Read Hells Gate: Santino for Free Online

it is.”
    “Will you kiss me once more?”
    “That will have to come later.”
    “Then what’s your name?”
    “ Santino . No one has asked me my name for a long time.”
    “I’m surprised, because you’re such a good kisser.”
    “Thank you for that.”
    April smiled. “Will you let me go?”
    “Will you say yes to me?”
    She had to touch him one last time before she answered. “Just release one hand. Please.”
    Santino sighed. He undid one of her cuffs. She reached under the hood and placed her hand on his cheek. He winced but didn’t shy away. His skin was soft underneath the cloak. When she touched him, another spark sizzled her soul. A moan that permeated her body came from her throat. The urge to touch all of him was so overwhelming she yearned for him more than she’d ever wanted any man in the whole world. His hand slid over hers.
    “How come I feel this way? It’s more than you kissing me. I want to feel you all over. It’s more than you being in my dream. Then it was…I don’t know…scorching. This is explosive.”
    “So you’ll come back with me and allow me to make love to you?” he asked.
    April closed her eyes. She loved his soft touch. Her body’s needs had to be answered. “Yes.”

Chapter Five
     
    Her captor released the other cuff. April tried to see his face, but he kept the cloak over it. He tucked her underneath his arm and held her close. She slipped a hand around his waist and nestled her head onto his shoulder. The cloak was made of heavy velvet, soft and warm. She inhaled the scent that clung to him. It was heady and laced with cinnamon.
    “Hold on to me. Close your eyes, and don’t open them until I tell you to.”
    April squeezed her eyes shut. Her other arm went around his neck. The fog in the club wrapped around her arms and legs, tugging on her flesh. The music completely disappeared. A rushing wind roared around her until it drowned out even her heartbeat. A great weight compressed her bones until pain shot up her arm. She tried to cry out, but when she sucked in the air, it suffocated her. The chill reached inside of her throat and permeated her body. She clung to him tighter until the world settled down around her.
    “It’s okay now.”
    April gasped as the air came rushing back into her lungs. The weight on her body disappeared. “What was that?”
    “It’s how all of my kind travels. I apologize if it was unpleasant for you.”
    “What are you? If you can do that, and come into my dreams, what else are you capable of?” April asked.
    “I’m cursed. That’s all you need to know.”
    “What kind of curse?” April looked around. They were in a bedroom. The bed was back against the wall and covered in a black spread. It was settled into a wrought iron frame. Cobwebs hung from the corners of the bed. The air was stale and musty. It stuck to her tongue when she drew in a breath. Faint light filtered in through the holey curtains. It was obvious he hadn’t used this room in quite some time. Hearing that he was cursed made her heart go out to him.
    “Long story. Sit on the bed and take your clothes off.”
    April sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. She slipped her shoes off. Starting to unzip her skirt, she felt as if she were on display the way he watched her. Santino stayed stoic in the corner. April kept his eyes on him and bit her lip. The room was cold, and her courage was slipping away. He was having no interaction with her and the fire was dwindling inside of her without his touch. At least he had been involved when they were in her dream.
    “What are you waiting for?” he asked.
    She shook her head. “I can’t do this. I’m sorry. But the other night you were more intimate than you are now. Just standing there…” She stood and redid her skirt.
    He stepped forward. “I thought you wanted to see my face.”
    “I do, but—”
    “I understand. Sit down again, please.”
    April studied him, but his face was still hidden. If she could see