by Shara Lanel
His fingers stilled against the side of her neck. His gaze bored into hers, demanding an answer. “Who said that?”
“My boyfriend.”
Slowly his hand continued its downward trek until it cupped her breast through the satin of the robe. A soft gasp left her lips, and she arched her back slightly
“Do you feel cold now, Jordan?”
She shook her head, closing her eyes against the titillating sensations screaming through her. “I never feel cold with you. I feel hot. And sexy.”
“You are sexy.” He untied the robed and spread it apart, exposing her breasts to his hungry gaze. The cold air hit her flesh, causing her nipples to pucker, silently begging for the warm flick of his tongue. “So very sexy,” he whispered, as his mouth brushed across her aching mounds.
Finally releasing her grip on the door, she buried her hands in his hair. Her fingers slid through the soft strands, tugging him closer. Why couldn’t this man be real? If she held on tight enough could she bring him back to reality with her?
His lips trailed upward, lightly biting the side of her neck, and liquid heat pooled between her thighs. It was amazing how quickly he made her want him. And, God, did she want him.
She moaned into his kiss as his mouth took control of hers. His tongue twirled and circled around hers, while his hand moved lower to slide over the smooth skin between her legs. She spread her thighs wider, silently encouraging him to continue. With a patience that was beyond her, he drew his finger along her slit.
She gasped. “Oh, yes.”
“You’re so wet, Jordan.” He brought his wet finger to her lips and traced them, spreading her juices around the outside of her mouth. “Would a woman that doesn’t feel passion become that aroused?” He licked her lips with the tip of his tongue. “Or taste this good.”
He continued to sip her juices from her lips, switching from soft licks to gentle bites. His thick finger moved back to her dripping pussy and slid deep. She groaned, moving her hands down his stomach to the thick bulge pushing against his breeches. He was huge, but she also knew he’d feel incredible and she wanted him thrusting inside her.
She pressed her hand against his cock and rubbed up and down slowly. “I need you, Drake. Now.”
“Turn around,” he commanded against her lips.
She put her back to him, facing the glass French doors. She watched over her shoulder as he removed her robe and feathered his hand along her hips.
“Put your hands against the door and bend over slightly.” His voice was soft, but commanding. She did as he told her, watching over her shoulder as he removed his clothes.
Bracing her hips with his hands, he entered her from behind. The filling, stretching sensation was incredible, and she closed her eyes, sighing as he filled her to the womb.
Slowly, he began to move, pulling almost all the way out before thrusting back in, each motion going deeper, taking her closer to that pinnacle she knew only he could take her to. His palms circled around her to squeeze her breasts, before moving lower to her clit. One hand fondled her lower nub while the other pinched her nipples. She screamed as her climax rocked through her, making a blinding light explode behind her eyes.
He continued moving in and out of her and teasing her clit. Each thrust of his cock in her tight pussy made her want another. And another. She didn’t want him to stop. Glancing at the glass of the door, she noticed there was no reflection. It was as though she stood alone, but she could feel him. Feel every thrust of his hard shaft, every circle of his insistent fingers.
Without warning, he pulled out and turned her to face him. The loss of him inside her made her whimper, and she grabbed at him, wanting more.
“Don’t worry, You’ll get what you want,” he whispered against her lips, as he tugged her with him to the chair before the fire. With a flick of his hand, the fireplace came to life, bathing the room in the soft glow of the flames.
Sitting in the chair, he pulled her to his lap. “Fuck me, Jordan,” he commanded. “Take my cock inside your tight pussy.”
She quickly straddled his lap and sank down onto his magnificent shaft. Throwing her head back, she groaned as he leaned forward and captured an aching breast in his mouth.
Drake was having a hard time keeping control. He could feel her muscles clenching around him, dragging him deeper inside her. She was incredible, but he wanted her to come again before he did. He wanted her to scream his name as her climax raced through her a second time.
“That’s it, baby. You feel so good,” he sighed against the flesh of her neck. He could smell her jasmine scent mixed with the smell of their sex, and he breathed deep, trying to control his own raging lust.
“Drake,” she whimpered, and he knew she was close. Very close. Grabbing her hips, he held himself deep and slowly rocked her forward and back. Her mouth dropped open, and her head fell back. The ends of her hair brushed across his thighs as she continued to rock against him. He was sure that the scream that left her mouth rattled the walls. Moving her faster, he let loose his own release, exploding deep within her.
Without a word, she sagged forward onto his chest. Her breathing as ragged as his own. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed, laying her within the soft sheets.
“Don’t leave me again. Stay. Please.”
His eyes met hers, and he knew he could deny her nothing. He’d never met a woman, within the curse or out, that made him feel the things he felt with Jordan. The desire to please and protect her overwhelmed him.
Climbing under the covers, he pulled her into his embrace and held her tight until her even breathing let him know she’d fallen asleep. Even then, he didn’t leave. He would stay with her as long as he could. He liked the feel of her in his arms. Was this love? Would he be lucky enough this time to actually fall for a woman? Or would he lose her as well?
Chapter Six
“Nina.” Jordan waved, catching her friend’s attention.
Nina smiled and waved back, increasing the speed of her steps across the terminal. Her red curls bounced with every stride. She was dressed conservatively in a deep blue travel suit, but Jordan was sure her suitcase was full of colorful, flashy outfits that more suited her outrageous personality.
“You look wonderful,” Nina said as she embraced her in a hug. “What’s his name?”
“What?” Jordan asked with a chuckle.
“You have a glow about you. You’re either pregnant or you’re getting some.”
Jordan laughed at her outspoken friend. “Neither.”
“Well, then…” Nina hooked her arm around Jordan’s elbow and they headed toward the parking lot. “…It must be the English country air. I told you coming here would be great.”
“I’ll have to admit, it has been nice,” Jordan said, stepping through the automatic doors and crossing the street toward the parking lot. She’d lucked out and gotten a spot extremely close to the terminal.
“Still think the house is full of spirits?”
“It’s full of something,” Jordan mumbled.
“I heard that. What’s going on?” Nina stopped dead in her tracks and stared openmouthed at the car. “Oh, my God. This is the car?”
Jordan smiled. “Yep. Isn’t it gorgeous?”
“Gorgeous isn’t the word.”
Jordan watched Nina walk around the small two-seat roadster. Its long front end shone in deep red and silver chrome. The white leather material of the seats matched the white leather tire cover on the back. Unlocking the trunk, she threw Nina’s bag inside. “Only one bag?”
“I thought I would check out Harrods while I was here.”
“It’s on our way home,” Jordan said with a grin.
“What the hell are you standing around for? Let’s get a move on. I have my share of your future signing bonus to spend.”
Jordan laughed and jumped behind the wheel.
* * * *
Later that afternoon, with a car stuffed full of packages, the two of them head
ed back toward Dursley and Blackthorn Manor.
“So what has you all upset about this house?” Nina asked, as they sped down the narrow country road. The rolling hills dotted with green trees and wildflowers on either side of them made a perfect picture of serenity. “This is such a beautiful place. You’re crazy if you want to leave it.”
“It is wonderful. So peaceful. Like a Norman Rockwell or Thomas Kincaid painting.”
“I sense a ‘but’ in there.”
“It’s the house.” Jordan took her eyes off the road and glanced at her friend.
“What about it?”
“I get the impression I’m being watched. I hear things, sense things.” Jordan shuddered against the cold thrill that had nothing to do with the chill in the air that snaked down her spine.
Nina shrugged. “It’s an old house, Jordan. I would think it was odd if you didn’t sense these things.”
“That’s what the maid, Kimberly, keeps telling me.”
“You don’t believe her?”
“There’s more.” Taking a deep breath, she continued. “I keep having these dreams. Or at least I think they’re dreams. It’s of a man named Drake.”
“Ooh, like the name. What does he look like?”
“He’s gorgeous. Dark, sensuous, sexy. The original owner of the house was Drake Montgomery. I wonder if my subconscious has just conjured him up for some reason. I’ve tried to find a portrait of him, but there doesn’t seem to be one in the house anywhere.”
“Seems kind of strange doesn’t it?”
“Maybe.”
“What happens in these dreams?”
“We have sex.”
Jordan kept her eyes on the road, waiting for Nina’s response. When she didn’t say anything right away, she turned to look and found Nina staring at her with interest.
“Sex, huh?” Nina grinned.
“Yeah. Wild, uninhibited, incredible sex.” It’s a shame I can’t have sex like that in real life.
“What’s so bad about incredible sex?”
“Nothing, I suppose.”
“There’s that ‘but’ again,” Nina teased.
“The first time it happened, I’d gone to bed to take a nap, but left my underwear on. When I woke, my underwear was on the floor. The next time, I fell asleep in the tub and woke up in my bed.”
“Maybe you were sleepwalking.”
“In my dream, he removed my towel and dropped it by the window. The next morning it was still there. The sheets were an absolute mess, like we’d tumbled all over the bed. Which in my dream, we had.”
“Interesting. But you probably dropped the towel while you were sleepwalking and just tossed and turned on the bed.”
“But these dreams seem so real.”
“Those are always the best kind. Especially the ones with sex in them. It’s probably just being in the house. You’re not going crazy, I promise,” Nina added with a cheeky grin. “Although, the idea would make for an interesting story.”
“I’m way ahead of you. I have several pages of notes already.”
Jordan pulled the car to the side of the road and pointed toward the house in the distance. From here, she could see the north tower standing tall against the mountains in the distance. The setting sun cast shadows against the hills, making them appear black.
Nina sucked in a breath. “Is that it?”
“Yes.”
“It actually has a tower? Have you been in it yet?”
“No. It’s locked and Rene hasn’t been able to find the key.”
Nina wiggled her eyebrows. “There are ways to pick locks.”
“First thing in the morning we’ll see if you’re right.”
* * * *
“Good evening, Miss Jordan.” Rene bowed his most proper bow and moved to take Nina’s suitcase from her hand. “And you as well, Miss Bradshaw.”
“Nina will be fine, thank you.”
He inclined his head, a slight frown crossing his brow. “Miss Nina it is.”
Jordan grinned. “You’ll find Rene seldom strays from the proper, Nina.”
Rene huffed. “I’ll set Miss Nina’s things in the room just down from yours.”
“The blue one?” Jordan asked.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“You’ll love that room, Nina. It has a view of the garden and pond out back.”
“It sounds wonderful.” Nina gazed around her, an amazed expression widening her eyes. “This place is stunning. How much of this foyer is the original?”
“Most all of it, I’m proud to say,” replied Kimberly from her position in the doors leading to the dining room. “You must be Miss Nina. We’re so glad to have you here.”
“Thank you,” Nina smiled.
“I have some chocolate cake left over, if you ladies would like some.”
“I would,” Jordan said.
“Me, too,” Nina added.
“Where would you like it served, Miss Jordan?”
“How about the den? I’ll start a small fire, and we can play a game of pool.”
“I like that idea,” Nina replied enthusiastically.
Jordan knew Nina loved pool. Chocolate cake, pool, and a well-stocked bar should make the evening interesting.
* * * *
Drake stood back and laughed at the two women, both drunker than seamen on their first leave in months. Jordan was giggling so hard, she had to hold onto the edge of the billiard table to keep from falling over. Neither one could play worth a darn, but Nina showed promise.
Silently, he watched Jordan’s hair fall about her shoulders. He loved the way the waves softly framed her face, the way she smiled. More than once, she glanced in his direction as though she felt his presence. Even Meredith had not been able to sense him when he was invisible. Did this mean something or was it just wishful thinking that they had some sort of connection?
He’d spent the last several days studying her, reading over her shoulder as she typed. She was a compassionate woman, strong and independent, but vulnerable at the same time. Obviously someone had hurt her, and convinced her that she couldn’t feel passion. Drake knew just how far from the truth that was.
“Is that the sound of a frozen heart I hear melting?”
The sultry sound of Celeste’s voice made Drake stiffen. He straightened from his position against the wall. He turned toward the woman who’d imprisoned him in this hell and snarled, “What the hell are you doing here?”
“Just checking up on you. From the look of things, I arrived just in time.” Her gaze strayed to Jordan, and his stomach clenched.
“Stay away from her, Celeste.”
“Protective are we?”
Celeste was at one time a beautiful woman, and still was physically, but his anger didn’t let him see anything but an ugly witch. Her raven black hair piled on her head, with tiny ringlet curls hanging about her face, gave her the look of a Spaniard, while her deep blue eyes and fair complexion showed her northern European background. The flowing white dress hid the luscious curves he knew lay beneath, but he had no desire to touch them. Now or ever.
She took a step closer and smiled. “How do you know what you feel for her is real? Maybe you just want out of here so badly, you’d think you’re in love with anyone.”
Drake shook his head. It wasn’t that. He knew it deep in his soul. There was something about Jordan that called to him, and he’d do whatever it took to protect her.
“All you have to do,” Celeste began as she ran her finger down his arm, “Is take my hand and agree to be mine for always. A small price to pay to finally be free.”
“No.” He jerked his arm from her touch, and glared at her in revulsion. “I would rather live here forever than spend even a fortnight in your company.”
She snarled, the blue of her eyes deepening in anger. “Even without her?”
His hand clenched, fighting against the desire to strangle the woman. “I mean it, Celeste. Stay away from her.”
“Or what?” she
snapped. “You have no power over me, Drake. Remember that.”
She was gone as suddenly as she’d appeared, and a coldness crept over him. Turning back toward Jordan, he watched as she placed her finger in her mouth, licking off a drop of chocolate icing. Celeste’s laughter floated around the room, mocking him. Closing his eyes, he tried to block out the sound, the fear for Jordan’s safety that gripped his chest like a vise, but it was no use. He had to think of a way to protect her, even if it meant making her leave.
“What the hell was that?” Nina cried, and Drake’s eyes popped wide open.
Bloody hell! They’d heard her.
Chapter Seven
“Kimberly, maybe,” Jordan said as she glanced around the den. A deer’s head hung over the mantel, staring down at her as if guarding the room. She felt as though the animal was watching, gauging her reactions, and a shiver ran down her spine. “Sound carries in this house. It could have come from anywhere.”
“Does Kimberly laugh like that? It sounded almost evil.”
Jordan shook her head. “No, it didn’t. We’ve just had too much to drink, that’s all.”
The eerie quiet that followed put her on edge, and she jumped and squealed when the billiard stick fell and hit the floor with a clang.
Nina laughed. “I think you’re right. We’re so drunk, we’re scaring the hell out of ourselves.”
Jordan grinned, but didn’t see any humor in the subject. “Maybe we should turn in. Do you remember where your room is?”
“No,” Nina giggled, as she wobbled toward the door. “But I’m sure I’ll find it.”
Jordan chuckled when Nina hit the wall with her shoulder and stumbled. Her sailor-like curses could be heard throughout the house as she navigated the stairs on shaky legs. “I’ll see you in the morning,” Jordan called out.
Nina waived a hand without turning around. “Not before noon, you won’t.”
Jordan was sure that she would be up before noon. Even when she drank, she couldn’t sleep in. Looking around the den, she sighed. What a mess. She hated to leave it for Kimberly to clean up, and began to throw a few things in the trash.
She bent down to pick up a napkin and almost fell from the wave of dizziness that consumed her. “Damn,” she mumbled, and fell back against the billiard table. Scooting her butt on the table, she lay back and stared up at the spinning ceiling. “Oh, God. I just made it worse.” Putting her hand to her forehead, she tried to stop the room from moving.