Embrace the Desire by Spring Stevens Page B

have always worn leather.” Before she could answer, he added, “When I wear clothing at all.”
    “Okay, okay. I didn’t mean to pry.”
    “Yes, you did. I like leather and it suits me. What about you, like looking like a gothic freak from hell?”
    Chanta crossed her arms over her chest and stuck her tongue out at him. “I don’t dress much different than you. Guess that makes us both freaks, now don’t it?”
    The waitress brought Chanta’s plate and gave Payne a seductive look. “Can I get you anything?”
    Payne grinned and ran his fingers across the top of her hand. “Scotch would taste good right now.”
    The woman leaned forward and whispered. “We don’t serve alcohol here, but I live just a few blocks away if you want to come by.”
    Payne turned to Chanta who was rolling her eyes. “Now, just why would I want to go to your place?”
    The woman leaned closer and whispered again. “I have scotch and I could give you anything you want.”
    Chanta choked down a fry and made a gurgling cough sound. “Go the hell away, Brenda! You can have him when I’m through with him.”
    Brenda turned on her heel and huffed as she wove through the other tables. One word came clearly across the room to slam into Chanta and Payne’s minds. Bitch!
    Chanta grinned as she looked up at Payne and decided to make a very long night talking to the man that every woman in the diner was now fantasizing about “What are they thinking right now?” Payne asked as her expression became determined.
    “The truth?” She asked and he nodded his head. “That I’m going to make this a very long night sitting here talking to you since every female in this diner is fantasizing about you. And even if it kills me, which I figure it might, I’m going to leave here with you on my arm.”
    He grinned and looked at Brenda. “You want to make her jealous?”
    “No, just going to prove a point.” She looked into his dark smoldering eyes, almost sighed, but caught it before it slipped out her mouth. “And don’t let that go to your head, I still don’t like you.”
    “Mind letting me know what that point is exactly?”
    “That she can’t have you until I’m done with you.”
    “Honesty is not always the best policy.” His reply was low and she studied his face as he continued. “After all, we both know I am a big scary man and we know exactly what my intentions are with you.”
    “Then by all means, let’s hope the Burning starts soon.” Chanta paled. “So we can get it over with.”
    “Are you ready to have sex with me, Chanta?” He smirked as she leaned back in her chair and stared at him. “Eight years ago you ran from me as if I was the devil himself.”
    “I’m ready to do what I have to.” She didn’t sound sure of herself. “And we both know what lurks under your skin.”
    “That demon under my skin has saved countless lives, countless innocents. Best way to fight fire is with fire.” Payne leaned back in his chair and took a slow, deep breath. There was no reason to explain or justify what was within him, not to her or to anyone else. “You said you had questions.”
    “Fire with fire? I totally disagree. You fight fire with water.” Chanta took a bite from the grilled cheese and nodded. “Who is Isten?”
    “Isten?” Payne cursed under his breath. He had a bargain to keep with Isten, even if it killed him. “He created this universe.”
    “I know that.” She finished off the sandwich, wiped her mouth. “So, is he still around somewhere?”
    “I’m sure he is.”
    She shook her head. “Can you imagine being that old?” She looked up, met his gaze. “How long have you been a Destroyer?”
    “Far too long.”
    Popping a french fry in her mouth, she chewed, and swallowed. “That’s not really an answer. You’re evading the question. Do you enjoy being a Destroyer?”
    Nodding, Payne watched her eat another fry.
    “Tell me about the Angels.”
    “They reside on the lowest level of the