She’d try to convince herself that she really didn’t want that to happen.
Saint was one horny devil. He chuckled derisively at himself. Of course he was, it was his nature. Sex was all his father had been interested in, and now that Ume was so close, it was all Saint could think of.
What came as a surprise were the other feelings that came with the lust. The pride when she finally decided to jump into the illusion and finish the quest instead of falling apart. The humor when she teased her cousin for emerging from the woods with branches in her hair and a love-struck wolf slave close behind. The profound happiness when he saw her reveling in the freedom this body had given her. The freedom to move, to run, that he knew she hadn’t felt in years.
Saint had a feeling the human half of him was falling hard for this woman already. His demon side was just plain hard.
They’d started early, walking until the sun was high and they’d hit one of Saint’s favorite towns. The one where all the best sins grew and thrived. This was where he usually came to eat, drink and be merry. Only now he’s wasn’t alone. He had his own party, such as it was. The wolf, the writer, the kitsune and him. The liar.
Lies. Demons did that well. What exactly did he think would happen when she found out who he was? That Sinner was also Saint? That he’d brought her here to find out more about her power. To have her again. Mostly to have her again. What would she do?
This was not his best plan ever.
“I feel so much better.” Julie Wu came out of the trader’s shop dressed in snug leather pants and a leather jerkin, a beaming smile lighting her face. Saint also noticed she’d gotten a small quiver and a light ash bow. Ready for anything. Clever girl.
Julie twirled. “It was wonderful. I couldn’t find what I wanted in my size, but after I described it to the trader, it appeared like magic. Isn’t that fantastic? No more pink princess for me.”
Liam shuffled his feet, grinning. “I liked the princess.” He winked. “She was more…accessible.”
Julie giggled, and Saint looked away, jealous of their ease around each other. What had happened to the shy girl from the castle? The one who’d run away?
He was also confused. He narrowed his dark gaze on the tiny woman. “Are you sure it wasn’t there before?”
Liam looked over at Saint, startled. “Saint must have put it there for you. I told you he wasn’t a bad guy.”
Julie sniffed. “We’ll see about that. He can send me all the clothes he wants, but until I know why he dragged us into his little game, I’ll withhold my judgment.”
Saint met Liam’s gaze and shook his head. He hadn’t put anything in there for Julie. He’d been too distracted by Ume to focus on anything else. He had to get a handle on this. And quickly.
Julie turned and clapped
her hands, drawing his attention back toward the shop. “Look out Xena, warrior princess.”
Ume made a face. “At least it’s better than my last look, Manga Barbie. Though I do wish your Saint had thought of breast reduction trader stalls. The trader kept drooling all over them.”
The trader was a player. Shit. That meant he couldn’t kill him. He could, however, send a band of nasty ruffians his way. Maybe a computer virus. He took a deep breath, assured of vengeance, and studied Ume’s new look.
It hadn’t helped. She was in thigh-high boots, a leather and metal skirt concealing her thong, and a sturdier top, but she was still a distraction. He’d be swatting players away like flies.
His frustration made him grumpy. “I thought you were planning on covering up.”
She frowned in his direction. “I can’t help it.” She shrugged at the others. “My tails kind of limit my fashion options. It’s better than the leotard, isn’t it?”
Saint saw the thong underneath the short skirt and felt a pulse pounding at his temple. The sky darkened, storm clouds appearing from out of nowhere. He took a breath. He had to remind himself he was the program, it reacted to him. He needed to gain some control.
What he really needed was to get this girl bound and on her knees before he started a cataclysm. Be nice, he told himself, forcing out a rough, “You look good,” before walking ahead of them toward the inn.
Liam caught up to him, newly dressed himself in black biker leather. “You okay?”
Saint snarled. “Why shouldn’t I be? I’ve obviously made another successful match. You and Julie are together now, right?”
Liam tugged on the curls at the nape of his neck and lowered his voice. “Not exactly. She let me kiss her. It was amazing. And I kept my breathing shallow like you said, so I wasn’t overwhelmed by her scent.” He made a yearning sound in the back of his throat. “She smells unbelievable. She’s mine. If I had a doubt, it’s gone.”
“So what’s the hold up?” Saint didn’t have time for this. He had plans for Ume tonight. Plans that didn’t involve babysitting this overgrown puppy.
“She’s human, that’s the hold up. Cats like Thomas are different. With wolves, it can get wild. And then there’s the bite. I don’t think I can have her without needing to bite her.”
Saint sighed. He knew Liam. He was an Alpha, a leader. This was what losing your head for a woman did to you. “Look, she wants you. And where we’re going, by the time the night ends she won’t be able to resist her desires. Trust me. I created this place, didn’t I?”