Israel Read online

  “Yes, I’m very wet, Sir.”

  “All those thoughts racing through your mind, lightning doesn’t move that fast. You are remarkable.” His fingers traced a line of fire up the inside of her thigh, the slow stroke ripe with anticipation. It didn’t matter the streetlights were shining down on her bare sex, or the car was so low, it would have been easy for anyone in a higher profile vehicle to look down and see what Israel was doing.

  She heard the sucking sound of her juices moving around his fingers as they slipped inside her and felt herself stiffen. It was mortifying to realize her body was so wanton. His low growl shifted her attention to his face. The crinkled line between his brows let her know he wasn’t pleased.

  “Don’t you dare be embarrassed by something I find hotter than hell. Knowing I have this effect on you makes my soul sing and my cock so hard, it’s threatening to split open.”

  She took a deep breath and nodded. His words were empowering. The Dom instructors at the club had continually reminded them, the power was in their hands. Knowing Israel could only command her if she allowed it, Bristol took another long breath and relished the surge of energy, knowing he was turned on by her body’s reaction to him.

  By the time they pulled into the parking lot beside the exclusive eatery, Bristol’s body was begging for release. When she reached for the door handle, Israel leveled a glare at her.

  “Stay where you are, Beautiful. Chivalry is not dead in my family. I’d prefer my parents didn’t come back to haunt me for letting my mate open her own door.” He was around the car in seconds, smiling when he saw she’d pulled the bottom of her dress back into place. Helping her from the low seat, Israel pinned her in, pressing her against the side of the car to take her mouth with a kiss so scorching, he felt the heat radiating around their bodies. When he wrapped his hand around her wrist and pulled her away from the side of the car, Israel pressed his palm against the shiny black metal.

  “You’re so fucking hot, I can feel it on the surface of the car. Let’s go inside. We’ll enjoy a nice dinner, then go to Prairie Winds and play.”

  Bristol zombie walked beside Israel into the restaurant, her head still fogged with lust. The man could kiss her senseless so quickly, it was frightening. In seconds, he could numb enough brain cells to send her IQ down several points.

  The small café’s entry looked like an open-air terrace, but she’d seen a glimmer of reflection off the pristine glass dome and wondered how many people were fooled by the illusion. There were so many twinkling lights in the surrounding potted trees and plants. One side was a natural stone wall, Bristol suspected was part of some original Austin old west building, making her wonder about the history of the area.

  “The owner will be happy to tell you all about the building another time, Beautiful. Tonight is for something entirely different.”

  They were seated at one of the smaller secluded booths along the rock wall she’d admired when they first arrived. Weaving their way through the tables hadn’t been difficult since the establishment wasn’t particularly large, but it seemed to take forever because some of the things she’d seen along the way, rendered her mute.

  “I had no idea a place like this existed in Austin. Do you come here often?” Bristol hadn’t meant for the question to sound insecure, but it was impossible to hide how out of her element she felt.

  Israel recognized a make-or-break moment when confronted with one, and this one was full of landmines. He wouldn’t lie to her, his mate deserved better from him, but he wouldn’t let her make more of this than she should.

  “I’ve been here several times, helping friends train subs, group outings, play parties, and an occasional date. Keep in mind, I’m several years older than you, so by default, I’d have more sexual experience. I wasn’t a slouch in school, but my parents had their hands full, keeping ahead of London. The rest of us had fairly normal school experiences, so it stands to reason, I had more free time to explore my sexuality.” Israel wanted to roll his eyes. Hell, thinking about his behavior was cringeworthy. He’d explored every nook and cranny of his sexual side while dating most of the girls on campus.

  “So, you’ve been here with other women? Dates? I may not have dated in college or a lot after I moved to Texas, but even I know it will be difficult for you to keep from comparing your experiences with other women at this venue. You didn’t sit at this table, did you? Holy popping capillaries, maybe we could go through a drive-through and pick up food. You know, eat in the car on the way… Oh… ewww. No other woman has…”

  Israel had heard enough. Raising his hand in the universal sign to halt, he shook his head in frustration.

  “Stop. I want you to take a breath and listen. Listen very closely, Bristol, because I’m only going to tell you this once.” He knew why she was upset but doubted she did. As a group, shifters were notoriously possessive, often displaying inappropriate jealousy during the early stages of the mating process. Bristol hadn’t been raised in a shifter household, so she didn’t fully understand her feelings.

  His mate’s emotions had run so hot and cold, he’d barely been able to track them. It was almost painful to watch as her emotions began spiraling into an emotional freefall, knowing she’d been helpless to control the unfamiliar feelings. Signaling the waiter to bring their drinks, he waited until she’d had several sips of wine before proceeding.

  “First, I won’t lie to you, Bristol. You asked me if I’d been here, and I answered you truthfully. You failed to ask if I’ve ever been here with a woman I had any interest in claiming as my own, either as a wife or mate. My entire world shifted on its axis when I found you at Kensington and Denali’s wedding.”

  The day had been spectacular. The Adlers celebrated the marriage of the movie star brother, they’d worried would never find a woman willing to share his insane travel schedule, and Austin’s wife, Charlotte, had conveniently forgotten to mention she was in labor, convinced she’d be back in their penthouse apartment before anyone was the wiser.

  “I’d have recognized your scent anywhere and known you belonged to me, but having fate bring you into my life on a day when my entire family was present and already celebrating was the icing on the cake. I’d never seat you in a booth or car where anyone—a date or otherwise—had been.” Bronx made certain his siblings traded cars regularly, citing some lame-ass excuse about poor advertising when they drove cars more than a year old.

  “Ummm… do me a favor and don’t tell Bronx about my car, okay?”

  He smiled at Bristol. He’d forgotten she could hear him in unguarded moments. Israel was sure his heart had expanded like the damned Grinch—the intimacy of telepathic communication strengthened the bond between mates.

  “I won’t tell him, but I’d be surprised if he doesn’t already know. Austin sent someone to retrieve your car while you were finishing things up with Charlotte. He wanted to make your life easier after you’d ridden in the ambulance to monitor his wife and child. I know I’ve mentioned this already, but it bears repeating. The Adlers are very protective of our family members. Austin was mortified when a member of his security detail sent pictures of your car.”

  Israel wasn’t enjoying this conversation. The bright red blush of embarrassment spreading over her cheeks wasn’t how he’d intended to start dinner, but on the plus side, she was distracted from her earlier concerns.

  “How were they going to bring the car without… oh, wait. I gave you the keys to get my bag, and you didn’t have a chance to return them. Geez, I completely forgot to ask for the keys.”

  “Don’t look so shocked, sweetness. I’m damned happy you’ve been too distracted to think about car keys because that means I’m doing something right.”

  “You’re doing too much right, that’s the problem.” The words were barely audible, but he hadn’t missed them.

  “Your car has been secured at one of Bronx’s dealerships. Don’t worry about having something to drive. Bronx likes you. I can’t imagine what sort of sas
sy car he finds to replace the one he claims was offensive on every level, including various safety issues.”

  “Oh, dear Goddess. I can’t afford a better car. I have another appointment with the architect. He’s already asking for more money and hasn’t made any of the changes I’ve asked for. Frickadilly circus, I should have listened to Cam and CeCe. They recommended a firm, but it was out of my price range.”

  Israel suspected it would have been cheaper for her if she’d hired the more expensive architectural firm. The one she was using underbid and now felt he could hold her hostage by milking every change and charging a huge fee to finish things up.

  “The wonderful thing about hindsight, it’s twenty-twenty. I’d like for you to talk to Asia about this, Beautiful.”

  “I don’t want to take advantage of your sister, Israel. It would be unfair of me to weasel professional services from her because we are… well, we’re…”

  “Be very careful how you describe our relationship, my brilliant and beautiful mate.” Their waiter’s arrival with their dinner was fortunate for Bristol. The young man probably saved her a long session over Israel’s knee. He’d have given her a few stinging swats now and finished the punishment at the club, but the interruption gave her time to consider her answer and its consequences.

  The smile of thanks she gave the other man sent a pang of jealousy racing through Israel’s blood before he pulled himself back from the emotion to watch the interaction with an open mind.

  “It’s nice to see you, Marco. I didn’t know you’d taken a second job. How are things with your family? Anything I need to know about?”

  “Dr. Banks, it’s nice to see you. My family is wonderful, and the twins are growing like weeds. Tuition went up a lot this year, so I’m trying to make up the difference by working here in the evening, but I miss seeing my wife and daughters. I still have several semesters left before I can start my internship, so I need to build up a bit of cushion since my application for assistance with…” The man’s nervous glance in Israel’s direction spoke volumes.

  Decisions on Adler education grant applications had been put on hold recently due to the overwhelming changes taking place within the family. Seeing firsthand how those delays were affecting real people made Israel determined to set the process in motion again on Monday.

  “Marco, I want you to call my office first thing Monday morning.” Handing the man one of his business cards, Israel gave him a warm smile. “My assistant, Geneva, will be waiting to help you through whatever obstacles you’ve encountered.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Adler.” His expression changed from stunned disbelief to gratitude before his eyes became glassy with unshed tears. “Thank you so much.” Backing away, excitement vibrating all around him, he nearly tripped over his own feet in his haste. “Enjoy your meal. Please press the button on the table when you’re ready for dessert—or if you need anything… anything at all.” When he was gone, Bristol turned to him, her expression completely different from anything he’d seen before.

  “Thank you. That was very kind. He’s very deserving and will be a wonderful physician’s assistant. They’d only been married a few weeks when they found out they had twins on the way. His lovely wife was a registered nurse, working in one of the city’s larger trauma units, but she had to quit early in her pregnancy. Her job is difficult under normal circumstances, but it was impossible for her to keep up with the physical demands when her body was busy building two tiny humans.”

  Israel leaned his head back and laughed. He’d had a laundry list of things he wanted to try during dinner, and so far, they hadn’t hit a single target. Shaking his head, the irony was more than he could wrap his head around.

  “You are full of surprises, Bristol. I had all these kinky things planned, and all my meticulous preparations have been blown out of the water because my date is one of the kindest women I’ve ever met.” The pink tinge of embarrassment, painting her cheeks spoke to her humility, another trait he admired.

  “I’m a physician, I’m supposed to be kind.”

  “You are expected to be professional and compassionate, but I think kindness is something much more basic. Being kind to your fellow human beings isn’t always an innate trait, and when you meet someone who is good all the way to the depths of their soul, you’ve found something extraordinary, indeed.”

  “Thank you, I’m not sure I’ve ever received a compliment I appreciated more.”

  The next few minutes were spent enjoying their steaks. The small restaurant might be best known for kink, but the food was spectacular as well. Beef so tender it melted in your mouth paired with twice-baked potatoes wouldn’t weigh them down for what he had planned at the club.

  “Before we finish our dinner, I want to give you a little taste of what I had planned.” Her hand froze midway between her plate and her luscious lips. Perfect. He had her full attention, and that was exactly what he’d intended. Nodding to her fork, he watched her move it slowly to her mouth, lips parting in anticipation, breath catching with barely banked desire.

  “Open those pretty thighs for me, Beautiful, I want to play a bit while you finish eating.” Seeing her eyes dilate made his cock jerk against his zipper. The damned thing seemed to have grown a mind of its own since he’d found his mate. Inhaling a deep breath, Israel’s senses were bombarded with her scent.

  “Fuck me, baby, you are so perfect, I can barely believe my good fortune. I’m not sure what I could have possibly done to deserve you, but I’m not going to question fate’s gift.” Taking her hand in his, Israel move it back to her plate. “Finish your dinner, sweetness—you’re going to need it. You’ll be burning up a lot of calories later, and I want to make certain you’re properly energized.” There was a wealth of meaning in what he said—let her make of it what she would.

  When her leg brushed against his, Israel lifted it over his own, so she’d be completely open to his touch. Skimming the pads of his fingers over the sensitive skin on the inside of her thighs, he smiled when goosebumps raced ahead of his caress. The first brush of his fingertips over the slick folds of her sex made him wonder if he’d made a mistake, starting before they were at the club. The restaurant didn’t have a policy against public sex, but Israel didn’t feel Bristol was ready for that much exposure… yet.

  The folds were swollen and soaked. It was easy to slide two fingers deep enough to press against her G-spot. Her reaction was everything he’d hoped and more. The quick clench of her vaginal muscles, a heartbeat before a pulse of silky cream warmed the two fingers he’d pushed inside her, was what Doms dreamed of. Leaning close, Israel closed his teeth over the lobe of her ear with enough force to remind her he was in control.

  “Come for me, Beautiful,” he whispered through clenched teeth.

  Her fork clattered to her plate, drawing smiles from several of the patrons. Biting down on her knuckle to stifle her scream, the sound she made was music to his ears—the whimper perfect. Bristol’s release had been little more than a pop-off valve, letting off a bit of steam. It wasn’t the bone-melting orgasm her body was chasing, but he hadn’t intended for it to be more than a temporary reprieve.

  Israel paid the check, slipping several one-hundred-dollar bills into the tip portion of the folder. It wasn’t much, but he suspected the young family would be grateful for any help they received. Setting the folder on the table, he looked up to see Bristol watching him, her eyes brimming unshed tears made his breath catch. What the hell?

  “Bristol, what’s wrong? Are you ill?”

  She shocked him when she fisted her small hands in the front of his shirt and pulled him close. Sealing her lips over his, the kiss ramped up like a flash fire. Israel couldn’t remember the last time he’d allowed a woman to take the lead and was shocked at how much he’d enjoyed feeling her need wash over him.

  “Nothing. Nothing at all. That money will mean so much to them. His wife won’t be cleared to return to work for another three weeks.” She brushed away an errant
tear and smiled. “I… well, I just wanted to say thank you. I didn’t understand the importance of planting trees that I would never have the opportunity to sit under until I was taken in by a loving teacher after my parents died. She taught me more in the short time I was with her than my parents had in all the years I’d spent living in their house.”

  The significance of Bristol’s words wasn’t lost on him. Who the hell referred to their childhood as the years they spent living in their parents’ house? Pushing his anger on her behalf aside, Israel pulled her into his arms.

  “I want you to promise to help Asia with the foundation education programs. You know as well as any of us how important it is.” Without giving her a chance to turn down his request, Israel grasped her hand and led her to the car.

  Even in the dim light, Israel could see her eyes widen in surprise when he led her to a Lincoln Town Car. The driver, one of his company’s more seasoned employees, Lincoln Billings, was also the first member of the security team Israel was putting together for Bristol. Lincoln opened the back door, giving them both a polite nod.

  “Good evening, Dr. Banks, Mr. Adler.”

  Bristol stopped so quickly, Israel nearly ran over her. He hadn’t planned to introduce them until they were safely inside the car, but it seemed she had other ideas. Bristol extended her hand in greeting.

  Chapter Fifteen

  It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what Israel had planned for them during the drive to the club outside town. It wasn’t a long trip, but with the city’s growing population moving farther and farther outside the perimeter of Austin, traffic was becoming more challenging. The car was luxurious, but it wasn’t particularly private. There was an added layer of tension pulsing beneath the surface when she’d stopped to introduce herself to the man who’d greeted her, making her wonder what she wasn’t being told.