An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication
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Who Wants to Date a Superhero? ISBN 9781419914744 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Who Wants to Date a Superhero? Copyright © 2008 R.G. Alexander Edited by Briana St. James. Cover art by Syneca. Electronic book Publication February 2008 With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/) This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.
WHO WANTS TO DATE A SUPERHERO?
R.G. Alexander
R.G. Alexander
Chapter One “You don’t have to do this. Seriously, Cassie, isn’t this a little—” “Yes I do. I wish I could explain it to you but there’s no time. My application was accepted this morning and the production assistant said I need to be there within the hour.” Cassie raised her eyebrows high, eyes huge in the mirror as she blinked rapidly against the small circular mascara brush, grimacing when the thick black goo clumped on her lashes. “My boss has even given me the week off. He’s a fan and I guess he figures it’ll be good for business to say his secretary was handpicked for the program. Everything is set. I have to go. I have to be on that show.” She looked at her friend’s aggravated reflection as she finished applying the new makeup she’d purchased last night. She hated makeup. It was one of the top three banes of a woman’s existence. All the expense and hours of torture to find out whether you were an Autumn or a Spring. Whatever the season, she still thought she looked like a clown. In the upper corner of the beveled glass, a streaming vid was playing. She glanced up at the familiar theme music, raising the volume with a determined tap of her finger as the popular host began to speak. “The best reality show in the galaxy is only hours away. That’s right, audience. Back for its third season, Gaia City’s own Who Wants to Date a Superhero?, the show where five women must undergo three harrowing trials to win a date with one sexy, super hunk. “Remember last year’s winner? Here’s what she had to say about her late-night rendezvous with your favorite ball buster and mine—Rock Hammer…”
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The camera cut away to a buxom blonde in a bright pink leotard. “He was a great guy,” she enthused, twirling a golden curl around her finger. “A real gentleman. And to answer the question all those curious fans want to know…” She looked directly into the camera and winked. “He really is hard…all over.” Cassie rolled her eyes as the camera zoomed in on the simpering aerobics instructor. Was it just last year she was curled up on the couch, eating popcorn and laughing at these desperate women scrambling for a date with the beefy Rock? She remembered feeling sorry for him, for all the members of Gaia’s Guardians— Spark, Rock Hammer, Triad and the others, the group of super beings that called Gaia City home. Constantly in the spotlight, and then having women literally walking through fire just for the status of being seen with them must make it hard to have any semblance of a normal life. Of course, there was nothing normal about any of them. She narrowed her eyes as the publicity photos of the previous winner and Rock Hammer flashed on the screen and the announcer began to speak once more. “You heard her, ladies, another satisfied winner. And who will our chosen few be vying for this time? What man of mystery, what defender of the innocent, has stepped forward in search of that perfect woman? You know him, you love him…and with his abilities, you can bet he knows you too. It’s Theta Wave!” Her throat went dry and she listened absently while the announcer rattled off his skills. Telepathy, telekinesis and Mind Fog, a specialty of his, to name a few. But she couldn’t take her eyes off of the news footage montage of him in action. He wasn’t flashy like Spark, or completely lacking in subtly like Rock Hammer, but there was no ignoring Theta Wave. He strode into the thick of danger, using his abilities to help keep the others safe. He could lift a building with the powers of his mind, help a traumatized little girl forget the horror she’d witnessed at a villain’s hand…plus he had a hell of a right hook. And that bodysuit. She was only human. She couldn’t count how many times she had drooled while studying all the lean, rippling muscles outlined in that blue and 5
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black bodysuit. But it covered everything, there was even a hood for his head. All anyone ever saw of Theta Wave’s face was his mouth. His full, sensual mouth. None of that now, she inwardly smacked herself. You aren’t entering this farce to fiddle with a fantasy. She needed Theta, it was true. But not for a date. “Theta Wave?” Cassie jumped as her friend’s high-pitched squeak broke through her musings. “You’re entering this sham of a show for a chance to date Theta?” Dayna couldn’t have sounded more shocked. Cassie couldn’t tell her the real reason. She couldn’t tell anyone. In fact, considering his talents, she knew she’d have to bury the truth as much as she could for the entire competition. She didn’t want to take the chance of being rejected before she could plead her case. Her saving grace was that, from what she’d seen, the contestants had only minimal exposure to the hero in question prior to the final competition. She nodded, pretending to search for a barrette to hold back her mass of tangled hair so she wouldn’t have to lie to her friend’s face. But Dayna would have none of it. “There’s something you aren’t telling me. You know I can smell these things. It’s the reason I’m the best reporter the paper has.” She started ticking off the evidence on her fingers. “You aren’t some crazed Guardian fan. I’ve actually seen you change the channel when a story about them hits the news. You don’t like to be the center of attention—in fact you work hard to stay under the radar because, for some ridiculous reason, you don’t think you’re attractive. The Cassie Tidwell I know, the one so shy she can’t even ask the guy she’s ridden the transbullet with for the last six months out for a drink? That Cassie would not, on live vid, humiliate herself for a single date with a stranger.” Dayna crossed her slender arms and shook her head, waiting for the truth. Cassie turned, her eyes pleading. “You’re right, okay? I wouldn’t. Not unless it was really, really important. Don’t ask me to explain. Just say you’ll root for me.” Dayna searched her expression, her own transforming from disbelief to concern before nodding slowly. 6
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Cassie sighed in relief. It was one of the things she loved about her spunky friend, her unquestioning acceptance and loyalty. When she’d moved here a year or so ago, Dayna was the first person in the complex to greet her. She’d brought a bottle of wine and a box cutter, all the essentials for a move in, she’d claimed. The two had been inseparable ever since. Cassie turned sideways in the mirror, sucking in her stomach. There was no help for it. The show’s standard jumpsuit, the uniform she was now required by contract to wear until show’s conclusion, was not flattering. Especially not if you were a sizesixteen top-heavy giant who towered over all your friends. At least it was black, but there was only so much slimming one poor color could do. Realizing she couldn’t primp anymore, she grabbed her bag and headed out to the living room. Dayna dogged her heels. “Wait!” She looked back, hoping the journalist wouldn’t press her. She was already nervous enough as it was. Her petite friend bent down to reach for her ankle, her shoulder-length magentatipped hair concealing her face. A moment later she rose, holding an intricate ankle bracelet. It was a thick silver chain interspersed with small stones that shimmered in the natural light. Dayna raised a dark brow. “Are you sure you want to do this? Not just the show…but a date with Theta Wave? I mean, he’s not exactly the head honcho or anything. Maybe you should wait until next year. Rumor has it Triad will—” “No.” She knew she sounded abrupt and tried to soften her words with a weak smile. “It has to be him.” Nodding as if she’d expected that answer, Dayna took the two ends of the chain and knelt beside her, wrapping it around Cassie’s ankle and snapping the clasp with a sigh. “Okay, Cass. I don’t know what’s going on but if you’re determined to do this, I need you to do me one favor.”
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Cassie sat on the edge of the couch, pulling up her ankle to look at the light, sparkling jewelry. “An exclusive, I suppose?” She didn’t glance up as she took in the design. Seven small, polished amethyst stones the color of violets circled her ankle. Each link of the chain was engraved with odd symbols, so tiny she had to squint her eyes and drag her leg closer. She almost lost her balance. “Where did you get this? It’s beautiful.” “My father.” Cassie looked up. In all the time she’d known her, Dayna never mentioned her parents. The only person she ever talked about was her brother, and those were usually embarrassing anecdotes from childhood. Her friend touched fuchsia-tinted nails to the anklet in an absent caress. “He was a doctor. His—well, one of his hobbies was studying the effects certain precious gems and metals had on the human mind. When he gave this to me, he said it was for protection, courage and clarity of mind. He also told me that the anklet would help shield my thoughts from others.” She looked away, seemingly uncomfortable with relaying this information. “Anyway, I want you to promise you’ll wear it during the competition. Never take it off for any reason. It will bring you luck.” Cassie didn’t really believe in that kind of thing. Someone could point out that being a skeptic in Gaia City was a pointless exercise, since the residents witnessed the impossible on a weekly basis. But most of the Guardians had been genetically altered, through accident or design. That was science. Believing that rocks, pretty though they were, could protect your thoughts and give you special abilities…well, that was a stretch. But she was touched that Dayna would gift her with something so personal. She put both feet on the ground, enjoying the cool feel of the anklet against her skin as she stood to envelop her friend in a grateful hug. “Thanks. I promise I won’t lose it. Trust me, I’ll need all the help I can get.” 8
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***** He was here. Oh Goddess, no! She’d been purposefully late to the terminal so she could miss her usual transbullet car. The one he was always on. She could feel the heat of embarrassment spreading from the X-rated cleavage of the shiny black jumpsuit to the roots of her frizzy brown hair. She stepped into the bullet-shaped silver transport vehicle, which, as usual, was narrow and crowded. An actual whimper escaped her throat as she noticed that the only slip-in without double occupancy was, just as it had been every workday for the last six months, the one he was in. Somebody up there hates me. She squared her shoulders and moved through the throng. Gaia City was well known for its efficient public transportation system. The transbullet was the fastest, smoothest ride on the continent. Its aerodynamic design inside and out was the envy of city builders everywhere. Cassie had been surprised and a little skeptical the first time she’d ridden one. After all, it had no seating of any kind, merely what looked like glowing blue gel lights above and below on either side of the car, where you were supposed to put your hands and feet. She’d been startled when the doors sealed, the luminous gelatin solidifying instantly around her wrists and ankles, trapping her. When gravity seemed to disappear and her frizzy mop of hair lifted and appeared to take on a life of its own, not only was she very grateful for the slip-ins, but she realized what the sealed purse and baggage compartments were for. It was old hat to her now as she stepped in front of her slip-in partner and wrapped her hair in a rubber band. She grumbled as she discovered the flaw in the whole design. Each slip-in was created to be a double occupancy space. Most mornings, if you rode alone, you’d be up close and rather personal with a stranger before you knew it. Not close enough to touch, not that anyone could with their hands cemented to the wall, but close enough.
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Until today she’d secretly thrilled at that fact. Because she knew who the man behind her would be. Graham. Graham, who rode the transbullet behind her everyday, who smelled the way she imagined heaven might, who smiled at her as if she were beautiful and he was just as shy as she. She could feel his eyes burning into her back as he studied the brilliant yellow and red logo of Who Wants to Date a Superhero? emblazoned on her skintight outfit. Her chin banged against her chest in defeat. There was no way to back out now. Maybe it was better that he found out this way, instead of watching as she mud wrestled or tightrope walked or whatever kind of weird challenges awaited her on the show. A silent vibration signaled the separation from the terminal and they were off. She looked out the window, always astonished by how swiftly the scenery passed by. Inside the car she felt as if she were floating, the soft music intent on lulling the passengers into forgetting they were imprisoned in what amounted to a speeding sardine can. She could hear the tittering and whispers, knew that the people who had seen her entering the transbullet had noticed she’d turned into a walking billboard. Was this the first test? Public humiliation? Closing her eyes again, she did her best to shut them all out. There was a reason she was doing this. An important reason. More important than the fifteen minutes of fame she’d win or the chance to share a candlelit dinner with a masked superman. She had to stay focused. Everything depended on her and her ability to focus. God, he smelled good. With her eyes shut, her other senses went on high alert. She could feel the heat from his body behind her. She loved how big he was. The men she’d dated, daunted by her height, her curves, often called her an Amazon. Graham was a full head taller than she was. His broad-shouldered, powerful physique gave her a feminine thrill. If he wrapped his arms around her—
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But he wouldn’t now, would he? They’d been shyly flirting with each other for months. She’d just been waiting for him to make his move. Usually by this time they’d already be talking. At the least he would offer a low, “Good morning.” But he hadn’t said a word. She had a sinking feeling that her entrance into this competition would ensure that she would never get that date she’d been dreaming of. That goodnight kiss. This may be the last time she felt him behind her. She inhaled deeply, memorizing his scent. She’d searched every shop in town, unobtrusively sniffing bottles of men’s cologne in the hopes of finding that elusive aroma. Heated male, all Graham. The helpless, slightly spread condition of her limbs in the slip-in had always been fantasy-inducing, and today was no different. She would give anything to feel him press his body against hers, to have his hands on her as she stood restrained, unable to resist him. The vivid details of her favorite erotic daydream swamped her senses, making her forget where she was…forget everything but him. Warm lips brushed her neck as those big hands slid around her waist. She felt the heat of them through her jumpsuit. Whenever they’d made eye contact he’d seemed almost shy, but his actions here were always bold, aggressive. He touched her as if he had every right, as if he knew she would welcome him. And she did. She could feel the eyes of the other passengers watching as his hands slid up her rib cage, reaching the deep vee of the neckline, fiddling with the zipperless fabric thoughtfully. Frustration threatened to halt her fantasy before it could begin and Cassie was at a loss as to what she could do. “This is your fantasy. Take it off.” His hot breath in her ear had her thighs clenching with need, her body readying itself for him at his low command. The jumpsuit disappeared at his words, leaving her naked but for the miniscule black thong, something she’d hoped when she’d put it on this morning would never be seen by another.
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Graham’s rumbling groan was echoed by a few of the male passengers, but Cassie didn’t care about them. All her energy was focused on the man who ducked beneath her arm to stand before her, his piercing blue gaze caressing her bare skin, lingering on her breasts before focusing intently on the small patch of cloth. “I meant everything, angel.” Before she could comply, his broad fingers slid inside the clingy fabric, his knuckles sliding through curls already damp with arousal. They curved around the square of silk and tugged. The strings of the underwear gave without a whimper and she watched in fascination as he flung it over his shoulder, his eyes never leaving hers. Some small part of her brain knew she should be embarrassed by his actions. Never in a million years would she be arching her back, thrusting her bare, pendulous breasts out proudly for everyone to see. And certainly quiet, civilized Graham would never be this dominating, this overwhelming. And then there was the whole “How could he be walking around when the gravity was turned off?” issue. But it was just a fantasy after all. Wasn’t it? She watched, entranced, as he pulled his shirt over his head with one hand, tossing it on the floor as he stepped closer, pressing his chest against hers, his khaki-covered cock hard as steel against her belly. Why was it she never had any control over what he was wearing, or not wearing? She wanted him naked, wanted to feel the silken head of his shaft rubbing against her, sliding between her folds and fucking her hard until she screamed. Instead her subconscious liked to torture her. She was obviously a closet masochist. He smiled as if he knew what she was thinking, then dipped his dark head to her breast, sucking one tightened nipple hard against the roof of his mouth. Oh she loved it when he did that. He cupped her other breast in his hot hand, twisting her nipple with just enough pressure to have her gasping, arching into his touch.
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She felt the fingers of his other hand tangling in the curls of her pussy once more, slipping through the soaking, swollen lips to press against her clit, circling her entrance lightly, teasingly. If only she were free, she’d show him how it felt to be teased. What are you talking about? Her inner voice was mocking even as it too trembled with arousal. You’d jump his bones the first chance you got. It was true, she moaned, her head tossing back and forth as she felt two fingers dip into her pussy in a hollow imitation of what she needed. He lifted his head and raised the hand that had been between her thighs, pressing the wet fingers against her lips. She sucked them into her mouth greedily, deep as she could, knowing how it would affect him. His lids lowered and his nostrils flared as he inhaled. She had him. She had him and she didn’t even have to beg. This time. He stepped back, his movements precise and determined as he unbuttoned his pants, toeing off his shoes, his eyes on her, her gaze glued to his thick cock. He kissed her hard and fast, mouth brutal in his need, before disappearing behind her once more. Her eyes had closed in relief when she felt him grip her hips, pulling her back just enough that her torso leaned forward, hands still locked safely in their prison above her head. The wide head of his cock pressed against her slick entrance and she held her breath, desperate to feel him take her. Fill her. “Open your eyes, angel.” She wiggled her hips against him, hoping he’d relent, but his grip was firm. She opened her eyes. And looked directly into the overly interested gazes of the young men who happened to be in the two slip-ins facing her. Both handsome, obviously in their early twenties, they were licking their lips and leaning forward as if they were ready to yank loose from the restraints that held them and join in. “They want you.” Graham’s grip tightened possessively as he spoke, pressing past her tight entrance and stilling once more. She shook her head as he spoke, but couldn’t help but lower her gaze to two narrow-hipped pairs of jeans, where both men’s erections strained against the denim. 13
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“I want them to see. I want them to look at these luscious breasts, your dripping pussy.” She felt her body stiffen in surprise as he thrust hard, stretching her almost painfully until she felt his hips against her thighs. Her mouth opened on a gasping cry. She tightened her muscles around him, the only way she could touch him, incite him to move. It wasn’t the men in front of her, driving her to distraction as they bit their lips, their hips jerking as if imagining it was their cocks inside her. It was Graham, his voice, his words. She squeezed his cock again, milking him as he continued to tease her. A low tortured sound erupted from his throat, and he began a fast, punishing rhythm, her body’s instant reaction to his invasion easing the way. “I want them to see. And then,” Graham’s harsh breathing told her he was just as close to the edge. “And then I want them to know that you’re mine. These are mine.” His grip left her hips to cup both her breasts in his hands. “This is mine.” His hands slid down between her legs, spreading her pussy lips wide so the men’s gazes could see her red swollen clit, his cock coated in her cream as he continued to drive it deep. The men’s eyes focused on that spot, mesmerized. She should look away, shouldn’t be reveling in their arousal. But she couldn’t help it. She felt a rush of feminine power curling like fire in her belly at their obvious desire. Graham’s damp hands slid up her body once more, coating her flesh in her own juices, slipping to the pounding pulse beneath her left breast, over her heart. “And this is mine. Isn’t that right, angel?” She couldn’t speak, could only nod her head on a sob as she felt her climax crash around her. She trembled, her limbs shaking as the pleasure raced through her. She’d never felt anything like this. Only with Graham. Oh Goddess. Her eyes opened as she became aware once more of where she was. Fully clothed, in a slip-in in front of a man who didn’t even know her last name. On her way to humiliate herself in front of tens of thousands of vid viewers. Talk about a turn-off.
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She looked around nervously, her face damp and heated, her body still tingling with the aftershocks of her daydream. That was all it could ever be. Maybe when it was all over, she could find him, tell him why—but why would he care? He was a stranger. She was the one who was obsessed. The transbullet stopped, lowered itself onto the tracks and the gravity in their car reasserted itself with a gentle pop. The cement-like material that had held them motionless softened once more, allowing them to remove their hands and feet with ease. She stood still as the car emptied, feeling Graham unmoving behind her, willing him to say something, anything. But the silence was clear enough. With a sigh so heavy it felt like it crushed her heart as it escaped, Cassie walked toward the exit, slowly, wishing he would pass her by so she could look at him once more before they went their separate ways. Yep. She was obsessed.
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Chapter Two Yep. He was obsessed. And the object of his lust was walking away, disappearing from his sight, the back of that tempting body-hugging jumpsuit ablaze with the reason he hadn’t been able to speak to her when she entered the transbullet car. What in the name of Gaia was she thinking? Cassie Tidwell was not a powerhungry fame seeker. She wasn’t a Guardian groupie. And one of the things he loved about her was how unaware she was of her own beauty. She didn’t seem to realize or care about the men whose jaws dropped as she passed. And how could he blame them? She was stunning—at least five feet and eleven inches of voluptuous woman, her hair a flaming mane of brown, red and gold strands always slipping out of the pins and clips she used to try to tame it. She was an earth goddess incarnate, an all natural woman. And she made him hotter and harder than he’d ever been in his life. She could have anyone she wanted, though she seemed wholly unaware of that fact. Why had she applied to that ridiculous reality show? He grimaced as he adjusted his erection, pulling his shirt down a bit to disguise his need as he stepped onto the station’s platform. It never failed. He could set his watch by his daily reaction to his slip-in partner. He’d even looked forward to it, fantasizing about all the things he could do to her. If he could only work up the nerve to ask her out. He was kicking himself for his hesitation. And angry at her, though he knew he had no right to be. He hadn’t been imagining their connection. Her desire for him had been all too apparent. She was his. He’d been systematically staking his claim on her life, whether she knew it or not. But this new twist had thrown him. Self-doubt reared its mocking head. How could an 16
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ordinary man hold up to the appeal of a superhero? He didn’t like mysteries. He wasn’t used to them. He headed off in the direction he’d seen her disappear, lifting his hand to the small diamond chip on his ear, pressing down until he heard the familiar click. “What the hell is going on, Scoop?” “I have no idea what you’re talking about, buddy.” The innocent voice echoed in his ear and he rolled his eyes at the blatant lie. “Don’t play with me, kid. Or I’ll tell Stone a little story about you, me, a bottle of tequila and that drunken confession of lu—” “Okay, okay.” A feminine shriek sounded in his ear before he heard her sigh heavily. “I don’t know, Graham, I swear. I only found out about it a few hours ago. But she’s determined, whatever the reason. And the heads-up I just got from a reliable source says she is not the only surprise contestant fighting to win a date with the elusive Theta.” He didn’t like the sound of that. “Who?” “The spurned castoff of our old friend Vane.” “Jade Snow? Jade Snow is a contestant on the show? Oh this just keeps getting better.” So Cassie would be going head to head with the rather vicious, oversexed love interest of the number-one thorn in his side. He stepped out onto the street, his low growl echoing through their connection. “What’s the problem? This could wind up working in your favor, bro.” “I think something’s on the fritz, Scoop. I couldn’t read her. I could feel—well— what she was feeling.” He felt the heat return to his body as he remembered exactly what his empathic abilities had picked up on that all too short ride. “But usually she’s totally open to me. Her thoughts easy to read. I have no idea why she’s doing this. What if she really is like the others? What if she wants the hero?”
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“You know better than that, Graham. I don’t know her reasons, but I do know that it must be important for her to risk this kind of public humiliation. She wouldn’t go through that just for a date with a masked man in a blue body condom.” He chuckled at her flippant humor. She always knew how to make him laugh. “Okay, Scoop, gather the team. I don’t trust Jade as far as I can throw her. And as for Cassie Tidwell…I have a plan.”
***** “They must be scraping the bottom of the barrel this season.” Cassie turned beet red at the sneering words. A beautifully petite woman of Japanese descent stood across from her in the small white cubicle, the three other women looking nervously back and forth as if expecting blows. Cassie had run late. What seemed like a straightforward few blocks’ walk to the studio had become one obstacle after another. Streets were cordoned off. The police had told her Triad had hinted that there was a dangerous villain in the area and they’d responded accordingly. She’d had to take the long way around. She thought she’d never get here. When she’d arrived, some self-important little men with headphones and clipboards had led her here. They called it the Red Room, even though the walls were a dingy grayish white. A few chairs and a water cooler were the only decorations. Four women, all lovely, all dressed in the same ridiculous jumpsuits, had been waiting for her. “Out of all the possible candidates in Gaia City.” The mocking woman glanced around the room. “They choose a mousy accountant, a dental assistant with a truly atrocious boob job, an elementary school principal…and you.” The dental assistant flinched, covering her unusually high breasts with one perfectly manicured hand. The principal wrapped a supportive arm around a shylooking woman and glared at the offending beauty. 18
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“And who, exactly, are you?” The small, exotic woman looked offended that they didn’t know. “Other than the obvious winner of this competition?” She smiled, a cruel lift of her lips. “I am Jade. Jade Snow. And you all may as well go home right now, because I’m the only one who’ll be going home with Theta Wave.” Cassie tilted her head. Why did that name sound so familiar? The other women had paled. They obviously recognized her. Was she a starlet? Famous? She shrugged. Whatever else she was, the phrase “cast-iron bitch” came to mind. Cassie tried to stay out of trouble for the most part—she just hated bullies. She stepped forward to give Ice Queen a piece of her mind, but a quick knock on the door had them all turning to find a bespectacled face peering at them from the hallway. “Ummm…sorry to keep you all waiting. There’s been a slight change in the lineup, and instead of starting with the group competition, we’re going to mix it up and do the individual challenge first.” None of the women seemed upset by that information, honestly neither was Cassie. Everyone knew that some of the most embarrassing, cutthroat challenges were the ones where all the women were competing against each other. “You’ll all be going to individual sets, where your personal challenge, based on the application you filled out, will be waiting. Be ready to face your greatest fears…or your most secret desires.” Okay, that sounded a bit unnerving. She took a steadying breath and followed the group out the door after the hurried man. What had she put on her application? They’d ask a ton of questions, most of which had seemed to make no sense. Had she written about her fear of spiders? Lightning storms? Her dislike of the color orange? One by one, the women disappeared into separate rooms until only Cassie remained. Finally, the man turned and smiled up at her, gesturing toward a door left slightly ajar. She hesitated, then squared her shoulders and walked inside.
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Hearing the lock click as the door closed behind her was daunting. But it couldn’t compare to the emotions that swamped her when she got a look at the room she was in. What kind of test was this? The room was bare, an empty studio but for a few interesting pieces. A long table filled with an assortment of strange objects, a giant mirror…and a single mattress on the floor. Her brow furrowed in confusion and she looked over her shoulder as she heard that familiar musical refrain. Beneath the camera that was following her every move was a small vid screen, panning across the crowd of screaming fans watching from the main studio. She heard the host’s familiar chuckle at their excited reaction. “Welcome to the start of another season of Who Wants to Date a Superhero?! You’ve already been introduced to our lovely contestants…” She saw five headshots pop up on the screen, hers included. Where had they gotten that picture? Her name, age and vital statistics were listed beneath. She was really here. This was really happening. What a time to have second thoughts. “And you know why they are here. Each one of these talented single women has already begun the first phase of the competition. As you know, it’s within the bachelor’s rights to choose not only two of the three challenges, but the order in which they are given as well. “After the third task is complete, our audience will get to pick who wins the grand prize. That’s right, your vote counts, Gaia City! Now let’s take a peek at how our contestants are faring.” The view on the screen changed. It was that Jade Snow. Even more stunning on camera, she stood in the middle of an empty room with only a small stepladder visible behind her. Jade flung her waist-length silky black tresses over her shoulder, her hands on her hips as she looked around impatiently. The beauty glanced up at her screen, smiling and waving prettily as she realized she was being filmed, and then all hell broke loose. 20
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Cassie couldn’t contain her gasp as a sea of small furry bodies emerged from every corner of the room, coating the floor in moments, all heading directly for Jade. The loud ear-piercing screech that came out of the tiny woman was as surprising as it was painful. One leap and Jade was perched on top of the stepladder, the only safe, rat-free place in the room. Cassie heard the host’s voiceover echoing loudly, but still barely equaling the sirenlike wails coming from her challenger. “Ms. Snow has everything,” he exclaimed. “Only child and heiress to the founder of Snow Chemicals, she has brains, talent and breathtaking beauty. But does she have the courage it takes to win the love of our hero? Can she be more than just a screeching victim? Can the debutante do it? “Her challenge is to overcome her phobia and make her way to the back of the room, where our audience will notice a green flag on the wall. Sounds simple? You try walking through your worst nightmare. But that is exactly what she’ll have to do if she wants a date with Theta Wave!” “Are you kidding me?” Jade looked up through the wild strands of her hair, fury and panic in her eyes. “Do you know who I am, you bastard? I could—” Her voice cut off and Cassie watched as she looked to the ceiling above, the smile returning to her perfect bow-shaped lips. With a grace that Cassie could only admire, Jade leapt high from her crouched perch on the ladder, reaching the pipes lining the tall ceiling and wrapping her legs around them. Flipping end over end, gripping alternately with hands and thighs, Jade made her acrobatic way to the green flag in moments, dangling from her legs, her hair cascading around her as she waved the flag angrily through the air. “Now get me out of here, you fuc—” Cassie hurried to turn down the volume just as the screen changed once more, showing the school principal looking nervously around at a room filled with chalkboards. 21
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Cassie couldn’t watch. She wrapped her arms around herself, studying every corner of her room intently, wishing herself back at her boring desk, in her boring job, with her boring boss. She walked toward the tray-like table. Her mouth went dry as she mentally catalogued the objects lined up neatly on the silver metal. A pair of velvet-lined handcuffs. A purple butterfly-shaped vibrator. A small flogger with several strands of leather dangling from its handle. Jade’s rats were starting to look like a piece of cake. She felt the strange tingling warmth from the anklet Dayna had given her and focused on it. If she ever needed a little magical luck, now would be the time. She wondered if her friend was watching even now. Racking her brain, she couldn’t recall a single challenge in all the seasons past that went beyond double entendre. The closest had been the handless banana swallowing competition. It was funny watching from the safety of her small apartment, but now she couldn’t even work up a tiny chuckle. What did a purple vibrator have to do with facing her fears? “What am I doing here?” “I was just wondering the same thing.” Cassie whipped around, bumping her hip hard against the metal table, stumbling a little from pain and shock. It was Graham. He stood there calmly, wearing the same chocolate pullover shirt and khakis he’d had on this morning, the only addition to his outfit the small earpiece and microphone that every other studio employee she’d seen today had on. No. No. The universe couldn’t hate her this much. She refused to believe she was this cursed. Why had she never asked him where he worked? If she’d known— “We need to get you prepped for your competition.” Her eyes grew wide at that. “Prepped? What do you mean? They weren’t—” “Every challenge is different.” His voice gave nothing away as he walked toward her. “In yours…we prep.” She looked down, nervous, at the sex toys beside her. He caught the direction of her gaze and raised one dark brow. He couldn’t possibly mean what she thought he meant. 22
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“Graham…this is kind of, well, weird. Maybe one of the others could…?” She trailed off when she saw the fire leap in his eyes as he shook his head. “There is no one else, Cassie. Besides,” he lowered his gaze once more to the incriminating table beside her. “I know how shy you are. It might be better if something this personal was done by someone you know.” She gulped audibly. He smiled as he turned his head, looking toward the mirror that had been set up to lean against the wall, facing the bed. “We don’t have much longer. You’re last on the list, but the lovely Ms. Snow completed her challenge so quickly that our schedule is a little off.” Jealousy burned like acid in her stomach. Of course he thought Jade was beautiful. She was. “What do I need to do?” If that mean-spirited dwarf could overcome her fears, Cassie could do it too, damn it. “Kneel on the bed.” “Wh—what?” “Kneel. On that mattress. Facing the mirror.” Oh God, that voice. A million times in a million fantasies she’d envisioned him speaking this way. Only in her imagination it was for her pleasure and his, not for the camera. She glanced up at the voyeuristic device as she followed his instructions. She kept her eyes on him as he busied himself gathering several things from the table. She wasn’t sure what he’d gotten until she heard the clink of the handcuffs. “That’s all there just to freak me out, right? A little psychological torture before the spiders come swarming out?” Her voice was shaky. She was shaky. And she knew he could tell. But he showed no mercy. He didn’t say a word, just came up to the mattress and knelt behind her, the heat from his body so gloriously familiar. She never thought she’d feel it again. And yet here he was. Their eyes clashed in the mirror.
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“If I’d known you had a thing for superheroes, I would have aired out my cape and tights.” The hurt look in his beautiful eyes belied his sarcasm and cut at her heart. Then it made her angry. What did he care? Six months. Six agonizing months of meaningful eye contact and flirting. Sure, she would have waited longer, maybe even worked up the courage to ask him herself eventually if this hadn’t come up. But what right did he have to act like she was being unfaithful? She looked away without responding. His hands landed on her shoulders and even through the stretchy fabric of the jumpsuit, it felt like she’d been touched by a live wire. One day, months ago, a fellow transbullet rider had jostled her on the way out of the car. Graham had taken her elbow to steady her. Apart from that, this was the only time he’d ever touched her. And it was just as potent as she had imagined…more so. Her gaze flew back to his, eyes widening as she noticed the tight, hungry expression on his face. “I want you, Cassie.” His voice was rough, sincere and her body responded instantly. His fingers slipped beneath her loose mane of hair to caress her nape, causing her nipples to harden as she shivered, her pussy clenching in arousal. He pulled her hair to one side and traced her pulse with his lips, her whimper made him smile against her heating flesh. “Come with me, angel. Come home with me right now and I promise you won’t regret it. The Goddess alone knows all the ways I’ve dreamed of taking you. Fucking you. Making you mine.” He pressed the entire length of his body against hers, letting her feel his thickening cock as it pulsed against her back. “Please, Cassie. All you have to do is forfeit the game and we can go.” She stiffened against him. It was so hard. Literally. Graham was handing her everything she’d wanted on a silver platter. Namely, his body as her personal playground. The knowledge that he wanted her as much as she wanted him. But quit the game? It was the only thing she couldn’t do. Not without a lifetime of regret. 24
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His grip tightened at her rejection before letting go of her as if she were an insect crawling on the floor. He tossed a band of stretchy fabric in her lap and stood, turning his back on her as he did so. “Slide the jumpsuit down to your waist and put this on.” “You must be joking.” She looked at the tiny strapless black halter, her heart still pounding painfully against her chest with her arousal, still hurting from his defection. “It clearly states in the contract that you, as a contestant, agree to submit yourself to any and all testing and or physical and psychological competitions the studio can devise. As long as it does not require full nudity, criminal activity, or the possibility of death or dismemberment.” Gone was the kind slip-in partner, the lusty lover. In his place was a total stranger. And the stranger was telling her to strip. Well, okay, not exactly. And she did recall that clause in the contract. But the further this challenge went, the more confused she got. She watched his back in the mirror as she slid what amounted to a slingshot around her neck, pulling the jumpsuit down and slipping the halter on in a practiced motion that came from years of survival skills learned in the girl’s locker room. She was top of her class in the fine art of quick change. It didn’t hold her up—it barely covered her nipples. She would never, in a gazillion years, wear anything like this by choice. But it was no less than most women wore to the beach. She looked down at the rounded curve of her belly, the pale breast spilling out of the swatch of cloth, and sighed. She wouldn’t think about the fact that this was the most popular show in Gaia City. That every vidscreen, including the one in the city square, was tuned to this show, ready to see her in all her over-endowed, out of shape glory. You’re thinking about it, the little voice in her head informed her. Tell me something I don’t know, she sassed back. “What now?” She went for brave and carefree, but her voice still sounded a few octaves too high.
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“Fuck.” She heard him groan as the mattress dipped again, his grip on her bare arms hot and exciting. He pulled them behind her and, before she realized what he was doing, he’d clasped one handcuff around her wrist. “Last chance, angel.” He paused at the other cuff, waiting for her response. She wanted to give in to him. She was so tempted. “I’m sorry.” Her whisper was like a shout in the quiet room, and he nodded once, locking her arms loosely behind her back. The action thrust her breasts out even further and he stared at her reflection for a moment as if mesmerized. He reached beside him and then she gasped as he slid his hands between her legs, wrapping nylon straps around her thighs and waist. He clipped them together, adjusting a fist-sized flexible purple butterfly firmly between her thighs. He looked at her once more before rising to walk to the table. At the door he flipped a few switches, turning off the monitor and every light but a large spot positioned directly over her and the mirror, before raising his hand to show her the remote he held in his grasp. “I’m sorry too.” He pressed a button and dropped the small device on the floor, closing the door behind him.
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Chapter Three Oh my God, I’m going to come on live vid. Cassie tried to focus on her breathing. In. Out. In. Out. It wasn’t helping. The vibration of that wicked little butterfly against her clit, the sinful feel of the handcuffs around her wrists, even the thought that someone, or a thousand someones, might be watching her as she wriggled against the fluttering contraption, only heightened her arousal. This couldn’t really be a part of the competition. Unless the show had suddenly jumped to late-night cable. What the hell was going on? She wiggled again, praying with all her might that she didn’t embarrass herself too badly. “You passed the test, you know.” Cassie’s eyes were blurry with need, so it took a minute to focus. Was that Graham? No. It was him. Theta Wave. He wasn’t supposed to be in the studio until the finale. “What—oooh—what do you mean?” Her face flushed as she heard the breathy moan she couldn’t stop from escaping as the butterfly worked its magic. This was not the first impression she wanted to make. “The camera is off. The test was to see how serious you were. How far you would go to move on to the next round. What…and who…you would deny to get what you wanted.” Graham. Graham had been her test. How did they know? She definitely hadn’t mentioned him in her application. She focused on the glorious masked figure in front of her. The spotlight made it impossible for her to see him clearly. Why was he here? And when was she going to be allowed to get out of this contraption? “So I’m done? I can go?” 27
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He glided closer. His attention burned her like a brand. She tried to clear her mind of everything but this moment. It wasn’t too hard. She could barely string a coherent sentence together, she was so turned on. “You can go. As soon as you come.” Cassie choked. A Guardian and the protector of innocents…the wholesome hero on the box of her morning cereal did not just tell her she could leave as soon as she had an orgasm. “But you— But I— That would be—” “It’s just the two of us, Cassie. I can call you Cassie, can’t I?” Her nod was more like a spasm, her body trembling with restraint. “There’s no need to be shy. I realized when I saw you there, looking so lovely in your need, that I couldn’t set you free until I saw you come apart in front of me.” He stepped closer, so close she could see his profile in the mirror, though his face was still in shadow. “I won’t touch you. I give you my solemn vow. I won’t come any closer than I am now.” Her thoughts were jumbled, scattered. Graham’s heavenly scent still lingered in the air and this stranger, this superhuman, wanted to watch her climax. It was beyond surreal. And that was before she felt her top lowering. She looked down with a gasp as she felt invisible fingers tugging down her halter, freeing her breasts to his gaze. “Oh thank Gaia,” she thought she heard him mumble, before those unseen hands began to tweak her sensitive nipples, squeezing her breasts together for his inspection. “You said you wouldn’t touch me.” “I’m not.” He raised his hands innocently, smiling as she cried out when a new pair of hands began to smooth over her ass. “Cheater.” He chuckled at her accusing groan.
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“A Guardian never cheats. But if you feel you are at a disadvantage, I’ll even the playing field.” He unsnapped a hidden clasp at his waist, the sound of a zipper causing her jaw to drop. She thought it might unhinge altogether when he slipped in one gloved hand and pulled out the most gorgeous cock she had ever seen. Superhuman indeed. It had to be at least ten inches long, too thick to wrap her fingers entirely around. Not that she would, even if her hands were free, she assured herself. What did they put in the water at the Guardian lair? She didn’t ask him what he was doing, her frazzled thoughts too busy absorbing every movement as his blue-clothed fist firmly gripped his shaft, shuttling back and forth hypnotically. The rhythm matched those of the phantom hands that were spreading and squeezing the cheeks of her ass, the fingers plucking at her nipples, the cock filling her achy, wet— What? “What the heck is that?” But she knew. As he deepened his strokes, thrusting himself into his own hand, she felt an answering fullness in her pussy. He was fucking her. He was inside her and they weren’t even touching. “Oh Goddess.” “Yes, Cassie. That’s it. Let go. Let me give you this.” She could see a pearly drop of liquid form on the tip of his shaft. He was close too, obviously just as aroused by what he was doing to her. She licked her lips, riveted. What would he taste like? She wanted to find out. “Don’t tempt me.” His low growl made her inner muscles clench hard. “If I hadn’t promised not to touch you, I’d slide my cock into that perfect mouth and come down your throat. Then I’d press those goddess breasts together and fuck you there…but that wouldn’t be enough either. Not nearly enough. I’d need to be inside that tight, hot pussy. Oh and that ass. I’ve dreamt—” He broke off on a groan, the invisible hands on her body taking on a frenzied pace. The thick cock inside her, real or no, caused her to fall forward on her forehead, spreading her legs wide as they could go, a slave to the sensation. 29
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“No. I want to see your face when you come for me.” As soon as she heard the words, she felt her body being lifted in the air. Totally disoriented, she opened her eyes to find herself hovering beside him, above him, so close she could feel his heated breath on her belly. “This is the hardest promise I’ve ever had to keep.” He inhaled. “You smell so good, baby.” A tongue wrapped around her clit, teeth tugging on her swollen pussy lips through the stretchy fabric of the jumpsuit. So good. How in Gaia’s name did he do that? She couldn’t fight it. Couldn’t believe this was happening. He was everywhere, touching her, fucking her, rousing her to a fever pitch. Every nerve ending was on fire, focused on a single goal. “Now, Cassie. Come for me now.” She felt the cock inside her expand, the fingers on her hardened nipples pinching sharply, and she couldn’t hold back. She cried out, her hips pushing against the empty air as her orgasm crashed over her. Over and over she felt the tremors rip through her. His hoarse shout as he joined her nothing more than a distant rumble as she was lowered gently back down to the bed, her body collapsing weakly onto the mattress. The unceasing vibration of the butterfly strapped to her body made her clit throb in a pleasure that bordered on pain. “Please.” The mattress dipped and she closed her eyes as she felt his hands make short work of the devious toy. He unclasped the handcuffs and rubbed her wrists and arms with gentle fingers, her limbs tingling as circulation returned. The smooth fabric of his glove cooled her cheek as he brushed a strand of damp hair away from her face. And then he was gone, standing by the table as if he didn’t trust himself to be too close. She lifted one heavy lid and watched him. He was totally covered again and there was no sign that the hero had, moments ago, been as overcome as she. She watched as he picked up the small flogger, running it through his hands.
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“We didn’t get the chance to use this.” He sounded disappointed. She heard herself emit a squeak of surprise, more at the fresh wave of arousal that assaulted her senses at the sight of a whip in his hand than his comments. “Next time,” he promised as he caught her eye. “After this show is over.” He started to back up toward the door. “When you’re ready, put your suit back on and open the door. Someone will be waiting to take you to your next challenge.” He turned to leave and she saw him hesitate, his shoulders tensing as he spoke without turning. “I hope it’s worth it.” “What?” She felt her throat close as she lifted her head. Did he know? “What you’re willing to give up to win this game. Think hard about what you really want, Cassandra Tidwell. I won’t let you regret it once I have you.” And just like that, he was gone. She rolled over on her back with a frustrated groan. What was she doing? It had all seemed so clear to her a week ago. This was the only way to accomplish her goal. Two days, three challenges, a little humiliation and she’d be done. But it had turned into something far more complicated. What did she want? She’d thought there was no question. She wanted Graham. She had since the first day she’d seen him. But what she’d just experienced with Theta Wave had been, well, incredible. She’d be lying if she said she hadn’t enjoyed what he’d done to her. That she hadn’t just had the most intense climax of her life. She was still reeling from his words and actions. He seemed to want her to win. And what did he mean when he said he wouldn’t let her regret it? Did he expect them to be intimate? Of course he did. She’d writhed in front of him like a cat in heat. Accepting everything he’d done to her without a single protest. Glaring at the camera, she could see that the red light indicating its status was thankfully turned off. At least no one else had witnessed her total loss of control. She sat up, running a shaky hand through her riot of frizzy hair. Glancing down at her breasts, she noticed the marks. Fingerprints, a few love bites. How had he done 31
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that? The Gossip, the tabloid section of Dayna’s paper devoted completely to the town’s superheroes and their love lives, had never even hinted about that amazing “talent” of Theta Wave’s. If the women of Gaia City knew about it, he’d no doubt have to move. How could he do his job if he was followed by a mob of lusty ladies everywhere he went? In fact, now that she thought about it, every story related to Theta Wave’s personal life since she’d moved here had centered on his lack of interest in the opposite sex. Speculation abounded, but no one could solve the mystery of his apparent isolation. Cassie had always thought he was just smarter than the other Guardians, managing to find a way to keep his public persona and personal life separate. Now she couldn’t imagine any woman on the receiving end of his special attentions ever letting him go. Slipping back into the top half of her jumpsuit, she stood and walked toward the door, wincing as the material rubbed against her hypersensitive clit with every step. Her knees were jelly. She prayed this next competition wasn’t too physical. She opened the door and gasped. The little clipboard-toting man who had led her to this room was standing directly on the other side, looking at his watch impatiently. At the little noise he looked up, studying her with one eyebrow raised, glancing over her shoulder at the room beyond. Cassie blushed. Did he know what had happened in there? She didn’t want to think about the possibility. “Follow me, Ms. Tidwell, we’re on a tight schedule and we need to get you into hair and makeup.” His smirk seemed to say she needed it more than the others. “Is this the group challenge?” She had to shorten her steps to stay even with him as he rushed through the corridors. There were three challenges. Individual, group and hero’s choice. Usually the show started with the group challenge, so she had no idea what was coming next. “Yes. I can’t tell you what it is—that’s against the rules. But I can tell you that the three of you will be very glad to rest in your complimentary suites when this is all over.” 32
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Gaia City’s premier hotel, The Titan, and Earth Mother Matches, a very popular dating service, were the two main sponsors of the show. The Titan put up the contestants in style, offering security, isolation and free room service. She had to admit she was looking forward to that perk. Then she registered the rest of what he’d said. “Three?” “Well, yes. Ms. Elton, the dental assistant? She didn’t even make it through the front door of her individual challenge, poor thing. She took one look at the room’s décor and was out of her jumpsuit faster than you could say root canal.” He didn’t elaborate, and she could only wonder what had spooked the pretty young blonde. She couldn’t imagine that it had been worse than the embarrassment she’d just gone through. She was still amazed at that particular challenge. Why weren’t they kicking her out for lascivious behavior? For that matter, why wasn’t she hightailing it out of there as fast as she could in her present gelatinous state? “One of you will be going home after the next challenge…so that leaves three.” He looked her up and down over his shoulder, easily navigating the twisting hallway as if he’d done it a thousand times. “You might have a chance. Of course, that Ms. Snow surprised us all with the first challenge. I wouldn’t count her out.” Cassie grimaced. She too had been unwillingly impressed by the mean-spirited viper. Jade Snow had looks, athletic abilities, feminine grace, and a serious overdose of confidence. Graham had obviously noticed. Had Theta Wave? Had he treated Jade to the same private performance she had gotten as a reward for completing her task? Great, she huffed. Now she was jealous over two men. What was wrong with her? She nearly bumped into the man when he stopped abruptly, gesturing toward a door with a glittering star. “Good luck, Ms. Tidwell.” She felt the small amethyst stones on her anklet at his words, thinking that so far, despite the charm, luck didn’t seem to be on her side.
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“Doesn’t this go against our Superhero code or something?” “Do we actually have a code?” “Nothing on paper. It’s more of a credo. An unspoken credo. An inference.” “An inference? Dude, what the hell are you talking about?” Graham listened with only partial attention as Jake and Stone argued back and forth. His mind was on the woman currently running through the insane obstacle course the show had set up on location in the middle of downtown. “She’s doing pretty good.” He felt the small hand on his shoulder and sighed. “This is crazy, Scoop. She could get hurt. Why is she so damned determined?” He turned to look at his little sister, struck as he always was by how much she looked like his mother. He missed her, especially now when he needed her wisdom. She would know what to do about Cassie. She would know the right path for him to take. Dayna, or “Scoop” as she was affectionately called by the other Guardians, looked just as confused as he felt. She shrugged. “Did she tell you anything when you saw her today?” Graham shook his head, looking away guiltily. He’d only been there to try to sense her thoughts, figure out her reasons for entering this competition. And, to be honest, to see if she still had feelings for him. But just like this morning, he felt her desire, her anxiety, but he couldn’t read her thoughts. The reconnaissance had quickly gotten out of hand. He’d been unable to control himself at the sight of her kneeling and bound. His cock hardened at the memory. The toughest thing he’d ever done was leave her there for Theta Wave. It was his alter ego who witnessed her climax. Who watched her come apart so beautifully as he brought her to her peak. That he was in essence jealous of himself was an irony that wasn’t lost on him. But there it was. “I just think we need to take a minute to consider the ramifications of our actions.”
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“Ramifi—Jake, buddy, you are taking yourself way too seriously. You’re a one-man atomic terror, dude. A human fireball, not an ethics professor. You aren’t exactly the poster child for pure living, by the way. Need I remind you how your season’s ‘date’ went down?” Graham watched Jake turn red and shuffle in embarrassed discomfort at the memory. Stone just shook his head and went back to typing furiously on the laptop in front of him. “Besides, if we did have a code, number one on the list would be to help your fellow Guardian. We’re a team, right?” “Thanks, man.” Graham nodded at Stone, touched. Triad had said the same thing when he’d told him about his plan to rig the competition. Though he’d rambled off excuses, valid or no, about the suspicious entry of his archenemy’s paramour and his concern that he was being set up, the leader of the Guardians had seen right through him. Triad knew what it was like better than anyone. He had been fooled by his heart before. Fallen for a woman who had only wanted him because he was a powerful superhero, who’d gotten beneath his defenses and ended up nearly destroying everything he loved. She would have killed him if the others hadn’t found out her true identity in time. The villainess pretended to be helpless and innocent, but she was a part of the same syndicate Jade Snow’s boyfriend belonged to. Since then, Triad had no problem sleeping with any woman that wanted him. But treating them well and trusting them wasn’t on the agenda. So when Graham had told him he could no longer sense the thoughts of his longtime crush, and the block just happened to coincide with her entry into the game, well, there was no question that the team would come to the rescue. “You’re gonna bust my laptop if you keep pounding on the keyboard, Boulder Head.” 35
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Dayna snarled as she rushed over to Stone, trying to rip the laptop out of his hands, and Graham rolled his eyes. Stone went oddly still as her hand touched his in the struggle, looking at her with an expression so intense that Graham had to look away. He’d known for a long time how his sister felt about the gentle giant. Now it seemed clear that he wasn’t as unaffected as he claimed. Graham was wondering how he felt about that when a disturbing roar from the crowd on the vid screen behind them had him whipping around. When he saw Cassie being led to the next challenge, what looked to be the biggest booby-trapped rat’s maze he’d ever seen, every muscle in his body screamed in protest. It wasn’t until he felt the crushing pain in his shoulder that he realized Stone was keeping him from racing blindly out the door, determined to save his woman. “We manipulated her individual challenge, we’re working on the voting tabulator and you get to choose what the next challenge will be. This, she has to do on her own.” He glared at Stone, and was about to use his telekinesis to toss the infuriating busybody across the room when Dayna jumped in. “He’s right, bro. She can do this. There are tons of people there. The studio has medic techs standing by. If you interfere, show favoritism, the whole plan falls through. Cassie will be fine.” His shoulders dropped as he acknowledged the logic of the argument. He wanted to tell them all to go to Hell, but he couldn’t. His sister was Cassie’s best friend. If Dayna thought she could handle it, then he had to trust that. Gaia, please let her be okay. Graham narrowed his eyes as he heard the worried voice clearly in his mind. A voice that was not his own. He looked at his sister, his senses attuning to her as he dropped his gaze immediately to her left ankle. “Scoop?” Her faced paled and she took a step back at his dangerously quiet tone. “Where’s the anklet?”
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Chapter Four Cassie was going to kill Jade Snow. She didn’t agree with murder as a rule, but this was different. Justifiable homicide. She would have accomplices. The two ladies currently running beside her would help, she knew it. Tanya and Kim, the accountant and the principal, had introduced themselves while the studio hairdresser attempted to braid Cassie’s thick, uncooperative hair. They’d both been a little shaken by their individual challenges, but they made no mention of the odd, sexual nature of hers, so she kept her mouth shut. All the contestants were put in a van and brought downtown just as night fell. Spotlight bots lit the sky, hovering above them like sentient mini-helicopters lighting their way. It seemed as if half the town had gathered to cheer them on. The chilly evening air and looming rain clouds didn’t seem to dissuade them, but Cassie knew if she had a choice, she’d be cuddled up at home, safe and dry. She saw the obstacle course and her anxiety returned tenfold. It took up three city blocks, covering every square inch in crazy contraptions and impossible-looking hurdles. Not for the first time today, she wondered what was going on this season. She couldn’t remember a group challenge being this…challenging. “Their viewer numbers must be slipping.” Tanya’s skin had turned an unattractive shade of green and Kim slipped an arm through hers comfortingly, though she too was looking a bit pale. “This is nothing. You should see the courses our Gym teacher puts the students through at the end of every school semester.” Kim tried to sound convincing, but Cassie wasn’t buying it. Jade had been unusually quiet, all her bravado and the vicious sniping she’d been subjecting her fellow contestants to gone for the moment as the four of them looked at 37
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the course layout. They heard the host’s annoyingly cheerful voice booming over the crowd. “Welcome back. It’s time for the second competition on Who Wants to Date a Superhero?! Our four remaining contestants will have to use all their combined skills for this one.” As the host’s voice echoed through the loudspeakers, several production assistants descended on them before she could speak, giving them headgear and elbow and knee pads, as if that would really help, and leading them to the starting line. “The challenge is difficult, and only three can make it to the next round. Can they complete the course and show that they have the ability to keep up with our hero? Get ready to find out after this message from our sponsor.” The host’s voice took on an excited, used car salesman tone. “Looking for your soul mate? The one Gaia made just for you? Our scientists help you find that special someone through a thorough battery of tests. Psychological profiling, DNA compatibility, neurological alignment…heck, they even consult every member’s astrology chart for that perfect fit. Earth Mother Matches…sanctified by the Goddess.” Cassie rolled her eyes, causing the others to laugh. Even Jade quirked her lips. They stood on a platform at least two stories high. There was a cavernous-looking gap between them and a slightly lower inflated slide that would lead them to the next obstacle. The net that had been set up below in case they fell looked about as substantial as a spider’s web, and they all knew that ending up there would cause them to fall behind, pretty much ensuring they lost this competition. There was a rope swing with a knot for a seat and two harness belts on the ground beside them. Was that how they were supposed to get across? Yeah. Right. There were also two zip lines on either side of the rope, apparently what the harnesses were for. Cassie could see the metal break bars clipped onto the braided wire on the other side of the gap. That was convenient. Not. 38
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“Apparently we are supposed to work together. Since I’m the lightest, swing me over first and I’ll slide the zip lines back so the rest of you can get across.” Three pairs of eyes blinked in patent disbelief at Jade’s words. “What?” she asked coolly. “Look, this is all about the show isn’t it? It wouldn’t be very exciting if only one of us got across.” They weren’t convinced. Jade sighed dramatically. “Yes, yes, I know I’m going to win and I may have been a little cocky about it. There will be two people left, and the viewers get to vote. How can I possibly lose? But I have nothing to gain by tricking you at this point in the show. We are supposed to be a team for this, right? Isn’t that the ‘superhero’ way?” Kim was the first to speak. “She’s right. She’d be the easiest for us to swing across.” Jade smiled at the principal, nearly blinding them all with her perfect white teeth. Tanya shrugged her assent. Cassie remained unconvinced. There really wasn’t any other choice, but she didn’t feel good about it. The bell sounded and Jade hopped on the rope, holding on tight. Cassie and the other two grabbed her around the waist, pulling her back until the line went taut and then pushing with all of their combined might. Jade flew easily across the chasm, landing with the grace of a gymnast, hands raised to receive the crowd’s screams of approval. Cassie saw Jade turn her dark eyes their way, the rope still in her grip. She shrugged and tied the rope to one of the poles that held the zip line, detaching both sliding bars and dropping them to the ground before she turned her back on them, falling down the slide and heading toward the next challenge, a distinct bounce in her step. “Bitch.” Cassie looked over, shocked at the quiet accountant’s outburst, but nodding at the sentiment. Yep. She’d seen that one coming.
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“What now? There is no way we can jump that or slide across that wire line. Who thought up this challenge anyway? He better hope I never run into him in a dark alley.” Kim looked ready to tear out her hair. Cassie looked around. In these situations, not that she was ever in these situations, but still, she thought of Dayna. Her friend would do anything to get a story. And she did mean anything. She was fearless. She was also fairly inventive. “The harnesses,” she murmured under her breath. “Dear, in case you haven’t noticed, we have nothing to clip the harness to.” Cassie ignored Kim’s sarcasm and went to the first pole, studying the attachment. It could easily be unhooked, and while that might have spooked her before, now it seemed a distinct advantage. “Unhook the other line and slide the metal ring on your harness through it.” Cassie demonstrated, wrapping the loops of the belt that had been meant to go around her thighs around her arms instead. It was uncomfortable, but it stayed. “Tanya, of the three, you weigh the least and I’m the sturdiest. There are only two harnesses, so you’ll need to hop on my back and hold on.” The two looked at her as if she’d lost her mind. “Do you have a better idea? She’s getting ahead of us. Do we really want her to win?” Vengeance seemed to be the correct motivation, as they sprang into action around her. With Tanya clinging to her like a baby monkey, she took a running leap off the platform. Their flight lacked any and all hints of grace. In fact, they barely made it. The extra weight had them both rocking back and forth for each inch, every motion causing Tanya to squeeze Cassie’s neck the smallest bit tighter, until she knew she was turning purple from the lack of oxygen. Cassie caught her breath at the top of the slide, watching as Kim managed to make her own way across, a bit swifter than they had, though she nearly banged headfirst into the pole that held the other end of her line.
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That had been the most difficult challenge. Banding together, they made short work of each obstacle, quickly overtaking Jade, who was much slower alone. They’d almost reached the end, soaked with the rain that had begun to fall sometime during the barbed wire maze. A spiteful part of Cassie wondered if the studio was somehow controlling the weather to make the show more exciting. She felt the hair raise on the back of her neck before the night lit up with lightning. She hated lightning. She had just exited the maze beside Kim, about to reach the finish line when she heard Tanya scream. “Keep going!” she called to Kim, before turning to sprint back toward the accountant. Several flashes in quick succession had her looking upward. What she saw made her heart stutter in her chest. The lightning had struck three of the spotlight bots. Sparks rained down over the maze like fireworks. The bots weaved like drunken kamikazes, all heading with eerie accuracy toward the large skycam, its ten lenses angled for the best view of the course. They were going to hit it. Her gaze fell from the skycam toward the barbed wire maze, drawn by Tanya’s panicky cries. The timid number cruncher was right beneath it. If it fell— Cassie started running again, adrenaline and fear giving her speed. She reached Tanya just as Jade came running past. The witch was too busy looking up, her eyes wide as she ran to safety, to come to anyone else’s aid. “Cassie! I can’t—I mean, I’m stuck. Oh shit.” For a mouse, she had the mouth of a sailor, Cassie thought absently as she realized Tanya’s problem. The jumpsuit. It had caught on a stray piece of barbed wire and she had twisted around so forcefully in her panic that she was now well and truly trapped. A terrifying clash of metal and glass boomed through the sky above them and she knew she only had a few moments left. “It’s going to fall, oh mother Gaia, it’s going to fall! Get out of here, Cassie.”
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“Stay still, I’ve almost. Got. It.” With one great yank that landed her tailbone-first on the hard pavement, Cassie ripped the suit from the fence. She rolled to her feet, ignoring the screaming protests of her body, pulling Tanya with her away from the falling debris. She pushed the stumbling woman ahead of her as the skycam exploded onto the concrete where they’d been standing. She felt several stinging pricks on her legs and back, but didn’t stop until they had reached the finish. The roars of the crowd were deafening. She flinched as Tanya and Kim rushed to hug her, her body beginning to tremble and shake with reaction. The host’s voice rang out once more and Cassie knew that if he was actually here instead of watching from the safety of the studio, she would punch that faceless windbag right in his golden throat. “How about a big hand for our contestants? We haven’t had a contest that exciting in—well—let’s face it, we’ve never seen anything like it. It just goes to show, ladies and gentlemen, anything can happen on Who Wants to Date a Superhero? “If you’ve watched the show before, and I know you have, you know that we put together a special panel to vote on the group competitions. What were they looking for this time around? In a nutshell…heart. It takes more than stamina and athletic prowess to keep up with a superhero. You have to have compassion. But the most crucial component of all, you need to understand the importance of teamwork.” Cassie nearly growled. Teamwork? She’d like to see him put on some kneepads and join the team. He was not doubt bundled up safe and sound somewhere, all safe and cozy. “If you thought being first was the object of this challenge, then you must live on the fourth moon of Klepus Prime, cause that’s the only cable network that doesn’t carry our show. I kid, folks.” Ha ha.
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“Anyway, our judges have made their decisions, though even they admit it was a tough call. In second place, receiving high marks for teamwork and being the first to reach the finish line…Principal Kimberly Hamill.” Cassie watched as Kim shot her fist in the air with a whoop, waving to a boisterous group in the crowd with banners proudly proclaiming that their school was number one. “In first place, and our first unanimous vote in history I might add, is a woman who showed us all that anyone can be a hero. She thought on her feet, showed tremendous leadership and literally saved the life of a fellow contestant. Congratulations to secretary Cassandra Tidwell!” She tried to wave, but a sharp, agonizing pain shot up her arm, so she nodded and stepped close to the beaming Kim. She really wanted to be done now. When would this guy stop talking? “And now we reach the moment of truth. Jade Snow. Apart from the first obstacle, you completed a course that should have been impossible to do by yourself, with no help from anyone. A true accomplishment. However, at the first opportunity you betrayed your teammates, and you didn’t even stop to help when one of them was in danger. Not exactly heroic. “Tanya Lewis. You stayed with the team, but it was more out of necessity than choice. You were helped not once but twice, and it’s clear you wouldn’t have finished without the assistance of Ms. Tidwell. This was, as I’ve said, a difficult decision, but the judges feel that based on all of these factors, the person that must leave the competition is…Ms. Lewis.” Cassie watched Tanya nod, smiling as though she expected as much. She was, she told a reporter a few moments later, just happy to be alive. The med crew and several of the studio’s “yes men” had come swarming around the finish line as soon as the show wrapped for the night, but Cassie was not in the mood to deal with anyone. Thankfully, her teammates seemed to understand. Kim put 43
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on her best principal face and chased them all away. Before Cassie knew it, the two large bodyguards that had been assigned to her were leading her away and into a dark unmarked car that took her to The Titan. The studio had very strict rules about the two-day competition. The show had a lot of fans. Each contestant was assigned several bodyguards to walk her to and from the competition, and stand outside her door while she slept. This kept the contestant isolated from the audience, who knew more about what was coming and possible surprises in the game. It also protected them from the overly frenzied fans. After the show was over, they were on their own, but most people lost interest as soon as you disappeared from their vidscreen. She nodded to the two muscle-bound sentinels and touched her palm to a panel in the middle of the door. A red glow lit up her fingers and then the panel turned green. The distinct sound of a lock unlatching sounded as the door slid open with a whoosh. As soon as it closed behind her, she collapsed on the floor. Her nerves were shot. She was just a secretary, not a stuntwoman. And she certainly wasn’t a hero. Tanya almost died. For the first time she imagined how hard it must be for the Guardians, day in and day out, putting their lives on the line. No wonder long-term relationships were rare for superheroes. What woman would be satisfied to wait by the phone, knowing her lover might not make it home? She thought of Theta Wave and her body heated. What would it be like to love a man like that? Intense, definitely. Agonizing? Most assuredly. Graham, on the other hand… With Graham she could have passion and security. She knew he was reliable. Hadn’t she seen him every day without fail for the last six months? And what she felt for him was no less powerful. She rolled to her feet with a groan. This was a ridiculous train of thought. Neither man was hers. Walking toward the dry cleaning slot, she slid off her jumpsuit and thong. They would make sure any holes were mended and that it was cleaned and waiting for her in the return slot when she woke up. A robe hung on a small hook beside it and that was 44
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the only clothing she could find to wear. She left it there for the moment. The need for a shower outweighed everything else. She was in too much pain to truly appreciate the luxury suite surrounding her, though she did notice the beautiful balcony off the living area, the open door leading to a tempting canopy bed on her way to the bathroom. Her belly gave a loud, obnoxious rumble at the scent of the feast laid out on the table. When had she last eaten? The makeup artist had given her a muffin, but that was it. She hesitated, but the sweat and grime of the day overrode her need to gorge. Clean up first…then pig out. Frosted glass slid open and she slipped inside, turning the water to a scalding temperature, biting her lip bloody as the powerful stream slicked over the wounds on her back and arms. She probably should have let the med techs take care of her. There were a few small shards still lodged in her skin. But she’d been consumed with her need for solitude and worried she’d break down in front of everyone after the day she’d had. Forced to choose the show when all she’d wanted was Graham, being aroused to the point of guilty blissful climax by Theta Wave, that obscenely ridiculous obstacle course… Filing for the insurance company was never this fraught with peril. She scrubbed every part of her she could reach with violet-scented liquid soap, carefully cleansing the few cuts she could reach on her arms before unbraiding and washing her mass of wild hair. Raising her arms above her head was too painful, so it was a slow and awkward process. By the time she was done, her body felt prune-like, but clean, and she shivered as she reached her hand out to grasp the thick green towel she’d placed on the bar. It wasn’t there. “I thought you were going to use up all the water in the hotel.” She peeked around the corner and groaned, her head falling with a painful thump against the shower door. Graham. She couldn’t do this now. She couldn’t. 45
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“Cassie? Angel, are you all right?” She wrapped her arms around her waist, staring resolutely at the floor. “I thought the bodyguards were supposed to keep everyone out.” “I saw what happened. I had to see for myself that you were okay.” She opened one eye and peered suspiciously at him. He looked sincere. Tense, angry, worried…but sincere. Substantiating his claim was an open, fully stocked first aid kit sitting on the sink beside him. She’d already decided to call down to the concierge to get one herself, maybe even convince one of the bodyguards to help her remove the stinging irritants. The giant bald man seemed far safer than Graham, but she was really hurting and beggars couldn’t be choosers. Her hand popped out from around the door. “Towel. Now.” He handed her the towel. She couldn’t risk using it as covering, so she held it in front of her, trying to conceal all the important bits. The heat that flared in his eyes told her she hadn’t been entirely successful. “Don’t get any ideas. I just need your help and then I want you to go so I can eat and get some rest before tomorrow.” Before he could reply, she turned, showing him her back. “Can you get these out?” “Son of a— Great Mother, Cassie, why didn’t you say anything?” She turned her head to watch him in the mirror. His jaw was clenching, hands frozen in the act of reaching for her as he studied her wounds. She started to twist, trying to see how it looked in the mirror, but Graham stopped her. “Cassie. Please, just let me…” His voice was hoarse, fading away completely as he reached for the med kit. She closed her eyes, all her energy focused on not passing out, not screaming like the wuss she secretly was as he cleaned the area and patiently plucked out the miniscule pieces of skycam that covered her back. “You were very brave.” The soft words surprised her. When last they met, he’d been upset, disappointed that she hadn’t left with him. “You deserve to win. I hope you know that.” 46
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“You sound like, well, like you want me to win now.” She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. “Theta would be lucky to have a woman like you.” “You—you know him?” “For a while now.” For a while? Were they friends? Had Theta told him about what they’d done this afternoon? How she’d responded to him, a virtual stranger? She held her stomach as nausea gripped her. “He wasn’t always the way he is now. Though he’s had his abilities longer than any of the other Guardians.” She nodded at his words. She, like everyone else who read the The Gossip, knew their superhero bios. What they were willing to share, anyway. Theta had been the most forthcoming. His father had been a scientist experimenting with enhancing neurosynaptic function in order to activate larger portions of the brain for conscious access. He believed the human mind’s potential was limitless. Unfortunately, he decided to use his own ten-year-old son to prove his theories. A young brain was the perfect testing ground, still able to easily assimilate information, still malleable. The test had been both a tremendous success and an appalling failure. Something had gone wrong. What had been meant to be a gradual, steady growth had accelerated out of control, nearly killing the young Theta Wave. Though physically he recovered with a speed that stunned the doctors, his mind was another matter entirely. It took time for him to learn to control his abilities, to understand his powers. Cassie could not imagine the responsibility the young boy had been forced to face. There had been no normal childhood for him. How could there be when you knew what everyone was thinking and feeling? Graham finished applying the salve and bandages to her arms and turned her to face him. “Go put on your robe and we’ll eat.”
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She nodded again, too famished to argue. He sat beside her in silence at the foodladen table, refilling her plate when it emptied, unblinking as he watched her every move. He was making her nervous. The food had been just what the doctor ordered and, she admitted to herself, so had his company. Now that she felt human again, his nearness was having the predictable effect. She shifted in her seat, crossing one leg over the other as her sex heated. How did he do this to her? Without a single word, without the slightest provocation. Apparently all he had to do was breathe and she was ready to beg for his touch. “That’s a beautiful piece of jewelry, Cassie. Where did you get it?” She gasped softly at the heat of his hand on her calf. The robe had slid open to reveal her bare leg, the violet amethysts twinkling on their chain around her ankle. His touch sent sizzling bolts of sensation up her spine. “A friend gave it to me for luck.” “Well, it certainly worked today, didn’t it?” His hand caressed the skin around the anklet, never quite touching it. She held her breath as his fingers traveled higher to her thigh. “We almost lost you. If you’d been one second slower—” His chair scraped back and dragged her up against his chest, careful of her wounds as he gripped her hips. “I almost lost you.” The kiss was everything she’d ever imagined. And so much more. She could feel his desire, his frantic need to prove to himself that she was safe, his hunger as the kiss grew frenzied and out of control. Her robe seemed to open of its own accord and he was there, everywhere, her shoulder, her neck—his mouth opening on a groan of approval as he sucked one diamond-hard nipple deep. He filled his palms with the heavy globes of her breasts, lifting and pressing them together as his tongue wove a trail between them. “I love your breasts, angel. They feel so perfect in my hands, my mouth.”
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She arched her back, reveling in his rough, needy touch. Yes. Finally. Everything clicked into place in that moment. His kiss still imprinted on her swollen lips, his mouth on her skin. She wanted Graham. She loved him. If he asked her to leave with him right now, she knew she would. She’d find another way to accomplish her goal. Nothing was worth losing this. He knelt in front of her, his lips sliding across her skin, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. “So soft, angel. I knew you’d feel like this.” She gripped her chair and widened her stance at his unspoken request. He gently bit her hip, sucking her flesh into his mouth while his fingers sifted through the soaked curls between her legs. The exhaustion of the day, the soreness in her muscles all disappeared, everything in her focused on his mouth as it traveled lower, closer to where she desperately needed him to be. She trembled as his tongue lapped at the sensitive skin of her upper thigh. He slipped one blunt finger slipped through her arousal before pressing deep, growling his approval as she clenched around him. “Graham, please.” She needed more. Her whole body was quivering, skin vibrating as he pressed his head against her thigh. Vibrating…and making a soft buzzing noise. Graham stilled against her for a moment, swearing violently under his breath as he released her and stood, fumbling in his pocket for a small cell phone. Had his ear just been buzzing? Maybe she was still lightheaded from her injuries. He turned away from her and she sat down, waiting for his fast-paced, hushed conversation to finish, smiling a little goofily at her recent revelation. She loved Graham. “I have to go.” Her smile disappeared at his words. “What?” “I have—it’s the studio. Work. I have to go.” Why wasn’t he looking her in the eye? She stood and followed him as he headed toward the door. “The studio? But it’s so late. And we were—”
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“Cassie, please.” He looked down at the flesh revealed by the still-open robe and closed his eyes, inhaling deep. “This isn’t over. No matter what happens tomorrow, win or lose, this isn’t over, angel.” He slid one hand around her neck and pulled her close, his tongue dueling with hers until they were both breathless and shaken. “Sweet dreams.” And then he was gone. Again. “This isn’t over, Graham, not by a long shot.” She belted the robe, grumbling as she headed toward the big, empty bed. “Nobody likes a tease.”
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Chapter Five “Welcome to Day Two of Who Wants to Date a Superhero? Last night you set a record. More of you were watching the daring rescue made by contestant Cassie Tidwell than in any previous season! And today promises to be just as exciting. Though hopefully not as dangerous. “We have one more competition before you, the viewer, will make history by choosing Theta Wave’s perfect match. It’s up to you, ladies and gentlemen. Don’t let our hero down.” Cassie and Kim were sitting in the dressing room while everyone shuffled around attending to last-minute details. She saw her bodyguards outside the door. The ones that hadn’t mentioned their lapse last night, who didn’t seem to recall that they had let Graham in to tend her wounds. “I wonder what kind of challenge he’ll choose,” Kim bit her lip thoughtfully. “Based on his abilities and what we’ve heard about him, I would say it will be a mental challenge…maybe trivia.” Cassie looked over at her hopeful expression and forced a smile. “You’d do well in that case. I don’t imagine Ms. Snow knows too much about anything that doesn’t directly pertain to her.” “Don’t count her out, she’s a wily one. She’s never had to work for a living, but from her bio, she can speak eight languages, has black belts in just about everything you can have a belt for and she’s a dead shot with a firearm.” “We’re in trouble.” “Exactly.” Cassie couldn’t contain her curiosity. “Why are you here?”
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Kim blushed. “Well, my kids suggested I do it. They put me through a training program based on the competitions from the previous seasons, quizzed me on facts about Theta Wave and the other Guardians, even put me on a special diet.” She shook her head, some brown strands slipping from her ever-present bun. “I was so proud of their ingenuity, so impressed by their determination, that I couldn’t say no. It’s really them I’m representing. I figured if I won, I’d share it with them. Have Theta Wave spend the day at the school, with my students.” “So you don’t want to date him?” The principal laughed, patting her hair self-consciously. “Are you kidding? Who wants to date a superhero?” She winked and Cassie chuckled. “Places, ladies, places. Time to make magic.” They were led onto the main stage where the finale was also going to take place. There were three booths for the contestants to stand in, each one equipped with a buzzer that led Cassie to believe that this was in fact going to be a trivia competition. She winked at Kim. Jade appeared beside them on the raised platform, her smile dazzling as she noted the camera. “Here they are, the contestants, ready to take the hero’s challenge. This season’s hunky bachelor, Theta Wave, is known for his ability to use the power of his mind to fight evil. The woman who wins him will have to keep up with our cerebral superhero. “But this is no ordinary battle of wits. Those of you who watch the show know we like to add in little surprises, little unexpected twists to each competition. Here’s how this twist will go.” Cassie looked around as glass walls began to rise from the platform, framing each of the individual booths, one extra panel closing over the top until they were completely trapped inside. She touched it, pounded it a bit for good measure. It was solid. What the hell? She looked over at Kim and Jade and they too were exploring their new prison. The absent host’s voice echoed inside their airtight chamber.
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“We already know all our contestants are smart. Now let’s see if they can answer our questions correctly under pressure.” A hissing sound filled the air and Cassie could see and feel the fine light mist wafting up around her. This had been Theta Wave’s idea? Somehow she didn’t think so. “Oh shit.”
***** “You’ll never know, will you, Rock Wrench?” Theta Wave entered the room, his masked face tilting curiously as he watched the bickering couple. Scoop and Rock Hammer, why wasn’t he surprised? He could feel their anger. Their frustration. Sense the feelings they’d both buried deep in their hearts. Rock must have returned a few minutes before him—he was still in the golden bodysuit designed to accentuate his gifts and give him ease of mobility. Scoop had been walking away from some perceived slight, but Rock Hammer’s paw of a hand shot out, pulling her back toward him. “You wanna make a bet, Scoop? I could prove you wrong now. Have you begging for what I can give you. What I can do to you.” The large hands pulled her closer, Scoop’s tiny frame looking totally incongruous against him. But she wasn’t resisting. Theta pulled off the hooded mask that covered his head, the transformation almost tangible as he went from objective voyeur to big brother. “Dayna, what happened while we were out on that wild goose chase?” The two broke apart quickly and Rock Hammer stumbled against the bank of computers, unprepared for Dayna’s instinctive shove. He glared through narrowed eyes for a silent heartbeat, then turned and left without a word. Dayna blushed when Graham did nothing to break the awkward silence. “They were about to start the hero’s challenge right before Stone came in. There’ve been no
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further sightings of Jade’s demented beau, or any other member of the syndicate for that matter. It’s been unusually uneventful.” “A distraction.” Graham turned at Triad’s low-voiced deduction. “As you know, I’m not quite all me’self, otherwise I would have known sooner.” His noticeable accent was a sure sign of his irritation. Triad could multi-project, just one of his many unusual abilities . He could be in several different places at once. Not even The Gossip knew that he didn’t have to look or sound anything like himself when he did so. Part of him had been in disguise at the studio since the show started. He was obviously feeling the strain. “But I’ve been here, monitoring the show, the police scanners. Nothing could’ve gotten past me.” Dayna crossed her arms defensively. Graham knew she pushed herself harder than she should because of who she was, who they were. Even without special abilities, she was still considered an honorary Guardian. But she was always putting herself in danger. Trying to prove that she was worthy of the title. But to whom? “It would have been something subtle, something only one with an extra perception would have been able to sense. Me…Graham.” The freckle-faced man with the shock of red hair pinned Graham with eyes that missed nothing. “How goes it with the lass? If she knows you, if she means to harm you, then it could be—” “No. Scoop gave her an amethyst anklet for luck. A fact my loving sister neglected to tell me. The charm is one of several my father created to protect the rest of his family from the monster he’d made.” Dayna flinched at the bitterness in his voice. “She has no idea what it is, what it does to me. And she doesn’t know that Theta Wave and I are the same man. I’d stake my life on it.” Triad studied him and Graham knew that he was remembering another time, another betrayal.
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“Someone tell Rock Hammer to put his suit back on.” Spark had slipped in behind the others, his eyes glued to the main screen that was streaming live vid from the program. The strange timbre of his voice put Graham on alert. “Why?” “Well, either Theta Wave is not the sweet, tender lover of puppies we all know and tolerate…or someone’s rigged this competition to kill his girlfriend.” Graham strode toward the vid stream, his blood turning to ice as he saw gas pouring into a shatterproof box. Cassie was in there. All three of the women were being inundated with fumes of some kind, but all Graham could think of was that his woman, the woman he loved, was in danger. He slipped the hood back over his head, glancing at Triad on his way out the door. “I’m on it, Theta. I should be intercepting the main stage in two minutes.” Theta Wave nodded, knowing Triad was referring to his disguised projection. Dayna stepped in front of him. “I’m coming with you.” Rock Hammer, who’d arrived at a run as he shrugged back into his suit, started to protest at Dayna’s declaration, but one look from her brother silenced him. There was simply no time for this argument. He could have told his friend that Scoop usually got her way in the end regardless. And he had to get to Cassie. He stepped out onto the high, hidden balcony of the lair, grabbed Dayna around the waist and took off. His telekinetic manipulation of the air around them allowed them to soar, flying over Gaia City with alarming speed. He knew the others would be right behind him but he couldn’t wait. If only he’d told her last night. He’d been so tempted. After he’d cast a Mind Fog over the bodyguards and found her struggling in the shower, it’d been all he could do not to carry her away, demand she take the anklet off and then fuck her senseless for the next fifty years. Long enough to assure himself that she was safe, that she was his. He’d known from the moment Dayna’s thoughts had reached him what she’d done—given Cassie the best weapon her friend could have. He was angry but he 55
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understood. It was all right there in her mind. Whatever Cassie’s reasons for entering the competition were hers to share in her own time. His doubts had nothing to do with her. Dayna’s faith in her best friend was absolute. Moments after that revelation, the vidscreen had been lit up with flames and carnage as the skycam dropped right where Cassie had been standing. He’d had to see her. When he saw the wounds and small shards of metal lodged in her back, his heart stuttered in his chest as he imagined what could have happened to her. Then, just like now, he was thinking of all the things he should have done. He should have asked her out months ago. Should have told her who he was when he realized she was serious about entering the competition. If he’d told her, she wouldn’t have been in danger. When the com device in his earring buzzed to life, he’d been hard pressed not to ignore it in favor of the luscious bounty filling his mouth and hands. But his sense of duty forced him to pull back, using the pretense of the cell phone to answer Scoop’s call to all the Guardians. It was the first time he truly regretted what he was. He should have told her. Now her life was in danger yet again and he had to consider the possibility that those strangely coordinated lightning strikes weren’t an accident. And the hero’s challenge? It was supposed to be a few simple trivia questions about the Guardians, something anyone who read The Gossip should know. He would have remembered adding an inescapable box filled with noxious fumes. Don’t take her from me, Gaia. “We’re here.” He looked down at his sister’s voice and realized they were hovering over the studio grounds. He set her down outside and caught her eye. “Stay back, Scoop. I can’t handle both of you in danger. I just can’t.” Her eyes widened at what his words had revealed and she sighed, tugging her magenta-tipped hair in frustration. “Fine.” When he turned to face the building where the main stage was located, he felt the shift. He was Theta Wave. The wall was nothing. He walked through the debris as the concrete imploded, stepping without hesitation backstage. He ignored the horrified 56
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gasps of the stagehands and lighting technicians, striding out in front of the camera to roars of approval from the crowd. He looked at the glass boxes, now filled with gas, his blue eyes narrowed like lasers. The glass didn’t shatter, it disintegrated into tiny harmless chunks that fell to the ground like diamonds. The fumes swept up to the rafters, showing the women clearly for the first time in the long agonizing moments since he’d arrived. No longer held up by their enclosures, they crumpled limply to the floor. He went straight to Cassie. He felt people rushing past him to get to the others but he couldn’t bring himself to care. Not now. Not when she might be— “Angel, baby, can you hear me?” She wasn’t moving and her face seemed gray in the harsh spotlights. He slid his arm around her shoulders, nuzzling her cheek as he whispered in her ear. “Cassie, please. Please don’t go.” Her brow furrowed. And then she was coughing, choking, her body struggling in his embrace. “It’s okay. It’s okay. You’re safe now.” He tried to reassure her as her eyes opened, wild hazel gaze trying to look around him. “Kim.” She coughed again as she tried desperately to pull in enough air. “Kim fell.” He looked over his shoulder and saw the woman who had apparently not moved from her fetal-like position on the floor. The people beside her were looking at each other and shaking their heads. Not a good sign. “Can you—can you…?” The tremulous voice almost unmanned him. It could have been her. She could have been the one lying there so still. Yet her first thoughts were for another. A woman she’d only met the day before. “Go. I’ve got her.” Dayna knelt beside Cassie, nodding to the unconscious female behind him. He felt shame. He’d not been as selfless. He wanted to make sure Cassie was safe. He hadn’t given a second thought to the sweet principal who’d been competing beside her. An innocent.
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He went to her and the pudgy, redheaded stagehand beside him nodded in acknowledgement. Triad. “If there is a pulse, it’s too slow and thready for me to find.” Theta nodded and looked inside the woman’s mind. Darkness. An endless gaping void of nothing. He looked deeper. There, off in the distance, a spark of light. Of life. He rushed toward it. She sat curled in a small corner, coughing as if she were still choking on the poison that she couldn’t see. “Kimberly Hamill. You need to come back with me now.” “I can’t. I can’t breathe.” “It’s over, Kim. You’re no longer trapped. It’s safe to come out now.” She just shook her head. Theta pressed closer. “What will happen to those kids if you go? Who will champion them? Who will be their hero if not their beloved Ms. Hamill?” She looked up at him then, recognizing him for the first time. “You’re their hero. You and Triad and the others. That’s why I came. So they’d have the chance to meet you.” She looked around at the encroaching darkness and chuckled morbidly. “I guess that’s not going to happen.” “It will. Win or lose, I promise you that I will come to your school. I’ll be there so often you’ll have to give me a special hall pass. But only if you return with me now. There are people who are worried about you.” She angled her head, a small smile tilting her lips. “Cassie. You’re thinking of Cassie.” That was always the danger of these deep connections. Who was it who’d said if you stare into the abyss, the abyss also stares into you? “Yes, I’m thinking of Cassie.” “Good. I like her.” She picked herself off the floor, breathed in a bit unsteadily and took a step closer. “Now I have your word. A special hall pass with your name on it.” She put her hand in his.
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He became aware of the stage around him just as the principal gasped, rolling to her side as she choked painfully. Cassie, her skin flushed and lovely once more, crawled over to her new friend and patted her back. She blinked hazily up into his eyes and smiled. He’d never seen anything more beautiful. Rock Hammer was herding the last of the disappointed viewers out the door. Triad had become whole again, looking very relieved as he knelt beside the groaning Ms. Snow. The vidscreen monitor showed that the studio had the technical difficulty advisory scrolling across a dark screen. So what was it? He felt a disturbance. Something was wrong. “Unprecedented. Totally unprecedented. A horrible tragedy. But still, we need to get back on the air.” A portly bald man, whose sideburns were trying diligently to take over the rest of his face, came waddling out to join them. “Our ratings are through the roof. But we have to finish. The audience has to choose.” “They’re supposed to choose from the two remaining contestants. But since the last challenge turned into a murder attempt, no one was able to compete.” Spark, his body steaming from his fiery flight, spoke in a calm, logical voice as he too joined the throng. “We can adapt. They can choose between all three. One of the three. More drama. Drama is always good for ratings.” Rock Hammer took a threatening step closer and the smaller man swallowed nervously, wiping the sweat off his shining dome with a kerchief. “A-and the charity. Theta Wave’s favorite charity gets a donation commensurate with the ratings. If they go up, it goes up. It’s a win-win.” The Guardians shared a look. The charity was the least of their concerns. “I couldn’t find any sign of tampering. No sign of…anyone. It might be our only choice.” Rock Hammer’s tone said he didn’t like it any more than Theta. And he was right, damn it. They had to continue with their plan.
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“Get on the air and begin the voting. We’ll be wantin’ dressing rooms with oxygen for each lass and privacy. Meantime, I’ll need access to your staff, see if they noticed anything,” Triad ordered. The man’s head bobbled as he nodded in frantic agreement. Theta Wave lifted a wearily surprised Cassie into his arms, following an assistant who had suddenly appeared with orders to take them to a private dressing room. She started to speak, but coughed instead, leaning her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes. He should probably help with the interrogations. But he needed to see to her first. Needed to touch her, watch over her. He needed to tell her who he really was.
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Chapter Six The cool cloth on her forehead felt wonderful. She had an oxygen mask cupped over her mouth and nose. That felt wonderful too. For a second or two, Cassie had been sure she was going to die. Then there’d have been no escape from this ridiculous jumpsuit. She’d realized fairly quickly that the game had taken a macabre turn as the sickly sweet-smelling gas had slowly filled her little chamber. The host of the show seemed to take no notice. She’d heard him asking each contestant a question and the bell that sounded when the women didn’t answer in time…they were a little too busy trying not to breathe in poison, or whatever the heck it was. Kim had looked over at her, eyes wild with panic. She was breathing too fast, too deeply. A panic attack. She was hyperventilating. Cassie had tried to signal to her to calm down, slow her breathing, her heartbeat, but she had collapsed before the foggy mist had even reached their shoulders. “Is…Kim…okay?” Her throat felt raw and swollen, the words like thick chalk in her mouth. Blinking at the light, she turned her head and realized he was still there. Theta Wave. He’d carried her into this small room equipped with a dressing table topped by a well lit mirror, the small couch she was currently lying on and a line of hanging costumes. They were easily recognizable from “Deviants in Space”, the popular science fiction series about a group of escaped female convicts who’d been transported to another galaxy due to a crazy ship malfunction. “She’s fine. She’s resting in a room down the hall.” The gruff voice pulled her gaze back to the superhero. He was sitting on a box that he had dragged over to the couch so he could watch her. The blue mask still covered 61
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most of his face, but this close, she could see his eyes. They were the most piercing sapphire she’d ever seen. Well, except for Graham’s. Actually, he was a lot like Graham. Same body type, same sexy, silken voice. Maybe that explained her reaction to him. As he continued to look at her, she felt the anklet warming once more on her flesh. He also told me that the anklet would help shield my thoughts from others. Wasn’t that what Dayna had said? She had thought it was all mumbo-jumbo, but maybe there was some truth to it after all. He didn’t seem to be able to read her thoughts, though he could obviously still use his other skills on her. She blushed as she remembered what he’d done to her yesterday. No glitches there. To test her theory, she tried to project a few bizarre thoughts his way. Things that would definitely get a reaction. He didn’t even blink. Interesting. She wondered if he was aware of the block. Did a simple little piece of jewelry really keep him out of her head? In the wrong hands, this could be dangerous. Dayna had no idea what her father had created. But she could only quietly thank her friend if it was the cause of this mental armor. She definitely owed her a bottle of wine. Maybe her firstborn child. “Thank you for saving us. I was sure we were going to die in front of a live studio audience. I just can’t believe no one cared.” He took her hand in his consolingly. “People see what they want to see. This is a competition with challenges that are made to look dangerous, even if they’re not. That’s what makes it entertaining. They had no idea you were in any actual danger.” She knew he was right. Still, she snorted. “Especially with the host saying there was an unexpected twist in the competition and then continuing to ask us trivia questions as if there was nothing wrong even after Kim collapsed.” His fingers tightened around hers. “The host?” At her nod, he released her and stood abruptly, walking over to open the door. He spoke in hushed, urgent tones to someone outside before returning to stand over her, a worried expression in his eyes.
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“I wish we could get you out of here. But at least the voting will be over in a few hours. Until someone is chosen, this is the safest place you could be.” His words hit her like a sledgehammer to the solar plexus. The voting. This was it. She’d done everything she could and now it was up to the audience. She was so torn. She desperately needed to win. She had a promise to keep. A promise she’d almost broken last night in the intensity of her feelings for Graham. Where was he, anyway? She knew he worked here, must have heard what had happened to her. Why wasn’t he busting down this door, demanding to know that she was all right? Had his concern for her been a show? Maybe the emergency call that had taken him away so quickly had been a ruse he’d used to escape her company. She really didn’t know anything about him, apart from his career choice and love of public transportation. He could be married. Or he just didn’t care. Either choice made her nauseous…and angry. “Cassie. I need to tell you something before they announce the winner. There’s something about me you need to know.” She sat up a little too quickly, feeling decidedly vulnerable in her position. Her heart still aching with her doubts about Graham, her head swimming from the oxygen she’d pulled off her face, she stood. “Is it about Jade Snow? I don’t blame you, really. She’s stunning. Any man would want her to win.” She looked everywhere but at him, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other as she got her bearings. “A word of friendly warning. Don’t trust her to throw you a zip line.” “No, it’s not about Jade. I’m—” “Don’t tell me you’re my Uncle Herbert in disguise. Cause that would be a shock.” Why was she babbling? She was suddenly terrified of what he was about to say and she had no idea why. She tried to lighten the mood with a chuckle as she caught his eye and winked. “I wouldn’t believe you anyway. Uncle Herbert only comes up to my shoulders and he has a very distinctive hump on his back.” 63
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He didn’t smile back. He stepped in her path, blocking her way so that she had no choice other than to meet his gaze. His hand rose and hesitated before slipping the covering off his face and pushing back the hood. Time slowed. Blood rushed in her ears, reminding her of ocean waves crashing to shore. She didn’t realize she had moved until she felt the sting on her palm, saw the handprint form on his jaw. She’d never hit anyone before in her life. It felt so good, she decided to do it again. Whack!
Of all the reactions he expected when he finally told Cassie who he was, this was not one of them. He saw her arm raise a third time and he gripped her wrist tight, holding it suspended as he pulled her close. Her eyes narrowed and he knew she would struggle. But he had something to say, damn it, and she was going to listen. He focused, releasing her as he sent her sliding gently back toward the wall, pinning her there with her arms wide, legs spread and murder in her hazel gaze. He wanted to shout his rage, order her to take off that be-damned anklet so he could be sure what she was thinking, find out if his trust wasn’t misplaced. Didn’t she understand the magnitude of what he’d done? She was the only one, apart from the Guardians and what was left of his family, who knew his true identity. He was trusting her with his life along with his heart. And she was looking at him like he’d just crawled out from under a rock. “The first time I saw you, I was going to visit my sister in your apartment complex. You were standing in your doorway in a white tank top and jean shorts, listening patiently to the sales pitch of a little girl selling cookies for a school fundraiser.” He saw her eyes widen. She hadn’t seen him. “There you were, letting her practice her technique on you, even though you’d already been planning to buy a few boxes. She walked away feeling like the best salesgirl on the planet. You did that for her.” 64
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He made sure she was watching as he slowly removed his gloves. “But it was more than your kindness that attracted me.” He let his tone deepen as he studied her body. The tank top had been thin, nearly transparent in the shafts of sunlight filtering down the hall. Her breasts, Goddess, her lush, ivory breasts strained against the fabric, spilling over the stretched out neckline as she bent to pay for her treat. He’d been riveted, his mind conjuring an immediate vision of stripping that flimsy top from her body, burying his face in those decadent mounds as he fucked her, took her right there against the wall. And then she’d smiled at the departing child. He knew at that moment he was lost. “The—but the transbullet…?” He slid off the top of his “uniform”, dropping it on the ground beside him as he stepped closer. “Okay, let’s talk about our morning rides. You really know how to torture a guy, angel. Those fantasies of yours about killed me. And then you had to become a contestant on the show. All those months of patient wooing and you left me for a superhero.” “Wooing? You Peeping Tom son of a bitch.” He didn’t flinch. He’d been insane since the moment he’d seen her, he knew it, and his actions hadn’t exactly been those of a hero. He’d grilled his sister about her until Scoop had threatened to show Cassie all his baby photos. He’d made sure he was at the transbullet station every time she was. He peered into her surface thoughts without compunction. Grocery lists, mutterings about her irritating boss…sexual fantasies. He knew better. Years of training and pain had taught him not to tread inside the mind of another without true need or consent. But Cassie Tidwell had sent him spinning without a compass, his need for her stronger than anything he’d ever experienced. It had him bending his own rules. Pinning women to walls, poking his head in where it didn’t belong and generally abusing his powers. That was the main
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reason for his hesitation in asking her out. If just being near her did this to him, what would knowing her, having her do? He reached out to her emotions, trying to sense what she was feeling. There was righteous anger, yes, but he could feel something softer, needier beneath the surface. Need that was all for him. And her eyes glittered with more than curiosity as they took in his bare torso. “Yes, wooing. And I wasn’t about to let you have all that fun alone. Not once I realized I was the starring attraction. Not when I wanted you just as badly.” His dick hardened painfully as she continued to stare in silent challenge, her breasts heaving, lips slightly parted. He needed to see her. All of her.
She heard the rending sound before she felt the cool air on her heated skin. Looking down, she watched as panels of her seamless jumpsuit fluttered slowly to the floor. Before she could register what was happening, she was practically naked, the sleeves on her pinned arms and some fabric clinging to her calves all that remained. That and the small sheer triangle that made up her thong. Graham came closer, pressing his forehead against her own as they both looked down at what his handiwork had revealed. “Sweet Mother. Look at you, angel. Just look at you.” His breath grazed her lips. He kissed her, biting her lower lip, holding it between his teeth as his tongue lapped at the captured flesh. He looked down again as the strings holding the thong snapped and she was left totally aroused and open to his gaze. “Do you know how hard it was to leave you yesterday, when you were bound for me and coming so sweetly? Last night when I held these breasts in my hands, sucked these hard berries into my mouth?” His fingers circled her nipples and she whimpered. “It took everything I had in me not to abandon my duties, bend you over the table and
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make you scream until you forgot about this damn competition, forgot about everything but my cock inside you.” She was so wet she was dripping and she knew he was watching. Seeing how his words aroused her. She should have known. But who would even imagine that her hopeless crush was actually a superhero in disguise. She’d seen the similarities, but they were easy to dismiss. Adrenaline and embarrassment quickly morphed into lust as he’d begun speaking to her, taking off his clothes. The fact that she was trapped, her hands pinned as they were in the transbullet where she used to fantasize about him, only made her hotter. She’d wanted them both, the man and the hero. Her heart already belonged to Graham. It was hard to hold onto anger when you were being offered everything you ever wanted. Her eyes popped open at the slight scrape of her back against the wall. He was using his “gift” to send her gliding upward, stopping before her head reached the ceiling, his mouth perfectly aligned with her dew-soaked curls. He groaned as he took her thighs in his grip, placing them over his shoulders and tilting her hips up and away from the wall. “No more secrets.” He buried his face between her thighs, breathing deep. “No more denials.” His lips wrapped around her clit, pulling the swollen bud into his mouth, suckling as she whimpered before lifting his head to pin her with his gaze once more. “No more waiting, Cassie. I need to taste you. Now.” His talented tongue slid over the drenched lips of her sex, thrusting inside with a hungry, primal groan. Yes. Oh Gaia, yes. Her heels dug into his back as she pressed her hips harder against him. Finally. It was so much better than her imagination, better than anything she’d ever known. He was consuming her, drinking her down like he couldn’t get enough. Her pussy clenched around his tongue, his shout of need vibrating against her sensitive flesh as he dug in deeper, his fingers gripping her ass and spreading her cheeks wide. He pulled back, looking up at her with eyes gone dark with passion. 67
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“I love your ass. Standing behind you everyday, I imagined all the things I wanted to do to it, with it. Lick it, watch it turn a lovely hot pink as I bent you over my knee to spank it. Fuck it with my tongue, my cock.” She swallowed hard at the sudden probing pressure against the tight ring of virgin muscles. He never dropped his gaze, his tongue sneaking out to circle her clit as the feeling of being stretched, filled, overwhelmed her. He was doing it again. Only this time the phantom cock was pushing deep into her ass. There was no pain and that might have been his doing as well. Just powerful pleasure, intense sensation beyond description. “I don’t think I can wait anymore.” His voice was sandpaper rough at the admission. And then she was slipping, falling into his embrace. Her arms, now free, wrapped tight around his shoulders, legs around his waist. At some point he’d stripped off his pants and she felt a moment’s regret that she didn’t get to study his body, taste him as he’d tasted her. But then he was there, that invisible pressure still filling her from behind, the wide head of his cock pressing, insistent into her sex. She filled her hands with his hair and pulled his head toward hers, eating at his lips as he held her back from taking more. “You’re too tight. Oh shit, Cassie it feels— Slow down.” She bit him. “No more waiting.” She repeated his words as she soothed his lips with her tongue. “Now, Graham, please.” He moaned low, giving in, powering through her resistant tissues until he was buried to the hilt inside her. She cried out at the sensation, arching her neck as he filled her. Her hands slid against his sweat-slicked shoulders. He lowered his head, tasting her neck with his tongue before closing his teeth over the pulse point and growling low, like an animal claiming its mate. Their moans, the sound of flesh meeting flesh as he fucked her hard against the wall echoed through the small dressing room. 68
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Her breasts seemed to lift and press together of their own accord and he dove on the offering. It was too much. Too good. She could feel him everywhere. Every vein and ridge of his cock as he pounded inside her.
He knew it would be like this. Knew the moment he got his cock inside her tight, wet pussy that he’d never want to leave. Her muscles fisted around him, her hot cream soaking him and he felt like a man possessed, unable to slow his thrusts, unable to lift his mouth from the breasts he’d been lusting after for months. She was his. Every tight, delicious inch. Every abundant curve. Whether she knew it or not, she was claimed. He heard her cry out his name, milking his cock as she came hard against him. And he couldn’t hold back. A firestorm shot up and out from the base of his spine, every nerve ending alive as he came inside her, roaring against her nipple as he filled her, marking her in the most primitive way he knew. His knees collapsed and they slid to the floor, his mouth gentle on her breasts as she trembled against him. “Wow.” Her sigh had him chuckling against her shoulder. She shivered, tightening around him, and just like that, he wanted her again. He wanted to take her slowly, bring her to the edge again and again until she was begging him to take her. He wanted to turn her over and fill her ass, press her breasts together and take her there. Watch her as she wrapped her lips around him, swallowing him down her throat. He wanted everything. He wanted forever. An urgent knock sounded at the door. “The votes are in. We need everyone on stage in two minutes!” The harried voice moved on quickly and he could hear him knocking on more doors down the hall, letting everyone know. Cassie had gone still—she’d obviously forgotten all about the competition. He couldn’t help but be pleased. Two minutes? He had to tell her before the winner was announced. Had to let her know— 69
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“Graham, let me up. Oh Goddess, my jumpsuit! Where did that assistant go? I can’t go out like this.” He looked at the ragged strips of cloth that covered her limbs and tried not to smile. “There’s no time. You can wear one of those.” He gestured to the row of hanging outfits and she looked at him as if he was insane. The futuristic sex kitten costumes from “Deviants in Space”, his favorite show, hung there in all their metallic glory. Cassie tugged on her hair and groaned, but walked over to the selection anyway as he poured himself back into his Guardian gear. She was mumbling under her breath as she picked the least offensive choice. “Thank Gaia one of the actresses is big as I am, though she’s nowhere near as tall. Are you sure I can wear this? I mean, the jumpsuit is in the contract.” She was wriggling into the silver fabric, her breasts jiggling enticingly, and he had to turn away to concentrate on what he had to say. “Cassie, baby, I need to tell you about—” “Graham, please. We have to be on stage in less than a minute. If you have any more surprises up your sleeve, can’t it wait until after they announce the winner?” She was pulling her gorgeous mane of hair into a ponytail, sighing at her reflection and looking so adorable in the borrowed outfit that his heart skipped in his chest. Skipped. He rolled his eyes. He had to get a grip. Had to let her know before it was too late. “But it’s about the competi—” “It’s that time, Theta Wa— Oh. Um…sorry. Wow, lady. Looking good.” Rock Hammer had strode through the door without knocking, his eyes fixed on the silver mini clinging to Cassie’s upper thighs. She blushed and Graham took a meaningful step toward his friend, slipping the hood over his head, his eyes glittering with warning. Rock Hammer held his hands up, smiling in apology as he waved them through the door. “It’s showtime.”
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Chapter Seven “It’s been nonstop excitement this season on Who Wants to Date a Superhero?, and our viewers seem to agree. As of our last count, more viewers voted in this season than in the previous two. Looks like third time is definitely a charm. “Gaia City has chosen the woman of Theta Wave’s dreams. But before we find out who it is, let’s take a quick look back at what our contestants had to overcome to get here.” A giant holoscreen appeared in the air between the three women on stage and the empty seats that should have been filled with screaming audience members. Cassie felt Kim grab her hand and looked over with a smile. “What are you wearing? It looks like—” “Don’t ask.” She didn’t want to think about the tiny scrap of shimmery nothing she was wearing. The stagehand had rolled his eyes, but nodded, saying something about extenuating circumstances as he pushed her onto the stage and pointed at his watch. She was sure her boss and coworkers, who had to be watching, would never let her live it down. Kim squeezed her fingers in agreement and Cassie was glad to see her looking so well. She was still a little pale, but she was alive. Thanks to Graham. Cassie felt a tiny thrill as she remembered what they’d been doing only moments ago in the dressing room. She’d never be satisfied with the fantasy again. Not when the real thing was so much…more. Music swelled on the brightly lit stage as a montage of the contestant’s accomplishments flickered before their eyes. Standing at their places during the ill-fated trivia round, running through the life threatening obstacle course. She noticed they paid a lot of attention to the crashing of the skycam, showing the explosion several times in slow motion. 71
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And then there were the individual challenges. Jade being swarmed by rats, Kim having to find a specially marked eraser amidst a giant pile while the sound of nails being scraped down a chalkboard filled the room. Poor Kim. Finally she saw herself on the screen. But…it wasn’t really her. It couldn’t be. She had no memory of climbing a webbed wall, dodging spiders as she sought to reach her flag. She shivered in disgust. Spiders. She hated spiders. But her doppelgänger didn’t seem to have any trouble, speeding past the insects with a power she simply didn’t possess. Kim looked over at her, admiring, and Cassie grimaced back. Where were the handcuffs? The mattress? She looked over to the right of the stage. Rock Hammer and Spark stood in the wings, both looking away from her with innocent expressions, Rock was even whistling. They’d done something. Theta and the others had rigged that part of the competition. She didn’t know if she was angry that he’d fooled her once again, or grateful that she’d never been in the spider room. There was no doubt that she was stunned. The Guardians had cheated. It would be easier to believe that Jade was actually a nice person. Didn’t they have some kind of code? The host interrupted her thoughts. “There they are, ladies and gentlemen. Three women who have proven themselves worthy of our hero. It was a close race. We here at the studio were all holding our breath. But you made your decision and we won’t keep you in suspense any longer. The lucky winner, the one who’ll get twenty-four hours of quality time with the Brain in Blue, that mind-reading Romeo, The Boss of Brainwaves is none other than…Ms. Jade Snow! Theta Wave, come meet your new ladylove!” Kim and Cassie shared a look as Jade preened, strutting toward the front of the stage and waving at the camera. Cassie was disappointed, but honestly, it was no more than she expected. Jade looked like she belonged with a superhero. The audience had no idea how stuck-up she really was.
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Her stomach fluttered as Theta Wave strode out onto the stage, looking mysterious and dangerously sexy. He didn’t look at her as he passed, but she knew the drill. This was a show. He had to pretend to be happy with the people’s pick. A moment later she changed her tune. He didn’t have to look that happy. Spark had kissed his date’s hand with a gallant flare. Rock Hammer had carried the aerobics instructor offstage over his shoulder. That had been a real crowd-pleaser. Theta Wave had looked into Jade’s dark, exotic eyes for a moment, then taken her in his arms, kissing her senseless. Both of them looked like they were really getting into it too. That no good, lying son of a— She took a step back. She couldn’t watch another minute. She didn’t care if she was supposed to stay on the stage for the finale. Her heart felt like it was breaking. She’d given herself to him completely, and not an hour later, he was throwing it all back in her face. On live vid. “Psst. Cassie.” She looked back toward Rock and Spark to see Dayna beside them, hiding behind the curtain, gesturing madly to her ankle. The anklet? She wanted her to remove the anklet? Why? So he could really enjoy all the pain he was putting her through? No thank you. But Dayna was persistent, her eyes beseeching. Cassie sighed and bent her knee, unclasping the anklet and tossing it at her friend. Baby? Angel, can you hear me? Don’t you angel me, you dirty, coldhearted…jerkface! Honey, this isn’t what it looks like. We are trying to draw out the bad guy here. Jade’s boyfriend. Likely story. She crossed her arms defensively. It’s true. She was trying to make him jealous. We think he’s behind all the “accidents”. Trust me, Cassie. Why?
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Because I love you, damn it! He loved her? And now—here was where he told her? While he was kissing that spiteful little midget? But she could feel his sincerity through their link. As soon as the amethyst anklet had been removed, she’d felt his mind flowing into hers, a soothing, powerful presence. He opened his own mind to her, allowing her to see that he was telling the truth. Then she saw something else. Dayna is your sister? Cassie looked over at her friend, who smiled and shrugged. “You are in so much trouble.” The mouthed words had her dark-haired friend stepping behind Rock Hammer as if for protection. He’s coming. When he arrives, I want you to get away from here as fast as you can. Rock Hammer will protect you. She felt ghostly fingers caressing her lips, her face at his words. I really love you in that outfit. I wish it was you I was kissing. But I wouldn’t be able to stop with a single kiss. I’d probably end up tossed out of Gaia City for good if I did all the things I want to do to you right now. Her heart was pounding. He’d stopped kissing the smiling Jade, but he continued to touch Cassie with his mind, she could feel heated palms sliding between her legs beneath the microscopic skirt. She bit her lip to keep from moaning. He didn’t play fair. “Do. Not. Touch. My. Woman!” Lightning streaked over the studio wiring, blowing out the unmanned cameras aimed toward the stage. “Now look what you did. I thought you liked being on camera, showing the world how villainous you can be.” Cassie’s eyes widened, arousal quickly replaced by fear as a man appeared on the stage beside them in reaction to Theta Wave’s taunt. Four goons hopped up on stage behind him, though he was daunting enough. Taller than Rock Hammer, but slender, the man was imposing and…handsome. All in white, with a shock of silver, spiky hair that seemed to clash with his youthful features. He didn’t have his usual devilish grin, but she still recognized him. Vane. 74
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Vane, one of the most flamboyant members of the Syndicate of Villainy, was Jade’s boyfriend? “I am not your woman.” “Jade, honey, of course you—” “Oh no I’m not. You love your work, you love your buddies, you love your stupid hair more than me!” Yep. Vane was Jade’s boyfriend. She pulled Kim toward the back of the stage as unobtrusively as possible. Rock Hammer and Spark both came to stand beside Theta, who’d motioned to Jade to get behind him. Surprisingly, she obeyed, joining Cassie and the others, her face flushed, eyes worried. “The woman seems to feel you’ve been neglecting her. I’m curious. How does sabotaging the competition and almost killing her prove your love?” “I had nothing to do with that. I would never do anything to hurt her. You, on the other hand…” He let the words trail off, gesturing to the men behind him, and the fight was on. It was amazing, so much more exciting than watching it on the eleven o’clock news. All the men were…well…super. Spark, careful not to throw any fireballs inside the studio, was still kicking the tar out of one of Vane’s henchmen with high-flying kicks and a speed the awkward oaf could never hope to match. Theta Wave was holding two of Vane’s other followers suspended in midair as he sparred with the human lightning rod himself. He used his abilities to deflect the bolts being directed at the Guardians. He was fantastic. She watched as the remaining goon dove toward Rock Hammer with a thick pipe clenched in his fist. It hit him square in the chest, but the strong man in gold didn’t even flinch. Instead he smiled, lifting the beefy buffoon with one hand and tossing him off the stage with ease.
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“Blasted show-off.” The soft grumble behind them had the three women turning to see Dayna snapping stills at the action. Cassie suddenly understood how her friend always seemed to get the best shot of the Guardians, why no information got past her. She was Graham’s sister. And Graham was Theta Wave. “I can’t believe this is happening. I mean, I can but…my kids will never believe it.” Kim’s gaze was glued to the action. Jade only had eyes for Dayna. “You’re that nasty reporter who’s always talking shit about Vane, aren’t you?” Uh oh. Jade was no dummy. If she knew Dayna had a connection to the Guardians, then she’d be willing to bet other members of the Syndicate would as well, and the journalist would be in danger. “She is.” Cassie drew Jade’s attention. “I invited her to do my story when I won. I wanted to be interviewed by the best.” Jade looked suspicious before the familiar sneer formed once more on her rose-colored lips. “Got a little ahead of yourself, didn’t you? Now all she has to write about is how I won and how I have two of the most powerful men in Gaia City fighting over me.” Cassie clenched her jaw, but Dayna gave her a grateful look from behind her camera. A cold blast of white foam, similar to the flame suppressants in an extinguisher, formed a barrier between the women and everyone else. The foam hardened at a rapid rate, forming a thick ice-like wall just as Cassie and the others found they were not alone. Four more goons stood behind them, guns pointed steadily at each woman’s head. “Your boyfriend is really determined.” Cassie nodded in agreement at Dayna’s words, unable to tear her gaze from the evil-looking barrel aimed at her. “Those guys aren’t with Vane.” The subdued tone and wide-eyed expression on Jade’s face told Cassie she wasn’t lying. Oh great. Graham? Um…I hate to bother you but we are in a little bit of trouble here. Or haven’t you noticed the giant wall of ice that just appeared on stage? 76
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I see it, angel. I can’t penetrate their thoughts, I’m not sure why. Try to find out who these guys belong to. “So. Is there a reason for this holdup? Or were you just passing by and decided to join in the fun?” She swallowed nervously as she looked up at the giant hoodlums, promising herself that she would never leave the safety of her insurance office again if only the meathead pointing that thing at her would just disappear. None of them said a word. They didn’t even acknowledge that she had spoken. She heard the lightning strikes and jumped. Vane must be attempting to break the wall down. Apparently, the men on the other side had stopped fighting long enough to work together. She really hoped it wasn’t too little too late. Cassie nearly jumped out of her skin when the host’s voice rang out, “Yet another surprise twist to our little game. We’ve learned that the women are all worthy of a hero…but are the heroes worthy of the women? I’m betting not.” What in Gaia’s name—Dayna and Cassie shared a wide-eyed look. “Vane…what an unfortunate name by the way. Are you picked on by the other villains? Do they call you Weather Vane behind your back? “Anyway, Vane, shoot one more bolt of lightning at that wall and the women will die. You have to play fair in this competition. Unless you truly don’t care about poor, pretty Jade.” Kim visibly trembled. “Okay, who else is totally creeped out? The host? The host is the bad guy?” She took a step closer to Cassie as if for comfort. “Who are you? What is it you want?” Rock Hammer sounded upset. She caught Dayna’s expression and she knew. There was something between those two. But this was no time for romantic speculation. “A man like you wouldn’t have a clue about what I want. I’ve been watching you all, remember. I know your strengths and weaknesses. Why are you hero enough, Rock Hammer? Do you go after what you want? Or do you let fear stand in your way? What makes you special enough to be any woman’s prize?” 77
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The voice paused for effect. “What I want now is for you to jump through hoops for these women, embarrass yourselves, endanger your own lives just for the chance to earn their love. It is your turn to prove your worth.” Graham? It’s a woman. What? How do you know? Trust me. That is one wronged and bitter female. I’d stake my life on it. She must be disguising her voice to sound like the host’s. That’s the only thing I can think of. Cassie decided it was time to take action. She was still a little nervous about the guns and bad guys, but they hadn’t moved at all. It was almost as if they weren’t real. She looked at the other women meaningfully, hoping they would follow her lead. “Here, here. Let them put on a funny outfit and make fools out of themselves just for a chance to share dinner and a movie with us. Oh wait, they’re already in funny outfits.” “Yeah.” Dayna caught on first. “Let them wait on us for a change. We can taunt and tease them with false promises, lead them on, giving them absolutely no control over the relationship.” Cassie’s brow rose, but Dayna just blushed and looked away. Jade was next. “I think we should judge them, criticize them and then ignore them. It’s only fair.” “Jade, sweetheart—” “If you’re so supportive of these worthy women, why try to harm them?” Theta’s voice interrupted Vane’s whining plea. “I didn’t want to harm them.” The voice sounded surprised anyone could think such a thing. “I knew one of you would get them out of their isolation booths in time. The skycam incident should have been flawless. If the accountant hadn’t gotten stuck… What am I explaining myself to you for? You are only a man. A Guardian, no less. Suffice it to say, I had my reasons.”
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“She didn’t want there to be a fourth season.” Cassie peered through the ice to see another man walking out onto the stage. “Triad.” Dayna whispered his name in her ear. So this was the leader of the Guardians? His image looked a bit distorted, so she couldn’t see his expression. She wondered if Theta had told him telepathically that the voice belonged to a woman. He didn’t sound remotely concerned as he looked up at the corner booth where the host was supposed to be located. “She wanted to cause enough damage, to scare the women and the audience enough that there would be no new season. But everything you did backfired, didn’t it? If anything, the show has become more popular due to your dangerous antics.” “Why?” Kim covered her mouth with her hand as she realized she’d asked the question out loud. “Jealousy.” Triad shrugged. “She didn’t want to take the chance that I might follow the path of the others. That I might be next season’s prize.” The disembodied voice snapped. “You’re still so damn arrogant. Thinking everything is about you. What if I’m just saving Gaia City from more ridiculous reality shows? Now, will you all follow my instructions or will your women die?” “No one is going to die,” Triad snapped back. “In fact, you’re going to be sending your puppets home, melt this wall and leave without bothering any of these nice people ever again.” “And why, in the name of your Goddess, would I ever do that?” “Because I’m coming with you.” At Triad’s statement, Rock Hammer made an indignant noise but was silenced with a look. “You win, lass. I will agree to your terms…all of them. But in return, you’ll be ending this. Now.” He sounded like he knew her. And apparently, his agreement was all she’d been waiting for. Cassie and the other girls watched as the wall began to melt as quickly as it formed. The men who’d been guarding them walked in a silent march toward the waiting Triad. He gave a telling look to Theta and then they were gone. 79
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For a few minutes no one spoke, and then Cassie found herself swept up in her hero’s arms, his mouth on hers in a desperate, needy kiss. I thought I’d lost you there for a second. When I saw that wall, that gun trained on you, I— I’m all right, Graham. I need to get you home so I can see for myself. She smiled at the desire he sent to her in waves. Loving a telepath as powerful as he was going to be an interesting adventure. Loving? Yes, and you know it. It’s always nice to have it confirmed. “Theta Wave.” Vane’s commanding voice pulled them apart. The unusual-looking man was holding Jade in his arms as if she were precious. And Jade was beaming. Actually beaming as she stared up at him, arms wrapped around his neck. “Vane.” “We will call this one a draw. But when we meet again…” He let the sentence trail off ominously. “Until then.” The Guardians watched as Vane and his bedraggled, limping men left the stage with much less fanfare than when they’d arrived. Cassie looked up into laughing blue eyes, a question in her own. “Just protocol, angel. He had to leave with his pride intact. Today we weren’t really enemies. Today we were both just men, trying to win the hearts of the women we love.” Her eyes blinked rapidly and she turned away, embarrassed by her tears. Spark had taken a pale Kim offstage to sit in a front-row seat, chafing her fingers with his own as he charmed her. Dayna wasn’t looking so hot either. Rock Hammer stood nearby, his eyes unblinking as he gazed at the shaky beauty, but it was obvious she wouldn’t welcome his aid. Not with the glares she kept aiming his way.
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Theta Wave—Graham gently gripped her chin and turned her toward him once more. In his eyes, in his mind, was all the love she had ever dreamed of. Was she brave enough to take it? Even though he had a dangerous profession? Even though he hadn’t been entirely honest with her? Even though she had to enter this ridiculous competition? Some wild and mischievous part of her came to the fore, leaning closer to him to place a quick kiss on his lips. Can you tell what I’m thinking now? He pulled back, a wicked smile curving his lips as he hoisted her over his shoulder without a word, ignoring the others and her laughter as he headed with single-minded focus for the nearest bed.
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Chapter Eight Graham had been quiet for the last hour. It was starting to make her nervous. She’d rented this GUV, a monster of a utility vehicle that ran on recyclables and trash, so she’d have the long drive to explain what it was she’d wanted from him when she entered the reality show. She could only be grateful that he’d respected her privacy enough not to just extract the information from her mind. She hadn’t thought about the drive home. She knew the kind of man he was, knew he would be troubled when he found out, that he would shoulder the blame for something that was no fault of his own. If there had been any other way, she would have spared him, even before she’d fallen for him, but there was no alternative. She’d had to tell him. “I grew up in Tara, on a beautiful little farm in the country. My mother and grandfather took care of me, showering me with all the love and attention a little girl could want. I was very lucky. It wasn’t until I grew older that I began to sense the cloud that hung over the house, the reason for the sadness in my gramps’ eyes.” Graham had placed his comforting palm on her knee then, encouraging her to go on. “Upstairs in the bedroom at the end of the hall, where I wasn’t allowed to play, was an older woman hooked up to machines, comatose…my grandmother. Every day, after chores were done, Gramps would head upstairs to be with her.” She smiled softly. “I used to watch them sometimes. He’d read to her, sing to her, tell her about his day and how fast I was growing. He’d tell her how much he loved her. We never spoke about her. Then, when I was ten years old, I asked him why.” She felt those eyes boring into her, listening intently.
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“She’d been a lab technician for a prominent neuroscientist in Gaia City.” Graham turned to stone beside her. “He was a farmer at heart but he lived there because of how much she loved her work. There had been an accident. The scientist she’d been working with said it had to do with some mechanical malfunction. Gramps always thought his story was suspicious. But there’d been no witnesses, and my grandmother wasn’t able to say a word.” “What is it you want from me, Cassie?” His voice had a ragged edge. It was obvious he knew that the scientist she’d mentioned was his father. She tightened her grip on the steering wheel, wanting so much to pull over and take him into her arms. “My grandfather loves his wife. So when his doctor made noises about his health and he began to realize he wouldn’t always be here to take care of her, he called me.” She emitted a watery chuckle. “Gramps is a huge fan of the Guardians, he reads every issue of The Gossip, especially when it talks about his favorite superhero, Theta Wave. He asked, since I lived so close, if I could ask you to come for a visit. Ask if you could, with your amazing abilities, help him talk to his wife. As if I could just knock on the door of Guardian headquarters.” She shook her head. “I knew the only way to get to you, apart from being kidnapped by a villain or allowing myself to be trapped in a fire, was to enter the competition. I had to do it for him. He’s done so much for me. I couldn’t let him down.” He’d squeezed her leg in agreement, spending the remainder of the trip looking out the window at the rugged countryside. The visit had been amazing. They’d introduced him as her good friend Graham, but her mother had taken one look at her daughter’s face and an unmistakable twinkle glittered in her eyes. Cassie knew her mother was already hearing wedding bells. Gramps had studied Graham for so long that Cassie began to fidget, but then he smiled and held out his hand in welcome. They’d eaten dinner, talking about her job, her apartment, everything but the fact that she’d just spent the last few days in a 83
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skintight jumpsuit fighting other women for a date with a Guardian. Or that said Guardian was currently sitting next to them, pretending like everyone else always had to do that he loved her mother’s casserole. She was helping her mother clean the kitchen when the two men disappeared. She found them a little while later exactly where she knew she would, in her grandmother’s room. Graham had his hand on Gramps’ shoulder as the older man pressed his forehead against his wife’s, tears running unashamedly down his grizzled cheeks. After a moment, he sat up, wiping the dampness away with his sleeve, his other hand tightly gripping the still woman’s on the bed. “I will never be able to thank you enough.” “I wish I could do more.” Graham’s hoarse whisper had her clutching at her chest in sympathy. “Son, you’ve done more than you will ever know. More than I ever thought to have again.” He smiled at his wife for a moment, then straightened his shoulders. “I suppose you’ll have to do that ‘Mind Fog’ trick on me, right? I mean, so I can’t tell the bad guys who you really are?” “If I can’t trust family, who can I trust?” Gramps looked over his shoulder at Graham’s words, seeing Cassie in the doorway. “So that’s the way the wind blows, is it? That’s good. I’ve always prayed that my grandbaby would find the kind of love I have with Jen. She deserves it.” He paused, winking toward his granddaughter. “Especially after all the hoops she had to jump through on that crazy show of yours.” Her face was still red with embarrassment hours later at the knowledge that her family had caught the program. They’d left not long after, and though she was dying of curiosity, worried about the grim look on his face, he hadn’t spoken a word since then. She couldn’t stand it anymore. What was going on in that mysterious brain of his? She pulled over and shut off the motor. “She remembered me.” 84
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Cassie jumped. She’d been all set to read him the riot act for his silence, but he’d beaten her to the punch. “It wasn’t an accident, what happened to her. She was one of the early test subjects, before my father realized that a child’s brain would handle the modifications better than an adult’s. Instead of getting increased brain function, she went into neuro-shock and her body shut down.” He ran his hand roughly through his hair, his eyes wild as he turned to Cassie. “She thanked me. She was so happy. Just to be able to talk to him, tell him how much he meant to her. She thanked me.” Cassie wrapped her arms around him, holding him as close as she could in the awkward confines of the truck. He pressed his face against her neck and told her that he’d done the only thing he could do, he’d linked her grandparents telepathically. They would always be able to talk to each other now, share each other’s thoughts. “But—but that’s wonderful, Graham!” “It was all I could do. I couldn’t heal her, couldn’t avenge her for my father’s crime. Though if he wasn’t already dead, I might be tempted.” “Graham, my entire life Gramps has said the only thing he regretted was that he didn’t get to hear the woman he loved wish him good night. You’ve given them back to each other. You really are a superhero.” He huffed out a harsh breath against her skin, pulling back to look into her eyes. “You’re the hero, Cassie. All that you went through for them, those ridiculous challenges, challenges that had been rigged to put you in danger. I’ve got nothing on you, angel.” A thought occurred to her. “Speaking of the mysterious villainess, did you ever find out what happened to the host? Have you heard from Triad?” He’d been gone a week, and according to Dayna, the other Guardians were chomping at the bit to mount a rescue. Only Graham’s orders held them back.
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“Stone said the host had always been a computer program, there was never an actual man behind the microphone. It was easy enough for someone to hack ‘him’ and take over. He gave the studio some pointers on tightening their security protocols, though it looks like they are scrapping the show for good, thank the Goddess. As for Triad, we’ve touched base once or twice. I think he’s got everything…well in hand.” The quirk of his sensual lips told her there was more to that story, but he wasn’t going to share. He caressed her cheek with his knuckles, an expression of wonder crossing his strong features. “I’d never seen that kind of love before, the kind your grandparents have. My father loved his work more than anything else. The only thing I’ve seen come from giving your heart is betrayal and pain. And when I couldn’t hear your thoughts when you went on the show, I thought—” “You thought I might bring more of the same, I know.” He’d told her of his fears, let her see them. She didn’t blame him. Not with his history. “But they are truly in love. So unconditional and lasting that not even the evil my father wrought could diminish it. And I realized as I sensed what they felt for each other…that my feelings for you were just as strong. Just as lasting. I love you, angel.” She was too overcome, her throat too tight to return the words that were echoing in her soul. So she kissed him with all the love and passion inside her. Their tongues met in a gentle duel, savoring each glide, each stroke. He held her head in his hands, tilting it this way and that, deepening the connection until their kisses turned breathless, heated. Reaching for him, she made a sound of frustration. The steering wheel and the entertainment console kept getting in her way. He pulled back, heavy lidded eyes dark with need, and opened his door. Hoisting her over the console, he slid out of the GUV until they were standing on the side of the quiet road. She looked at him in question, but he turned her around, placing her hands on the hood and pulling her hips back against his, his steel-hard erection pressing against her. 86
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“Graham?” I know your fantasies, angel, remember?
He lifted her long skirt, tucking it into the waist band so he had a perfect view of those long legs, that lush ass. Damn, she was sexy. He slid her lace panties down to her ankles with his hands, enjoying each sensation, wanting to feel it all, holding her hips to balance her as she stepped out of them. He bit one tempting cheek, smiling as he heard her squeak in surprise, watched her nervously looking down the road. It was an old road, one people hardly used anymore, what with the insta flight service and sky roads. He’d thought it strange when she had rented this big dinosaur, but he wasn’t above taking advantage of the situation. He stood, pressing his lips against her ear as he unbuttoned his jeans. “I’m going to fuck you, Cassie. Right here, right now. I won’t stop, not even if someone sees us. I want them to see. Want them to know you’re mine. How easily I can make you come for me.” She moaned lowering her forehead to the vehicle’s hood and he smiled, gifting her neck with a small love bite as he spread her legs further apart with his own. His cock was painfully hard, the fantasy sweeping him up, making him feel like a primitive conqueror. Let them come. Let them watch as he claimed her, shoved his cock so deep inside this woman that she passed out from the pleasure. Let them watch as she screamed and cried out his name, wishing it was theirs she was shouting, their dicks she was bruising in her tight, soaking pussy. She whimpered, body trembling, and he realized he’d been projecting his thoughts to her…that they were turning her on. He slid his fingers roughly between her legs, slipping in the creamy arousal that already coated her thighs. He raised wet fingers to his lips and tasted her essence on his tongue. Delicious. He wanted more.
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He fell to his knees, spreading her thighs as he shoved his face between them, rooting for more of that addictive nectar. Pink and sweet and swollen…so fucking beautiful. He heard her crying out as he thrust deep, that honeyed juice flowing down his throat as he fucked her with his tongue. He was crazed with it, obsessed with her flavor. Her climax clenched around his tongue and he drank that down as well, greedy, so greedy. Please, Graham. Please, I want your cock inside me. I want you to fuck me. The little temptress had used his own gifts against him, projecting her needy pleas into his mind. And it worked. He stood, lifting her torso onto the hood so that her ass, the saturated lips of her sex were on display for him. He took his cock in hand and guided himself between her legs, groaning as the blazing heat of her pussy touched the head of his shaft. “Gaia, give me strength.” He watched his thick erection split her wide, her lips spread, pussy stretching to accommodate his girth. The sight was so satisfying that he had to hold himself back from coming then and there. The need to feel her shatter around him again the only thing that held him back. Her hands curled, scrambling for purchase on the slippery metal as he filled her balls-deep. Yes. That’s it, angel. Take it all. Every. Last. Fucking. Inch. He wanted to throw his head back and shout to the sky. She was his. This body, this woman, was his.
Sweet Goddess. He was so big. As he gripped her hips and began a hard driving rhythm designed to make her go out of her mind, all she could do was hang on for the ride. He did this to her every time. In this last week he’d fulfilled every erotic daydream she’d ever had…and a few new ones she hadn’t even thought of. Again and again he filled her, pounding her against the cool metal, her sensitive nipples scraping against her shirt, muscles liquefying. 88
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She arched her neck and twisted as he bent over her, taking her lips in a hard, biting kiss as his thrusts grew more frenzied. You feel so good, angel. Yes, Graham. Oh yes. No, baby. Wait. I want to— He pulled back, she barely had time to gasp at the loss as he slipped from between her thighs before he was flipping her over on the chilled hood and entering her again. Entwining their fingers, he dragged her arms above her head, his chest abrading her nipples, his heartbeat pounding against her rib cage. He kissed her, his expression so loving that tears pricked at her eyes and her throat tightened. And then he started to move. Making love. All the wild intensity of moments before was still there, but it was more. Deeper. The one fantasy she had never dared to imagine. And he had given this to her as well. She felt him entering her mind, merging his thoughts with her own, until she didn’t know which feelings were hers. She could sense everything. The way her tight sheath clung to his cock, causing the strong man above her to tremble with restraint and pleasure. And how he saw her. Goddess, how he saw her. In his mind, she was the most beautiful, desirable woman he’d ever known. “You are, angel.” His face was flushed, hips pumping faster against her, touching her core with every sure stroke. She felt her climax looming. So close. Just out of reach. Come with me. Let me feel it, Cassie. I need to feel it. She couldn’t refuse. She came on a hoarse cry, shouting his name as she felt the hot jets of his climax shooting inside her, dripping down her thighs. He dropped his head, moaning against her neck, his hips jerking as her orgasm gripped him with a bruising force.
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The back of her head pressed against the hood as she tried to catch her breath. Would it always be like this? Always feel as if she been torn apart and transformed? Would the need for him always be so intense? Always. You’re mine, Cassie Tidwell. And I’m yours. His cheek pressed against her breast as he stirred once more inside her. Again? Before she could comment she felt it. A distinct buzzing vibration against her skin. Shit. Graham sighed, his grip on her hip tightening as he raised one hand to press the small diamond stud in his ear. “This better be good.” She wriggled against him, sliding down the hood, feeling a sense of loss as her movements dislodged him. She released her skirt from her waistband, searching the ground for her underwear as he spoke in gruff monosyllables to whoever was on the other end. Most likely his sister, Dayna. Her friend had offered to let her keep the amethyst anklet, but Cassie knew she couldn’t. Graham had too many bad memories associated with the trinkets his father had forged to conceal his thoughts from his powerful son. And she wouldn’t hide from him ever again. Besides, she’d told the journalist with a knowing grin, sisters needed to keep some secrets from their protective older brothers. When he was done, he turned her toward him, looking at her somberly as she tried to smile. “You have to get back.” “Yes.” “There’s a Guardian emergency.” “Yes.” “Dangerous?” “Maybe.”
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She nodded. She knew loving a superhero would be hard. That the joy would be intertwined with anxiety, worry for his safety. But she wouldn’t let him suffer for her fears. This was love. The love she’d learned from her Gramps. Love wasn’t always easy, but if it was real, it was worth everything. She knew he could sense her sudden melancholy. It definitely wasn’t easy loving a telepath. She winked at him and opened the passenger door, climbing in and pressing a few buttons on the computer panel in the dash. “What are you doing?” She smiled as she crawled into the backseat, the engine suddenly flaring to life without her. “By my estimation, it will take twenty-five minutes to get back to Gaia City. I put the GUV on auto-nav.” He raised one eyebrow at her as he climbed in, the door sliding shut behind him as the vehicle began to speed silently down the empty road, sans driver. “What did you have in mind?” “Well, I have this fantasy…”
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About the Author Stolen away by a free-spirited gypsy as a child (though she still swears she’s my mother), I spent my childhood roaming the countryside, meeting fascinating characters and having amazing adventures. As the perpetual “new kid”, my friends more often than not were found between the pages of a book…and in my own imagination. I read everything I could get my hands on. At the age of 11, I read my first romance and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve been a nurse, a lead vocalist in several bands, a published lyricist and even a returning student at University majoring in Anthropology and Mythology. Throughout all of my varied careers I would sigh as I read one fantasy-filled story after another saying, “Someday I want to write one of those.” Until one day my husband said, “So do it.” And I did. Now I can’t imagine doing anything else.
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