Scanning the table, she spots a couple of books stacked on her uncle’s workbench. One of the restoration projects he was working on, an old leather-bound book, is more than six inches thick. The fore-edge of the book contains a golden coloration, which piques her curiosity. Kneeling, she examines the fore-edge from all angles.
The corners of her lips tug upward. An image of a country landscape in spring comes into view. Sliding the book to the edge of the workbench, she kneels, keeping the book edge at eye level. She opens the book, holding the pages firmly between her index fingers and thumbs, she fans the pages, which changes the painted image to a winter scenery.
Her uncle first showed her this magical trick when she first came to live with him. It wasn’t until later she understood how the images were added to the pages. But until then, she thought the books held magical powers of illusion.
Flipping the book over, she wonders if this is a triple fore-edge painted body of work. In addition to the image painted on one side of the book page edges, a triple fore-edge painting is on both sides of the inner pages, as well as applied directly to the outside edges instead of marbling.
The edge painting from back to front is an autumn landscape of the same image. So in one book, she’s able to view the same body of land during spring, autumn.
Looking down at her hands, she shakes her head. “What were you thinking?” A frown forms on her lips.
If Hugo had seen her handle the book without protection, he’d have gone through the roof. It was one of his cardinal rules. He used to say, ‘Soph, to restore a book is to step between the pages of history. One must move with the utmost care and caution.’
She sighs then slips on a pair of tight gloves. Under closer inspection, the leather of the book cover is dry and course. She eases the loose binding from the pages of the book. Gently, she applies a leather conditioner using a soft cloth. Her fingertips move in small counterclockwise circles. Meticulously, she covers the entire surface then moves on to the back. When finished, she places the binding on the far corner of the table to allow the oils to soak into the leather.
Several of the pages toward the back of the book are marked with multi-colored flags. From the color of the paper, she can tell the pages have been cleaned with care. Easing each marked page open, Sophia carefully places a small acid-free strip of document tape over the tears to repair them. Her uncle must have been working on this book for a while because he was almost finished with it. When she repairs the last marked tear, her lips curl upward into a smile.
Sophia’s eyes are drawn to the old hemp cords that are broken, which used to bind the front, and back book covers together. She’ll have to insert new cords under the old ones to reattach the loose board for the spine backing. Plus, she’ll have to use a flat cotton cord to hide the break between the binding seams. Sophia’s gloved fingers glide over the fresh stitching her uncle did. The wax covered string is smooth and thin. Each stitch is uniform and straight. Once the loose board is attached to the front and back binding, the stitching will be covered. No one will ever know the true extent of the delicate craftsmanship that went into breathing life back into this old forgotten book.
The time spent in this room while her uncle worked were some of the happiest moments of her life. Her uncle enjoyed working with his hands, but most of all, he loved restoring a part of lost human history. The corners of Sophia’s eyes water and she takes a deep breath.
Thor whines. He lifts his head off her foot, and his floppy ears perk up. Sophia glances over her shoulder. Strong arms wrap around her waist.
Aden draws her against his muscular frame. “You smell good.” He nuzzles her neck.
Chapter Fourteen
Aden Clarkson
“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” Aden’s inner gargouille takes in her sweet, palatable scent.
“Working on a restoration project my uncle started.”
“You know how to restore old books?” Aden brushes the hair away from her neck.
“Yes. My uncle taught me the craft when I was a young teen. I used to spend hours in here preserving the living legacy of the written word.”
“Then you were close to your uncle?” Aden tightens his hold. His lips tenderly kiss the back of her warm neck.
“More so when I was younger.” Sophia’s body shivers and goose bumps erupt on her skin. “He was the only family I had.”
“Are those his tools?” Aden asks with a slight inflection in his voice. “What did he use the tracing wheel for? Isn’t that for sewing?”
“Generally, yes. But my uncle found other uses for it.” She slips the blue-handled instrument out of the leather case. “He used it to mark the pages of a book that he was going to stitch by hand.” She runs her fingers over the wax covered stitching once again.
Aden takes hold of her arm then eases the tracing wheel out of her gloved fingers. He raises the instrument to his face, then flicks the metal wheel with his finger. It spins around. He slides the instrument back into the pouch.
Carefully, Sophia rolls the leather ends together. When she opens the drawer, Aden pulls a couple of thin leather straps with buckles out.
“What are these for?” Aden raises a brow as he looks down at the straps.
“They’re used to keep steady pressure on a binding when a book is cinched closed. My uncle didn’t need them often. He only used them on rare occasions.”
After sliding the tool pouch into the drawer, she takes the leather straps from his hand. Carefully, Sophia rolls them then up and slips them into the drawer on the front left-hand corner. The wood of the drawer groans when she slides it closed.
“It’s getting late. We should go upstairs.” He wants her, needs her. She’s all he’s thought about since he woke up and rolled out of bed.
“Why? Are you tired and in need of a nap, old man?” She nudges his rib with her elbow.
“I may be older than you...” Aden looks at her with predatory eyes. “However, I’m not the one who’s going to need a nap when we’re done tonight.” He hoists her over his shoulder.
Thor jumps up barking.
Sophia pats the top of her four-legged friend’s head. “It’s okay, boy.” She laughs.
Aden carries her to the base of the stairs. “Lie down, Thor.” His inner beast stirs. A low, throaty growl reverberates from his deep within his chest. He points at the couch.
Thor grumbles, and his shoulders roll forward.
After Thor lies down on the end cushion of the sofa, Aden heads up the stairs.
At the top of the stairs, Aden stops and takes a deep breath. Her growing arousal has his inner gargouille standing on edge. He wants to touch her, taste her, and mark her with his scent so others will know she’s his.
“What’s wrong, old man? Can’t walk up the stairs as you did in your youth?”
Aden swats Sophia’s bottom, making her yelp.
“Trust me,” His voice rumbles in his chest. “There’s nothing wrong with my stamina or endurance.”
“You sure about that?” Laughter erupts from between her parted lips. “Aren’t you turning a year older soon?”
The ring of her laughter makes him grin. After what she’s been through, it’s nice to hear her happy. “I was going to go easy on you tonight. But if you keep running your mouth like that things will change.”
“You sound a bit winded after all those stairs. Are you sure you’re okay? Do you need to sit down to catch your breath?”
“Sophia. If you feel the need to keep running your mouth, I’m sure I can find something to keep it occupied.” He runs a hand up her hamstring then over her ass. “After all, we do need to work on your gag reflex.”
“Wow.” She smacks his back. “I don’t believe you just said that to me.”
Aden slides Sophia down his body then places her feet on the floor. His hands cup her ass, pulling her against his hard erection that’s straining against his pants.
“There are a few things downstairs I need to grab.” He holds her h
ooded gaze. “When I come back up here, I expect you to be on that bed with nothing on but a smile.”
“And what if I’m not?” She places her hands on her hips.
Aden draws her into his arms and kisses her lips. “If you want to come tonight,” he whispers in her ear. “Then you’ll do what I tell you.” A devilish grin washes across his face. “Do you understand?”
Chapter Fifteen
Sophia Mahoney
ADEN STROLLS out of the room, closing the door behind him.
Is he serious? What the hell did he mean by that?
Sophia walks into the bathroom, tosses the gloves into the trash, and then she wash her hands. Quickly, she pulls the ponytail holder from her hair and runs the brush through her unruly locks. After tucking a few rogue hairs behind her ears, she makes her way back into the bedroom.
Looking around, she takes in the new furnishings and decorations. It is nice, but Logan and Aden should’ve talked to her first. Really talked to her instead of at her. She huffs a strand of hair out of her face and then takes a deep breath. It’s no use getting angry all over again. They both know how she feels. Plus, they said they’d consult with her before making any new decisions. So far, this past week, they’ve adhered to that, which she’s thankful for.
Leaning over, Sophia pulls her socks off then places them on the ottoman at the foot of the bed. Kicking off her jeans, she stumbles and almost falls. She yanks off her shirt and folds it along with her pants then tucks her undergarments between the folds of her shirt. Picking up her clothing, she carries them to the dresser and sets them on the corner.
Sophia walks up to the bed. Removing the decorative pillows, she places them on a chair in the corner of the room. Matching candles adorn the end tables on each side of the bed. A small box of matches lies next to one of the candle holders. She picks up the box then lights the wicks of both candles.
She wraps her fingers around the dark blue comforter, and pulls the bedding back then turns off the lights.
Candlelight flickers and bounces off the walls. A faint vanilla scent wafts in the air. Sophia lays on top of the soft, silky sheets, which does little to cool the deep-seated warmth spreading across her body. Waiting for Aden to return, the butterflies in the pit of her belly take flight.
Footsteps resonate from the other side of the room. The sounds drumming on the floor makes her heart flutter. When the door opens, Aden steps through the opening. His keen eyes peer down at her as he feasts on her nude form. The corners of his lips curl upward into a slight grin.
He’s carrying a bag in his hand that he sits down on the ottoman at the end of the bed. Sophia watches, quietly as he loosens his tie. He unbuttons his shirt and slides it off his sculpted chest.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, he holds her gaze as he pulls off his shoes and socks. When he stands, she follows his hands. They come to rest on the waist of his fitted slacks. He unbuttons his pants then slides the zipper down. With one fluid movement, he removes both his slacks and boxers.
In the dim lighting of the candles, she’s able to see his body. His chest is chiseled and flares out. The ribbed muscles of his abdomen contract as he moves. Sophia’s eyes travel down his abdomen and take in his hard, erect shaft.
He walks to the side of the bed and peers down at her.
“Sit up,” Aden commands.
Sophia inches up on the bed.
Aden takes hold of the pillow behind her, sliding it off the mattress. “Lie back and lift your hips.”
“What? Why?”
“Lie back and raise your hips then you’ll find out. And, Sophia, I want you to keep your hands over your head this time. Do you understand?”
Sophia nods then places her hands above her. Anticipation builds in the pit of her belly. His touch, she craves it. She wants to feel the warmth of his frame against her.
Aden slides the pillow under her raised hips. He moves, positioning himself between her legs, and the bed shifts under the weight of his body. Taking hold of her hips, he adjusts her lower body on top of the pillow. Gently, he eases Sophia’s thighs further apart.
His warm lips make contact with the inside of her legs, and she gasps. She rises on her elbows to see what he’s doing.
When he looks up, he holds her gaze and grins. He turns his hand palm side up and inserts two fingers into her quivering flesh.
“Oh, God.” Her body quivers.
“I like that you’re wet and ready for me.” Aden moves his fingers in a come hither motion.
Sophia closes her eyes, and a moan passes her lips.
Aden continues to stroke the sensitive area, which causes a plethora of pleasure to build in the pit of her belly. Her hips grind to the rhythm of his hand moment. The building tension only makes her ache with an unquenchable need. She wants him. She wants to feel him. But most of all, she wants him to thrust inside her, filling her, possessing her.
“Open your eyes.” His voice is commanding.
Sophia’s eyes flutter open.
“That’s it. Now, don’t close them. Nod if you understand.”
She nods then sucks in a ragged breath. The muscles in her thighs quake and her heart is racing in her chest.
He moves his fingers in a tapping motion, which intensifies the budding sensation deep inside her.
“Oh, God,” she cries out.
She grasps the bed sheet and continues to hold his gaze. His eyes, they’re like liquid pools of water. She could lose herself in them.
“Oh, please.”
Aden increases the speed of his tapping fingers. “Shh...don’t talk.” His other hand skims up her thigh, over the bend of her leg, and then slides up to her clit.
Sophia’s hips grind, and with each gyration, the tension builds. She releases the sheet, slides her hands down the bed, and then she laces her fingers through his hair.
“Where should your hands be?” Aden’s voice has an underline growl to it. “Answer me.”
Her thighs quake and her body trembles. “They should be above my head.” She lays them back down.
“If you move your hands again, I’ll restrain them. Answer me if you understand.”
Her eyes widen. “Yes.” She nods.
“What do you understand, Sophia?” His hands continue to skillfully caress her body.
“That you’ll restrain my hands if I move them again.” She arches her back and clutches the sheet. “Oh, God, I’m going to come.”
“Relax. Let it happen.”
“Oh, please.” She lifts her hips off the bed. “Jesus Christ that feels wonderful.” Her body trembles and buzzes in the thralls of an orgasm.
“Now, I want you to come again.” Aden lowers his head. He slides his tongue up and around her clit, but he avoids her throbbing, sensitive nub.
“Oh. My. God, Aden. Not now. Please, I can’t.”
“You can and will,” he says. “Relax your body and come again, and when you do, allow your body to release the stored magic inside you. I’ll be able to store the magic for you, which will allow your body to produce more.”
She focuses on the magic buzzing her skin. Her thighs shake, and her toes curl inward. A surge of energy ripples through her body and her skin feels as if it’s vibrating.
“I can’t. Please.” She laces her fingers through Aden’s hair, pushing him away from her body.
Aden groans. He takes hold of her hands. Gently, he eases her fingers out of his hair then releases her. The mattress shifts and he rolls off then makes his way down to the end of the bed.
A soft whimper of a protest escapes her lips. She craves his warmth, his touch. Standing in the candle light, he looks like a statue. The hard angles of his pecs lead down to the sculpted, ribbed abs of his abdomen. She’s seen images in art books before but never in her wildest dreams, did she truly think a man could look that way.
Aden grabs the bag and unzips it. He extracts something thin and long, but Sophia can’t make it out.
“Put your hands palm to palm.” H
is voice is short and stern.
Sophia hesitates then places her hands together. When he takes hold of her hands, the beat of her heart picks up a few octaves.
“Good. Now, lace your fingers together.” He wraps something around her wrists, binding her hands together.
Her breath hitches in the back of her throat. “What are you doing?”
“I’m restraining your hands, so you don’t interrupt me again.”
Tilting her head upward, she watches him wraps something thin and long around the slats of the headboard.
Oh. My. God! He’s using my uncle’s book straps to restrain me.
When Aden’s finished securing her hands to the headboard, he slides down her body leaving a trail of hot quivering flesh in his wake. He covers her left breast with his warm mouth. The sensation makes her cry out.
Aden looks up then grins. “Now, you can’t interrupt me.” He positions himself between Sophia’s legs once more.
He slides the tip of his tongue up and around the hood of her clit then flicks the sensitive nub before sliding over her trembling flesh, once again. The faster he slides his tongue, the more her thighs tremble.
Sophia pulls against the restraints holding her hands in place and whimper as the tension builds. Her toes curl inward, and her body quakes.
“Please, Aden.”
“Don’t hold back. Come for me.”
“Oh, God—” Sophia’s eyes close then flutter open. She arches her back but doesn’t lose eye contact with him. An explosive wave of pleasure shoots through her body, and she shudders in sweet release. A burst of magic flows her body. “Mmm...Aden.”
Beyond The Veil: A Paranormal & Magical Romance Boxed Set Page 210