Shadows of Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase Page B

I really wanted to focus on what our joining had done to him. I rolled over and placed my palm on his cheek. “I love you, Kane.”
    “I know, pretty witch.” He closed his eyes. Pain lanced across his features and shot like a jolt through my hand.
    “Stop,” I said gently. “Don’t blame yourself.”
    “How can I not? I stole a part of you.”
    “I gave it to you,” I said with a smile.
    He raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Not exactly. But thank you for trying to make me feel better.”
    The longer we held each other, the more balanced I started to feel. My magic was weak and I could barely call on it, but as long as we were here, safely locked away from the rest of the world, it didn’t seem to matter that much. But as soon as I started to think about leaving, or rejoining the rest of the world, panic set in. I caught my breath and let it out very slowly.
    Kane didn’t say anything. He seemed to understand my struggle, and instead of trying to calm me with words, he caressed my bare back, running his fingers along my spine.
    “That feels nice,” I said.
    “You sure?”
    I nodded. “Yes, this is okay.”
    Kane continued his gentle exploration and when my body started to relax against him, he increased the pressure, kneading my knotted muscles.
    “Keep doing that,” I murmured against his chest.
    He responded by brushing his lips over my temple. The kiss was soft, tender, loving, and a whisper of a spark manifested from the connection.
    I sucked in a breath and tilted my head up. “Kiss me again.”
    He regarded me with hopeful reluctance. “You’re sure?”
    “Yes,” I said with force.
    His lips twitched and curled into a tiny smile. “If you say so.”
    Slowly he leaned in and brushed his warm lips over mine, giving me plenty of time to change my mind. But when I opened my mouth and flicked my tongue over his lips, he followed my lead and opened his mouth, welcoming me.
    The magic connection flared to life and my body became alive once more. The sweet rush of my power flowed from him into me like a quick shot of adrenaline. “More,” I demanded, desperate to take back what was rightfully mine.
    His kiss turned frenzied and I matched him with fervor. Our bodies pressed together, and I swung my leg over his hip, ready to be joined with him once again. To feel that power sparking all over my tongue and skin, to pool between my legs.
    “Jade,” he said breathlessly.
    “I want you. Need you.” Clutching at him, I jerked my hips against his and moaned when the sweet relief of his hardness pressed against me. “Yes. Make love to me, Kane.”
    I was fully aware I’d gone from zero to sixty in ten seconds flat, but I couldn’t control the desperation consuming me.
    Kane pressed me down on the bed and rolled on top of me, his weight welcome and enticing. I spread my legs, more than ready. But he pulled back and looked down at my naked body, his expression tortured. “I can’t, love.”
    “What?” I placed a hand on his chest, anxious to keep our connection. If he let go, I’d be lost again.
    “If I make love to you, I’ll only drain you again.”
    “But I—”
    “Shh,” he whispered. “Just lie back and let me restore your magic.”
    “How?”
    He answered by kissing my neck. His hot, shocking kisses made my body come alive under his mouth. I could feel my magic coating my skin, but I wasn’t absorbing it. It was as if I had it at my fingertips but couldn’t quite grasp it.
    Then his hands roamed, bringing heat and pleasure everywhere they touched. I could have gladly stayed in the moment for the rest of my days if he’d just keep touching and teasing me with the sensual blend of my power and his incubus caress.
    Heat, fire, pleasure, and pain. It was all present, all fused with the intoxicating spark of my magic. My body was taut, consumed by pure need and desire. I almost whimpered with it. And just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore, Kane’s lips brushed over my nipple. I arched