Chapter Six

Genevieve

I stuck the tiny lamp in my purse and headed inside the antique shop. This wasn't one of the high-end shops where only the wealthy could afford to touch things. It was a hometown store that was stuffed full of secondhand items to be loved.

I planned to stick the lamp on the shelf and hoped the person who picked it up would be the right one. Like fate or something.

Explaining my plan to Roam had been the hardest thing I'd gone through, but he'd reassured me he understood and had offered to return to the lamp without me asking. I almost wish he would have been angry over it, so I could've felt justified for putting my needs first. Instead, he'd been the gentleman who'd shaken me to my core and made me feel like my feelings mattered.

A spark of anger burned in my chest toward my mother for putting me in this situation. If this had been a guy wanting to date, I could have turned him down and just went on with my life guilt free and without feeling like I was the bad guy. But I felt responsible for him. Which was absolutely ridiculous since he was likely hundreds, if not thousands, of years old. He didn't need me.

But you need him.

Yeah. And that was the problem. I'd smiled more in the past days than I had in years, and it was because of him. What if this was me becoming reliant on another man to be happy?

My fingers brushed along the shelves as I stared unseeing at the items packed tightly in the small space. I knew what I had to do, but I was struggling to find the strength to do it.

Pausing, I slipped my hand in my bag and gripped the lamp. My thumb slid along the surface, and I realized belatedly I was seeking comfort. A warmth spread through my fingers and up my arm.

I pulled the lamp out, clutching it to my chest. Even though I was pushing him away, he was still willing to comfort me.

"Oh, that lamp is lovely!" A sharp-dressed woman in stilettos stepped beside me, nodding at the lamp. "Are you going to buy it? If not, I definitely want it."

"No. It's mine." The words rolled from my lips before I had a chance to even decide what I wanted to say. "I mean, I brought it from home to find items that would look nice being displayed with it."

The woman shook her head sadly. "That's a shame. I collect lamps and it would go perfectly with the others. Let me give you my number in case you decide you ever want to sell it."

I clutched the lamp tighter, feeling a strange possessiveness over it. No, not it. Him. I didn't want this woman rubbing any part of this lamp… or Roam.

She dug in her purse and pulled out a gold-etched business card with her name and number. I took it, then placed it and the lamp in my purse.

"If I change my mind, I'll let you know," I mumbled, then rushed out into the dazzling golden hour of sun that came right before it set.

Walking down the sidewalk, I knew I wasn't ready to go home and face Roam's questions, so when I happened on a cute little pub, I headed inside.

I was on my second drink when someone sat down on the barstool next to me.

"If you wanted a drink, you could've called me." Charles' sexy half-smile that had set butterflies off in my stomach on moving day did absolutely nothing.

Maybe because I couldn't get my mind off a certain djinn.

"Oh, hey." I tried to summon a little warmth, but I wasn't in the mood for company and didn't want to encourage him.

"I'll take a beer and give the lady another of whatever she's having." Charles winked at the pixie serving drinks and her wings fluttered in response as pink tinged her cheeks.

Turning back to me, he started a steady stream of small talk. I kept my answers polite but short as I tried to give him the hint that I wanted to be left alone with my thoughts.

Apparently, Charles wasn't used to being ignored, because he reached out to pat my knee. "You seem a little down. Are you having a hard time with the move?"

I stared down at his hand. It was a forward gesture, but not any more flirty than other interactions I'd experienced at bars. Still, it made my stomach flip-flop. There was only one man whose touch I wanted.

"This was my first day at my new job, and I'm just tired." Crossing my legs, I forced him to remove his hand.

Charles sucked air between his teeth. "Whew. That's always tough. Did you enjoy it?"

"Yes, actually. I did." I sipped at my drink and tried to catch the bartender's eye so I could pay my tab and make my escape.

The bar was getting more crowded as people got off from work and piled into the booths. Charles stood, greeting another man who had entered the bar. I breathed a sigh of relief, thinking his attention had been diverted. That relief was short-lived.

"Here man, have my seat." Charles shifted positions to give his friend more room to take his barstool, inadvertently bumping into me.

My bar stool wobbled, and my drink sloshed a bit as I set it down to grab the counter.

"Whoa! I'm sorry!" Charles apologized, wrapping an arm around me. "Here, let me help." Grabbing some napkins, he tried to wipe up the alcohol that had spilled on my lap.

"It's okay. Seriously." I tried to grab the napkins from his hand, but he ignored me.

"Listen, if this needs dry-cleaning, I'll cover the cost." It was weird how sweet and respectful his words seemed, while at the same time his hand was sneaking higher and higher up my thigh.

"Miss?" I called the bartender. "I'm going to leave cash to cover my tab."

Dropping more than enough to cover the bill and a generous tip, I stood. "I'm going to head home. You can have my seat, Charles." I kept my friendly smile in place, but I was honestly horrified I'd even been attracted to a man like this.

He fake pouted, and his arm circled my waist again. "Don't leave so soon. I haven't been able to get you off my mind. Let me buy you dinner."

I shook my head, trying to step free of his muscular body. "It's been a long day. All I want is to go home and collapse into bed."

What he probably thought was a seductive smile slid onto his face. His tongue licked across his bottom lip, and his hand trailed up my ribs. "I've been told I have magic hands, and I'd be happy to massage the tension from your body. After I'm finished with you, I swear you'll sleep like the dead."

And I wish you'd drop dead…

THUD.

Charles' body dropped so fast, it reminded me of the little wooden figures that toppled the moment you pushed the button to loosen their strings.

Bar patrons gasped, rushing to check his pulse as I stood frozen, staring at his gray skin and unseeing eyes.

What in the monkey fudging nuts was going on?

"You seriously thought he was hot?"

My neck popped as I twisted to find Roam standing beside me, arms crossed over his chest.

"No! Maybe," I muttered, then a horrible thought crossed my mind. Not wanting anyone to hear me, I hissed, "Did you do this?"

"First, no one can see me except you, which kinda makes you look crazy since you're talking to yourself." Roam jerked his chin toward the people trying to resuscitate Charles. "And second, yes. But don't feel bad. He was going to die tonight, whether you wished it or not."

"What are you, the grim reaper? You can't know when someone is going to die!" I held my hand over my lips, hoping I looked horrified and no one would notice my lips moving behind my fingers.

"I can if I'm the one who's going to kill them," Roam shrugged. "He touched you and pushed for intimacy you didn't want."

"Yeah, that wasn't cool. Guys can be a little pushy when shooting their shots," I winced. "You should see what happens when they slide into your DMs."

"And I can be violent when I slide into their houses at night." Roam's face twisted in disgust.

"You have to undo this!" I whispered. "I didn't actually want him to die! Please."

Roam rolled his eyes. "Fine. But let's wait one more minute."

"Why?" I asked, suspicious of the mischief I saw glinting in his eyes.

"Wait for it…" The corner of his mouth twitched in amusement at something on the floor, and I reluctantly tore my eyes away to look down at Charles.

Just in time to see a giant orc with a scraggly beard, and half-rotted tusks start mouth to mouth on Charles.

Roam burst out laughing. "Time to wake up, Princess."

Charles' eyes flew open and color flooded his gray skin. Then he saw he was lip locking with an orc and his eyes almost popped out of his head.

"Let's go," I whispered, weaving unnoticed between the gathered crowd.

Roam followed me outside, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.

"That wasn't very nice," I scolded, although I was biting the inside of my cheek to keep from giggling.

"What? He wanted a kiss. I made sure he got one." Roam tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

That simple touch had my stress seeping away. His touch was what I wanted, and I was too mentally exhausted to remind myself why that was a bad idea.

Reaching out, I took his hand, not caring if I looked crazy. "Let's go home."

#

Roam walked one block before deciding he didn't like walking and whisked us home.

"That's going to take some getting used to." I wobbled as we materialized in my living room.

His arm circled my waist, holding me steady. I gently pushed him back until he sat down on the couch. Straddling his lap, I hooked my arms around his neck and rested my cheek against his bare chest.

"I don't know what to do and I'm scared." It was hard to admit.

"You don't have to make a decision tonight." He rubbed gentle circles on my back. "You're going to make yourself sick if you stay stressed."

"It's hard not to be stressed or feel bad. But it's not fair for me to tell you we're over, and then want to rush into your arms to be comforted. You deserve more." A tear slid down my cheek.

"Genie, you're being far too hard on yourself. You are entitled to your feelings, your fears, your worries, and your hopes. There's no reason for you to feel guilt over them." He wrapped his arms around me, squeezing me tight. "I'm an adult who can take care of myself. You aren't leading me on. I hear your thoughts, and you need to remember I am exactly where I want to be."

He was right. I was carrying the weight of the world and I didn't have to. Maybe I could just take it one day at a time and see where things went. If he was willing to give me a chance to feel things out, maybe I didn't have to make a decision right that moment.

"What if I wanted to kiss you?" My words were so soft that I thought he might not hear me.

"I'd love that." He spoke softly against my ear, his breath teasing across my skin.

It was the note of hopefulness in his voice that gave me the courage to lift myself on my knees and capture his face between my palms. He waited, patient as always, while I traced the lines of his face and stroked my thumb across his kissable mouth.

Leaning in, I brushed my lips across his in a featherlight kiss. His sharp intake of breath told me I wasn't the only one affected by whatever this thing was between us. I took my time, savoring the taste and feel of Roam's lips.

He didn't rush me, or try to take control of the kiss. Tears burned behind my closed eyelids as he let me take what I wanted—what I needed.

"Always," Roam whispered against my lips.

My heart fluttered and heat filled my belly. "Touch me. Please."

"Tell me what you want," he whispered.

"Read my mind," I teased, hoping he didn't notice my blush.

I imagined his hands sliding from where they rested on my hips to cup my butt, and a moment later, Roam's hands did just that. Deepening the kiss, I felt the heat rushing through my body. I craved more of his touch and imagined one of his hands massaging my breast.

Without hesitation, his right hand traveled up my ribs to cup my left breast. I growled in delight and frustration. It felt incredible, but I hated having my blouse and bra in the way.

Roam, I want to feel your skin against mine. But if only if you—

Cool air brushed against my bare skin as my shirt and bra disappeared. The feel of his chest brushing my naked skin had me shivering in delight. His hand cupped my heavy breast, massaging and teasing.

Running my fingers down his chest, I hesitated at the band of his silk pants. He'd never asked for my touch; what if he didn't want it?

"I want it." His mouth moved down my neck to my breasts. "You have no idea how much."

My fingers trailed lower, brushing over his hard erection.

"Genie," Roam groaned, his hot breath tickling the sensitive skin of my breast.

When he sucked my nipple into his mouth, I arched into him and my fingers closed around him. We moaned in unison, finding pleasure in every stroke and lick. Desire was building faster and harder as his mouth and fingers worked magic on my breasts. I longed for release, but I needed more.

Too hungry to be embarrassed, I whimpered, "Roam, touch me." Grabbing his hand, I moved it down until his fingers pressed against the soaked fabric between my thighs. "Here."

His finger stroked the fabric twice before he moved it to the side and traced my soaked slit. The intimacy of the touch sent another wave of heat to my aching core and I clung to him while my body trembled.

"Should I stop?" he whispered against my ear, his finger still teasing me.

"You better not," I growled, tightening my grip around his erection.

His deep laugh did crazy things to my insides… so did the two fingers he slipped inside me. Djinn clearly didn't have any issues finding their way around a woman's body, because Roam's fingers found their target insanely fast. I tried to match my strokes to the rhythm he was using to pleasure me.

"Roam!" I gasped, stars beginning to dance in my vision. "This feels too good. I'm not going to last long."

"Good," he growled, his tongue flicking my nipple. "Because I'm not either. Now let me show you what real magic hands can do."

That's when his fingers began to vibrate, instantly plunging me into orgasmic bliss. His fingers pressed on my most sensitive nerves, sending vibrations and warmth straight into my bones, causing me to orgasm a second time.

I continued to stroke his hard length wildly as I bucked and trembled with aftershocks. Roam's hips jerked and his eyes rolled back as he bellowed my name and came apart in my hand.

Exhausted and relaxed, I slumped against him. Roam wrapped his arms around me, cradling me against his chest. I fell asleep to the sound of him singing a hauntingly beautiful song, not caring that I couldn't understand the words. I felt safe and happy.

This was the kind of man I'd wished for all those times I'd cried myself to sleep. But could I be brave enough to let my guard down and allow him past the walls I used to protect myself?