Skin Deep (2 page)

His hot stare met hers before sliding over her body from her tank top on down to her bare feet. Heat ignited her from the tips of her toes to the top of her head, and a blush warmed her cheeks. Her body hadn’t burned this way since her last birthday when they’d parted. Those green eyes always stirred up desire within her.

“We should take this inside.” He placed his hand on the door, but he didn’t try to force his way. “Let me in, beautiful.”

Her resolve shattered at the husky masculinity of his voice. Damn it. She opened the door a little wider and stepped away, keeping out of arm’s reach. “What do you want?”

“It’s your birthday. I’ve tried calling you—”

“How did you even get my number? Or find out where I live?” Conflicting emotions rose within her. That he’d searched for and found her pleased her, yet her nerves frazzled that he’d been able to. Her heartbeat quickened, and she let out a long breath. Angelique didn’t want Kira to wake. When he’d been around, the big cat had been edgy and hostile. Not that they’d met face-to-face, which was another problem she had with getting into a relationship with a normal guy.

No one could know about the power she possessed. The family friend who had inked Kira had warned her about the danger of getting too close to others. She’d ceremonially unleashed the magic bred into Angelique’s veins. While there were those who preyed on her people, nothing had happened for a long time, but she wouldn’t take any chances.

She leaned her shoulder against the wall, waiting to see Connor’s next move. He shut the door and locked it. She rushed toward her kitchen, the island would make a great barrier between them, but she heard his footsteps tap across the white tile floor behind her.

He circled her, forcing her to stare at his broad chest. “Angel…”

Her attention remained on his scarlet silk tie. She didn’t want to forget about everything but the fact that he was here with her. He couldn’t take her pain away that easily. The pain served its purpose. It protected both of them. She ran a hand through her hair. “What do you want from me?”

He hooked a finger beneath her chin and raised it until their eyes met. “What do I want from you? I want an explanation of why you left. I want another chance, damn it!” Scalding energy emanated from his touch, and she jerked away. With his free arm, he caught her and pulled her close. “I want you to have a good birthday since I know they’re dreadful for you.” He gave a hard, humorless laugh. “At least your last one was…because of me.”

Angelique frowned and rested her forehead against Connor’s muscular chest. The warmth of his touch soothed a part of her she’d almost forgotten existed. Warning bells rang through her head, stirring up the need to fight this feeling. She couldn’t do this. Couldn’t beg him to stay.

Connor’s hand tentatively rested on the small of her back. She was wary of that gentle gesture. He had worked out all of his adult life and had the muscles to prove it. If he wanted, he’d try to keep her in his arms, and that would be bad for him. Kira wouldn’t take well to the possessive nature in his touch. Angelique leaned away, needing a distraction.

The scent of freshly baked bread teased her nose, and her stomach rumbled again. “What’s in the bag?”

Connor laughed the full, vibrant laugh she remembered. She enjoyed the sound, even if it hurt knowing she’d never hear it again. She couldn’t keep him in her life. But…maybe, just maybe, she could accept dinner between old friends. She’d let him have this moment, and steal some of it for herself too.

“The makings of dinner. I tried to call earlier to let you know I was coming, but of course, you didn’t answer your phone.” He sighed. “You never do.”

“That’s because you’re not supposed to have my number.” She shot him a pointed glare and pulled away.

He didn’t stop her. Hurrying into the kitchen, she put a few feet between them. She’d let him make dinner, and then she’d get him out of her house before she asked him to stay…forever.

The brush of a furry tail caressed her lower back, and a small wave of energy stroked across her skin. All the emotions coursing through Angelique had roused the sleeping cat. She cursed herself for being so out of control. Kira slinked up her back toward her neck.

Angelique muttered a warning, “Stop it.”

Connor’s hands settled on her hip and pulled her back into him. “I’m sorry?” His breath brushed her neck. He stood way too close to her.

She hadn’t heard him move up behind her until it was too late. And if she didn’t get away from him, he’d end up feeling the bite of Kira’s claws. “Nothing.” She shook her head and curled her fingers into fists, fighting Kira’s irritation.

Kira wasn’t happy with being cautioned. Like any cat, she didn’t like being warned. Angelique couldn’t have Kira making herself known. Not with Connor around. She’d gone through too much pain to make sure he never found out. He wouldn’t understand.

A low growl rumbled, and a sharp claw swiped across her upper back. She winced.
Damn it, Kira.
When Connor’s warm hand descended on her shoulder, she jerked away before the panther had a chance to lash out at him too.

“What’s wrong, Angel?”

“I guess I’m just hungry. Why don’t you get started, and I’ll be right back,” she said, heading toward her bedroom. She glanced back to make sure he stayed put.

His lips tightened in a pale pink line, but he shook his head and walked into the kitchen. “Fine.”

Angelique closed her bedroom door behind her and leaned against it. She took a deep breath and cursed the situation. Pots and pans banged against each other beyond the door from Connor digging through her cupboards. Her gaze swept the bedroom. She was frantic for something to cover her. This tank top just wouldn’t do with Kira on the prowl. She strode to the closet and shoved aside her everyday clothes to find her fall/winter apparel. She put on her jacket and zipped it. Kira wouldn’t climb on Angelique’s face. If she got too out of hand, Angelique could always try to force her down. Although, that usually took a lot of strength of will and was downright painful.

“Stop playing around,” Angelique murmured. Kira let out a hiss in response and paced across her skin, moving from her back to her stomach and back again. “I know you don’t like him, but don’t make this harder than it has to be. You’re the reason I’m not with him.”

The pots and pans in the kitchen went silent, and Angelique held her breath. Her bedroom door opened, and she jerked her head toward it. Connor stood just outside of the doorway and cocked his head to the side. “Who are you talking to?”

She crossed her arms over her chest and frowned. “I… What?”

“I heard you talking to someone.”

Harsh pounding sounded on Angelique’s front door, making Kira nearly jump out of her skin. Connor spun on his heel, blocking the doorway and staring into the other room. “Were you expecting anyone?”

“No.”

Kira’s claws bit into Angelique’s skin just hard enough to hurt. A low rumble vibrated along her back.

Connor looked back at her with intensity in his eyes. The loud knocking resumed. He straightened his shoulders, becoming impossibly tall, and walked toward the door.

“Wait, what if—”

“What if what? What if it’s a burglar knocking on the door?” he asked, humor warming his voice but not stopping his determined stride. “I’d say he has good manners.”

She threw her arms in the air and sighed. “Fine.”

He stiffened when he reached the door. His gaze cut to her. “No matter what you hear or see, it isn’t how it seems. Remember that.” With that cryptic message, he turned the doorknob.

She opened her mouth to question him, but a sharp surge of energy smashed into her from the entrance. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, and she edged closer. Kira crouched on her stomach as if ready to pounce. A platinum blonde with a super-small waist and long, long legs stood in her doorway. The woman’s attention landed first on Connor, then slid to Angelique. Intense anger poured from the woman in hot waves.

Connor braced a hand on each side of the doorway and leaned forward. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing.” The woman’s sharp voice bit into Angelique’s strained nerves. The blonde’s nose twitched, and her eyes narrowed on Angelique like a predator on its prey. “What’s that stench? You certainly don’t know how to pick good perfume.”

Kira’s nails sank in deeper, and Angelique cried out, stumbling against the wall. Dampness trailed down her back. Tension thrummed through her familiar. Aware of what she’d done, Kira withdrew her claws and paced.

Connor’s glare snapped to Angelique. He jogged the distance between them and lifted her into his arms before she realized what he’d done.

No, he couldn’t be so close with Kira this agitated.

The door shut behind them, and Angelique scowled at the women for letting herself in.

“Leave here, Monica,” Connor growled. It sounded like a noise Kira would make…except different. More…canine? “What happened, Angelique?” He stared down at her, his voice filled with concern. The look in his eyes reflected the same. “You’re bleeding.”

“I’m fine.” She peeked over his shoulder to see the woman, Monica, heading in their direction. Something about her made Angelique and Kira feel very apprehensive. “Who is that?”

Connor grimaced, and his gaze hardened. “Someone I know. Let’s get you taken care of, and I’ll talk to her.” He cast a glance at the woman. “Outside.”

Monica crossed her arms over her chest and stayed where she was, which, thankfully, wasn’t anywhere closer. “Who the fuck is that, Connor? Why are you dressed up? Are you cheating on me?”

Connor had some explaining to do. This woman had barged into Angelique’s home, accusing him of cheating, and Angelique didn’t particularly enjoy feeling like the other woman. No, she refused to get caught in their little lover’s spat. He shouldn’t have even come if what Monica said was true. Yet from the way Connor acted and what he’d said before he’d answered the door… She wanted to trust him, but she found it hard to compare to Monica’s supermodel beauty.

Angelique’s uneasiness skyrocketed, and nausea washed over her. Kira crouched as if ready to stretch out of Angelique’s skin and take shape, but Angelique shoved energy at her to shut her down before she had the chance. Despite her effort, Kira still managed to slash out with a claw, and from Connor’s flinch, Angelique could tell she’d snagged him.

Connor stared down at her with a raised eyebrow. “Why did you do that?”

Denying it wouldn’t be good. He’d get suspicious if she did. Then again, she wasn’t in a great position to argue with him while he gently held her in his arms.

“What are you doing in my house when you’re obviously with someone else now?” She tried not to sound as hurt as she felt. She never should’ve let him come into her house. She should’ve just ignored him and gone to bed.

Needing to be away from him, Angelique squirmed in his grip, and he reluctantly let her go. She backed away, and Monica walked up behind Connor. She placed her hand on his arm and frowned, gathering blood from a slice in his sleeve. Her eyes narrowed as if she understood what had happened, and with a snarl, she leapt through the air toward Angelique.

Before Angelique could even think about moving, Connor took the impact of Monica’s attack. He’d moved so quickly. One minute she’d stepped away, then he was there. It broke Angelique from her frozen state, and she darted for the bedroom.

“Angel, wait. I can explain.” Connor’s voice had taken on a gravelly tone. One that sent shivers down her spine. That wasn’t the voice of the man she had loved.

She closed the door behind her, locked it, and leaned against it. Her thoughts were too scattered. Control, she needed the control. Angelique buckled to her knees. Her skin rapidly stretched, ripping through her shirt and jacket. Biting her lower lip, she held back a cry of agony. Her head bowed forward, and she panted as the pain gradually eased. Where the pain had been, emptiness rushed over her. A big, furry body brushed against her and nudged her with its muzzle.

Angelique looked up at the large black panther staring down at her. If it had been any other place or any other cat, she’d be scared out of her mind. Kira would die without a place to rest. Besides, they had a friendship and a bond that went deep.

Kira’s head snapped up, and she crouched. A growl rumbled from her feline lips. The hair on the back of her neck and along her spine stood in black spikes.

Damn it! Not now.

Angelique crawled to Kira and placed her hand against the panther’s side. Kira gently nipped in reproach. Sighing, she pulled herself upright, waiting to see what would happen now. Little chance remained that she’d get out of this unscathed. Somehow, she’d have to figure out what to tell Connor about the scratch on his arm. She doubted he’d let that go. And then there was the melanistic black leopard in her bedroom. If he opened the door, she’d be screwed.

While Angelique could send Kira away, that would be dangerous for her and Angelique. There was enough time for Kira to absorb back into her skin. Besides, Angelique knew there could be dangerous consequences. Some of her kind had died or succumbed to the will of their familiar. The animal’s power strengthened after becoming real and the master’s own faded. She didn’t want to suffer through either option right now. Pulling herself together, she stood on shaky legs.

A fist tapped against the door. “Angelique? I need to talk to you.”

“Get her out of my house, or I won’t leave this bedroom. I’ll call the police.” Angelique nudged Kira toward her master bathroom. Of course, Kira didn’t want to go, and she was heavy and stubborn. Angelique sent a sharp thought to Kira, and the black panther finally let herself be guided toward the master bathroom. Thank goodness. “Don’t test me, Connor. You know I will.”

Connor sighed, and the sound was close, as if he had leaned his forehead against the door. He seemed so weary, and a piece of the ice on her heart melted a little to hear him like that. She didn’t want Connor to sound so sad, but she had to remind herself that he’d brought this on himself.

“I’ll get her out of here.”