Transference (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour)

by Christelle Mirin

  The nurse laid Crystaline’s arm down and took a blood pressure cuff from the cart she had wheeled in with her. “It’s very possible you could be released today,” she said, wrapping the cuff around Crystaline’s arm. She immediately began pumping air into it. “You’ll have to wait and see. The doctor should be in to see you around eleven.”

  Crystaline needed out of this bed, out of this hospital. She looked toward the window while the nurse did her nursely things and let her mind drift.

  She couldn’t wait to get out of here and explore the new feelings she had inside. The ones the blue dream brought on. She’d had the blue dream every night since the accident. It almost felt like she had taken on some of Mischa’s alley cat ways when the feline had died in her arms that night. Crystaline felt anxious, edgy.

  “Well, you seem to be doing just fine,” the nurse said, removing the blood pressure cuff from Crystaline’s arm. “I’ll bet you can’t wait to get home.”

  Crystaline turned to her and smiled. “I’m ready to go now. I’ve got some things to attend to.”

  The nurse patted her arm. “I’ll see when the doctor is coming and tell him you’re ready to bolt.” Then she laughed.

  Four hours later, Crystaline sat on the edge of the hospital bed, waiting. The doctor had told her an hour ago that she was ready to be released from the hospital, and Crystaline didn’t waste any time getting dressed. Since she didn’t have any family to speak of, she’d had to call her neighbor, Jack, to pick her up from the hospital. Jack Warner had been the one who had found her lying in the muddy grass. Crystaline didn’t know Jack very well since he had only moved into the house beside Crystaline’s two months ago and kept to himself pretty much. At least Jack had visited once, just to see how Crystaline was doing.

  Now here she was, asking for help from Jack. Crystaline hated asking anyone for help, but she didn’t have much choice in the situation. The hospital wasn’t going to let her just walk home.

  “Hey there, neighbor. Looks like you’re ready to hit the road,” Jack said, entering the room. Jack looked so put together, Crystaline couldn’t believe he lived by himself. He had waist-length, light-brown hair and large hazel eyes, the kind women liked to fall into at first glance. He was at least six inches taller than Crystaline’s five-foot-five height, which made him look long and lean. Crystaline would bet Jack turned every female head he passed.

  “I’m more than ready,” Crystaline said, standing. “Thanks for helping me out. Again.”

  “No problem,” Jack said with a wave of his hand. “Let’s get you home.”

  Once at Crystaline’s house, Jack closed the front door and placed Crystaline’s small bag of things on the floor. “Is there anything I can get you before I go? I hate to leave so quickly, but I have an appointment.”

  “No, no, there’s nothing. I’ll be fine.” Crystaline stepped toward Jack and held out her hand. “Thank you so much. For bringing me home. For finding me lying out there in the mud.”

  Jack took her hand in his own. “It’s what neighbors do. Help each other.”

  Jack’s hand was warm and slightly rough, like he worked with his hands. Crystaline felt a warmth spread from their clasped hands up her arm. Her gaze mated with Jack’s. “If there’s ever…”

  He tilted his head, and a small smile played over his lips. “I’ll let you know if there’s ever…”

  A rush thrummed through Crystaline, causing her to sway forward toward him. His eyes, those hazel eyes, drew Crystaline in.

  Grasping Crystaline by the forearm, Jack’s brow furrowed. “Are you sure you’re all right? You seem a little unsteady.”

  With a shake of her head, Crystaline stepped back. “I’m fine, really. It’s just…you have the most amazing eyes.”

  “Thank you.” Jack ran his hand down Crystaline’s arm, sending warmth swirling through it. “I’ve been told that.” He glanced down then met Crystaline’s gaze again. “If you ever want some company, you know, if you just want someone to talk to…”

  “I’ll give you a call.” Crystaline smiled, wondering if she’d just found a friend. Or more. Where did that thought come from? She cleared her throat, unsettled. “Thanks again for bringing me home.”

  Jack stepped back and opened the front door. “You’re very welcome. I’ll stop by tomorrow and see how you’re doing.”

  “I’ll make coffee.”

  A smile flashed over Jack’s lips. “That would be great. Now, I must go.” He stepped through the door. “Give me a call if you need anything. Even if it’s late tonight, okay?”

  Crystaline stepped forward and leaned against the edge of the open door. “I will.”

  With a wave, Jack crossed the porch and went down the steps. Walking with purpose, he made his way down the sidewalk toward his house next door.

  Sighing, Crystaline closed the door and turned toward her living room. “I’m home.” The empty house was silent.

  * * * *

  Joe’s day off was going nowhere. He tried to run some errands, had a flat tire, then was tied to the phone by his mother for an hour. He needed…well, he needed to talk to Crystaline Campbell.

  He sat in a lawn chair in his backyard, cell phone in one hand, slip of paper with her phone number in the other. It was four in the afternoon, and he had no plans for dinner. Maybe Crystaline would have dinner with him. He flipped open his cell phone and dialed her number before he changed his mind.

  “Hello?” Her voice sounded a little shaky.

  “Miss Campbell, Crystaline…this is Joe Travis.”

  “Oh, hello. Nice to hear from you.”

  He leaned his elbow on the arm of the chair and looked up into the tree overhead. “How are you? I hope you don’t mind me calling, but I was wondering if you made it home okay.”

  “I’m fine, just a little tired, I guess. My neighbor gave me a ride home. Really nice of him.”

  Her voice didn’t sound so shaky now. That was good. “Are you hungry? I mean, would you like to go out for dinner?”

  “Thanks but I really don’t feel like going out right now. Um, how about coming here? I could cook.”

  “Oh, I couldn’t ask you to cook. How about I pick up something and bring it over?” A bird chirped above him, as if saying “yes, yes, take her something.”

  “That sounds wonderful. Do you have my address?”

  They spoke for a few more minutes, deciding on Mexican for dinner, and after Joe got her address, he hung up and headed for the shower.

  His day seemed much more promising now.

  Would be even more promising in two hours when he saw those gorgeous crystal-blue eyes again.

  Chapter Four

  Crystaline paced the floor. Something, some deep fluid thing, was moving inside her. Something like a craving, a craving that needed satisfying. It was making her anxious and frustrated. It was a hunger but not for food. No. It was for—

  The doorbell rang.

  Racing to the door, she flung it open. “Joe.”

  He stood on the porch, two paper bags in his hands. “Dinner is served.”

  She reached out and grabbed a handful of his T-shirt and pulled him inside, slamming the door shut behind him.

  “You must really be hungry. I—”

  Crystaline silenced him with a hungry kiss. His mouth tasted of mint, as if he’d just brushed his teeth. Burying her hands in his hair, she pressed herself against him and delved inside his warm mouth with her tongue. “Mmm,” she purred, her body coming alive with need.

  Bags of food hit the floor at her feet. Then his arms were around her, pulling her closer. He groaned into her mouth, his hard body calling to her.

  She came up for air. “I want…I want…”

  “So do I,” he said, his voice thick. “Where?”

  “Anywhere.”

  “Sweet Jesus.” He grabbed her around the waist, slung her over his shoulder, and started for the hall.

  She let out a hiss when the wound on her side came in contact with
his muscular shoulder.

  He stopped and moved her down from her precarious position. He swung her legs over one arm and cradled her bottom. She wrapped her arms around his neck. He held her carefully against his chest. “I’m sorry, I—”

  “Hush.” She put a finger to his lips. “First door on the right. Now.” Slowly she traced his bottom lips with the tip of her finger.

  It didn’t take long for him to move. In the blink of an eye they were in her bedroom. He set her on her feet and took a step back. Crystaline noticed how his chest rose with deep breaths, and his nostrils flared with every intake of air. She wanted him so desperately, and she wanted him this very instant. She clawed at her clothes, anxious to get them off and be skin to skin with him.

  Joe followed her lead, and within seconds they were naked, both of them almost gasping for breath in their haste.

  “Take me,” she said then bent over the edge of her bed, her elbows propped on the bed and her bottom raised high for him to see. She glanced over her shoulder and wriggled her ass. “Come on, Joe. I know you want me.” Spreading her feet, she widened her stance and dropped her head.

  He moved in behind her and grasped her hips in his large hands, not waiting for her to ask a second time.

  Crystaline brought herself up on tiptoe and surged back against him. His speared her almost instantly with his hot, engorged shaft. Crystaline arched her back and moaned as he entered, her pussy welcoming him inside with a rush of cream. “Yesss,” she groaned. “Deep, Joe, go deep.”

  He didn’t say a word, just pulled back and rammed himself home again. His fingers dug into her hips. Crystaline hissed when his fingernails broke the skin, but it didn’t stop her from impaling herself on his cock with abandon. Her body crackled with lightning-like shivers of pleasure, her orgasm building quickly inside her. Her muscles began to quiver, readying her for the explosion to come. She moved in a rocking motion, matching the rhythm of his strokes. Rivulets of sweat ran between her breasts while Joe’s dripped onto her back as he leaned over her.

  Breath coming in great gasps now, Joe moved his hands to her shoulders and buried himself deep inside her. He stiffened then let out a long groan.

  Crystaline’s pussy clenched and creamed, the orgasm convulsing through her. She clutched the bedcovers in her fists and gulped for air, reveling in the pleasure of the most powerful orgasm she’d ever had.

  Seconds later, Joe collapsed on top of her, his weight a welcome heaviness. “God, that was—”

  “Awesome,” she finished for him.

  He shifted to the side, his shaft sliding out of her still-trembling pussy. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to squash you.”

  Her legs felt like water, but she managed to crawl up onto the bed beside him. “You didn’t. “ She let out a huge sigh and draped her arm across his chest. “Let me know when you’re ready for more.”

  Joe chuckled. “Give me a few minutes.”

  She closed her eyes and stretched languidly. “You know, I don’t know what’s happening to me, but…I’ve never felt so…horny. I’m not usually like this. It’s just, ever since…” Her voice trailed off, her mind wandering back to the night the lightning struck. The night Mischa died in her arms.

  “Well,” Joe said, his voice sounding a bit tired, “I sort of like you like this. Horny, I mean.”

  She opened her eyes and met his gaze. “I hope you don’t think badly of me. Just meeting you and all.”

  He brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. “Why would I think badly of you? If you’re bad, so am I. I brought you dinner and then basically jumped you as soon as I hit the door.”

  Crystaline smiled. “I think it was the other way around. I jumped you.”

  “True. You did.” His eyes went soft. “You’ve had a lot happen in the last few days. Being struck by lightning isn’t an everyday occurrence.”

  She rolled onto her side, pressing herself against him. “It made me realize I seemed to be living in a vacuum. Not really ‘living.’ I mean, something could strike me down at anytime, anywhere.”

  “That goes for all of us.” Joe slid his hand to her hip, liking stroking the curve of it.

  Crystaline felt the stirring inside her again, a warmth growing in her belly and moving through her. His touch was warm against her cooling flesh. She wanted more of it, wanted to get closer to it. “There’s something different about me though. Something I can’t quite put my finger on. Something has changed…” She took his hand and placed it on her breast. “…in here, in my heart. Something deep.”

  Joe’s eyes grew intense. He cupped her breast then rolled her nipple between his finger and thumb. “I’ll help you find that something. If you’ll let me.”

  She gazed at him, feeling a flash of heat. Sliding her hand down to his cock, she wrapped her fingers around it, caressing it back to life. “Deep, yes. I want you deep…buried inside me.”

  Joe groaned and captured her mouth with his, driving his tongue inside.

  Their bodies slid against each other, generating more heat. Still slick with sweat from their last tumble, Crystaline slithered against him, pressing him back against the bed. Joe scooted up so that he was completely on the bed, though lying at an angle from side to side, his head almost hanging off of it. Crystaline stroked him, her fingers curling around his hard cock while she moved onto his chest, and devoured his lips. Without thought, she rose up and straddled him, centering herself on his shaft. Her hands placed on his chest, she slowly lowered herself and took all of him with a huge sigh. “Oh yes…”

  With his hands cupping the globes of her ass, she began to move…

  Chapter Five

  Jack Warner stood at the window above his sink and gazed at the house next door.

  Crystaline Campbell, his neighbor, had been flirting with him yesterday when he had brought her home from the hospital. It had been obvious. And he had been a fool for rushing off to meet with his lawyer to discuss the sale of his motorcycle shop instead of following up on her hint she might want to get to know him better.

  At thirty-five, he was retiring, and the sale of the shop was the second step of finalizing that retirement. The first step had been buying this house and settling in. And the house had been a good choice. After all, look at the gorgeous neighbor he had. Grasping the edge of the sink, he wondered if he should go over, see if she needed anything.

  Yesterday, she had mentioned his eyes and how amazing they were. He got that from a lot from women. But Crystaline’s eyes—they were something to behold. A bright crystal blue, they had flashed with electric color when she had seemed to swoon toward him. Electric, neon blue. Then the flash was gone just as quickly as it had come. Strange, to say the least.

  Maybe he should stop over and see how she was doing. She might not be feeling well and need some help. After all, yesterday she was a little unsteady on her feet. Maybe she was hungry and didn’t feel like cooking. He could throw some burgers on the grill…

  Yeah, he should go check on her. Stop making up excuses and go next door. You like her, so get to it.

  Jack grinned and pushed away from the sink.

  Two minutes later, he rang Crystaline’s doorbell. The chimes dinged and donged, and Jack shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans. He wasn’t sure why he was nervous. He just knew there was something special about this girl.

  Hmm, no answer. He rang the bell again.

  After a few seconds, Jack opened the screen door and knocked on the main door. The first knock caused the door to sway open. What the…? Jack placed his fingertips on the door and eased it open farther. “Hello?” He peered inside. The first thing he spotted was two bags of what looked like carry-out food lying on the floor a few feet inside the door. Not good. This is not good…

  Instantly he was on alert. What if she’d fallen or something? “Crystaline? You okay?” He took a step inside, one hand eased the screen door shut behind him. The house was quiet. No lights were on. Where is she?

  Then he hear
d what sounded like a moan coming from another room.

  Jack headed in the direction the sound came from. He entered the hall, took three steps, then stopped dead.

  Holy…

  Through an open bedroom door, he saw her. She was definitely not in pain.

  Highlighted by the setting sun beaming through the window above the bed, Crystaline’s body glimmered with a sheen of dewy sweat as she rode the man beneath her. Naked, beautiful, she moved lithely, her hands braced on the man’s chest, head thrown back. She moaned again.

  Jack stood frozen, a full-frontal view of the most tantalizing nature cementing him in place. His mind raced. Should he make a quick exit? Should he indulge himself for a few more seconds and watch? She had her eyes closed and was fully involved in what she was doing, and the guy beneath her couldn’t see him since his head was at the end of the bed facing the door. Besides, if Jack was the one beneath her, he wouldn’t be looking at anything else except the gorgeous body above him. I wish it was me beneath her… His body responded to the thought, his cock jerking in his jeans.

  Just then, Crystaline opened her eyes and locked her electric gaze on him.

  Jack held his breath.

  Then she smiled and sat up straighter, not missing a stroke.

  Jack let out the breath he was holding and drew in another, slowly.

  Crystaline raised her arms above her head, giving him full view of her luscious breasts as her hips undulated in sultry rhythm. “Mmm, yes…” she murmured, her eyes never leaving his. Slowly, she brought her arms down, sliding her hands over her sweat-slicked breasts and tweaking her nipples between her fingers. “I want…” She caught her bottom lip between her teeth.

  The guy beneath her groaned and jerked upward, his fingers digging into the flesh of her hips. “Oh God,” he groaned then stiffened.

  Jack almost came, too. He felt sweat beading on his brow and a burning need in his jeans. Goddamn…she liked him watching.