tell you something. Arlo Kane, I intend to make love to you." He saw her gulp in shock at his words. “But the thing is you have to want me as much as I crave the need to taste you."
What the hell did she say to that?
“I, erum" Brilliant comeback Arlo.
“Yes Arlo?" Penn stood and waited patiently.
Was this really happening to her? She never imagined she would ever be in this situation. Penn Ripley actually wanted her. She was scared, flattered and excited. He was also a virtual stranger. One barramundi dinner did not make them long-term acquaintances. Oh, but he could kiss. The taste of him was still on her lips. I bet he does other things really well too.
“Are you serious?"
“You ask that a lot and yes I am deadly serious. I want you." His voice was warm with sincerity. “I can almost see the cogs spinning inside your head. What are you thinking?"
Oh hell, letłs go for total honesty here.
“That sex with you would involve you seeing me naked." Arlo had made a sacred vow on a chocolate bar and a glass of wine no man would ever see her naked again. Once was more than enough. She could only take so much humiliation.
“I would insist upon total nudity, yes." Penn voice was rich with indulgent amusement.
“Hmm" He wanted her. She wanted him. Did she take a chance or turn away what could potentially be the best sex of her life?
“Hmm what?"
“IÅ‚m kind of fat." There, it was out there. The man needed to know that she was not supermodel. “I have cellulite and chunky thighs." Confessions of a real woman.
“Boy, he really did a number on you didnÅ‚t he?"
“He was a prick."
“So why him?"
“I donÅ‚t know. I think I was just dumb and desperate." When Penn dropped his head down to her breasts and licked her cleavage, Arlo thought she would faint.
“You are beautifully curved, Arlo. It would be an honor to be with you."
Did he know how to say the best things or what? Arlo watched as Penn stepped back from her and started removing his clothes.
“What are you doing?" Her voice came out a little too panicked for her liking but the flesh that was being revealed to her hungry gaze made her realize he was totally out of her league. She stared at the tanned, muscular flesh of his chest and abs as his shirt dropped to the ground. Oh my God! The man had a tattoo. She could just see the edge of it peeping out from the waistband of his trousers.
“You have a tattoo." Be still my heart. There was something sexy about a man with a tatt. Her eyes widened as she took in the lengthening bulge pushing against the fabric of his pants. For me?
“Let me show you." PennÅ‚s hand went down to the buckle of his trouser belt and tugged at the buckle “IÅ‚m happy for you need to get to know all of me."
“This is a first date." Yes, how prissy. But there had to be some rule of etiquette that suggested bare ass on a first date was probably not acceptable.
“ItÅ‚s a perfect time to be naked." Penn dropped his trousers. “It gets everything out in the open."
Arlołs mouth dropped open in surprise. He went commando and his cock was straining toward her. She stared at it knowing it was not the most ladylike thing to do at that moment but shock tended to play havoc with her most rational thoughts. And the tattoo. Oh my. It was a black phoenix that covered the lower part of his taut stomach. She had the overwhelming urge to lick the intricate lines of the artwork. Arlo started to say something but it just came out as a strangled gurgle.
“This is all for you. ThatÅ‚s how much I desire you." Penn picked up his trousers and pulled out some condoms which he dropped on the kitchen counter.
That sucker is going to deflate for sure when he sees me naked.
“So Arlo Kane, are you brave enough to stand before me naked?"
“Oh hell no." That required a level of confidence that she was sadly lacking. When Penn moved in close to her, his erection poked at her stomach and she wondered just how doable this all was. She placed her hands on his chest and looked in his eyes. Arlo knew it was crazy to feel this way about someone she had just met but she wanted to be with him. The weird thing was she trusted him. Maybe I can do this. WhatÅ‚s the worst that could happen? HeÅ‚d run screaming from the house? Keel over at the sight of white, flabby flesh? Not like that would be a surprise.
“How do I feel?"
Like a dream.
“Wonderful, perfect." Her fingers toyed with the soft short hair on his chest.
“Then let me make up my own mind about you without your words prejudicing me." Penn stepped back and stood still as he waited for her to make a decision.
Arlo bit her lips. Well, this was one way to see if he meant his words about wanting her.
“Maybe we should turn off the lights." No point blindingly the man unnecessarily.
“No, I want to see you."
“DonÅ‚t say I didnÅ‚t warn you."
Penn grinned at her.
“Stop babbling and strip, Arlo."
How did she strip in front of a man she barely knew? Did she try to be sexy and seductive? What did she remove first? She had never been so nervous in her life. Her hands shook and her face reddened as she pulled the blouse from her shoulders and dropped it on the kitchen counter. She wished shełd had the foresight to wear a nicer bra than the everyday hydraulically designed bra used to support her full breasts. But then she hadnłt expected to be standing before a naked man. She looked at his twitching cock. Was it possible that was going to be inside her? Arlo felt a rush of wetness between her legs. That he stood quietly and said nothing was unnerving. She kicked her shoes off and slid her skirt to the ground. Standing before him in her bra, panties and thigh-high flesh-colored stockings was strangely liberating. It was like she had some measure of control of the situation.
“Stop," Penn commanded.
Arlo jumped at his words. She knew it. He was not interested. A shaft of pain shot through her.
“ThatÅ‚s okay." Although, it was anything but. She reached over to grab her blouse to cover herself.
“Please donÅ‚t." His voice was strained as if he could barely contain what he was feeling. “I want to savor this moment."
“Seriously?" Arlo was stunned. He wanted to savor chunky thighs and a not-so-flat stomach?
“Yes, my belovedseriously," Penn answered in amusement.
Beloved? Me? Get out of here.
“Take off your bra."
Arlo gulped loudly. Just the way he said it made her hot all over. She reached behind her and undid the clasp. Non-perky breasts bounced into his view.
“Beautiful," Penn growled low in his throat as his eyes gazed at her upper body. “Now take off your panties."
Arlo felt a sudden rush of feminine power overwhelm her. He actually wanted her. She looked him in the eye and smiled slowly.
“Take Å‚em off me." Penn did not need to be asked twice. He immediately dropped to his knees before her. Arlo gasped as his mouth touched her upper thigh as he hooked his fingers into the sides of her panties and drew them down, tonguing her skin as he did.
“YouÅ‚re trembling," he murmured as he lifted one of her feet then the other to remove the fabric from her completely.
“I feel" Arlo stopped. How did she describe the wild rush of sensation that was coursing through her body?
“What?" Penn gazed up at her as if he understood.
“Gobsmacked." Not the most romantic term but that was how she felt. It was like something wonderful had been revealed to her.
“Excellent," he murmured as his head moved toward her pussy.
Oh, he wouldnłt would he?
“DonÅ‚t." Even as she said the word she wanted him to.
“I have to. I need to taste you." Penn gently pushed her legs apart and leaned in and ran his tongue down the deep cleft.
Arlo shrieked and clutched his shoulders, dizzy with delight as he did it again.
“Do you like that, beloved?" Before she could answer he did it again.
“No one ever" she panted barely able to get the words out as he kept licking her.
Penn looked up at her.
“And no one but me ever will." His mouth fastened on her clit and he sucked hard.
That was it. She was going to explode. The sucking pressure of his mouth was the most wondrous thing she had ever felt. Now she knew what she had been missing when it came to sex.
“IÅ‚m going to fall," she gasped as he continued to devour her. Her legs were shaking and the power to stand on her own two feet was rapidly diminishing.
“Lean forward onto my shoulder." As she did, Penn wrapped one arm around her body and he stood up. He grabbed the condoms in his other hand. “The bedroom is where?"
Arlo was surprised he did not stagger under her weight. He seemed to be under no stress whatsoever.
“I can walk. IÅ‚ll cripple you." Now that she was naked and all, the need to have sex with this man was paramount. She didnÅ‚t want him conking out on her on the way to her bedroom. How disappointing would that be?
Penn slapped her butt.
“I am going to spank you every time you say something negative about yourself, Arlo." He spanked her once more for good measure.
“I may enjoy that," she murmured softly again the skin of his back. The sharp sting of his hand on her ass was delicious. It was a distinctly different feeling from the sucking of his mouth on her clit. It was one extreme to another. She liked the feel of PennÅ‚s hand caressed her butt as he walked to her room. “I know this is all very caveman-like but this hanging upside down thing is really uncomfortable." The blood was rushing to her head and she was having trouble focusing on the firm ass below her.
When Penn reached her room, he dropped her gently on the bed.
“Hello," he said was a soft grin as he looked down at her.
“Hello," she responded shyly. Arlo closed her legs and crossed her arms over her breasts trying to act as casually as she could with a gloriously naked man standing to attention in her bedroom.
"I want to lick you all over."
Lucky me.
“Seriously?" Was this actually happening to her?
“I knew you were going to say that." Penn responded indulgently as he sat down beside her on the bed. He gently pulled her arms off her breasts. “DonÅ‚t ever hide from me."
“YouÅ‚re not just going to"
“Wham-bam-thank-you-maÅ‚am you?" One of PennÅ‚s fingers was circling her nipple.
“Well, yeah." Arlo shivered. She was a bundle of nerves that needed to be satisfied and he was doing a bloody good job of it.
“Nope, only an idiot rushes a treat."
Oh God, I could so easily love you.
“IÅ‚m anything but a treat." Before she knew what was happening, Penn had picked her up and rolled her onto her stomach over his lap and smacked her ass. “What the" Another smack soon followed. Then another.
“Arlo, you are beautiful, so accept it," Penn told her in no uncertain terms.
“ItÅ‚s nice of you to say that." It was even nicer to feel his penis pressing urgently into her stomach.
Penn smacked her butt again.
“IÅ‚m not being nice. IÅ‚m speaking the truth."
“But other women" Her words were interrupted by another smack on her rump.
“IÅ‚m not interested in other woman. IÅ‚m interested in youand yes, before you ask, I am serious."
Arlo wanted to believe every word he uttered and yet part of her worried that all of this was too good to be true.
“YouÅ‚re not drunk are you?" This also earned her another smack. Arlo was definitely enjoying this.
“Are you saying these things to make me spank you?" Penn asked as if he already knew the answer.
Oh yeah “No, I donÅ‚t really want your attention focused on my fat ass." She expected the smack that followed. Arlo closed her eyes and savored the feel of his hand on her bottom. “Maybe itÅ‚s just that I donÅ‚t understand how someone like you can want me."
Penn laughed and shook his hand as his hand came down on her butt again.
“YouÅ‚re enjoying this arenÅ‚t you?"
“So are you." She could feel his cock prodding at her urgently as if seeking a place to sheath itself.
“Yeah," he admitted as his hand started caressing her flesh.
“Penn," she murmured as his fingers slid in between her cheeks and downward.
“Hmm, yes?"
“What are you doing?" Not that she wanted him to stop but she was just intrigued as to what he planned to do with those long fingers of his.
“IÅ‚m just taking time to explore new territory." PennÅ‚s fingers slid into her vagina from behind.
“Oh," Arlo moaned as his fingers moved slowly inside her body.
“YouÅ‚re lovely and wet."
“You make me so." His fingers felt so good. She could only imagine what his cock would be like inside her.
“Do you promise to stop saying dumb things?" Penn withdrew his fingers and turned her over in his arms.
“Will I get spanked again if I do?" At that moment, Arlo knew that she was halfway in love with him. Crazy but wonderfully true.
“IÅ‚ll do anything you want me to do to you, beloved."
"I must have been a good girl at some time in my life because youłre like a gift from the gods."
“Hardly the gods, beloved," Penn murmured as he gazed down at her. She was so beautiful and his need for her overwhelmed everything else. If he had any honor he should tell her who he was. But demons were not known for their honor and to miss out of the chance of being with Arlo was too great a risk. He rolled her off his lap and onto the bed. “Open your legs." When she acquiesced, Penn felt his heart swell. She trusted him. It meant everything to Penn. He rolled over and into the cradle of her thighs. “What would you like me to do to you?" Anything Arlo asked of him he would do.
“Show me everything." ArloÅ‚s placed her hands on his shoulders and pulled him toward her.
“Yes, maÅ‚am," Penn murmured as his mouth descended on one taut, pink nipple. He smiled against her skin as he felt her jerk up in response.
“No oneÅ‚s ever done that." Her hands swept up to his head and held him in place at her breast. “That feels so good." The last words came out as a long moan.
Penn paid equal attention to her other breast leaving both peaks swollen and shiny. Arlo writhed under him as his mouth trailed down to her ribs. He placed wet sucking kisses on her on the bare flesh of her stomach and hips. She whimpered softly as he ran his tongue along the skin where her legs joined her body.
“You taste so good." And he wanted more. Penn knew his control was starting to slip. “Arlo I need to be inside you." His cock prodded the entrance to her vagina. He felt her stiffen.
“Um"
“Yes, Arlo?" he asked gently as he pushed the hair from her face. “What is it, beloved?"
“The last time it hurt a lot."
“I bet it did." By the sounds of it, the stupid bastard probably took her without any caring whatsoever. To some men it was all about finding an opening and fulfilling a need. “I canÅ‚t promise it wonÅ‚t hurt again but IÅ‚d like to teach you how good it can be. Do you trust me?"
“Yes."
That one word meant everything to Penn.
“Do you want me inside you?" He held his breath as he looked at her.
“Yes please, Penn."
He smiled in relief and gratitude. He reached over to the bedside table to where he had left the condoms. As fast as he could he sheathed his penis and looked back at the lady in his arms.
“Wrap your legs around my waist." Arlo instantly followed his instruction. The feel of her tight against him was more than he could bear, yet Penn knew he had to go slowly. “Just relax and hold on to me."
Arlo was anything but relaxed. She had a burning need to be filled yet the memory of the last time still haunted her. She clutched at Pennłs shoulders, her eyes locked with his as his shaft entered her body. Unlike the last time there was no rush and no tearing sensation as he moved slowly within her. It was more a gradual feeling of fullness and a need to be filled that gripped her.
“Oh my," she gasped when Penn was all the way inside. She could feel him up to her stomach.
“Are you okay?" Penn asked his eyes anxious on hers.
Sweet, sweet man. Arlo wanted to declare her love then and there for him.
“IÅ‚m fine." And she was. Why she had feared this she had no idea.
“You fit me so well, beloved. You are so beautifully tight." Penn kissed her hungrily as he began gently thrusting back and forth inside her.
Just then the phone rang.
“Ignore it," Arlo told Penn. “The answering machine will pick it up."
“Okay," he murmured as he kissed her lips and began moving once more.
Her sister, Verityłs voice came on the line.
“I need to talk to you. Pick up if youÅ‚re there, Arlie."
Penn stopped moving and looked at Arlo.
“Sounds important."
“This is important," she told him. Her sister would understand when she told her. “Please move."
“Please, Arlie."
Penn reached over and grabbed the cordless phone and handed to Arlo. She sighed deeply. She loved her sister but she really wanted to continue what she was doing.
“Please donÅ‚t leave me," she whispered as she placed her hand over the mouthpiece.
“I wouldnÅ‚t dream of it," Penn assured her.
“Hi V, whatÅ‚s up?"
Penn bundled Arlo into his arms and rose up so he was sitting on his haunches and she was impaled on his lap.
“Whoa," Arlo shrieked as his cock penetrated deeper inside her. “No, nothingÅ‚s wrong," she answered her sisterÅ‚s concerned voice. “I just had a sudden wild rush of heat through my body. No, no idea why." Arlo held onto Penn as he kissed her neck and shoulders. She had absolutely no idea what Verity was saying and a small part of her felt bad about that but a large part of her was more interested in the man joined to her body. “Are you okay? Yes? Great. Give me ten, er, no twenty minutes, and I will call you back. I have something I have to finish." She hung up and threw the phone on the floor.
“Is your sister okay?" Penn grabbed her hips and started rocking her back and forth on top of him.
“Yeah, some problem with a man." She picked up his rhythm and started moving in time with him.
“Do you like this?"
“I love this," Arlo responded as she rode him more confidently. She suddenly felt more positive and free than she ever had. She leaned forward and kissed Penn. “Thank you." The smile the Penn rewarded her with made her heart flutter.
“Anytime, beloved." He picked up the pace and began thrusting firmly inside her.
Arlo felt the beginnings of an orgasm. She knew what it was as she sometimes used her fingers to bring herself to a lonely climax. But thisthis was completely different. This was a feeling of such sudden abandon that she began to pump quickly up and down on top of him.
“YouÅ‚re a fast learner." Penn grinned even though his voice was strained.
“IÅ‚m a woman who knows what she wants." The need to come was gripping. Arlo never imagined it could shake her like this. She felt like her entire body was attuned to the manÅ‚s beneath her. As the moment hit her, Arlo flung her head back and cried out loud. Penn laughed in triumph as if he had achieved what he had set out to. “Oh God!" she yelled, not caring whether her neighbors thought she was having a religious moment or not. She collapsed against his chest as the tremors overwhelmed her.
Chapter Five
Penn lifted her face and kissed her nose.
“I take it you enjoyed that."
“Oh boy, you are good for a womanÅ‚s ego." Arlo moved back and felt him still hard within her. “You didnÅ‚t“
“No, but thatÅ‚s got nothing to do with not wanting to," Penn told her as if he guessed her thoughts. “I wanted the first time to be just for you."
First time? There was going to be more? Thank you, Lord.
“Well, what, I mean how do we, um, you know about that?" The man was as rigid as a metal rod inside her. “Do Ier, should I Um, would it be best if I"
Penn stilled her words with his fingers against his lips.
“Lie back," he murmured as he pushed Arlo gently back on the bed.
She was disappointed when he slid his penis from her body. She liked the solid feel of him inside her.
“What now?" Arlo bit her lip and looked at him shyly. She felt fabulous but Penn had not come. She felt selfish yet amazingly pleased with herself.
“This." Penn grabbed her legs and hoisted them over his shoulders.
“Whoa," Arlo exclaimed as she was totally open and exposed to him. She saw the gleam in his eyes and she knew whatever he planned to do she was going to like it a lot. When his tongue slid inside her she gripped the sheet below and moaned. “Oh, Penn." His tongue moved in and out, stopping every so often to flick her clit before it slipped back inside her vagina. Penn did this several more times before he placed her mouth over her clit and sucked hungrily. “Are you trying to kill me?" Arlo panted out of control with need.
Penn lifted his head and smiled at her wickedly.
“I want you very much alive and ready when I take you again."
The thought that she could have two orgasms in a row had never occurred to her but she knew if he kept his mouth where it was she would. Arlo could feel his cock hard against her inner thigh and needed it back inside her once more.
“Please take me now."
“Are you sure?"
“I am beyond sure." With her legs still over his shoulders, Penn drove deeply inside her. She gave a strangled cry and pulled him to her. Penn dropped her legs to around his waist and plunged deep within her as he brought them both to an orgasm that had them gasping for air.
“Bloody hell," Penn groaned as he collapsed on ArloÅ‚s body.
Arlołs arms went around him, holding him close and loving the feel of him. She was a little disappointed when Penn rolled them both so she lay on top of him instead.
“Thank you," she murmured against his lips. She felt loved and safe in his arms.
“My pleasure, beloved."
An hour or two later, after a quick nap and an even quicker phone call to her sister, Arlo stood in front of her refrigerator. She was starving. Clearly, great sex gave her an appetite. Great sex and Arlo Kane in the same sentence. Who would have thought it? But, there it was. Penn had walked into her life and swept her off her feet and she loved it.
“I could love him," she murmured to herself. The problem with that was she wasnÅ‚t sure if she wanted to love him because of the way he made her feel or that she was desperate for a man to want her. Arlo normally wasnÅ‚t the desperate type. She was the self-reliant sort. So she wanted to believe it was not desperation that had her thinking gooey thoughts about Penn.
“Hey," the man in question murmured as he padded over toward her naked.
There was something to be said about having a naked man in her house. He seemed to match her décor perfectly. Arlo felt his cock press against her robed butt.
“Hungry?" she asked.
“Oh yeah," Penn responded, his hands moving up to cup her bare breasts through the thin fabric.
Never in a million years did Arlo think she would ever be, literally, in the position that a man would want her so desperately. It was incredibly empowering.
“I meant food."
“IÅ‚d rather eat you." He nuzzled her neck.
Arlo turned in his arms and sighed. Penn was so damn gorgeous and he wanted her. Whołs a lucky girl?
“How is it no woman has tagged you as hers?"
“Because I have been waiting for you." PennÅ‚s hand caressed her face gently.
“Oh boy, you say the sweetest things." Her legs got all wobbly just looking at him.
“You make it easy to be sweet." He picked up her hand and kissed the palm. “You are so beautiful." Penn pulled her into his arms and his lips captured hers in a hungry yet leisurely kiss.
Arlo could feel the strength of his penis pushing at her stomach and she longed to be filled by him again. Her fingers moved down to touch the phoenix tattoo.
“Why the mythical bird rising from the ashes?" she murmured as she broke off the kiss. It was incredibly sexy but there had to be a reason for it. She saw a sudden flash of pain in PennÅ‚s eyes.
“I have the belief that no matter what you are you can rise above any limitations set on you."
Arlo liked that. She wanted to ask more but she had the feeling it was not something he wanted to discuss. Later, she would bring it up.
“Your little friend there seems eager." His penis was dancing enthusiastically as if to grab her attention.
“Little?" Penn looked at her in mock reproach.
Arlo giggled at his look.
“My apologies. Your enormously huge, powerful friend." Her hand dropped down to touch his hard shaft. Never before had she even thought of doing this to a man. When Penn sighed in satisfaction, Arlo stroked the smooth skin caressingly. It was so different from what she imagined it would feel like. She had a feeling there was going to be a lot of firsts with Penn Ripley.
“HeÅ‚s your friend too," Penn murmured as he pulled at her robe, while trying to let her maintain her hold on his penis. He smiled as Arlo laughed at his manipulations. “Wanna play with him?" He pushed her back to sit on the edge of the table.
“In the kitchen?" Even as she said it, Arlo released how incredibly naïve she sounded. Yet not naïve enough to let go of the flesh in her hand. She liked the control she had over him. She spread her legs wide. Arlo was pleased to see PennÅ‚s eyes fixated on their lower bodies. “Do you like it when I touch you like this?" She knew he had to but she wanted to hear the words from his own mouth.
“Beloved, I am on fire for you." PennÅ‚s mouth latched onto her breast and he sucked hard.
Arlo gasped. She kept one hand on his cock as the other went to his head to hold him close. She stroked the firm flesh and felt him tense.
“If you keep doing that IÅ‚m not going to be able to hold out much longer," he groaned against her breast.
“Maybe thatÅ‚s what I want."
“My self-control is shot when it comes to you." In his three hundred years of existence that had never happened. No woman dictated his needs. He fulfilled their desires and then his own. Yet this woman was like no other. She only had to look at him and he wanted to touch her and be with her. That such a sweet, shy woman could turn his world upside thrilled Penn. He lifted her off the table and turned her around so her ass was facing him.
“Condom?" Arlo placed her hands on the table and arched her back toward him as if she had the same pressing need to be with him.
Penn looked at the smooth line of her back and the cute dimples in her butt. He waved his hand once in the air. A condom appeared. There were definite advantages to being a demon and the power to summon what you wanted was one of them. He would have hated to have stopped to go in search of a condom.
Arlo turned her head and watched him roll the condom over the firm flesh.
“Boy Scout prepared were you?"
“I want to make love to you forever and I plan to be prepared whenever you are." Penn moved behind her and nudged her legs further apart with his knee. He placed a trail of wet kisses down her spine as his hands went to her hips. “Are you ready?" he whispered against her ear. “I need you." He wondered if she could imagine yet how much he craved being with her.
“Yes, darling Penn," Arlo responded as she pushed her butt against him.
Penn stiffened at her words and held her close.
“Did you just call me Ä™darlingÅ‚?" He felt his whole being suddenly light up as if he had been given a power he never expected to get.
“Um, is that okay? I mean IÅ‚ve have never called anyone that before." Arlo babbled uncertainly. “If you donÅ‚t like it"
“I love it and you."
“Seriously?" ArloÅ‚s voice came out in an amazed squeak as she turned her head to look at him.
“Yes, beloved, seriously," Penn assured her softly as his mouth found hers and he entered her vagina from behind.
“Oh," she moaned, gripping the table as he began moving slowly in and out of her body.
If he had the power to suspend this moment in time, Penn would have instantly used it. To be so close to this woman was as close to heaven as he knew a demon could get. That she didnłt know who he was made him momentarily feel guilty but Pennłs need for Arlo overwhelmed any pangs of remorse he felt. He just wanted to feel and believe that his life could be different and he knew this woman was the key. No mortal woman had so enraptured him as this one had. Penn pulled out and prodded her ass with his wet cock.
“Um," Arlo began shyly.
“Um what, beloved?" He asked in indulgent amusement as he bent her forward more and pushed back the cheeks of her ass with his hands.
“Are you going to do what I think youÅ‚re going to do?" Her voice was amazed yet excited.
“Would you like that?" Penn slid one finger then another inside the virgin territory of her ass. He felt her instantly stiffen as he moved them inside the tight space. “I donÅ‚t ever want to do anything that will hurt you." She turned her head and looked at him. The look she gave him was one of such trust that it shook him to the core. Penn knew then and there he would protect this woman no matter what.
“Do it," she murmured.
Penn pulled his fingers out of her body. Although his cock was wet with her juices, he needed more to make this enjoyable for her. Knowing she was not watching, he waved his hand and a bottle of lube appeared. He liberally spread the gel on his condom-covered cock and turned back to his woman.
“Relax, Arlo," he murmured as his hands slid around her stomach and the tip of his cock pushed into the tightly muscled entrance of her body. He felt her stomach muscles contract and he kissed her neck softly. As he moved further inside, the tightness that gripped his cock made him groan. “You feel so good." When he was fully inside her he stopped and moved his hands down to her pussy. When his fingers found her clit, he slowly began moving within her.
“Oh Penn," Arlo moaned as her head dropped back and she closed her eyes giving in to the sensation. She jumped when she felt the fingers on his other hand slide into her vagina.
Penn concentrated on giving her as much pleasure as he could. This was a new experience for Arlo and he wanted her to enjoy it.
“Faster," she murmured.
“I donÅ‚t want to hurt you," he growled low in his throat trying to keep control.
“So youÅ‚re going to kill me instead by going slowly?"
Penn chuckled at her heated words. It was good to know he wasnłt the only one losing control. He quickened his pace. He could hear Arlo panting as she tried to keep up. She gave a strangled cry as the orgasm hit her. Penn smiled and exploded within her with a force he did not believe was possible. Arlo grabbed the table in an effort not to fall down.
“We have to do that again sometime."
“Any time you need me, beloved.
* * * * *
Later that day at work it was like Arlo was floating high above all the trivial things of a normal work day. Massive pileups of books and irritating customers did not bother her. She did not care what their particular problems were. She stared at them vaguely and pretended to care. The only thing she cared about was Penn Ripley. Arlo was pleasantly sore from the previous nightłs activities. It was a soreness that made her feel glad to be alive. Normally the idea of sex on the first date would have appalled her. Although she was not the guardian of all things moral, she believed in taking things slowly. That was until she met Penn and it seemed almost impossible to do that when he was around. In two days her life had changed dramatically. What would happen after a week or month of knowing him? She smiled when she thought about the things he had done to her. Who knew she could feel like that? Arlo wanted to do them all over again with Penn.
When he said he loved her she had been amazed and wildly happy. She had almost responded in kind. Almost. Part of her believed in love at first sight and another part urged that great sex was not necessarily great love.
“But itÅ‚s damn close." She looked up as the bell rang on the door and the man in question walked into the bookstore as if he read her thoughts. Arlo smiled at him. Just seeing him made her insanely happy. When he walked straight up to the counter and reached for her hand she willingly gave it. When he brought it to his lips, she felt giddy at the romance of his gesture.
“Marry me," Penn proposed as he looked her straight in the eyes.
“Ha, ha," Arlo responded with a smile.
“IÅ‚m deadly serious. I want you to be with me forever."
“What?" Arlo staggered slightly at the magnitude of the words. Was she having some dizzy spell? Had she heard correctly?
“You heard me," Penn responded with a grin.
“Seriously?" Was he mad? On drugs? Or just the most wonderfully romantic man she had ever met?
“Never more so, beloved."
Arlo knew by the definite gleam in his eyes she had to be the rational one here.
“We barely know each other." And yet, even as she said the words it didnÅ‚t seems a valid enough reason to deny herself a man who made her feel so wonderful.
“I know enough to know I love you."
“Are you like an illegal alien needing to marry an Australian citizen to stay in the country?"
Penn laughed at her words.
“I have to tell you this is not the reaction I expected. No wonder men get so nervous when they propose."
He was nervous? How sweet.
“What did you expect?"
“I thought something like, Å‚Yes please, darling PennÅ‚."
Arlo looked at him suspiciously. She didnłt want to believe it but she had to ask.
“Is this because we I You, er" She tried to think of the right word. “Made love" sounded nice but was that really the right term when they were essentially strangers? And “fucked" seemed so crude compared to what they had shared.
“Because I compromised your virtue?" Penn chuckled at the confusion on her face. “No itÅ‚s because I do not believe I can live without you in my life. I adore you, Arlo Kane." He pushed a wave of stray hair back behind her ear.
“So after two days you have come to this conclusion?"
Penn knew Arlo had every right to be s suspicious. It was a crazy thing to ask under normal circumstances. But then he wasnłt normal. He was a demon in love and although he had lived three hundred years without her, Penn did not want to live another moment that did not include Arlo in it. He knew he would have to tell her the truth about himself one day. When that happened he wanted her so in love with him that when he told her she would be hard put to leave him. That was the plan. It was wild and ill thought out but then he was in love and that in itself was unplanned.
“After two minutes I knew you were the woman for me." He also knew the desire he had to break his curse of immortality was stronger than ever. He wanted to be a normal man for Arlo. If he could convince her to marry him, then track down a spellbinder to free him from the never-ending routine of immortality, he would happily die an old man in ArloÅ‚s arms. Penn knew that true love was the key to his freedom and Arlo held his future in his hands. He pulled her out from behind the counter and dropped to one knee before her.
Arlołs hand went to her chest as if to still her rapidly beating heart.
“I love you Arlo Kane and I would give you anything of myself to have you as my wife."
She stood open mouthed staring at him.
“IÅ‚ll have him if you donÅ‚t want him," Moira, the serial man hunter called out watching the event unfolding before her.
“Shut up Moira," Arlo told her good-naturedly as she looked down at Penn.
“Have you any idea what you are proposing?"
“Yes." For the first time in his existence Penn Ripley knew exactly what he was doing.
“Why do you think marriage with a stranger would work?"
He rose to his feet and touched Arlołs face.
“You are no stranger to me. I believe we have been fated to meet at this time and place. Do I expect marriage to be easy? No, I expect it to be hard but instinct tells me that you are the woman for me and you have the ability to take me on as no other has before. I also know that you need the love that I, only I, can give you."
Arlo suddenly felt eyes, other than Pennłs, on her. She looked and saw customers grinning at her happily. She couldnłt think rationally about marriage and Penn with so many onlookers.
“Moira look after the counter will you."
“No worries," the bleached blonde jumped to the task. As she passed Arlo she whispered. “IÅ‚d marry him. HeÅ‚s got a great ass on him."
Arlo shook her head and grinned at the woman.
“What?" Penn asked perplexed as Arlo pulled him along.
“Moira likes your butt." She opened a storeroom door and urged Penn inside.
“More importantly, do you?" He grinned.
“Too much." That was the problem. She sighed and looked at him. He was gorgeous and sweet and everything she could possibly hope for in a man but after two days what did she know about him? He could turn into a monster next week. “HereÅ‚s the thing, I donÅ‚t want to marry you just because of your great ass."
Penn threw back his head and laughed as he pulled her into his arms.
“I love you, Arlo."
“How do you know after two days?" She had intense feelings toward Penn that she was scared to call love just because of the brevity of their courtship.
“I just do. It hit me like lighting."
She placed her hands on his chest and leaned back and looked at him.
“You havenÅ‚t seen me with PMS or when IÅ‚m tired and cranky or just pissed off with my job. Hell, IÅ‚m not even sure I could live with someone full-time. IÅ‚m sloppy, I prefer not to cook and there are even days I annoy myself."
Penn arched his eyebrows at her.
“YouÅ‚re worried because you think IÅ‚d divorce you at the first sign of hormones kicking in or no dinner on the table? Do you think thatÅ‚s going to scare me? I can cook you know."
This man just keeps getting better and better.
“ItÅ‚s not just that." What did she know about him other than the hunger of his body and how it was sated by the equal need of her own? “ItÅ‚s sex."
“Yes please." Penn lifted her skirt as he pushed her back against a shelf.
“Stop it Penn." Arlo slapped at his shoulders. “We canÅ‚t do this here." Even as she said the words she was wet thinking about last night. Hmm Did I lock the storeroom door?
He pulled down her panties in two swift tugs.
“Why not?" Penn asked as he kissed her neck.
“IÅ‚m trying to be rational andoh," Arlo gasped as fingers found her clit and gently rubbed. “YouÅ‚re not playing fair."
“What? Using how good we are together to get to you? Hell yes, IÅ‚ll do whatever I have to in order for you to marry me." He slid his hands under her butt and lifted her up and onto a nearby shelf.
Arlołs legs opened instantly, working completely against the logic her mind called for.
“Penn, please" There were so many endings to that sentence.
“I love you, Arlo."
She pushed back and looked at him.
“Seriously?" She never imagined in her wildest dreams that anyone would want her let alone want to marry her. The whole love thing was mind-boggling. Arlo knew she could so easily get caught up in the moment. She didnÅ‚t want it being a case of being so desperate for the attention this man gave her that she accepted whatever he offered.
“I am very serious."
“But you know nothing about me." Her hands ran down his chest to rest at his belt buckle. She could see the bulge straining against the fabric of his trousers. All for me. Yum.
“I know that youÅ‚re sweet and smart." Penn followed the gaze of her eyes down to his groin. He placed her hands on the zipper.
“But is that enough to marry someone?" One tug and it was free.
“And you taste delicious." Penn kissed her nose playfully. “But the truth is I know in my heart this is right. I have never felt this way about anyone before and I would not want you to marry me unless you were sure."
That was the thing. Arlo was pretty damn sure she wanted to marry Penn. It went against every logical reason she knew. People did not just go around falling in love at the snap of fingers. It was complete madness. What would her family say? Her sister would think she lost her mind. She looked into his clear green eyes and her heart pounded. But it was her mind to lose.
“What if it doesnÅ‚t work out? What if weÅ‚re wrong?" Am I seriously thinking of doing this?
“My beloved the world is full of what ifs and yet it still turns." He smiled at her gently. “Do you love me?"
“This is crazy," Arlo blurted out in a rush. She was thinking a hundred thoughts at once and all of them revolved around Penn.
“Yes or no, Arlo. Do you love me?"
“I" She bit her lip and questioned the sanity of what she was going to say. “Yeah, I do." To hell with being sane. If this was insanity then she felt pretty damn good. Arlo had fallen in love with this glorious stranger and she wanted to be with him. How could that possibly be wrong?
“Then be with me. ThatÅ‚s all I ask."
Penn asked a lot. Arlo would have to change her whole mindset to be part of a couple after believing for so long that would never happen.
“That is madness."
“But a wonderful kind of madness." He grinned at her. “Are you going to undo me or what? IÅ‚m awaiting permission to enter." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a condom.
Arlo blushed hotly at his words. Penn had the power to shock and awe her as no other man could. She pulled his zipper down and released the pressure on his cock. She caressed it gently.
“Put it on me." he handed her the condom.
“IÅ‚ve never," she stammered, as he handed her the packet. In school she had learned how to put them on but she never seriously imagined she would ever have a real live penis and not a banana to roll one over. She looked up at him hesitantly.
“I love it when you blush," Penn mused as he ran his finger down one hot cheek.
Arlo unwrapped the condom and carefully rolled the latex up over the hard flesh.
“How come these donÅ‚t break? I mean thereÅ‚s a lot going on in this small bit of rubber."
Penn grabbed her hand and helped her with the last inch.
“YouÅ‚re killing me here."
She squeezed his covered cock with her hand.
“Seriously? It doesnÅ‚t feel like youÅ‚re dead." She wiggled her eyebrows comically at him. She tensed as she felt the head of his shaft slide inside her vagina.
“Relax," Penn crooned against her lips as he softly kissed her.
“What if someone comes in?" Not that she wanted to stop for a second. The full feeling as he entered her body was delicious. She wrapped her legs around his waist and held him close.
“Then theyÅ‚ll get more than just a good book to talk about," Penn responded as he filled her to the hilt. As he began thrusting in and out of Arlo, his lips locked with hers in a lingering kiss.
“Arlo, someone needs change," Moira said as she opened the door to the storeroom. “Oh hello." He eyes went down to PennÅ‚s bare butt. “Wedding preparations underway I see?"
How embarrassing. Arlo was sure she was fire-engine red in the face.
“IÅ‚ll be there is a minute." She heard Penn chuckle softly as he continued moving inside her.
“Bare-assed, heÅ‚s even better than I expected."
“Moira!" Arlo was amazed that she was still standing and watching like it was a commonplace event for her.
“So are you going to marry him?Å‚ The blonde woman asked.
Arlo closed her eyes for a moment to control the rapidly rising sensations within. She was going to come. She just didnłt want an audience when she did.
“If I say yes will you go away?" Arlo saw her nod. She looked at Penn whose eyes were on hers. She took a deep breath and took a wild leap of faith. “Okay, yes IÅ‚ll marry you." Penn kissed her happily. “This is like a shotgun wedding." Though there was not any forcing going on. Arlo wanted this man.
Moira tiled her head as her eyes looked at Pennłs thrusting lower body.
“Å‚Different kind gun heÅ‚s using though. And is that a tattoo?" She whistled through her teeth. “Sexy."
“Go away, Moira." Arlo rolled her eyes at Penn in frustration. The woman finally left, satisfied.
“So, do you mean it?"
When she looked in his eyes she saw love and lust and just a really good, decent man.
“ItÅ‚s totally mad but yes I will marry you."
“YouÅ‚ll never regret it."
“IÅ‚d better not." Arlo slapped his ass. “Stop talking and make me come." She squealed with delight as he ramped up the speed and slammed into her harder. Arlo heard knocking on the door.
“We still need change." Moira called through the wood.
Penn burst out laughing.
Arlo shrieked as the orgasm hit her. She heard Moira call out from the other side of the door.
“Yeah, sheÅ‚s coming now."
* * * * *
Of course everyone thought they were crazy when they were married a month later but neither Penn nor Arlo cared. It was all a learning curve. They decided they would have learned it all anyway if they were dating. They were just doing it backward. And on the whole it worked. It wasnłt easy living with a new husband but Arlo found that living with Penn was easier than she imagined. He was thoughtful in so many ways. He did not hesitate to cook and do housework and on that alone she fell a little further in love with him.
Arlo learned a lot about him, his likes and dislikes. He had some strange quirks as well. She knew Penn ran some sort of business but she wasnłt really sure what it was. He did explain it to her but to be honest it sounded dull and complicated and she zoned out in the middle of the explanation. She knew he seemed to make great sums of money out of it and he was often called away on short notice only to return to her with surprising speed. But on the whole, they were happy so she did not ask questions. In her heart Arlo knew she had made the right decision and that she loved him. That made it all the harder when the real truth came out.
Chapter Six
When Arlo saw the three men in the distance walking toward them she thought only one thing and that was they must be bloody hot in those long coats as subtropical Brisbane was the last place anyone would want to wear an overcoat. She herself had started sweating the minute they left the supermarket and she was wearing shorts and a tank top. Arlo felt Pennłs large hand grip her arm protectively. She looked up at him. His normally seductive mouth was tight and grim.
“WhatÅ‚s wrong?" Clearly these were not men Penn was happy to see.
“TheyÅ‚re demons." He dropped the grocery bags he carried and pulled her down a nearby alley.
“What?" She stumbled over the apples that spilled out of the dumped grocery bag. The eggs were cracked for sure. “Wait," she pleaded as he pulled her along. “Demons? Like a gang?" So why was Penn deliberately leading them away from the safety of the other Saturday shoppers and down a grimy alley behind the market which no doubt was familiar turf to a gang. And what about the groceries they had dumped? What a waste.
“No, they are demons from Hell." Penn pushed Arlo behind him and stared stone-faced watching as the men advanced.
“Hell?" She had never seen him so pissed off before. Arlo moved to stand beside him. “Hell, as in a not nice neighborhood? Hell, as in you want them to go to hell or hell as in actual fictitious Hell?"
“Hell exists. It is no fiction."
“And you would know this how?"
Penn kept one eye on the approaching men and the other on Arlo.
“ItÅ‚s a long story." He pushed her back behind him again.
Arlo felt a cold chill rip up her spine. Suddenly cracked eggs did not seem so important. Penn was rigid in his stance almost as if he expected something bad to happen. But what? And why had he deliberately taken them out of the public eye? Wasnłt there safety in numbers? She suddenly had a flashback to when she first met him. He had been reading Isherwoodłs Guide to Demonology and the Occult. He had joked then at the time that he want to see if he knew anyone in it. Arlo had thought it funny then. Now she wasnłt so sure. Maybe she had watched too much Supernatural but at that moment she knew whatever this was it was something out of her realm of experience. Arlo did not doubt that all manner of weirdness happened in the world. She just never imagined it would visit her part of the world.
“Okay, this is going to sound crazy but are you like a demon hunter?" That would explain the sudden absences without any great explanation. She shook her head at that thought. Nah, couldnÅ‚t be. Life wasnÅ‚t a television show.
“Not exactly," Penn murmured as he moved them further back down the alley. He looked around as if assessing the pros and cons of his environment. “IÅ‚m a demon."
“Yeah, well a joke is good to lighten the mood and all but"
“This is no joke, Arlo." Penn held his hand out and spoke three sharp foreign-sounding words. A large wicked looking sword appeared in his hand.
“Seriously?" ArloÅ‚s eyes widened in shock. Suddenly all the things that she could not reconcilehis constant money supply and his ability to appear rapidlysmacked her with a startling realization. “YouÅ‚re a demon?" She couldnÅ‚t have been more amazed.
“Yes, now stay behind me." He held the sword to his side and awaited his enemyÅ‚s attack.
“I will fucking not." Arlo charged around and slapped him hard on the chest. “You asshole. Why didnÅ‚t you tell me?" She struck out at the man carrying the sword once more. The fact that he confessed now that he was a demon didnÅ‚t annoy her as much as that he hadnÅ‚t told her in the first place.
“ItÅ‚s complicated," Penn responded capturing both her hands in one of his.
“WeÅ‚re married, Penn! WeÅ‚re supposed to do complicated stuff together."
“Let me just get rid of them and weÅ‚ll argue about this later." Penn pulled her out the back end of the alley and over to a row of Dumpsters that belonged to the supermarket.
Arlo looked at the sword and her husband. She knew at that moment he would use that blade with deadly force. She scanned the area around them. No one but she and Penn and the oncoming men were around.
“ThatÅ‚s a bloody big sword."
“TheyÅ‚re bloody big demons."
“Why donÅ‚t we just leave Larry, Moe and Curly to play by themselves?" Arlo knew there was no way this was going to end well. There were three of them against herself and Penn. It was not like she was even PMSing that week and could use her feminine power to maim the male species.
“I have to fight. They want to kill me and that would include you."
Arlo looked at him in amazement. She knew she had pissed some people off in the past but no one actively to her knowledge wanted to kill her.
“What? Why?" Who the hell was this man she had married? What was that saying? Marry in haste and repent in leisure? If this was repenting it sucked.
Penn knew there had to be a million questions shooting around Arlołs mind. She was the inquisitive sort. As much as he was glad the whole demon thing was out in the open, he did not want to stand around answering questions when there were those who wanted him dead moving purposely towards them.
“TheyÅ‚re a tad peeved with me." This was not the ideal place to fight a battle but at least it was quiet and the likelihood of witnesses seeing something they would not understand was remote.
“Just because theyÅ‚re annoyed with you doesnÅ‚t mean they are pissed off at me."
If only it were that simple. Penn knew it wasnłt. He knew this was where he would have to stand and fight. He would do anything to protect Arlo. This was the first time they had tried to take him out in public with his wife. Any other time he had been fast enough to leave Arlołs side and head for neutral territory.
“They know weÅ‚re married." They would not care if she was an innocent. They would joyfully take her life first just to enrage him.
“Guilt by association? Well, thatÅ‚s just bloody lovely."
“That and they like to kill." That was his life. Kill or be killed. Penn never wanted to drag Arlo into this part of his world but now he was presented with no other choice.
“Who are you, Penn Ripley?"
“Just your average demon trying to go straight," he murmured as he sensed the imminent attack. The demon appeared before them suddenly. Penn wielded his sword in a threatening arc toward him. Unlike some demons, his brethren liked the more agonizing, bloodthirsty way to destroy each other. A simple fireball was too swift and easy for them.
“Holy crap, heÅ‚s ugly," Arlo gasped in astonishment. The demon growled and bared his teeth at her. She glared back at him. “DonÅ‚t give me attitude, you asshole."
“Step back, Arlo," Penn ordered as the two men started circling each other.
“Why?"
Penn swore softly. This was all he needed. Arlo in a pissy mood and not about to be told what to do. He loved her but she could be the most stubborn woman on the planet.
“IÅ‚m going to kill this son of a bitch and demon guts are hard to wash out." Penn deflected the blow that was thrust down at him. His arm was jarred by the force of it. He was glad when he felt, more than saw, Arlo jump back in shock. That gave Penn the concentration he needed to rain attacking blows down on the other demon. He was good but no match for Penn.
“Eww," Arlo gagged as the demonÅ‚s head was sliced from his body.
“Exactly," Penn murmured as he looked quickly around him. There were at least two more of them waiting to try their luck.
“YouÅ‚re just going to leave him like that?"
Penn looked at his fellow demon dispassionately. If it was a human being he would have felt pity or remorse. Demons deserved neither.
“HeÅ‚ll turn into dust in a moment." As he said the words another demon appeared. Out of the corner of his eye, Penn saw that Arlo did not need to be told to step back this time. He quickly dispatched the second demon in the same manner as the first. The last demon, and the deadliest of them all, sauntered over to him as if he was meeting a friend but for the broadsword that matched PennÅ‚s.
“Hello, Ripley."
“Albemarle," Penn acknowledged the other demon while not dropping his guard.
“This is the wife?" Albemarle asked, his eyes lingering on ArloÅ‚s breasts.
Penn would gladly kill him for every glancing at Arlo. But as much as he wanted to do that he knew this fight with Albemarle would never be easy or quick.
“What do you want?" It was a pointless question as Penn knew very well what this demon wanted.
Albemarle chuckled without any real mirth.
“You know what I seek."
“And you know I cannot give you that." To allow him the power he craved would mean the ruination of human lives and Penn would not be a party to that.
“What is this about?" Arlo asked. Her tone indicated she had seen enough and wanted explanations.
“Stay out of it, Arlo." Penn heard her sharp intake of breath at his harsh sounding words. That he had dragged her into it this far tore at his heart. Arlo looked from one man to the other. Penn was impressed. A lesser woman would have run screaming or fainted on the spot. He knew Arlo wanted answers but there was none he could safely give her at that moment.
“No, my life in danger and I suddenly discover my husband is a demon. IÅ‚m already Ä™inÅ‚ this."
Albemarle licked his lips and stared at her lustfully.
“Feisty little thing."
“Look if this is some sort of demon pissing contest, fine, just get it over and done with."
“SheÅ‚s cute." Albemarle dropped his sword, point to the ground, and studied her with interest.
“Patronizing sod," Arlo returned. Sure, the demon had a sword but that did not mean she had to put up with condescending bullshit.
“Arlo" Penn murmured in warning, grabbing her wrist as if he expected her to go for the demonÅ‚s throat.
“Well, he is." She turned and looked at Penn. These men were both darkly handsome yet she could tell by a glance that they were light-years apart. Penn seemed more alive and humanlike compared the creepier Albemarle.
The man in question laughed loudly. “I like her."
Arlo snorted at his words. Was she supposed to be happy that her husbandłs associates approved of her?
“IÅ‚m so pleased. My day is getting better and better," she quipped cynically. She could feel PennÅ‚s grip tighten on her arm as if in a heartbeat he was ready to whisk her away from harm. Never for one second did he drop his sword.
“I donÅ‚t think IÅ‚ll kill you yet, Ripley. I think IÅ‚ll let your wife tear a strip off you first. She seems rather peeved with you. When itÅ‚s my turn weÅ‚ll take this to familiar turf. Albemarle bowed elegantly toward Arlo. “Enchanted to meet you, Mrs. Ripley." He vanished in the blink of an eye.
Arlo looked around at the two piles of dust and the sword in her husbandłs hand.
“Why?"
“They would have killed me," he responded simply as the sword disappeared from his hand.
“I donÅ‚t care about them. I care about you and yet you lied to me." That was the only thing that mattered at that moment. That two evil beings who were not people disappeared could not compete with the sense of betrayal she felt. But then a lot of this was her own silly fault. How stupid was she to jump at a marriage proposal after two days of being with a man?
Penn sighed as if he knew he had a battle before him.
“It wasnÅ‚t a lie. I just didnÅ‚t tell you the whole truth."
“Fine. Split the hair whichever way you want but it was still a lie."
He reached out for his wife.
“Arlo, I did not know how to tell you."
She dodged the arms that she normally would have gratefully fallen into.
“How about something simple like, Ä™IÅ‚m a demonÅ‚." She looked at him pointedly. “I would have got that."
“IÅ‚m a three-hundred-year-old demon, Arlo." Penn dropped his arms at his sides.
Arlołs mouth dropped open in shock.
“Three hundred?" The demon thing had thrown her but the age thing blew her away. “YouÅ‚re immortal?" Well, duh of course, Arlo.
“Yes," Penn responded as he waited for her to process what he was telling her.
Arlo responded by marching forward and slapping him on the chest. Sure this man had the power to wield a deadly weapon but she could be pretty bloody scary when she chose to be and she did not need a lump of shiny metal to do it.
“WeÅ‚ve been married two months now. What else havenÅ‚t you told me?" Arlo knew by the look on his face that there was so much more she had no idea about. She would rather know everything up front now so she could decide how to react.
“Nothing," he replied simply and did not flinch when she hit out at him uselessly.
“Liar," she snapped. Arlo pushed away from him. Hitting him was pointless and frustrating. The man was as solid and unyielding as a brick wall. She was more annoyed at herself for rushing into matrimony with him than with him being a demon.
“I canÅ‚t tell you any more, Arlo."
“Do you love me?"
“Yes, you know I do."
“Do you trust me?" Clearly bloody not if he did not tell me. And that hurt.
“Yes I trust you."
“Then tell me everything."
If only it was that simple. How could he explain that he needed to find a spellbinder and do whatever he had to in order to become mortal? But in getting what he wanted, he risked untold horrors erupting from Hell if the precarious leadership balance shifted from him to Albemarle. Penn did not want to dump all this on Arlo. It was ugly.
“I canÅ‚t."
Arlo threw her hands up in the air in defeat.
“Fine, whatever." She turned and started walking away from him.
“Arlo." Did he bring horror into her life or let her go?
“What?" She snapped as she turned to face him.
“We canÅ‚t leave it this way." I cannot live without you now.
“Tell me what the big secret is, Pendleton."
It was not that Penn thought Arlo could not handle knowing. In the short time he had known her he knew she was the strongest women he had met. Arlo was the type of woman who would stand beside him come what may. She gave him strength and the belief in himself that he could be a good mortal man.
“To tell you would put you in danger."
"Hello?" She scoffed and rolled her eyes. “I just now saw you doing your Zorro impersonation."
“I never wanted you to see that."
“Or other stuff clearly."
Penn wished he could turn back time and have Arlo look at him lovingly rather than with hurt in her eyes. But not even a demon could do that.
“I love you."
“But not enough it seems to tell me the truth." Arlo sighed and pushed the sweaty hair from her face. “Look, I donÅ‚t blame you entirely. We jumped into the marriage thing without thinking. I mean, how can two normal people rushing into marriage work?"
“We can make it work. I knew exactly what I was doing and so did you when we got married." Penn was completely certain of that.
“I believe I was overcome with lust." Arlo stood with her arms crossed defensively over her breasts. “You probably did some freaky demon mind power thing on me to dazzle me into submitting."
“That is so stupid, Arlo. You gave yourself to me because you wanted to." What they had was real. He needed her to remember that.
“Okay, yes," she conceded. “But I wasnÅ‚t thinking rationally. I think I was so desperate for any man that I"
“Arlo, donÅ‚t be ridiculous." Penn wanted to shake her. He knew what she was doing. She was blaming herself again for some imagined sexual inadequacy. “You werenÅ‚t desperate. You wanted the right man. I am that man."
Arlo placed her hands on her hips and looked at him militantly.
“Well, maybe you married me because you thought you could control me."
Penn barked out a laugh at her words.
“As if I could do that. You are so bloody stubborn and independent."
“IÅ‚m going homealone. I need some time to think."
“Do not let this come between what we have, Arlo." Penn could not bear the thought of that.
She shook her head sadly.
“You should have considered that before you married me."
* * * * *
For the next week they fought, spoke and argued and got absolutely nowhere.
“I need space." Arlo had come to her decision. She had rushed headlong into a marriage with a man she thought she knew and he turned out to be a stranger.
“For how long?" Penn looked at her in frustration.
“As long as it takes," she told him. As far as Arlo was concerned there was no time limit. She loved Penn but she needed to trust him. At the moment she couldnÅ‚t when he was clearly hiding more stuff she wanted to know.
“YouÅ‚re such a coward, Arlo."
“What?" She snapped angrily. How many other women would have taken this whole I-married-a-demon thing so calmly? Not bloody many.
“Yeah, you are. And I didnÅ‚t tell you the truth, and I will regret that until the end of time."
The pain in his voice almost swayed her into wanting to believe him but she didnłt want to come back to him through pity. She wanted to be with Penn because she trusted him and not because her hormones and desires dictated her life.
“Well, seeing as though you have lived three hundred years so far, I am must admit I am pleased that youÅ‚ll regret it for a long time." She hated saying the words but she had to harden her heart to Penn.
He leaned up against a wall and watched her thoughtfully.
“You know youÅ‚re not telling me the truth either."
“What have I got to hide?" What psychological bullshit was he going to try on her to make her feel bad enough to take him back?
“YouÅ‚re scared to love. YouÅ‚re terrified to give everything of yourself to me."
“I am bloody not." Even as she denied his words, Arlo knew there was a ring of truth to them. She had been holding back a small part of her for fear that what she had with Penn was too good to be true. She had not wanted to be hurt. So much for that plan. “I give you everything I have within me."
“Do you really Arlo? Do you ever make the first move? Do you ever touch me until IÅ‚ve touched you?" PennÅ‚s eyes were soft on hers. “Can you forgive me for not being perfect enough for you?"
“This has nothing to do with perfection and you know it." She was not that shallow. She would never knowingly think less of anyone because of a perceived flaw. “IÅ‚m not perfect so I cannot expect others to be." It still amazed her that this big, strong, gorgeous man was her husband.
“But IÅ‚m a demon."
“This has nothing to do with who you are." They had gone over and over this. He hadnÅ‚t told her the truth and that was the thing that tore at her.
Penn shook his head sadly.
“I think you are secretly glad that you have a get-out-of-marriage-free card. I think you wanted a chance to run before it all becomes too close and personal."
Arlo snorted in derision at his words. Why was this all suddenly being turned back on her?
“IÅ‚m your wife, Penn. It canÅ‚t get any more personal than that."
“ThatÅ‚s sex Arlo. ItÅ‚s different from love."
Demon smart-ass.
“I know that."
“Do you? If you did then you would be willing to fight for what we have."
Arlo tilted her head and looked at him mockingly.
“And what is that? Secrets?"
Penn bowed at the waist and then looked her in the eyes.
“My apologies, my beloved. When you need me call my name. Until then I will leave you in your ivory tower."
Chapter Seven
Present Day
“We have to talk, Arlo."
“Bloody hell." She jumped as Penn appeared suddenly at her side. “Give a woman some warning before you do that will you?" Arlo slid behind the steering wheel of her car in the garage. “Now rack off. I donÅ‚t want to talk to you." She tried to shut the door on him, but Penn caught it before she could.
“About last night," he began.
“It was biology." Arlo interrupted him quickly. She did not want to think about it let alone discuss last night. She still tingled inside and she knew it would not take much to fall back into his arms and make love to himbut for the resentment she harbored of course. Thinking he could come back after six months and just expect IÅ‚ll want him in my bed? Ha! “We scratched an itch and now we move on." It was time to gird her loins and get back to her life without Penn Ripley.
"Can you move on?" Penn leaned on the car door and looked down at her.
“Watch me." Arlo turned the key in the ignition. The car made a pathetic whirring sound and red warning lights flashed up on the dashboard. Bugger.
“Oil?" Penn ventured a guess as he moved around and saw the telltale red light.
“You always ask that."
“ThatÅ‚s because you never check." He moved around to the front of the car. “Pop the hood."
Arlo sucked at car maintenance. She had not checked the oil since Penn left. She felt a childish urge to not pop the hood. It was some weird thing to do with denial. But denial did not get her to work at the bookstore. Arlo sighed and released the lever to the hood.
Penn pulled out the dipstick and shook his head with a smile as if he was not surprised.
“Have you got oil in the trunk?"
“Yes, of course," Arlo responded as if he was asking her a dumb question They both knew the only reason she had it was because Penn had put it there. She got out of the car to unlock the trunk.
Penn followed close on her heels.
“You should sell this car. ItÅ‚s a heap of junk."
“It has good memories." She opened the trunk and ferreted around for the oil.
“Yeah it does." Penn grinned at her wickedly.
Arlo knew only too well what he was referring to. The last time she had sex with Penn, before last night, had been in the car on the way to the grocery store six months ago. It had been tight, hot and sweaty but excellent. She felt a rush of moisture between her legs just thinking about it.
“IÅ‚m not talking about sex." She picked up the oil bottle and slammed it against his chest.
“Neither was I." He looked down at her speculatively. “YouÅ‚re awfully uptight."
“You think?" Arlo squared off at him, hands on her hips. She was angry he was there and that she had sex with him and that she wanted to do it again even though she absolutely wanted to hate Penn. “My demonic soon-to-be-ex husband turns up after six months and wants something but I donÅ‚t know what." She marched around to the front of the car. The sooner the oil was in the quicker she could leave.
“You know what I want."
“Well, youÅ‚re not going to get it." Again. “ItÅ‚s too late for us."
“Is it?" Penn asked simply as if he did not believe that were true.
“Yes, it bloody is Pendleton." She crossed her arms over her breasts and watched him tip the oil in.
“Where are you going?" Penn changed the subject.
“To work." This was good. Work was a good, boring subject to pursue.
“At the bookstore. Where we met."
“I work there for money, not memories, Penn." Memories screwed with her mind and kept her awake at night.
“You called me Ä™darlingÅ‚ last night."
“It was slip of the tongue." It was not the only thing that had been slipped last night. She still burned from the feel of him inside her. It was a fire she knew would never go out.
“No it wasnÅ‚t." he moved in closer to her.
The man was cocky and she liked it. She always had. Pennłs self assurance was one of the sexiest things about him.
“Okay I was drunk then." She wanted to back away from him but there was something that kept her close. It was need of course and need got you into trouble.
Penn threw back his head and laughed. His eyes danced with delight as if he knew he was getting to her and he liked it.
“No you werenÅ‚t. You knew exactly what you were doing." He pulled her in close to him.
“Maybe I should have been drunk then." She would have been too inebriated to react to him and even though the man was a demon, she knew Penn would never take advantage of a woman under the influence. Arlo could blame no one for last night but herself. Hunger was hard to stave off when your favorite treat was in front of you.
“You havenÅ‚t changed a bit, beloved."
Having Pennłs hands on her hips drawing her in ever closer was bad but damned if she could break off the contact between them.
“Neither have you and donÅ‚t called me beloved." If he really loved her he would have told her everything. “So, did you come back to me to tell me what the big secret is youÅ‚re hidingother than you being a three-hundred-year-old demon?" That still blew her mind. Penn was immortal. She would not live forever. How could they possibly make that work anyway?
“I canÅ‚t tell you."
“Whatever." Arlo looked at his lips then up at his eyes. She knew what he wanted. “No."
“Yes," Penn murmured as his mouth touched hers and his arms wound around her body.
Arlo pushed frantically at his shoulders as the kiss deepened and their tongues fought their own battle.
“Seriously," Arlo muttered as she broke off the kiss and gasped for air. “I donÅ‚t want this."
“Seriously, you do," he responded mockingly as he kissed her hungrily.
Arlo always knew this man could kiss like the devil and now she knew why. She felt herself dissolving against him. The need to have him on and in her was starting to overcome what was left of her mind. When his lips slid down to her neck and he sucked gently on the skin she knew she had to stop what was happening then and there or she would be having sex on the hood of the car with the man she really wanted to hate.
“Why me?" She pushed away from him, shivering as his mouth lost contact with her neck. “Why not attach yourself to another woman?" There were a lot of non-picky-I-donÅ‚t-care-about-the-truth type women out there who would devour the edible demon. Why did Penn want a straitlaced woman? She had not been able to fathom that out since they met.
“I love you." He tapped her head tightly. “You have to get that into your stubborn mind.
“Nah, I still donÅ‚t get that. I mean look at you, why pursue me when there are hundreds of beautiful women out there?" Of course Arlo heard of opposites attracting and while she was okay looking, she wasnÅ‚t a match when it came to Penn Ripley. “Is it because IÅ‚m average that you think you can dazzle and control me?" He had, to some extent, certainly done that. Penn only had to kiss her and she was ready to do whatever he wanted. “IÅ‚m not taking you back regardless of what moves you make on me."
Penn spun Arlo around so she faced the hood.
“You try my patience, beloved," he murmured as he pinned her down and flipped up her skirt.
Arlo struggled. She wasnłt uncomfortable. How could she be with Pennłs body tight against hers? She was firing on all senses.
“What are you doing?" Dumb question when the manÅ‚s hands were pulling down her panties.
“Teaching you another long overdue lesson." Her panties hit the ground and he spanked her butt.
“Ow!" Arlo whined as his hand came down smacked her ass again. Another soon followed. “Penn!"
“What is wrong with you, Arlo?" His hand once more came down on her flesh.
“I have a demon spanking me or do you mean something else?" As stinging as the spanking was she had to admit she liked it.
“Why canÅ‚t you accept you are beautiful?"
“Because I know IÅ‚m average." There was no getting around that. “ItÅ‚s the truth, Pendleton." Arlo shrieked as his hand smacked her again.
It annoyed Penn no end that Arlo still did not understand how he felt about her. She was everything to him. He craved sight of her beautiful face and longed to lie beside her wrapped in her arms. While he knew that Arlo believed what she was saying, Penn also knew she was enjoying being spanked. She was angry at him but she wanted him. The rounded red cheeks of her ass made his cock hard at the thought of sliding on in. But as much as he wanted to take her, he wanted her to think about him and how good they were together. He knew what he planned to do next would frustrate the hell out of both of them.
“Arlo Ripley you are the most annoying woman," he said as he shook his head and unzipped his fly, freeing his penis from its tight confines.
“Good, IÅ‚m glad I annoy you." Arlo snapped back as she jerked when she felt him spread her legs. “Here? Now?"
Penn smiled at the excited sound of her voice. They were so well matched that it had been torture to be away from her. He fisted his cock and slid it up and down the slick cleft between her legs.
“Do you want me, beloved?"
“No," Arlo choked out as she pushed back against him.
Penn smiled and spanked her again.
“Okay, yes, please fuck me." Arlo cried out, an edge of desperation tingeing her voice.
“Do you need me?" He placed the head of his cock at the entrance of her vagina. The urge to plunge right in was overpowering but he wanted to do this his way. His wife needed to remember how good they were together.
“Yes," she moaned, grinding her butt against him in enticement.
“Will you do anything I want?" He felt her stiffen slightly. Would her need overcome her stubbornness? “Arlo?"
“IÅ‚m thinking."
Penn pushed his shaft inside her quickly then pulled out just as fast. Her howl of protest was all the answer he needed.
“Well, my beloved?"
“Oh," she groaned angrily as if lust and need battled common sense. “Okay, anything."
Penn plunged fully inside her. He laughed triumphantly as she squealed with delight. He stroked deeply within her knowing that as much as he wanted to take her fully, he couldnłt. He stilled his actions momentarily as he sought the tight, puckered hole of her ass. He heard her sigh with contentment. Oh how I want to fuck you completely, my beloved.
“Penn darling"
He grinned. He was back to darling again.
“Yes, Arlo?"
“Why have you stopped?" Arlo squirmed against him.
Penn waved his other hand in the air and produce a small yet effective lubricated, candy-pink butt plug. He felt Arlo jump in surprise as he inserted it slowly and fully into her anus.
“Oh," she moaned.
“Oh indeed," Penn agreed as he removed his penis from inside her.
“Penn?"
“Hmm?" He swallowed hard as he looked at the woman spread out before him. There were many things he could do as a demonmake things appear and disappearbut not erections. That he had to handle himself. There was no magic there. Penn made himself back away from her.
“What? Why?" Arlo turned and her eyes sought his.
“I need you to think about us and how perfect we are together." He saw he eyes narrowing angrily.
“Seriously?"
“Yes."
“So you were just torturing me?" Arlo spun around and faced him.
“No, more like needing you to think about me all day hence the insertion."
Arlo charged at him, his fists pummeling his chest.
“You three-hundred-year-old bastard!" She looked at his erect cock. “What are you going to do with your friend there? Looks like itÅ‚s in dire need of a home." Her eyebrows rose at him pointedly.
“IÅ‚ll handle it."
“Damn right you will because IÅ‚m not touching you again." Arlo lifted her skirt up and reached behind her.
“I dare you to leave it in." Penn looked at her challengingly. “I bet you canÅ‚t."
“Oh please, I am not playing games with you, demon."
“Chicken? Worried that having that inside you will remind you of me?"
“Oh, itÅ‚s much bigger and harder than you ever were," she smiled smartly at him.
“Boy, not getting to come makes you really cranky doesnÅ‚t it?"
“Piss off." Arlo stamped over to the driverÅ‚s seat of her car. “IÅ‚ve had enough of you IÅ‚m going to work." She slammed the car door.
“All day, beloved."
“DonÅ‚t make me run you down, darling." She spat the last word out angrily as she hit the gas and shot out of the driveway.
Albemarle had to admit what he had just witnessed was hot. Arlo Ripley was breathtakingly passionate in her own way. Not many renowned beauties could compete with the fire in her. How he would enjoy fucking her when her husband died and turned to dust at their feet. And Ripley would. Thatłs why Albemarle was there. He planned to dog Ripleyłs footsteps until he tracked down a spellbinder. He would then kill Ripley and imprison the mythical beast for his own purposes.
“If only he would stop thinking with his dick and get to the task at hand."
Penn Ripley was having the same thought. He needed to find the spellbinder. The sooner he did, the quicker he could gain mortality and be with Arlo. As much as he wanted to tell her everything that was eating him up inside, Penn knew he couldnłt as it would risk her life. He wasnłt foolish enough to think that his movements were not being tracked by other demons wanting the power of the spellbinder themselves. Penn just had to find him first.
Chapter Eight
Titch, the spellbinder, also had watched the couple argue. For people who had the fate of the free world in their hand that did not inspire peace and love. It was almost like they hated each other. He knew better. Titch had been following them from the start of their courtship. The powers that be knew they would meet, fall in love and then have a stormy parting because all truths were not laid bare. They were both to blame. Him for not telling her everything and her for being unable to forgive a weaknessboth his and her own.
“How could they complicate something so simple?" He shook his head in bemusement. Titch, of course, knew why Penn had returned to his wife. He needed her in more ways than just winning a bet. The demon was in love. It was unusual for a high order demon to fall for a human. The last time it happened was more than a thousand years ago. It had ended well then and he planned for it to end well again. After all spellbinders had that power if they choose to use it.
Spellbinders had been around for thousands of years. They were thought to be the Magi, the Druids, the women of the Amazon tribes or the Knights Templar but they werenłt. They were what they were. Beings who could harness great power if they believed in a just cause. Spellbinders never did anything for their own benefit. They did not have to. Greed did not exist in their world. They had all they needed and they looked for nothing more to satisfy them. Like demons they were immortal and had been working with humankind since the dawn of time.
Titch was aware of what Penn Ripley sought. Not many gave up the curse of immortality willingly. There were humans on earth now who wanted to hold back time any way they could and they would pay dearly to be immortal. The problem was if he gave Ripley what he most desired then Titch literally risked all hell breaking lose. He was well aware of the seething factions contained below ground. Titch knew that Penn Ripley was one of only a few demons who realized that above and below ground could never meet. Satan, who manipulated Hell to his own purposes and amusement, did not care what happened to anyone but himself.
“Satan is an asshole." Titch had been steering clear of him for centuries. He wasnÅ‚t scared of him. It was more that dealing with Satan was like dealing with a spoiled child who liked to set demons and people against each other for laughs. He wasnÅ‚t even someone you could discuss things rationally with as he went off into a snit if he could not have things his own way. ThatÅ‚s why Penn Ripley was important. Not all demons were bad. Not all demons were below ground either. People above ground had the potential to do great evil. If they could harness the power of the demons then both worlds would suffer. Spellbinders were cautiously pleased that some of HellÅ‚s demons had leaders like Penn. They were smart. They knew that controlling the evil masses was power in itself. Yet Ripley did not seek power. He wanted love and normalcy. But could Titch grant him that at the risk of everything else? That was the question.
“A bet." Titch smiled at the insanity of it. In some ways Penn was more human than most. He took huge a gamble on something that was incredibly risky. Titch knew Albemarle would not grant Penn his freedom as did Penn. He did not have the power but he was silly enough to try to pretend he did. The chance of both winning back his woman and destroying a demon power base was what spurred Penn Ripley on. No false promises from braggart demons. Problem was Arlo was not a forgiving woman. She had issues to do with her self-esteem, as any mortal woman did. Titch could feel in her a loving soul who wanted to give but was too afraid to. He knew he would have to help the process along if he was to get husband and wife back together and if he was to stop evil taking over the world.
“So much to do and so little time," Titch mused to himself. He thought about the woman. He had a feeling Arlo was unlikely to listen to anyone who was not human. She had been stung badly by her husband. As for Penn, as interested as he was in shedding his immortality, would he risk losing Arlo to help a spellbinder contain Hell? “There is always a catch-22. Most annoying."
* * * * *
Penn knew that spellbinders would only be found if they chose to be. They could be summoned with the correct sequence of words said out loud. But that did not guarantee they would appear. He had muttered those words many a time and no spellbinder had yet deigned to appear. Penn wasnłt even sure if they were the right words or if they were and the spellbinder was just being perverse. They only made themselves known when it was of interest for them to do so. Penn had a feeling that his leaving the underworld would not have gone unnoticed by beings other than mortals and demons. Much would be destroyed if demons like Albemarle took over Earth. Penn was fairly certain that his enemy was tracking him now but it was hard to tell. Demons could hide their tracks well if they had a mind to. A spellbinder would be reluctant to make his presence known until he was sure of his surroundings. From what little Penn knew of the mythical beings, they watched and waited and bided their time. Unfortunately Penn did not have time to bide.
Penn stood still and closed his eyes. He thought of the one good thing in his lifeArlo. Spellbinders were known to favor purity, innocence and love. Arlo was all three of those.
“Hic mihi spellbinder, Ego peto vestri succurro," Penn murmured the words once more. You know what I need. I know no favor given by you will be without a price. Name it and I shall give you all I have to be with her. “Nomen vestri pretium."
A voice whispered suddenly in Pennłs ear. He stiffened.
For what you ask, the price may be too high.
“Nothing is too much to pay to be with my beloved."
Fine words demon, but will you fight all Hell for her?
“Yes." There was no other answer as far as Penn was concerned.
We shall see demon.
* * * * *
“Bloody demon," Arlo cursed for the seventh time that day. Penn got what he wanted. She was thinking about him and it had nothing to do with the butt plug. She had yanked that out an hour ago. Arlo liked a dare as much as the next person but she wasnÅ‚t going to walk around with that in her butt all day to prove she could handle a dare. The thing that frustrated her more than anything was the he had left her all wet and needy with no fullness inside to grant her the orgasm she desperately needed. “How could he?" It was not like Penn hadnÅ‚t been about to explode with need himself. It was one of those times she was annoyed she was too shy to walk into adult toy shop and buy herself the biggest, gyrating whiz-bang dildo on the market in order to satisfy her needs. “No, you have to be a boring good girl."
Arlo slammed the books back into the shelf. The store was quiet and the junior employee was manning the register for whatever purchases people made. That was good as Arlo did not want to make polite conversation with people at the moment.
“I need to bloody come, thatÅ‚s what I need," she muttered to herself as she looked down at the florid cover of the bodice ripper romance in her hands. She was so tense she could scream. “If only life was a simple as a bodice ripper."
“IÅ‚m happy to rip your bodice if it would turn you on, my beloved."
Arlo whirled around and saw Penn.
“Bastard!" She threw a book at him but he dodged it.
“What? No kiss hello?" Another book flew past his head. He grinned.
Arlo narrowed her eyes at his charming smile.
“Have I told you I hate you?" Her voice was overly sweet sounding yet dripping with venom.
“I seem to recall we had that conversation," Penn responded as he walked toward her.
“What about the one where I suggest you eat dirt and die?" She wanted him but she didnÅ‚t want him and she hated herself for being so needy and bitchy.
“I love you." Penn came to stand before her.
She knew the soft, loving look in his green eyes would be her undoing. It always was.
“Go away." Arlo flattened herself against the bookshelf to give herself more space. She had the wild urge to touch him and she knew that would lead to so much more.
“I need you," Penn continued as if he had not heard her negative words.
“And I need a new pair of shoes but I can get by without them and without you, Pendleton."
“But we both make you happier." Penn took one step forward and cornered her against the shelves.
“What do you want?" It was a dumb question but her mouth was dry and her heart was pounding a mile a minute and thinking wasnÅ‚t her strong point at that moment.
“I thought I made that clear, beloved." His hands reached out for her hips.
“I am not having sex with you againever." She pulled at his hands on her hips but they remained firmly in place. The heat of them burned through to her skin. The frustration she had been feeling all day was looking for an outlet and her hormones were ready to take control of the situation.
“Poor ArloyouÅ‚re all hot and bothered." Penn moved his body in tight against hers and gyrated slowly. “I can fix that."
The rubbing of his pelvis against her, and Pennłs warm breath on her face made her close her eyes momentarily in remembrance. Steady girl.
“I plan on being celibate from now on, so take your road show somewhere else."
Penn chuckled at her words and shook his head in bemusement.
“Celibacy wonÅ‚t work. You were made to be loved by me and you like the thrill of sex with me."
“I always faked it," she stated. Looking him straight in the eyes unwaveringly.
“Liar," Penn murmured as his lips brushed hers.
“Demon," Arlo responded as she got the knee wobbles.
“Shrew." His mouth touched hers teasingly.
“Hellhound." Each time his lips slowly swept past she wanted to latch on and devour as her need for him was so great.
“So if I took you now you would feel nothing?" Penn dropped his head to nuzzle her neck.
Oh crap, neck nuzzling, IÅ‚m screwed.
“ThatÅ‚s right." Anyway, it was not like he could take her at work. Even as she thought it, her mind shot back to his less than traditional marriage proposal in the storeroom. “I have to get back to work." Work was safe. Penn Ripley was anything but.
“No you donÅ‚t." His lips came back up and captured her mouth in a long slow, thorough kiss.
“Uh," she mumbled as clutched as his shirt. “I donÅ‚t?"
“No beloved, I need you." PennÅ‚s continued kissing her as his hands lifted her skirt and sought the flesh underneath. “No panties? I like this." His hand moved around to her ass.
Arlo had left home in such an angry rush that she had left her underwear on the floor of the garage. She squirmed at the warmth of his hands on her bare flesh.
“No butt plug?" He smiled against her mouth.
“I want nothing inside me but"
“But me?"
Oh hell yeah.
“Please leave." Before I throw every caution to the wind and make love to you.
“Shut up, Arlo," Penn murmured teasingly as his lips captured hers once more.
Arlo wasnłt exactly sure if it was her hands or his that unzipped his fly but his cock was out and pressing against her stomach.
“We canÅ‚t do this here," she gasped as she broke of the kiss.
“Why not?" PennÅ‚s hands went under her ass and lifted her up in his arms.
“This is the romance section." Arlo wrapped her legs around her husbandÅ‚s waist. “Too many people read romance." They wanted to escape into a world of wondrous fantasy, not see two lovers making out in a corner.
“What section?" Penn asked ready to move in whatever direction his wife decreed.
“Um, the archeology section." It was late in the afternoon and not many would be looking up past history, unlike she and Penn who were making it repeat. “Straight ahead and turn left." She had no idea what she would say if someone saw them now like this. Maybe that she saw a mouse and jumped into his arms and his penis fell out of his pants in shock? Yeah right, uh-huh. “Here, stop here."
Penn pressed her back into the wall and looked in her eyes.
“You still love me." It was a statement and not a fact.
“Yes No I donÅ‚t know." All Arlo knew was she hadnÅ‚t felt so alive for the longest time and it was all because of Penn.
“Yeah, you do." Penn leaned into her concentrating on taking the weight on his thigh muscles as his cock prodded the wet core of her. He lifted her a little higher up and then impaled her on his cock.
“Oh," Arlo moaned as she closed her eyes and clutched at his shoulders. This was the best feeling ever. Heat and fullness and Penn.
“Are you faking it now?" Penn plunged firmly in and out.
“Oh shut up and fuck me, Pendleton."
“Yes, my beloved." His lips sucked down on her neck.
Arlołs head hit the wall and a volume on the pyramids hit the floor as Pennłs thrusts became more pronounced and the urgency increased between them.
“Kiss me because IÅ‚m going to scream." PennÅ‚s mouth covered hers as ArloÅ‚s body tensed and she shook as she climaxed. She felt the heat of him spurt up inside her and she wanted to hold on to him forever.
“I see the hubbyÅ‚s back," Moira mentioned dryly as she passed by with a grin. “Still got a great ass on him."
“She still not found herself a man?" Penn asked as he held Arlo close as they came back down to earth.
“Nope, but sheÅ‚s here every day trying. I think sheÅ‚s looking for a man who has a great ass."
Penn laughed. “MineÅ‚s taken." He pulled from her body and put her feet back on the ground.
Yes it was.
“Penn, I"
“WeÅ‚re good together, Arlo," he said as he smoothed her skirt down. “And no, I canÅ‚t tell you everything yet."
Arlo pushed away from him.
“Fine, whatever."
“Nothing is fine beloved, but IÅ‚m working on it."
Chapter Nine
Some people were easy to work out while others required a plan of action. Even a powerful spellbinder had to assess the person carefully and act accordingly. Titch had his own plan of action when it came to Arlo Ripley. To tell her that he was a spellbinder would not get him anywhere with her. Her husband was, after all, a demon and that hadnłt gone over at all well. Titch suspected Arlo would not be either frightened or impressed by his powers. So, after a momentłs deliberation he decided to go in with a lie. It was in essence a white lie as he did indeed fight on the side of the angels. Interestingly he knew two others watched his encounter with Mrs. Ripleyher husband and the demon called Albemarle. Titch wasnłt worried about them overhearing his conversation. Neither could make him do anything he did not want to do despite their personal beliefs that they could. Demons, he knew, were cocky hounds of Hell.
“Uh-huh, youÅ‚re an angel called Titch." Arlo looked him up and down. “Not a very angelical name." She went back to taking the dry laundry from the clothesline.
“We take what we are given." He smiled at her. Titch loved human attitude. It hid a multitude of sins and fears. “Anyway Arlo is hardly a proper name."
“Bite me." She tossed some clean towels into her laundry basket.
“It looks like someone already has." Titch would have been blind not to notice the purplish red love bites on her neck.
“What do you want?"
“I am here to see you get back with your true love."
“Are you aware heÅ‚s a demon?" Arlo narrowed her eyes on him.
“Yes." The woman was not going to make this easy. That she loved and desired her husband was one thing. Allowing herself to be convinced to take him back was another.
“Well, youÅ‚ve got your work cut out for you, sunshine."
“ThatÅ‚s my job."
“Oh cut the crap." Arlo rolled her eyes cynically. An angel, if he was that, had wandered on down from heaven to play matchmaker to her and Penn. A blond-haired, earring-wearing angel in faded jeans, gray sweater and tennis shoes just happened to have a passing interest in the fate of a marriage between a human and a demon. An angel who appeared out of thin air, as they did in the movies, and wanted to deliver her some words of import. Uh-huh. It wasnÅ‚t that she didnÅ‚t believe in the possible presence of angels, it was more that she was wary of anything not human in her life at that moment. Added to that she suspected that angels did not wear blue jeans. That, this whoever he was, he had an agenda, she did not doubt. But what it was did not appear immediately obvious to her. Arlo assessed the tall, blue-eyed man carefully. He came across handsome, smiling and friendly. Yep, she knew the sort. He was after something but what exactly was it?
“So, have you got proof youÅ‚re an angel?" She looked him up and down quizzically. Arlo could see no wings or a halo and wasnÅ‚t some heavenly light supposed to shine forth or something? Though he was awfully godlike in that Apollo kind of way. He was impossibly handsome with his brilliant blue eyes, his soft, knowing smile and she would hazard a guess that the body under those deceptively casual clothes was anything but casual. Not that she was interested. She had her hands full with Penn at the moment but a woman could still look and wonder.
Titch arched his eyes in amusement at her words.
“You want a parlor trick or something?"
“Well, youÅ‚re the angel. Whatcha got?" She picked up the laundry basket of clean clothes and headed inside.
“Do you always need proof of everything, Arlo?" He pulled open the sliding door of the patio for her.
“Yeah well, call me skeptical."
“Is this why you donÅ‚t believe in true love?" Titch asked, seemingly comfortable under her scrutiny almost as if he expected it.
The problem was she did but believing that did not necessarily guarantee a happy ending. She wasnłt about to be talked into forgiving by an angel.
“I donÅ‚t believe in anyone, supposed angels included, doing anything without a specific reason."
“Hmm, youÅ‚re a tough nut to crack, Arlo."
“The toughest, angel boy," she walked into the kitchen.
“So, are you ever going to forgive Penn?"
Arlo dumped the basket on the table and looked at him.
“WhatÅ‚s it to you?"
“What every individual does on the planet affects another," he explained as he leaned against the doorjamb.
Were angels supposed to look this laid-back?
“Yes, IÅ‚d agree when it comes to war, greenhouse emissions and pollution but whether I divorce my demon husband or not has nothing to do with you or my next-door neighbors.
“Do you want to divorce him?"
No, Arlo didnłt but what else was she supposed to do with a man who did not care enough about her to tell her the whole truth?
“Why do you even want to help a demon? ArenÅ‚t they the bad guys to you?" This was not a romantic matchmaking moment. Arlo knew this all had to be tied up with whatever Penn would not tell her.
“Some demons are. Some arenÅ‚t."
“And Penn?" What was he noted down as, in the book of the angels?
“HeÅ‚s unique."
“Yep, IÅ‚ll agree with that."
Titch moved from the wall and stood before her, his eyes locked with hers.
“Penn Ripley has the potential to stop a war and do a great deal of good if you are in his life."
“Gee, no pressure on me then," she quipped as she shivered inwardly at his words. Could this be what Penn wouldnÅ‚t tell her? DidnÅ‚t he trust her enough to tell her something as important as this? What if
“Oh wait. How dumb am I? YouÅ‚re a friend of his and youÅ‚re trying to sell me on Penn Ripley." This attempt was about as subtle as a sledgehammer. “YouÅ‚re a demon."
Ä™No, IÅ‚m not, nor are Penn and I friends." Titch sized the woman up before him as if working out if she was up to the challenge before her. “But I do know he needs you."
“And I need coffee." Arlo snorted in derision. Like she was going to believe any of this.
“Arlo do not allow pride to stand in your way."
“Or what angel?" She had just about enough of nonhumans for a lifetime.
“He loves you."
Did he really? Or was it lust? Maybe that was all it was between them. Even as she thought that, Arlo knew that was wrong. It was more than just needy bodies coming urgently together in desire.
“He didnÅ‚t tell me he was a demon." That was the thing that still hurt her. Demon or not, she had not meant enough for him to tell her the truth.
“So, his being a demon is not the big deal. YouÅ‚re just angry because he didnÅ‚t tell you."
“Well, he should have." Anyway what the hell would an angel know about married people? Did he know they were not supposed to have secrets? Angels were too bloody ethereal to know anything about that. Arlo was sure they lived by ideals and not realities.
“Did you share everything with him?" Titch asked her pointedly. “Your fears, your insecurities? Did you tell him how scared you were of losing him, how you did not think you were either good enough or beautiful enough for him? Maybe it was easier to have this opportunity to push Penn aside rather than worry about him leaving you."
His words hit her like a punch to the stomach. He was right of course but hearing it said out loud made her feel worse.
ęI canłt help you, angel." Arlo feared what she wanted and what she could have were two vastly different things.
“Yes you can, itÅ‚s whether you will allow yourself to." Titch tapped her hand with his. “Pride is not all itÅ‚s cracked up to be, Arlo Ripley." And he vanished.
That was no angel. That had to be a spellbinder. Penn knew only too well, Angels did not come to the aid of demons. There was too much bad blood between them to ever have a peace brokered. He suspected the being called Titch used a concept like an angel to make Arlo less on edge. Why exactly was this spellbinder actively courting Arlo to her husbandłs side? Penn was more than happy for any assistance he could get to sway his wife but it made him wonder what the spellbinder wanted. They were not beings who relied on others. Their power, when they chose to use it, was supreme.
Penn had not been surprised that Arlo had been suspicious of Titchłs motives. She was a smart woman who did not fall for much. It had hit him like a body blow that she was anxious about him not loving her completely. That she worried he would leave her made him feel more anguish than he never knew existed. He knew he could never make up for the level of hurt he had inflicted on her. Yet, for all her fears, Arlo wasnłt in a rush to sever the ties of their marriage. That gave him hope.
So the spellbinder had willingly made himself known, albeit as a pretend angel to Arlo. It was unheard of for a spellbinder to actively seek out anyone. Their usual act was to remain elusive and only show themselves after the one that hunted them had been made to jump through hoops. But he had gone to Arlo. Why not to him? Penn suspected that this Titch knew there was every chance Pennłs leaving Hell would create a massive problem. So why didnłt he approach Penn? Why Arlo? Possibly the spellbinder sensed that Penn would do whatever he had to in order to have happiness with Arlo. That meant that the underworld of Hell would be in chaos. But then when hadnłt it been? Someone was always trying to overthrow someone else. Penn could not remain and be responsible for the treacherous games demons played. It was too much to ask of anyone to save the world. Penn needed his wife. The world would have to look after itself.
Penn knew Albemarle had to be somewhere close by. He was certain the spellbinder knew both of them had listened in on the conversation. It was as though he wanted them to. Had Albemarle realized the significance of who this being was? He was evil but not smart.
“Bloody angels!" Albemarle thundered out angrily. “They can never keep their noses out of everyoneÅ‚s business." Unlike Penn, he had not worked out who the angel really was. His anger blinded him to the subtleties around him.
“I can destroy it," said a henchman, ready to serve this demon as long as he retained some measure of power.
“Fool! Not even I would terminate an angel." The wrath of Heaven was not something Albemarle wanted to deal with. HeavenÅ‚s warriors were not to be toyed with. They were not afraid of demons and they were ruthless in their revenge. “I say we wait. The woman is stubborn. Despite her sexual craving for Ripley she is not about to give in to him completely. Her pride is her weakness and we will use that."
“How?"
“ItÅ‚s time to pay a visit on, Mrs. Ripley."
* * * * *
Arlo glanced up at the man as he approached.
“Fucking marvelous," she muttered to herself. “Another Twilight Zone inhabitant. Lucky me." She remembered this guy. Last time she had seen him he had a sword in his hand in the alley when he faced off with Penn. That a demon was in the bookstore did not mean he was looking for the latest sweet romance novel. “What do you want?" Arlo looked him up and down and wondered if it was some genetic thing for immortal types to look so attractive. Not that the angel and the demon had anything on Penn. He was in a class of his own.
“Just wanted a chat, Mrs. Ripley." The sales counter lay between them.
“Too bad, IÅ‚m chatted out when it comes to demons." That he wanted something was obvious. In fact everyone seemed to want something from her at the moment. Did she look particularly benevolent for some reason? She had no idea, nor did she care where on the demon pecking order he was or what his name was, for she wanted nothing to do with him.
“Your husband is a demon and I know youÅ‚ve done more than just chat to him." Albemarle smiled at her slyly.
Arlo looked at him is disgust. That he had been watching them making love made her sick.
“Not getting any? Does watching others have sex get your rocks off?"
Albemarle laughed at her words.
“YouÅ‚re a bitch. I like that."
Great, that was one reference to put on her résumé. Liked by a demon.
“And youÅ‚re a creep and no one likes them other than pond scum."
“I could make you like me." Albemarle leaned in close to her.
Arlo rolled her eyes and willed herself not to move back. She did not want this son of Hell thinking she was scared of him. Part of her was and another part just was too busy to deal with the aggravation.
“HereÅ‚s the thing. Go away." There was no way she planned on putting up with this crap.
“Penn Ripley will never change. Demons canÅ‚t." He looked at her smugly. Ä™They say what they need to in order to get what they want."
“DoesnÅ‚t everyone, demon or not?" That was ArloÅ‚s experience. People, and in this case demons, would try anything they had to in order to manipulate things their way. She was guilty of it as well. And yeah, Arlo could see how Penn had used her love for him to try to make the best possible outcome for himself. She never doubted she meant something to him. But what exactly? While she had hang-ups about the way she looked, was she using those to color her judgment? Were her negative thoughts about herself making her push Penn aside? Was she being fair to Penn accusing him of wanting her just for sex? Maybe he does love me. Maybe IÅ‚m just driving myself insane with my insecurities. Bloody hell, I donÅ‚t know.
“I can see how upsetting it would be if he said he loved you just to screw you."
The fucking demon was trying to play mind games with her.
“Listen, ugly, try that psychological bullshit on someone else. IÅ‚m not buying it." Though this creep had given her some food for thought in PennÅ‚s favor. It was obviously not what he had set out to do.
“What do you really know about Penn Ripley?
The answer was virtually nothing and yet she still loved him. Was she mad or just desperate to hold onto him? Whatever it as she was not going to be discussing it with this demon.
“IÅ‚m not discussing this with you."
“I bet you didnÅ‚t know your husband has great power in the underworld."
That didnłt surprise her. Penn was the commanding type.
“So?" What? Was she supposed to be turned off or frightened by this revelation? Gasp in awe? She had seen the man naked. Nothing could beat that awe-inspiring sight.
“So, you have to wonder why heÅ‚s hanging about above ground with you." AlbemarleÅ‚s eyes locked onto her breasts. “Oh youÅ‚re nicely fuckable but there are others more attractive."
A small part of Arlo acknowledged that. It was an insecurity she had to get over. This demon was feeding it.
“YouÅ‚re trying to piss me off and I have to ask myself why?"
“IÅ‚m just telling the truth." He smiled a smarmy smile at her.
“You wouldnÅ‚t know truth if it bit you on your demon ass."
Albemarle thumped his fist down hard on the counter between them.
“Penn Ripley will ruin you."
“IÅ‚ll take my chances." And she would. Arlo had no idea where she stood with Penn at the moment but she wasnÅ‚t about to be told what to do by some nitwit from Hell.
“Do you want to be like the other women he has cast aside?" His words were initially cruel sounding.
Wanker.
“IÅ‚ll take my chances." Arlo knew enough about Penn that he would never treat a woman badly. Not tell her the whole truthsurebut there was no malice in his actions.
“I would be so good for you." Albemarle smiled at her enticingly.
“So would following a low calorie diet but both options suck badly."
This was not what Albemarle wanted to hear. If he expected fear from Arlo he was sadly let down.
“When he throws you over, and he will, youÅ‚ll regret dismissing my generous offer. I can offer you much both sexually and financially."
Was he serious? Arlo wanted to heave.
“I am sure in your tiny little mind you think you can. I also think itÅ‚s great to have such high, yet delusional, esteem for yourself." The man was visually attractive but his personality was loathsome. How this demon ever had sex was beyond her.
“You will come to me."
“When cows tap dance in grass skirts and wear helmets on their head, sure I will," Arlo conceded with flippant loathing.
“You are so funny," Albemarle responded, his voice indicating anything but.
Arlo smiled the fake smile she used on annoying customers.
“I try."
“IÅ‚ll be around."
“Å‚Got nowhere else to go?" Arlo heard him swear as he stalked off angrily. Pissing a demon off was probably not the smartest thing to do but she had no intention of cowering in his wake.
“Who was that?" Moira asked, her eyes round with interest as she slinked up to the counter.
“Just your average bookstore weirdo." They had many. The dateless and desperate like Moira, the obsessive-compulsive who need certain books with certain covers and now, apparently demon clientele. Lovely.
“Is he married?"
Arlo looked at the faded blonde before her. Was she really that desperate for a man?
“HeÅ‚s a demon, Moira."
“I like biker guys."
Chapter Ten
Arlo tried to have a walk every afternoon when she came home from work. She hated exercise on principle. It was hard, hot and sweaty but apparently it made you live longer and she had plans to live as long as she could. Though, there were some days she wondered why, what with all the demonic stuff going on. As Arlo let herself into her house, she felt a wave of tiredness wash over her. She had walked faster and further than she planned to. It had something to do with the state of her mind and the fact that she thought if she pushed herself hard enough she would either have some brilliant exercise epiphany and know what to do with Penn or she would collapse and not have to worry about thinking at all. Neither came to pass.
“Albemarle was at the bookstore?" Penn charged toward her as she let herself inside.
Arlo had not been surprised to see Penn. She kicked off her tennis shoes and looked at him.
“Tall, demonic with an attitude. Oh wait, that could describe you too," she murmured oversweetly as she moved past him. “Let me try again. Nasty, sneering twirp?"
“ThatÅ‚s Albemarle." Penn followed her down the hall toward the bedroom.
Who named demons? Pendleton? Albemarle? No Wayne or Steve?
“Well, I handled him."
Penn stopped her by putting his hands on her shoulders.
“Albemarle is not someone who gets Ä™handledÅ‚ unless it suits him."
“You know you demons arenÅ‚t that tough to work out." Arlo saw the concern his eyes. That he cared for her she had never doubted. It was the fact that he did not seem to want to trust her with what was going on in his life. That was the aggravating thing. Dealing with some mind game playing demon came a sloppy second to that. “From my mortal understanding you have something that Albemarle wants and he will use whatever he has to get it, including pissing me off about you."
“How so?" PennÅ‚s tone was one of worry mixed with intrigue.
“He felt it was his demonic duty to tell me that you have other women you have rejected and he fears that will happen to me. He offered me his sexual services when you throw me over."
Pennłs eyes narrowed angrily.
“He what?"
“Jealous?" Men, demons included, got so pissed off when another man-slash-demon wanted to make time to be with their women. Am I PennÅ‚s woman? Well, duh yeah.
“YouÅ‚re mine," he said as his hands slid down to her waist.
Okay, this possessive, master of the universe moment is good.
“Down boy," Arlo murmured as she pulled his hands from her waist. She was his but on her terms. “IÅ‚m picky about who I have in my life."
“Yeah I know." Penn lifted up her hand and kissed the palm.
Hmmnice.
“Your little demon mate believes he is male enough to think heÅ‚ll seduce me so IÅ‚ll become so enraptured with him that I will do his bidding." Like that would happen. “I am assuming this would be getting you to give him whatever it is he wants." Arlo looked up at her husband with interest. “What did you do? Steal his latest toy?"
“Beloved, you have no idea what he is like."
The tone of Pennłs voice was enough to let her know that the opinions she had formed at the bookstore were not incorrect.
“Okay so tell me. What the hell is going on and why do I have demons and angels suddenly appearing out of nowhere wanting to speak to me about my husband?" Better than debt collectors or telemarketers of course but just as annoying.
“IÅ‚m glad you still think I am still your husband," Penn looked pleased about that fact.
“ItÅ‚s all a matter of waiting for the ink to dry on the divorce papers." Which Arlo did not have as yet but it was somewhere on her list of things to do at some stage. More important things like grocery shopping and visits to the dentist kept pushing if further down the list as a priority.
“Have you organized the divorce yet?" He asked as if he already knew the answer.
“No and donÅ‚t get off the track," Arlo accused him of the very thing she was now going to do as she did not want to justify why she had not sought a divorce. “What does this demon want from you?
“ItÅ‚s all to do with power."
Arlo snorted cynically. “When isnÅ‚t it with you men?"
“You know you have a lot of power yourself, beloved." Penn massaged her hand gently between his.
“Seriously?" Arlo looked at him warily. She knew what he wanted and she wanted it too but there had to be more than just this hunger for each other between them. DidnÅ‚t there? How did normal couples handle the whole married in a minute thing? Was it because they had in fact only been together for such a short time, and apart longer, that made the need greater?
“You have the power to make or break me, Arlo Ripley."
“With this demon thing?" He could not seriously think she would believe that. “Come on, like a bunch of demons playing silly buggers has anything to do with me."
“IÅ‚m not talking about them. IÅ‚m talking about me." His voice was soft with need. “I love you and I will do anything to get back with you." Penn lifted his hand and stroked her bottom lip with his finger tip.
Arlo gulped hard. The urge to suck that finger inside was overwhelming. She did not know what to say. The man had the power to get to her like no one else could.
“I, er, um IÅ‚m going to have a shower." Maybe a quick dowsing with cold water would cool her thoughts down.
“Excellent, IÅ‚ll join you."
Oh God no, I want you gone before I do something really great but dumb.
“ItÅ‚s not a team event."
“It could be, beloved."
“Pendleton," she murmured trying to think of all the reasons it would be bad to have his wet body near her wet body.
“Yes, Arlo?"
“ThereÅ‚s a water shortage in Brisbane, you know. We have to conserve water." Arlo realized she sounded like the writing on the fridge magnet that the City Council had sent out to all households. “ItÅ‚s four minute showers for everyone."
“All the more reason we should shower together." PennÅ‚s hand drifted up to her hair, releasing the band from it so it fell to her shoulders. “Come on you like it when I wash your hair."
Yeah she did. It was that whole scalp massage thing he did. Penn had glorious hands. However it always ended up in them having sex which wasnłt a bad thing, itłs just that it was hard to remain all aloof and pissed off at him when he was giving her an orgasm that made her toes curl so much that the nail polish cracked on them.
“Nono." Triple no with cherries on top.
Penn knew Arlo was completely on edge and ready to fling herself into his arms. Thatłs was one of the many things he liked about her. She would fight desire like a madwoman and give in like a goddess.
“Are you scared you wonÅ‚t be able to control yourself?" He was having a hard time doing that himself. His cock was so tight he was ready to explode just at the thought of being inside her once more.
Arlo stepped back from him and looked at him in annoyance.
“What?"
“Come on, I only have to touch you lightly and you want me." He could see the anger flare in her eyes. This was what he wanted. The Arlo Ripley fighting spirit. His wife also did the most interesting things when pushed into a corner by her own desire.
“And youÅ‚re made of stone when I touch you?" Her hands went to her hips as she looked pointedly down at the bulge in his trousers.
“I have more control."
“You seriously believe that, Pendleton?" Arlo scoffed not believing a word of it.
“ItÅ‚s true." It wasnÅ‚t. Penn only had to look at Arlo and he wanted her.
“Do you want to test that theory?" Arlo sank down to her knees before him. “LetÅ‚s see how much control you have, Pendleton." She unzipped his fly.
“IÅ‚m up to any challenge." He smiled tightly, gritting his teeth, when Arlo reached for his cock as it jumped gratefully from its confinement.
“YouÅ‚re up all right." She stroked the penis in her hand as she leaned in and traced the wing of his tattoo with her tongue. Penn tensed at the action and Arlo looked up at him and smiled knowingly. “I bet you canÅ‚t walk away from me when IÅ‚m finished with you."
“What are the stakes?" This was one bet Penn was more than happy to take on.
“If I win, you tell me whatÅ‚s going on and I mean the whole truth." The pad of her thumb toyed with the tip of his cock as she licked his inked skin.
Penn swallowed hard. At this rate Arlo was a shoo-in to win.
“And If I win?"
“I wonÅ‚t divorce you." She looked up at him with a look of satisfaction. She was a woman who knew what she was doing and she liked the power.
Penn tried to think about the consequences of telling Arlo the truth but it was so damn hard to concentrate when she squeezed his flesh between her hands like that. When Arlo changed direction and licked the head of his shaft, Penn had a moment when he forgot what the conversation was about.
“So, do we have a deal, my darling?" Arlo flicked her tongue against the hard flesh.
“Yes," Penn hissed out. He knew there was going to be no way he could walk away from her. He never had been able to. When Arlo swirled her tongue around the bulbous tip his fingers threaded through her hair and he knew he was lost.
Arlo looked up at him and licked her lips.
“How you doing? Got that demonic control thing happening?" She sucked the head of his penis into her mouth.
Arlo admitted to him ages ago she had never given a man a blowjob before. Naturally Penn was pleased about that. She had, in an excessively short time, become very good at it.
“Under control," he growled as she sucked him further into her throat. Her hands were caressing his balls and any control he had was rapidly disappearing.
Arlo slid his cock from her mouth and began lapping at the flesh from base to tip. She knew Penn was on the edge of coming. The manłs hips bucked when her mouth sucked on his balls. She smiled and looked up at him.
“Okay, now walk away." There was no way Penn was going to do that. He needed a wet, tight place to bury himself in. Arlo was both of those things. She always got turned on when she teased Penn like this. She sat back on her heels and awaited his next move. She was flabbergasted when he turned from her and started walking away. What? She stared at him in amazement. Arlo was incredibly upset. How could he? She knew he was on the point of exploding and yet he would rather walk away from her than stay and finish what they had started. It was a hell of a kick to her ego. Arlo scrambled to her feet.
“Penn?" She didnÅ‚t want to get whiny but she needed him to want her as much as she desired him.
“Yes, beloved?" Penn turned around and walked toward her, his cock glistening and bouncing with every step.
“Ha!" She barked out triumphantly. “I knew IÅ‚d win."
“No, you didnÅ‚t," Penn murmured with a smile as he came to stand before her.
“I knew you couldnÅ‚t walk away from me." Why was he smiling that smug smile of his?
“The bet was I wouldnÅ‚t be able to walk away, not that I wouldnÅ‚t come back when you called me," he pointed out to her. “You know IÅ‚ll always come to you side when you need me."
A frigging technicality.
“YouÅ‚ll play this any way you have to in order to win wonÅ‚t you?" Arlo wanted to be the winner. It was silly and childish but it was her game. She made the rules. She just hadnÅ‚t considered deviations from them.
“Yes." Penn was simple and to the point.
Arlo threw up her hands dismissively. Was she always going to be at a loss with this man?
“Well, bugger off then." She was going to take her bat and ball and go home now that he was not going to play this game fairly.
“I canÅ‚t. I need you." Penn reached out for her.
“I donÅ‚t want you." Arlo ducked his arms and marched into her bedroom, which once was their bedroom but that was just another technicality that could be overlooked if she so chose to.
ęLiar." Penn stalked forward and scooped her into his arms.
Arlo squealed in shock, excitement and sheer thank-God-he-wants-me delight.
“Put me down," she demanded even though being held in his arms was the best place to be.
“Certainly." Penn sat her down on her dressing table. Makeup scattered and perfume bottles fell to the carpet. “I meant on the floor."
“Okay." Penn scooped her up again and laid her on the carpet, quickly following her down so she had no chance of escape.
Arlo slapped away his hands as he ripped her blouse.
“Hey, that cost a lot of money." It didnÅ‚t but she felt obliged to put up some token resistance as the man could not have it all his own way. “You play dirty." Arlo was always amazed at PennÅ‚s nimble fingers when it came to getting her bra off. It was no deterrent to him at all.
“You like it." His mouth descended on one pink tipped breast as he tugged her Lycra walking shorts down.
“Why do you wear stuff like this?" Penn took his mouth from her breast and concentrated on stripping off the stretchy, formfitting fabric from her legs.
“ItÅ‚s for exercise," Arlo said as she helped him in his task.
“Beloved, IÅ‚m happy to have lots of sex with you to burn up as many calories as you like any time you like."
“So noble," she murmured cynically as she kicked her shorts free from her ankles. Penn made quick work of her underwear.
“Much better."
Arlo pulled at his shirt. She needed to feel more than just the heat of his cock against her thigh. She craved his flesh on hers.
Penn obliged her by ripping his shirt off over his head.
“DonÅ‚t think beloved just feel." He settled himself between her legs.
“You only say that because you donÅ‚t want me asking questions you donÅ‚t want to answer." His hands were on her breasts toying with her nipples. Arlo seemed to ache everywhere for his touch.
“Correct," Penn said with a smirk.
“Pig." Arlo slapped his shoulder in mock reproach.
“You want the truth." His eyes locked on hers.
“Yes." Nonot now but definitely later. She needed other stuff much more and the truth compared to an orgasm was sadly lacking at that moment.
“I love you."
Pennłs words were so sincere that Arlo felt the tears prick at her eyes.
“YouÅ‚re so sweet, darling." Okay, so she liked him. A lot. So sue her.
“And youÅ‚re always so wet for me." Penn impaled her in one thrust.
Arlo sighed happily. She liked it when he took her fast and without warning like that.
“What am I going to do with you?" Her fingers traced the outline of his lips.
“Give in and admit you love me," Penn suggested with a knowing smile as he surged within her. “I know you do."
There was something about being close to him like this that made her feel so totally happy. Yes, it was the whole sensation of a nice, hard penis inside her but it was more than that. It was the connection of being with someone who knew you so well. And Penn did. Arlo just wished she could say the same about him.
“I loved the Penn I thought I knew." She closed her eyes at the hot push and pull of the shaft within that was driving her to a slow and delicious frenzy.
“IÅ‚m still that man. Arlo. CanÅ‚t you feel it?"
“Oh yeah, I can feel it." She opened her eyes to see his grin of pleasure. “Okay, so youÅ‚re very good at sex."
“And?"
“I donÅ‚t know." She grasped his shoulders and lifted her legs up around his waist. “For the moment please just shut up and fuck me, darling."
“With pleasure." Penn increased the friction within as his mouth sought hers hungrily.
Arlo sucked his tongue into her mouth and clutched onto her lover as the climax grabbed hold of her. This was no light, teasing moment of making love. This was fierce and desperate as if both of them knew what was at stake when it came to the other.
“Oh Pendleton," Arlo shrieked as her mouth slid from his and the orgasm grabbed at her body. She heard the roar of satisfaction as Penn came stiff within her, his essence shooting through her body and lighting her up from head to toe. “Fuck youÅ‚re good."
“Stick with me baby and itÅ‚s orgasms for life."
Arlo giggled and held Penn close. She wanted him for life desperately.
Chapter Eleven
After a long, hot, mutually exploratory shower which left Arlo guilty about wasting water, but sated, she fell asleep and Penn walked outside to the patio to be alone with his thoughts. He knew he had to tell her what was going on. But he did not want her getting too hopeful at the possibility he could become mortal only to have her hopes dashed. He was worrying enough for both of them and it sucked. Penn wanted Arlo but he did not want to remain a demon and in turn endanger her life.
“Yet how can I live without her?" Penn stretched in frustration. The tension he had released with Arlo was coming back to him in waves. He sighed and looked around him. His heart stood still when he saw who was reclining peacefully a sun lounge. The spellbinder.
“Howdy, Penn Ripley," Titch lifted up his sunglasses and saluted him jauntily.
Penn knew things were never as they seemed. The man dressed casually in neon print board shorts and a Rip Curl t-shirt looked like any other surfer dude lounging around. Yet Penn knew this man was one of the most powerful beings in existence.
“Titch is it?" He knew this wasnÅ‚t his real name but everyone had a reason for the things they did. Let him have it. The most important thing was that this was PennÅ‚s chance to gain his greatest wishto become mortal. There was one problem. Why had a spellbinder had come to him? Normally these mercurial beings had to be tracked down and cornered until they fulfilled a wish. So why had this one made it easy for Penn? He decided to get right to the point and ask. “My understanding is itÅ‚s unusual for a spellbinder to seek out the individual who wants his wish fulfilled."
“Oh yeah, I still do all that stuff about making them work for their desires," confirmed Titch lazily as he crossed his ankles. “But mainly it depends on who it is and how greedy the wish is. The greedier it is then the less chance of getting it. However I will make them jump through hoops before I deny them their desires."
Penn smiled at the perverseness of his words.
“I see, so why come to me?"
“You need help." Titch stated the obvious.
“Yes I do." But what was the catch?
“YouÅ‚re also, if I may so, an idiot, Penn."
“What?" Penn had some idea that spellbinders were supposed to be benevolent souls and not guys like this, lounging around getting a tan and calling people “idiots".
“That little bet you made has the potential to blow the demon underworld apart. Albemarle expects you to fail. Even if you win and he could somehow grant your wish which by the way he canÅ‚t"
“I know that," Penn interrupted getting a little annoyed with the man he knew could help him.
“Either your demise or your departure from Hell will wreak havoc in the human world."
“I am aware of that," Penn ran his hand through his hair in agitation. “But damn it, I need to be with Arlo and I will be with her regardless of the consequences."
“Your wife seems to think otherwise," Titch pointed out as he dropped his sunglasses back over his eyes.
“I hurt Arlo." It still angered Penn that he had been so stupid.
“ThatÅ‚s what demons do. They act on their own desires first."
“Yes." That was a fact and it was something Penn had learned to his cost.
“Do you think youÅ‚re going to win her over with sex?" Titch asked in amusement.
If Penn did not need this spellbinder so badly he would have told him to back off out of his life and to mind his own business. But he needed him. Penn knew that despite the casualness of his form he had the power that could make or break him if he so choose. And yes, maybe making love to Arlo until she could not think straight had been his initial plan but that had been desperate and ill thought out.
“My wife is very smart. She will not fall in line just for sex."
“No, but she loves you despite the fact that you disappointed her." Titch swung his feet to the tiles below and stood up. “Humans have a thing about lies. You and I know lies have their purposes but humans are funny creatures. They believe in honesty and they get hurt easily when they feel they are not getting it. ItÅ‚s really quite quaint."
“You were human once." Penn knew every spellbinder, and he wasnÅ‚t sure how many there were, had been human at some time and something had happened to change them to spellbinders. No one knew but the spellbinder involved.
Titch smiled whimsically.
“That was a very long time ago." He approached Penn, sizing him up as he did. “Besides weÅ‚re talking about you and Arlo. Not me."
“I have hurt her badly."
Titch liked this demon. Most were as dumb as a box of rocks and so full of greed they were incapable of thinking beyond it. This one had potential. Penn showed that when he fell in love. Demons rarely did that as there was nothing in love for them.
“Arlo has already healed. SheÅ‚s just making you pay now through sheer stubbornness. I admire that." Why give in easily when she could make her man work for it?
“So youÅ‚ve been sent to help out the demon?" Penn looked at him assessingly as if he was trying to work out if there was some hidden catch. “ArenÅ‚t you worried that I will capture you?"
If it was any other demon then Titch knew the answer would have been yes. This one had needs greater than just greed.
“I know you have the power to try to take me."
“But youÅ‚re not worried?"
“No, not particularly because you need me." That was a fact and they both knew it. Piss off a spellbinder and you got nothing but trouble for your efforts. “On the whole youÅ‚re not a bad demon."
“Gee thanks," Penn murmured in amusement.
“You believe in love and you want whatÅ‚s best for this world above. I know you have guilt pangs about the possible consequences of a revolt in Hell if there is no viable leader to handle the rabble when youÅ‚ve gone." He saw the surprise in the demonÅ‚s eyes. “I know stuff." More stuff than he cared to know at times but that was another story and it wasnÅ‚t one he wanted to share.
“Then youÅ‚ll know that I want to be with my wife as a normal, mortal man."
“Yes, I understand but as you know everything has a price."
Penn sighed tiredly. He was a man who would pay whatever price he had to.
“Of course. What is the price you require to be paid, spellbinder?"
“I need you to go back to Hell and destroy the portal gate." Titch knew the peril of what he was asking. How much did this man want his mortality?
“YouÅ‚re kidding," Penn replied in a voice that was a mixture of incredulity and tension.
“Nope." If the portal gate to Hell was destroyed, then, when Hell did indeed try to break loose, no demon would be able to reach Earth. Satan had his ways and means of getting out but he would make no effort to help anyone but himself. Satan by himself they could deal with. That creature could be swayed by shiny toys. The best Titch was aiming for was that the bulk of the rabble could never escape HellÅ‚s borders.
“Do you know what it would take to destroy the portal gate?" Penn looked at him questioningly.
“Yes." It took a strong man with courage to go below and blow the circuit that would fuse the gate shut forever.
Penn stood and contemplated him and what he was asking. This was no simple undertaking.
“Do you know I could get trapped on the wrong side of Hell if the destruction of the portal gate goes wrong?" His face was a tight mask of distaste at the thought.
“Yes." It was a huge price he was asking this demon to pay. Was he up to the challenge of all that true love required of him? Titch wanted to test his mettle. Humans made sacrifices for those things they wanted. Would Penn?
“YouÅ‚re going to make me work for this arenÅ‚t you?" He shook his head in cynical amusement. “Why should I?"
“Because I will grant you your dearest wishmortality. The right to die of cancer or a heart attack or in a car accident."
“You make it sound so cheerful."
“I know, itÅ‚s a gift of mine," Titch answered with a smile. He quite liked this demon. He would make an excellent human being. “Be aware human life is no picnic."
“I am aware," Pen responded with a nod of confirmation. “Why canÅ‚t you do just go into Hell and destroy the portal gate?"
“You know IÅ‚d be ripped to shreds if I went down there." Titch knew that would be like sending a hen into a wolves den. His powers greatly exceeded those in Hell but he knew demons en masse were a tricky bunch. Besides this was a test for Penn Ripley, not him. Titch was well aware he faced his own battle very soon. “If you succeed we all succeed."
Penn paced back and forth as he thought of what was being asked of him.
“ItÅ‚s a high price to pay."
“The most important things are usually the most expensive."
“I have to think about it, spellbinder," Penn told him.
Titch rolled his eyes. Like they had the luxury of time.
“No. You either want your wife or not. Decide now." Titch did not have time to have a pissing contest with Penn over this. It was his way or not at all.
“Or what?" Penn stopped pacing and looked at him, his hands clenched in fists.
“Or I will take matters into my own hands." Titch had hoped this demon would have seen sense straightaway. Yes, it was a tricky thing he required of him but if he didnÅ‚t think he could do it he wouldnÅ‚t have set the challenge.
“I will not be ordered around by a spellbinder." PennÅ‚s voice was adamant in that fact.
“You will if you really want Arlo."
Penn shook his head dismissively.
“No, I will do this my way."
Titch sighed. He had hoped it would not come to this but it had and he needed to act accordingly as time was of the essence.
“Too bad, Penn Ripley." Titch waved his hand once and Penn was instantly frozen to the spot. He would stay like that until Titch released him. Freezing demons was always a tricky maneuver. You had to act fast before they realized what was happening. Thankfully Penn was not thinking straight. “Back in a moment." Titch knew he had to hurry this along. Penn wanted to play the Lone Ranger on this and Titch could not allow this to happen. There was no time to waste. It had to be done his way for it to work out as it should. “Demons and their egos," he muttered as he headed inside the house. “Off to see your missus to see if she can talk some sense into you."
* * * * *
Arlołs hand stretched out and touched the warm body lying beside her. She smiled happily.
“Penn, darling," she murmured as she reached for him.
“Hello, sweetheart," Titch responded in amusement.
“Holy crap!" Arlo jumped up in fright, her eyes wide open as she saw Titch lying beside her. Realizing she was naked, she grabbed the sheet to her breasts and looked at him warily. “What the hell are you doing here?"
“Speaking of Hell"
“WhereÅ‚s Penn?"
“I have him cooling his jets for a while." Titch suddenly tilted his head and swore. “Bloody interfering demons." He waved his hand and set Penn free of the spell he had placed over him. “At least he has something to do now that will keep him out of my hair while I chat to you."
“What are you talking about?" Why did he need something to do? Why was a board-shorts-wearing angel in her bed? Why was she always naked at definitive moments in her life?"
“He and Albemarle are having a sword fight on the patio." His voice was bored-sounding, as if he found the whole thing tedious.
“What?" Arlo tried to scramble out of bed but Titch held onto her leg.
“Calm down. Demons are always fighting each other. ItÅ‚s what demons do for kicks."
Kicks? Was this angel out of his freaking mind? That was her husband out there.
“HeÅ‚ll get hurt."
“Nah, heÅ‚s got the immortal thing going on and Albemarle is not about to kill him just yet."
Well, that made her feel so much betternot. But Arlo knew whatever was going on outside she could do nothing about. Penn could handle himself. She had already seen him in action. He did not need to worry about her standing and wringing her hands on the sidelines. However, she was made aware by the look in the angelłs eyes he knew something.
“Okay, spill it, angel. What do you want?"
* * * * *
“Fucking spellbinder," Penn cursed. One minute he had been telling Titch no and the next he had been as stiff as a board only to be jerked back to life, seeing Albemarle charging at him with a sword in his hand. Penn quickly summoned one of his own. He easily deflected the blow that clanged against his blade.
“Worried about the bet, Albemarle? Scared IÅ‚m making headway with my wife?" He smiled tightly as the demon struck out at him furiously. Albemarle had always been hot tempered. His aggression would be the ruin of him. “Are you trying to make me kill me now so you donÅ‚t look like the loser you are?"
“You wonÅ‚t win, Ripley," he snarled as he slashed the blade close to his stomach.
“My wife loves me." Penn parried the thrust of the sword. He knew as angry as Albemarle was, if the demon really wanted to kill Penn he needed to aim at beheading him. All AlbelmarleÅ‚s blows thus far were aimed at his trunk. There was some reason the hell spawn wanted to keep him alive.
“Your wife loves sex. Any man with a hard-on would make her happy."
Penn lashed out angrily at his words slicing at Albemarlełs arm and leaving a gaping wound that spurted blood furiously then healed almost instantly. They fought on, hacking and slashing at each other.
“How little you know of women." Penn told himself to keep calm, that Albemarle wanted him to lose control as he would enjoy that power over him. “I have often wondered why you spent so much time with the male demons in Hell. Now I think I know why." Penn smiled grimly at the anger he saw in AlbemarleÅ‚s eyes. Physical blows were one thing, mental were another. Penn stepped back and let his sword drop tip down. “If you want to kill me, kill me." He knew he was taking a huge risk but he suspected that whatever Albemarle wanted was something only Penn could supply him.
“Fight you coward!" The demon howled at Penn.
“So tell me, brother demon, what is it you want from me?"
“I want you dead."
Penn let the sword crash to the ground with a clang.
“Do it. Kill me but youÅ‚ll never know the whereabouts of the spellbinder."
Chapter Twelve
“IÅ‚m not an angel."
Arlo arched her eyebrows at the surfer dude before her.
“Seriously? I would never have guessed that," she responded with a cynical eye roll. Okay, this had thrown her for a loop but there was no way she was going to let thiswhatever he wasknow that. Arlo knew she needed to be cool and in control if she was ever going to work out what this was all about.
“What gave it away?" Titch asked in wry amusement, as he crossed his legs and reclined on the bed beside her, completely at ease.
Arlo held the sheet firmly to her body and looked at the long muscular legs left uncovered by the brightly colored shorts and the sun glasses perched on the top of his head.
“That whole non-angel look that you have going on." Arlo did not doubt that angels existed and that they moved unnoticed through the community but this was a man you would notice anywhere.
“Yeah, most angels I know are fairly boring with all that goodness stuff." He grinned at her.
Titch was annoying and incorrigible but he was also very charming. She also felt strangely at ease with him.
“So what are you?"
“IÅ‚m a spellbinder," Titch replied simply as he waited for her reaction.
“And IÅ‚m supposed to know what that means?" Arlo looked at him blankly. She would hazard a guess that he had to be something fairly powerful if he was mixed up with demons.
“Actually most people are incredibly impressed when I announce that I am a spellbinder."
“Oh yeah?"
“Yeah," Titch nodded in confirmation. “And some even tremble with fear. YouÅ‚re somewhat of a disappointment, Mrs. Ripley."
“Since marrying a demon it takes a lot to shock me."
“Well, there is that," he agreed as he looked at her with interest as if gauging her true reactions. “A spellbinder, my dear, is one of the most powerful beings there is. We can change history if we choose, stop or start wars with the blink of an eye, heal the sick, raise the dead, stop time, travel to distant galaxies, create new leaders and do all sorts of cool stuff like that."
“Å‚Sounds exhausting. Can you read minds?" Arlo asked, refusing to allow herself to be impressed. That was the only power she had over him in this situation.
“No." Titch shook his head, his eyes full of amusement at her blasé words.
“ThatÅ‚s a bit disappointing." Here she was, Arlo Ripley, an average woman from the suburbs sitting naked and chatting to a supernatural being about what powers he had. Maybe she wasnÅ‚t so average after all.
“YouÅ‚re not very good at awe," his voice was full of mock reproach. “Why I am telling you this is that I am here to change your destiny, Arlo Ripley."
“YouÅ‚re not going to try to hook me into some pyramid scheme are you?" Despite her flippant words, her heart started beating wildly and a cold shiver ran down her back at the intense look he gave her. Okay, maybe she was a little in awe of him.
“IÅ‚m here to help you."
“No thanks. I like to be in control of my own life."
Titch chuckled at her words.
“Well, youÅ‚re doing a bang-up job so far. Your life is pretty messy at the moment."
“ThatÅ‚s because weird-assed beings like yourself keep turning up and making it messy." She pointed out in her own defense. Her life was pretty normal before she started having sex with a demon.
“DonÅ‚t you want to know all about Penn?"
Well, duh.
“What about him?" Arlo looked at him casually. What did he know and more importantly what did he want to tell her?
“Are you interested to know why heÅ‚s suddenly back after six months?"
Yes, she was but she was scared she was not going to like the answer just by the way Titch phrased it. Arlo wanted to believe Penn when he said he loved her but she knew there had to be more to it.
“I suspect youÅ‚re going to tell me whether I want to know or not."
“To gain his freedom, Penn bet that he could get you back." Titch hesitated and watched her reaction. “The other demons were happy to bet him as they believe it is an impossible task."
A bet! That bastard bet on her? The anger surged up in her. He had romanced her to win a wager? Did she mean anything to him at all?
“When I see him"
“ThereÅ‚s more to it, Arlo," Titch told her.
“I donÅ‚t want to hear." She jerked the sheet up from where it was tucked into the bottom of the bed and wrapped it around her. Having a sword fight with another demon was nothing compared with what she planned to do to her husband.
Titch grabbed hold of her leg before she could leave from the bed.
“Listen to me. Penn wants his freedom to be with you. He wants to lead a normal life. He loves you."
“You donÅ‚t bet over someone you love," she scoffed angrily. Arlo was incredibly confused and hurt and she did not know what to think. Freedom? How did he gain that? Why should he bet on her to attain it? Why did she care so much anyway? Because you love him, you idiot.
“YouÅ‚d do anything you have to if your happiness depends on it. Now stop being so selfish and help your man."
“Oh piss off," Arlo snapped at him. Titch leaned over, grabbed her shoulders and shook her hard. She felt her teeth rattle. “Geez, for someone who is supposed to be helping me youÅ‚re quite brutal."
Titch sighed with impatience.
“Listen to me, you stubborn fool. Go ahead, pull a face, get angry, and stamp your feet but stop being such a selfish bitch and help Penn."
Arlo opened and closed her mouth in sudden shock at his words.
“IÅ‚m not selfish." Am I? Under the circumstances she believed she was handling this whole thing pretty well and she defied anyone to do any better without having a screaming hissy fit.
“Prove it then."
Arlo looked at him in frustration. What? Was she the only one who had to have her life turned upside down?
“How?"
“Listen to what Penn has to tell you." Titch let go of her.
“You know what it is?" He had to, in order to drop this bombshell on her.
“Yes," Titch responded simply.
“So tell me." Even as she asked, Arlo knew the all-powerful spellbinder was going to be a pain in the ass and not tell her.
“Penn has to tell you." Titch looked at her assessingly. “He has a decision to make and it will be easier for him if you stand by his side and support him."
Arlo pushed herself off the bed, swaddling herself in a pale blue cotton bed sheet as she did.
“Fine, IÅ‚ll listen, IÅ‚ll support and then IÅ‚ll kill him for putting me through this."
Titch was about to speak but he stopped.
“That was a short fight," he muttered to himself.
“What?" Arlo looked at him wondering what he was talking about but before she could ask he disappeared. Trying to pin a supernatural being down to get the truth out of them was like trying to wrestle a slippery pig in mud.
Penn raced into the bedroom and went straight to Arlo.
“Are you okay?" He had just finished a pointless sword fight with Albemarle. The demon had vanished the minute Penn mentioned that he knew about his need to know the whereabouts of a spellbinder. Time was of the essence now if Albemarle suspected Penn had access to a spellbinder. As much as it pained him, Titch was right. He had to act now to avoid chaos later.
“You bastard," Arlo spat out as she rushed at him, pushing him with one hand as she clutched the sheet to her body with the other.
Penn sighed. Great. Clearly Titch had told Arlo everything thereby putting him in a situation where he had to tell her. The angry look his wife gave him indicated she was less then pleased.
“Arlo, I can explain." Penn took another blow from her. As punches went it was puny but if it made her feel better, then he understood. She had been through a great deal and she was entitled to strike out at him.
“IÅ‚ll bet. Get it? Bet?" She pushed at him again. “Is that all I am to you? A pawn in a wager?"
He heard her voice crack painfully as if she was on the verge of tears.
“There is more to this than you know, beloved."
She rolled her eyes at his soft tone.
“Tell me, husband of mine, why did it take six months for you to come back to me?"
It was good that this was finally coming out in the open. Penn was tired of dealing with secrets.
“Because knowing you I believe you needed time and space away from me." He had wounded her badly. Penn had not wanted to rush her knowing it would only make it worse between them. “I checked on you all the time but you were still so angry that I started to believe I should leave you alone because of who I am." He shrugged his shoulders tiredly. Penn wanted to be with Arlo more than anything but not at the expense of hurting her any further. “I thought that maybe youÅ‚d be better off without me."
Arlo shoved at him again but time it was lighter.
“I loved you, you big lummox.
Penn smiled. He felt ridiculously happy at her words.
“Loved or still love me?"
“ItÅ‚s a moot point."
“Is it, beloved?" He knew, as well as she did that love like theirs could maybe get dented and scuffed but it did not break.
“I donÅ‚t frigging know anymore." Arlo stumbled on the excessive sheet material at her feet as she moved away from Penn. She ignored his hand as he tried to steady her. She had to think and be rational and his touching her at that moment would guarantee none of that would happen. “IÅ‚m married to a demon. I find out from a guy called a spellbinder, who really looks like a beach bum, that my husband made a bet that he can get back into my life with a bunch of his demon mates."
“YouÅ‚ve got to admit your life is not dull." Penn smiled at her whimsically.
Arlo turned back to look at him.
“What is this thing he mentioned about your freedom?" That was something that could not be dismissed.
“Titch shouldnÅ‚t have told you."
“IÅ‚m glad he did because you were obviously going to carry on with the strong, silent routine." Men and their need to keep everything to themselves sucked.
Penn ran a tired hand over his face.
“I didnÅ‚t want to involve you in this, Arlo."
“You know you are so gorgeous and yet so dumb sometimes, Penn." She tripped again on the sheet but righted herself. “I am married to you. I am involved. Please tell me before I go insane."
“Okay IÅ‚ll tell you," he sat down tiredly on the bed as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders.
“About bloody time." Arlo stumbled toward him. This time she accepted the hand he held out.
“Sit down before you fall down, woman." Penn pulled her sideways onto his lap.
“So you werenÅ‚t just having sex with me to win?" Because she could handle everything else but that thought.
“What do you think?" Penn touched her nose playfully.
“IÅ‚m not sure." She wanted a yes or no type answer. Instead, before she knew it, Penn flipped her over and started spanking her sheet-covered butt.
“I think you say stuff like this to make me do this, beloved."
Okay, yeah she did.
“As if, darling." There was something about the slight sting of his hand on her ass that made her whole body sizzle with heat.
Penn spanked her one last time and then pulled up back up again so she was sitting on his lap. He smiled as she gasped and felt his erection.
“Later." He winked at her. “I have some things to have to tell you first."
Knowledge now, sex later. This was all good and doable.
“Okay, IÅ‚ll all ears."
“And so much more," Penn murmured as he caressed her breast.
“Hey, stick to the plan." She pulled his hand from her breast because if she left it there any longer she would forget what the plan was herself.
Penn acquiesced to her demand.
“Titch as you know is a spellbinder. These beings are incredibly hard to find, yet he came to me."
“Okay," Arlo murmured thoughtfully. “So whatÅ‚s his reason for approaching youwell, us?" So-called elusive beings did not do things without a reason surely?
“I love how we think alike." Penn kissed her lips softly.
Yum. Arlo licked her lips but pushed him away. One of them had to concentrate or she would be flat on her back and begging for more and enjoying every second of it. Hmm, so whatłs wrong with that? She mentally slapped herself.
“Get on with the story."
“In order for Titch to grant me mortality I have to go back down to Hell and blow the circuit of the portal gate so it fuses and no demon can ever leave there again."
“Uh-huh." That sounded so simplenot. “Okay, so how do you leave if the gate is closed?" What cunning plan did Penn have in mind?
“Excellent question, beloved."
No cunning plan then.
“Well, you canÅ‚t do it." Arlo was calling on a higher power than a spellbinder. It was the power of woman, wife and lover. She would be putting her size eight foot down over this.
“I have to do it if I want to be free of this burden of immortality." His voice sounded weary just saying the words.
“I wonÅ‚t let you."
Penn threw back his head and laughed in genuine amusement.
“And how exactly are you going to prevent me from doing it?"
“I"Arlo stopped. She didnÅ‚t have a clue. “He is such a prick to put you in this situation."
“He could have made it worse for me." PennÅ‚s hand ran gently back and forward on her thigh. “I may never have been able to find a spellbinder."
“Oh, when I see him next." ArloÅ‚s fists clenched with thoughts of revenge.
“What will you do to the powerful, highly evolved being, Mrs. Ripley?"
“It will be painful for him whatever it is, Mr. Ripley." She looked into his eyes. Arlo saw so much there. Love, longing and a decision. “What are you going to do?" She already knew the answer. She could see it in those green depths.
“I want to be with your forever, beloved. There is no other alternative."
“Penn" Her words were stilled as he put his finger to her lips.
“No, we both know I have to try."
Arlo did. She just did not like the idea of it.
“You do know I love you, donÅ‚t you?" She wound her arms around his neck.
“Yes, but itÅ‚s always good to hear it." Penn kissed her lingeringly. Arlo squirmed on his lap, his erection rubbing enticingly into her flesh through the sheet. His lips left hers. “You keep doing that and IÅ‚ll have a problem very soon."
“How soon?" Just the thought of the hot cock inside her made her wet. Arlo pulled out of his embrace and stood up. She yanked the sheet off and flung it into the corner. “Is now a good time, darling?"
Pennłs eyes roamed her body hungrily.
“Any time now works for me, beloved." He held out his hands to her.
Arlo needed no more urging. She sat down on his lap, facing Penn. When his hands moved up to her breasts she sighed with satisfaction.
Pennłs hands cupped her ass and urged her forward.
“Come closer."
“Said the spider to the fly." Arlo wriggled in closer. “How close do you want me to be?" She reached down and unzipped his fly. His cock bounced out in gratitude. “Looks like you have a problem." She caressed his shaft, smiling at the groan of pleasure that escaped his lips.
“Can you solve it?"
“Oh yeah." Arlo raised herself onto her knees so her vagina was poised over the head of the cock she held in her hand. As she slid down the length of it, her eyes closed as she savored every hot inch. “Problem solved."
“How I love you," Penn whispered against her mouth.
“Because of sex?" She teased knowing what reaction he would have. She giggled as his hand spanked her butt twice.
“Arlo." He shook his head in wry exasperation.
“Yes, Pendleton?"
“Move." His hand went down to her hips and urged her on.
“Yes, sir." She saluted him obediently then started to undulate slowly on top of him. “Like this?"
“Anyway you like," he growled, his voice thick with desire.
“Suck me then." Arlo pulled his head to her breasts and squealed with delight as his mouth sucked down hard. The insistent tug of his lips on her nipple corresponded with the rhythm of her moving up and down. The stretching fullness inside her and the suction of his mouth was intoxicating. She rubbed her clit against his pelvis on every stroke she made.
“If you keep doing that IÅ‚m not going to last much longer."
“So donÅ‚t wait." Arlo was at the point of no return anyway. She clutched at him as the climatic feeling overwhelmed her. She looked into his eyes. There was nothing Arlo liked better than seeing the passion in PennÅ‚s eyes as he came within her. The heat of his seed shot into her body and she cried out loud and held him close to her as she rocked frantically, enjoying every second. The thought that she might never see him again made her sad.
“Hey." Penn tenderly wiped the tear from her cheek.
“Be careful."
“I will," he promised as he lifted her palm to his mouth and kissed it. “I have you to come back to."
Titch smiled. He was not by nature voyeuristic. He just wanted to make sure the plans he set in motion stayed in motion. Penn Ripley would go down to Hell and destroy the portal gate despite the danger of never seeing his wife again.
“Ah, true love," Titch mused to himself as he let the lovers be. “Great deeds deserve great rewards." He would make sure Arlo RipleyÅ‚s husband came back to her and this time stayed forever to be with her.
Someone else watched the lovers but not in pleasure. Albemarle was wild with fury at the thought that Penn believed he could succeed in destroying the portal gate. There was no way he could allow that to happen. It did not suit his plans to have his demon followers trapped in the underworld and not able to create the usual mayhem they so enjoyed causing on Earth just so Penn Ripley could shed his immortality and be with his mealymouthed wife. Albemarle smiled as he thought about the woman. No doubt the emotional Ripley considered her his greatest strength, therefore she was also his weakness. Like the vengeful demon he was he would exploit that to suit himself.
Chapter Thirteen
The parting with Penn had been unbearable. Arlo never imagined herself as a clingy person but she wanted to hold on to him desperately. It was fear of course that made her that way. Fear that she would never see him again.
“Let me get dressed and IÅ‚ll come with you." How bad could Hell be? Besides there were different types of hell. Being without him was one of them. Arlo had already lived six months without him and it had been horrible. To lose him now would devastate her.
Penn kissed her passionately as if trying to hold onto the memory of the kiss.
You canłt come with me. You have to stay and await my return."
Like a solider coming back from war. How did people cope waiting for their safe deliverance?
“But what if" Arlo did not even want to finish the sentence as it was too horrible to contemplate.
“I will come back to you." Penn gave her one last kiss and then disappeared before it became any harder to leave.
Arlo blew out a long breath.
“Hello Mrs. Ripley," Albemarle appeared suddenly before her.
It took everything Arlo had not to scream in shock. She clutched the sheet to her body.
“What do you fucking want?" She did not need to be a genius to know he knew Penn was not around and he was using this absence somehow to his own advantage.
“ThatÅ‚s not a nice way to talk to one of your husbandÅ‚s friends."
ęWhy donłt you go to Hell," she responded politely.
“Å‚Always so amusing, Arlo." He glared down into her eyes. “WhereÅ‚s your husband?"
“Gee, I donÅ‚t know. Ouch!" She cried out as he reached over and gripped her arm tightly. “Twisting my limbs will not get you an answer, demon spawn."
“YouÅ‚re right," he lessened his hold on her but did not release her completely. “Besides I know where Penn Ripley is."
“Really? So why ask me?" What did this creep want and why was he playing games with her?
“Your husband has gone back to Hell."
Arlo tried to show no reaction whatsoever to those words. What did Albemarle know?
“ThereÅ‚s no place like home," she responded facetiously.
“I know what he plans to do. He will not succeed in destroying the gate."
“Says you." It chilled Arlo that he knew of the plan to destroy the portal gate and there was no way to warn Penn. Where was that bloody annoying spellbinder when she needed him?
“Ever been to Hell, my dear?" Albemarle asked a sneering smile on his lips as his eyes roamed her sheet-clad body.
“Does sale day in a ladies shoe store count?" Oh crap, I am in deep trouble.
He laughed harshly.
“They will love you down below."
“Thanks all the same but IÅ‚ll say up here." Arlo wished she could think up some quick, amazing plan to save herself and warn Penn as well, but nothing came to her.
“I think not."
Before she knew what was happening Arlo felt her body being sucked into a vacuum-like vortex.
“What the" she gasped as she landed in an undignified heap on a hard, stone floor. Arlo pulled the loosened sheet against her and opened her eyes. A dozen dark evil-looking eyes stared back at her. Uh-oh. This was not good when you were practically naked and at the mercy of your creepy hosts. She looked up to see the sneering smile on AlbemarleÅ‚s face.
“Welcome to Hell."
Arlo stumbled to her feet and looked around her. To be honest, it was not what she expected. The whole fire and brimstone thing seemed to be just hype. Sure there was stone but it was more like ugly carved gray rock. As for fire, it was actually quite cold. She turned around and saw the demon populace. Arlo shivered as they stared back at her smugly. If I get out of this alive I will be astonished. She searched the faces for Penn but he was not there. That was probably just as well. If they were all concentrating on her then that meant he had a clear shot at destroying the portal gate. If he did that and got freeoh crap, IÅ‚ll be stuck here for eternity with the Night of the Living Dead cast. By the leering looks on their faces she expected eternity would not be long for her.
“Okay, so IÅ‚m here. What half-assed plan did you have?" She glared at Albemarle. There was every likelihood that this was not going to end well but she had no intention of going out as a victim. Albemarle ran his hand over her face and down to her breasts. Arlo slapped it away. He in turned slapped her. She staggered under the blow.
“I admire your ballsy attitude. I like women with spirit."
“Fuck off," she responded succinctly. The demons laughed at her words. She rolled her eyes and secured the sheet a little tighter around herself. She was surrounded by schoolyard bullies but she was determined not to show fear. Thankfully the sheet covered her knocking knees.
“Come, my dear," Albemarle grasped her arm tightly. “LetÅ‚s go see what your husband is up to."
Before she could comment, Arlo found herself hurtling furiously once more through space before she landed with a crash. There had to be an easier way to travel surely?
“Arlo!" PennÅ‚s voice was filled with shock.
She dragged herself up and looked at the man she loved. He stood before a large doorway that resembled what she imagined a castlełs portcullis would look like, if she remembered her Hollywood movies of Camelot correctly. The heavy sliding grill was made of what looked like iron and it was raised high enough for the tallest man to pass through. None of this made sense to her. If she had been propelled down here by Albemarle would destroying the gate make any difference?
“The gate has to remain open at all times for any travel between worlds. Once it falls it never goes back up and all travel ceases," Penn said as if reading her thoughts.
“IÅ‚m sorry, Penn." This was her fault that he was now vulnerable. Arlo tried to go to him but she was pulled back.
“No, I dragged you into this." Penn looked at Albemarle with loathing. “Let her go. She has nothing to do with this."
“Au contraire," Albemarle waved his hand and a sword appeared. “She is my pawn. You have the following options. You can close the gates and weÅ‚ll kill you. Once youÅ‚re gone weÅ‚ll then use your woman for entertainment. WeÅ‚ll take her in turns in showing her what a real demon can do." He laughed sinisterly, his sycophantic demons echoing his mirth. “Leave the gate openand well, the same applies. It works out quite nicely for me either way."
“Kill either of us and youÅ‚ll never know the whereabouts of the spellbinder." Penn produced his own sword. No demon rushed him as they were well aware of his expertise with the blade.
“Actually IÅ‚m no longer interested in that particular being. Your demise alone will satisfy me."
Arlo watched the two demons. She had no idea what to say or do and she kept thinking that if she wasnłt here this would all go so differently because Penn would not be worried about her and he would act as he needed to. Of course there was only one course of action open to them. It was not one Arlo wanted but sometimes things just did not work out the way you needed them to.
“You have to close the gate, Penn." Even as she said it she was well aware she had sealed her own fate.
Penn looked at her with alarm.
“No, youÅ‚ll be trapped." He was grim faced as he said it. “ItÅ‚s different for me."
Arlo shook her head. He was not like the rest of this disgusting bunch.
“You donÅ‚t belong here any more than I do." That was a fact.
“Arlo, I canÅ‚t." His eyes were soft and sad on hers as if he knew his options were limited.
Penn Ripley was a good man and she loved him. She could not allow him to worry about her. This was her choice.
“Yeah you can, Penn. The world has to be saved from these assholes." She never imagined she would either get to say something like that or ever have the guts to do what she was asking him to do now. Arlo had never considered herself brave.
“Beloved"
“When you close it, kill me." She saw the horror in his eyes at what she asked of him.
“I cannot." Penn shook his head as if it was impossible to contemplate any such action.
“You must." He could probably survive better without worrying about her and she sure didnÅ‚t want to live if he was dead.
“This is so touching." AlbemarleÅ‚s voice was mocking.
Arlo turned and glared at him. His large hand pinched at her arm. Even though he was bigger than she was Arlo still took a swing at him.
“Blow it out your ear," she snapped out as the blow connected with his nose. Yes! “IÅ‚ve had more than enough of you."
“Bitch!" Albemarle roared as he shoved her to the ground.
“Do it, Penn."
“IÅ‚m sorry, Arlo." He kept the sword in one hand and opened his other to reveal a glowing green fireball.
“I love you. I never stopped," Arlo told him, her heart in her eyes.
“Beloved, forgive me." The fireball grew in swirling intensity. Two demons rushed Penn but he beheaded them in two quick strikes of the blade.
“ThereÅ‚s nothing to forgive."
“I love you, Arlo." Penn threw the fireball at the gate and it shook hideously before it crashed down with a stone shattering almighty thud. The Gate was closed. Demons howled with anger. Arlo scrambled to her feet as rocks crash down around them. The closing of the gate seemed to set off some sort of chain reaction as walls shook and the ground between them heaved. Arlo ran to Penn as thunderous sounds erupted all around them. Penn held her close to his body with one arm as his other held the sword poised ready to strike any who approached.
“Well done," a familiar voice called out through the chaos around them.
Arlo and Penn looked at each other in astonishment.
“What?" Arlo looked around her. Demons were scattering or falling under the rocks that pelted down. “Did you hear that? It sounded like"
“Titch." As Penn said his name they were both caught and held in a prism of white, pure light.
Albemarle saw what was happening and howled in anger.
“No, you cannot leave! I will have my revenge."
Arlo gasped as a large chunk of rock rained down on Albemarlełs head, crushing him into the ground.
“Yay, youÅ‚ve got to love revenge." She looked at Penn.
“Get us out of here now, spellbinder," he roared. The white light enfolded them in its embrace and beamed them out of Hell.
Arlo stumbled and almost fell but for Pennłs steadying arm around her waist as they landed in her living room. She saw Titch before them dressed as casually as ever in blue jeans and a black t-shirt.
“I always planned to save you," he explained, smiling at them. “I just wanted to see what you were made of and what you would do for true love."
Penn threw down his sword and charged at him with his bare fists.
“You bastard!" he spat out. “All this for mortality? You could have killed Arlo."
“Nah, that was never going to happen." Titch halted Penn in his tracks with the wave of his hand. “As for your mortality, you had that when you went down to Hell."
A stunned look of amazement covered Pennłs face.
“You sent me back down there when I could have died?" His voice was incredulous as he tried to free himself of the restriction that kept him pinned to the spot.
“But you didnÅ‚t," Titch pointed out. “ItÅ‚s exciting to cheat death isnÅ‚t it?" He grinned at Arlo who stood gobsmacked as she looked on in wonder. “In this case Penn was mightier than the sword."
* * * * *
It took a little under hour for Penn to calm down enough to promise he would not try to kill the spellbinder. During that time, Arlo talked to Titch. Yeah, she had been pissed off with his cavalier attitude but they were alive and that was all that mattered.
“So what happens now oh magnificent spellbinder?" she asked flippantly as she assessed him. What happened to him after this? Why should she even care? He had after all endangered them. But he had also saved them and granted PennÅ‚s wish. “Do you ride off into the sunset and do good somewhere else?"
“YouÅ‚re cute," Titch responded with a grin. “And yes there is something, or more to the point someone, I have to sort out." His face suddenly turned thoughtful and grim as if it was not going to be as easy task.
“A woman?"
“Why do you say that?" Titch was surprised by her words.
“Just the look in your eyes." Arlo had seen that same look in PennÅ‚s eyes when he was uncertain of what to do with her.
“I always said women were smart."
“And I always knew it." She turned and looked at Penn. He had calmed down. “Time to release my husband."
“Yes, in a moment. I want to be well clear of him when I do." Titch reached over and clasped one of ArloÅ‚s hands in his. “I see a great future for you two."
“Like we win the lotto and travel the world?" she joked.
“I canÅ‚t tell you that but I do know you will be happyyouÅ‚ll still argue but youÅ‚ll be happy."
Arlo raised herself on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
“I know youÅ‚re all-powerful and all-knowing but look after yourself."
Titchłs gaze softened on her.
“YouÅ‚re an incredible woman Arlo Ripley." He dropped her hand and waved his other one at Penn. “So long, be happy." Titch disappeared.
Arlo smiled and shook her head. If someone had told her six months ago that she would have kind thoughts about a supernatural being she would have told them they were mad. She turned to Penn. They were together and safe. There was nothing that could harm them now.
“Welcome home, darling." She walked into his outstretched arms.
Chapter Fourteen
“Titch used to be mortal," Penn told Arlo who was sitting curled up on his lap on the sofa. “All spellbinders were at one time."
“What happened to change them into spellbinders?" Strangely enough Arlo could quite believe the ever-casual Titch had once been a very normal man. What was his story? She knew there had to be one.
Penn stroked her thigh as he held her close against his body.
“No one is really sure. Some say they were good, decent mortals who worked hard but were cut down in the prime of their life. Because of this they were rewarded for the good deeds they had done. Others say that were hardened criminals who were murdered and made immortal so they could only do good deeds as a penance."
“IÅ‚m sure Titch was the former. He doesnÅ‚t strike me to be the criminal type."
“Everyone has sides to them that others do not see, beloved."
Arlo smiled at the man she loved. She wondered again how shełd ever lived those lonely six months without him.
“Yes they do, yet you saw mine." He was the only one who had ever seen past the confident façade and into the less than self-assured person she really was. That Arlo could be herself, flaws and all, around Penn meant everything to her.
“You hid yourself very well." Penn kissed her lips lightly.
Yeah, she had.
“Tell me why did you walk into the bookstore when you did?" Was it chance or synchronicity? Were some people destined to meet?
“I had this crazy feeling that I had to go inalmost like an unseen hand was pushing me."
“Do you think it was Titch?"
“Maybe, maybe not," Penn responded thoughtfully. “It just could have just been the universe directing me to the only person I could ever love. When I saw you I just knew."
Arlo touched his stubble-covered face and grinned.
“You are so sweet. When I saw you I had the hots for you straightaway and it had nothing to do with the universe."
“I knew you wanted me. You were desperate for a man," Penn teased, taking the light slap she gave him with a smile.
Arlo slipped off his lap and walked over to her bookcase and removed her copy of Isherwoodłs Guide to Demonology and the Occult. She had spent many hours looking at this book and wondering about Penn.
“You bought it?" Penn was delighted.
“I wanted to know what you were looking at."
Penn sat up straight and reached for the book Arlo handed him.
“It amused me." he flicked through the pages. “Some is fact and some is fiction."
“I noticed there is something on spellbinders in there." Arlo moved to him and showed him where in the book.
He chuckled as he skimmed the text.
“It makes them sound like magicians."
“Maybe they are," Arlo mused. “Titch was quite the showman in his own casual way." She watched as Penn placed the book and the sofa. “So what now for the Ripleys?"
“You know, we never had a proper honeymoon."
“That sounds good." Arlo wrinkled her brow in thought as she recalled the balance of her bank account. Yikes. When Penn had been living with her she always had money from her job and his funds. At the moment, admittedly through her own stupid pride in rejecting the funds he had transferred into her account in the last six months, she had been living from paycheck to paycheck. “What are we going to do for money?" Penn had no job and no access anymore to the money now that he was no longer a demon. As much as the saying they could “live on love" was all cute and sweet, money helped pay the bills when kisses didnÅ‚t.
“I have been stashing money aside hoping this moment would eventuate." Penn named a sum in the bank.
“Holy crap." Arlo did a double take and asked him to repeat the amount. “I would have gotten back with you a lot sooner if I had known."
Penn laughed at her teasing words.
“Where would you like to go, beloved?"
“IÅ‚d like to hit the road and travel around Australia." There was so much to do and see.
“Too fucking bad youÅ‚ll be dead before you can fulfill that wish."
Arlo spun around in shock at the harsh sounding voice. Penn jumped quickly to his feet. It was Albemarle. She could have sworn that last time she had seen him a ton of rock had landed on him.
“How did you escape?"
“Satan is a perverse little bastard." Albemarle sneered at them. “He let a few of us who had grudges out. He likes to create chaos among the mortals."
“The gate?" Penn clenched his hands into fists and the muscle in his jaw jumped with tension.
“Oh, you well and truly destroyed it, Ripley. No one else can get out or in." Albemarle did not seem too perturbed about that. “I have come to kill you." His eyes bored into Penn and a sword appeared in his hand. He hesitated for only a moment then charged his enemy.
With no weapon to defend himself and Arlo, Penn sidestepped the demon and let him rush angrily on past him.
“You never did learn the correct art of sword play, Albemarle." Enraged at PennÅ‚s comment the demon attacked again. Penn picked up a nearby lamp and threw it at him. The heavy porcelain base crashed off the demonÅ‚s head and smashed through the sliding glass patio door. Glass shattered everywhere. Albemarle retaliated by slicing his sword into PennÅ‚s forearm. Blood spurted freely. Penn put pressure on the wound to stem the flow.
Arlo looked around her wildly. She had nothing useful that Penn could defend himself with. She picked up a vase she had never liked and tossed it at the demon. It cracked him on the back of the head. Albemarle turned and snarled at her. With his attention on her, Penn had time to rush him. Arlo felt her heart in her throat as they crashed down on top of the shattered glass. She cried out loud as she saw rivulets of blood flowing freely from Penn, and surprisingly also from the demon. Arlo gave that no further thought as her prime objective was to save Penn. She raced to her bookcase and started pulling out books and throwing them at the demonłs head. This action gave Penn a chance to slug the demon hard and roll him so he was trapped under the weight of Pennłs body as he kneeled above him. They fought over the sword that was still clutched Albemarlełs hand.
Penn picked up a piece of razor sharp glass with his other hand and held it to Albemarlełs neck. The sharpened edge punctured the skin and the blood flowed freely.
“WhatÅ‚s going on here?" Penn murmured in amazement as the demon winced in pain. “YouÅ‚re not healing immediately as immortals do."
The two men were covered in blood and gasping for breath as they fought each other. A crazy thought jumped into Arlołs mind.
“Well, you did say Satan was perverse, so maybe you are not the only one who is mortal." She felt relief flooding through her. Arlo did not doubt Penn could kick this demonÅ‚s ass if he had to, but it did not hurt that the playing field was level. “Maybe your overlord decided to make it an even fight." She felt no pity whatsoever for the terror she saw in the demonÅ‚s eyes. As much as Arlo was against violence she wanted Albemarle dead. This was truly a case of kill or be killed. When Penn wrested the sword from his hand she felt like cheering.
“Ripley, letÅ‚s make a deal," the demon begged piteously to save his life.
“I donÅ‚t make deals with demons anymore." There was no mercy in PennÅ‚s voice. “I would say go to Hell, Albemarle, but you canÅ‚t get back there now." Penn lifted the sword up high and brought it down hard on the demonÅ‚s neck instantly beheading him. Blood spurted over both Penn and the carcass of the demon.
Arlo rushed to Penn as he stood up wearily. He was bloodied and cut and sweating from exertion. He dropped the sword to the ground. It disappeared on impact as did Albemarle.
“Satan?" She asked agog assuming Hell had taken back one of its own.
Penned nodded.
“He always was an asshole to deal with."
“Is it over?" She fastened her hand over one furiously bleeding cut on his arm.
“I believe so." Penn smiled at her tiredly. “There is nothing more they can gain from me."
Epilogue
Arlo curled up against Penn as they lay on the shady bank of the Condamine River. The sky was a pristine blue and a light zephyr breeze cooled the air pleasantly. It was perfect. All was right in their little part of the world for the first time in ages.
“We really should get dressed." They were both naked. The remains of a picnic lunch was scattered around them. They had started out eating cold chicken and sweet mangoes and had ended up eating each other.
“IÅ‚m happy to stay naked with you," Penn murmured as his fingers toyed with her clit.
“Someone could see us." Arlo didnÅ‚t want anyone barging in on them. Though it was awfully nice to have his hand where it was. She wriggled against Penn.
“Yes, they could see us." Clearly the thought didnÅ‚t bother Penn.
Arlo laughed. Her husband was so calm and laid-back that she wondered how he had ever been a demon.
“YouÅ‚re not worried about the whole naked thing?"
“Beloved, I adore being naked with you." He grinned at her lovingly. “Besides weÅ‚re just passing through."
That was true. What did it matter if they scared the locals? Arlo decided she may as well enjoy herself in that case. She straddled Pennłs hips and touched the phoenix tattoo on his lower stomach. The birdłs wings were flung upward in triumph and determination. Just like the man himself.
“So do you feel like you have risen above everything that held you back?" Penn had to overcome so much to be where he was now. She admired and loved the man he was.
“Because of you, yes." PennÅ‚s hands caressed her thighs.
“Seriously?" Had she made that big an impact on his life? She liked to believe she had. Penn had made her happier than she ever imagined she could be.
“I would be nothing without you, beloved. For centuries I wandered aimlessly until I found you. I craved mortality and yet I feared once I had it I would still be lonely." His eyes locked with her. They were full of deep emotion. “I believe the universe brought me you as a gift."
Arlo leaned forward and licked his tattoo. His penis pressed against her stomach seeking the same attention. She held on to it as she continued licking.
“You know if you keep that up weÅ‚re not going to make our next destination by sundown."
Making love versus a boring schedule. Gee, difficult choice.
“So," Arlo mumbled between tongue strokes.
“WeÅ‚ll have to camp out again."
Arlołs head shot up in shock.
“Oh hell no." She sprang to her feet and looked around for her clothes. They camped out two nights ago. She had never done that before and she thought it would be romantic lying under the stars. It wasnÅ‚t. It was incredibly uncomfortable and she never wanted to do that again. “Get up."
Penn rose lazily to his feet and reached for her.
“I want to play some more."
“IÅ‚ll be cranky if we have to camp."
“But we have time for a quickie," Penn suggested.
Arlo looked down at his erection. A quickie was doable and she would hate to waste all that hardness. She opened her arms to her husband and smiled seductively.
“In that case, Penn me again, darling."
About the Author
Amarinda Jones believes anything is possible and sometimes just asking for the impossible will surprise someone enough that they will give it to you. Writing is like that. Put it out there and wait for a response. There is always the possibility you may fall on your ass, but after all, thatłs what cellulite is for. Amarinda believes in taking chances, speaking her mind and aging disgracefully. Twenty years from now she plans on being the neighborhood witch that all the kids are scared of. But then, everyone has to have a hobby.
Amarinda welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
Tell Us What You Think
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Also by Amarinda Jones
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Because I Can
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Maid for Death
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Shades of Gray
Thief of Mine
Unbreakable
Discover for yourself why readers canłt get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellorałs Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.