Legend Anthology

by Brynn Paulin, Lacey Thorn, Bronwyn Green, Carol Lynne

  Stretched and filled she began to writhe against them, but Aodhan gripped her hips, stilling her motion.

  “Let us,” he murmured.

  Kieran pulled back while the other man pushed forward. They took turns filling her body, one driving in while the other withdrew. The friction was delicious and barely tolerable. She wanted to get away and at the same time she wanted more. Their cocks slid together inside her at counterpoint to one another as they slammed home over and over. What had started out as a careful alternating rhythm had become frantic and hungry. Her clit ground against Kieran’s pelvis as the men fucked her with a greedy kind of urgency, their balls slapping wetly against her.

  The knot of desire in her womb sent tentative spirals outward, and she knew her climax was nearing, but she didn’t want to go off until they did. She wanted to be aware of every hot splash of semen filling her as each man lost control. Their rasping breaths and grunted curses drove her need higher as she squeezed their cocks, begging for more.

  Kieran slid his hands along her body and grabbed her ass cheeks, pulling them apart and purposely exposing her to Aodhan’s gaze. She’d never felt so naked in her life. And she loved it.

  “I wish you could see what I see,” the king grated. “Both of us coated with your juices, thrusting into your willing flesh.”

  Kieran began to shake as he fucked her faster, pounding into her.

  Her internal muscles clutched at him, fluttering around his shaft while her ass did the same to the other man.

  Aodhan broke first, spilling inside her in hot gushes of fluid that pushed her over the edge. Her womb spasmed and lights exploded behind her closed eyes as she registered Kieran spurting thickly inside her. Electricity travelled throughout her body as the force of her release shook her.

  Aftershocks trembled through her and her blood thundered in her ears as they tried to catch their breath. At length, she became aware of both men stroking her skin and murmuring softly to her, but she couldn’t make out the words or even what language they spoke. She was so tired.

  * * * *

  Beckett woke the next morning, curled in Kieran’s arms. Closing her eyes, she tried to remember what happened the night before. She remembered the sex. Oh, did she ever remember the sex. The entire encounter was burned into her memory for the rest of her life.

  Closing her eyes, she tried to remember the rest. She had a dim recollection of them pulling from her body and being carried to a warm pool of water. Vaguely, she recalled floating in the heated water while Kieran and Aodhan tenderly cleaned her body and massaged her tired muscles. She didn’t remember the trip back to the hawthorn bed, but obviously they’d made it back here.

  Opening her eyes, she met Kieran’s bright green gaze looking down at her.

  “Hey,” she whispered. Her throat was a little raw. A result of all the screaming the night before, she supposed.

  “Good morning.” Lowering his head, he took her mouth in a slow, deep kiss.

  Blinking, she looked around. Their clothes were neatly folded on the corner of the bed, but Aodhan was nowhere in sight. Neither was anyone else. The wooded grove was empty save for the birds and a few curious squirrels. If not for the fact that she and Kieran were naked in the forest and the various aches throughout her body, she might think last night never happened. Struggling to a sitting position, she winced.

  Kieran sat up and put his arm around her. “Are you okay?”

  “Just a little achy.”

  His eyes clouded with concern. “I’m sorry.”

  “I’m not.” She glanced away as her cheeks heated. In the light of day, it was hard to believe that she’d behaved so wantonly—especially in front of people.

  He raised her chin and dropped a kiss on her lips. “Good. Me neither.”

  Laughing, she gingerly scooted to the edge of the bed and tossed Kieran’s clothes to him and slipped her flimsy white dress over her head. The silk slid sensuously over her skin as she watched him pull his clothes on, covering up his tightly muscled body. She planned to get them off again, as soon as possible.

  When they were both dressed, he offered her his hand and helped her rise. Behind her, a burst of wind caught the skirt of her dress. As she turned to look, the trees that formed the bed straightened and the blankets spun into a swirling pile of green and gold leaves and vanished. In place of their bower stood Aodhan with an icily beautiful blonde woman wearing a crown of what looked like dewdrop shaped crystals. Behind her were several males in varying stages of undress. Despite the fact that they’d appeared to her and Kieran, she couldn’t help but feel like they’d interrupted something.

  Aodhan stepped forward and kissed her cheek. “Good morn to you, sweet Beckett. You and your man are welcome in my bed whenever you desire it.”

  Beckett wasn’t sure she’d survive another go-round, but it was nice to know they had the option if they wanted it.

  Moving to Kieran the king nodded. “Your geis is lifted, Kieran Brennan. You’re free to leave the isle and lay with any woman you choose.”

  The curse had kept him faithful? Realisation trickled through her awareness like ice water. He didn’t really want her. She’d been his only option. Beckett’s stomach plummeted to her feet and she thought she might be sick. Everything he’d told her had been a lie. He’d said he loved her—said she was the only one he’d ever wanted. Everything they’d shared had been a lie. She’d been an idiot to believe him.

  Cold fingers squeezed her heart and the pain she thought she’d never feel again washed over her. It was all clear now. Kieran hadn’t stayed faithful to her because he’d wanted to. He’d had to. It was part of the curse. It hadn’t been love when he’d seen her. It had been desperation. She was a fool. A stupid, hopelessly-in-love fool.

  Turning, she ran blindly from the woods.

  “Beckett!”

  Kieran’s footsteps pounded behind her, but she kept running—dodging fallen logs and whip-like branches. Her lungs burned from lack of air, but she barely felt the tears streaming down her face as she broke through the clearing.

  “Beckett, stop!”

  She couldn’t believe she actually thought he’d waited for her. Well, he had—but not by choice.

  She stopped, but only because she found herself in Kieran’s front yard with nowhere left to run.

  She whirled around to face him. “You got what you wanted. I whored myself out so you can fuck whoever you want. So get to it. Got anyone special in mind?”

  “It’s not like that.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “Time’s a wasting, lover. You’ve got pussy to plough from here to Dublin. Hell...London...New York. You can go where ever you want now, and fuck to your heart’s content.”

  Her stomach twisted in pain, but it was nothing compared to the agony in her chest—the hole where her heart used to be. She couldn’t believe she bought his bullshit about waiting for her. Being in love with her.

  He grabbed her by the shoulders and held her still.

  “I never stopped loving you. Never.” His chest heaved and his eyes were filled with anguish. “Even though you refused to see me. Refused to take my calls. Refused to even let me know how you were. I had to beg for information from Tara and your aunt to have any news of you at all.”

  Her soul ached at the pain in his gaze, but she couldn’t speak. She couldn’t do more than stare at him.

  “Yeah, there were nights that I wanted someone—anyone—just to ease the pain of being separated from you. Even if it only helped for a little while.”

  As he spoke, he backed her against the house.

  “But in the end, it wasn’t the curse that kept me faithful to you.” His gaze softened and he cupped her cheek. “It was you.”

  Her breath caught in her throat and fresh tears spilled from her eyes.

  “I knew we’d be together again. Didn’t think it would take five sodding years,” he muttered, a hint of a smile quirking his lips. “But I knew we’d be together.” He lean
ed his forehead against hers. “Why would I trash the best thing I’ve ever had? Why would I ruin a future with you?”

  Beckett swallowed hard and tried to make sense of her roiling emotions. Besides the crushing guilt at leaving him without a word, there was the debilitating fear that he’d leave her when she needed him most. But hadn’t he just proved that he wouldn’t? He’d been in hell for the last five years—because of her. And he still wanted her. Only her.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered, swiping at her eyes.

  His face fell as if he’d heard what he dreaded most and he released his hold on her.

  Before he could move away from her, she grabbed his hand. “Hang on. I’m not done.”

  He waited, a mask of stone hiding his emotions.

  “I’m sorry for leaving. I’m sorry for not trusting you. I’m sorry because I can’t think of a single thing I’ve done to deserve you.” She bit her lip and took his other hand. “Mostly I’m sorry I hurt you.”

  He didn’t speak, just brushed the pad of his thumb across her bottom lip.

  “Will you forgive me?” she asked.

  His eyes softened as he pulled her into his arms. “Are you ever going put me through that kind of hell again?”

  She shook her head as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

  His entire body relaxed against her at her response and held her tighter. “Tá mo chroí istigh ionat,” he murmured into her hair.

  She recognised the word for heart and you but not much else. Pulling back slightly, she looked at him questioningly.

  “It means my heart is within you.”

  Fragile happiness bloomed within her. She’d been such a moron, doubting him like she had. Her mistrust and fears almost cost her the one person who mattered most.

  “I need you to answer a question.”

  Worry trembled through her middle. “Okay.”

  “Marry me?” Before she could respond, he added, “I don’t care where we live. I just want to be with you.”

  She nodded, not quite able to believe it. “I’d like to stay here,” she choked out.

  His eyes brightened like the sun after the rain. Lowering his mouth, he brushed his lips across hers nipping and teasing—gently coaxing them apart. He slipped his tongue inside and tasted her, thoroughly exploring her mouth.

  Frissions of need streaked through her belly as she pressed herself against him, unable to believe she was ready for him after the night before. She stared into his eyes as he raised his head. “Let’s go inside,” she murmured. “We’ve got a lot of lost time to make up for.”

  He smiled. “First, we need to do something else. Put this on.” He handed her the spare bike helmet and dashed into the cottage, returning with a backpack. Handing it to her, he put on his own helmet, got on the bike and motioned for her to do the same.

  Beckett climbed on the motorcycle behind him and hung on as they travelled the winding roads down to the seaside. The salty bite of ocean air filled her nostrils as they drew closer to the shore.

  Kieran followed a winding road down to the beach and parked the bike. He got off and stretched, peering out to sea. With a sudden pinch of dread, she knew why they were here.

  “Hand me the rucksack, will you?”

  “You’re not really…”

  He nodded. “And you’re going to help me.”

  Shaking her head, she groaned and passed him the bag. “I’m pretty sure this is a crime against museum curators everywhere.”

  Removing the bottle, he hung the backpack on the handlebar and looked at her, his expression suddenly serious. “If this charm brings someone even a fraction of the happiness it’s brought me, then it’s worth the risk of losing it to time.”

  A lump closed her throat. She was happier and more contented than she ever remembered being. Even though every fibre of her being strained against it, the opportunity to share that with someone else was more important than locking it away in a museum forever. She swallowed past the lump. “Let’s do it.”

  A brilliant smile lit his face and her tummy flipped at the sight of it. “I love you céadsearc. You know that, don’t you?”

  She nodded, her heart too full to speak, but she forced herself. “I love you, too.” Taking his hand, she pulled him towards the stony shore. “Let’s get this over with.”

  “Before you change your mind?”

  “Exactly,” she laughed.

  Kieran removed the necklace and carefully placed it into the bottle and replaced the stopper. Wading into waist deep water, he drew back his arm and heaved the bottle as far out to sea as he could. The bottle tumbled end over end glinting in the late morning sun before landing with a splash and bobbing in the waves. Ambling back to her, and pulled her back to his front, locking his arms around her. Together, they watched the bottle grow smaller as it drifted farther out into the ocean.

  As it disappeared from sight, he nuzzled her neck and his cock grew hard against her ass. “I believe you mentioned something about lost time?”

  Her nipples pebbled at the rough brogue colouring his voice, and she turned in his arms. Backing her further into the water, he dragged her skirt upward, baring her legs. She shivered as the chilly ocean water crept up her thighs followed by his hand.

  Splaying his other hand through her hair, Kieran lowered his head, his bright eyes darkening as he moved closer. He captured her mouth and delved inside, stroking and drawing on her tongue. She melted against him, pulling him more tightly to her as she wrapped her legs around his waist.

  They’d come full circle. Their bodies rocked in time with the gentle waves that carried them towards their future as those same waves carried away the magic that had brought them together again.

  About the Author

  I live in Michigan with my wonderful husband, two amazing sons and five somewhat psychotic cats.

  When not tormenting my characters, I can usually be found helping with reading, writing and art projects in my sons’ classrooms as well as providing child care and tutoring for several daycare children.

  Besides writing, I also enjoy reading, knitting, sewing, cross stitching, pottery, drawing, jewellery making – basically anything that helps me avoid cooking and cleaning.

  Email: bronwyn@bronwyngreen.com

  Bronwyn loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.total-e-bound.com.

  Also by Bronwyn Green

  Camouflaged Hearts: From the Ruins

  Celtic Fire: Solstice Seduction

  HEALING DOCTOR RYAN

  Carol Lynne

  Dedication

  To Cory and Elven. Thanks for the inspiration.

  Chapter One

  Sitting practically naked on an exam table waiting for his doctor was not Ian Fitzgerald’s idea of a good time, especially when he got a stiffy whenever his very qualified oncologist stepped into the room.

  As he swung his legs back and forth, he tried to talk to his unruly cock. “Now, Dr. Ryan really doesn’t need you to sit up and take notice every time you hear that deep voice of his. He’s a very busy man. Yes, I know, I’ve seen him look at you too, but maybe it’s just to make sure you’re feeling okay.” Ian gave his pet a quick stroke to soothe him. “Now, Dick, if you’re a good boy, I’ll play with you later.”

  The door opened suddenly and Ian’s face heated. Fuck, he hoped Doc hadn’t heard any of that. What would he think if he walked in on a twenty-eight-year-old man talking to his cock? Ian watched the top of Doc’s head as he studied a set of charts, Doc’s black curls shining in the overhead fluorescent lights.

  “How am I doing?” Ian asked, tugging his gown down below his knees. He was going to kill his uncooperative body. Hopefully, Doc wouldn’t notice if he kept his gown tented from his chest to his knees.

  Dr. Ryan looked up and smiled. Oh crap, that smile got to Ian every time. He sucked the saliva back into his mouth and waited.

  “The results look very promising. Your blood te
sts look good. Of course you’re due for another CAT scan in a month, but so far the surgery and chemotherapy seem to have taken care of the cancer. It’ll be a year next month, that’s a big milestone, congratulations.”

  “Thanks.” The clinical reminder of why he was here deflated his erection in seconds. Oh well, at least he wouldn’t embarrass himself again.

  “Why don’t you lie down and we’ll get to the exam,” Dr. Ryan said, putting down his folder.

  As Ian took his arms out of the utilitarian gown and uncovered his chest, Dr. Ryan seemed to be studying him. “What’s your exercise regime been like lately? I’m noticing a good build up in your upper body.”

  The doctor began palpitating Ian’s breasts looking for any sign the cancer had spread from his testicle to another part of his body. It was the reason he still had to have a CT scan every two months. When Dr. Ryan’s fingers brushed over his nipples they immediately pebbled and it took everything in Ian not to moan.

  “Ian?” Doc said, reminding him he hadn’t answered the question.

  “Oh, sorry. Um, I’ve been running three miles a day, I’m hoping to work back up to my pre-surgery five, but three’s good for now. I also lift a little. Not much, but I go into the gym once or twice a week. Been eating a lot better though, so that helps.”

  Those long fingered hands worked their way up to probe and examine Ian’s underarms and then the glands in his neck before moving back down to press on his stomach.

  “Even though you’re looking good, your weight is still down.” The oncologist looked him in the eye. “I’d like to see you gain about twenty pounds. I know you lost a lot during your chemotherapy treatments, but those are over. Time to get you back up to fighting weight.”

  A bark of laughter erupted from Ian’s throat. “Fighting weight, yeah right. What, the feather weight class?”