Craved
Chapter 24

Damon:

No other accommodations were available at the hotel on such late notice, and he was too exhausted after showering to drag himself from Renee's hotel room outside into the bus. He shifted in the leather chair; his groin draped by his towel. His bones were heavy and tired as if he'd carried a great weight all day. If not for the sampling of her sexual aura back in the cave, he would have fallen on his face from lack of nourishment before they were rescued. Incubi didn't need sleep per se, but they did have to rest and allow their spirit to travel the silver cord to another dreamer to feed. Damon hadn't done that until Renee pulled him into her dream. Twice.

He closed his eyes. Contentment washed over him just being next to Renee, even as she slept, and not having to work so hard to get past her shields. Bathing in her presence, her aura was enough.

He congratulated himself for ordering him and Renee new clothes in preparation for today to be delivered late morning along with breakfast.

***

The morning light winked through the blinds. He scrubbed a hand over his face debating on a shave or continue listening to Renee sleeping. As though to settle his debate, she draped her foot over the edge of the bed near him, her toes touching his leg in a circular pattern. Was she awake?

"Renee?" He stood and leaned over the bed, thinking to cover her leg with the blanket.

She rolled onto her back, her hand trailing up his chest as she sat up and grasped him behind his neck, drawing him to her lips. He craved her, even while trying to stay away from her, but this was unlike her. Normally, he didn't concern himself with his lover's thoughts. As an incubus, women would be content no matter what he did, but he found he wanted to know Renee's. Would she like heavy foreplay? Or to play with him before sating her desires? No, this is wrong. I can't. Shouldn't.

He shifted his weight, pulling away from her, and inhaled soap and roses. She wrapped her arms around his neck to bring him back to her mouth. Her eyes were glassy from sleep and passion. "Renee?"

She blinked as if trying to focus. Damn, she was asleep.

Before he could pull away, his power slammed against him for release, and he bit back a curse as it licked the edges of their potential foreplay like greedy waves on a shore. A shiver of pleasure and yearning coiled tight in his gut. A bit of her aura slipped into him, rejuvenating him as if he'd binged five energy drinks. She shivered and then went utterly still. Had she felt it? By the goddess, let her be okay.

"Renee?" When she didn't respond, he shook her shoulder.

"What are you doing in my room?" Her eyes widened, and she pulled back. "Are you stalking me?"

He breathed out a sigh. She was okay. "Sorry. I thought something happened."

Suddenly, she shot out of bed. Not realizing yet, he guessed, of her nakedness except for the robe hanging open over her.

"What do you think you're doing?" she squeaked in a high pitch and threw a pillow at him. "Get out!"

"Look, it's not what you think." His towel slipped, his erection announcing he desired her.

"Oh really?" She crossed her arms.

"Well, you were the one kissing me."

"No, no, no." She shook her head. "I was d-dreaming and Carla was here."

Seriously? "You were having a sensual dream about Carla?"

"No. Carla was here last night." Renee turned a deeper shade of scarlet. "A-and now you're here. Why?"

"There were no other rooms available, and last night you said I could crash here." He gathered up his towel and tucked it around his waist. "I spent the night in the chair and have a crick in my neck to prove it."

"Then what were you doing just now looming over me while I was sleeping? Did you think to take advantage of me?"

"Sweetheart, I did nothing until you grabbed me and kissed me like a call girl."

Her mouth opened and closed, but a recollection or something passed over her face. "Not possible. It wasn't real."

"I can make it like a dream, your choice." What the fuck was he saying?

Sexing her in a dream was the most threatening thing he could do. He would have zero control; no way to stop even if she wanted him to. Once he crossed the line and made love to her during a sexual dream, there would be no turning back. She would be his, and he didn't think he'd be able to stay away from her. The problem was that he might end up accidentally draining her to death.

"Ever heard of sexual harassment?" She backed up.

"If anyone's been sexually harassed, my dear, it has been me." He wasn't ashamed of his body, but she looked everywhere in the room except at him. "Guess that's my cue to get ready."

"What about Carla? I know she wouldn't let you in here and leave me alone with you while I slept."

"Carla is rooming with Sarah. Like I said, I tried to tell you last night, but you were too busy almost falling asleep standing up and said I could stay with you."

"What about Gary or Michael? Couldn't you have roomed with one of them and they take your spot here?"

"And come between those two lovebirds? No way. Besides, you told me that it was fine for me to stay here with you."

"Well, obviously I wasn't thinking straight."

He stalked closer. "If I wanted to take advantage of you, I could've done it already."

"Weren't you too exhausted like me t-to do anything?"

"I was nowhere near that exhausted." There was little to no chance of ever being too tired. "I can go anytime, anyplace, for as long as you like." He made a point to look her up and down, pausing at her pelvis. Her arousal smelled of honeydew, her eyes were dilated, and a faint flush accented her cheeks. He closed the distance between them, and she bumped into the wall as he stared down at her. "So next time you decide to make out with someone while you're dreaming, you better make sure you know who it is." Any other incubus would've drained her dry. The thought of her dying sent a hot iron searing into his chest.

"Skip the lecture, I'm not a child." She hiked the blanket higher over her full breasts.

He cringed and ran a hand through his hair. Her expression was guarded as she watched him.

He sensed her pulling away, distancing herself. And after them finally getting closer, and now he'd lost that.

Awkwardness hung between them. He'd made strides with her and their relationship but now this. Would she push him away for good? If she did, it was his own fault.