Luck is a Lady

by CJ England

  Lifting her, so her legs wrapped around his waist, he braced her against the wall as he continued to soap her. His fingers teased at her breasts and made long sweeping movements down her sides, to the curly hair that lay warm against his hard stomach.

  She moaned quietly and he felt his own temperature rise. “I am going to make love to you, Lara,” he murmured quietly as his hands cupped her soapy breasts. “Tell me now if you don't want this."

  Sighing, she lifted sultry eyes to his. “You can be so irritating, you know."

  He grinned, knowing by the softening of her body he was forgiven ... for now. “As can you, love. We are a perfect pair."

  "This isn't over,” she gasped out as she felt him move the broad head of his penis into her wet folds.

  "Then we can finish fighting later,” he groaned as he slipped into her waiting heat. “Agreed?"

  She moaned as he began to move within her. “Agreed."

  The hot water streamed over them as he thrust hard into her. She could hear the slap of their bodies coming together, could smell the tangy scent of sex in the steamy air. Hungrily, she bit down on his shoulder, and then kissed the small indentations in apology.

  "Lara,” he growled. “I won't last long if you continue that."

  All her tiredness had fled the second his cock had filled her. All she wanted now was to feel. To hold on to the heat of his desire and feel it all through her body.

  "I want you,” she whispered as she bit the lobe of his ear. “Don't be gentle! I want you now!"

  Justin groaned again and plunged deeper, feeling his need for her rise even higher. He was constantly surprised at how fast they could get to each other. “You want it rough, sweetheart? You got it."

  He slanted his mouth over hers, his tongue plunging inside in the same rhythm as his body. When she wrapped her legs tight around him, he groaned again. Grabbing her wet ass, he ground himself against her clit, feeling her clench down hard on him in response. He pounded against her, knowing he wouldn't be able to last much longer.

  Lara sucked hard on his invading tongue, feeling him swell even bigger in response. He was huge inside of her, but he felt so damn good, she never wanted it to end. Tangling her hands in his hair, she kissed him for all she was worth.

  "Take more of me,” he growled as he adjusted himself so his cock was rubbing right on her clit. “Give me everything."

  Lara trapped his mouth again as she felt the heat start coiling in her stomach. A little more and she'd explode. When he reached down and pinched her clit, she did.

  Screaming, she twisted in his arms, tightening her legs around him. As she unraveled, she heard him swear.

  Her orgasm triggered his own and seconds later he poured himself into her with a shout. Shuddering against her, his last thought was he hoped they made up like this every time they had a fight.

  Chapter Seven

  "But if you only had a couple of drinks, why did you smell like a distillery?"

  Lara jerked in surprise. Their lovemaking had been hard and fast and she was glad she wasn't the one standing. She could barely hang onto Justin, she felt so limp. But apparently, he'd been serious when he said they'd finish fighting later. She sighed and raised her head from his wet chest.

  "I felt bad about saying I'd burn the boat down, so I stopped to get you a surprise. Remember when you said you liked tequila?"

  He nodded.

  "A friend told me about this special brand called Blue Tarantula. We didn't have any on the boat, so I picked some up as a peace offering. I thought if we were together, you could taste it. But when I had the flat, it bounced off the seat and broke. I got it all over me."

  Justin swore out loud as he turned off the water. He let go of her hips and their bodies separated as she slid down his front. He opened the door of the shower and gave Lara a little push outside.

  She resisted for a few moments, not wanting to go out into the cold, but then she surrendered to his greater strength.

  "You were right to call me a stupid jerk,” he said quietly. “But it would be more accurate to call me a stupid jealous jerk."

  She leaned back against his chest as he dried her off, purring at the feel of his hands in her hair. “Jealous?"

  "I was furious with you, yes. For the party and for running from me. But when you didn't come home ... I allowed myself to think the worst of you. I am sorry for that."

  "I'm not Bridget!"

  He wrapped the towel around her as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I know. I know.” He tipped her chin up. “I didn't mean the things I said, anymore than you did."

  "I still don't understand why—"

  He covered her lips with his fingers. “I know. And that is my fault too.” He led her over to the bed and pulled her down beside him. He stared at the ceiling for a long moment before he spoke.

  "It was at a Halloween party we were all cursed."

  Lara's eyes widened as she snuggled against him. “At a party?"

  "Bridget threw a huge gala that night. It was decadent, with women, drink and drugs like opium available. It was the most hedonistic thing I'd ever seen."

  "And afterwards, she cursed you?"

  Justin shook his head. “No. I had pulled her aside during the party to demand the changes. She called me into the lounge while the party was going on next door."

  She stared at him in horror. “She killed all of you, with people partying next door?"

  "Yes. So you can see why I reacted the way I did."

  "I'm sorry. If I had known..."

  He pulled her close against him. “You were right. The party is a good idea. I shouldn't let the past color my thinking. If it will help you bring more customers to The Lucky Lady, then I should be helping you, not hindering you.

  "Are you sure?"

  "As sure as I am that I owe you an apology for my behavior this day.” He smoothed back her wet hair. “I am not used to caring about anyone."

  "Or trusting them."

  He sighed. “You are right. But I ask you give me a chance. There is something special between us, Lara. I would like to find out just what it is."

  She ran her hand through the furring of chest hair. “I would too, but we have to be careful. We both have tempers."

  Justin looked down at her with mock surprise. “Temper? I am the most even tempered man."

  She snorted and raised an eyebrow. “Really? I haven't seen that part of you."

  He narrowed his eyes and rolled over on top of her. “I believe you bring out the animal in me, sweetheart."

  Lara grinned and wrapped her arms around him. “Good. I've always wanted to tame the beast!"

  * * * *

  The next few days passed quickly. Lara was busy getting all the decorations and supplies for the Halloween party, as well as putting ads in papers and doing promos all over the marina. Justin watched her proudly, finding she was a true artist when it came to putting an event together.

  The worst part was they rarely had any chance to be together and he was constantly reminded of how short his time really was. The only time he had her to himself was in the evening when everyone else was gone. And he took full advantage of it, stealing into the office and sweeping her into his arms to carry her to their bed to make long, beautiful love to her.

  He wanted to imprint himself on her. But as he did it, he realized he was the one who needed. The thought of being without her was killing him. There was a part of him that didn't want the curse to be broken. He wanted to stay with her.

  He was the one falling in love.

  After a hundred long lonely years, he had finally found the woman who could complete him. But Justin knew he would have no true happiness if his friends were left to suffer. Diana especially was hoping the curse could be broken. She hated The Lucky Lady.

  So he prayed for a miracle. One that would give his friends what they needed but let him stay with Lara ... forever.

  * * * *

  "You did a wonderful job, my dear,” L
ottie shouted over the music. Her inquisitive blue eyes swept over the crowd. “Everyone is having a marvelous time."

  Lara grinned. “I couldn't have done it without you. The decorations were all your idea. And the music was Diana's."

  "We all did our part.” The old woman giggled. “Look at Charlie. He's doing his now."

  Lara glanced over at the young man. He was moving through the crowd, touching people's arms and breathing down their necks. Since Lara had advertised The Lucky Lady as a haunted casino, he was playing it up right. The people he touched all shivered and looked behind them, trying to find who or what had given them the willies.

  She laughed. “He's enjoying himself. Good."

  "They all are,” Lottie chuckled. “You throw an excellent party."

  Lara gazed over the completed casino proudly. She had a sold out crowd, just as she'd hoped. People in costumes of all sorts gambled, laughed, ate, or stood at the bar listening to the music of the band she'd hired for the evening.

  She'd decorated the room lavishly, spending a small fortune to make a worthwhile impression. Streamers of orange and black looped from the ceiling and pumpkins with electric candles were set all around the room. Spooky statues of vampires, monsters and of course, ghosts were placed strategically near some of the tables.

  All the crew was outfitted in costumes as well. She saw Frankenstein and the Wolfman, an angel and a few devils. Several of the dealers were dressed as Dracula, complete with fangs and blood.

  "I think The Lucky Lady is a hit,” she thought aloud.

  "Was there any doubt?” Lottie asked.

  Lara shrugged. “I never count my chickens before they're hatched. And I never quite believed it would all come together. I think I was afraid Justin would change his mind."

  "Where is the captain, anyway?"

  Shaking her head, Lara worried her bottom lip. “I don't know. I haven't seen him since...” She blushed. “Since earlier."

  Lottie grinned and smacked Lara with her bag. “Since he climbed out of your bed?"

  Lara went even redder. “Lottie! Have you been peeking?"

  The old woman chuckled. “Don't need to. Boy wears a smile a mile wide every morning. And he whistles too.” She leaned in close to Lara. “Only time a man whistles like that is when he's gettin’ some."

  "Lottie!” Lara gasped.

  "Oh my,” Lottie's lip trembled. “Didn't I say it right? Diana says it all the time."

  "You ... said it fine,” Lara managed. “It's just not something I'd expect from someone like you."

  "You mean ... an old broad?"

  Lara gave up and laughed out loud. “Oh Lottie, what would I do without you?"

  Something came and went in the old eyes, but Lara missed it. She was still worrying about Justin.

  "I don't know where he is,” she fretted. “I didn't expect him to come to the whole party since I know how he feels about Halloween, but I thought he'd at least poke his head in.” She glanced at her watch. “It's almost eleven."

  "He'll be here honey,” Lottie comforted her. “He won't be able to stay away once he sees you in that outfit."

  "Do you like it?” Lara smoothed down the fine silk. “I couldn't believe that I found it. It was perfect."

  She was dressed up like an old time saloon girl in a dark emerald dress that was cut low over her breasts. A modern push up bra gave her plenty of cleavage to show off and the full ruffled skirt swept up high on one side to tempt with a peek of creamy thigh.

  She'd added a black boa and feather in her hair as accents and had even put a fake mole over one lip to add to the costume.

  "I love it,” Lottie answered her. “I can't wait to see Justin's face."

  Lara grinned. She'd chosen the outfit just for him. She already was having daydreams of him peeling it off her.

  "Hey, Lara!"

  Turning her head, she saw Tim waving at her. “It's time. Give us a song like you promised."

  She sighed and gave a quick look around the room for Justin. She'd chosen the song for him too and it looked like he was going to miss it. Damn him! Where was he?

  Shrugging, she moved forward to where the band was. She'd made the mistake of telling her crew she had done some singing in college. In fact, she'd worked as a singing waitress and had even done a few local productions. She was no diva, but she could hold her own.

  She leaned toward the leader. “Do I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now. Just like we rehearsed.” At his nod, she turned back to the milling crowd. The music started and Lara took a deep breath. It had been awhile since she'd sung in public.

  You have loved lots of girls in the sweet long ago,

  And each one has meant Heaven to you.

  You have vowed your affection to each one in turn,

  And have sworn to them all you'd be true.

  You have kissed ‘neath the moon while the world seemed in tune

  Then you've left her to hunt a new game.

  Does it ever occur to you later, my boy,

  That I'm probably doing the same.

  Twirling her skirt, Lara's full rich voice carried out over the crowd. People quieted and began to listen. With help from Tim, she stepped up on the bar so the crowd could easily see her. Enjoying herself now, she smiled and hammed it up.

  Do you wonder who's kissing me now?

  Wonder who's teaching me how.

  Wonder who's looking into my eyes

  Breathing sighs, telling lies;

  Do you wonder who's buying the wine,

  For lips that you used to call mine.

  Wonder if I ever tell him of you,

  Do you wonder who's kissing me now?

  People in the crowd laughed as she bent and tickled a fat man under the chin. His bleary eyes were fastened on her exposed cleavage and with a giggle she gave a little shimmy, her perfumed breasts bouncing right under his nose.

  If you want to feel wretched and lonely and blue,

  Just imagine the girl you love best

  In the arms of some fellow who's stealing a kiss

  From the lips that you once fondly pressed.

  Laughing, she danced down the bar and kicked the hat off a man wearing an Abraham Lincoln costume. Blowing him a kiss, she swished her skirt, showing off her long legs as she continued.

  But the world moves a pace and the loves of today

  Flit away with a smile and a tear.

  So you never can tell who is kissing me now,

  Or just whom you'll be kissing next year.

  As she did a quick turn on the bar, she looked out over the crowd. Justin had just appeared in the room and was staring at her with an incredulous look on his face. She grinned and crooked a finger at him, beckoning him closer. She sang the last chorus directly to him as he made his way through the crowd.

  Do you wonder who's kissing me now?

  Wonder who's teaching me how.

  Wonder who's looking into my eyes

  Breathing sighs, telling lies;

  Do you wonder who's buying the wine,

  For lips that you used to call mine.

  Wonder if I ever tell him of you,

  Do you wonder who's kissing me now?

  When she finished, the crowd went wild, cheering and clapping. Flushed with embarrassment and pleasure, she bowed and blew kisses.

  Justin watched with angry eyes as the woman he loved paraded up and down the bar like the saloon girl she was costumed as. He gritted his teeth when she bowed and more of her beautiful breasts spilled out over the top of her bodice.

  When one of the guests reached up and fondled her leg, he'd had enough. He'd never been jealous before, but with Lara, he was finding he was a different man all together. Pushing his way through to the bar, he glared up at her.

  "Damn it, Lara! Get down off of there."

  She giggled and bending over, ran her finger over his tense lips. “Now why would I want to do that, Captain? Is there something in it for me?"

  "Give us another, Lara!” The shou
t came from the crowd.

  She looked down at him, the devil lurking in her laughing eyes. “Well? Am I going to get a better offer?"

  Justin swore loudly. He'd be damned again if he'd let all these men get another look at her breasts. With a growl, he stepped up and tossed her over his shoulder, uncaring of how it would look to the people watching.

  Lara gasped. “Justin! What are you doing?"

  "Giving you another offer,” he growled. “You're coming with me."

  She pounded on his broad back, not hearing the cheering guests. “Put me down. You know how this is going to look?"

  Belatedly, he understood. All the guests would see her carried out by an invisible man. Then he shrugged. He'd told her to get down. It was her fault if people were frightened.

  Ignoring her cursing, he carried her into the short hallway between the lounge and casino and set her down in the tiny alcove.

  Grumbling beneath her breath, she straightened her clothes. “That was unnecessary, Justin."

  "Hell if it wasn't,” he shot back. “No woman of mine is going to act like a tart, even in fun."

  Her eyes glinted. “Be careful, Justin. We've been down this road before. You aren't the boss of me."

  "I am your lover,” he growled. “Doesn't that mean anything?” He crowded her against the wall and ran his hand up her silken thigh. “Do you know what it does to me to watch those men drooling over you?'

  Lara gasped as his hand slid up her leg to her warm mound. She threaded her fingers through his hair. “You are the one I'm with,” she whispered. “I don't want anyone else. Just you."

  His mouth came down on hers in a voracious kiss. Their tongues danced and teased, feeling the heat warm them as the ever present desire grew in them again.

  Lara rubbed the palm of her hand against his straining erection, determined to show him how much she needed him. He gave a groan and eased a finger beneath her satin panties to tease her warm folds. She whimpered as her need drenched his exploring fingers.

  Pulling his mouth away, he laid his forehead against hers. “How can I believe that?” he asked in a tortured voice. “I'm a dead man. They are alive. You can have a future with any one of them. Me ... I'm just a night time fantasy."

  Lara's heart squeezed and she cradled his face in her hands. “You are much more than that, Justin. Don't you know that? Don't you understand what I feel for you?"