Healing Fire

by Angela Castle

  "Pleeeese, Mom, please?" Blossom used every weapon in her arsenal, making her eyes big and watery. She pouted her lip imploringly. It was enough to make even the hardest of hearts melt.

  "He can stay just for now, but if he puts one foot wrong, he has to go."

  Blossom's squeal of delight sounded through the house, making Summer's ears ring. Blossom ran forward, throwing her arms around Summer's middle, giving her a tight, squeezing hug.

  Summer laughed, hugging her daughter back.

  "Did I miss something?"

  They both looked across to see Melor standing in the doorway. The deep caramel of his skin glistened with a sheen of sweat.

  Summer's mouth went dry at the pulse racing sight. Good lord, how was she ever going to survive such close proximity to such a tempting man as Melor?

  "Mom says you can stay!" Blossom bounced out of her arms and over to Melor. He scooped her up easily, giving her a gentle hug before setting her down.

  His deep rich chuckle sent a shiver of awareness down Summer's spine. Her body reacted shockingly; moisture rushed down between her legs and her lower belly clenched in anticipation.

  Summer raised her eyes to meet his dark gaze. "I thank you, my lady. If you could show me what you need done, I am at your service."

  "Um, uh, yes…of course." Very glib, Summer. "I've, um, made some lunch. I can show you after. Do you, um, have any other shirts?"

  "All that you found on me I own. I may have to avail upon your hospitality for more suitable clothing. I need very little."

  "I think I still have some of Tyler's old t-shirts. They may be a bit tight, but I think they'll fit."

  She was giving him her husband's clothes now? Have you totally lost your mind!

  He moved further into the kitchen, right into her personal space, snatching up her hand. She sucked in a sharp breath as the heat of his lips brushed the back of her hand. She bit back the moan his simple touch evoked.

  "Thank you, my lady, I am in your debt."

  Summer lost her train of thought, inhaling his addictive scent. Her head tilted back to gaze up into his eyes. Even though they were nearly black, she could not mistake the look of desire burning in his dark depths.

  Fear mixed with her own craving made her lean in until they were almost touching. All she needed to do was push up on her tip toes and press her lips against his.

  "Peanut butter and jelly, Melor. If you like Fruit Loops, you're gonna love this."

  Summer jerked her hand away. The heat rushed to her face. She glanced over at her daughter, blissfully unaware of anything but the food in front of her.

  "I doubt much could replace my passion for your Fruit Loops, little one, but I am happy to be guided by you."

  Melor moved around the bench and sat next to Blossom, examining the plate piled high with sandwiches.

  Summer gripped the counter to hide her shaking hands as reality came rushing back. Entertaining thoughts of kissing him? He stared back at her, his dark intense gaze on her lips, making them tingle as if they had kissed. It seemed she wasn't the only one thinking about it.

  ~ * ~

  "Answer the damn phone." Summer huffed out an annoyed breath. She'd been trying for two days to contact Rick Rickshaw, only to have the phone ring out every time.

  Her mind wandered back over the past few days; Melor working tirelessly, transforming the property to the original state of when she'd first moved in with her husband so many years ago. After she had explained how to start the lawn mower, he proclaimed it a marvel. Not one blade of grass was left taller than once inch. Thankfully, he left the flower beds to weed out by hand.

  Not once did he utter a word of complaint but showed genuine gratefulness for everything he received. Thanks to Blossom, he had developed a taste for Fruit Loops for breakfast. After sharing the rest with Blossom, he appeared crestfallen when informed it was the last box.

  She'd managed to limp into the shed, her heart in her throat as she pulled a few shirts and some looser pants of Tyler's out of the storage boxes.

  Melor took them from her trembling hands before pulling her into his embrace. The brief hug startled her, but after a moment she accepted the small comfort of his warm strong arms. How she'd missed a man's arms around her.

  He pulled away and gave her a heart-stopping smile and went to his room to change.

  Tyler's dark blue t-shirt stretched across Melor's chest, outlining his beautiful muscle contour. She was torn between tears and wanting to run her hand over the expanse of his chest. Hell, she wanted to do it without him wearing anything.

  Get a grip woman. She couldn't keep lusting after the crazy yet sweet man. She hardly knew him, for goodness sakes!

  Bringing her thoughts back to the present, Summer gave up and slammed the phone down. She picked up her iced tea and limped out to the porch. Melor shot to his feet to open the door for her and help her out.

  She smiled her thanks and settled into the comfortable chair.

  "What are you two talking about?"

  "I was telling Blossom about the Kell Kingdom."

  "Oh, right, your magical alien world." Summer's tone was dry, and she rolled her eyes.

  She ignored his sharp look, which she ignored. Melor started talking again, his voice rich and hypnotic.

  "Crystals are the lifeblood of the Kell people, for since the goddess breathed life into the first Kell man, she showed him the way of the crystals. The gatherers have the most important job in all of Kell, for it is they who know the way of the crystals, how to harvest them without damage and bring them back for the people to use.

  "Some of our most used crystals are the red Fire Crystals; we use them for heating and the cooking of our meals. We have the Glow Crystals to light the way on even the darkest of nights. The warrior cast value the Monyo Crystals we imbued into the fortress walls and into our shields and weapons to make them a hundred times stronger. Then there are the Healing Crystals to ensure the health of the people and heal injuries after battle." He raised his gaze, staring at Summer.

  "Healing Crystals can take away any pain and heal injuries no matter how much time has passed."

  Summer's anger grew with every word he uttered. She clenched her fists, her body stiff in agitation. The fact Melor believed his alien world to be true was one thing, but to impose the fanciful tales upon her impressionable daughter was quite another!

  Summer needed to put him in his place if he wanted to continue his stay. If he refused, then she didn't care if Blossom wanted him to stay. For Blossom's own good he would have to go. She couldn't have him continue to fill Blossom's head with such nonsense.

  "Time for bed now, baby. Go get ready, please." Summer sat forward, easing herself out of the chair. She reached down, snatching up her forgotten drink, spilling half the contents onto the porch floor.

  Blossom rolled her eyes. "Oh Mom, can't I listen to one more story, please?"

  "Mind your mother, little one. There will always be time for more stories tomorrow." Melor smiled down at her.

  Blossom returned his smiled, hopped up from her seat on the porch steps, practically skipping inside. Summer scowled at Melor before following her daughter inside, the porch door slamming behind her.

  Chapter Five

  Even a blind man could have seen the fury rolling from Summer. Melor knew it was directed at him by the scowl she aimed in his direction before fleeing inside. Mentally, he went over his words, trying to pick out what he had said which had offended her, but he was at a loss.

  Women of all species were confusing. Why did she not simply tell him what the problem was, or what he had done wrong so he could fix the matter?

  He opened the door and went inside. She stood in the kitchen; her small hands gripped the edge of the sink. With jerky movement's, she grabbed the cloth which hung over the tap and began wiping down the surfaces of the kitchen.

  He hesitated as Blossom re-appeared, waddling in, wearing bright yellow clothes with prints of little grey creatures all o
ver them.

  "I've cleaned my teeth, Mom."

  Summer stopped her cleaning for a moment to embrace her daughter tightly. He could see the anguish and pain in Summer's eyes. But also tender love and utter devotion for her child.

  "You're a good girl, baby. Go hop into bed, and I'll be there in a moment."

  Blossom pulled out of her mother's arms and came running up to him. He caught her as she launched herself into his arms.

  "Goodnight, Melor." She kissed his cheek then leaned in and whispered, "Don't let Mom boss you around. She doesn't really mean to. She's just very sad sometimes."

  "Goodnight, little one." He smiled, feeling the warmth and love towards Blossom as he set her on her feet, watching until she disappeared into her bedroom.

  Summer went back to cleaning again, wiping and re-wiping over the same spot.

  It would not do. He could not have hostility between them. Melor was a man of action; he could not simply stand there and do nothing.

  He came in behind her and removed the cloth from her hand. "You are angry; tell me what I have done to offend you thus?"

  She swung around on her good foot. Her head tilted back, her stare murderous. "Give me back my cloth, and I'm not angry."

  "You are not? I greatly doubt your words, my lady. How can I mend what I do not know?"

  "You really want to know what's wrong?" Her voice raised a pitch in clear irritation.

  "Aye, my lady, I do."

  "For goodness sake, will you cut the, my lady crap. I wasn't born yesterday, Melor, if that really is your name. Frankly, I don't care if you think you're from Mars. Sprout all the claptrap you want to me, but shut your mouth in front of my daughter. She doesn't need to be swallowing your lies!"

  Aaah, so the truth comes out. He already knew she did not believe him. But she was worried about the innocence of her daughter's mind.

  Clearly, defending himself would only widen the already deep hole she believed he crawled out from. But he had no choice.

  "Then I shall swear not to mention my homeland again to her, if that is your wish, but not once have I spoken a lie. If you do not believe my words, I will have to find another way to convince you of the truth."

  She snorted in disbelief. Melor stood transfixed by the flush in her cheeks and fire in her eyes. The close proximity of her soft feminine touch inflamed his body and melted his mind.

  Unable to stop himself, he reached for her shoulders, pulling her flush against his body. Her surprised gasp gave him what he wanted, and he wasted no time in claiming her mouth.

  Her flavor burst across his taste buds, sweet and addictive. He lifted her a little higher and lowered her onto the bench behind them. He slid his hands up her arms to cup her neck and hold her captive while he delved deeper exploring every recess of her mouth, her tongue tangling with his. Unexpectedly, she wound her arms around his neck and kissed him back with a hungry passion of a woman long starved of a man's attention. He wanted to devote hours, days, centuries to give her all she needed, all she wanted.

  It wasn't enough. He needed to feel her skin under his fingers. His search netted him the hem of her top. He pushed it up and slid his hand underneath. He groaned into her mouth at the feel of her soft skin under the palm of his hand. So good, so soft, he needed more and so did she.

  Summer bucked her hips toward him in open invitation.

  He sucked at her lower lip before trailing open mouth kisses along her chin and down her neck. At the same time he tore at the top of her jeans, pushing them open with one hand and delving down towards her center.

  He took her lips again, nipping at them before licking away the sharp sting. She shuddered and moaned. When his fingers found her core, he slid them into her wet heat, finding her little nub with his middle finger.

  She shuddered and mewled. As he circled, she gasped, throwing back her head and pushing herself against his hand.

  He rubbed a little harder and faster, supporting her back with one arm as her body began to tremble. Her eyes closed, her lips parted and she panted, straining towards release. He longed to see her come apart in his arms.

  Her breath hitched, and he knew. He crushed his mouth over hers capturing her cry as she shook in his arms reaching her peak.

  "So beautiful, my lady, my Summer. I want to worship every inch of you, let me touch you."

  He pulled out his hand and gently stroked her, laying soft kisses over her face and hair. Slowly, she came down from her climatic bliss.

  "Mom, are you coming?" Blossom's voice shattered the sensual spell of what they just shared.

  Her head shot up, her eyes widened. He could see the guilt written all over her face. She shoved urgently at his chest and struggled to get off the bench.

  "I'm coming, baby," she called, her trembling fingers fumbling with the buttons on her jeans.

  "Here." He brushed aside her hands and smoothed down her top and re-fastened the top button of her jeans. He gently set her on her feet, so not to jar her injured leg. Melor grabbed her arm before she could escape him fully.

  "Do not regret what we just did. I do not, and want to see you flush with pleasure many times. I will make love to you. I will make you mine."

  Her mouth opened but slammed shut again. She pulled away, shaking her head.

  "No, I…can't…please…I can't."

  She tugged on her arm and he let her go. She limped hurriedly down the hall.

  "Mom, are you okay?" he heard Blossom ask.

  "I'm fine, baby. Let's get you tucked into bed." Their voices trailed off.

  Melor tried to shift the fabric of his turrets, but nothing eased the painful ache.

  He moved about the house to secure it as Summer did every night before he retreated to the wash chamber to take care of his own needs.

  He knew things were moving faster than he'd anticipated, but he'd been unable to help himself. What they started was far from over. No, it was just the spark of a bigger flame.

  ~ * ~

  Summer managed to hold it together while reading a bed time story to Blossom. She hugged and kissed her good night. Her daughter didn't need to know the emotional minefield going on in her mother's head.

  "See you in the morning, my little koala." Quietly, she closed her daughter's door.

  The house was silent except for soft sounds of water running in the shower. Summer moved about to check the house was locked up only to find Melor had already done it.

  She hobbled to her bedroom, sinking down on the edge of the bed. She stared off into space, seeing nothing, only feeling the turmoil and confusion swirling inside faster than a twister.

  Her guilt and grief over Tyler's death ate away at her soul like a cancer. She realized it was the driving force behind everything she did; her decision to stay and raise Blossom in the U.S. instead of flying back to her family in Australia. The reason behind keeping a distance from every man who showed the slightest interest in her.

  Her throat constricted, knowing she only had herself to blame for the dull, lonely ache gnawing at her soul.

  Melor, in one heated moment, made her feel more alive than she had when she'd been with Tyler for five years. Her body still tingled from the climax he'd given her, yet he'd not demanded anything in return, just his bold statement.

  I will make love to you; I will make you mine. Melor's words echoed in her head. The mere thought of him touching her intimately again, making love to her, made her heart hammer in her chest, her body flame again with desire.

  He is a beautifully sexy man. Many women would lust after him. Why would he even want a scar riddled, overweight woman like her? It only proved he was more insane than she first thought.

  Warm tears spilled from her eyes, running down her cheeks, and dampening her shirt. She grabbed at the Kleenex box by the table, yanked out several white tissues and blew her nose before lying down on the bed.

  What was she going to do? She couldn't have a relationship with a crazy stranger. Despite how he made her feel inside, it was
utter madness. She needed to be responsible. She had a daughter to take care of for goodness sake.

  Simply thinking about what Tyler would have thought of her made the tears fall faster.

  God, she missed him so much, even after three years. How could she betray his love like this?

  Melor needed to go before it got out of hand. Hell, it was already out of hand, but it was time to bring it to an end, once and for all. She needed to get her life, sanity and her body back under control before it controlled her.

  Slowly, she pulled herself up and prepared for bed. She couldn't face Melor again tonight; tomorrow she promised herself.