Judas Read online

  Judas

  Breaths of Fire

  Chandler Lacey-Payne

  Copyright © 2012 Chandler Lacey-Payne

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN:1492280460

  ISBN-13:978-1492280460

  Prologue

  The rain pounded against the windshield faster than the wipers on the metallic gray pickup could push away. A dizzying blur gathered against the thick glass, blocking out the chilling darkness that surrounded him. He was driving through the usually scenic route at speeds that were near impossible to manage as the vehicle whipped and swerved against the wind, taking on sharp curves.

  His nostrils flared with uncontrolled fury, as he drove through the raging storm to get to her. Only one thing was on his mind. The loud clap of thunder went unnoticed, even as a bright strike of lightening lit up the sky, forming an eery view of the surrounding landscape. He whipped the truck into the long drive, spitting gravel from beneath the tires, making no secret of his arrival. The vehicle lunged to a reckless stop as he threw it in park, and shut off the engine. In an instant, he was storming up the path to the cozy little home.

  She peeked out the window, unable to see between the rain and the headlights as they flashed across her ice blue eyes but then again, she knew. Her pulse began to race. She knew why he had come. Turning from the window, she brought her hand up to rest against her breast as she crossed the tidy little room to greet him. The door burst open with a loud crack, startling her as his boot met the heavy wood with enough force to rip it from the frame. She gasped sharply, taking two steps back as the sopping wet man strode in without invitation, walking straight to her and grabbing her by the hair. She let out a strangled whimper but didn't protest as he coiled his fingers through the silken blonde locks and began leading her to her bedroom, leaving the door to hang open. He slung her against the bed and ordered her, “Undress me.” She scrambled to catch herself, quickly finding her feet. Standing sandwiched between him and the bed, she gave a small nod.

  The roughness of his voice sent a shiver along her spine, as she fearfully obeyed. Quick and trembling fingers worked the button and then the zipper on his jeans, dragging the shiny metal through the teeth to expose his swollen length that pressed against his navel beneath the denim fabric. She only paused for a second before pushing them down over his hips. She risked a quick glance up into his smoldering eyes, as nimble fingers grasped the hem of his shirt.

  Her palms flattened against his moist rippled flesh as they worked their way up his torso, taking his dripping shirt with them as she stood on her tip toes to raise it over his head. She discarded it onto the gathering pool on the floor. She watched him step out of his jeans, taking his boots with them, leaving him fully nude in front of her. She stood motionless and allowed her gaze to scan over his massive form. Swallowing against the lump that had risen in her throat, she caught a glimpse of the small pocket knife he carried in his left hand. His darkened eyes locked onto hers for only a second before following her soft curves.

  She stood before him, wearing only her black cotton panties. Her tussled blonde hair fell over her shoulders in long loose waves, creating the perfect vision of all he would soon enjoy. A smirk formed over his delicately chiseled features, though no smile could be found in his eyes. Without a word, he dropped to one knee, and in a single flick of his wrist, the blade sprang from the casing, exposing the sharpened steel.

  He didn't look up at her as he hooked his index finger through the strip of fabric between her legs and pulled it tight. The knife slid through smoothly, separating the fibers like melted butter. He shoved her onto the bed, ordering her to spread her legs for him, and even though she complied, he shoved them wider until she cried out in pain.

  As the muscles in her inner thighs stretched tight, he gripped harder against her knees, pinning them in place, and immediately sheathing himself inside of her. He quickly picked up a harsh and punishing rhythm as he glared down at her without affection.

  Still gripping the knife, he moved his hand to place the blade against her inner thigh, dragging it up to the crease of her leg, separating the flesh. He repeated the motion only an inch above the first incision. A jagged trail of blood pooled in it's wake, thrilling him. Satisfied with his handiwork, he dropped the blade onto the floor before finding her ample breasts, squeezing them tightly in his large palms, as he roughly smashed them against her ribcage.

  The mix of adrenaline and lust coursed through his veins, creating the sweetest pleasure he had ever known. The sight and smell of her blood fueled him to go farther and farther, without regard to her comfort or her needs. He knew she wouldn't stop him no matter how far he went, just as he knew he had no choice but to finish this.

  She bit her lip against the force of him, already feeling the bruises begin to form deep in her thighs and against her walls, as she willed herself to stay still for him. She focused on breathing through her nostrils, well aware of the blood that now soaked the once crisp sheets. She felt him stop for a brief moment, as his head dipped to the deep wound he created. His mouth moved along the crimson trail as he repeated the entire path with his tongue before beginning anew.

  Forcing herself to relax, she counted her breaths but the air she breathed was suddenly cut off by the feel of his hands around her throat, clamping tight. He slowed the frantic pace slightly, no doubt relishing the feel of her slight form as it began to protest the lack of oxygen. Her arms flailed helplessly as she trembled under him.

  Finally her eyelids fluttered shut and the world went black around her as she became still on the bed. A deep growl escaped his lips as he again slammed into her lifeless form, taking her harder and deeper as she lay there unable to stop him. The taste of her blood was like nectar, dripping from his lips.

  He felt the now familiar pull from deep in his loins and he knew that at last it was done. He released her throat just as his release began to take him in earth shattering intensity. The rapture of each wave washed over him, carrying away his anger and contempt, piece by piece, leaving him void and emotionless as he raked in ragged breaths. After the last drop of his seed spilled into her, he reached for the vial that had been in the pocket of his jeans and strode to the tiny bathroom.

  CHAPTER one

  “Penis,” the old woman said, fastening another pin into Adessa's deep red tendrils.

  Adessa's eyes grew wide. “Excuse me?” she sputtered, trying to hold still.

  Her hazel eyes danced as she chuckled heartily. “Ya got to keep yer eyes on the penis,” she explained. “Ya can't be drinkin up too much wine er whatever it is ya fancy. And no hidin in the corners either.”

  Adessa was mortified but the woman knew her very well. Too well. “Thank you Ms. Verino, but I don't see the point in getting my hopes up. I'd rather be pleasantly surprised than come home disappointed,” Adessa reasoned.

  “Nonsense, girl. This is yer first shot at it. That's the only reason nobody snatched you up already.”

  “This isn't a coming out, it's a simple masquerade, and besides, a little late for that,” Adessa smiled, brushing off the comment. She really hadn't been looking for a man and she wasn't entirely sure she was now, but Ms. Verino insisted that she should be looking. It was an age old argument that came up in nearly all of their conversations. The pudgy old woman meant well, but Adessa was just simply not interested in dating. “Diamonds or pearls?” she asked, holding up two different sets of earrings.

  “Depends. If yer gonna be flashin diamons, they ought to be real,” Ms. Verino replied, squinting one eye to take a look.

  “Nevermind,” Adessa groaned, placing both pair back in the jewelry box and closed the lid. “I guess I'm all set then,” she muttered, checking her appearance in the mirror.

  “You keep lookin in that mi
rror, but it aint broke yet. Ya look fine, child,” Ms. Verino assured her. “Besides, yer gonna be wearin a mask anyhow. If ya get wipin paper on yer shoe, won't nobody know who ya are.”

  Adessa giggled at the visual. “Finally, a comforting thought.”

  “Oh, it happens, honey. 'Tween that'n tuckin yer gown in yer bloomers, I just don't know what's worse!” she flashed a crooked smile.

  She kissed her old neighbor's cheek and picked up her cloak. The cab should be here any minute. The butterflies were already fluttering in her belly before she even made it out the door. She had wanted to do this sort of thing since she was a little girl. The fancy costumes ranged from simple to elaborate and each year, she had stood with the crowd to watch the guests arrive. But tonight, she was all grown up, and she would be one of them. Not because she actually belonged there, but because the event had finally been made public, and why the hell not?

  Ms. Verino had insisted on coming to help her get ready and Adessa couldn't refuse. The old woman had looked after her since she was a baby, and the two always remained close. As long as she could remember, Ms. Verino had been dishing out advice and pushing her to be her best. Even though her advice was usually more graphic than necessary. It embarrassed Adessa when she went too far. Tonight was not an exception. The cab pulled up to the curb and Adessa rushed out the door to climb in. Ms. Verino was on her heels. “PENIS!” the woman shouted as she waved goodbye.

  Adessa wanted to crawl under the car. She climbed inside, and rolled down the window. “I'll remember,” she called as the taxi sped away.

  The ride to the party was uneventful but bumpy as the driver paid more attention to her reflection in the mirror than to the traffic ahead. She exchanged pleasantries, but kept mostly to herself, not really interested in the toothless man's banter. Her mind was on the event ahead and she had to remind herself a dozen times to keep her fingernails out of her mouth.

  Judas shifted against the plush leather seat, collecting his thoughts as he half nervously fidgeted with the bow tie that scratched against his throat. How in the hell he got talked into this was beyond him. His years of being on the social scene were behind him now yet here he was, all dressed up and sitting in the back of a shiny black Mercedes as it carried him to his doom. Fate. Misery. Whichever. He placed a well-practiced smile on his lips as the vehicle came to a stop. The driver opened the door, allowing him to step out onto the cobbled street.

  Music and laughter could be heard billowing from inside. Shit! His mask! He reached into his pocket and pulled out the crumpled mess of intricately beaded fabric and fastened it onto his head, camouflaging the strap with thick black hair. He smiled and waved dutifully, as the gathering crowd of onlookers watched. They always showed up, hoping to catch a glimpse of a local celebrity when they saw the procession of limousines and fancy cars that carried the guests to and from the annual masquerade ball. He strode toward the entrance as the heavy steel doors swung open, to admit him.

  A few heads turned as Judas made his way into the ball room, probably either surprised to see him there, or wondering why he didn't have a date and as a matter of fact, Judas was wondering the same thing himself. He should have asked his secretary, Carrie, who usually accompanies him to these events, but since she got married last month, he figured that was out of the question and didn't ask. It wasn't her fault that the poor lonely bastard couldn't find a proper date in a city filled with women who dropped at his feet.

  The room was enormous, featuring several glittering crystal chandeliers that hung just low enough to offer a romantic glow to the marble tiles of the dance floor. Many couples were already dancing as the orchestra played and though there were plenty of others who had come alone, he still felt out of place.

  He mingled with several acquaintances, chattering about the weather and politics and everything else he couldn't care less about, until he saw a break in the conversation. He excused himself to the terrace to sneak a cigarette, finding peace at last. The place was a mad house this year, probably due to the fact it was now a public event.

  It didn't matter to Judas, because he was only biding his time until he either found someone to dance with, or found a reason to sneak away.

  He leaned his large frame against the railing and closed his eyes, exhaling the smoke slowly as he considered his excuse for an early exit. He had no honest interest in dancing with one of the bejeweled ladies that would likely expect him to call her tomorrow. At this point, a night with his xbox was sounding like heaven. He flicked the cigarette butt over the shiny metal rail and spun around to walk back inside, plowing into a tiny figure.

  “Oh! I'm sorry!” the woman said in barely more than a whisper as she stepped around him to get out of his way. He stopped and turned, blinking behind his mask at both the timidness in her voice, and the startling deep red tendrils that draped over slender shoulders. She was small, yet had supple feminine curves that reminded him of a goddess beneath the moonlight. The pale blue sequined gown she wore was the exact hue of her eyes and seemed to shine just as much. He stepped toward her, “I'm sorry, I brought both of my left feet tonight and I think one is drunk. Forgive me?”

  The glitter in her blue eyes sparkled as she quipped back “I'm sorry sir, but I'm going to need your name and contact information in case I need to file a report.”

  He chuckled openly at the mock threat and politely informed her “Then I'll just represent myself and I can likely win, since you didn't announce your presence behind me.” His amusement danced in his eyes as he smirked arrogantly.

  “Um” was all she could manage, suddenly intimidated by the realization of who he was. She turned to look out over the balcony to the lights and the traffic below, silently cursing her luck. Everyone in town could tell you who Judas Quinn was. He had a track record of winning nearly every criminal case he took on. He was the DA's worst nightmare and his passion for his work was unmatched. God, she was an idiot to be standing in his presence.

  “Did I say something wrong?” he asked politely.

  “No, you didn't. I'm sorry. I just... You're Judas Quinn.” she finally blurted out.

  “If I'm being accused, then I would like to plead guilty,” he winked.

  He watched as her features softened some, but he had no ability to judge her expression. He reached up and pulled the silly mask from his face and shoved it back in his pocket and then boldly extended his hand to remove hers as well. He slid the fabric over her face revealing long black lashes that framed her blue eyes in blatant contradiction to the flowing red hair. He was right. She was a goddess.

  “That's better, but do you mind sharing your name, since you obviously know mine?” he said, resisting the urge to stroke her cheek. He folded the embellished cloth and handed it to her, allowing his fingers to press against her palm for longer than should have been acceptable.

  “Adessa. Adessa Ryan,” she said timidly with a hint of crimson tinting her cheeks, as his touch lingered.

  “It's nice to meet you then, Adessa Ryan. It's not every day that I nearly crush a beautiful woman like you. Are you alone?” Please say yes, he silently prayed.

  “I am.” she admitted.

  “Would you like to walk around the garden? I promise to be a gentleman,” he grinned. He could already imagine her beneath him, writhing in pleasure as he... He cleared his throat and forced the thought from his mind.

  She wasn't about to tell him no. It was either that or spend her night alone, which she really didn't want to do. And he was gorgeous. Perfection, really.

  “So where are you from?” he chose the easy opening as he took her hand and walked her through the floral archway that led to the main path.

  “I've lived in Michigan my whole life. Different parts, but I've been here in Grand Rapids for the last six years. What about you?”

  “I moved here out of high school and never left. I was raised in Florida. I met a girl who was on spring break one year and I followed her home.”

  She giggled softly at
the image he created and she couldn't help but remark, “What girl can say no to a lost puppy?”

  “She and I were married for ten years. She died five years ago, but I stayed.”

  “My god, I'm sorry.” She felt like a fool for the ignorant comment.

  “It's alright, Adessa. It's awkward for both of us but I don't mind.” He hated the tension a single statement could make but no matter where he went, it always came up and no one ever knew what to say. When she didn't immediately respond, he jumped in to save her. “What do you do for a living?”

  “I'm a nurse. I work at the Pediatric Care clinic on the other side of town.”

  “Pediatric. You must enjoy kids.”

  “I do. I always thought I would have a few of my own by now. I guess I missed my chance.” Her voice was soft and wistful and he knew exactly how she felt.

  “My wife and I tried for a long time start a family. She lost two before we finally gave up.”

  “Do you think you would try again, or is that part closed for you now?” She sounded genuinely interested and he found himself answering her honestly.

  “I think it's probably past time. I have a good career now and I can't see myself settling down again.” The words were out of his mouth but still rolling around in his head. It had been five years. He needed to open himself to the idea of trying again. It was that or he would spend the rest of his life alone.

  He talked with her for what seemed like an eternity and had decided he genuinely liked her. He had seen beautiful women before but this one stirred something in him. She seemed the type of girl you take home to your mother. Well, not HIS mother, but someone's mother. “Would you dance with me?” he finally decided to ask.

  “I'd love to!” she smiled, and allowed him to lead her back inside.

  “I promise I'll be gentle,” he said, already replacing his mask.