Blind Lust

by Annie Seaton

  “Unwanted crush and lust from thee,

  Who drinks this potion will no longer see,

  The attraction to his loins’ desire.”

  His eyes flew open, unable to believe what he was hearing. He watched. Lizzy’s eyes were closed. She took a petal from the dead magnolia and placed it in the bowl. She reached for the candle and held it over the bowl while she chanted softly.

  “Lust will flee.”

  Lizzy opened her eyes and tipped the candle into the water, and the flame died with a loud hiss. Picking up the bowl, she offered it to Josh.

  “Drink.”

  “Why?”

  She placed the bowl back on the counter and put her hands on her hips. She held his gaze for a moment. “No matter, just something I wanted to try.” She smiled brightly at him and held her hand out as though he hadn’t witnessed any of her mumbo jumbo.

  “Come to the table—dinner is ready.”

  Once he had put the little scene in the kitchen out of his mind, he enjoyed the meal and her company. After all, she did believe in ghosts, so what was a little hocus-pocus between friends, or even lovers. His thoughts took a more carnal direction. He was sleeping in the guest room, so he would dig deep into his repertoire of smooth moves and entice her in there with him.

  Sipping the delicately flavored wine, he looked at her beautiful face, satisfied when he saw her staring at his mouth.

  Putting the glass down, he stood and reached for her hands across the table. She held his gaze and stood. Her silver hair framed her gray eyes, and if he was any judge, those gray eyes reflected his need.

  She walked around to him, as though dazed, and leaned into him, stretching up on her tiptoes. She reached up and gently pressed her lips against his. Sliding his hand down her back to draw her close against him, his erection pushed into her soft belly. His mouth roamed over her soft neck, the citrus scent of her hair blending delicately with the apple on his tongue. His teeth grazed her neck, and he moved lower, his lips lingering on her nipples through her robe. A shudder went through her body as he reached down and grasped the hem of her gown before sliding it over her head.

  He gently pushed her away, his gaze feasting on her body. Slender white limbs, covered only with a small scrap of mauve underwear. He slid a gentle finger down her stomach and slipped it inside the front of her panties, softly stroking. Bending, his mouth followed the trail of his finger, and her hands gripped his hair as she gasped.

  A low rumble of thunder rolled across the night sky, and Lizzy stiffened. His tongue continued its path to heaven. A second louder rumble and the windows shook. The candles flickered when a gust of wind blew through the open casement. Lizzy stepped back, and his gaze was drawn to her trembling mouth.

  Lizzy reached for her robe, and the silken fabric fell gently over her near nakedness. She closed her eyes, embarrassed by the liberties she had allowed Josh to take.

  She turned and edged slowly across the room, opening her eyes when she reached the window. Reaching out, she pulled it shut against the storm before she turned and faced Josh across the room.

  Josh breathed out harshly and looked at her in the candlelight.

  Longing, lust…not love. It was a shame he had opened his eyes as she cast her spell. All it had done was doubled both his lust and hers when the spell had failed.

  “We need to sit and talk, Josh.” She led him into the living room.

  He sat on the loveseat and patted the empty space next to him. Testing herself and her willpower, she sat close to him.

  “There are things you need to know. Things you will find hard to believe.”

  He tipped his head to one side and gripped her hand tightly in his. “I want you so much I will believe anything you want me to. I will die if I can’t have you.”

  She looked down sadly. “No. Josh, I will die if you have me.”

  She watched as his head flew up. “That’s a strange thing to say. It’s the second time you have said that.” She leaned over and kissed him gently on the cheek, preparing to let him go.

  “Josh, I know you are a good man. Your Aunt Helen loved you very much, and she wanted the best for you.” She shook her head gently. “We have two forces conspiring to push us together. And what I am about to tell you will decide the future. It depends on if you accept or reject what I have to say.”

  “I don’t understand. All I want to do is hold you, love you and make you mine.” He frowned at her. “You want that too, I can tell.”

  “No, you don’t really feel that. It is a force beyond you making you feel like that,” she said gently. “It is not true love. Do you believe in ghosts, Josh?”

  “No.” He sighed and ran his hands through his hair. He looked up at her, confusion on his face. “I don’t know…maybe.”

  “Aunt Helen is trying in her own way to get you to settle in the valley. She wants you to be with me and settle where she thinks you will be happy.”

  “No freakin’ way!” he exclaimed. “Three months here is bad enough.”

  She smiled sadly. “This is going to be the hardest thing for you to understand and accept.” She pulled her hair back and leaned forward.

  “Look at my neck.”

  He did as she asked, leaning in and gently running his fingers over the pink heart on her white skin.

  “A birthmark?”

  “No…” She spoke slowly, wary of his reaction. “The mark of Cupid’s arrow.” She closed her eyes and waited for the laughter. All was quiet.

  She opened her eyes as he reached up to his neck, feeling for the mark on his throat. He stood, crossed to the mirror above the fireplace, and leaned forward, squinting in the dim light to examine the mark on his neck.

  Lizzy held her breath when he sat back down. He leaned forward, his head in his hands.

  “Tell me about Cupid’s arrow.” His voice was expressionless. Lizzy took a deep breath.

  “Cupid is the son of Venus, the goddess of love. According to legend, he is often depicted as a mischievous, winged child whose arrows pierce his victims, causing them to fall in love. His name means desire.”

  “It must be handy, working in the library, knowing all these legends.” Josh sounded cynical. Lizzy ignored him while pain ripped through her heart.

  “According to legend, Cupid’s arrows come in two varieties, the golden arrow, which generally signifies true love, and the leaden arrow, which represents wanton and sensual passion.” Lizzy put her hand on his shoulder. His head turned, and he stared away from her into the fire.

  “Josh, for some reason that I don’t understand, we have both been touched by a leaden arrow. I know when…”

  She stopped short when Josh burst out laughing, although there was anger not mirth behind it.

  “Oh, for Christ’s sake, Lizzy, next you’ll be telling me you are a witch, and that’s what all the hocus-pocus in the kitchen was about.”

  She bowed her head, her hair concealing her face. A gentle rumble of thunder and the hiss of candle wax dripping into the bowl filled the silence.

  “If I sleep with you, Josh, I will die…eventually.”

  Shaking his head in disbelief, he replied. “Yeah, and so will I, one day.”

  Lizzy took his face in her hands, turning him to face her. She had to convince him. “Josh, look at me. Pay close attention. Don’t be frightened.”

  She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, taking his hand. A whoosh of air came funneling through the room, the candles spluttering until they died. Lizzy held tightly to Josh as her other hand pointed at the fire, and the flames leapt in the hearth. An arc of silver light came from her finger and touched the fire.

  She pointed at each candle in turn, the flame took hold and the candlelight danced, and the candles came alight once more.

  Josh let go of her hand and jumped to his feet, his eyes wide. Lizzy looked up at him.

  “Don’t be frightened. It is a natural part of our world.”

  Josh was shaking his head.

 
“Now, will you let me try to stop this blind lust that has its greedy fingers gripping us both?”

  Josh allowed Lizzy to take his hand, and she led him back to the kitchen.

  “Josh, I have tried everything tonight. Patchouli, pears, peppermint and radishes. Each of those alone will dispel lust.” She pointed to the stool and he sat, still not saying a word.

  “The problem is, we are not dealing with magic that I am used to. I did some research in the library yesterday.” She smiled. “Yes, I do know how to use the internet.”

  He gave her a rueful grin.

  “Legend says that the lust from a leaden arrow will disappear over time. If you help me with a spell, we can beat it down and ease it more quickly.”

  “Who says I want it to ease?” he asked. “I have feelings for you, Lizzy.”

  “Even knowing what I am?” He held her gaze for a moment, and then he looked away.

  She held her hand out. “Help me, and then we will see what will be. Trust me, Josh, and trust your feelings.”

  The candle hissed, and Lizzy tipped three drops of liquid from a small glass bottle into the bowl. A fragrance of patchouli and mint wafted by him as Lizzy repeated the spell.

  “Unwanted crush and lust from thee,

  Who drinks this potion will no longer see,

  The attraction to his loins’ desire.”

  Again, she took a petal from the dead magnolia and placed it in the bowl. She held the candle over the bowl and murmured, “Lust will flee.”

  Picking up the bowl, Lizzy took a sip before offering it to Josh.

  “Drink.”

  Keeping his gaze locked with hers, he reached for the bowl.

  Chapter 10

  THE CITRUS FRAGRANCE OF Lizzy’s shampoo surrounded Josh as he stood under the steaming jets of the shower in the little bathroom off her kitchen. He had slept deeply and dreamlessly and felt refreshed and energized. The pipes creaked as he turned the faucets off and stepped out of the shower.

  Humming a new melody, he closed his eyes and smiled when he thought of the night before. Reaching for a white towel hanging off the door in the pretty bathroom, he draped it around his narrow hips. Stepping to the mirror, he craned forward and examined the small pink heart on the side of his neck.

  It was almost gone.

  The smell of brewing coffee hastened his dressing. He stepped into the kitchen. Lizzy lifted the coffee pot from the stove.

  “Good morning.” Her beautiful face lit up in a happy smile.

  “You really are one pretty lady.” He walked over and dropped a kiss on the top of her head, grinning as she blushed. The sultry witch of the night had gone and Lizzy, the clumsy, shy librarian was back in her place.

  He wandered over to the window and stared out into the garden before turning back to her. “I’m going back to Nashville today, Lizzy.”

  The distress in her eyes hit him like a sledgehammer. Huge eyes filled with tears, and her soft lips were quivering.

  “I have to,” he said simply.

  “I’m sorry I can’t love you,” she said. “Even though you write me songs, and hold me in your arms as though I am the most beautiful woman in the world.” He reached for her and pulled her close.

  “It’s okay, Lizzy. Don’t cry.” He smiled at her. “It is my choice, nothing to do with you. This valley is not for me, and neither is Aunt Helen’s farm.” He was pleased to see her smile.

  “I’m going to give up my inheritance. If I don’t take it, the money goes toward the development of a home for elderly folk in the valley.” He felt the joy of the last week surround him.

  “Maybe Aunt Helen’s plan didn’t work exactly as she wanted, but I have written a new album and I have made a true friend.” He lifted her hand and kissed her palm. Laughing, he continued. “I have also had my eyes opened to a whole new world, and I know I have much to learn.”

  She nodded slowly, and a bright smile spread across her face. “Yes, that is true. Remember me in your songs, Josh. I’ll be listening.”

  After they finished their coffee, they stepped outside into the bright morning sunshine, and Josh pulled Lizzy into his arms for a final hug. He reached up and tickled her neck where the arrow had marked her. She looked up at him, laughing. The roar of a motorcycle drowned out his words. He turned, arms linked around her waist. The warlock stepped off the big machine, his jet-black hair falling around his face when he removed his helmet.

  “Will he turn me into a frog if I make him jealous?” laughed Josh. He dipped his head and bravely gave her a final kiss.

  Then, Josh climbed into his Porsche, gunned the motor, and gave them both a cheery wave as he drove past them. His Porsche was better than the warlock’s bike any day.

  Lizzy stood, arms folded as Wesley strolled over to her.

  “Did you have a lovely night, Lizzy?” He stood in front of her and glared.

  “Wonderful, thank you, Wesley.”

  “When are you leaving?” He crossed his arms across his chest and looked across the garden.

  “You’re the one with the predestination skills”—relief quickly turned to anger—“you tell me.” She turned on her heel and strode inside to the kitchen. She picked up the crystal goblets and carried them across to the sink. She fought for control as she ran the glasses under the cold water. It was so good to see him, but by the goddess, she was angry with him.

  A warm hand descended on her shoulder and spun her around, the glasses dropping into the sink with a loud clatter.

  Pushing his hand off, she spoke in a quiet cold voice. “Don’t touch me.”

  “So, when do you go?”

  “What on earth are you talking about, Wesley? You’re the one who looked into the future; you know everything.” Her fingers warmed. She pointed at him, and a spark zapped off his shoulder.

  “Don’t use your magic on me, Lizzy.” His voice rose. “One rule for me and one rule for you, you always get to call the shots.” He advanced toward her, his arms crossed and a frown wrinkling his beautiful face.

  She pointed, both arms stretched toward him, and anger took hold of her body. She smiled nastily when Wesley’s feet propelled him backwards, and he landed with a thud on the wooden chair at the old scrubbed table. Pushing his hands against the tabletop, he attempted to stand, but she held him in place with the little spell.

  “You have some explaining to do,” she yelled. “Where the hell have you been?” He looked at her, an evil grin on his face.

  “Ooh, my quiet little librarian has claws. Oh, goody.” Wesley rubbed his hands together. “Lizzy, you forgot there was one little spell you taught me years ago, and I practiced and practiced.”

  He flicked a casual finger. Lizzy’s feet left the ground, and she landed gently against the cold sink, her back pressing hard on the sharp edge. Both of her feet dangled uselessly a foot above the floor. Wesley’s finger held her there from the other side of the room.

  They glared at each other, not speaking. Lizzy fought the bubble of mirth rising from her throat. Her lips twitched, and she covered her mouth with one hand, still keeping the other pointed at Wesley. She was determined to remain cross.

  Looking across the room at that beautiful, familiar face, she saw her mirth reflected in his eyes. He lowered his finger, and she slid noiselessly to the floor.

  “I let you go; now you let me up. Deal?” he asked, his blue eyes twinkling at her.

  “I’m still thinking about it,” she replied. She moved slowly around the counter, keeping an eye on him. The old tap creaked as she filled the kettle and placed it on the stove. “I will let you go if you promise to stay there, while I make fresh coffee.”

  He nodded.

  As the coffee brewed, she removed two of Mrs. MacPherson’s muffins from a container on the table and pushed one across to Wesley. Keeping a wary eye on him, she poured the coffee and sat down across from him.

  He took a bite and closed his eyes as he chewed. “Mmm, good to be home.”

  “Where hav
e you been?”

  Lazy lids opened slowly, and his gaze locked with hers. “No, Lizzy, you’re the one who started this. You do the explaining, not me.” He picked the last crumbs off the plate and licked his fingers, not taking his eyes from her.

  Lizzy watched his fingers go to his mouth and a whisper of pure lust shivered through her body. Taken aback, she stared at him. Her hand crept up and surreptitiously felt around her neck.

  Her eyes narrowed, and she reached absently for her coffee, concentrating on the warmth pervading her body…and her soul. “I’m not going anywhere, as you well know, Wesley.”

  “You told your grandmother you were going to Nashville.” His bottom lip dropped in a pout. He returned her stare.

  She sighed. “I knew you would go there. I’m disappointed she didn’t tell me. Why is everyone on your side?”

  Wesley spoke casually. “Because, everyone else knows we are destined to be together.”

  It gave her a great deal of pleasure to see the muscle twitch in his jaw; he wasn’t as nonchalant as he was pretending to be.

  “And now that you have looked, you know what our future holds.” Lizzy looked away from him, staring out the window.

  Wesley shook his head slowly. “No, I only looked forward one day, the day you sought my bed for the wrong reason.” He reached across and held her chin gently, his strong fingers turning her to face him.

  “I don’t know what will happen. The choice is still yours.”

  Lizzy held Wesley’s intense gaze. “Josh has gone. I reversed the energies. He knows what we are.”

  “The choice is yours.” Wesley smiled and his voice was firm. “Lizzy, if you ever come to me, it will be for love. I won’t accept anything else.”

  Chapter 11

  A WEEK PASSED BY, and Lizzy’s life slowly returned to normal. She shelved books at the library and recommended westerns and romances to her elderly patrons. She cleaned out the attic in the cottage and planted her winter herbs in the long, sleepy afternoons of the midsummer.