It was hot as hell.

Aurora Jones pushed a wandering tendril of dark hair out of her eyes where it had escaped her messy bun, and plastered itself to her sweaty skin for what seemed the millionth time that day already. For September it was unusually hot. The British summer dragged on a lot longer than anyone had anticipated. Not that she was complaining about the weather. It was such a nice change to wear something that didn't add ten pounds to her already curvy figure. But it sure was gruelling when you had ovens and heat sources going at the same time. She may not even complain when the weather broke and the rain started. Anything for a little relief.

"Morning Rory." 

Of course, no one actually called her Aurora, honestly what were her parents thinking? Anyone would think they hated her. Not that was far off the truth. She hadn't spoken to her mother since filing for the divorce eighteen months ago. 

"Morning Mrs. Ames, what can I help you with today?" Rory knew most of her regular customers by name, she knew their birthdays and what their preferences were when they walked through the door of her little bakery.

Mrs. Ames was no different. She was a regular customer, but as the menu at Sweet Dreams changed daily, Rory always asked. Even when she already knew what the older woman was going to say. "What's good today dear?"

Rory laughed, "There's a chocolate eclair with your name on it" she busied herself with a plate. It was always something chocolate for Mrs. Ames, she was a predictable soul.

Sweet Dreams had been her baby, her love of baking had gotten her through the separation with her husband. It quickly went from a hobby to her first little shop just over six months ago. Since then Sweet Dreams had exploded, and she would need to think about bigger premises soon- although she hated to leave her gorgeous little shop.

Rory smiled and laughed her way through their busiest times, just as she always did. Her personal life was in shambles, but at least at work she had some semblance of control. And even in her permanently exhausted state, each day seemed to be over in a flash. Leaving her to fall into bed each night.

"Rory, are you joining me?"

Rory glanced up from where she was busy wiping down the counter, to spot one of her best friends sitting at her usual round table. "Oh hey Jo, let me get some coffee and cake and I'll be right over, carrot cake ok with you?" Jo was the polar opposite of her. Blonde and professional. Their friendship shouldn't work but yet somehow it did.

"No chocolate?"

Rory laughed "You know there's never any chocolate left, it's carrot or nothing."

"Carrot is fine." Jo's blonde hair was twisted at the nape of her neck. Sweat had stuck the striped blouse to her back,but she looked perfectly put together as if the heat didn't bother her at all; in stark contrast to Rory, whose face was shiny with sweat. "So come on and spill, how did the wedding go? Dance with any fitties?"

"I was there to work Jo." It was a stroke of luck that she had even landed a job so big, and was all thanks to her other best friend Andre, who's cousin had been the bride.

Her laughter tinkled through the almost empty shop. No one looked up, Jo was a common site near closing. She always popped in on her way home from work. Monday to Friday, it was a ritual they would sit and chat over coffee and cake. Saturdays, on the other hand, were reserved for wine and man-bashing. Though it usually turned into wine and sordid stories of their sex lives. Not that Rory had any of those, but a girl could live through her friends right? That's what friends were for.

"Work, yeah right, okay, so you didn't bonk any hot groomsmen?"

Rory snorted. "Bonk, what are we sixteen?"

"Well you might as well be with all the action you're getting, let me guess the dick has been back in touch?"

Rory shrugged, "He won't take the hint, says he's changed, she was nothing blah blah." The dick, otherwise known as her ex, or soon-to-be ex-husband, who had problems keeping things in his pants. Her parents thought she should just suck it up, but Rory had too much self-dignity for that. If he wanted some twenty-year-old blonde, then let him have her. She knew she was worth more. She didn't even miss the sex, she had more fun in bed on her own anyway.

"He's a dick, don't you even think about going there" Jo waved her fork threateningly.

"No worries there, though..."

Jo leveled her fork "Don't even think about it, you're going through a dry spell that's all."

They were interrupted by the bell over the door tinkling. Rory frowned at her watch. It was a little late in the day for last-minute customers. There wasn't exactly a lot left. Most of the shelves had been emptied and wiped down, ready to close.

"I got this Rory." Sarah chirped from behind the counter, her voice unusually high and breathy. Sarah was only fifteen, but helped most days after school; learning to bake was Sarah's dream and Rory needed some help with the constant influx of customers. It suited them both perfectly. And Rory generally liked the younger girl, she had a drive that Rory wished she had had at that age. 

"A dry spell, pfft, is that what you call it?" 

Rory settled herself back into her chair and pouted at her friend. Jo always had a new beau. Men loved her, and no one could blame them. She looked like a centrefold model in a power suit.

"Maybe you would get laid if you went out more, or you know, ever." Jo scratched her nose absently "You're a beautiful woman. When was the last time you went out dancing and went home with some hot piece of ass whose name you forgot the next morning?"

"I don't do that."

"Exactly, maybe you should."

Rory laughed, "Maybe I should." she admitted with a sigh. Yeah, maybe she should. But it wasn't that easy for her. Years of being hurt had taken a huge chunk of her confidence. If she was going to put herself back in the dating game, she needed to be one hundred percent sure the person was worth it. And that didn't mean they had to be cracking in bed, no matter what her friends said.

Although it wouldn't hurt.

Rory wanted more, and maybe that was why she wasn't getting any. Maybe she needed to stop being so uptight and start living life on the wild side.

She felt the person standing behind her before he said anything. The warmth that radiated over her skin made every hair on her body stand to attention. It was like standing outside in a thunderstorm. 

 "Excuse me, can I squeeze past ladies?" The voice was low, husky. It was the kind of voice you imagined when you were alone in your bedroom, with the door closed.

Jo's eyes had gone like saucers, her lips parted. Rory sighed and stood, moving her chair out the way; it was only then she looked up.

And then up.

And up some more.

Her breath caught in her throat. Holy fucking shit. She didn't know where to settle her eyes. Especially when her eyes were at the level of a superbly formed chest that the black cotton that was covering it did little to hide. 

"Hello." Roman's voice was breathy.

Roman looked down at her, a smile lighting up his face. She looked flustered, he liked that he made her uncomfortable. The way her eyes widened. He liked even better the fact that her heart had sped up as she raked her eyes over him. 

"Oh yum, I mean... yeah sorry let me get out of your way" she scraped the chair further out of his way, her movements jerky as she tried to control her reaction. Conscious of his size, his bulk. He seemed to fill her small shop with muscles that no black t-shirt could hide. Tattoos ran down both arms and disappeared under the black material. How much of his body was covered in tattoos? She had the overwhelming urge to yank his shirt up and find out. Her eyes met his, and took in the chiselled jaw and the shadow of dark stubble. She wanted to bite his abs so badly it instantly made her blush.

Heat crept up her cheeks. She had been staring at his body with her tongue poking out between her lips. God, why couldn't she have made more of an effort today? Why couldn't she be normal and say something witty and charming? "I mean hello." Oh way to go, Rory, that was perfect. She mentally slapped her own forehead. Why was she such an imbecile? She threw a pleading look over the table at Jo, who was smirking knowingly.

His smile turned lazy, she had been checking him out. His eyes searched her face. Searching, looking for any sign that she knew who he was. But all he saw was a beautiful woman who was sexually attracted to him, that much he could tell even without the scent of her arousal.  

She had no idea who he was. 

"Hi, I'm Jo." Jo put out a very well-manicured hand, finally coming to Rory's rescue. He glanced at it, gave it a light shake and then dropped it. It wasn't her hand he wanted to hold. 

"Hi Jo, I'm Roman." he didn't turn away from Rory though. Her eyes were darting across his face, a small line deepening between two arched brows and he smiled. "And you?"

"I'm Rory." it was a mumble of words, her eyes never leaving his face. The line between her eyes deepened.

Was she remembering him? He gave her a quizzical look, his smile lopsided. She shook herself and chuckled "Sorry I thought for a second I had met you before."

His smile lit up his face. "I would hope you would remember me. I sure as hell would remember you." he said softly. 

God, he wanted to touch her. He wanted that more than anything. Was it too late to offer his hand? Did he care?

Jo's cough interrupted the moment. Too late, but then it might be best if he didn't touch her yet. He was likely to throw her over his shoulder, and take her home Neanderthal style, he sighed. "Well it was lovely to meet you ladies" he moved around Rory, his body brushing hers as he slid past. It wasn't enough. He needed to touch her skin, his beast needed him to touch her, to smell her all over. A growl escaped his lips. He pushed the animal back down. No way could he have another repeat of Saturday night. How close he had come to losing control of his animal had frightened him. It couldn't happen again. 

He was Roman, Alpha to the Brentwood pack, ex-special forces. He didn't lose control of ANYTHING. He was in control. 

"Wedding..."

He turned back to her, a smile playing over his face. It wasn't the memory he wanted her to remember but it was a start. They hadn't even spoken at the wedding, but she had obviously noticed him. Of course, a six-foot-three shifter almost losing control and having to be escorted out by some equally ferocious beasts was memorable. Especially if you hadn't much experience of the shifter community.

"You were at the wedding weren't you, I remember thinking you had the most beautiful eyes." Rory blushed, as the words left her lips. 

He looked down at his arm, where her hand had stopped him. And his animal howled in triumph. "I was."

"Well, it's good to see you again. Please let me know if you would like anything else." she smiled, motioning to the counter, and turned back to her friend.

Roman took the seat by the window, which had been unexpected. She was just as he remembered from all those years ago, and even more stunning than he had ever hoped to dream. Those curves. She hadn't had those curves when they were teenagers. It made him curious as to what else had changed.

He had been beyond himself Saturday, no way would he lose her again. Samuel had taken one look at him and made several calls whilst Roman had let his wolf free and run. The woods around the hotel were not home but it felt good to let his animal-free. To Push himself until his lungs burned. He had returned to his hotel room calmer. He vowed that he wouldn't lose her again. He would make her his.

Sam hadn't said a word, just handed him a piece of paper as he stalked into the lavish hotel room, barefoot in nothing but an old pair of grey sweatpants. 

Sweet Dreams. That's what the scrap of paper had said.

Roman had raised his eyebrow, but the younger man had questions of his own. Roman's search for his mate was common knowledge in the pack. That romantic tragic story of young love lost. "Was that really her?"

Roman nodded. She had changed, changed A LOT, but he would know her anywhere. She had grown from a geeky, if somewhat troubled girl, to a woman who was everything he wanted in a woman. Those curves would be in his dreams tonight, she was so much better than he had ever hoped to imagine. He had always known she would be beautiful, but not that beautiful.

"Geez man," Sam pushed his hand through his blonde curls "What are you going to do?"

Roman's wolf growled, was the boy stupid? Or just pretending to be. "Find her, make her my mate." Wasn't that obvious?

"Roman, wait, what if she doesn't remember you? What if she's married, or has a family?"

"Married?" Roman's voice broke. Nope, that wasn't an option. The fact that the girl

he had fallen in love with fifteen years ago could have moved on and forgotten him, had married? Could be at this very moment being embraced by another man. Images of her in the arms of the blonde stranger she had been dancing with at the wedding flashed behind his eyes. Was that her husband? Were they together right now, secure behind closed doors? Was some other man touching what was his?

He howled to the ceiling. 

"You need to calm down Roman." he turned, he hadn't even heard his mother come in. "Aurora Jones, I knew as soon as I saw her that you would be beside yourself. Now take the piece of paper Sam is trying to give you and start acting like the man you are, and not a love-struck teenage boy"

"What is it?"

"Aurora's bakery, she was catering the wedding."

Roman looked down at the scrawl of writing. "What if she's married?" 

"She is," his mum patted his arm, soothingly. "but there is no need to get yourself worked up, she's also going through a tricky divorce, now go get your woman. Take as long as you need."

So here he was. Seated as far away from them as the small seating area would allow, he stared out the window- not because of the view outside but because he could see her mirrored in its reflection. He could study her, without reproach. A smile curved his lips, he was the hot topic of conversation at her table.

"Ok Miss prim and proper now spill, why wasn't Mr. Tall dark and growly mentioned?"

Rory blushed and leaned forward over the table towards her friend "Lower your voice, shifters have great hearing."

Jo glanced at the window, not even attempting to be subtle about it. "How do you know he's a shifter? Lots of men growl" Jo winked. "It's sexy as hell coming from lips like those though."

Rory shrugged, though she had to agree "I can just tell, look at him. Know any human men that look like that?" Rory shrugged, "Plus the energy coming off him was almost unbearable."

Jo giggled "Only in my wettest dream, and what you call energy I call panty-dripping wet-dream-inducing good old lust!"

"Jo!"

"Oh, hush I saw the way you looked at him, don't deny it, he got your panties wet!"

Colour flushed her cheeks 

"I knew it, you got laid at this wedding, didn't you? Work my ass." Jo's nails clicked on the cup impatiently. "I need details, lots of details."

Laid? "No, I didn't, I was there working, I already told you that." but she wished she had. Even across that packed dance floor, the weight of his gaze had floored her. She had never wanted anyone as much as she did him at that moment. And seeing him again, the way he smiled at her, the feel of his arm under her hand. Hell. Maybe she needed to have a cold shower.

Rory giggled. 

Jo squeaked "I knew it, you want to get Mr. Shifter naked."

Rory glanced up in a panic. "God Jo, lower your voice!" Had he heard? He didn't seem to be paying them attention at all, so maybe she had been lucky.

"Miss Jones? "

Rory stopped the keys clutched tightly in her hand, she whirled from the darkened doorway and would have fallen, but big hands caught her around the waist. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to startle you"

"Oh," She squeaked. "Roman?" What was the delicious man from the shop doing here?  Loitering around in the dark?

His arms about her felt like they belonged there. "Hello again."

A nervous giggle escaped her lips. 

He was still holding her, his hands firm on her hips. She didn't want to move away. The feel of his hands on her body made her throb in ways she never even realised existed, and definitely in ways she shouldn't be feeling with a complete stranger. "Hello beautiful."

Oh, his voice. She squirmed. 

"Hello." She squealed, her face inches from his chest. It would be easy enough to lean forward and bring her lips to his chest. His calloused fingers brought her head up instead.

"Hello," He echoed. "You are even more beautiful than I ever imagined." His fingers ran down the length of her jaw, and a shiver ran through her, a low moan escaping her half-parted lips. What the hell was wrong with her?

"I'm going to kiss you soon." it wasn't a question, Roman's large thumb brushed over her lips. "Yes, soon my love." She watched his eyes spark as she licked her lips. "Can I call you tomorrow evening Rory?"

She couldn't even make a coherent word, mute she nodded. Her pink tongue slid again against her plump lips.

Roman, his face so far above her own, was suddenly so much closer. He groaned. "Aurora, I need to kiss you." his lips were inches from hers, his true-blue eyes staring at her intently. A golden fire was starting in their depths. His voice was hungry, that of a starved man.

And by god she wanted his lips on hers, she wanted it more than she wanted the air in her lungs. Feelings she hadn't thought possible swept her body like a tidal wave.

Damn. What the hell was happening to her. Was this instant lust?

She squeezed her legs together. No way did she want this gorgeous brooding stranger to know how he affected her, how being this close was making her wet. 

Roman grinned at her, blue eyes sparkling, the golden fire growing stronger threatening to take over. His hands slid around her waist until she was held in the circle of his arms, and his arms tightened around her. He sniffed deeply and grinned at her beetroot face. His lips just inches from hers.

Was she about to be kissed by a handsome stranger? Yes, yes she was.

And then he was gone. "Tomorrow at seven-thirty Miss Jones." he winked.

Shit, shit, shit. 

She was going to be late! Being self-employed sucked sometimes. Her whole life revolved around work; she was either in the shop or prepping for the shop. That was her life. She didn't date, she didn't have time. Not that Roman had asked her. It was more a statement than a question.

Of course, she had no idea where he was picking her up. First guess the shop, as let's be honest, he would have no way of knowing where she lived- or that her "house" was the tiny one-bed apartment above. Unless he was a stalker. Some sex-crazed stalker. Rory grinned. If only. It still hadn't sunk in that he had kissed her, and that she had let him. He was a total stranger with the most familiar eyes. She sure as hell would remember meeting him before, wouldn't she? He looked like he just stepped off the cover of a romance novel. No way she would have forgotten that face. Maybe for one night she could let her hair down and have some fun. Be young and free, and a little wild? 

So now the big question, what to wear? She had absolutely no idea where they were going. Or what people wore to dates with sexy strangers who accosted them in dark doorways. And Jo's advice had been next to useless. Anything that showed some cleavage was not helpful at all. When you had as much up top as Rory, a little cleavage could look slutty quick. Casual or sexy? Did she even have enough time to pull something sexy together, even if she owned anything remotely feminine? Rory sighed, this was why she didn't date. 

Married life had ruined her wardrobe. "Dammit!" She slammed the third pair of black jeans down on her bed. Why didn't she have anything remotely suitable in her wardrobe? "Shower!" Yep, that sounded like a good idea. Shower first, stress over what to wear second.

She had just slipped into her favourite shorts and tank top pyjamas, the ones with the famous boy wizard on the front, when the door knocked. 

No. It couldn't be. It was too soon.  

It was only a little after seven.

He was early.

She wasn't even wearing a bra! 

She stood there frozen. Maybe she should pretend she wasn't home, maybe if she was quiet, he would get the hint and leave her to her boring, mundane life. A life where the only shifters she knew were the ones that came in for sweet treats and harmless flirting. None of them made her insides quiver. None of them looked at her like she was the juiciest piece of steak they wanted to devour. The door knocked again, louder. Well, there was no point trying to be quiet; he could probably smell her through the door. Damn sexy shifters and their super senses.

Crossing her arms over her chest, and conscious of the fact that her vest showed way more than she was comfortable showing, she opened it.

Holy crap. He was even more disgustingly hot than she remembered. How was it possible to look that good? It wasn't even fair on the rest of mankind. His eyes took in every inch of her and twinkled, there was no gold today, just a dazzling blue fire. A stark contrast against his dark lashes.

 "I'm early. I hope that's not too much trouble. "

Well yeah, it was loads of trouble, especially when he looked like that and well, she looked like she had just rolled out of bed. Why did he have to keep looking at her like that? Squirming, she tightened her arms more firmly, aware of the changes his presence had on her body. He was a shifter. He could probably smell that she lusted after him so there was no point trying to deny it, but she didn't have to poke his eyes out with nipples that had gathered and hardened at the very sight of him. "I'm running a little late, but I won't be long," Rory paused. "Would you like to come in and wait?" She opened the door wider. "Please make yourself at home." She motioned to the sofa, overstuffed with mismatched cushions. "Can I get you a drink? I won't need very long, just need to throw some clothes on." she grimaced. Shut up, she told herself silently. Stop talking, but it seemed her brain was refusing to play ball. He caught her hand as she moved to make it to her bedroom. Why did he have to look so delicious sitting there on her old cream couch? He tugged on her hand "You look fine the way you are."

Her heart flip-flopped in her chest, "I can't really wear my PJs out and about, where are we going exactly?" She giggled. "Just so I know what to throw on" 

Throw on, yeah right, she was going to end up having a silent tantrum over her lack of clothes at any second. 

"What would you usually be doing on a Tuesday evening?" His voice was so soft, like velvet rubbing on her skin. Hell, it was like velvet rubbing on her most intimate parts, he raised her hand to his lips but didn't kiss her. Instead, he took a deep breath and Rory almost collapsed in a Potter coloured heap as his tongue flicked over the pulse in her wrist. His stubble tickled her arm.

Holy crap.

She needed to find words now. Find words to make yourself interesting, her brain was screaming at her. Do not tell him the truth. "Um work, I usually prep for the shop in the evening then you know maybe a pizza and watch a rubbish film" Rory groaned inwardly. Good one, that made her sound like a complete moron.

"Let's do that then "

She stopped "Don't be silly, you're all dressed and looking, well, gorgeous. You didn't plan for a night covered in flour." She motioned to his suit. His very well-tailored, obviously expensive suit. "You would ruin your suit."

His lips brushed where his tongue had recently licked. "My suit can be cleaned." his kisses kept coming. "I could always take it off, if it worries you that much."

Whoa. This guy was full-on. She pulled her hand out of his grasp and recrossed her arms. "Roman."

He grinned "Too forward?" He stalked towards her as she backed away a few steps. She needed some space between them. "Forgive me, I just feel like I've known you for a long time, I'll try and behave." His lips brushed her cheek. "I would like to stay in with you tonight. I can't say I'm going to be much help with baking, but I'm willing to give it a try." His hands ran down her arms. His hands were shaking as if he was struggling to control himself. "God I want you." he investigated her face. "Do you realise how hard you're making me, how it's taking every ounce of my control not to throw you down on that sofa and use my tongue to explore every inch of your body." He sighed and stepped back. "I'm coming on too strong again, aren't I?"

Rory giggled, no coherent words would come out.  

"I'll get pizza and a few bottles of wine and then you can put me to work, however you want to." he grinned again, winking,

Bloody git knew exactly what he was doing to her, with his sexy voice and inappropriate words.

"Plates?" He sat there looking like he had stepped out of her dirtiest fantasy and totally at home, and held the pizza box out "Or shall I just eat it off you?" He winked. She was far too aware of how sexy he was with his beautiful white shirt sleeves rolled up over his forearms. Who knew forearms could be sexy?

"I'll get plates." she hurried to the kitchen, needing a second to catch her breath.

 "Spoilsport." his throaty chuckle carried easily from the living room. She had thrown on some underwear, one of the newer nicer sets that Jo and Andre had made her buy. Just in case, well, just in case she decided to live on the wild side. Literally, it would seem in this case.

"You are taking too long." his arms wrapped around her from the back, making her jump. Caging her against the white units. "God you smell amazing." His nose was buried in her hair, the bristles on his chin tickling the sensitive skin on her throat, she squirmed. She could think of several other places she wanted to feel the brush of his stubble, and none of them were places a lady would let a guy she had just met see. Yet she didn't seem to be acting like a lady at all tonight. He was so touchy-feely it was hard not to be swept along. 

His lips brushed her jawline.

A moan escaped her lips before she could stop herself "Roman..."

His lips didn't stop. "One kiss, one kiss and we can eat pizza and drink wine and you can get to know me better. I'll even promise not to mention how much I know you want me. How much I can smell you do." His firm hands turned her around, lifting her crimson face.

"Are all shifters this full-on?"

He nodded, his lips still on her jaw, making a hot wet trail to her lips. "Uh-huh," he captured hers softly, full lips barely brushing hers "only when we have what we have wanted for half our lives in our arms. When we have found her, we don't know how to control ourselves." He mumbled against her mouth. Another brush of lips and hers parted. He groaned and grabbed her closer. His tongue touched hers as his hands pulled her to him. She felt the thickness of him against her belly and moaned into his mouth again, reaching up to tangle her fingers into his short dark hair. "God Rory. What are you doing to me?" One last kiss and he pulled away. "You make it hard for me to keep my promise of being a gentleman." He kissed her again and stepped away. Leaving Rory standing there, mouth open and legs like jelly. "Well, some things are definitely hard," she giggled. He glanced down and smiled

 "Naughty, now let's eat pizza and drink some wine before I decide to bend you over right here." He patted the cabinet she was leaning on. "Is this a good idea?" He led her by the hand, pulling her down next to him on the couch cushions. It was almost as if he couldn't bear to be separated from her, not even by an inch.

"I had a friend once who loved Tuna on pizza." Rory laughed as she reached passed where this tall dark almost-stranger was leaning against her kitchen units, quite at ease sitting on the side, taking up way too much room and not helping. She grabbed the canister next to his left hip and grinned up at him.

The last three hours had been some of the most comfortable she had ever spent with a man she didn't know. They laughed and chatted on the sofa over his strange Tuna and red onion pizza. He had poured wine into her cheap glasses and toasted that she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. He had kept his hands and lips to himself, and Rory didn't know whether that was a good thing or not. She had really enjoyed the feeling of being in his arms. She wanted to see what was under his clothes.

"Your friend sounds like he has impeccable taste." He sipped his wine. "Were you close?"

She shrugged "Many years ago."

"Boyfriend?" His voice had turned rough "The man at the wedding seemed to know you very well"

"Andre" she flicked him with the tea towel "Andre knows me very well indeed, we are super close."

A growl.

"Okay," another towel flip. "Don't you be going all growly on me! Andre is one of my best friends, we are extremely close." Why was it so easy being around him? There were no awkward silences. Just two people who were comfortable in each other's company. Like two friends. But then she had never wanted to lick the stomach of any of her friends before. So maybe that wasn't the best example.

"Then where is he tonight?" Roman raised his eyebrows and glass "Where was he a few hours ago when your nipples were puckering, and your lips were on mine?" He smirked, "And don't deny it, you wanted me to kiss you! Hell, you wanted more than that, if I wasn't such a gentleman..." he chuckled and shrugged in a way that was a thousand percent masculine. It wasn't really a question, more a statement of fact.

"Wasn't going to deny it, a woman would have to be blind not to find you attractive and you're well aware of that." Rory turned, hands on her hips. There was no point lying to him. He knew she wanted him. "And my date at the wedding is most probably having amazing sex with Dean, he tells us about it all the time" she winked at him.

Roman looked confused. Was she sharing her boyfriend with another guy? Rory didn't seem the type to have ménage and he sure as hell wouldn't be sharing her either. That was the kind of shit the Mermaids did. It worked for them. No way would it work for him.

 "That's his boyfriend by the way."

"You are an evil, evil woman Rory!" His wolf huffed and settled. No ménage, no boyfriend of any type let alone two that he would have to rip apart.

She giggled. 

"The man you were dancing with is your gay best friend?" He took a sip of his wine. "And this friend from many years ago, the one who likes fish on pizza, was he gay too?"

"No" she touched his leg, urging him to move it out of the way so she could open the cabinet. "Well he wasn't back then, who knows whether he has come out since it was a long time ago."

"Sounds like you liked this guy a lot?"

She shrugged. What could she say, that he had been her first kiss, her first love. The rock that got her through the summer she realised that her parent's marriage was a sham. "It was a long time ago, you remind me of him sometimes. I think it's your eyes and of course the pizza"she laughed. Crouching down to get trays from the cupboard between his legs. "I'll take that, but god woman, I like you looking up at me from down there" 

"You're being good, remember "she chuckled.

"Oh, I am good, I'm gonna show you how good I am pretty soon!"

"Roman, you made a promise." She wagged a finger at him, but her voice was playful. The thought of him naked made her voice quiver. She had no doubt at all that he would be good, hell she would bet money on it. He oozed sex and her body wanted him.

"I think we would both enjoy it if I broke this one."

"I think we would, but it doesn't mean I'm going to." She used his knees to raise herself to standing. "I don't doubt the sex would be amazing, and that it's probably just what I need right now, but... "

"Is that what you think, that's what I want? All I want? Do you think I just want to fuck you?"

"Roman I..." he stopped her with his lips. She had obviously been taken aback by the crassness of his words. And the last thing he wanted to do was scare her off.

"Aurora Jones, I worship you, I want to worship your body. I want to be so far inside you that I become a part of you. I want you." He kissed her again, a chaste soft kiss. "But if you think I just want sex then I'll wait, I've waited a long time. A little while longer won't make any difference."

 His fingers stroked her cheek. No difference, of course, he might just explode. "Now let's finish up here, I think we have a movie to watch."

Roman was at peace, totally relaxed for the first time in so long. He gazed down at a sleeping Rory, the film hadn't even ended when she had fallen asleep. Snuggled tight into his chest. Having her in his arms was all he wanted. Well, not all, but it was perfect right now and had been perfect all night. He hadn't moved though it was cool in the apartment; she had moved into his chest, wrapping her arms around him, comfortable with the heat that radiated from him. But the night was over, and dawn was fast approaching. It was time to say goodbye, even if it was for a little while.

"Rory" he brushed the hair out of the way, taking in her face. The dark lashes that curved against her white cheek. The plump lips.  "Rory my love I need to go, and you need to get ready for work." 

She snuggled in tighter, her breath hot even through his shirt. "A few minutes longer."

"I'd never leave your side, but it's morning.'

She yawned "What? Oh god, did I fall asleep?" She gawked and sat up straight. Praying that she hadn't left any drool marks on his shirt. "You slept the night away." He wanted her back in his arms; the sudden feeling of loss, as she moved away, was like a part of him was missing.

"Why didn't you wake me? You could have left, you must have been so uncomfortable all night." she jumped up. "I'll make coffee, it's the least I can do." She was rambling again. How was it possible that on one side she could be so at ease around him, and the next she was left like a tongue-tied girl.

"Not so fast" he pulled her onto his lap. "Kisses first I think "

"I need to brush my teeth, morning breath you know." 

He captured her lips "I don't care." 

His lips were the softest she had ever had. Tentative as if the man from last night had lost his nerve. As if he was doubting himself. "Rory I can see your bra" he spoke into her mouth. His fingers lightly trailing over the black lace that was visible where her tank top had fallen obscenely low in her sleep. He had been dying to touch it for hours.

She kissed him back as need exploded in her body. "I don't care."

He groaned loudly, and his fingers were replaced by his whole hand. He cupped her breast, and captured her mouth with his in a kiss that soaked her lace panties instantly. "Roman I need..." she couldn't finish, his lips were trailing kisses down her neck. He nuzzled into her breasts where they heaved out of the confines of lace and satin. "I know" his hands were under her top now, hands trailing up the bare skin of her tummy. "This needs to come off." He pulled at the lace bra with his teeth. "But not now." He tore his mouth away. "Later, later I'm going to make you mine, you're going to be screaming my name." He kissed her. "Now go and shower, and I'll help you get everything downstairs to the shop before I shoot off."

"I'll pick you up at seven?" His lips brushed her's as they stood in the dawn light outside Sweet Dreams door. "I'm going to wine and dine you out of those clothes." He tugged at the hem of her shirt. 

"These ones?" She motioned to her black jeans and t-shirt ensemble. Her usual work outfits.

"Any of your clothes," he said against her mouth.

"Where are we going tonight, if you would give me a hint, I might be able to prepare a little easier." Who was this woman, standing making out with a hot shifter in public. Rory didn't recognise herself, but she liked her.

He shrugged his hands reaching under her shirt to lay flat on her back, his fingers caressed her bare skin. "It doesn't matter what you wear beautiful, because I'm going to be taking it off," he chuckled.

"You're terrible." She playfully pushed at his chest. She wasn't sure what had gotten into her. "Until later my love."He kissed her one more time and turned on his heel. Getting into the sleek black car parked at the curb.  She watched him until he was lost into the early morning traffic. Roman was one of a kind, that was for sure. Maybe tonight she would get to see what was under the clothes. He wanted her, you didn't need to be a wolf with their otherworldly senses to see that. And the fact she wanted him wasn't debatable either.

"Who the hell was that?"

Rory whirled, her hand fluttering to her throat. Standing there, the rage coming off him in waves, was her ex- or soon-to-be ex-husband.  "Dale, what are you doing here?"

"Who was that Aurora?" His voice shook with anger. "And don't give me that look, I saw the two of you leaving your house, so he had obviously spent the night."

"We aren't together, how I spend my nights doesn't have anything to do with you!" She turned back to her work.  "And what are you doing spying on me? You need to get over it. We are over."

"Don't you dare turn your back on me, you ARE MY WIFE!" His hands gripped her arms painfully.

"Take your hands off me, Dale, Now! "

"You are my WIFE!" he forced his lips down on hers. "Mine!" His hands moved to push her top up. "You belong to me, not some jacked-up ass hole. You made vows to me." His hand moved over her body cruelly, Rory fought back but he had her face in a vice-like grip, his lips bruising hers. 

"Get your fucking hands off her Dale, now!" Neither of them had heard Andre walk in.

Scooting out from the prison of Dale's arms Rory clenched her fist, threw back her arm and punched her ex-husband straight in the nose. It exploded in a splatter of blood. She grinned at the crunching sound it made. "Don't you ever touch me again!" She hissed. 

The slap was unexpected. Dale had never been physically abusive. It made her head rock back, she tasted blood at the corner of her mouth, but she met his eyes. "You will never touch me again Dale." she touched the bead of blood, looking as her fingers came out smeared crimson. "You should leave now before I phone the police."

It was only when she had heard the car pull away, that she collapsed into her best friends' arms.

Rory pulled her fifth cocktail towards her, oblivious to the looks her best friends were exchanging above her head. "Don't you have a date tonight?" Jo asked. They had both rallied round their best friend after her early morning altercation. Andre had called in reinforcements to deal with the shop, and taken Rory home. She had cried a lot,the shock of her attack not hitting her fully until she was back in her familiar surroundings. Jo had made an appearance just after 2pm. The wine she bought had a snowball effect. By 5pm, Rory had wanted out; and she had been drinking cocktails and downing tequila at the bar across the road ever since. She was going to have trouble walking pretty soon.

Rory shrugged. "Cancelled, can't exactly go looking like this can I?" She motioned to the bruise at the corner of her mouth "Plus, he's going to run a mile. Who wants to date anyone with a crazy ex in tow?" she shrugged. "Should have gotten laid whilst I had the chance." she made it a sing-song.

"Should have been like you Jo

"Have you rung him? Rearranged? You could tell the guy was crazy about you even from those few minutes."

"Don't have his number." Another shrug and another slurp. "He can't have been that interested, he didn't even leave a number or ask for mine." Alcohol really helped. She squinted at her watch "It's 8pm, he's long gone now anyway...adios, Mr. growly pants." She giggled. "Now let's do some more shots!"

Andre rolled his eyes as his friend motioned for the bartender to pour another round of tequila. "Girl, do you think more shots is the way to go?" The girl was buzzed. Jo motioned with her head and he nodded. She slipped out of the booth and headed towards the door.

"You know what?"

"What's that Rory?" Andre lent forward on his elbows. He really needed to get something non-alcoholic into her before she passed out. Girl couldn't handle her drink at all. "I should have just let the sexy shifter do me last night, you should see him. All muscles, tattoos and sex appeal." She sighed, and reached for another shot. "You would have let him do you! But I'm such a bloody old fuddy duddy, I didn't even get past a bit of boob action!" She huffed.

The door to the bar opened, bounced off the wall with enough force to make every person there turn around.  Everyone except Rory, who had another shot to her lips. She was too wrapped up in her own self wallowing to take much notice of the babble of excited whispers that had erupted.

"Rory." the growly voice made her look up.

Jo brought up the rear, looking sheepish and drenched, but still looking like a god was Roman. Outside it was already dark and rain had started to fall. So much for their Indian summer.

"I waited... " his eyes widened, and then narrowed into slits. His anger was a palpable thing. "Your mouth." he slipped into the booth next to her, moving the glass away from her lips, "Jo said you had a run-in with your ex-husband after I left you this morning?" His fingers touched the cut on the corner of her mouth with gentle fingers. "Did he do this?" His voice was a low growl.

"What are you doing here?" She pulled her face away from him, tears prickling behind her eyes. "You shouldn't be here."

"Jo came and found me, it's just lucky that you drink close to home." He pulled her into the warmth of his arms. "It might have been hard to sniff you out with all this rain." But he would have found her, even if he had to full shift and sniff her out like a dog. Something he was more than prepared to do.

"But what are you still doing here?" she moved towards her glass again and this time he didn't stop her. "Where else would I be Rory, I said I'd pick you up." He was rubbing her other hand against his cheek.

"You should be gone, that's where you should be!" She took another sip. Why was this sexy stranger acting like she was his whole world? "And you two can stop looking at me like that as well!" She turned to her two friends fiercely, "No one asked you to interfere, I was doing just fine." Not caring how ridiculous she was being, Rory reached for another shot.

"Where would I go exactly, Rory? If Jo," he motioned with his hand, "hadn't come to find me, I would have stayed outside until you had come home."

"It's raining."

"Well yeah but it's just water; a bit of rain doesn't scare me and neither does this." Hs fingers touched her face again. "Though I'm going to rip your husband apart"

"Ex." Jo and Andre chimed up in unison. They were both watching the exchange with wide eyes. Rory's earlier outburst wasn't surprising. They both knew she hated to lose control of any situation. If Rory was anything, it was in control. She had spent so long being under her husband's thumb, it wasn't at all surprising.

"Your ex-husband." He growled. "He won't touch you again, no one will ever hurt you again."

"I can't do this right now." She pushed past him. She wasn't angry at him, she wasn't even angry at her friends. It was inwards that her anger flowed. She needed to think. And she couldn't do that when he was touching her like she was some delicate flower he needed to protect.

God damn it she could protect herself!

"You are too much Roman, I can't think when you're rubbing yourself on me like an overgrown puppy." She pushed her way into the ladies' room but he was close on her heels. He stalked towards her.

"Roman stop I can't handle... " She stopped at the look on his face. His eyes shone with tears "I'm sorry." He whispered as he gathered her into his arms, kisses rained down on her face. "I'm so sorry, I should have been there to protect you."

"Roman, you barely know me."

"Is that how it feels to you? That we are strangers?" More kisses.

Honestly no, it didn't feel like he was a stranger. It felt like he was the missing part of her soul, but she would be crazy to say that out loud. "Roman, you can't always protect me, you don't even know me."

He growled, and it was pure animal. She had never seen a shifter this close to shifting before. His blue eyes had changed to a deep gold. "I can, and I will. You're mine." He kissed her once more. "Now I'm taking you home with me."

"I don't want to go home Roman, I want to get drunk "

"I didn't say anything about your home, Rory; we are going back to my hotel, and you can get as drunk as you want to as long as I can keep my eyes on you!"

"I don't want to go to any home yet, I want to stay here and maybe go dancing!"

He laughed at her pouty lips. "Dancing huh?" He wanted to force her to go with him, he ran his hand through his hair. He also knows forcing the subject would only push her further away. He wanted to make her happy, to put the smile back on her lips. "Okay, your wish is my command. Let's take you dancing."

"I'm not leaving my friends."

"Of course, not."

"It's nice to see her enjoying herself."

Roman turned to Andre, and took in the man at his side for the first time. "You love her very much don't you?" Roman asked.

The other man nodded. "She's been through a lot, I would hate to see her get hurt again." His meaning was clear. And Roman had to smile. Hurt my friend and I will hurt you. Cliched but true. He could easily break the other man. It would be as easy as snapping a twig,but he respected loyalty. And Andre was as loyal as they came. Rory had a good friend there.

"You don't have to have any fear there, I've waited a long time to meet the grown Aurora Jones."

Andre placed his drink carefully on the table, considering the bigger man "Your name isn't really Roman, is it?" He said matter of factly.

"Roman is my family name."

"Roman, as in let me guess, Jacob Roman? Why didn't she introduce you..." Rory had always been upfront about her summer romance, the year she had found out both her parents were seeing other people. It wasn't a situation any fifteen-year-old would be able to understand. She had painted a pretty clear picture of a tall, gangling kid, with bright blue eyes and too much dark hair, and their whirlwind summer romance. Well, it seemed that the kid grew up mighty fine! Andre grinned as he appraised the bigger man. Then he stopped.

"She doesn't know."

"And you haven't told her? Why? That girl has been crazy about you since she was fifteen years old!"

Roman shrugged. "I hoped she would know me, I think deep down some part of her knows." His beast leapt. She had been in love with him. "But I don't want old feelings to get in the way now, I need her to want me as the man I am now, and not the boy I was." His smile was sheepish. Nervous. It looked so out of place on such a confident man.

"Well... I don't like keeping any kind of secrets from her but, just don't break her heart, she's an amazing person." He laughed as they turned their eyes back to the dance floor. "An amazingly drunk woman," he laughed. "But you need to tell her, and soon Roman."

"My amazingly drunk woman. I know it's probably odd to you, how I'm..."

"So intense? So crazy about her? I know shifters Roman, I know how it is with you guys. When you find the one, that's it! You don't mess about."

Roman raised his eyebrows.

"My cousin married a bear," Andre shrugged. "It was like love at first sight. And you have felt like that for all these years?"

Roman nodded. It all made sense now, how he would find her again at a shifter wedding, even after years of searching. Crazy to think it was less than a week ago. "The wedding."

Andre nodded "You can thank me later for that," he winked. "Now go make that woman fall in love with you!" Andre laughed. "Again."

Roman watched the love of his life throw her hands up and wiggle her hips in time with the music. Now all he had to do was get her to fall in love with him. The wolf inside him was immediately conscious of the looks other men gave her, and he didn't like it one bit. No more of that! He slid out of his seat, his long legs taking him across the dance floor to her. It was a Wednesday night, so luckily it wasn't that busy.

He slipped his arms around her waist, pulling her back to him. "Hello beautiful."

"Mmm." she pressed back against him "Hello Roman."

"Are you having fun?" He turned her in his arms. "It's good to see you smiling again."

She wrapped her arms around his neck, "I could be smiling more," he grabbed his neck, pulling his head down to whisper huskily in his ear. He searched her face, his breath quickening. "Want to get out of here?"

She nodded "I'm pretty sure you said something about clothes," her lips grazed his ear. "And I'm almost certain I want to get you out of yours." She giggled.

"Let's go." He pulled her by the hand, giving Jo and Andre a cursory wave goodbye, they were both laughing!

The door slammed behind her, and she was pressed up against the wood before she could even blink. Roman captured her arms, raising them above her head, and capturing her lips in one swift passionate movement. The hardness of his body pushed her backwards. There was no escape.

His lips crushed hers; his breath was hot, laboured. "You don't understand how much I want you." His tongue darted into her mouth. Seeking hers, finding it and owning it.

She groaned into his mouth. "I need to feel your hands on me, Roman."

"Oh god," his hands were under her t-shirt, trailing up until they came to her bra. He groaned as his hand cupped the fleshy globe in his palm. Her breath caught in her throat, as he dropped his hands away "Please..." her voice was begging.

"Too many clothes my love." He growled, pulling the black t-shirt above her head, trapping her hands above her head with it. The bra was next; he literally tore it down the middle, it fell useless on either side of her body.

Reality hit Rory like a brick, and she brought her hands down. She was far too exposed, gulping in air like she was drowning. Years of not feeling beautiful, of being ashamed of her body; years of turning her face away, so she couldn't see the total lack of appreciation in a man's eyes. It was just as much panic as it was lust that made her gulp in breaths.

"No, you are beautiful," he kissed her face. "Open your eyes, look at me." His mouth was leaving a hot trail of fire across her skin.

She opened her eyes wide, just as his lips found her left nipple. He planted one soft kiss, and then sucked the hardpoint into his mouth. Her eyes widened, and her body turned to jelly. She needed to hold on to something before she fell.

"My god you are beautiful," he growled against her flesh. "Don't ever cover yourself in front of me again." He dropped to his knees. "I need to taste you Rory." His hands were at her button. Pushing the jeans down her hips, his lips trailing behind. He reached up and squeezed her hardened nipple between his fingers. His eyes never leaving her face. Was it possible to make love to someone with just your eyes?

Rory forgot how to breathe; how was this happening? She needed to think, it was all happening too quickly. Her logical brain fought for control of the situation, but her body had other ideas. Her breath caught in her throat as his face pressed against the satin on her panties. He inhaled, his arms wrapping around her legs, so she couldn't escape. What was he doing? His hands kneaded her butt as he pressed his face between her legs. Panic and lust flooded her body. "Roman," she pushed at his shoulders "Roman what are you doing?"

He smiled against her mound, his breath laboured. "I'm going to taste you."

"Roman, no." she pushed him away, every part of her body screamed for him to come back. She wanted his lips there. In a place, no man before had been. "You don't need to do that."

He growled low and quiet, "I need to taste how much you want me Rory," he pushed his face between her legs again. His tongue flat against her knickers.

Rory moaned, and her legs buckled. One second, she was sliding down the dark wood of the door, the next she was in his arms.

He all but threw her down on the bed, she couldn't move, her arms were tangled in her t-shirt, her jeans trapped her ankles together. He yanked the jeans off her ankle and lowered himself between her legs,pulling the shirt off as he caught her lips with his. He moved and she could feel every inch of him pressing against the slip of material that parted them. His hands gripped her hips. "Roman please..." She was almost crying, the pressure in her body unbearable, she tugged on his clothes. "I want you inside me." She was breathless.

"Not yet" he was pulling her knickers down her legs. Then his hot breath was against her sex and she forgot how to breathe. "Roman, you don't have to do that."

He chuckled, his eyes twinkling as he looked at her from between her legs. "Don't have to do what? This my love?" His tongue was cool against her skin as he licked between her lips. "Do you want me to stop?"

"I..." She couldn't think of anything but the feel of his tongue, as he lapped at her most intimate parts like a cat lapping cream. She moaned. "No one has... "

"Has no one ever tasted you before, beautiful Aurora?" His lips found that hard little bundle of nerves and he sucked it into his mouth. The cry that escaped her lips was more animalistic than human. She wrapped her hands into his hair, pushing his mouth onto her. Her legs shook. His laugh was just a low sound in his throat. "You taste better than I ever imagined, I could die here, and I would die happy!" His tongue curled around that bundle of nerves, as his fingers found her entrance. He slid his finger into her, and growled against her clit. The vibrations sending new shock waves through her body. "I've waited a lifetime to see your juices run down my fingers little Ro." He lapped at her again. His tongue flat. Licking from ass to clit before he sucked her into his mouth hard; his fingers sliding into her wetness and curled, rubbing against the spot that no man had found before. He fucked her hard with his fingers as he sucked her, his teeth grazing the bud hidden between her folds.

Rory bucked, her breath coming in laboured pants. "Stop...  Roman please I don't know how much... oh my...  fucking Jesus!" Her hips bucked again. Her legs shaking uncontrollably, she moved to push his head away. "Just let go." His hands moved faster. "Come for me, I need to see you come."

The pressure inside her body was unbearable; she felt like an electric band that was way too tight and was about to snap. But when it happened, she still didn't expect it. One minute she was there, and then the next she was flying. Stars burst behind her eyes. Her body arched, as she grabbed at his hair, riding his face through her orgasm. "Shit baby," he didn't let up, his fingers forced themselves in and out of her. His tongue circling her pleasure button. "Come for me."

Her body turned liquid and ran, she screamed his name to the ceiling. And then he was there, his lips wet from her, and she could feel the head of him pressing against her. Her legs wrapped around his waist, his first thrust was slow. Stretching her until she thought she couldn't fit him all inside.

He was so large, so thick, that the feeling of fullness bordered on painful, her muscles clenched around him. Her nails raked into the muscles of his shoulders as she cried out his name again. He withdrew, his eyes searching her face. "I'm going to fuck you now Ro," and slammed himself into her. There was nothing slow or sensual about it. He owned her body. The border between pain and pleasure blurred and disappeared. Rory Jones, still reeling from the orgasm that left her spent, met him thrust for thrust, hips moving to meet his.

"You're mine now." He growled into her shoulder.

Rory could do nothing but hold on, and let the second wave of pleasure flow through her.

Rory couldn't move, not just yet. She lay there on that big hotel bed, in a halo of tangled sheets, and her eyes fluttered. She could feel the heat from Roman's body as he gazed at her, his head propped up on his hands. "What?"

"Don't you 'what' me woman, I'm just looking at you" he trailed his fingertips down her naked hip and then stopped.  "Did I do this?" His lips kissed the bruise on her hip, "and your arms" His fingers were like feathers against her skin.

She shook her head.

"Christ Rory, how much of you did he lay his hands on?" He pushed himself away from her and ran his hands over his face. "This looks painful". The man he was, was livid; the wolf was murderous. Someone had left these marks on his mates' smooth skin.

"I'm ok, Andre came in before things got too out of hand." She reached for him and he pulled away.

"What the hell was he planning on doing that left bruises here?" The pain in his eyes was palpable. "And then... well, I wasn't exactly gentle. Why didn't you stop me? Did I hurt you?"

She sat up, gathering the white sheet to her chest and reached to lay her hand on his cheek. "You didn't hurt me Roman," she ran her fingers over his lips. "No one has ever done what you just did, no one has ever made my body react like that." Her voice was a whisper, the truth was scary. Here she was almost 30 years old bearing her soul.

"No one has ever kissed you down there?" His fingers darted, and her legs opened as if they had a mind of their own; she threw her head back and moaned. "Or no one has ever made you come that hard?"

"No one. Not even close."

"No one has made you come before?" He was looking at her like she had grown another head. Blood rushed into Rory's cheeks. "I've had an orgasm before, just not. Well, not with anyone." she clutched the sheet tighter.

He chuckled. "Has my baby been in charge of her own orgasms?" He tugged the blanket so hard she fell into his lap. "Well that ends now." His fingers were busy, his eyes strained on her face.

"Again?" She gulped.

"Again, and then again some more. I told you, Rory, now I've got you in my bed, I don't plan on letting you out of it."

."