by Lena Austin
The change, returning him to human form, would have to come upon him before he could see to her needs. Seamus would substitute for him, in the meantime. He waited in the open office of the dog kennels until the subdued morning sun had climbed well past the horizon.
A loud knock set the two remaining dogs of the kennel into raucous barks. “Sir,” Seamus announced as he entered, “the woman is asleep. She won’t deduce anything by the timing of your return.”
“Great. I can clean up before I speak with her.”
“I would have a private conversation with you before, sir.”
Seamus and Rey had been together all of Rey’s life. “You have a concern?”
“Are you daft? Bringing her here could risk everything you’ve been able to keep secret. The woman studies wolves, for pity’s sake!”
The irony didn’t escape him as he rose to leave. “All the more reason she should be here, don’t you think?”
“You’re playing with fire.”
“Aye, that I am, Seamus. This is the woman I told you about.”
His servant voiced his startled opinion as they headed across the lawn. “From the pub?”
Rey nodded. “Isn’t she lovely?”
“Sir, this isn’t good. Trouble arrived when you brought her to our doorstep.”
“Nonsense, Seamus.” He strode purposefully into the house, stopping to run a wet cloth over his face, then headed down the paneled hallway toward the first-floor guestroom.
After knocking on the wooden door, Rey entered the room. Blue curtains covered the windows, and he pushed them aside to let in the muted morning light. The green of the hillside remained carpeted with a low layer of fog. He turned to the beauty that was almost in his bed, and smiled. Half the battle was won. She was in his home where he had the advantage. “Good morning.”
Her eyes fluttered open, then grew wide in apparent shock. Her hand fumbled for her glasses, resting on the nightstand. “You? Where am I? Why are you here?” she murmured as she tried to sit up. Her attempts ceased immediately. “Ow!”
“You seem to have twisted your ankle. Somehow, you made it to my home, and now I have you right where I want you.”
Her eyebrows arched. “Where would that be?”
“In my bed.” He laughed.
“That’s not funny. I have to leave.” She paused. “No, you have to leave.”
“You don’t, and I only have to if I want to be a gentleman.”
She pursed her lush lips. “I need to get my car.”
“Seamus has already seen to that. You said something to him about a sketch? You’re an artist, then? I thought you were a biologist.”
“It’s a hobby. I’m a biologist, and I really need to get back to my studies.”
“Not before you’ve had something to eat.” He scanned the shape of her body under the coverlet, taking in the outline of her large breasts. Her leg was wrapped around the edge of the blanket, her injured ankle resting on a pillow. Helpless, she became more tempting.
Those soft lips formed a perfect ‘O’, and looking at the shape of her mouth, he knew he would never be satisfied with another woman until he’d had her lips, lush and full, around him. He stirred restlessly at the thought as he tried to cloak himself with civility while his trousers tightened. Taking a deep breath, he pushed an intercom button near the bed. “Bring a bowl of soup for the lady to lunch on,” Rey commanded. He gazed at her, starting at her lips, lingering at her breasts. Her voice interrupted his staring.
“I could stand a couple of minutes to freshen up.”
He nodded, and amended his order to Seamus. “Soda bread, too, in about ten minutes.”
“Yes, sir,” his butler answered through the light static.
When she struggled to push herself up into a better sitting position, Rey quickly put his arm around her. “Let me help you to the bath.” She leaned heavily on him as she tried to stand.
As they walked to the doorway, Rey marveled at how Agnis personified what he desired. Her busty physique, unique scent, the soft texture of her skin, and her intellect all turned him on. “Use what you can find,” he said after she shut the door on him. A moment later, Rey heard a thump. “Are you all right?” he called.
“Yes, please don’t worry. I swear I’ll let you know if I need help.”
The sound of running water filtered through the door. The intimate sound only served to remind Rey of the nearly empty house that mirrored his life. A few minutes later, the door opened and Agnis stood there, leaning against the frame in an attempt to keep her weight off her troubled ankle. Her pale face radiated her newfound alertness, and her combed silky tresses begged him to touch them.
Without a word, he placed his arm around her and helped her back to the bed, where he elevated her ankle once more. A moment later, Seamus brought a tray of food into the room and set it on the nightstand. Without a word, the man left the room, closing the door behind him. Rey watched Agnis sniff appreciatively.
“That smells great.”
“Seamus makes the best potato and leek soup. Here, let me.” He dipped the spoon into the tureen and carefully brought it to her lips. He leaned close and blew on the hot soup, his lips dangerously close to hers. God, to kiss her again, to taste her mouth. The thought consumed him. When she opened her mouth to partake, he pulled the spoon away. “I was just thinking, you have the most dazzling mouth. I could…”
She didn’t give him a chance to finish. She lunged forward and took the spoon into her mouth, visibly wrapping her tongue around the end before withdrawing the liquid. He quickly dipped the spoon again, and watched her repeat the performance. Did she know how arousing it was to watch her tongue work like that?
Disappointment seemed to reign in her features when the spoon finally clattered against the empty bowl. Her lips turned downward in a tiny pout.
“Looking for something else?”
“A big, black wolf.”
* * * * *
What people are saying about
Reynardine
He will be the man of your dreams. He will be the greatest risk you’ve ever taken. He will reveal a secret to you, yet keep his other secrets to himself. The moon is full: danger and seduction rule the night when Reynardine arrives. Meet him tonight and see for yourself!
-- Daria Karpova, author of Loose Diamonds (Loose Id)
If you love magic, heart-felt emotion, and steamy love scenes, Reynardine has it all! And if that’s not enough, throw in a cunning enemy, prophetic dreams, and a centuries old curse! Paranormal lovers better not miss this one.
-- Michele Chambers, author of Timewalkers 1: Aisling (Loose Id)
Reynardine is one of those tales that sneaks up on you. Before you know it, you’re hooked and involved with Rey and Agnis. I rooted, I cheered, and I ran for my toys. This book is a refreshing change from the same old “Irish” stories and has a home on my “keeper” shelf.
-- Lena Auston, author of Unicorn Valley: Gryphon’s Heart (Changeling Press)
Evocative and haunting.
-- Stephanie Vaughan, author of Dead Man’s Party (Loose Id)
Lucynda Storey’s Reynardine is a page-turner, full of suspense and love that heals a centuries-old curse and allows Rey and Agnis to find their happiness. Don’t miss this one!
-- Shana Nichols (Ann Jacobs), author of Dark Knights 1: Eternity of Darkness (Loose Id)