Marked for Darkness

Rex met her in the lobby, looking handsome in crisp black slacks and a white button up shirt. He didn’t need a tie. The top button was undone, and though he looked good—damn good—he didn’t look comfortable.

He smiled wide and dazzling when he saw her, eyes roving up and down leisurely. Her cheeks heated as he rubbed the light stubble on his chin, still appraising her. His scent was spicy and intoxicating.

“You look amazing.”

Her blush deepened. “Thanks, so do you. I didn’t think you were the suit-wearing type of guy.”

He chuckled. “It was dress to impress, right?” Pausing for a moment, Harlow’s gaze flitted to the glass pane on the doors. When he spoke again, drawing her gaze back to him, she noticed, he too searched outside the door. “Should we go up?”

Harlow nodded, wrapping a hand through his proffered arm. He steered her toward the elevator and jammed the call button, his eyes never leaving her.

“You okay?” he asked, brows pinching together. He truly was gorgeous with his blond hair swept up and his angular jaw. There was something rugged about him that she couldn’t deny was fascinating. His corded biceps were undoubtedly the result of manual labor, versus frequent stints at the gym.

“Yeah, why do you ask?” she replied.

“You look…spooked. Like you saw a ghost.” All traces of his smile had faded.

Harlow swallowed hard, forcing a smile. “I’m great. There was a loose dog on my way over here, just freaked me out a little.”

His lips tugged upward. “Not a dog person?”

Harlow looked away from him as the sliding doors parted and they stepped inside. “On the contrary, I adore them.”

She ignored Rex’s confusion and they rode up in silence until Harlow saw the numbers passing twelve. The light illuminated on the pad was twenty-four. Only one floor below the penthouse.

“Wow, you live really high up. I didn’t realize there were that many floors when I saw the building.” She ignored her heart beating faster with every passing second.

Rex stuffed his hands into his pockets and shrugged. “I got lucky I guess.”

The elevator dinged and Harlow stepped into the hall, sucking in a deep breath. She wasn’t exactly claustrophobic or scared of heights but being in an elevator for more than a minute or two made her panic.

“This way,” Rex said, leading her down the hall, past several doors before stopping at one on her right. He slid a key into the lock and pushed the door open. His foot held it in place so Harlow could enter. Passing him, her arm brushed his chest. She offered him a small smile as she hurried past him—it felt like her nerves were going haywire.

A date on the second-to-top floor with a perfect stranger and no one knew where she was. Okay, maybe this wasn’t the smartest idea.

The apartment was open and large, the settees were a plain beige leather, and the only hanging wall décor were at least a hundred vintage beer plaques. It was charming in a bachelor pad kind of way.

Rex stared down at his dark loafers in blatant discomfort before giving an awkward chuckle. “I’m not much of an interior designer.”

Harlow laughed too as she followed the wall, scanning the old tin signs. “These are really quite cool though,” she admitted. “Why don’t you have them hanging in your pub?” She turned to face him, arms crossed loosely over her abdomen.

His eyes ran down the rows of plaques, then he shrugged. “My dad did, but when I updated the place after he died, I decided I wanted these here. I went with a sports theme because, well…” he trailed off and Harlow answered with a smile.

New York had plenty of sports fans.

Rex stepped closer, the scent of him uniquely earthy mixed with cologne. “Shall I get us some drinks?” he asked.

Harlow bit her lip and nodded. “Please.”

Rex inclined his head before brushing past her to the kitchen on her right. It was mostly open, with a high breakfast nook facing inside. Harlow turned away as Rex busied himself with glasses and something undoubtedly alcohol, which she was thankful for. It would help relax her taut nerves.

She scoped out the massive TV mounted to the dark brick wall, then the small round table beside the settee. Next to the thick cork coasters she spotted a single photograph framed in dark wood. Harlow picked it up, to better see the three occupants within the sun-bleached image. A man with sandy blond hair, wide jaw and a tight-lipped smile had his arm around a plump woman with brilliant blond curls and stunning blue eyes filled with love. Squeezed between the couple was a handsome, teenage boy that bore nearly all of his mother’s features. He smiled too. The photograph was shot on a beach and there was so much genuine happiness, it made Harlow’s chest ache.

She’d been so enraptured with the photograph she hadn’t heard Rex’s steps behind her.

“He died about a year after that was taken.”

Harlow whirled around, nearly dropping the picture. She flushed as she set it back down gingerly. “I’m so sorry…If you don’t mind me asking…How did he die?”

Rex stared at the photograph a minute longer. “Cancer. It was pretty quick.” He extended a generous glass of red wine. She took it and took a long sip before answering.

“I’m sorry. Losing a parent sucks.”

The darkness that had shadowed his expression dissipated. “At least I still have my mom.” His voice was thick, and Harlow nodded. She’d give anything to have just one of her parents back.

Rex rubbed a hand over her exposed upper back. “Are you ready to eat?”

Harlow took a steadying breath, then another sip of wine, savoring the fruity undertones. Clearing all sadness from her mind, she plastered on a smile. “Absolutely.”

***

Harlow’s first bite of steak was so divine she actually groaned. Out loud.

Rex threw his head back and laughed, while Harlow’s face flamed. “Don’t be embarrassed, a girl that loves good food is a total turn-on.”

His dining table was small, but what use did a bachelor have for a grand table that seated ten? The results then were…intimate.

His hands were incredibly close when he reached for his wine glass. She felt his heat. The mixture of wine and his scent made her dizzy. He watched her treasure every bite with rapt fascination.

It made her even warmer.

So hot she thought she might actually burst into flames.

His eyes danced from her lips, lower, to her full breasts and she felt the heat pool between her thighs. It was an odd sensation where she felt like she was some sort of freak show, yet she knew every moan that she made, and every not-so-subtle shift in her chair was only inviting his hungry expression.

But holy shit it was a damn good steak. That man could cook. Not to mention he was practically carved by angels he was so beautiful.

“If that’s how you sound with a simple steak, I can only imagine how you sound in the throes of passion.”

Harlow choked on her bite, coughing before she washed it down with the last of her wine that Rex took the liberty of refilling before she could decline. Her cheeks were on fire. Perhaps it was the truly orgasmic food or the amount of wine she’d had, but she couldn’t stop the images that flashed in her mind. The two of them tangled in sheets, sweat-slicked and panting.

She looked down at her nearly empty plate. “My dad made really great steak too. I don’t think I’ve had one since he died.”

The table was silent a moment.

“I’m sorry,” Rex said, sliding his warm hand over hers and squeezing gently. “I didn’t mean to bring up sad memories.”

Harlow shook her head, her red waves brushing the tops of her shoulders. “No, it was lovely, thank you.”

His lips tilted up. “My pleasure.”

Rex rose from his seat, the chair scraping against the tile. The pregnant air made it sound like booming thunder. He extended his hand to help her from her seat and Harlow accepted, feeling her pulse spike yet again. But he didn’t let go, instead, he threaded his fingers through hers.

“Want to watch a movie?”

She nodded, grabbed the bottle of wine by the neck with her other hand. “Should we bring this?” Harlow asked.

Rex’s grin was frightfully handsome, as he grabbed their glasses with his other hand.

“Absolutely,” he chuckled as he led her back into the living room. The sound of his laughter was low, and she felt it all over.

“But first,” he said, pausing at the small round table that held the photograph of him and his parents. After setting down their glasses and taking the bottle from Harlow to set beside them, he opened the drawer. He pulled out a remote, and with a few clicks, a slow jazz tune softly played around them from speakers she couldn’t see. She smiled as he wrapped a hand around her waist.

Their joined hands clasped at shoulder height as they began to sway and step to the beat. “Tell me more about your life back in California.”

Harlow inhaled a deep breath. “Honestly, after my sister got married and moved to England, it was really boring. Until I met Lenae, but when it was just me and my sister, it was nice. The beaches were pretty and I kind of liked the warmth.”

“How long ago did your sister get married?”

“Pretty much the second I turned eighteen. She wanted to make sure I wouldn’t get put in the system, so she waited until I was legally an adult, but I she was gone a week later. She was already pregnant with his first kid. They have three now.” Harlow blinked, realizing she was speaking to a stranger. Though for some reason, Rex was easy to talk to.

Like she wanted to spill all her secrets to him.

His face dipped near her ear. “Are you and your sister close?”

It was hard to think with their bodies so close. For a moment, the room spun and she clung to him tighter until it passed. As if sensing she wasn’t quite well, his grip around her waist became like iron. “We used to be. We talk at Christmas and on our birthdays, but she has her own life so…” Harlow shrugged.

His lips skimmed the shell of her ear. “Her loss.”

Harlow shivered. “Are you and your mom close?” she asked.

He smiled a thin, brittle smile. “Pretty close. The death of my dad nearly killed her, and I remind her of him, so it just depends on the day really.”

“I’m sorry.”

Rex pulled back enough to look at her, his eyes the color of the ocean’s churning waves. They stared at each other for a moment as the song’s final note rent through the apartment. Harlow’s heart doubled its pace as Rex’s gaze became more intense. Her mouth was dry, and she tried to wet her lips. His attention dipped to her mouth.

Then his hands traced up her sides, sliding along her every curve, and coming to rest on either side of her face. Their faces were inches apart, as if they were drawn together like magnets. She felt the taut muscles beneath the shirt she still held onto. He leaned closer and she held still.

Held her breath.

His lips brushed against hers. Softly. Gently.

She lifted up onto her tip-toes to kiss him back, leaning into him. Rex gripped her face tighter as he deepened the kiss, his tongue parting her lips. She gasped into his mouth, hands roving over his impressive body as her nipples hardened.

What started off slow and sensual quickly became a desperate, passionate plea for more. The attraction she’d felt when she first saw him was nothing compared to now. She had the intense desire to see him without his shirt. To see the impressive body her hands worked to undress. Shakily her fingers undid the buttons, then her hands met smooth skin. She slid them from his waist, over the hard plane of his abdomen, and up his chest. A small patch of coarse hair tickled her palms and she fought back a small smile.

His hands slid down to cup her ass and then he lifted her off her feet, their mouths crashing together once more. Wrapping her legs around his waist as he moved her back, she held on tight. He leaned over, dropping her onto the settee, the stiff material crunching beneath her.

Standing over her, she was able to drink in the sight of Rex. Every flawless inch of him.

Then he climbed on top of her and began unbuttoning the front of her dress. Rex nipped her bottom lip as the fabric opened for his seeking touch. Cool air kissed her chest and her nipples ached, hard and wanting. His lips curved in a grin as he dipped his head to her breasts, flicking his tongue over one firm bud, then the next.

Harlow arched into his mouth, a shocked gasp slipping from her lips. She could feel herself growing wet and wished to feel his skillful tongue lower. Though sexually inexperienced, she’d fooled around a time or two.

When Rex slid back up, kissing his way to her lips again, she felt the solid confirmation that he was just as turned on as she was rubbing against her throbbing clit. Shamelessly, she ground her hips up against him, providing the friction she so desperately needed.

His husky laugh sounded against her throat.

“Shall we see what types of noises you make when you cum?”

“Yes,” she panted. Wow, one incredible steak and suddenly she had zero scruples. To be fair, she’d not had a guy between her legs in over a year. And the last guy had been so unenthusiastic, she’d feigned orgasm just so he’d leave, and she could use her vibrator to get the job done.

Rex’s hand slid up her thigh while his mouth busied itself with her breasts again, swirling his tongue in circles around her nipple.

She moaned as his fingers brushed against her core. Strung so tight she could burst, Harlow lifted herself to his hand as he cupped her over her panties.

“So wet,” he murmured over her nipple. “Your panties are soaked.”

She blushed as his eyes flicked up to meet hers. Then, without looking away his fingers pushed aside the damp fabric as he ran a single finger through her slick heat.

His lips slowly curled into a smile and Harlow held her breath. His thumb pushed against her swollen clit as he slid a finger inside her.

She sucked in sharply through her teeth, her head falling back. Giving in to the pleasure. He stroked her sensitive bundle of nerves while slowly pumping his finger in and out. The pressure built and her muscles tightened, awaiting release.

His speed increased to the point of almost hurting, but Harlow didn’t say anything. Her orgasm tore through her brutal and fast. She cried out, back bowing off the couch.

Rex rumbled a chuckle as he lashed her nipple once more with his tongue before rising. He looked down at her while she panted for breath.

“Such beautiful sounds.”

She smiled lazily. Rex palmed himself through his slacks, the bulge straining like a heat-seeking missile. As he began to undo his top button, a little flicker of nervousness alighted. She swallowed hard, suddenly feeling unsure. He’d been far from gentle with his finger. She couldn’t imagine how he’d be with something larger.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, voice husky.

Harlow shook her head, mentally screaming at herself. Never before had she gotten this far. Usually there was some interruption, or the guy changed his mind for some unknown reason. But now…there was nothing stopping her.

And that scared her.

“Nothing, it’s just I’ve never…” She cleared her throat. “I haven’t done this before.”

His gaze heated as a small smile pulled at his lips again. “You’re a virgin?”

She sighed. “Sadly, yes.”

“I’ll be gentle.” He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips as if in demonstration.

Just as she attempted to deepen the kiss, an alarm sounded. Harlow’s heart sank and Rex’s hard body turned to stone as his expression became murderous. “This whole building better be on fucking fire,” he growled as he got to his feet and redid the button on his trousers. Harlow got to her feet too, cringing at the shrill siren that was followed by a male voice instructing people to proceed to their nearest exit.

When they were sufficiently dressed, they swiftly stalked toward the door. Harlow snagged her purse on the way out, just in case.

The lights in the hallway flashed as the siren continued to scream, even louder than it had inside Rex’s apartment. They filed down the hall as others started for the staircase. Most people hurried, especially when the smell of smoke reached them. A panic rose from the hundreds of occupants. Staff called down the halls, knocking on doors and ordering people to get out.

The building was truly on fire.

As they descended to the ground floor, the faintest trickle of black smoke curled up and crawled across the ceiling. In the lobby, the smoke was thicker. Firefighters as well as staff ushered people out the open doors.

Harlow’s heart pounded as the full realization set in. There was an actual fire.

Outside, the brisk night air cleared the smell of smoke from Harlow’s lungs. Many people gathered, some with small children wrapped in their arms. She scanned up the tall building, secretly hoping everyone was out now.

But for all the panic the sight of smoke had caused, none of the firefighters seemed to be rushing. When one walked by, Rex grabbed his arm. “What’s going on?” he asked.

The man sighed, his handsome face beginning to show the first signs of aging. “Just a small fire, it’s out now but we’re trying to determine the cause. It’ll be an hour or so before we can let everyone in.”

Harlow’s eyes widened. Rex turned to face her, a frown marring his stunning features.

“I should go, it’s getting late.” Now that they’d been forced to stop, Harlow felt the rational part of her brain fire up. They hardly knew each other, and this was only their first date. She was eager to lose her V card, but she didn’t necessarily want to throw it at whoever happened to stumble into her path. She wanted to lose her virginity to someone she wouldn’t regret the second it was over. It wouldn’t hurt to date him a little more. Get to know him.

He reached out and grabbed her biceps, halting her. “Don’t go. Stay the night. Or we can go back to your hotel if you want.”

She offered him a smile. “It’s alright, I’m tired. I’m gonna go. I’ll text you tomorrow.” Lifting up onto her tip toes she pressed a kiss to his coarse cheek. “Thank you for tonight.”

Reluctantly he released her. “At least let me walk you back.”

She considered, recalling the strange incident as she’d walked to his place. Too many odd events to ignore, what would it hurt to have a little protection? “Sure, thanks.”

He smiled then, a dazzling white smile that nearly stole her breath. As they started away toward her hotel, his hand slid into hers. His warmth and presence anchored her.

The walk was far shorter and far less eventful than her trip to his apartment had been. Standing outside the entrance, Harlow smiled up at him.

“Thanks again.”

He moved forward, cupping her cheeks and slanting his mouth over hers. She got drunk off his kisses, feeling her body press against his. The fire reignited, but Harlow forced herself to break it.

He sighed, still holding her face. “Sure you don’t want me to come in?”

“Oh, I want you to come in,” she said, a little breathlessly, “but I think it’s best if we say goodnight.”

Rex pressed another soft kiss to her lips, then stepped back. “As you wish.”

“Goodnight,” Harlow said.

“Goodnight.”

Harlow entered the building, but she sensed without looking back that he lingered on the pavement, as if hoping she’d reconsider. To keep herself from doing just that, she hurried up to her room.