Craved
Chapter 32

Damon:

Damon couldn't get enough of Renee. Even now, his cock stirred while she lay in his arms. The way she shifted and her sounds when she orgasmed drove him wildly insane. Normally, he controlled himself during lovemaking, had to. But she consumed him.

Late afternoon sun peeked through Sofia's lace curtains. Would there be time for another round with Renee? Try several different positions? To leisurely discover what she liked and what she didn't? To know her hobbies besides archeology? What made her laugh so hard she cried? Her favorite movies, books, what she loved? Finish their chess game and watch her mind work while she tried to beat him?

Softly, he stroked her face while she slept. Now she was his, he didn't want to let go. He couldn't. His heart constricted at the thought. If she said this was only to save him and help them defeat Clive, then he'd obey her wishes. The gem wouldn't protect her forever, and Clive would never give up. He could even have someone else kill her or arrange for an accident, then take the necklace for himself.

Time to call in reinforcements. Because Damon didn't wish to wake Renee, he dressed and snuck out of the room. He'd bring her a coffee in a bit and explain why she should run as far away from him and Clive as possible. In Sofia's lobby, he finished his coffee after texting his cousins, Ty and Simon. He bought another steaming cup for Renee.

"What's your hurry?" a female voice laced with disdain greeted him.

Adeline? "Why are you here?"

"I came when Sofia said you had the lust crystal." She waved and blew a kiss at a college boy standing with his mouth hanging. "So, the human helped you recover it?"

"Her name's Renee. And yes, she did."

She rolled her eyes. "Always the sentimental one with your food."

"Call her that again and I'll make you take back your words."

"Save your spanking and other kinky stuff for yourself." Adeline clicked her tongue. "You've gotten too chummy with this human. A siren friend of mine owes me a favor. I could ask her to sway you to another woman."

"No." The word came out more forceful than he intended, and Adeline's face broke out in a grin. If he didn't get her off his case, who knew what mischief she'd create? He forced his voice even as he said, "She's a way to get my strength that's all, so you can relax. Renee means nothing to me."

When Adeline's gaze shifted to the elevators, he spun only to catch a glimpse of Renee's backside. Damn, how much had she heard? His blood froze. He took a step to chase after her, then clutched his fists. No, he must leave her alone. Neither of them had a chance with the crystal attached to her and Clive after them.

To keep from dreaming about her and sliding back into her arms, he'd have to drug himself every night with nightshade. Now having had sex, the tie binding them was stronger, more easily followed. That was part of the problem. Didn't matter how often they were apart or even if she were on the other side of the world, he could replace her as easily as someone reaching for their lover sleeping next to them.

First, fight Clive. Second, erase Cynthia's memories permanently. Third, he needed a way to exorcise the crystal from Renee without hurting her then wipe her thoughts. The notion of her not remembering him made his gut clench. Focus on the now. A mantra he'd used months after Belinda died. Take a step at a time. Clive! He had to get the bastard away from Renee. Whatever it took.

"I have to go." Damon didn't have time for this. As strong as Sofia's wards were, they couldn't stay here forever. Renee would want to continue her archeological work, not hide.

"Where?" Adeline marched in line beside him.

"You can't come with me."

"When do I do anything you tell me?" She beamed at his frown.

He stopped. "This is dangerous. Clive is here."

He shook his head. Another few days and Damon would change into a demon. If he couldn't stop Clive and something happened to Renee, he'd end his life after he was certain Clive wouldn't harm anyone else. His cousin's death outweighed the hundreds of lives he had and would wreck. "I don't know how, but he's stronger than before."

She cocked her head. "And stronger than you. So, you need my help."

"No. This is my fight. I couldn't stand it if you got hurt."

"You forget." She smirked. "I won all my sparring matches growing up. I'm tougher than I appear."

"Fine. But do as I say."

She squealed and then her face smoothed. "I've wanted to teach Clive a lesson since he shaved my first lover's head and eyebrows, not to mention the other detestable things he's done."

"I thought you didn't have feelings for these humans." Damon looked over at her as they strode toward the museum.

"Doesn't mean I don't like them to look attractive."

He shook his head. Adeline. Once she found love, it would shackle her before she knew what happened. His steps faltered. Is that what he'd done with Renee? He wanted her safe and away from the threat of him and his kind. Yet, he couldn't stop thinking about kissing her again. Her moaning and digging her fingernails into his skin as he brought her to ecstasy again and again. About her laugh and the way her voice rose an octave, and she talked fast when excited. If he ever wanted the experience again, he had a war to win.

"What's the plan?" Adeline asked, interrupting his daydreams.

"Destroy Clive." He sighed. "Somehow get the crystal away from Renee so she won't become a beacon to every incubus within a ten-mile radius."

She popped a piece of gum into her mouth. "Cool, it's about time you fought dirty and for something you want."

Renee. Damn the crystal. Her safety was more important than anything he desired.

"Let's go, then." Not waiting for Adeline, he jogged across the street, her heels pounding the pavement behind him. Wherever his cousin was, violence would follow. In the distance, gunshots and sirens wailed. That was his best bet.

***

Minutes later, they found the source of the police activity. An attempted robbery as the cops put a guy in handcuffs in the back of their car outside a small jewelry shop. The doors were open, and patrons milled about, some still staring at the broken window.

Where was Clive? For two hours, he and Adeline continued combing the city for any sign.

Damon's cell phone rang. "Hello?" He hoped it wasn't Renee about to give him an earful. Even though he did deserve it.

"Damon?" Sofia asked.

"Thank you for your help yesterday, but I must fin-"

Sofia huffed. "I know, and I sent Renee on my plane."

"Why? Where?" He gripped the phone tighter. "Clive is after her."

"She went home to Boston. As long as your cousin is alive, it's not safe for her to be anywhere near him. If she goes home, she'll be safe. I called a witch friend of mine who lives near her apartment, but I'm afraid Clive's already found out where she was headed-he used his powers on one of my bouncers outside."

Damon didn't need to buy a foretelling to know Clive was already on his way after Renee. He ran toward a taxi.

"What the fuck!" Adeline jogged after him. "Where are you going?"

"He's after her." Jerking the door open, he leapt inside.

Adeline plopped next to him.

"Sorry, buddy, I'm off duty." The taxi driver held up a half-bitten apple. "Lunchtime."

"I'll pay double your fee."

"Doctor says I've got to take it easy and not rush around so much all over the city taking you fancy suit tourists all over the place." He frowned and made a shooing motion. "So, get out of my cab."

"I don't have time for this." If the wire mesh separating them wasn't in the way, he'd strangle this man until he fell unconscious, then drive the damn car himself.

"Pretty please?" Adeline pouted and traced a finger across the wire cage, her fingernail slipping between the grooves and scratching the skin hanging over the edge of his collar.

The man shivered, then grinned. "Anywhere for you, sweetheart."

"Take us to the airport. Now."

The taxi guy's foot pounded on the gas and they lurched forward. Hopefully, they weren't too late and would catch Renee before Clive did.