A Torrid Celebration!

by Whiskey Creek Press Authors

  Gerry's eyes narrowed to slits. “I'd take offense to that if I didn't know how much the men in this town screwed with your head.” He grabbed her hand and stepped closer. “I don't give a damn about that ranch. I have enough money to buy your father five times over."

  Her eyes widened, and he nodded. “I've made a lot of money and, amazingly, I haven't pissed it all away."

  Charlie's heart was beating hard against her chest, her mind trying to accept what he was saying. But she wasn't quite there yet. “Why?"

  "Why didn't I piss all my money away?"

  She shook her head. “Why me?"

  He sighed. “You aren't going to let me out of this without the whole enchilada, huh?"

  She nodded.

  "You're the woman I want by my side, the one I want to wake up with in the morning and love all night. I want kids, dogs, the whole picket fence.” He took her face in his hands again. “I love you, Charlie."

  Joy whipped through her, warming her from the inside out. “Yeah?” A fresh set of tears spilled down her cheeks.

  "Yeah.” Keeping his eyes open, he brushed his mouth over hers. “Now, don't you have something to say?"

  She smiled. “I love you, Gerry. Even if you are a pain in the ass."

  "And?"

  "Well, if you won't let it go—okay, I'll marry you."

  He smiled, giving her a quick, hard kiss as the crowd around them applauded.

  "Figures,” she muttered.

  "What?"

  "You can never perform without a crowd."

  He laughed. “For most things, but there's one activity in particular for which I prefer a crowd of one."

  The heat in his eyes sent a shiver along her nerve endings. She slipped her fingers into his hair and tugged him down, bringing their mouths close enough to kiss. But before she did, she paused to say, “I think I can accommodate you on that one."

  They were both laughing when she finally kissed him.

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  THE TWELFTH KNIGHT

  by

  Cheri Valmont

  Chapter 1

  "If you do not desist with this foolishness, some of the visiting nobles will truss you all up like the vain peacocks you be!” Willamina de Coucey shouted in a voice shaky from the extreme cold weather. The talons of the icy winds clawed at her thin cloak. “Mayhap pluck those puny pricks ye all seem so fond of,” she grumbled.

  "Like the one you guard so diligently?” By the strength of his voice, it was obvious Adonis was barely winded by the mock battle, which had him in the starring role. He only took a moment to glance her way to see if, by the expression on Minna's face, he had hit his mark with the barb.

  By the grimace twisting her face, she knew she had rewarded him as he'd expected.

  Minna stood on the edge of the forest, watching them as they continued their parry and thrust in the center of the snow-covered clearing. While three of the boys, who erroneously prided themselves on being men already, tried their youthful best to disarm him, Adonis laughed, his movements quick as he deftly avoided their pole jabs. It was a rare thing indeed, that laugh. Minna felt herself shiver in response. The man had a true gift with that voice of his. Since she stayed in disguise as a man most of the time, she continually had to watch herself around those of their troop who were not aware of her sex.

  Especially Adonis.

  Minna pulled her tatty cloak closer around her body to try to keep winter's harsh winds at bay. Otho, Saer, and Tebald were clumsy in their youthful eagerness to best Adonis. They were breathing hard, their faces bright red from exertion. Even three against one, they were no match for Adonis’ obvious experience. No one would have imagined the odds bothered Adonis one measure. Though he knew not who he was, Minna had no doubt, judging by his physical appearance and his skill, that the mysterious Adonis had been a knight in his previous life. The life he could no longer remember.

  "Will you not join us, Wilhem?” Adonis prodded her.

  "Humph,” Minna snorted. “I have more important affairs requiring my efforts than strutting around like a yard full of cocks trying to impress the hens."

  "As I suspected,” Adonis teased her.

  Minna grimaced again. She did that frequently in his company. Her flippant barbs rolled off his massive shoulders as water off a duck's back. He never rose to her bait like the other males in their company were likely to do.

  They were probably all asking themselves what other things required her attention, since she was still standing there, practically gawking at Adonis and the gracefulness of his movements as he warded off the attack of his fellow performers.

  Their band was on its way to Castle Renwar. The messenger sent to hire them had gushed about the extravagance they were to see at this Twelfth Night celebration. And since they were to be very well paid, the troop had packed up immediately to join the merriment that awaited.

  They were a family of strangers. None really knew the history of the other occupants of their band. Minna turned her attention back to Adonis. He'd almost completely recovered. A slight limp was still noticeable, but his clothing disguised the scars that covered his body. Their band had come upon him almost a year ago now. He had been on the very edge of death's dark embrace. In truth, Minna had doubted old Gretchen, as talented a healer as she was, could do aught for him.

  In her mind's eye, Minna could still see the bloody mess he'd been. He had obviously been thought dead or else whoever had done such to him would have surely finished him. His handsome face had been swollen to thrice its size, to the point that he could not open his eyes. The older performers had debated whether or not they should even waste the time to throw him into their wagon and try to assist him. He seemed too far gone in their estimation.

  Gretchen had insisted though. And Minna was glad she had.

  The old healer and fortune-teller was the first person in the troop to guess Minna's gender after she'd joined them a year and a half prior. They'd only let the elders in on the secret. Galter, their leader, had concurred with Gretchen on the point: by remaining in disguise, Minna would prevent any forwardness on the part of the men in the towns and castles they visited for performances. None of the young men of the troop suspected. At least not that she could discern. They all treated her as an irritating equal, because of her propensity to tease them unmercifully.

  Except Adonis.

  "Shall you stand there idle and dreaming the day long, Wilhem?” Adonis asked as he stopped before her.

  With a jolt, Minna realized the mock battle was over and the other boys had disappeared. She could feel the heat creep into her face. For just a moment, Minna's gaze took in Adonis’ handsome features, before she forced herself to look away. He had aptly been given the name of Adonis, since he had no recollection of his real one. No one could accuse him of being vain, though. Sometimes she sensed he felt his appearance was more curse than gift.

  The ladies of the castles in which they entertained had no such misgivings. When Adonis put on the persona of the trouvères, his voice as deep and lovely as a fresh, clean loch on a hot summer day, the ladies practically swooned. Although most bands like their own had only minstrels, they had soon discovered Adonis’ hidden talents. Not least being his ability to describe far-off lands so vividly in his songs. Allowing the guests to imagine themselves in the luxurious tents in the vast deserts or experiencing the heat of battle and the honor of the knights. Minna knew no woman could possibly remain unmoved when his songs turned to chansons de fins’ amors. Even she wanted to swoon then.

  Most trouvères were known to be nobles. So though no one knew for sure, they all had their suspicions Adonis was just such a man.

  "Nay, I am not dreaming,” she told him shortly. She pulled her hood closer, trying to hide her expression.

  "'Tis time we were on our way, then,” Adonis told her, but did naught to hide his amusement. Although she was the troop ioculator, Minna amused Adonis oftimes without foolery as her intention. “Just so the p
assing nobles will not snatch our puny pricks."

  He chuckled and turned to head back to the encampment, leaving Minna to follow in his wake. Just the sound of his deep laugh caused shivers to skitter over her body. God forbid he accidentally touched her. A jolt usually accompanied such an occurrence, streaking through her body and settling in her womb. Even though bound, her nipples would tighten and begin to ache. She hated to think of herself as one of those simpering females who took every opportunity to throw themselves at him. She was sick unto death of hearing all the disgustingly unsubtle innuendos and invitations he was given at every turn.

  "How many days until we reach the castle?” Minna asked when she caught up to him. The elders had not shared many specifics of their journey this time.

  Glancing up, Minna noted the expression on his face. Her steps faltered at the harsh frown she spied there. Had her simple question chased his good humor away?

  Adonis shrugged, his broad shoulders lifting the woolen cloak he'd donned. He grabbed his hood and covered the appealing silkiness of his blond hair.

  God's wounds, Minna! Desist fool!

  Minna must think like a male and banish the ridiculous feminine feelings that kept intruding on her. She no longer wanted to notice every little thing about his handsomeness. She would do well to forget the beauty of his leonine head, the regal slant of his nose, the warmth of his golden eyes, the new fullness of his once gaunt face, the appealing dimple of his chin, or the facial hair that gave him the look of a rogue. The sight of his lips could send her off into a pleasant reverie if she did not resist. The way his beard and moustache framed his supple, defined upper lip, and the hint of fullness in his lower lip, might persuade even the most dedicated man hater to give up her abhorrence for just one taste of his kiss.

  Blast! Off she went again. Realizing he had not given her an answer, she tried again. “Castle Renwar? Did the messenger give us a full reckoning of the castle's family?"

  "Aye,” was all he said before continuing up the path toward their camp, his long stride widening the distance between them.

  Was that all he was going to say? That tweaked Minna's temper. She had to skip to catch up to him. “Well—” Minna gasped as she tripped over an unearthed tree root.

  Adonis responded instantly, catching her as she went flying toward the hard ground. He pulled her up, holding her steady between strong, capable hands, glancing down at her from his impressive height. Minna's head barely made it to the middle of his chest.

  He frowned.

  Minna wanted to ask him what was wrong. Had he remembered something of his past? Did he, perchance, know the family? Or did his frown have something to do with her? Her breath caught in her throat. Did he suspect her deception? Was there something about her questions that would cause his behavior?

  "Forgive me,” Minna muttered, trying to pull away from Adonis’ strong grip. Her heart was suddenly pounding at his nearness.

  "There is naught to forgive,” Adonis told her. His intent gaze scrutinized her features.

  "I ... eh ... think we should return to the camp,” Minna suggested before she melted at his feet. Those eyes of his could make any female do so.

  To Minna's utter shock, Adonis lifted her, sliding his arms beneath her cloak, and kissed her soundly. Sweet Christ! Was she wrong? Did he like males instead of females? Unless...

  He knew!

  Minna sputtered, eyes narrowing, trying to shove away from him. “How dare you! What do you think you are doing?"

  Briefly, Adonis pulled away. “Desist, woman!” he said, and then grinned knowingly. “You are no more a Wilhem than I am the original Adonis."

  Minna gasped at his accusation. “I am n—"

  "Do not compound your lies, woman,” Adonis commanded. “Or I shall take great pleasure in proving it!” After which, he lifted her until she was face-to-face with him.

  Sweet Saint Mary! Why did he have to be so devilishly handsome? Minna's breathing sped up to match her pounding heart. Mayhap she should deny it one last time so he would prove it. She couldn't deny she was tempted.

  "What is your name?” he insisted, and then continued, “Your true name. Not the one you have given to the troop."

  What should she do? Fabricate another name? She wanted to trust him. Felt as though she could. But from the time his face returned to normal after his horrid beating, Minna had felt he looked familiar for some reason. As if she knew him from her previous life. A life that had brought her pain and anguish. A life she no longer wanted to remember.

  She could supply him her given name. But until she knew his true identity, she would not give him her family name.

  "Willamina,” she said simply. “You may call me Minna, but only when we are alone."

  "Minna,” he repeated. The sound of her name in his deep, rich voice had her heart fluttering.

  Of a sudden, Minna realized her hands rested upon his broad chest. Despite the coarseness of his clothing, there was no hiding the strength of the muscles abiding beneath. As if she were alone in her pleasure, Minna flexed her fingers. A jolt of pure feeling sent shocks of delight coursing through her body, causing her nipples to tighten, her womb to clench, and her toes to curl.

  "Minna,” this time her name took on the sound of a protesting groan, before he took her lips in a fierce kiss.

  Minna's thoughts scattered. Her arms slid around his strong neck. Although she felt him moving with her, Minna paid no mind to where he was taking her. The wind had died down some, but the eerie sound still whistled through the trees of the forest. Her hood had fallen unnoticed away from her face.

  When Minna opened her eyes again, she realized Adonis had removed his cloak and spread it on the unearthed roots next to a nearby tree, giving some clearance above the snow.

  In silence, she let him position her with her knees against his waist as he brought her down with him. She really should protest. Minna could feel his hardened manhood beneath her backside, sending a sweet shiver of pleasure and longing through her.

  Despite her misgivings, Minna was delighted Adonis was attracted enough to want to bed her. Although she was tempted to give in to her own desire to have him, she knew she dared not.

  Minna shuddered as Adonis wrapped her cloak around them, creating a cocoon of warmth. “I will soon warm you, sweet Minna,” Adonis told her, mistaking her shudders for chills. Before she could respond, he began kissing her ardently.

  Minna's thoughts again took flight. Her desire for him was soon uppermost in her mind. His tongue swept through her mouth, quickly teaching her the method of sensual battle. She felt every touch of his hands on her body. The softness of every caress. He released her hair from the leather thong holding it securely. Minna's hair had once passed below her waist, but since the outward change of her gender, she only wore it shoulder length.

  There was something she had to know. “How long have you known?"

  Adonis smiled slowly as he ran a gentle hand over her loosened tendrils of dark brown hair. “I suspected it very soon after I woke,” he admitted. “The way you tended to me when you assisted Gretchen.” His golden eyes looked directly into hers as he went on. “I soon found myself responding to your touch.” He grinned now. “And though I remembered naught of my past, I did not imagine I would be drawn to another male with quite the strength of my attraction to you."

  Minna swallowed. The look in his eyes gave her pause. They glowed with the light of his desire for her. “I ... ah..."

  Adonis bent to kiss her again. Minna's lids fluttered closed as she let herself enjoy the warmth of his lips against hers. After a long moment of kissing, Adonis pulled away slightly. He caressed her face tenderly as he spoke. “I found myself dreaming of you. I could not resist the urge to watch you when no one else was looking, noticing the feminine slope of your nose, the delightful tip-tilted end.” His words were accompanied by a soft kiss to said nose, before he continued, “I noticed the softness of your cheeks, the deep pools of your dark eyes, and this sweet b
ow of a mouth, which I was tempted to devour at every turn.” He cupped her face in his hands and swooped down to capture her mouth, as if he could not resist the temptation any longer.

  Minna's mind tried to discourage her, to bring sanity back. But her heart wanted him for her own. A realization she'd tried to suppress came surging forward. Minna was in love with him, and had been for longer than she cared to admit. Possibly from when she had taken care of him, rescuing him from death's grasp.

  Minna shivered when Adonis trailed hot kisses from her lips across her cheek. His strong arms pulled her closer in a hug that left her body alive with desire.

  "We shouldn't be doing this,” his deep voice admitted next to the sensitive whorls of her left ear, causing gooseflesh to rise all over her body.

  "What?” Minna pulled away from him to look into his eyes, seeing the desire still burning there.

  "If my instincts are correct, then you are a maiden still,” he said in a resolute voice. “I have no right to take what should be given to your husband eventually. Besides..."

  When he fell silent, Minna encouraged, “Besides, what?"

  As if a curtain came down, his face became shuttered. He was hiding something. She sensed it.

  "It matters not,” he insisted. “I must resolve my past before considering what lies in my future. And though I am sorely tempted, I cannot offer what any young maiden deserves.” Adonis caressed her cheek with the back of his hand, staring at her lips with a look she could only describe as longing.

  Minna should have known he would be a man of chivalry and honor. For one moment, she wished he'd be more like the rogue he looked to be.

  "What if I were to say I do not care about the things other young maidens want?” Minna was shocked at the words that fell from her mouth.

  Adonis’ expression changed. She had shocked him too. “You know not what you are saying. Or if you do, you do not understand the consequences of what you ask of me."

  "I am a woman who has traveled in the company of men for over a year. I could not help but be privy to the bawdy talk about men and women."