An Elf’s Magic Santa’s Elves Book 4

by Lynn Crain

  “Are you all right?” The rich voice of the man in question slid down her back, making her tingle in anticipation.

  She smiled at him tentatively. “This was what you were talking about, isn’t it?”

  Sighing, he nodded. “I needed you to hear the whole story before you decided anything. I am so sorry for what I did to you. You didn’t deserve it and I know that now. I should have explained the situation to you and why you had to forget.”

  She looked away from the intensity of his gaze. “Would it have made any difference in my life?”

  He frowned. “Difference? As in how?”

  She turned and looked at him. “My grandparents died during the period of time between when I was here and now. They died just six weeks ago. Would they be gone still if we had completed –” She groped for the word.

  “Nor’ahkeem?”

  “That one.” She glared at him, anger welling up in her. “Well? Would it have made a difference?”

  “I don’t know, Lacey.” He reached out to take her hand, appearing as if he fought to remain calm and passive. “That’s like trying to predict the true impact of global warming or something. There are things we just don’t know and maybe we aren’t supposed to know. Everyone is dealt a specific hand and must cope with what they have.” He squeezed her hand. “Sure, it might have made a difference, but so would have the bartender who gave the man who crashed into your grandparents his last drink.”

  Jerking her hand away, Lacey looked down at the table and did her best to will the tears not to come. She had not thought about the accident for months but now brought out into the open, it made the wound raw. Cuinn was right. Things were what they were and every one had issues. Still, how long would this wondering if things would have been different go on?

  “I am sorry. That was a cruel thing to bring up.”

  His fingers clutched her chin and he lifted her tear-stained face. Sorrow filling her mind, she gazed at him through watery eyes. “Cruel but true, Cuinn.” She sniffed and wiped her runny nose with a napkin. “Here’s my dilemma. How long am I going to wonder what could have, would have, and should have been different?”

  He leaned over the table and dropped a quick kiss on her lips. “I don’t know. I do believe that’s one of the reasons my father wants to talk to Aingeal and the rest of the elven council. They may have some clue as to what can be done to relieve your pain or maybe even tell you if life would have been different.”

  She sat up straighter. “They can see life differently?”

  Cuinn shrugged his shoulders. “In a way. Some of them are positively ancient and know things someone like you or I can only dream about.”

  “Define ancient.”

  He shook his head. “I hear some of them are close to three hundred years old or maybe older. There’s one guy who won’t say how old he is.”

  “Three hundred years! How old are you?” She looked at him incredulous. She had always thought it was possible, but not without the medical science of today.

  He smiled at her. “How old are you?”

  “You know how old I am. You saw it on my application.”

  “I did and I can say I’m six weeks older than you. It seems our parents were busy at the same time.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

  Lacey smiled broadly. “You are a crack up. And eww, I never thought of my parents that way at all.” Lacey smiled broadly. “You are a crack up. And eww, I never thought of my parents that way at all.”

  He frowned and rolled his eyes. “Lucky you. There isn’t a day, which goes by we all don’t think of my parents that way.”

  “What?”

  He nodded his head in the general direction of his parents and her gazed followed. At a table away from most people sat Janice and Bevan. Bevan held his wife’s hand tenderly and their heads came together as they talked. Even without knowing they were married, she would have understood they meant something to each other. The way he looked at her and her him, the gentle touches, the soft little kisses. They had something very special.

  “Will it be like that for us?”

  He looked at her surprised. “For us?”

  She turned and looked at him. “You know, for us. They’ve been together how long?”

  “I guess thirty five years or so, I mean Jedrick is almost thirty four. They always celebrate their anniversary in the spring. But I don’t even know when they got married.”

  She smiled. “Look at them and not with the eye of their son. Those two people are in love, really in love. They will die in each other’s arms. We should be so lucky.” She turned back to see him swallow hard. “Sorry, but it’s how I see them.”

  “Until you commented on them being in love, I never thought about them as anything other than my mother and father.” “Until you commented on them being in love, I never thought about them as anything other than my mother and father.”

  She chuckled. “They were young once and in love. The beautiful thing is they still are. And that is so very, very special.”

  He nodded. “I think I understand what you’re saying. How did you get so wise?”

  She sighed. “Wise? It’s not wise at all, but when you lose everyone you love, you begin to notice things you never thought possible because you don’t have them.”

  “Ah, the grass is always greener syndrome. I see.”

  “No, that’s not it at all. I’m not jealous and don’t want what others have. No, this one is purely realizing what you’ve lost and wondering if you’ll ever get it back.”

  He looked at her a moment then made a slight nod. “I understand. And I’m not sure what to say. I never expected this outcome. I just thought…”

  He seemed as frustrated as she was. “Do you ever think about us?”

  A haunted look crossed his eyes. “Yes, I think about us,” he growled. “Let’s get out of here.” He stood and grabbed her arm pulling her up so fast she squeaked in surprise.

  “Wait, I told Arden I’d come to the clinic again this afternoon. I have to be there.”

  “Screw Ardan, he can wait. Right now I need to show you how much I’ve thought about you.” He pulled her along after him. “How about my office?”

  “I thought you said you didn’t work here.”

  “I don’t but I still have an office. My mother wanted me back in the family business, remember?” He turned to look at her, eyes blazing with an inner light she had never before seen.

  She stared at him and gave a quick nod. “I remember. But how isolated is your office? I don’t think we want anyone to see us for a while.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “You’re eyes are blazing. It’s like a fire’s been lit and I think I’m the one who has to put it out.”

  * * * *

  Cuinn stopped and breathed deeply. He had to get himself under control. He had heard about elves made mad by nor’ahkeem and something told him he was on the edge. He didn’t want to frighten Lacey and drive her away. She had been lost to him for too long.

  “I’m sorry. I know you’re right, but I’ve got to.” He stopped before a door with his name on it and pushed it open. Pulling her in after him, he barely shut the door before he was all over her, kissing and touching her body like the long lost lover he was.

  “Wait…slow down…please.” She pushed herself away from him and looked up into his face. “I still need to go see Ardan at the clinic and I’d like my clothes in one piece.” She slowly pulled her arms out of her sweater and reached behind her to lock the door.

  He was happy she understood the importance of this moment but she didn’t understand nor’ahkeem. It was obvious he didn’t understand the process either as well as he should. So they would learn together and the process would start now. He stood and watched her leisurely undress in front of him. First, her sweater had gone, then she unbuttoned her blouse one torturous button at a time.

  Slipping off her shoes, she pushed her pants down her long legs and stepped out of them. “I can tel
l you like what you’re seeing.” She motioned him over with her forefinger. “Come here.”

  He didn’t need a second invitation. Instantly he was at her side, running his hands over the smooth length of her abdomen. “Lacey, please…”

  “Please what?” she questioned breathless.

  Scooping her up into his arms, he sat her on his large desk. “I’ve got to have you now.” He lowered her to the hard surface and ran his hands over her breasts through the skimpy material. Soon her nipples stood at hard point. He kissed the nubs through her bra as his hand wandered down her stomach and into her panties to rub her now slick pussy.

  Lacey arched into him and groaned in pleasure. “Cuinn, that feels so good.”

  Spurred on by her praise, he continued to kiss, lick and nip his way down to her crotch. “I need to kiss you here before anything else happens.” He pushed her underwear out of the way and dipped his fingers into her slick folds, rubbing her from top to bottom. Soon his tongue followed his fingers and she moaned, her body making slight movements in response.

  “Cuinn…”

  “Just let me taste you for a few more moments. You’re like fine whiskey,” he murmured. A few more rubs and licks later, he stood and kissed her deeply. “Lacey, I need you more than you’ll ever know.”

  Not saying a word, she reached down and began to unbutton his pants to push them down. “Then show me.”

  Swallowing hard, he allowed her to stroke him for a few moments before he spread her legs. “I’m sorry about the desk.”

  She chuckled. “I’m not.” He gave her a quizzical look. “I’ve always wanted someone to want me that much.”

  Smiling, he unhurriedly pushed into her, watching her eyes for a response, thrilled to see her pupils get larger. Once his large cock was fully seated in her, he waited. It was only seconds before she began to move against him, yet still he did nothing except gaze at her.

  Lacey reached up and kissed him. “What are you waiting for?” she questioned.

  “I-I’m not-I’m just realizing how completely beautiful you are. And how special.” He swooped down on her with a demanding kiss and began the dance as old as time, moving in and out of her supple body with long hard strokes. He grasped her butt cheeks and pulled her fiercely to him, each stroke inching deeper into her body.

  It seemed like hours before her body began to shake and quiver from an orgasm building deep within her, but then she was clutching him to her in desperate tugs. “Please, please, Cuinn,” she whispered.

  He stopped his movement and looked at her. “Please what, Lacey?”

  “Make me come and love you even more,” her quiet voice requested. She gazed deep into his eyes.

  Her words were what he had hoped to hear and he pounded her even harder then reached down to pinch her clit as their orgasms consumed them. The colors swirled around them as their passion reached fulfillment yet again.

  Moments later, their breathing slowed and he took her face in his hands. “Thank you,” he stated simply.

  Smiling, she gave him a quick kiss. “You are very welcome.” She stroked his face and watched him. “At least you don’t have that wild look in your eye any more. I find that utterly amazing.”

  “What?”

  She chuckled. “That I have it in me to tame the beast in you.”

  He sighed. “You realize just how hard you’ve made it for me to finish the day, don’t you?”

  “Really?” she quipped. “I can’t imagine why.”

  He growled. “You are a minx!”

  “Only for you. Any idea on the time?”

  “You have a few moments before you’re appointment with Ardan.”

  Squealing, she pushed him off her. “Family or not, I have never been late for an appointment. Can you please help me?”

  “Sure, no problem.”

  Gathering up her clothes, he helped her to get dressed in record time, making sure she looked her best for his brother. “There, I think you’re presentable.”

  “What do you mean ‘think’?”

  “Well, you’re hair’s a little puffed.”

  Her hands flew to her hair. “Define little.”

  He frowned at her. “Well, it looks like you’ve been thoroughly ravished.”

  She smirked. “Do you think they’ll know?”

  He pulled her to him again. “I sure as hell hope so.” He opened the door and pushed her out. Together they walked to where she was to meet his brother.

  How he got through the rest of the day Cuinn didn’t understand. Every time he looked at her across the room or stood next to her all he wanted to do was to pull her clothes off and take her right there.

  “That bad, huh?”

  “What?” he asked distracted. Soon a gentle hand clasped his arm. Angie looked at him.

  “Oh-Ang-I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.”

  “I said that bad in the form of a question. You know, like in jeopardy.”

  He nodded and returned his focus to Ardan and Lacey who talked about the clinic a few feet away. “Yeah, it is.”

  “You know, it’s probably worse for you because you’ve had to suppress your feelings for so long.”

  He saw that his sister-in-law gazed at him with lots of sympathy.

  “You think so?”

  She nodded. “Yeah, I think so. I’ve had a little experience with someone trying to suppress his feelings you know.” Angie looked at her husband across the room, her eyes full of love. “I’m not sure who it was harder on, him or me.”

  “That’s not the same.”

  She frowned at him. “Not exactly but close enough I can sympathize. I mean, they ordered you to make the love of your life forget you even existed. Ardan consciously tried to do the same thing.”

  Cuinn turned to look at her, startled. “He did?”

  “Yup, he’d decided he would work me out of his system forever. He figured he’d take the sex route since he had some control over his sexual feelings.” She looked at him with a twinkle in her eye and chuckled. “Good thing it only made it worse.”

  “Made what worse?” Arden put his arm around his wife and leaned down to kiss her the top of her head.

  “You’re nosey.” Angie smiled up at him and squeezed his hand.

  Ardan arched his eyebrow and frowned. “Okay, guess I’m not supposed to know what you were talking about.”

  “Yeah, wives are allowed to have some secrets you know.” She winked at Cuinn.

  “You better be careful. I’ll spank you when we get home.”

  “Promises, promises.”

  “Whoa, too much information here.” Lacey chimed in, making a cross with two fingers. They all laughed.

  “We should be getting home. I want Angie to rest more and now that you’ve started here, she can. Is tomorrow too soon?”

  Lacey turned to Cuinn. “Is that okay with you?”

  “Sure. You might be more tired than normal the first few days here but other than that, I would say you’re acclimatizing very well. Don’t you think, Ardan?”

  “I agree with Cuinn here. You’re doing great and if we’re not busy, I’ll let you go home early.”

  “Okay. Then I’ll be there.”

  Chapter 8

  The day started out quiet. Cuinn made love to her again in the early morning glow of the dying fire, leaving her with the feeling of being loved and cherished. They got up and took a leisurely shower. Together they prepared breakfast, which was a simple affair of scrambled eggs with various veggies, cheeses and ham. Talking over their morning coffee, Lacey was surprised he would also be going to work.

  “Have you talked to your uncle?” she asked, hoping she would not be the one to cause another family rift.

  “My uncle knew the moment I brought you up here I might not be coming back. I’m not irreplaceable in his company. A lot of the work he has me doing isn’t dependent upon me being in Boston.”

  She nodded. “Okay. If you’re absolutely sure it won’t cause a problem.�
�

  Cuinn reached out and squeezed her hand. “I understand but believe me when I say there is no problem.”

  “I believe you.” She smiled and returned the squeeze. “So what have you been working on?”

  He eyed her cautiously. “I’m afraid it will be very boring.”

  She sighed and rolled her eyes. “That’s what couples do, Cuinn. Talk to each other. If they can’t communicate well, they could fall out of love. I’d rather talk to you about what you’re doing than not speak at all.”

  “Okay, I get your meaning. We’ve been working on a new type of remote control for the various electronic gadgets Santa plans to unveil this Christmas. He wants top of the line wireless for the toys this holiday season.”

  “Really? It sounds interesting. Maybe you can explain it to me when we have more time. Right now I need to get going.”

  “Sure. You would tell me if you were bored, wouldn’t you?”

  Smiling, she gently cupped his cheek and kissed him. “Believe me, I’m not the type of girl to ever hold something back from you. I would definitely tell you. But beware, it takes a lot to bore me.” LOL

  “Good. Hope you don’t mind us riding together.”

  “Not at all.”

  They put the few dishes in the dishwasher, got their coats on and gathered what they needed for the day. Soon they stood outside with the sleigh pulling up to the front. Lacey couldn’t help but notice the blackness of the day.

  “Are we finally in the complete dark? I mean, I don’t know what time of year it changes from sunlight to little sunlight to no sunlight.”

  “We are and it probably happened last night.”

  “Don’t you know when the change is going to occur?” she asked as he tucked her in under the covers in the sleigh.

  He gave her a lopsided smile. “Of course, I do. I’ve been a little preoccupied lately and didn’t notice what day it was. Total darkness here is from the first day of fall until the first day of winter. From then on we have some sunlight, but not much in the rest of the winter months.” He gave her a quick kiss.

  “So that’s it, we’re in for the duration?”