Page 9

CHAPTER 9

RAVEN

" S o ten million dollars?" Madison's jaw drops as she flops onto our worn couch. "Like, actual millions?"

"He didn't even blink. Just said 'done deal' like it was pocket change." The memory of Kirk's casual acceptance still stuns me.

"And what does this Giscard guy have planned that's worth that kind of money to investigate?"

I pace our tiny living room. "Kirk wouldn't say exactly. Just that it could hurt people."

"How do you know Kirk isn't the bad guy here?" Madison leans forward. "I mean, he could even be working with that lizard creature you saw."

The thought sends a chill down my spine, but... "You didn't see how gentle he was with me at the diner. When no one was watching, he dropped the whole billionaire act."

"Oh my god." Madison's eyes go wide. "You actually like him."

"I do not." The denial comes too fast.

"Please. Your face lights up every time you say his name."

"You're imagining things."

Madison pulls out her phone. "Then prove it. He sent you access to his place, right? Go snoop through his medicine cabinet."

"He'd just hide anything suspicious if I told him I was coming over."

A wicked grin spreads across Madison's face. "So don't tell him. Send Nightbird instead."

"You know what? That's actually brilliant." I tap my chin. "If I get caught though..."

"Then your whole graffiti artist thing gets exposed." Madison waves her hand. "So don't get caught."

Two hours later, I'm stepping out of a taxi in front of Kirk's Upper East Side mansion, my black outfit blending with the shadows. The digital key card he gave me earlier beeps against the security panel, granting access.

My heart pounds as I take the private elevator to his floor. The doors open silently into a marble foyer.

I ease his front door open a crack. A news anchor's voice drifts from somewhere inside, discussing the day's market fluctuations. Most of the house lies dark and still.

Holy shit. The entryway alone probably costs more than I'll make in ten lifetimes. Crystal chandeliers catch what little light filters through massive windows. Original artwork adorns walls covered in what looks like actual gold leaf.

A curved staircase sweeps up to the second floor, its mahogany railings gleaming. To my right, floor-to-ceiling windows reveal a private garden. To my left, a formal dining room bigger than my entire apartment.

Focus, Raven. I'm not here to admire the decor.

But as I slink deeper into the shadows of Kirk's palatial home, reality hits me - this place is huge. Six floors of luxury to search, and I have no idea where to start looking for evidence linking Kirk to that lizard creature.

This is going to take way longer than I thought.

A low, guttural groan echoes down the hallway, pulling me like a moth to a flame. My pulse quickens as I follow the sound, my boots silent on the plush carpet. The noise grows louder, more rhythmic. What is he doing in there?

I peer around the corner into a massive bedroom that looks like something out of a billionaire's wet dream. The bed is the size of a small island, draped in black silk. My eyes dart to the source of the noise?—

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

The lizard man sprawls across the bed, completely naked. Golden scales glint in the low light, his ridged chest rising and falling with each powerful breath. His clawed hand pumps his enormous cock, the tip slick with precome.

And on the wall-sized TV—me.

A slideshow cycles through pictures of me from my social media: me painting at Hudson River Park, a selfie after a shift at Area 51, even one of me in my Nightbird outfit tagged from an anonymous street art account.

This is Kirk. It has to be. Those same sunset orange eyes, the commanding presence—it's him, his true form. My legs wobble as I clutch the doorframe for support.

I should run. I should grab my phone, snap a photo, and expose him to the world. But I’m frozen, transfixed. The way his tongue flicks out as he strokes himself, the way his hips buck with each pass of his hand?—

Heat pools between my thighs. I press my legs together, the friction sending a jolt through me. My fingers twitch, itching to touch myself. I’m already wet, my panties soaking through.

The lizard man—Kirk—growls my name, the sound vibrating through the room. "Raven," he whispers, his voice thick with desire. "My Raven."

My hand slips into the waistband of my pants before I can stop it. My fingers brush against my clit, and I stifle a moan. I’m playing with fire, but I can’t help myself.

The TV shifts to a candid shot of me laughing, my head thrown back. Kirk speeds up his strokes, his claws digging into the sheets as he nears the edge. My other hand clutches the doorframe, my knuckles white.

I’m supposed to be finding evidence, uncovering the truth. Instead, I’m here, fingering myself while I watch him wank to the sight of me.

What the hell is wrong with me?

But I can’t stop. My hips roll against my hand, the pressure building. Kirk’s breaths come faster, his voice a low rumble as he says my name over and over like a mantra.

And then he comes, thick ropes of come painting his scaled abs. My body clenches around my fingers, my own orgasm crashing over me in waves.

I bite my lip to keep from crying out. My legs shake as I pull my hand free, my mind racing.

What the fuck just happened?

Kirk collapses back onto the bed, his chest heaving. I take a shaky step back, my heart pounding. I need to get out of here before he notices me.

My legs finally remember how to move. Just in time too - Kirk rises from the bed, his scaled form rippling as he stretches. I dart back down the hallway, my heart threatening to burst from my chest.

The alcove near the grand staircase catches my eye. Perfect. I scramble up into the shadowed space, pressing myself against the cool marble. Please don't look up here.

Kirk's footsteps pad across the floor below. His nose twitches as he inhales deeply, and a low chuckle escapes him. What's so funny? Then he starts singing, his voice surprisingly melodic:

"Me and my shadow, walking down the avenue..."

Is he... is he actually singing and dancing around his mansion naked? The golden scales of his body catch the light as he practically skips into his kitchen. I hold my breath, willing my racing heart to quiet.

The clink of crystal and ice cubes echoes up to my hiding spot. He's fixing himself a drink like nothing's wrong. Maybe he didn't notice me watching him after all?

My muscles cramp from holding still. When he moves toward his living room, I take my chance. I drop silently to the floor and creep after him, keeping to the shadows.

Kirk settles into a leather recliner with his drink. "There. Nice and cozy."

Then he laughs - a dark, predatory sound that makes my skin prickle.

"You're thinking 'if I just keep very quiet he won't know I'm here,' right?"

"Oh shit," I whisper. My stomach drops through the floor.

Kirk rises from his chair, his scaled form gleaming in the low light. My heart hammers against my ribs as I back away.

"Looks like we're going to do this dance again, little bird." His nostrils flare as he inhales deeply.

Is he... is he smelling me like a bloodhound? My feet move before my brain catches up. I sprint for the front door, but Kirk appears in front of me with impossible speed. My breath catches in my throat.

"Why don't you take off that mask, sit down, and have a drink with me?" His voice carries that same commanding tone that made my knees weak at Area 51.

"Go to Hell." I pitch my voice low, trying to disguise it.

"Then would you prefer I call the NYPD and tell them you broke in and defaced my portrait?"

The threat stops me cold. Kirk's laugh echoes through the air.

"Why don't you put on some clothes?" I snap, trying to hide how his naked form affects me.

"Oh, does my nakedness bother you?" He stalks closer, backing me into a corner. His scales catch the light with each fluid movement. "It did not seem to trouble you earlier, when you were watching me."

"Shut up," I say, but the words sound hollow even to my own ears. My cheeks burn, and I can feel the heat spreading down my neck.

Kirk leans in, his golden eyes glinting with a predatory amusement. "I know you were touching yourself," he purrs, his voice low and dripping with satisfaction. "I can smell your pussy on your fingers."

My breath stops, and I turn my head away as he reaches for my hoodie. His fingers brush against the fabric, and I jerk back, but he’s relentless. He laughs, a deep, resonant sound that echoes in the space between us.

"Keep your secrets…for now," he says, his voice smooth and teasing. "But you won't be able to hide from me forever."

Before I can protest, his hands grip my waist, and I’m hauled up onto his shoulder like a sack of flour. His scales are cool against my skin, but the strength in his body is overwhelming. I squirm, but it’s useless—his grip is ironclad.

"Put me down, you overgrown gecko!" I snap, kicking my legs uselessly.

He doesn’t respond, just laughs again as he strides toward the bedroom. His hand comes down on my ass with a sharp smack , and I gasp, the sound caught somewhere between outrage and something far more indecent. Another slap lands, and this time, I can’t stifle the moan that escapes me.

"Good girl," he rumbles. "You’re already so close, aren’t you?"

"Go to Hell," I mutter, but even I can hear the lack of conviction in my voice. My body betrays me, responding to his touch in ways that make my head spin. The ache between my legs is almost unbearable, and I bite my lip to keep from begging him to do more.

He carries me into the bedroom and unceremoniously dumps me onto the bed. I scramble to sit up, but he’s already climbing onto the mattress, his massive form looming over me. His eyes lock onto mine, and for a moment, I can’t look away.

I twist my wrists against the strange, supple leather binding them behind my back, but the Reaper’s Lingerie holds firm. Every movement sends a thrill through me, the restraint both infuriating and exhilarating. My breath comes in short, sharp bursts as I squirm, my body hyper-aware of Kirk’s scaled form looming over me.

"Let's see if the legendary Nightbird can escape from Reaper's Lingerie," Kirk says, his voice dripping with amusement.

I glare up at him, though there’s no heat behind it. "This doesn’t count. You cheated. This thing’s… alien tech or something."

"Maybe," he purrs, crawling on top of me. His scaled body presses against mine, the coolness of his skin sending shivers through me. His weight pins me to the bed, and I can feel the hard length of him against my thigh. "Maybe I should let you out… if only to test my skills against yours with more restraint."

The idea of him restraining me with something less advanced, something more… personal, sends a jolt of heat straight to my core. I bite my lip, trying to hide the way my body responds to him.

"You could take this off," I say, twisting around enough to show him my bound wrists. My voice is steady, but there’s a breathless edge to it that I can’t quite hide. "Or you could take off my clothes instead."

Kirk’s eyes darken, his sunset orange gaze locking onto mine. His clawed fingers trail down my side, and I shiver under his touch. "Such a tempting offer," he murmurs, his voice low and rough. "But I think I like you just where you are. Vulnerable. At my mercy."

"You’re such a sadist," I mutter, but there’s no real bite to my words. My heart races as he leans down, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin of my neck.

"Only for you," he whispers, his warm breath sending a wave of heat through me. His tongue flicks out, tasting my skin, and I arch against him, the friction sending sparks through my body.

I should hate this. I should be fighting him, screaming, demanding he let me go. But instead, I’m melting into him, my body betraying me at every turn. My hips grind against his, seeking more of that delicious friction, and a low moan escapes me.

"Still mocking my bondage skills?" he teases, his clawed hand sliding up my thigh and under the edge of my hoodie.

"Yes," I gasp, my voice shaky. "This… this is cheating, remember?"

"Cheating?" He chuckles, the sound sending vibrations through me. "Or just… making sure you can’t run away this time?"

I can’t help the laugh that escapes me, despite the heat pooling in my core. "You’re a torturer," I mutter, my breath hitching as his fingers skim the edge of my panties.

"And yet," he says, his voice a low rumble, "you’re not exactly trying to get away, are you?"

He’s right. I’m not. I’m already lost in him, in the way he makes me feel, in the way he’s breaking down all the walls I’ve built around myself. But I’m not ready to admit it—not yet.

I’m still writhing against the restraints, my body trembling, when Kirk’s scaled hands slide down my sides. His claws are gentle, but the sensation is electric, sending shivers through me. I watch as he lowers himself between my legs, his golden eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that makes my breath hitch.

“What are you—?” I start to ask, but the words die in my throat as his tongue flicks out, long and prehensile, brushing against my inner thigh. My back arches as the textured ridges of his tongue drag against my skin, teasing me in ways I’ve never imagined.

“Relax, little bird,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough. “Let me take care of you.”

His tongue moves higher, and I gasp as it finds my clit, the ridges sending jolts of pleasure through me. My hips buck against his mouth, but his hands hold me steady, his strength overwhelming. I’ve never felt anything like this—his tongue is everywhere at once, teasing, licking, probing with a skill that leaves me trembling.

“Oh my God,” I moan, my voice trembling as pleasure coils tight in my core. My wrists twist in the restraints, but there’s no escape, not that I want one. Every flick of his tongue pushes me closer to the edge, and I’m helpless to do anything but ride the wave of sensation.

Kirk growls against me, the vibrations sending me spiraling higher. His tongue delves deeper, exploring me in ways no human ever could, and I’m lost in the sensations, my moans echoing through the room.

“Kirk,” I gasp, my voice breaking as pleasure crashes over me. My body convulses, and I scream as I come, my hips bucking against his mouth. But he doesn’t stop, his tongue relentless as he pushes me through the first orgasm and straight into a second.

My vision whites out as I squirt, the force of it taking my breath away. Kirk doesn’t flinch, his tongue lapping at me as I writhe against the bed, my body shaking with the intensity of it. He doesn’t stop, each stroke of his tongue sending me higher, until I’m trembling with overstimulation, my body too sensitive to take anymore.

Finally, he pulls back, his golden eyes gleaming with satisfaction. My chest heaves as I struggle to catch my breath, my body still trembling from the aftershocks.

“Still mocking my skills?” he teases, his voice low and rough.

I groan, my cheeks flushing as I try to catch my breath. “You’re… cheating,” I manage, my voice shaky.

Kirk laughs, the sound deep and resonant. “Maybe,” he says, his claws trailing up my side. “But you didn’t seem to mind.”

Before I can respond, his hands are on my hoodie, lifting it up. I tense for a moment, but he’s gentle, his claws careful as he flips it up, revealing my face.

“Oh, come on, Raven,” he says, his voice amused. “I know it’s you. Of course, I recognized your scent right away. I had my suspicions you were the mysterious Nightbird.”

I sigh, relief washing over me. The hoodie was sweaty after all those orgasms, and I’m suddenly glad he’s not pulling it off completely.

“Well, I had my suspicions you were the mysterious lizard boy,” I say, my voice shaky but defiant. “Now that you’ve caught the legendary Nightbird, what are you going to do with her?”

Kirk shrugs his scaled shoulders, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Keep her all night and see how many times I can make her squirt,” he says.

I groan, my cheeks flushing as I squirm against the restraints. “Oh boy,” I mutter, my voice shaky. “Really glad I got caught.”

Kirk laughs, the sound deep and resonant, as he leans down, his tongue flicking out to tease me again. I moan, my body responding instantly, and I know I’m in for a long, unforgettable night.