Midsummer Night's Fling: Belinda Boring, Kamery Solomon, Lacey Weatherford

by Weatherford, Lacey

  “A masterpiece, huh? How did you come to that conclusion?”

  “Your physique is very wonderful—all valleys and ridges, each area so . . . defined. I find it to be . . . inspiring.”

  “Don’t the men of your race appear the same?” I was curious.

  “No. They are strong, only more like smooth marble on the surface.”

  “I see.” I didn’t really, but at the moment my mind was mostly paying attention to the sensations her fingers were causing.

  “I prefer the ridges,” she added.

  I swallowed hard. “Good to know.”

  Her tongue darted out and wet her lips. I wanted to be there tasting her as well. We leaned toward one another, as if drawn together, and her sweet breath brushed over my skin, heating it even more with its warmth.

  She closed the rest of the space between us, brushing her lips lightly against my own. It was so brief, but still produced fire inside me.

  “Do you want to be with me, Bran?” she questioned.

  “Yes,” I grounded out between clenched teeth. “Yes, I do, Eirian.”

  Her skin flushed red, and she clamped her eyes shut as I spoke her name for the first time.

  “I was wondering when you would realize that.”

  “Oh, I figured it worked both ways—I was just waiting for the perfect time to torture you with it, Eirian.”

  I grinned as she tossed her head back and moaned. “Let’s finish this then,” she replied when she’d recovered.

  I shook my head. “No.”

  “But you said you wanted to be with me.” Her look was one of sorrow and concern.

  “And I will, after you’ve answered some more of my questions. If we’re truly bonded as you say, then we have a lifetime to continue our present discussion.”

  Eirian got up and walked away with a slight huff, seating herself again on the bench by the window.

  “I didn’t say you had to leave.” I patted the spot on the bed next to me.

  She shook her head, her sleek hair floating about her. “It will be easier for us if we are separated. You distract me.”

  I chuckled and gave her a nod. “Likewise.”

  “What do you want to know?” She didn’t look at me, instead tracing her finger lightly over the windowsill. She appeared calm on the outside, but I could feel an undercurrent running through the space between us, and her other hand kept pinching at her shift. She was nervous about something, but I had no idea what. I watched her for a moment longer, waiting to see if she would look at me again. She didn’t, though.

  “I want to know why you picked me.”

  Chapter Three

  I was beginning to wonder if she was ever going to answer me. She seemed restless, almost irritated by my question.

  “Is there something you’re afraid to share?” I asked.

  She shook her head. “No. I’m just not sure where to start. I don’t know what will make the most sense.” She turned to stare at me. “You’re very astute, you realize?”

  “What do you mean?”

  She sighed as she stood and walked over to sit beside me. “Even though you came of your own free will, there was still a significant amount of glamour used to get you here.”

  “You’re trying to tell me you’ve seduced me, aren’t you? That I’m under your power.” I knew enough about Fae lore and the sometimes devious ways they used to get the things they wanted.

  Her eyes widened. “That’s exactly what I mean. I’ve never met anyone who had enough presence of mind to keep asking questions. They just did what they were told.”

  I folded my arms, leaning back against the intricately carved headboard. “So, you’re saying you do this a lot . . . seducing people.” I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.

  “No!” she exclaimed, reaching to place her hand on my arm. “No, you’re the first I’ve brought here. I was speaking of others who’ve found themselves with my people.”

  “How do I know you’re telling the truth?”

  Her hand fell away, and she looked toward the window.

  “Fae cannot lie.”

  I snorted. “Is that so? Then why are there so many tales of awful things the Fae have done to humankind?” I felt bad for pressuring her, but she seemed so guilty of something.

  “We are master crafters when it comes to words. There is always truth in what we say.”

  I laughed. “And that’s the catch, isn’t it? There may always be truth in what you say, but that doesn’t mean it’s not bent to shed a better light on what you wish us to see.”

  She remained silent, which only affirmed I was right.

  “Tell me, Eirian,” I spoke, and I couldn’t help noticing the way her body trembled. “What is it that you don’t want me to see?”

  A look of alarm passed over her features. “Please don’t ask me, Bran.”

  I groaned as she leaned in to place her body against mine—sending sparks all over me. “Why won’t you tell me?” I asked through clenched teeth, as she ran her fingers up my neck.

  “I will. I promise. I just want to be with you right now. We’re bonded—married—and we have yet to celebrate it.”

  Staring into her eyes, I knew she was being honest. She would tell me all I wanted to know. And she was right—we were married. We had a lifetime to uncover one another’s secrets.

  I don’t know why I hesitated, but I did—looking her over, studying her features as she waited for my reply. I wanted to both lose myself in her and question her at the same time. She was such an enigma to me.

  The more I watched, however, the more I wanted. Finally, I wrapped my arms around her—my mouth descending to meet her upturned one. Regardless of not understanding why I felt so connected to her, it seemed natural to have her in my embrace.

  More sparks flared to life between us as our lips touched, first softly, then harder and more intense.

  Pulling her onto my lap without breaking the kiss, I threaded my fingers up into her long hair, and held her face to mine. Our tongues met, dancing together, our mouths frantically moving as if we’d been waiting for this moment for an eternity.

  My pulse quickened, and I wanted to devour her—no—I needed to devour her. The fact that this beautiful creature belonged to me now was something I could hardly fathom. Just a short while ago, I’d been unsure if the Fae existed, and now I was bonded to one. All I knew was that this felt like heaven, and I never wanted it to stop, because being with her enflamed every one of my senses.

  “Bran,” she whispered against my lips, and I moaned as I rolled over to pin her body beneath mine on the bed.

  I kissed down her neck, my tongue darting out here and there against her skin. She even tasted delicious, and it seemed as if the more contact I got, the more I needed. It would never be enough.

  “What are you doing to me, Eirian?” I said as my lips moved farther, and she arched in response over the use of her name.

  “The same thing you’re doing to me,” she replied breathlessly, and I had to admit it gave me great pleasure to hear she was just as affected.

  The fire flamed brightly as the two of us became lost in a world of our own creation. I knew of nothing except her—wanting her, touching her, kissing her, being with her in a way I never imagined possible.

  We were completely wrapped up in each other well into the afternoon. The light in the sky shifted as the sun continued on its journey. Then she bit me once again, and I drifted off into the blissful darkness, still holding her in my arms.

  There was a ringing in my ears when I awoke, and I tried to shake it off. That was a mistake, and I groaned, lifting a hand to my head.

  “Are you thirsty?” Eirian was standing in a loose, flowing gown at the side of the bed, a silver goblet in her hand extended toward me.

  I was thirsty—now that she mentioned it—almost ravenously so. I took the offered cup and quickly downed the contents. It was a sweetish tasting liquid that, while wetting my palette, made me crave more.

 
; “What is this? I asked, handing it back to her.

  She smiled. “Do you like it? Would you enjoy more?”

  “Yes, please,” I responded.

  She turned to a small serving tray with a large pitcher and a variety of fruit and breads I hadn’t noticed before.

  My stomach rumbled at the sight, and she giggled as she refilled my drink and gave it back.

  “I thought you might be getting hungry.”

  I drank the refreshment once more, and she took it and refilled it again, this time setting it on the edge of the tray and scooting it within my reach. She sat on the edge of the bed and picked up a grape, leaning forward and gesturing for me to open my mouth. I did so, and she popped it inside.

  Flavor like I’d never experienced exploded in my mouth with the first bite. I closed my eyes and savored it for a moment. “This is no ordinary grape.”

  She laughed. “Actually, it is. You will find that the food tastes much better here in Faery.”

  “Why is that?” I asked, wondering if there was some magical explanation.

  “Because everything is better here. That’s just the way it is.”

  I smiled and placed another grape into my mouth. “That’s quite the educated reasoning you have there.” I winked at her.

  “You’re very gracious.” She bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement before taking a grape herself and eating it.

  “I’m glad you think so.” I allowed my gaze to drift over her form once more. Would I ever get my fill of her? She smelled so good. I wasn’t sure why, but it made me feel like I wanted to lick or bite her, just to have a taste.

  She blushed. “It’s one of the reasons I chose you. I could tell your heart and mind were conscious to the plight of others around you.”

  Her comment brought our earlier conversation back to my mind. “Speaking of being chosen, are you going to share what you’ve been hiding, now that we aren’t . . . distracted?” Her eyes clouded over with a pained look. Whatever she had to say must not be good, since she seemed so unwilling to talk about it.

  Eirian stood and retreated. She placed both of her hands against the wide windowsill, bracing as if she needed it to hold her up. She was quiet for several long moments before she turned to face me, and her skin looked drained of color—more pale than I’d ever seen it. A wave of nervousness shot through me, wondering what would make her appear so ill.

  “Just say it, and let’s be done with it, shall we? No need to drag the agony out longer than necessary.” I tried to sound encouraging, but I was sure she could hear the apprehension as I spoke. My muscles were taut, as if preparing for someone to strike.

  There were tears in her eyes as she looked at me hesitantly. “I stole you from another.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

  Instantly memories of Ceridwen raced through my mind—picnics in the glen, hours of kissing as our hands raced over each other, tender promises made about how we’d share our future together, quiet moments, longing glances, and a love so strong it burned between us.

  I gasped as the images tore through my head, ripping my heart to shreds. What did I do? I cheated on my beautiful Ceridwen, made love, and became bonded to another. I broke every promise I ever gave her—broke it all for a girl I barely knew.

  I stared at Eirian. “You did enchant me.” It was a statement, one I was daring her to deny. “Otherwise I would’ve never gone through with all of this. You made me forget her.”

  “I did,” she muttered softly, looking down to where her hands twisted together in her shift.

  “Why?”

  “Because I didn’t think you would want to be with me when you found out we were bonded. The first time I kissed you, I wiped your memories of Ceridwen away, so your heart would be free to love me instead.”

  Spying my clothing folded neatly on the bench that was beside her, I threw the coverlet off and strode toward her.

  “But you didn’t free my heart. You only buried what was there so I couldn’t feel it properly.” I grabbed my trousers and began putting them on. “Trust me when I say, I can feel everything just fine now. I’ve betrayed everything I ever promised to the girl I love!”

  She winced at my sharp words, her tears falling freely now. “What are you doing?” she asked, her lower lip quivering.

  I groaned at the sight, and my first reaction was to take her in my arms and kiss those lips. I quickly brushed that aside. There was no way I was going to allow her to manipulate me like this anymore.

  “Just quit with your magic, will you?” I practically shouted. “I won’t be falling prey to your wiles again!”

  She had the gall to look shocked at my words, and her mouth flew open. “But . . . ”

  “I do not want to hear what you have to say anymore, Eirian.”

  She moaned, and her eyes filled with hurt at my callous use of her name.

  As soon as my boots were on, I turned for the door that led outside.

  She stood and hurried after me. “Where are you going?”

  “That’s none of your concern.” I reached for the knob and she placed her hand over mine, stilling it.

  “I know you are angry—I would be too—but you need to be aware that you can’t leave Faery. As long as you are bonded to me, you are bonded to this realm as well.”

  “Let me guess, there’s no way to break the bond, is there?”

  She looked dreadfully hurt, and again I felt a stab of regret for my brusque remarks.

  When she didn’t answer, I continued on a little softer. “I need some time away from you, so I can think. When you’re around, I feel confused.”

  She removed her hand and stepped away from the door. “Then, please, take your time, but try to stay on the palace grounds. Though there is protective magic set up throughout the land, here is the only place in Faery that is truly safe from the Blood Wraiths.”

  “Blood Wraiths?” I questioned, cocking an eyebrow.

  “There is much I still need to tell you about Faery, Bran—when you are ready to hear more.”

  I gritted my teeth against the use of my name, my body enjoying the traitorous reaction. I chose not to reply, instead leaving through the door and moving out onto the steps.

  The castle was set upon a high hill at the mouth of a canyon that flowed with numerous waterfalls spilling over the edges from the lush forest that lined the rims. I could see for miles and miles.

  “Where does the castle-land end?” I asked.

  “The boundaries are clearly marked—you will know them when you see them.” She pointed. “If you wish, follow that path there. It will take you down into the canyon, to the area I first took you last night. I find it a comfortable place to sit and ponder.”

  I knew she was trying to be helpful and make up for her mistakes. I could still see the guilt eating away at her—in her eyes and the way she held herself. She knew what she’d done was wrong, but she chose to do it anyway.

  “That path there?” I nodded in the direction she’d just shown me.

  “Yes.” She smiled softly.

  “Perfect.”

  I continued down the steps, and when I reached where the pathway forked, I looked over my shoulder to see if she was still watching.

  She was, of course, and I tossed her a cynical grin before purposefully heading in the opposite direction she’d suggested.

  There was no way I was going to let her control me any more.

  Chapter Four

  I don’t know how I managed it, but I still ended up in the place she suggested. Either I’d become totally unobservant and walked in a circle, or she’d anticipated me wanting to contradict her and had told me the other way just to get me to come in this direction.

  Whichever it was didn’t matter. Both situations made me even angrier.

  I stomped over to where the blossomed branches of the ancient tree were parted and made my way inside and found a soft lounging bench complete with pillows. Flopping down, I rested my elbows on my knees and shoved my hands into m
y hair, cursing slightly.

  What had I done? Better yet, what could I do to fix it? I wanted to call myself every stupid name I could think of. People always warned of messing with the Fae, but I didn’t want to listen. I was mesmerized by the tales of them—always wanting to know more. Even Fergus had warned me before I left on this adventure.

  Fergus. It was the first time I’d thought of him or the rest of my family. I wondered if they were frantic with worry. Would they be out searching for me?

  I snorted, doubting it. They were all probably passed out from the honey mead somewhere. Knowing my luck, they wouldn’t realize I was gone for another whole day.

  Ceridwen—her name came easily to my mind and with it a wave of memories and feelings that twisted at my heart. I almost felt panicky, like a prisoner in a cage. The thought of never seeing her again was excruciating and made me long for escape. I wanted to run my fingers through her hair, and kiss her breathless as she clung to me. I couldn’t count the nights I’d lain awake, dreaming of the time I could finally make her mine and start our lives together. She was all I ever wanted.

  I wondered if there was a way for me to leave this place. Eirian said it was impossible while I was bonded. I believed her, knowing she couldn’t lie about things like that. Was there a way to break a bond? I’d assumed, because of the magic, it was infinite. Was it? Or was Eirian withholding something from me?

  I growled in frustration. Even if I could flee, what could I say to Ceridwen that could fix this? There was nothing. She’d hear my story and be repulsed—forever doubting my honor. I could only imagine how I’d feel if she came and told me something like this had happened to her. I would be devastated—unable to recover.

  On second thought, maybe it was best if they all thought me missing. Wouldn’t it be better for Ceridwen to think I’d been carried off by some wild animal, or killed in an accident, than to find out her love had willingly bonded and lain with another?

  I groaned. Thinking of Eirian brought a whole new set of problems. I might not know her very well, but there was an abundance of physical attraction there. I was fairly certain—given my current state of anger at the situation—that I’d been released from all enchantment, too. That wasn’t a good thing considering I could feel my body reacting to even the thought her.