Demon’s Little Lamb (Shadow Demons 2): A Bones MC Romance

“I got it! I got it!” Lamb Newsome thought her heart was going to beat through her chest. Her university advisor had gotten her an invite to apply for an internship at Argent Tech in Rockwell, Indiana just over a month ago. The invite alone was a monumental accomplishment, but to actually have been accepted? Yeah. She was on cloud nine.

“Shut up! You lie!” Karen, her best friend and roommate, looked at her with wide, round eyes, a huge smile splitting her face.

“Swear to God! Look!” She thrust the certified letter at Karen, who took it and read, her grin growing ever wider as she skimmed the important parts. “It’s signed by fucking Azriel Ivanovich himself!”

“I know, right?” Lamb stopped, then snatched the letter back, frowning as she examined it, holding it up to the light and everything. “You think he actually signed it? Might be a stamped signature.”

“Girl! That letter is on the fanciest paper stock I’ve ever seen. Of course he fucking signed it!” They both let out a squeal of delight. “When do you start? Will you still be able to go to Key West with us?”

“Yes. With about eight days to spare. Just enough time to recover from any hangovers and sunburn I bring home with me.”

“I can’t believe you’re going to be interning at Argent! I’m so jealous!” Karen didn’t look jealous. She looked as happy as Lamb was. They’d both worked so hard for the best jobs after grad school. Sure, they’d competed for every honor earned, but neither woman had taken their rivalry seriously.

An internship wasn’t permanent work, but it helped get her foot in the door and would give her valuable knowledge she’d have going into the next phase of her life. If she did well enough, and there was a spot available, she might even get to stay at Argent. That was a just a fleeting thought, though. Not an expectation. Argent rarely took on interns and never kept them longer than two years. But every single one had gone on to be one of the top minds in their given fields. She and Karen had competed for the Argent internship as well. Lamb figured it could have gone either way. She just got lucky.

“I can’t believe it either. But I’ll take it.”

Karen didn’t ask about the pay, and Lamb had no idea what it would be. Didn’t care. She doubted anyone who’d been offered a spot had truly cared about the income. They’d pay her what she was worth to them. Had they not thought she had potential, they wouldn’t have offered her a spot to begin with.

“You still ready to leave in the morning?” Karen gave her a grin as she took a pull from her beer.

“I’ll have to make a quick stop by campus to meet with the contact from Argent, so I’ll be a couple hours behind you guys, but yes. I’m still leaving tomorrow morning.”

“Awesome! We’ll save you a seat and have a mimosa ready for you when you get there.”

“Sounds perfect.”

They spent the rest of the evening drinking and celebrating. By the time Karen and the other three women in the group had stuffed their suitcases in the trunk of Karen’s little BMW, Lamb was in her car headed back to campus. The Ford Focus Lamb drove wasn’t fancy, but it would get her to the Keys and back.

The meeting on campus took less than an hour. By the end of it, Lamb was ready to cancel her vacation and start work immediately, but the man who’d spoken with her had insisted she take this time to relax. He promised she’d get little enough of it once she started work for them. Lamb had shaken his hand, unable to keep the huge grin off her face, then left.

* * *

Day two on the beach was like a dream come true for Lamb. The sun was hot, the waves relaxing, and the drinks plentiful. She’d say the guys were hot, except most were three times her age and interested mostly in golf. Which was fine. The few men she’d met who’d offered to buy her a drink were interesting to talk to. She’d also made it clear she wasn’t there to hook up with a rich guy, but she was definitely up for a lively debate or a stimulating round of chess. Most laughed and declined her offer, but a couple took her up on it. One gentleman scratched his head after she’d beaten him soundly in three rounds of speed chess before laughing loudly and shaking his head in disbelief.

“You’ve got beauty and brains, young lady. Don’t ever let anyone tell you differently. Not sure what you’re doing with your life, but you’d better make it count.”

“Yes, sir,” she responded, taking his hand when he’d offered it to her.

“Don’t let these old fools here have the satisfaction of buying your affections. Keep your head in the game, and you’ll get very far on your own merits.”

“Sound advice, sir,” she said with a grin. “I’ll make sure to follow it to the letter.”

That was the evening of her second night. She went to bed with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. The future was so bright, it was almost inevitable she’d find the dark somehow.

“You played a fine game.”

She was sitting on the beach the next morning playing chess with another older man when they were approached by a bystander. The compliment came from a distinguished-looking gentleman dressed in khaki shorts and a hula shirt… and with the sexiest British accent. It wasn’t a thick accent, just enough to be a turn-on for Lamb. This was a man she could sit and listen to all day long. How he managed to look distinguished in that getup was amazing, but somehow he pulled it off. He had a full head of dark chestnut hair with silver at his temples. He was fit, but not overly muscled. It was the kind of body that would look good in a suit and could still show muscle in clothing like he was currently wearing. Lamb bet he had a fine washboard abdomen and defined arms under the short sleeves.

“Thank you. Chess is a hobby of mine. Helps me relax sometimes.”

“Everyone needs something to settle their mind.”

“I suppose that’s true.” Lamb smiled at him. He was handsome in a conventional way. Nothing overt or over the top. Nothing overblown or obviously fake, though she suspected he’d had some kind of plastic surgery done to his nose. There was just something about it that didn’t quite fit the rest of his face. There wasn’t a laugh line to be seen at his eyes or mouth. He was almost too perfect.

He held out his hand. “I’m James Luxemberry.”

“Lamb Newsome,” she answered. “Are you here for the sand and the sun?”

“Most assuredly. And the sea. I’ve not spent nearly enough time on my yacht as I’d intended.”

“Wow. That sounds like fun.”

“It can be.” He gave a little secretive smile. “What are you drinking, my dear?”

“Captain and Coke.”

“Ah. Rum. Perfect choice.”

And they hit it off from there, talking well into the night. Lamb was fascinated by James. He said he’d been the CEO of a large tech company on the East coast. Rush Developments was a weapons manufacturer, one James had had a hand in running for the better part of seven years until his retirement six months prior.

“It’s a heady feeling,” he said when she asked him what it was like at the corporate level. “Not sure it’s as exciting as being on the developmental end. That’s where I started, you know. Research and development.”

“And you worked your way up. Very inspirational.” She meant it, too. Though she had no aspirations of being in upper management, his life had to have been fascinating, and she respected him for his achievements. He had a magnetic personality she was aware she was getting sucked into. Though why he’d chosen her to flirt with was beyond her reckoning. Lamb was rather mousy and was comfortable with that description.

James shrugged. “Everyone has to start somewhere. You, for example.” He sat back in his chair and waved at her. “You’re obviously a very bright young woman. What are your plans after university?”

She grinned. This was the first time she’d had a chance to tell anyone of her big score other than Karen and her friends. “I’ve got an internship. In eleven days, I start working at Argent Tech.”

James’s brows went up, and he sat up straighter. “Argent?” He gave her a million-dollar smile. Sigh. “You really must be something. That’s the best possible internship you could have hoped for.”

“I know. I’m just lucky, though. My best friend was also accepted as a candidate. She’s just as qualified as I am and actually more suited to the job. They’re taking a chance on me, and I know it. I won’t let them down.”

“Nonsense.” He waved away her concern. “If you were chosen for the one internship they offer every two or three years, then you more than deserve it. I don’t know the man personally, but I’m told Azriel Ivanovich vets every single candidate for that spot himself. If that’s true, I can guarantee you got the job because you were the absolute best applicant. Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

Yeah. The man’s charisma was off the charts.

“Another drink to celebrate.” He waved the bartender over and they both refilled, each taking a sip. Lamb wasn’t drunk by any means. Just pleasantly buzzed. She could tell by his grin he thought she was further along than she really was. Lamb thought about telling him not to bother. If she decided to sleep with him, she didn’t need alcohol. She also wasn’t stupid enough to get drunk with a strange man, no matter how suave he was.

Finally, around three in the morning, she called it a night. He’d tried to keep giving her alcohol, but she’d stopped drinking a couple hours before, choosing instead to nibble on various appetizers she’d procured from the bar’s restaurant.

“You know, you’re a very beautiful woman, Lamb.” James took her hand and kissed the back. “Beauty and brains. That’s a deadly combination to a man like me.”

“I’m sure you’ve got any number of women falling all over themselves to be with you. I’m sure it’s a hazard of your station in life. And your charisma. You could charm the pants off a nun.”

They both laughed.

“I’ve never been interested in religion,” he said softly, meeting her gaze boldly and with a wealth of meaning.

“Can’t say I have either.” Lamb’s breath was a little bit ragged. Yeah, she was turned on. The man was intriguing to say the least. Had she met him under other circumstances, she’d probably have assumed he was married and not bothered. He was pleasing enough to look at, but way too sophisticated for her. Just to ease her conscience she said, “You know I have to ask if you’re married. I’m many things, but I don’t fool around with another woman’s man. Not even casually.”

“I’m sure you’ve guessed, I’m not exactly hurting for money. Suffice it to say, a man in my position can’t afford affairs if he wishes to stay in that position financially.”

“Can’t argue with that.” Though she knew it was a non-answer. She glanced at his left hand. No ring. No tan line. No mark as if he’d worn a wedding band and simply taken it off. Sure, he could just not wear one, but he’d been with her for hours. No one had called him. No one had come to get him. He appeared to be exactly what he was: a bachelor enjoying his freedom.

Deciding to just go with it, Lamb accepted his offer to show her his yacht. Which she was sure would lead to more than simply touring the place. Especially at three in the morning.

Sure enough, half an hour later, she found herself in the master suite of the most luxurious boat she’d ever imagined. If she’d been paying attention, she was sure she’d have enjoyed all the things he’d shown her, but all she had eyes for was the man currently undressing her. He might be too perfect and know how to keep her distracted, but Lamb didn’t care. She wanted the experience. Given the fact that she’d just graduated with her masters in four years, there had been little time for a personal life. Sex had been non-existent since that one time on prom night. She knew she wasn’t the best judge of things, but she liked the way he made her feel. As long as she was careful and protected herself while she was with him, everything else would work itself out.

James kissed her body reverently, expertly. Lamb sighed and threaded her fingers through his hair. He chuckled when she gave a little squeal as he nibbled at the delicate skin of her neck. Lamb couldn’t help her own giggle. It soon turned into a little moan of pleasure as he made his way to her breasts.

Each peak received a little suck and flick of his tongue. Lamb liked what he was doing but found herself wishing he’d be a little rougher. That he’d pull at her nipple harder with his mouth. Still, she arched into him, needing him to keep going. Sadly, he slid farther down her body to kiss her navel and twirl his tongue inside it.

She thought he was going to go farther, but he didn’t. Instead, James sat up, pulling her to him with leverage on her thighs. Lamb lay open to him, her legs draped over his, his cock hard and aggressive as it pointed to her wet pussy. He guided himself to her entrance and Lamb realized he wasn’t going to put on a condom.

“Wait,” she said, pushing at him with one small hand. “Use something.”

He grinned, but Lamb thought it looked strained. Perhaps he was just that into it. “Would be much better without. Are you sure?”

She smiled to take the sting out of her request. “Please. It’s only responsible since we hardly know each other.”

Something in the way he hesitated made Lamb’s alarm go off. If he refused, she realized she was in a bad position to deny him. She tried to keep her features relaxed, not wanting to rock the boat, so to speak. It was her body. Lamb had no idea why she felt bad about knowing she’d force the issue or leave, but she did. Probably her innate need to please people. Had they been in even a semi-committed relationship, she’d have let him have her without a condom. But she’d just met him a few hours ago. Even having sex with him wasn’t the smartest thing she’d ever done, but doing it unprotected was just idiotic.

Finally, he gave her a smile and a slight nod. He lay on top of her and reached toward the bedside table for the drawer. Inside, he fished around until he found a condom packet and handed it to her. Sitting back, he nodded at her. “You want it? You put it on.” His expression wasn’t unkind. In fact, that million-watt smile was firmly back in place. But Lamb wasn’t buying it. He was angry he’d had to do this one small thing. Why, she had no clue. But he’d definitely not planned on her insisting on protection.

Obediently, she ripped open the pack and sheathed him in it, taking extra care to stroke him as she did. No need to make him think she was having second thoughts. She was, but realized it was far too late to stop this now. Not without a good reason. And, honestly, she still wanted the experience. She wanted to have sex with a man who knew what he was doing and could make it good for her. There had to be one out there. Right?

This time, when James pressed against her opening, Lamb braced her feet on his calves and lifted herself, forcing him deep. He groaned and let his head fall back, his cock pulsing inside her.

“Ah! So tight!”

“Feels good,” she sighed. It did. She felt full and stretched, but deliciously so. When he leaned over her to find her lips, Lamb met his kiss with one of her own, opening her mouth to accept the thrust of his tongue.

He rocked into her, the pleasure increasing with each movement. The orgasm was still out of her reach, but Lamb could feel it rising with each surge of James’s body inside hers. She moved with him, quickly learning the way he needed her to move. He grunted with each surge forward, tightening his grip on one of her thighs as he moved. Over and over, he slid in, then out. Lamb stayed on the edge of a precipice she couldn’t quite fall off of. No matter what she did, she couldn’t seem to get that little bit extra she needed.

But it still felt wonderful. His skin slapped hard against hers, echoing in the spacious cabin. The sea breeze wafted through the room, kissing their skin and creating just one more measure of sensation to push her where she wanted to be. To no avail.

Finally, James cried out, his cock pulsing inside her as he reached his peak. Lamb was frustrated, but didn’t want to admit she hadn’t come. She knew he’d ask once he’d finished. Didn’t all men ask? If she lied, it wouldn’t help anything, but she was adult enough to know that men who picked up women like James had done weren’t exactly in it for the woman’s pleasure.

She had two choices. Lie. Or tell the truth. No, she hadn’t come, but she’d been damned close. Just a little more… something. Friction on her clit. Another deep, sensuous kiss. A little dirty talk. Something. Would get her off. She knew it.

“God, that was good,” James gasped. “Your little pussy’s so tight around me I can barely think. Did you come?”

“Yes,” she said, unsure of what she was going to say until she said it. Fuck. She’d figure it out. She hated lying, but she’d probably never see James again after tonight. If she did, it was only a temporary thing. If nothing else, she had to leave in a couple more days. “So good…”

He grinned at her, kissing her lips tenderly. “You know, you could stay with me. I’m here until the end of the month. When do you have to be at Argent?”

“I’m supposed to leave in two days, but I don’t have to report to the campus until the eighteenth. I was supposed to have that time to recoup.”

“Stay with me.” He said in no uncertain terms. “Stay with me, and I’ll help you celebrate.”

“I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

“You’re not. I’m here all by myself. It would be nice to have some company for a change.”

“I’m sure you’re not hurting for companionship.” She smiled, reaching up to caress his smooth jaw. Just one other aspect about him that was picture-perfect.

“I could have another woman if I wanted, I’m sure. But you fascinate me in a way no other woman ever has. I’d very much like to spend the rest of your time here with you. Please.”

Lamb smiled. Why not. “OK.”

* * *

The remaining five days of her vacation, Lamb spent with James. Her friends had gone on home and she promised to text or call often, which she did. James showed her a wonderful time. Fine dining and entertainment, along with all the comforts money could buy, were on the menu every day. At night, they had lots of sex. Though James wasn’t very inventive, he seemed to enjoy her body as much as she did his. More even. And Lamb did enjoy him. She managed to have more than one orgasm, but nothing life altering. Which led her to believe she just wasn’t a sexual person. Sad, but there it was.

Always, James tried to forgo the condom, but the more he did, the more she insisted, using the excuse that she wasn’t on the pill and couldn’t afford to get pregnant at this time in her life. It seemed to upset him, especially their last night together, but Lamb was firm. He abided by her wishes, but she got the feeling he was angry about it.

She could have confronted him — and probably should have — but it wasn’t worth it to her. As long as he did as she asked, there was no reason to get into his reasoning for not wanting to use a condom. Which baffled her to no end. He was, by all appearances, a very wealthy man. Wouldn’t knocking up a complete stranger be bad for him? She’d never try to take him to the cleaners, but most women she knew would. He didn’t know her, and he wasn’t stupid. So why was he so insistent?

In the back of her mind, it was a warning. A red flag she shouldn’t ignore. But she did. She settled for the experience she wanted and didn’t ask him anything. When they parted ways, she intended to get his number so they could get together again, but every time she intended to, something would distract her. By the time she was in her little Focus headed back to Indiana, she realized she’d never gotten his number. And he hadn’t gotten hers.

Oh well. She was moving on to the next phase of her life. A man in the mix would just complicate things. She needed to focus her entire attention on learning as much as she could at Argent Tech in the little time she had there. With that thought firmly in mind, she turned up the radio, put the windows down and sang at the top of her lungs until she reached cooler weather farther north. Lamb Newsome was taking her life by the horns. She was in control of her own destiny. Time to make the most of it.