Breaking the Play boy′s Curse(20)

To his surprise, Draven chuckled. “You can’t have rainbows and sunshine all the time, babe.”

“Ya caught me,” Vail replied, urging his lover out of the shower. “Let’s get some sleep.”

As Vail dried Draven off, his lover gave a jaw-cracking yawn. “Good idea,” Draven murmured, already almost dead on his feet.

As domestic as it was, Vail enjoyed helping his lover to bed. He curled up around his mate, who quickly conked out, and realized he’d do it every night if it meant he’d keep experiencing this kind of pleasure and relaxation.



Vail leaned against his bike, waiting for Draven to arrive. Over the last couple weeks, between having to share his mate’s time with Tim and his lessons, and with Draven wrapping up his work and handing off cases, Vail wasn’t getting nearly enough time with the man.

The vision Draven’d had a couple weeks ago didn’t help soothe him any, either. Vail had wanted to keep his lover close, but Draven had calmly reminded him the encounter would take place in trees. He had no defense.

“Hey, what’s got you so tense?” Adam asked, bumping his shoulder into him.

Grimacing, Vail really wished his mate were there. He glanced over at his friend, pleased to see the tiger shifter more relaxed after getting back from his week-long trip to the beach. “Draven had a vision a couple weeks ago,” he mumbled, running a hand through his hair. “It’s got me on edge, that’s all. I hate having him out of my sight.”

“What was the vision?” Lamar asked from where he stood on Vail’s other side.

Vail glanced at the peacock shifter and realized he was now the center of attention. Kontra and Tim drew close, and he saw every gaze was watching him. Shrugging, Vail said, “There wasn’t much to it. Draven saw a beautiful woman with blonde hair and blue eyes leaning against the fender of a red, vintage jaguar. He didn’t know the year, but guessed seventies. He couldn’t tell location other than amidst conifer trees, but he got a definitely malicious feel to the woman’s smile.”

“Damn, that’d be a pretty car,” Adam muttered, immediately fixating on the wheels.

“Would that be your witch?” Sam asked, focusing on the real issue. He cocked his head, rubbing a thumb down the scar on his left cheek, showing his unease. Realizing what he did, Sam crossed his massive arms over his chest.

Shrugging, Vail’s lips twitched. “No idea. I don’t remember my family discussing what she looked like.”

“Well, we all should keep our eyes open,” Kontra cut in. “When is Draven supposed to arrive?”

“Any time,” Vail replied.

Everyone returned to talking amongst themselves. Kontra stepped close and gave Vail’s shoulder a squeeze. “Try not to worry too much. We all have each other’s backs.”

Vail nodded, forcing a smile. “I know.”

The rumble of a powerful engine caught everyone’s attention. A red and black Victory Kingpin rolled up to the gate. The leather-clad driver leaned over and punched a code into the box, and the gate opened.

Seconds later, the motorcycle rolled to a stop next to the group. The driver rested the bike on the kickstand, then pulled off his helmet. Draven smirked at them and winked at Vail.

“Nice bike,” Vail called, striding toward his lover. “Why didn’t you tell me you had one?”

Draven snickered. “One, you didn’t ask. And, two, I didn’t have one.” He opened his arms, welcoming Vail into his embrace. “I traded my car in this morning for it,” he admitted. “Not like I’m going to need it traveling with you guys.”

Vail wrapped an arm around his lover and cupped Draven’s jaw. Sliding his lips across Draven’s, he held the man close as he showed him how happy he was to see him. He eased away and swept his gaze over the man. He could smell the newness of the leather jacket and chaps. “Well, it’s a good look for you,” he crooned. “Guess I won’t get to feel your arms around me as we travel.” He had to admit, this was just a bit disappointing to him.

Pressing a quick butterfly kiss to Vail’s lips, Draven threaded his fingers through Vail’s hair. “Don’t worry. You’ll feel my arms around you plenty to make up for it,” he promised.

“I better,” Vail replied.

Draven winked.

“All right, everyone,” Kontra called. “I know we’re all restless. It’s time to get a move on.”

“About time,” muttered Payson. He squeezed his mate and winked at Land. “Ready to get the hell out of San Francisco?”

The slender human smiled at Payson and nodded. “I haven’t been anywhere. It’ll be nice to see some sights.”