The Lycan Collapse (The Flux Age Book 2) by Steven J Shelley Page B

enough of the city, Julian took her directly to his penthouse suite atop the Brandis Engineering building. Tilly had left the balcony doors open and set up a table for two by the windows. Champagne, strawberries and Belgian chocolate.
    Florence slid from Julian’s back with a satisfied sigh and headed straight for the warmth of the penthouse. The aquilan shifted back into human form, removing his torn jacket with a chuckle. He replaced it with a simple white shirt.
    The pair made a serious dent in the champagne, a sophisticated Boerl & Kroff Brut. The conversation was light for several minutes, covering everything from sport to the various bars around town. Florence seemed to be in a relaxed and playful mood.
    “Here’s to new friends,” Julian said with a raised glass. “One of the most exciting adventures a person can undertake.”
    “Agreed,” Florence said, clinking the glass. “You sure know how to show a gal a good time.”
    Julian set down his glass, blushing. “I’m only as good as my company,” he said.
    “Time for some music,” Florence said, filling the pregnant silence. “What you got, Jules?”
    Jules ? Not even his friends called him that. He kind of liked it. He frowned, however, as Florence set her champagne on top of his vintage record player to flick through his collection. That could only end in derision.
    “There’s a heap of Billy Joel in here,” Florence commented.
    “Probably the voice of New York,” Julian said defensively.
    “Yeah well, I prefer a little hip-hop, or something like this .”
    Florence held a Beastie Boys record aloft. “Now there’s the true voice of New York.”
    “That was a gift,” Julian said. “I’ve never listened to it.”
    “I pity you,” Florence teased, priming the record and letting it rip at high volume. She began dancing like she would at a gig, beckoning Julian into the wide open space of the penthouse.
    “I only know ballroom dancing,” Julian said in warning, moving stiffly over to Florence.
    Much to Julian’s embarrassment, Florence made fun of his robotic arms and jerky movement. But it was all in good fun. At length she stepped in close and draped her arms around his neck. Her luminous eyes were slightly dulled by the champagne. Julian realized that he too felt a little tipsy.
    “Amazing how things roll, isn’t it?” Florence said wistfully. “A wolf and an eagle, dancing to the Beastie Boys. Welcome to the 21st century.”
    Julian couldn’t help but laugh. “Ridiculous, isn’t it?”
    “You know what’s even more ridiculous?” Florence asked suggestively.
    “Couldn’t possibly imagine,” Julian said, his breath catching in his throat. His lips were unbearably close to the lycan’s.
    “It’s ridiculous that I should be attracted to a preppy blond CEO from the upper east side,” Florence purred.
    Julian’s heart exploded. He didn’t know how this lycan had done it, but all of a sudden he had a strong emotional stake in the life of Florence Underwood. In one sentence she had dissolved the world of spirit beasts that seemed to dominate their lives and reminded him of their shared humanity. No matter what happened, they would always share that.
    “Kiss me,” Florence said with obvious hunger. Julian did, his lips colliding against hers vigorously. They stood close for what seemed a blissful eternity, their tongues rolling against each other, their hands grasping, kneading, caressing. Florence drew Julian’s shirt over his head. He returned the favor, unzipping Florence’s jacket and relishing the sight of her pert breasts tumbling free. His breath quickening, he pressed Florence against the wall and ground his body against hers. He fumbled at his trousers as she drew her jeans down to her ankles. Within moments he was enveloped in her heat, pulsing against her furiously. Julian was on the verge of explosion almost immediately, so he tried to rein himself in to avoid embarrassment. He needn’t have worried. Florence