Maxie waved him off. Okay, so let me get this straight. You were cursed, right? Must have been some curse.
He nodded his dark head.
Who cursed you and why ? she asked suspiciously.
Kellen sucked in his cheeks. A witch. A jealous witch. He clamped those yummy lips shut.
Ah, now were getting somewhere. A girlfriend maybe? Did he lose his mind when she broke up with him? And why was she jealous, Kellen?
Ack, simply because I did not find her to my liking, he spat.
Uh-huh. So you cheated on her? Maxie challenged.
Kellen lifted his chin. I know this word cheat. No, I did not cheat on her. We were not betrothed.
Betrothed? She hadnt heard that word since the last historical romance novel shed read. Betrothed, huh? So you werent going to marry her when you were done in the old mating bed then?
My intent was never to marry He sounded just a bit guilty.
So you were playing the field and you got caught?
Playing the field?
Oh, he was very good at this. You were in many mating beds and she caught you.
He had the decency to blush, the color staining his cheekbones. Possibly.
Ahah! You were a lying, cheating pig. That figures. Maxie shook her finger at him.
I did not tell falsehoods, MLady. I merely did not tell.
Maxie pushed at his shoulder. Oh, cmon, Conan, thats lying by omission and you know it. This poor woman was led astray by your big, hunky body and your your mating bed prowess.
Kellen smiled smugly. She knew I was not interested in the marriage bed with her, Maxie. Alas, I am interested in the mating bed with ye, he sighed. You. His wicked grin widened.
Well, Don Juan, guess what? I am not interested in the mating bed with you! Now quit pussy footin around and get to the point. She slapped a curse on you because you were a jerk. Sure wish I knew how to pull that off. I can think of someone who deserves a curse or two. So now youre here in the year two-thousand-four, and youre trying to pass off this load of garbage about hearing womens names on the wind. I should have bought popcorn for this. Its better than any movie I could have rented at Blockbuster.
He remained silent.
Well, cmon. Tell me how you got here and what this all has to do with me.
I know not what this has to do with you, other than I heard your name on the wind and I came. I found you in hospital, badly beaten. I promised I would avenge your suffering and I shall. Juan will not hide forever. I do not know the details of my arrival to your year two-thousand-four. I only know after the curse was placed, I awoke here. I was an apparition until just this day. I could not be seen by anyone. Twas decidedly lonely for someone like me who enjoys the company of others.
Maxie snorted. Apparently you enjoyed the company of the wrong others, bucko. How did you know what the curse was? How did you know you had to avenge women and how many women do you have to avenge before youve paid your debt?
I know not the answer to this mystery. I only know her words before she sent me here. She rather loudly shouted her intent hither and yon in the town square for all to hear. I was doomed to roam the earth in an invisible form in a foreign land. A cad as handsome as myself deserved no human form, for I was vain. In my invisible form, I would avenge the wronged women of this strange land, to pay compensation for all of the women I had wronged. I remember little else but scoffing at her publicly, taking my leave, partaking of mead, and going back to my castle. This is where I woke up and where I have been for five of your calendar years. No one will miss me, but mayhap the wenches. He smiled smugly. My family is dead. I have but me to care for. He paused, pursing his lips. I have roamed your land, strange though it might be, learned your customs, and answered the call of the wind.
Well, that was quite a story. Shed found herself so immersed in his crap she forgot to breathe. Sounds like you got what you deserved. Thatll teach you to hop from mating bed to mating bed, now wont it. Tell me, do you sleep with all of your avenged women? And that still doesnt explain how you got into my bedroom. Is this like some magic cad thing?
I do not find your sharp tongue amusing. It may well be snatched from your mouth should you try my patience, Maxie.
Maxie bristled, Dont you threaten me, or Ill dig up this witch and have her put a double whammy on you. A big fat mojo.
Kellen laughed. I know not of this whammy, but I fear not this witch. I would welcome the chance to avenge my curse.
Yeah, yeah. Youre a big warrior doing all that avenging. Looks to me like she showed you whos boss. So how did you get in here, Conan? How did you get in my room?
I offered to display my talents.
Maxie yawned, oddly no longer frightened. She was beginning to feel rather sorry for this poor misguided fool. Yeah, you did. So go ahead while I get the phone to call the police, because if youre not nuts, then I am and they may as well take me away right now. So go ahead. Show me your stuff.
Now you must promise me that you will not scream, Maxie. It offends my ears.
Maxie settled back on a pillow, reaching for the phone. Okay, no screaming.
Kellen slipped off the bed and turned off the lights. Maxie watched his big frame intently. The air became still, thick and oppressive. Pay attention, Maxie, watch
Oh, she watched all right. She watched him stand beside the bed, disappear into a puff of black smoke, and slip through her bedroom window.
Maxie gulped hard. She was -- oh, what did Victoria say?
Discombobulated. Yes, discombobulated.
That was it. Totally and completely discombobulated.
Chapter 3
Maxine! Maxine, tis I, Kellen. Awake! he yelled in her ear.
Hed killed her. She lay lifeless on the bed, her head slumped to the side. Raven hair spilled on the pillow. Kellen gave it a tug. Maxine, I order you to awaken! Scooping her up in his arms, he pulled her close, running his hands over the soft lips he so loved to kiss.
You have taken the proverbial cake this time, Kellen. She is certainly not limp from desire, his conscience took pleasure in reminding him.
Her heart beat steadily beneath his hand. She lives. I have but frightened her. Breathing a sigh of relief, he laid her gently on the bed. Her naked form stirred his shaft to new and unseemly proportions. Maxies breasts rose and fell, making his tongue tingle to taste the sweet buds.
Methinks this is not the proper moment for pre-connubial bliss, Kellen, his conscience warned.
I did warn her, did I not? Tis quite frightful to watch one disappear as spectacularly as I.
Yes, oh great master, disguised as a puff of smoke.
You mock me
Of course I mock you, fool! She lies in a state of unconsciousnes s whilst you sing your praises .
Kellen climbed in beside her and gathered her near. Ah, Maxie, I am a most grand sight, wouldnt you agree? I didnt mean to frighten you, merely show you the truth.
Maxie stirred, pushing against his chest, and mumbled. Her lips moved against his chest.
Getthehelloffofmeyoulunatic.
Kellen tilted her chin up with a finger. What say you, wench?
Maxie looked up at him and smiled sweetly. I said, get the hell off of me you lunatic. She pinched his nipple for added emphasis.
Kellen closed his arms around her tighter. Now surely you dont mean that. Look at how our bodies cling to one another.
I am not clinging I am being forced to cling.
Kellen chuckled. Would you have me gone? Out in the cold, harsh world, alone? He nibbled her neck, hoping all was not lost and he might still have time to boink. Yes, boink. He liked that word.
Licking at her neck, he cupped her breast, letting the weight lay in his hands. Thumbing her nipple elicited a sigh with her breathy tone of contentment. Kellens cock greeted her with a rousing jolt of pure pleasure. Slipping along her neck, he trailed kisses over her collarbone and across her shoulder, waiting to hear protests from above him.
Clasping her by
the waist, he slithered down her body and sipped at her nipple, nuzzling it with his nose. Maxie groaned and her back bowed, thrusting the nipple nearer his lips.
Oh, this woman. Would he never have enough of her ripe breasts and the sweetness between her thighs? Kellen tugged her nipple to his mouth, rolling his tongue over it, lapping at the tight bud until she thrust her hips forward, her thigh resting over his.
Ah, Maxie, you would deny this pleasure between us? He trailed a finger between the folds of her sweet flesh, groaning at the wet, hot desire there. You cannot deny this, Maxie, he moaned against her breast.
I have to -- this is crazy, she said as she dug her hands into his hair. Im still not sure what happened. One minute you were there and the next you were gone.
Kellen ran his hands over her plump, firm bottom, kneading her, pulling her close to his belly. Methinks you must give in to the desire for the mating bed, Maxie. I assure you, you are not, as you say, crazy. Nor is this desire you feel for me. Kellen flicked his tongue over her other nipple, as her hands clenched his ears, offering her breast to him. I can stop if you wish it, Maxie. You must but tell me so, he teased, as he lingered by the erect bud.
Oh, Kellen, she gasped. I think this giving in to the mating bed thing might be okay, for now. If Im crazy, then Id rather go insane.
Kellen swiped her nipple with his lips. Is this acquiescence, Maxie?
Damn you, YES! This is Maxie acquiescing to the mating bed. Nuts, but nevertheless acquiescing.
He enveloped her nipple swiftly as Maxie groaned, swirling his tongue over it, sliding his hands between her soft thighs. She was smooth and shaven. This delighted him no end. It gave him the freedom to feel every inch of her soft folds, slick from his fingers ministrations.
Releasing her nipple with a pop, he moved downward, skimming her belly with his lips, kissing the soft slope of her abdomen. Maxie opened her legs willingly as she had so many nights, before cradling his head between the vee of her thighs.
Kellen kissed her lush outer lips, running his tongue over them in a soft glide on smooth skin. Maxie became impatient. Her legs trembled as he took long passes, not entering her, but grazing her swollen bud with each stroke of his tongue.
She wrapped her arms around his head, lifting her hips, murmuring softly, then gasping sharply when he slipped into her, spreading the lush lips and suckling her clit.
Maxie called the Lords name in vain as she oft did when he pleasured her, crying out as he stroked, trembling when he thrust his fingers into her tight passage of heat.
His cock raged hot and hard between his legs. It pulsed as she rode his mouth. He felt her release, sweet and warm as she clutched at him wildly, rocking against him.
Blood rushed to his head, along with the need to pound into her. More roughly than he liked, he pulled her down to face him and lifted her thigh over his. The head of his engorged cock teased her tight entrance as he slid his tongue between her lips. Maxie strained against him, wrapping her arms around his waist and pressing the moist place between her thighs against him, urging him to enter her.
Kellen pulled back and thrust with force, unable to keep himself from plunging into the invitation she so willing gave. Upon impact, he hissed his satisfaction, burying himself in her wet heat, stroking her fiercely with his cock. Her head fell back as she clung to his forearms, her breasts tipping upward. Kellen gathered them together, stroking her nipples with his index fingers as she clenched his cock tightly within her.
Her smooth olive skin against his darker ruddy color made his cock tight and hungrier than any mating hed shared with her. She was beautiful to his eye as he watched her skillfully glide on his shaft. Her arched neck, long and graceful, her thick raven hair falling around her shoulders, and her mouth, partially open, all made Kellens lust increase tenfold. This woman hardened his cock like no other. He longed to see those lips wrapped around his shaft, milking him, her pink tongue lapping him. Simply thinking about it was all it took to bring his climax nearer.
Maxie raised her leg high as she reached completion. Bracing her hands against his chest, she cried out, tightening her muscles, tensing with sweet release.
Kellen thrust into her hard, his cock jerking as hot seed poured from him. Pulling her tightly to him, he kissed the top of her head as he gasped for air.
Maxie laid her head in the crook of his neck, murmuring something he could not hear clearly.
You are pleased, are you not? Did I not tell you the mating bed cannot be denied?
Maxie said nothing, her soft snoring muffled by his neck. Kellen chuckled. Withdrawing from her gently, he left the bed to seek a warm cloth to clean her. For the first time since hed entered this strange land, he was able to turn on a light.
Ah, the luxuries of having a form, substance a light. The harsh glare in the bathroom caught him off guard. The mirror held his reflection.
His reflection Leaning in closer to inspect himself, he grinned. Ah, yes, he was still as handsome as ever.
* * *
Maxie awoke with a start, reaching for the space beside her in the bed. It was still warm. Her body was pleasantly sore and hungry for breakfast.
I see the evenings festivity leaves you with a pleasant reminder? The deep rumble of Kellens brogue greeted her from the bathroom doorway. His hair was wet and hed tied a towel around his waist.
Hed obviously enjoyed her shower.
I must compliment you on the accommodations. I find the running water a satisfactory luxury. He grinned at her, rubbing his wide chest with the towel.
Listen, you cant stay here. You have to go home and I have to go to work. The very words made her stomach clench, but she couldnt go on doing this figment of her very vivid imagination every night.
Why not?
Kellen strode over to the bed, sitting down beside her. He lifted the sheet, baring her breasts. Ah, if only I had a home to go to. He leaned forward and kissed her nipple. For now, Im afraid I must stay here with you. Though I wonder if only you can see me?
Oh, yeah. He didnt have anywhere to go. She wondered how one went about shipping someone back in time. Hello, Amtrak, do you have an express train that runs back to the third century? Yes, Id like economy class.
Her thoughts came to a screeching halt. That she was entertaining his story was ludicrous. Closing her eyes briefly, she prayed for sanity.
Cant you just go off and do what youve been doing all this time? Ya know, the poof thing? She snapped her fingers.
He licked her rib, kissing the sensitive underside of her breast. Again I ask you, would you have me go off and live in the shadows alone, rather than offer me the comforts of the mating bed? Besides, I cannot seem to maintain my poof, as you call it, status. I can only poof for so long and then I return to this form. Kellens hands stroked her thighs. My form is most pleasing to the eye, is it not?
Maxie giggled. She couldnt help it. Oh, you are so vain! Okay, so this must be progress then, dont you think? Not being able to maintain the shadow thing?
He sat up suddenly. It must be. Though I know not what it means.
Maxie took the opportunity to sit up, dragging the sheet with her. No more funny stuff. She reached a hand out tentatively to touch his arm, squeezing his bicep. He flexed for her. When he held her in those arms well well, she didnt know what, but she was getting a warm fuzzy as Maddie said, and that couldnt be good.
If nothing else he felt real, and for now, he was her delusion. So bring on the Prozac and get the men with butterfly nets, cuz she was going in. Lets strike a deal, okay?
He nodded vigorously, crawling across the bed to sit closer to her, letting his towel fall on the floor.
Maxie couldnt stop herself from touching his cock. Stiff and thick, it bobbed between his legs as he moved near her. She enveloped it with her hand, letting the heat seep into her palm. Kellen muttered something in a language she suspected was Gaelic.
Pulling her hand away quickly, she shook her finger at him. Nuh-uh, oh virile one, I have
to get to work and you have to, well, you have to do something other than sit around in the mating bed.
Ah, then on the morrow I shall wake you at a more reasonable mating bed hour, he teased, then sighed.
Heres the deal. Ill let you stay here, but on my terms, which means you arent invited to the mating bed until I say so, AND you can only stay until we figure this mess out.
You, MLady, have a deal. It wont be long before my mating skills are missed. He smiled self-assuredly, then made a mock sigh. I shall miss you whilst you teach wenches the art of fighting back.
Hey! Were not wenches, and its self-defense. I learned it with good reason.
Kellen smiled smugly. I have seen this class you teach. I know all about your fighting back. You are a most admirable foe, Maxie.
Maxies heart rate sped up over his approval. She didnt know why, but it did. It didnt creep her out one bit knowing hed seen her teach either.
Not really, anyway.
Chapter 4
Hookay, so now, she had a live-in delusion that she had to find a way to explain to the girls, who already thought she was nuts. Hed been at her apartment for a week now and learned the ways of having a form quite rapidly. Maxie had picked him up some clothes and he was taking on the rather new age look of a man in the year two-thousand-four.
Kellen was also adept at cooking.
Each night when Maxie came home, Kellen had whipped up some new treat hed found on the internet. The internet was another pastime that amused him far more than most of the gadgets he could now touch. And each night Maxie lay awake in her bed, hoping she could fight off the hornies for Kellen and get some much needed sleep. Just knowing he was on her couch was making her nights a living hell. It was making her cranky and sullen.
Tell me. What is the matter, Maxie? Are you not enjoying the chicken cordon bleu with fluffy white rice and mixed vegetables? Damn him for being so cheerful.
He sounded like Emeril, another of Kellens favorites. Im fine, just tired.
A long day teaching the art of kicking ass, eh? He raised an eyebrow and winked.
ExFiles - Maxies Man Page 3