Fallen: William Read online

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Bursting from the employee’s hallway, she was disappointed to see Dominic waiting for her. She felt her smile dim.

  He laughed. “I don’t normally cause that reaction in pretty women. I guess you were hoping I was William.”

  She reached out and hugged the handsome Enforcer. He looked at her in surprise. She wondered if he didn’t get hugged very often. He hugged her back tentatively. “I won’t lie and say that I wasn’t really looking forward to seeing William, but you’re almost as handsome, so I’m not complaining.”

  “Good recovery. Well, my instructions are to take you home and leave. No coming and having dinner or anything like that with you. I’m relegated to eating by myself.”

  Smiling, she followed him to the car. “I’m pretty sure you could find a date if you wanted to.”

  Shaking his head, he opened the door for her. “There’s only one woman I want to take out for dinner and as soon as all this is over with, I’ll be heading back to her.”

  “What’s she like?” She asked him when he climbed into the driver’s seat.

  “She’s my best friend and the only woman I could ever trust.” The tone of his voice told her he didn’t want to talk about the woman.

  “Tell me about New Orleans.”

  Dominic spent the rest of the trip telling her about all the marvelous sights in his hometown. “You’ll have to get William to bring you on a visit there once all of this is taken care of,” he said as they pulled into her driveway.

  He opened the car door for her and escorted her to the door. William held it open and allowed her to enter. The men shook hands and Dominic left. She turned to watch William shut the door. He kissed her cheek and took the bag of clothes from her hands.

  Pushing her towards her bathroom, he said, “There is a hot bubble bath already drawn for you. Go and relax for a while. Don’t worry about dinner. It’ll be done when you’re ready.”

  She gasped as she walked into the room. William had filled the tub with water and frothy bubbles. Candles were lit and covering every inch of counter space she had. A vase with a single yellow rose bud sat on the side of the tub. The stereo played jazz throughout the house. She stripped and put her hair up. Stepping into the water, she sighed. The warmth was relaxing muscles she hadn’t known were tense. The scent of cinnamon filled her nose and she wondered how William had found out what her favorite smell was. Leaning her head back, she let the soft strains of jazz wash over her. When he touched her shoulder, she opened her eyes halfway.

  He stood beside the tub dressed in a deep red linen shirt that was unbuttoned enough to reveal most of his magnificent chest. The shirttails hung out over the black slacks he wore. He was barefoot and holding a wineglass. Leaning over, he set it down and kissed her lips. He nibbled and sucked at the bottom one until she whimpered. He pulled back slowly and straightened. She eyed the large bulge in his pants and ran her tongue over her lips. He took a deep breath and laughed.

  “None of that, love. I want you to relax and if I stay in here any longer, you’re going to have a flooded floor and an empty tub.”

  She tempted him with a husky laugh. “I wouldn’t mind.”

  “Maybe not, but dinner would definitely be burnt if I let you distract me again.” He smiled as he adjusted his straining cock. “Take your time, love. I’m going to stuff ice cubes down my pants.”

  She howled with laughter, imagining the sophisticated William unzipping his pants and pouring buckets of ice down them. “Just don’t get frost bite. I would hate for you to lose any sort of feeling there because of me.”

  “Well, if I freeze it, darling, I know a nice warm place to thaw it in.” His voice trailed into the room as he made his way down the hall.

  She sipped the nice Chardonnay he had brought her. He appeared again with a plate of Swiss chocolates. She noticed that his erection was still alive and well. He saw her eyeing it and shuddered.

  “I couldn’t do it. No man would willingly stick his cock in ice.” He offered her a chocolate and slid it between her lips.

  She swirled her tongue around the offering and his fingertips. Groaning, he retrieved his fingers and grabbed another piece. She let him feed her two more pieces before she called a halt. She knew her pussy was wet not only from the water but from the passion that was swamping her. She sat up in the tub. His eyes went directly to her tight nipples showing through the bubbles. He held out a hand to help her from the tub.

  “I would be a gentleman and help you dry off, but I’m afraid once I get my hands on you, I’m taking you to bed and we can forget about dinner.” He handed her a towel that he had warmed for her. “There’s something in your bedroom that I would love for you to wear for dinner.”

  She took her time drying off. Spreading on the vanilla lotion that she loved, she thought about all the effort he was going to trying to make the evening perfect. The bubble bath, wine and chocolates were wonderful, but it was his willingness to suffer a little to make her feel special that made her eyes fill with tears. She made her way to her room and spied the box on the bed. Her hands trembled as she opened it.

  Nestled inside the white tissue paper was an emerald satin sheath dress. It was accented with cream lace at the plunging neckline and the thigh high slit. There wasn’t any underwear in the box, so she knew she was expected to go without, which was fine with her. Her skin was flushed and sensitive; just the rubbing of the satin against her nipples was sending heat waves through her. Slipping it on, she turned to look at her reflection in the mirror. The dress fit her like a glove. The lace emphasized her breasts and the length of her legs. She cupped her satin covered breasts and squeezed slightly. She moaned. She couldn’t wait for William to touch her. Checking the box again, she found a small jewelry case tucked in the tissue. Her mouth fell open in shock when the multi-faceted heart shaped emerald was revealed.

  She hung it around her neck and read the card:

  Abby, if I had a soul to give, it would be yours as well. All I have to offer is my heart. I know you’ll keep it safe. Love, William.

  Tears tracked down her cheeks. How could she not love this man? He was trying to prove to her just how much he cherished her by all the sweet things he was doing. She realized his heart would stay behind if he ever had to leave her and he wouldn’t risk that.

  She left her hair down and went to the dining room. Candlelight bathed the fine crystal wine glasses and china on the table in a soft glow. His eyes lit up when he walked out of the kitchen and saw her standing there. The bulge in his pants was even more pronounced. Holding out a chair for her, he let his hand caress her shoulder briefly as she sat. Pouring her some wine, he didn’t take his gaze from her. She could physically feel the trace of his passion as he followed the pendant down into the valley between her breasts. Her nipples peaked beneath the satin. He smiled at her.

  She could only assume that dinner was wonderful. He had made all her favorites including crème brulee for dessert. Yet she didn’t remember any of the food. She had been too caught up in the love and passion that was flowing from him in waves. When he stood and offered his hand, she was more than ready to join him.

  Taking her hand, he led her down the hall back to her room. Somehow there were more candles lit and the covers were turned back on her bed. She looked at him in surprise.

  “It’s magic, darling.” He grinned as he stripped off his clothes. “Don’t,” he said as she started to take off the dress. “I want to make love to you while you’re wearing it. I want to compare the feel of your skin to the texture of the satin.”

  She blushed but did as he asked. She knew the first time was going to be quick. Her thighs were slick from her juices and she was more than ready to take his cock inside and let him ride her. He crushed her against him and groaned as the warm satin teasingly caressed his aching cock. His hands reached down and ground her hips into his. She could feel the wetness of his pre-cum through the material. He lifted her and laid her down on the bed.
He crawled on top of her and stroked her with his entire body. The feel of his chest rubbing the silkiness of the satin and lace over her nipples made her cry out. She arched her back trying to get him to move harder and faster. The competing sensations of his hard cock and the soft material over her pussy made her beg. He started circling his hips, making sure that his erection hit her clit every time.

  All the muscles in her body tensed when his mouth closed over one of her nipples. The wet satin clung to her as he suckled. She wanted him to take her, but he didn’t seem to be getting the clues. He continued to allow the satin to embrace his cock instead of her pussy. When he rotated his hips against her in one particularly hard circle, she came. Crying out his name, she felt the world explode around her.

  Her body was still in the throes of her orgasm when he pushed the hem of the dress up and plunged into her. They both yelled as the contractions of her pussy muscles gripped his cock in almost painful waves. One thrust was all it took and he shot his cum into her hot and deep.

  “There’s no comparison, love,” he panted as they both tried to catch their breath.

  “What?” She was lucky her brain was functioning enough to ask the question.

  “Your skin is much softer than the dress. Now, let’s get you out of it. I want to make love without any barriers at all.” He stripped her out of the dress and laid her back down. He stared at her like he was worshipping at the altar of a goddess. “I love you so much, Abby. You are my whole life.”

  She reached up and touched the cross on his chest. He shivered as she traced it. “I love you too. I had my doubts, but an interesting man came and chewed me out about them. He made me see that I was meant for you and I’ll never let you go.”

  Tears were welling up in William’s eyes. He smiled down at her as she brushed them away. “What was the man’s name? I’d like to thank him.”

  “He said to call him Misha. That was it.”

  His face registered shock for a moment and then understanding. “I know who he is.”

  Before she could ask any more questions, he kissed her deep and long. Throughout the night as the candlelight dimmed, the passion flared hot and they bound each other in the fires of love.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Abby was humming as she got ready for her shift. She and William had spent all night making love and she was pleasantly sore. They had talked about their future and she had decided to quit her job. She had always hated dealing and the gamblers brought back memories she would like to forget. He had promised her that even if he never placed another bet, he had more than enough money to support them both for the rest of her life. She had handed in her resignation and she just had to get through the next two weeks.

  There hadn’t been any sign of Thompson and she knew it was worrying William and Dominic. The fallen from New Orleans was proving to be a good friend. He celebrated their love with a champagne toast and an offer of a honeymoon in New Orleans. They were planning on taking him up on that after the stalking situation was taken care of.

  She wondered who the woman was that Dominic loved. He called her often and would talk to her for hours, but he never mentioned love to her. He had told Abby he didn’t want to say anything over the phone when she had asked him why he didn’t tell the woman. She figured he was just afraid of rejection and didn’t want to mess up a great friendship.

  She never noticed the man standing in the shadows. His red tinged eyes watched her every move. It was time, he knew it. She was his and he needed to stake his claim. She had already allowed the fallen to touch her. He could smell the stench of Heaven on her. He checked his watch. He had a while before her shift was over. He would go and set everything up, then come back to grab her. She needed to be purified in death to remove that awful smell. He knew he could never convince her that the fallen was evil. They had always been able to cast spells over mortals and cloud their brains against True Demons. He hissed silently. There was no fairness in the world when he couldn’t enjoy fear and pain, the very things he had been made to thrive on. The demon made sure no one noticed the man slip into the employee’s hallway as he set about planning her abduction.

  Abby didn’t pay attention to the man in the hallway as she made her way to the employees’ room. She was opening the door when an overwhelming smell of death and rot assailed her nose. Before she could cry out, a hand clamped over her mouth and dragged her head back. She felt fear shoot through her. How had Thompson gotten past all the guards? As she lost consciousness, she prayed that someone would notice him dragging her out of the casino.

  * * * *

  William looked around the parking garage as he walked to the employees’ entrance. There was an uneasiness riding him that night. Something was going to happen and he was afraid it had to do with Thompson. As he leaned against the wall, he smiled as he remembered the night before. They couldn’t get enough of each other. There were times when he felt so connected to her, he could read her thoughts. He used that connection to his advantage to make her beg for him. He felt his cock harden with urgent need of a repeat encounter.

  Burt burst through the door. He looked around wildly and spotted William. He dashed up to him. “He’s got her.”

  William stiffened and glared at the bartender. “Who’s got her?”

  “Thompson grabbed her at some point. Probably when she went for her break.” Burt held out the emerald necklace William had given to Abby the night before. The gold chain had been broken.

  “Damn! I should have stayed with her.” He took a deep breath to calm the rage inside him. “Burt, call the police. Let them know that Abby’s been taken. How long has she been gone?”

  Burt took a step back from the anger he saw blazing in William’s face. “Around an hour or so, I think. I’ll let them know, sir.”

  “Tell them I’m looking for her and will let them know if I find her.” William grabbed the necklace and waved Burt back into the casino. Dominic, I need your help.

  * * * *

  Thompson stared down at Abby with disgust plain on his face. Drawing back his foot, he kicked her in the ribs. She gasped and curled into a fetal position. There must be something broken, she thought as her next breath felt like she had driven a knife into her left side. She didn’t know how long she had been in Thompson’s hands. He must have grabbed her as she was leaving work. It would have been the only time William hadn’t been with her.

  William, where are you? she thought.

  I’m coming, love. Don’t do anything to make him mad. William’s voice sounded in her head like he was standing beside her.

  She wanted to laugh out loud but the pain kept her quiet. I think right now my breathing is pissing him off.

  A wave of anger and fear washed over her. Are you hurt?

  Yes, I am. I don’t think I’m going to be able to stay conscious for much longer.

  Thompson leaned over and grabbed a handful of her hair. He forced her head up and back at an angle she thought would surely break her neck. He backhanded her with such force, she felt her lip split. He let go of her hair and slammed her face into the floor. She felt her nose break and blood pour down her face. What a way to get a nose job, she thought. Lost in the pain, she never heard the gunshot.

  * * * *

  William whirled around when he heard Dominic appear next to him. His heart was racing and the fear had dried his throat. He had never been this afraid, not even when he was banished from Heaven and realized the extent of his fall.

  “Thompson has her.”

  Dominic saw the necklace clutched in William’s hand and his eyes filled with worry. “I know.”

  “The one time I can’t be with her and he grabs her.” William scrubbed his hands through his hair. “Some guardian I turned out to be.”

  “We both made a mistake. I underestimated the demon’s obsession with her. It is as much my fault as yours that she’s at his mercy now.” Dominic gestured to William’s car. “I think we need to find her.”

  “I don’t
know if I can.” William threw Dominic the keys. He knew he wasn’t in any shape to drive. “I made contact with her, but I’m not sure if our bond is strong enough for me to use it to locate her.”

  “Do you love her?” Dominic pulled out of the parking garage and headed towards the business area of downtown.

  William thought of her laughter and her anger. He thought of the moments he spent making love with her and the moments he had spent just looking at her. He remembered the feeling of joy he got just from hearing her voice. “Yes, I do love her and if I lose her, I just might go crazy.”

  “Then use your love and find her. Are you at full power?” Dominic glanced over to see him nod. “Of course, you are. You’ve been fucking like bunnies ever since you got her in bed. Concentrate on her. As we get closer to her, the feeling will get stronger. I have an idea where they might be.”

  William closed his eyes and thought about Abby. He envisioned her like the first time he ever laid eyes on her. A golden glow surrounded the image as he did. It began to intensify the farther into the city they got. By the time Dominic stopped the car, the light was so bright William could barely discern her in the middle of it. He opened his eyes to find they were parked outside a downtown building.

  “Why are we here?”

  Dominic climbed out and stood looking up at the windows. “Thompson has offices in here. I figured he would take her some place near to the casino. He doesn’t want to transport her too far. He feels like you have defiled her and he won’t want her anymore.”

  “If he doesn’t want her, then why did he take her?” He followed Dominic into the building.

  “So you can’t have her either.” Not stopping to check the floor listings, Dominic went straight to the elevators. “Is she here?”

  “I believe so. By the time we stopped, the light around her was so bright I couldn’t see her anymore.” He looked at the Cajun. “How did you know we could do that? Have you done it before?”