Page 4 of Haunted By the Highwayman (Halloween Temptation #9)

“ T his place is amazing.” Rick drops his voice to a hushed whisper as we walk inside the costume shop, like we’re in a museum.

Rows and rows of elaborate costumes line the walls, from monstrous to cute to fully authentic historical pieces like ruffed Elizabethan dresses and hoop skirts.

They make me think of the historically costumed man I saw in the mirror last night.

I haven’t mentioned him to Rick. Let him see that for once, his prank didn’t get to me.

He hasn’t mentioned it either: playing it cool, apparently. Two can play that game.

We start to browse the costumes, some of which look so ornate I can’t imagine getting into them without assistance. Or out of them, come to think of it. What about when you have to pee? But I guess this is what we need for Gossmer Hall. Fancy .

“Can I help you?” A middle-aged man comes out from behind the counter, smiling at us.

Self-consciously, my hand goes to my neck. Even though my collar is hidden under a turtle necked sweater that makes me look like a jewel thief, as Rick pointed out with a smirk.

“We’re looking for Halloween costumes,” Rick says. He sounds shyer than usual, intimidated by the grandeur of the clothes. It’s adorable.

“Any suggestions?” I say. I’m feeling out of my depth too.

“You would make a lovely Dracula,” the man says to me in his warm Geordie accent.

“What about me?” Rick says. He looks down at me, eyes twinkling. “You choose, Arden.”

The man’s gaze flickers between us. I spot the exact moment his smile softens as he realizes: there’s something between us. My stomach buzzes with excitement. So Rick’s attraction is visible to strangers? It isn’t all in my head.

“That would look good on you.” I point out a skimpy demon costume to Rick: skin-tight, shiny black pants with a tail, and a black waistcoat that’ll barely cover his torso.

Plus a pair of huge, curved black horns that send my mind somewhere dirty.

Rick’s lips curve into a grin. He looks demonically wicked already.

“Done,” he says.

The man points us to the changing rooms at the back of the shop.

They’re the old-fashioned kind with curtains screening the booths from the store, and only curtains between each stall.

We go into separate compartments. I take off my shoes and start grappling with my costume.

The high collar of the floor-length black cape will work perfectly to cover the pink collar.

I’m halfway out of my pants, awkwardly balancing on one leg, when Rick’s arm appears through the curtain.

He pats at my chest, feeling around while I wonder what the hell he’s doing.

Then his fingers inch up and grab my collar.

He drags me through the curtain into his changing space.

The demon horns are already on his head, curving upward from his dark hair and making him look like the hottest otherworldly creature I’ve ever seen.

My heart beats faster, a dizzy patter in my chest. I’m very aware of my pants around my ankles.

“Well, this is cozy,” Rick says. “Wanna play again?”

I glance at the curtain, the only thing separating us from the man in the shop. Of course I want to. But…

“On your knees,” Rick says.

Those three little words turn me to fire. My body takes over, knees hitting the floor hard before I can even think.

“Look at you,” Rick whispers. He runs his fingers through my hair. A tiny whimper escapes my lips. “So obedient.” His gaze holds me tight, questioning.

“Not here,” I say.

A disbelieving smile takes his lips. His expression is hot and greedy under his demon’s horns. The happiness in his eyes is real. Way deeper than a joke or a dare could inspire.

“You actually want to?” he says.

He sounds like he can barely believe his luck.

Meanwhile I can barely believe what’s happening here.

He’s acting like I might refuse him ? Maybe he isn’t as confident as I’ve always thought.

All this time I’ve been pining for him from afar, so sure he didn’t reciprocate my feelings.

So sure he only saw me as a friend. Is there a chance I was wrong?

Fuck the dare, it’s time to tell him what I want. So on my knees in front of him, a collar around my neck, I finally find my courage.

“I really want to,” I say.

We’re flustered and distracted as we pay up and make our way out of the store.

My heart is racing. Rick takes charge, gripping my hand and leading me straight to an alleyway behind the store.

It’s completely enclosed, not overlooked by any windows.

Perfect except for the fact that it’s full of stinky trash bags piled against the wall.

A few pigeons peck around, looking irritated.

“Romantic,” I say.

Rick shrugs. “I offered you the nice cozy store.”

“I wouldn’t have felt right with that man right behind the curtain.”

Rick laughs. “Such a good boy.”

There’s so much heat in his eyes. Real admiration.

It’s enough to make adrenaline surge through my body.

I forget about the horrible surroundings and the smell of trash, even forget to be nervous.

It’s the most natural thing in the world to pick up where we left off and drop to my knees before him.

The asphalt is hard but I soon forget my discomfort as Rick’s hands reach for his belt buckle.

“Put the horns on?” I ask. Rick’s dimple dances for me as he reaches into the bag and grabs the demon horns, placing them on his head where they peek from his dark hair.

“Perfect. My dark lord,” I say.

How am I doing this? Flirting so brazenly? Something about the collar frees me from self-consciousness. Lets me be a little slutty without feeling silly.

Rick’s pants fall. I close my eyes, take a moment to savor the fact this is actually happening.

Eyes still closed, I feel strong, tender fingers caress my hair, pulling so gently.

I look up at him and catch my breath. He’s sliding his underwear down over thick, tan thighs.

I’ve only ever caught glimpses before while changing; never seen his dick in its full glory.

Already thick and huge and expanding fast, its enough to choke on.

All for me. My mouth waters. He waits for me to make the next move, his head slightly on one side.

Waiting for me to change my mind. No chance.

My need builds, body heating, cock aching with want inside my jeans.

One of Rick’s hands fondles at his erect dick like he’s offering it to me.

His other hand creeps inside my sweater and takes the collar like I’m his.

“You sure?” he says.

“Couldn’t be surer.”

I wrap my lips around him. Moan with pleasure as his thick, hot length fills my mouth.

My roommate is dressed like a demon and stuffing my mouth with his dick in an alleyway.

This is my life now. And it’s fucking amazing .

I taste him, lapping up a drop of precum, sucking hard and rough like I can’t get enough. My moans get deep and desperate.

“Quiet,” he orders.

No one is even around. He’s bossing me around just because he can.

His fingers tighten in my hair any time I make a sound.

Obedience makes this even hotter and I shut up like I’m told and concentrate only on his pleasure.

I want to devour him. I feel my lips getting bruised and swollen fast, as my eager hands work the base of his shaft.

His eyes roll back and he gives a little stumble backward, hitting the wall of the alley, almost falling.

He glares down at me, like it’s my fault.

This is surreal. He’s out of my league. Always has been.

Now he’s acting like I’m too hot for him.

He takes my face in his hands and pulls me hard onto his dick again.

Desire surges through my body as he fills my whole mouth, so much hardness sheathed in velvet.

I can barely breathe. I reach down to unbuckle my jeans, but he grabs my wrists.

“No,” he says. “Just me.”

His eyes are dark, taunting. The demon horns make him look decadent and cruel.

It turns me on more than ever. I groan around his dick as I feel it start to throb and pulsate, making my arousal soar.

His hands get tense on my wrists. He’s close.

I swirl my tongue around his slit and then up the underside of his dick.

His head flies back. His back arches like a wild cat.

A guttural, animal sound comes from his throat.

My demon shoots a massive load down my throat and I swallow it all obediently, eyes watering.

“Perfect,” he whispers.

He finally lets go of my hands. I touch my lips, feeling his wetness there. “What about me?” I whimper.

“What about you?” he says, playing dumb, buckling his pants again.

There’s a satisfied, beatific smile on his face that contrasts with the black horns: the look of a man who’s gotten exactly what he wants.

Meanwhile my erection is painful in my jeans and I’m still on my knees and he hasn’t even made to touch me.

“What about my turn?” I sound so pleading.

He smiles, looming over me with his arms folded across that broad chest. His hazel eyes glint with evil glee. Maybe the costume suggestion was a mistake. It’s given him way too much inspiration to torment me.

“Remember the dare,” he says. “What’s to stop me forbidding you from coming all day?”

“Common decency?” I suggest hopefully.

He thinks about it. Shakes his head, dimple springing into life to mock me. “Nah.”

“Aren’t you supposed to have some kind of… duty of care to me?” I pull at the collar, completely turned on and half pissed off. “Considering I have to do everything you say?”

“One, you do not have to do everything I say,” Rick says. “Forfeit the dare and you’re a free agent.”

I fold my arms and zip my lips. I might be on my knees, but the words I give up will not be forthcoming from me.

Rick’s gaze softens. “Cheer up. Maybe I’ll let you come at the party.”

“Really? But there’s a difference between letting me and playing an, er, active part.”

He trails a finger down my jawline and down my neck, resting on my Adam’s apple. I quiver.

“I like that,” he says. “Very scientific. Would you like me to play an active part?”

I nod, lost for words.

“Then I promise,” he whispers.