by T C Archer
Dread slid down her spine. He was too sure. And why not? In ten centuries she hadn’t found a man who could break the curse. She hadn’t found a man who loved her.
Chapter Four
“I’m liking this less and less.” Jace stuffed his hands into his jeans pockets and turned from the crackling fire in the fireplace to face his business partner.
Ryan lounged on the burgundy colored sofa in the middle of the resort two-bedroom suite, an arm draped across the sofa top. He was as relaxed as Jace was wound tight.
“You agreed to this, Jace.”
He had. Now the trepidation he’d experienced when his step-mother announcement yesterday morning that she’d set-up this date was headed toward full fledged panic.
“I’m not so hard up that I need a dating service to get me a woman,” he said.
“Sure you are—we both are, if we’re honest. Running the Bar-S ranch has consumed our lives this last three years. And, in case you forgot, this is only a date.” Ryan’s mouth twitched. “A date guaranteed to last through the night, but just a date nonetheless. Besides,” he nodded toward the window that ran the length of the left wall, “even if it wasn’t snowing, the shuttles down the mountain quit running after three.”
“Montana isn’t the Arctic,” Jace said. “I can hire a car to get me into town.”
“Sorry,” Ryan said. “This isn’t the Bar-S, which means you’re not in charge.”
No, he wasn’t, and maybe that was the problem. A dozen questions were closing in around him—not the least of which was how he would deal with a flesh and blood woman writhing beneath him. His cock twitched at the thought. Hell, that reaction was the closest he’d come to wanting a woman in three years. Could he perform? Worse, what if his date walked out on him? Wasn’t the fear of rejection the real reason he’d remained celibate since Jenny left?
Jace lowered himself into the overstuffed chair to the left of the fireplace and rested his gaze on Ryan. “Don’t think I haven’t figured your part in this.”
“My part?”
“You’re the only one who knew this was my only free weekend for the next six months.”
“Don’t blame me. Paula’s the one who keeps your life on schedule. Hell, she runs you, me, and the Bar-S from her desk. She could have told Abby. You know how women are.”
Yeah, he knew how women were. When his father married Abby Morrison twenty-two years ago, she took to Jace like he was her own son. When his father passed away last year, Jace took over the ranch, along with Ryan, whose father had been Jace’s father’s partner. Abby had decided Jace and Ryan needed women. Then promptly recruited their assistant Paula in her crusade.
“Abby threatened to take out a full page ad in the Billings Gazette, advertising for a wife if I didn’t agree to tonight.” Jace laughed despite himself. “Seemed like a good compromise—at the time.” All amusement vanished. “One-nighters aren’t my style.”
“You haven’t had style in three years.”
“Haven’t had the heart for it since Jenny left,” Jace admitted.
“I know. So does Abby, which is why she set this up. You have to admit it’s time.”
Jace met his friend’s gaze. “I still haven’t figured it out.”
“What?”
“Why she left—like that, I mean.”
“Who knows why a woman does anything,” Ryan replied.
“Yeah, but she didn’t have to leave me standing at the altar.”
Ryan released a breath. “I know.”
“Abby heard she just did a show in Big Fork.”
“Abby should learn to keep quiet.”
Jace startled. “You knew?”
“It’s hard not to know,” Ryan said. “Jenny’s a well known artist.”
“How come I didn’t know?”
“Because you’re buried so deep in the Bar-S, you don’t know when it’s night or day.”
Big Fork was only twenty miles from the lodge. What would he do if Jenny walked through his door tonight? Apprehension cinched his gut tighter.
“I can’t do this,” he said.
Ryan shrugged. “It’s up to you. But when word reaches Abby that you ducked out because you couldn’t do it, she’ll have every doctor between Montana and California examining you—and I’m not talking about your big head. Besides, I’m looking forward to the woman she picked out for me.”
“What’s the difference between these women and hookers?” Jace demanded.
“Same thing that differentiates us from johns; we didn’t pay them to be here. Come on Jace, they’re here for the same reason we are, sex with no strings, no commitment, no pressure. Do it or not, as she pleases.” He grinned. “We know we’ll please.”
Jace eyed his friend. “Aren’t you just a little worried about what Abbey has in mind for us?”
“Abby described your date as sin incarnate. Made me a little jealous.”
Ryan’s mouth twitched in amusement. “But as long as the women are pretty and a willing participant we’re both ahead of the game. Besides, Abby knows us about better than anyone.” His expression turned speculative. “You’ve groused all the way from the ranch. There’s something you’re not telling me. You got someone back home who’s already broken you back into the saddle?”
“Hell, no,” Jace answered, as the unexpected picture rose of a pretty and willing woman kneeling naked on the floor in front of him.
Chapter Five
Lorna ducked back around the corner of the hotel hallway, heart racing. Aeden was exiting a suite around the bend with a man. What was he doing here? She’d never known him to leave Shade. Had Telal sent him? Her pulse accelerated. Had Aeden guessed her intention of not entrapping her intended victim on, this, her final night in the mortal realm?
“You are certain?” Aeden’s voice drifted toward her.
“Yes, sir,” the man replied. “The gentleman is already on his way up to suite 319.”
Room 319? Lorna glanced at the door opposite her. 310. She did a mental count of the room numbers and realized the suite Aeden and the man had exited had to be 319.
“I trust this will compensate for your trouble?” Aeden’s voice was closer.
Lorna stifled a gasp. They were headed her way.
“Very generous of you, sir,” the man replied.
She turned and grasped the handle of the door behind her. Locked.
“Remember,” Aeden said as she hurried to the next door.
“No one is to disturb the occupants until tomorrow morning.”
Another locked door. Panic weakened her legs. Lorna hurried to the next door and pressed down on the latch. She nearly cried when the door clicked open.
“Let me know if you need anything else,” the man replied as she slipped
inside the suite and quietly closed the door behind her.
* * * * *
The click of the door opening sounded down the hallway. Jace snapped
his head in the direction of the sound.
Ryan grinned. “Looks like we got company.”
“I can’t do this,” Jace said, though what he really meant was; he wasn’t sure he could do it. How pissed would Abby really be if he chickened out?
Ryan rose. “It’s one night. No muss, no fuss, and no strings. That’s why it’s called the Hit It and Quit It Club. It’ll get Abby off your back and—” his green eyes took on that all-too-familiar I know what you’re thinking look “—the memory of another woman in your bed might give you something to think about on that next sleepless night. Besides,” he lowered his voice, “you’re bound to hurt their feelings if you rush past them trying to escape.” He winked and started for the hallway leading to the front door.
* * * * *
Lorna stared at the door. Blood pounded in a deafening rush through her ears. Aeden being here was no coincidence. Whatever he was up to had to have something to do with her—and, she realized with horror, the man she was to meet tonight. Who was the man in suite 319?
&
nbsp; She never knew who she would meet, no one did, for it was fate that placed in her path the men who should be tested.
Think, she commanded herself. Why is Aeden here?
Nine men had failed to care for anything save the pleasure they had taken from her body. All had paid with the insanity that eventually devoured their minds in the shadows of Shade. But she was determined not to give Aeden another victim. She had stepped from the portal into the hotel hallway with the intention of finding a hidden corner where she wouldn’t encounter anyone. If Aeden had someone guessed her intention could he stop her?
No. He couldn’t stop her if she didn’t mark a man.
Tomorrow, when he appeared to claim his final prize, she would be empty handed. Lorna pressed a palm to her churning stomach, then smoothed her silk, form-fitting red dress, and took a cleansing breath as she grasped the handle. She hesitated. What if Aeden had stopped in the hallway to talk with the man again? Lorna released the doorknob and took a step backwards. Was it safe to leave? She had to find a place where no mortal male would be in danger of touching her.
She bumped into a wall of muscle and whirled.
“Whoa, there, sweetheart.” Strong hands steadied her.
Lorna jerked her head up and startled at sight of the twinkling green eyes that were a striking contrast to the golden hair of the man who gently grasped her shoulders.
The man smiled. “You’re the first to arrive. Lucky us.” He slipped an arm around her waist.
Dear God. He had touched her—and was now marked to be tested.
He started them down the hall. Her heart wrenched. She had ducked into this room by accident. What sort of cruel fate was this? They reached the main room of the suite and Lorna stopped at sight of a second man standing near the hearth, back to them. Two men?
The man turned and dark eyes met hers. Lorna sucked in a breath. The man standing beside her was striking, but the second man was glorious. Maybe Aeden was right, she had been Down Below too long, for her attraction to this man was greater than that she usually experienced. By some twist of Aeden's spell, the lust she invoked Down Below accumulated in her, and she felt strong attraction toward the men she tested. Whether it was the duke five centuries ago who had bound her, then had her breasts flogged while he fucked her from behind, or the poor young artist whose cock never hardened, so he had sucked her breasts as he pleasured her with a dildo, she always had tremendous orgasms.
But the attraction for this man was different. Both were tall, but where the one beside her was lean, the other was broad, with steel that was evident even beneath the white of his shirt. The man beside her was fair, the other dark, with a mood to match, she realized.
“I’m Ryan,” the man with his arm around her said. She looked at him as he added, “That’s Jace.” His smile widened. “In case it makes any difference.”
She stared. Makes any difference?
His eyes shifted to the other man and she too looked at him. “Aren’t you going to say hello to our guest, Jace?”
He nodded. “Nice to meet you.”
The deep timbre of his voice sent a ripple of awareness through her that settled between her legs with a tightening of her sex. She had almost forgotten how splendid it was to feel desire. Two men doubled her chances of reversing Aeden’s curse. Could she test both men on her last night among mortals? No! She couldn’t—wouldn’t—want them. She had to get out before it was too late.
“What’s your name, darlin’?” Ryan asked.
She looked at him. Her throat tightened. He had touched her. It was too late for him. Or was it? What would happen if she simply left, didn’t follow the dictates of her lord, and didn’t test this man?
“Your name?” Ryan urged.
“Lorna,” she answered.
“Beautiful,” he murmured. “Would you like something to drink, Lorna?”
“Whatever you’re having is fine.”
His eyes dilated with desire and Lorna cursed the husky note that had crept into her voice.
“Jace, a drink for the lady.” Ryan led her to the sofa and eased her onto the cushion beside him. “I’ll have a scotch,” he added, his eyes on her. “Are you from around here?”
“No. I’m from…” her mind stalled, no one had asked her that before, “the east.”
“New York, maybe?” He winked. “So our cold weather won’t bother you.”
“Cold weather?”
“The snow.”
She looked to the left where he nodded. Thick, white flakes drifted through the blackness beyond the window. She gave a cry of delight.
He laughed. “I take it you like snow.”
“It’s magnificent,” she breathed.
Jace appeared in front of the sofa. He handed Ryan one drink. Lorna reached for the glass he extended toward her, then realized her mistake. Too late, he pushed the glass into her hand, their fingertips brushing. Energy jolted through her. He snatched his hand back. She fumbled the drink, slopping amber liquid over the glass rim and onto her dress.
Panic shot through her. Her touch had marked both men. It was almost as if Aeden had bargained with the fates—or perhaps she was being punished for thinking she could renege on her pact with a dark lord.
“Damn, Jace,” Ryan muttered. “Give the lady a chance to have her drink before getting her out of her clothes.”
Lorna yanked her gaze onto the blond’s face.
“How about one of those napkins,” he instructed his friend.
Jace hurried to the bar, then returned seconds later with two snow white linens in hand. He extended one toward her. “I’m sorry about that.”
Lorna grasped the linen edge, careful not to touch him—a foolish gesture, he was already doomed—and set the fabric on her lap, heedless of the damp spot on her dress.
The blond gave his friend a strange look, then said to her, “Will your friend be arriving soon?”
“My friend?”
“I suppose you don’t know her. No reason you would, I guess. That doesn’t mean we can’t get this party started.” He traced a finger along her jaw.
“Until then, I suppose I don’t mind sharing—unless you prefer Jace. I’m available, if you’re undecided.”
Lorna stared. She had been here mere minutes and already these men were ready to rut between her legs? She had been a fool to think she could hide from her fate…or Aeden. She had been a fool to think it mattered.
Her heart broke as she reached for the blond.
Chapter Six
Lust jolted through Jace as the auburn haired beauty pulled Ryan close. The tingling of anticipation in his balls suddenly had them feeling like they were going to jump out of his scrotum. He told himself to turn away, but he couldn’t tear his eyes from the creamy breasts that spilled over the low neckline of the silky smooth red dress she wore. Was that a hint of nipple peeking over the top of the fabric? She pressed closer to Ryan, and Jace swore he discerned the puckering of a pink edge.
The churning whirlpool that threatened a massive hard on swirled faster. She undulated her nipples against Ryan’s chest. Jace drew in a sharp breath. Ryan pulled her close. She moaned and Jace couldn’t prevent his hand from cupping his cock. He pulsed against his erection as he’d done a thousand times the last three years, only this time, he didn’t close his eyes and envision a faceless female body. He stared at the woman who had flattened her palm against the bulge in Ryan’s jeans. What would it be like to have those long, slim fingers wrapped around his shaft?
Her hand massaged Ryan’s dick and blood pounded through Jace’s ears. He was going to go out of his mind—and would embarrass himself in the process. He yanked his hand from his crotch.
“I-I’m going to wait for my date down in the bar.” He was going to run like hell. Jace turned.
“Wait.”
He froze at the sound of Lorna’s voice, low, sultry, and filled with a promise he was sure wasn’t intended for him. A second later, slim fingers grasped his arm and she turned him to
ward where she now stood in front of the sofa. She reached up and the mid-thigh length hem of her dress pulled even higher as she slid her hands up his chest and around his neck. His mind whirled, but he was unable to resist as she pulled his face toward hers.
She pressed closer, breasts lush against his chest this time. Their mouths met and her small sigh sent a message to his primal brain. He growled. When her nipples hardened against his chest, all thought vanished. Jace crushed her to him. Her feminine curves melted against his hard lines. She flicked her tongue against his mouth and he thrust his tongue past her lips and inside her warmth.
She tasted like no other woman had, like fresh rain in a stand of sugar maples.
When she pulled back he was breathing hard. Lorna stepped away from him and panic seized him. She didn’t want him. Why would she? A woman like her could have any man she wanted.
“Your date isn’t in the bar.” A slow, sensual smile curved her mouth. “I am your date.”
Jace blinked and exchanged a glance with Ryan. Ryan shrugged but, before they could respond, she grasped Jace’s hand and urged him onto the couch. She settled between them. Jace froze when she slid a hand around his neck and brushed her lips against his. Did she want Ryan to watch while he fucked her? What would Ryan think of that? Her tongue skimmed across his lips.
Jace opened and her tongue slipped like velvet across his tongue. The kiss was light, but hit an erotic chord that conjured a picture of his erection inside her mouth, her tongue gliding over the hard length like the moist heat that now slid across his tongue. She startled him by flicking her tongue against his, then pulled back. Jace forced his hands to remain at his sides or risk petting Ryan.
She faced Ryan. Jace went stock still when she leaned into him. Surprise flashed across Ryan’s face but, like Jace, he seemed unable to move as she drew his face down to hers. Jace startled at sight of her lips touching Ryan’s and he wasn’t sure whether to feel anger, jealousy, or…his hard-on throbbed when she leaned into the kiss and pressed her breasts against Ryan’s chest. Lust, he realized with shock, was the overriding emotion.