Now and Forever:: A NEW ADULT TIME TRAVEL ROMANCE NOVEL (RAVENHURST SERIES Book 5)

by Lorraine Beaumont

  “No.” Cecily shook her head.

  “Then why?” Bewildered, Lucian looked around the room. “I don’t get it?”

  “Maybe he is in love.”

  “Reed?” he scoffed his brother’s name. “Not likely.” He raked his hand through his hair again. “Something is up, but what?” Exasperated he grabbed the back of the chair. “What did Raven say about her sudden wedding?”

  “Well…” she hesitated, and then added, “I didn’t get a chance to talk to her, but when I walked in she was wearing a wedding gown.”

  “You’re kidding me?”

  “No. I swear. It was quite lovely actually.” Cecily wished she could wear a dress like that.

  “Damn!” Lucian shoved the chair forward. It shook the table making the rest of her soup slosh over the sides of the bowl down onto the table.

  “What are you going to do now?” she asked, lifting her napkin and placing it over the mess, wiping it up.

  “Damned if I know.”

  Lifting the wet napkin up, she placed it inside the bowl and pushed it aside. “Don’t you have a plan?”

  “Not really.”

  “Lucian…” she gaped at him, clearly not expecting that answer.

  “I know,” he snapped and gave her a sharp look. “I know…” he repeated, softening his tone. “ Don’t worry, I will think of something.”

  “Do you think there is a treasure?”

  “Well, I guess we will find out soon enough.”

  “But you said…”

  He cut her off. “I know what I said.” He grabbed the bowl off the table, walked it over to the sink, and set it inside. Gripping the edge, he stared out the window. Fog rolled in, making everything appear dreary and hopeless.

  A lone Raven flew down from the sky and landed on the railing of the porch, flapping its wings and cawing loudly.

  “Fuck!”

  A promise made

  IN BETWEEN THERE AND NOW

  MERLIN turned away from the gazing pool and made his way across the floor to the wall lined with shelves that held so many books he had lost count of them all. Lifting his hand in the air he closed his eyes and let his senses guide him to the book he sought. Bleakness swirled in the depths of his clear gray eyes when he opened them. His hand hovered over the ancient tome, the spine glowing. Clenching his hand into a fist…he hesitated.

  “No.” He shook his head.

  “Not yet.”

  He dropped his hand to his side and walked back across the room to the fire. A glass vial sat on the table, the label now too worn to read. It did not matter. He knew what it held within. He could sense its essence just as he could sense the end was near. The problem, as it had been for hundreds of years was that he still did not know how it would all finally come to close.

  Carefully, he lifted the glass vial, removing the stopper and emptied two drops into the cauldron hanging over the blackened coals of a fire that had long since gone cold.

  The contents sputtered and a white smoke rolled down over the sides. He closed his eyes and waited for the inevitable

  The price of betrayal

  THE PRESENTTHE PIG AND DUMPLING TAVERN

  BISHOP kept people in check. He unfolded his impressive six foot three frame out of the back of a glossy black sedan with tinted windows.

  A brisk wind pitched crisp fall leaves across the pavement. Hanging under the eaves of the old building, a worn weathered sign creaked above his head. He looked up. “Pig and Dumpling Tavern,” he read. “Good lord.” He slid an elegant hand through his thick black hair, and rolled his neck from side to side, making it crack.

  “Boss man, you sure this is the right place?” Cuthbert, his man asked. “It don’t look very promising.” He shut the door and looked up at the sign. He snorted and read aloud, “Pig an a Dumpling?” He laughed, and sprayed a goodly amount of spittle onto the brick walkway. “That’s a stupid name ain’t it boss?” he snorted again, forcing more spittle from his mouth.

  Bishop curled his lip in displeasure and gave him a sidelong glare. “Cuthbert, must you always spit when you laugh?”

  “Sorry boss man, it’s me missing front teeth. See?” He smiled revealing a missing front tooth. “I can’t help me self.”

  “Don’t I pay you enough to get that fixed?”

  “Of course you do boss man.” He nodded his head for affirmation and pushed thin wisps of hair from his face.”

  “Then why don’t you get it fixed?”

  “I can’t do that boss man.”

  Bishop knew he would regret asking the question but did it anyway. “Why is that Cuthbert?”

  “It gives me character, I think. Sides, I used me money for a piece of fine ass at the last town we was in. She was a real looker that one, and gave me quite a ride. She did a good number on me balls and stick, if you know what I mean.” He winked at him and waggled his bushy brows that overtook his thin bird-like face.

  “I knew I shouldn’t have asked,” he exhaled. Straightening his coat, he walked toward the door.

  Cuthbert hurriedly rushed past him, his thin frame teetering to the side when he yanked the heavy door open. Bending at his waist, he flourished his arm. “After you, boss man,” he said.

  The pungent scent of wood smoke, spilt beer, ale, and cider greeted Bishop when he ducked inside the darkened tavern.

  “Where is the barkeep?” Bishop mused aloud, looking around the dank room.

  “I’ll get em for ye boss man.” Cuthbert ran into the back room and returned a minute later, dragging a woman out.

  “Take your bloody hands off of me.”

  “Boss man wants a word,” Cuthbert snarled hotly, yanking her forward.

  “Now, now, Winifred, this doesn’t have to get messy,” said Bishop, his deep baritone voice smooth as silk.

  “Then make your illiterate goon take his filthy hands off my body.”

  Bishop inclined his head.

  This time Cuthbert let her go and with a perplexed expression, he looked down at his hands.

  “What do I owe this visit too,” she asked haughtily.

  Bishop perched a hip against a table in the far corner, pairing his ragged fingernail with the knife he kept in his boot. “You know why,” he exhaled wearily. He reached up and pinched the bridge of his nose. He was getting a damn headache.

  “He ain’t here,” she spat.

  He took a bracing breath and lowered his hand. “Where is he then?”

  “I already told you’re goon here.” She glared at Cuthbert. “I don’t know.”

  “You said he was here.” Bishop said. He snapped the blade shut and slipped it back down into his boot. Reaching up he adjusted his jacket and shook out his arms. Then he smoothed the wrinkles from his tailored black suit coat and adjusted his cufflinks so the raven’s heads were pointing outward.

  “Yes, I know I did, but now he is not.” She crossed her arms and tilted her head toward the side of the bar where a narrow staircase led up to the second level. “Go on up the stairs, check the rooms if you like, and see for yourself.”

  Bishop inclined his head toward the stairs.

  Cuthbert took a step toward the darkened stairwell.

  “You may as well save your feeble friend a trip, he ain’t here,” she said, adjusting her stance.

  “Now listen here bitch,” snarled Cuthbert, puffing out his thin chest, taking a step toward her, his hands clenched in fists.

  Winnie, put her hands on her ample hips. “If you would just open your damn eyes and take a look around.” She waved her hand to encompass the dimly lit tavern. “You can see no one is here, save for me.”

  Bishop looked around the room, his eyes bloodshot from too little sleep. It was as quiet as a tomb. “Where are all your customers?”

  “It’s Sunday.” Idiot. “I suppose they are spending time with their families and such. You know what normal folk do on Sundays.”

  “Now Winifred,” he said in a placating tone. “You and I both know most folks aro
und this place aren’t normal.”

  “You sure right about that boss man,” Cuthbert laughed and then broke into a coughing fit.

  Winnie cut Cuthbert a scathing look. “That’s your opinion.”

  Bishop reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone when it rang. “Yes,” he said, listening intently. “All right, I will be there… soon,” he promised and then snapped his phone shut. “See Winifred,” he said, shaking his phone in the air and then tucking it back into the breast pocket of his suit. “A bit of cooperation can get you so many things. Now I fear you have lost your chance but the end result was the same I suppose.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “The loathsome scum you are hiding can breathe a little easier…his debt has been paid.”

  Winnie gaped at him in disbelief.

  “Come now, Winifred.” He picked a piece of lint off the front of his jacket. “You and I have known each other for far too long to keep playing these silly games but if you insist.” He removed a handkerchief and wiped his brow, and then tucked it neatly back into his pocket. “Since you kept the information I needed to yourself, I had to seek retribution elsewhere.”

  “From whom?” she demanded.

  “Now Winifred, that is of no concern of yours.” He looked around the room. “I suppose your little dump will won’t go under after all. It’s so quaint too.” Exhaling loudly, he walked across the tavern, his highly polished shoes making a soft thudding sound on the rough wood and stepped behind the bar. Lifting a glass, he poured himself a pint of ale.

  “I hope you are intending to pay me for that,” Winnie snapped. “I ain’t giving that away, you know.”

  Bishop gave her a cold stare, his black eyes turning menacing. “I will take what I want. And you better shut that smart mouth of yours before I close it for good.” He smiled and lifted the drink up in the air and then took a sip. Lowering the glass he said, “Oh and in case you are wondering, Winifred, that is a promise and it would do you well to remember that I do not break them often.” He leveled his dark eyes on her, with another chilling stare. “You and me understand one another?”

  Winnie shook her head and took a reflexive step back. She had gone too far. “I understand.”

  “Good.” He smiled. “Now that we understand one another, I have a request.”

  “What might that be?” she asked her tone haughty once more.

  “Careful Winifred,” he warned. “You keep that up and I may let Cuthbert have a go at you.”

  Cuthbert made a choking sound. “Boss man, she ain’t my type.”

  “Good lord Cuthbert. Look at yourself man. You don’t have much room to be picky.”

  Cuthbert looked in the mirror. “I’m looking boss man, what am I supposed to do now.”

  Bishop closed his eyes, seeking patience. “Never mind Cuthbert,” he said, reopening his eyes once more. “Now that we have an understanding Winifred, I would appreciate it if you would tell that piece of shit you like to keep hidden in that secret room of yours that I stopped by and if he ever fucks with me again his head will be hanging on your wall instead of that pig.”

  “It’s a bores head, boss man,” Cuthbert interjected helpfully.

  “Yes, Cuthbert I know,” he exhaled, his shoulders tensing. “Pass that along, will you, Winifred.”

  Vigorously, she shook her head. “I will.”

  Lifting the glass, he finished off the drink and set it back down on the smooth surface of the bar. He turned and walked back toward the door. Once at the door, he waited for Cuthbert to pull it open. “Oh and Winifred,” he said, turning.

  “Yes.”

  “Open the damn windows, would you. It smells like pig shit in here.” And with that, he turned on his heel and strode back out of the tavern with Cuthbert following closely behind.

  Winifred watched him leave, her body shaking. When the secret door slid open, she didn’t bother to look.

  “Was he serious,” asked the man behind the counter. “Am I off the hook then?”

  “It would seem so.”

  “Why aren’t you happy Winnie?”

  “Cause I think someone else is going to end up paying for your sins, that’s why.”

  .

  A moment of bliss

  THE PRESENTTHE CABIN IN THE WOODS

  LUCIAN settled himself at the table, leaned back swiping his hands over his face. “Why me?” he groaned in aggravation.

  Cecily watched him from across the table, the way his beautiful dark hair hung loosely around his broad shoulders. Taking a bracing breath, she stood and walked over in front of him.

  Lucian lowered his hands and gave her a questioning look. “You want something?”

  Cecily didn’t say anything but instead reached down and grabbed the bottom of her t-shirt and pulled it over her head. Next, she removed her pants. The firelight shifted, making shadows dance across her naked flesh.

  Lucian’s gaze traveled down the length of her body. Then back to her face. “What’s this about?”

  “What does it look like?” She bit her lips and knelt between his open legs. Reaching down she pulled off his boot, it clattered loudly to the floor. She repeated the action, removing the other one. The second boot hit the floor with a reverberating thud.

  Lucian leaned back in the chair, holding the arms. The metal on his belt made tinkling sound as she hastily unbuckled it. “What’s the hurry?” he asked lifting his hips as she yanked his jeans off.

  Cecily didn’t answer. Instead, she reached up and pulled down his black boxer briefs.

  He stood up and stepped out of them.

  She slid her hands up his muscular legs and wet her lips, then took the tip of his rigid erection into her mouth.

  “Damn baby,” he breathed, pulling in a sharp intake of air. He reached down and slid his hands into her short hair.

  She swirled her tongue around the head and then sucked the flesh hard, taking him all the way to the back of her throat.

  “Fuck Yeah, that’s it,” he gritted, pressing forward as far as he could. Gathering her hair in one hand, he moved her head back and over his length.

  Back and forth, she moved her mouth, suckling, dragging her warm tongue across his flesh and then nipping him with her teeth just enough to give him flashes of pain to prolong the sweet torture she was inflicting on him. When she took him all the way in again, he held head still.

  “Not yet, baby,” he murmured. “I want this to last a bit.” Reaching down he pulled her up against him. The fresh glaze of passion simmered in the depths of his dark eyes as he looked down at her, smoothing her hair away from her face.

  “Not yet,” he whispered huskily once again, and ran his thumb gently over her bottom lip. “So sweet,” he breathed, cupping her face with his hands and then he leaned forward and claimed her mouth with his own.

  Cecily had been waiting for this kiss. It was sweet, soft, gentle, and held meaning, but it was too late and she couldn’t stand it. She broke away from him and sat on the table. A confused look flitted across his face accompanied by a flash of pain. She had never seen that look before and did not welcome it now. It made her feel even worse. She pressed her hands on the table and opened her legs wide. The glimpse of pain she had seen on his handsome face turned quickly into something she recognized.

  Lucian walked up to her and gave her one of his sexy smiles. She expected him to slam into her body, take what he wanted. Make it hard, fast, but instead he did something she was not prepared for. He knelt down in front of her and pulled her forward. “Lucian what are you…Ohm!” she moaned, shocked, gripping the rough edge of the wood with her hands. His mouth came down against the sensitive flesh between her thighs, making her arch up off the table.

  “Lucian…” she cried his name. His warm tongue caressed … stroking the sensitive flesh between her thighs, eliciting tremors of ecstasy to spiral through her, pushing her beyond the moment, beyond herself, making her writhe …clench. Gasping in pleasure, she gripped the
table harder, as she pushed her thighs further apart. Slowly he inserted his finger.

  Her entire body clenched. “Oh Lucian…” she moaned his name, jerking against his hand.

  “Yeah baby,” he said. “That’s it,” he murmured, sliding his finger back inside. “Let go,” he coaxed her onward, lowering his mouth back against her soft flesh and with one last lash of his tongue, he pushed her so close to the edge she thought she would slide right on over.

  He pulled back and sat on his haunches. He smiled up at her. “You want me now?”

  Now this was the Lucian she recognized—the one that liked to play games by leaving her on edge. She squirmed, closing her legs slightly. She was on fire. Hell, she was tempted to finish herself off at this point. Slowly, she reached down between her legs…

  Lucian grabbed her hand and stood up. “Oh no baby, what is the fun in that?” He nipped her lips playfully and reached down to between her thighs a toyed with her quivering flesh. “If we go, we should go together…right?” her murmured against her lips.

  “Yes.” She nodded.

  He pulled his hand away. “That’s more like it.” He reached out and jerked her hips forward, positioning himself between her thighs. With one swift thrust, he entered her body.

  She gasped.

  “Damn, baby,” he groaned, pulling back and then thrusting back inside again. He stayed there, not moving and reached up and kissed her soundly on the mouth. When he pulled away, he gave her a curious look. “You okay?” he asked, sliding his hand over her hair and tucking it behind her ear.

  She nodded.

  “The table too hard?” he asked, sounding concerned.

  She wanted to scream. Why was he being so nice to her? “It’s fine.” She ran her hands over her chest. “I just want you…now.” Leaning forward she kissed his chest, nipping at him.

  “What’s the hurry?” he asked. “We have all night.”

  No we don’t. “I can’t wait.” She pushed him away and climbed down. She turned around and braced her hands on the table.

  “You want to go in the bedroom?”

  Cecily almost lost it. “What?” Her brow creased.