Dark God of Beltane & Sheila's Surrender

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

Whiskey Creek Press www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Copyright ©2007 by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

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Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

CELTIC LOVE KNOTS VOLUME 2: DARK GOD OF BELTANE & SHEILA'S SURRENDER by Tina Bendoni & Michelle Hasker WHISKEY CREEK PRESS www.whiskeycreekpress.com

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Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

Published by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS Whiskey Creek Press PO Box 51052 Casper, WY 82605-1052 www.whiskeycreekpress.com Copyright © 2007 by Tina Bendoni & Michelle Hasker Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

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Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ISBN 978-1-59374-941-5 Credits Cover Artist: Jinger Heaston Editor: Chere Gruver Printed in the United States of America

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Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT CELTIC LOVE KNOTS VOLUME 1: MORGAN'S MAGIC & THROUGH THE VEIL "Morgan's Magick by Michelle Hasker is a tantalizing story that will have you begging for more. The characters are well detailed and enjoyable; the plot is appealing and extremely sensual. I loved the passion and electricity that flowed between Morgan and Jack and thought the author did a fantastic job of grabbing the reader's attention from the first page and holding it until the last. "Through The Veil by Tina Bendoni is a tempting tale that will leave you wishing for a dream man of your own. I thought the premise of this plot was very exciting and the characters well developed for such a short story. The sex in this story was hot enough to burn and left me eager to read the second volume of the Celtic Love Knots series! "Celtic Love Knots Volume 1 is a delicious treat containing two erotic stories that complement each other perfectly. I have to say that this book is a marvelous beginning to what I hope is a very long series and one I don't want to miss." Tammy, Fallen Angels Reviews Recommended Read 5 Angels Rating "Morgan's Magick—Michelle Hasker "Whoa baby, when Jack and Morgan give in to their feelings, the sparks fly. Not a word is wasted in this sizzling tale of magickal love. 6

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

"Through The Veil—Tina Bendoni "The heat generated by Alyson and Lucas is scorching. You'll wish for a friendly witch to cast a spell on your behalf after reading this sexy story, I certainly did.—g— A steamy anthology that hits all the right notes, CELTIC LOVE KNOTS, VOLUME 1 is a surefire winner." Lori Ann, RRTE Reviews Rating: Multiple O's

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Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

Other Books by Authors Available at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid: CELTIC LOVE KNOTS VOLUME 1 Both authors have contributed stories to CHRISTMAS CANDY ANTHOLOGY www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com

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Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

Dedication From author Tina Bendoni: To Earthstar, for introducing me to a whole new world. And Jess, your story is coming soon. I promise. From author Michelle Hasker: For my husband, who challenges me to relax more and enjoy life instead of worrying about every little thing (like the Virgo I am). And for Will, thanks for being a friend.

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Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

DARK GOD OF BELTANE by Tina Bendoni "No, I told you that I needed another handmaiden, and you are it." Briana Ritz tried to resist the woman dressed in green from dragging her into the large tent, but she had no luck. "Handmaidens are younger than me, Betsy." Betsy sighed in exasperation. "Okay, Bree, let's try this again. We are in the twenty-first century. Women are getting married and having kids older and older. A young teen isn't appropriate for our version of the May Queen, and as I'm older than the traditional Queens, you can be, too. Now shut up and put on the wreath." She finished with a grin as she shoved the flowers on her friend's head. Bree laughed as she accepted the customary handmaiden crown. She knew the traditions as well as her friend, after all, she'd been pagan all her adult life. This year however, she had hoped to get out of this part of the holiday. She hadn't been back to this particular festival in nine years. The honor was usually reserved for regulars at the festival. It was just her luck that one of her coven mates was the May Queen this year. After arranging the crown on her head and helping the other "maidens" finish getting ready, Bree and the others 10

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

lined up for the procession that would begin their Beltane celebration. **** "Let the games begin!" Bree watched as men from the festival clamored to be included in the competitions for the hand of the May Queen. They all knew it was fixed and that Betsy's boyfriend would win, but they all enjoyed the spirit of the competition and the chance to show off their prowess to the unattached females of the group. It was a nice chance to look at the available men gathered for the festival. There were definitely some prime specimens this year, too. Too bad she wasn't the type to take advantage and pick one of them up. She'd done that before, and it had broken her heart. Never again. Just that thought was enough to send her mind back to the man she had met at her first Beltane. She had been scared and alone, unsure of what to do. He had seemed the answer to her prayers. "So why are you sitting here all alone?" The deep voice coming out of the darkness had startled her enough that she almost fell off the rock she was sitting on. If his large hands hadn't grabbed her from behind, she would have fallen in an ungraceful heap. The electricity from that simple touch shocked her. It wasn't something she'd ever experienced before. Heat radiated from his hands to her waist, all the way down to her crotch, warming her deep inside. 11

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

Is this what the energy of Beltane did? Made her hot for a dark stranger from the woods? She knew the traditions of Beltane. Knew that for some, it was little more than an excuse to get lucky. Many claimed the energy of the holiday was what drove them to it. Good Lord, if she reacted this strongly to a man she hadn't even seen yet, she was doomed for the rest of the long weekend. Casual sex wasn't what she came here for. She'd decided to finally break out of her mold as a solitary witch and attend a festival to celebrate the holiday. That didn't include sex. That was until she looked back at the man who still had her by the waist. She gasped. Short black hair glistened in the light of the moon, throwing most of his face in shadow. He was tall, maybe six foot four, and well built. He would have had no problem catching and holding her if she had fallen. The outline of a long nose and strong chin blended with the shadow around his mouth and hinted his lips were full and lush. Moisture pooled between her thighs in instant lust. Damn. She really was in trouble. His chest seemed to go on forever, broad and firm, the torso tapering down to a slim waist. Unlike most of the participants she had seen, he was wearing a T-shirt and tight jeans. Very tight jeans that left her in no doubt as to what was underneath. Flushing, she quickly glanced up from looking at his body only to catch his eyes. She couldn't see their color, but they glittered with some sort of emotion she couldn't identify. 12

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

"Not interested in joining the rest of the group?" He gestured to the group surrounding one of the campfires in the distance. His question drew her back to the present, and away from her lust-filled fantasies. "Um, well..." Tongue-tied, Briana wasn't sure how to answer him. "First time?" He sat down beside her on the large rock. "Yeah." Oh Goddess, it was bad enough with him standing. Now that he was sitting beside her, she didn't know if she could keep from throwing herself at him. "For any festival, or Beltane?" "Any." "Ahh, finding it a bit overwhelming?" "Well, um, kind of." "Yeah, I can see that. All festivals are different, and a Beltane here might be totally different from one across the country or even the state. Some are very family oriented, others are adults only. This one is definitely not for the faint of heart." "Um, does that mean that I'm expected to, um..." Briana was unsure how to ask the question. So far, no one had made any moves on her, and she had felt confident about her reaction, but now she suddenly felt unsure. "Oh, hell, no. And if anyone tells you otherwise, you find someone, and I can promise you the offending party will be kicked out immediately. All you have to do is say no, and if he doesn't listen, yell. I promise you, there will be more people there than you can count in a matter of seconds." 13

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

"Does that happen often?" "No, not really." He shook his head as he adjusted himself on the rock. "Once someone screws up like that, they're banned for life. And I have only seen it happen once in eight years. The crew running this festival makes no secret of what they will and will not allow. I know it's worse at some other places, and the fact we're a dry festival, no alcohol, probably cuts down on some of the potential problems." Briana's muscles relaxed, and she hadn't even realized she was tense. But that made things worse. Now that she was somewhat more at ease, she was more aware of him. Of his touch where his shoulder brushed against hers, his breath against her neck, and his glorious scent. He smelled of campfire and earth. Not surprising, given where they were, but he made the smell his own. He brought with him an underlying sense of comfort, mixed in with his sexuality. Briana had always known about personal energy. Some people were soothing to be around, others agitating, or exciting. This man, well he was just what she needed tonight. As their conversation continued through the night, she was constantly aware of his body close to hers. She was on fire, regardless of their conversational topic and her desire grew with each passing moment. He never made a move on her, and as the night progressed, she wanted him to more and more. She didn't even know his name, and she was ready to reach for him and take him back to her tent. It must be the energy of the holiday. This wasn't like her at all. She responded to him, becoming more forward, doing 14

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

things like leaning closer and snuggling under his arm as the night cooled. She was afraid to stand up, as she was sure there was a pool of moisture between her legs that would drip down if given the chance. "Listen, do you hear that?" He surprised her with his whisper. Most of the revelers had retired for the night. At the distant campfire, she could barely make out a couple of people quietly talking. They were virtually alone. "What?" "There!" After a moment, Bree realized what she was hearing. It was a bird song, but it was still dark. And in the distance, "whip-or-wiiiilll, whip-or-wiiiilll." She smiled in amazement. "I never knew they actually made that sound." "Yup, one of the wonders of being in the country. Not a sound you hear often in the city, is it?" Bree turned her face to look at him, not realizing how close his head was to hers. She inhaled quickly as she met his gaze. His hand came up to gently stroke her face as his lips slowly met hers. Briana had been kissed before, she wasn't a virgin by a long shot. But she had never experienced the kind of kiss the romance novels of her youth used to talk about. The toecurling, hair-raising, breath-stealing kind of kiss. Until that moment. She wasn't sure how, but the next moment they were on the ground, wrapped in each other's arms. "Are you sure you're okay with this? We don't have—" 15

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

"Shhh," she quieted him, placing her hand against his soft, full lips. "I'm sure." He kissed her fingertips, then hand, working his way up her arm to her shoulder and neck. Nibbling there, he paid special attention to the nerve that ran down the side of her neck, driving her crazy with his attention. His hands roamed her body as his mouth worked its way down. He cupped a large breast in his hand, teasing the nipple through the shawl she wore over her ritual dress. "I've wanted to do this all day." "Hmm?" Bree was lost in the sensations he created in her body. "The first time I saw you. When you got to registration, I was across the way. I knew then I needed to meet you, but I got pulled away. By the time I could talk to you, you had left to set up camp." That was enough to snap Bree out of her fog of desire. "You planned this?" He pulled back and looked into her eyes. "I swear by the gods, this wasn't my intention. I wanted to meet you. I needed to meet you. That was it. When I found you sitting here, I was just as surprised as you were. Surprised and pleased." Sighing, he moved back further. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean—" Bree reached out her hand to grasp his arm. "I believe you. Please. Don't leave. No one has ever said anything that wonderful to me before. That they needed to meet me." "It's not a line." 16

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

Bree smiled contentedly. "You know, I believe that, too." With a groan, he moved swiftly to take her lips with his, overpowering her senses with his actions. She moaned against his mouth as his hand moved down to her skirt, gathering it up to slide his fingers beneath the material. The other hand he used to cradle her head and hold it off the ground, pressing her mouth against his. She was wet. There was no doubt about it in her mind. She knew as soon as his hand reached her pussy, he would find her dripping with need and desire. And she didn't care. Something about this man urged her to throw caution to the winds, to let nature take its course. His hand reached between her legs, and she wiggled against him, eager to feel his exploration. But he ignored her and continued his way up, bringing his hand to rest on her stomach under her dress. He pulled back again to breathe. "You're an incredible woman. I want to please you all night, until you beg me to stop." "Oh." Bree was at a loss. What did one say to a promise like that? He didn't give her a chance to respond. He moved his hand back down to where she thought it was headed earlier. His long fingers stroked her outer lips, working their way to her hard, distended clit. At the first stroke, her hips rocked, eager to meet the pressure of his fingers. She moaned as he flicked her there, teasing the nub with butterfly touches. He shushed her groans with his lips as he slid his hand down and inserted two fingers into her canal. He twisted his 17

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

hand, moving his fingers back and forth, stretching her, pumping her for what was to come. "Oh, Goddess," she whispered against his lips, suddenly conscious there were others nearby. "We shouldn't." He pulled back. "You want to stop?" "No, by the gods, no. But there are people right over there." She saw his mischievous grin an instant before he thrust his fingers inside her harder and faster. "Don't worry. They can't see us. And this is Beltane, remember? They won't be surprised at all if you scream." "But ... I ... don't ... aaaahhh." Whatever Bree was planning on saying was lost as she had her first orgasm of the night. Her body tensed, then shook as his hand continued its motion, driving her harder and harder, lengthening her release into what felt like hours. Before she could get her breath back, he eased his hand away from the back of her head and kissed her on the lips gently, then moved his way down her body. Kissing every inch of her through her clothes, latching onto her nipple with his teeth, teasing her through the silk. "Ooooh." Bree lost all ability to speak as he continued his foray down her body, down to her soaked center. She watched as he repositioned himself between her legs, laying on the ground to place his head on her abdomen. He inhaled of her deeply before rubbing his head against her as he moaned quietly. She ran her hands through his hair, reveling in the silken texture against her skin. Gently he 18

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

placed a kiss below her navel as he moved down to her mound. She saw him there, the light of the moon shining brightly on his face as he looked up at her. A gasp escaped her as she realized how truly gorgeous her dark lover was. His head at the apex of her legs, he looked up at her with a grin. "I am soo looking forward to this. I hope you don't mind, but I plan on staying here for a while." With that, his head darted forward and he took her with his mouth. Bree's body jumped at the touch, but he held her down, preventing her from moving away. Saying he ate her would be an understatement. He feasted. His tongue lapped up her juices as fast as her body created more. His mouth sucked on her clitoris, teeth nibbling, teasing her to orgasm after orgasm. Her concern of people overhearing was gone as she screamed her ecstasy. Bree thought she was spent, didn't think she could come any more, and then he again inserted his fingers in her canal. Damn. Good didn't even begin to cover his abilities. He curved his fingers and found the spot she was convinced she didn't have. Her body arched sharply, mons thrusted into his waiting mouth as she exploded in an orgasm unlike any she had ever experienced before. She must have passed out, because the next she knew, his arm was again cupping her head, and he had her body pulled against his, holding her tight. "By the Goddess. Where the hell did you learn all that?" His bright white teeth shone in the light of the stars and moon. "Misspent youth?" 19

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

"Misspent? Hell, no. Well spent if you ask me." "Is my lady pleased?" "More than pleased," Bree agreed with a smile as she pulled back. "Now it's my turn." "No, wait." Bree looked at him questioningly. "We can't." "Excuse me?" "No, I mean, not right here. Not now. I didn't expect this. I don't have anything with me. Any protection." "Oh." Bree had forgotten all about that. She hadn't planned on meeting anyone, so she hadn't even thought to bring anything. Thank the gods one of them was still capable of intelligent thought. "They probably have some at the main fire. They usually do. If you would wait a minute, I can go..." Bree grinned. "Oh, no. You aren't going anywhere, buddy. We can get that later. Right now, though, I am not letting you go." As she finished her sentence, Bree slowly unbuttoned his shirt. Why the hell did she have to fall in the sack with the only man in the place who wore more clothing than she did? Exposing his chest to her gaze, she sighed in appreciation. Damn, if he looked this good in moonlight, what did he look like in daylight? She stroked her hands down his hard chest, flicking at his nipples with her nails. At his sharp intake of breath, she smiled. "Oooh, I love a sensitive man." She drawled the word out slowly as she leaned down to take a nipple between her 20

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

teeth. Biting it gently, she smiled inwardly as he ran his hands up and down her arms and around her back in response. Damned if he wasn't the most responsive man she'd ever met. Slowly she worked her way down his torso, licking at his six-pack abs that just begged for attention. He was hard all over, and she couldn't resist a small bite or two as she moved over his body. Reaching the snap of his pants, she looked up. He was leaning on his elbows watching her. She grasped the top button and tugged, quickly opening him to her gaze. Well, he might be wearing more outer clothing, but he sure as hell didn't have anything on under those jeans, she realized as she opened the buttons one by one. Finally he sprang free, right into her hands. He was big. Not overly long, but wide. She liked that in a man. Stroking him, she crooned soft murmurs as she moved her mouth closer. Stopping before making contact, she opened her mouth and breathed hot air over his shaft. It jerked in her hand, asking for more. Grasping him firmly in her hand, she moved closer still, her tongue darting out to the tip, licking the drop of pre-cum there. She saw him fall back against the ground as she prepared to take him into her mouth. Slowly she slid her lips over the tip of his cock, sliding it gently into her mouth. She wanted to savor every millimeter of it as it slid over her tongue, back to her throat. "Oh, baby," he moaned as she reached the end of his penis, and began to slowly pull him out. Twice more she did 21

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

that, in and out, excruciatingly slow, knowing by the quivering in his legs and stomach that unless she wanted this to end quickly, she'd better change her tactics. Holding him in her hands, she teased him with light, quick kisses up and down his shaft, working her way to his balls, where she licked each one, gently pulling them into her mouth one at a time. "What do you want?" she asked in a hoarse whisper. "You." "What do you want?" she repeated, more firmly. "I want to come in your mouth. I want you to suck me so hard you wring me dry." Without a word, Bree swiftly moved back to his shaft, engulfing it in one movement. He grunted his pleasure as he fisted his hands in her hair, wrapping her long tresses around his wrists. She took him then, hard and fast, sucking him as she moved his hard, thick cock in and out of her mouth, her hand playing with his balls, urging him to fulfillment. "Oh, Goddess, yes. Oh, Goddess, yes!" She heard his exclamation, felt the nerves in his prick as it got ready to shoot cum down her throat. Hot liquid spurted against the back of her mouth as she continued to suck at him, begging him for more, drawing out all he had to give. She kept her mouth wrapped around him until she was sure he was done. One last lave of her tongue, one last kiss on the tip, and she crawled up to his waiting arms. "Oh my gods." 22

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Bree snuggled, not answering. After all, what could she say that wouldn't make her sound overconfident and full of herself? They readjusted their clothing and leaned back against the large boulder they'd been sitting on earlier. Together they watched as dawn crept across the grove of campers, lighting the area in a soft glow. He was the first to break the silence. "I have a shift I have to fulfill this morning." He turned to look at her as he held her tightly in his arms. "Will I find you later?" Bree nodded as she swallowed tightly. He wanted to see her again. She didn't want to let him go, but everyone had at least one community service shift to fulfill. It was part of what made the place so welcoming. "Sure. I'll be at the workshops most of the day, and then of course, the main ritual." "Look for me at the maypole." He grinned at her lasciviously before kissing her goodbye. Bree had watched for him all that day, and even the next. He never came. She never saw him again. Bree shook herself out of her reverie. She tried not to think of her dark stranger often, but every once in a while, thoughts of him snuck up on her. And here, today, it was nearly impossible to not think about him. Screw him. He was a bastard who took advantage of a newbie. At least she got some great orgasms out of the deal, not to mention a longlasting lesson about men.

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Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

Maybe she would take advantage of her year as handmaiden and throw caution to the winds. She wasn't attached. She knew the score. Decision made, she paid more attention to the combatants. Somewhere out there was the perfect man for her. At least for the weekend. Looking around with purpose, Bree checked out the men once again. Oh, great Goddess, look at that one. His back was turned to her, but talk about yummy. Jet-black hair, short, but still long enough to run her fingers through. Tall, with wide shoulders and a slim waist. He was tanned everywhere she could see, and since he was shirtless and wearing a kilt, she could see most everything. His broad back gave her a hint of what his chest must look like. She could already picture his strong muscles straining as they made hot, sweaty love. She wasn't a big fan of kilts, but if this man's behind looked this good in one, what the hell could he do to tight jeans? Turning her head away reluctantly, she asked the other handmaidens who the gorgeous hunk was. Well, she had to be honest, she didn't know if he was gorgeous, but damn, was he built. With a body like that she could close her eyes if she had to. "The black kilt? Oh, that's Kade. He hasn't been around for a few years. But don't bother, he was burnt by someone a while back at another festival, so he doesn't participate in extracurricular activities," one of the other handmaidens assured her with a leer. "But, trust me, if he did, you'd have to fight the rest of us for him." 24

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

Kade. Mmm, even his name sounded dark and delicious. Dammit. Trust her to decide to go after the one straight man who had sworn off women for the weekend. Bree continued to watch the men compete for the hand of the queen. Throughout it all, though, she never seemed to see Kade's face. He was always turned away from her, or in profile. No biggie. She knew her hastily made promise to herself would never fly. Finally, the competition was over, the consort was crowned, and the royal pair was escorted to their bower. Bree planned to sneak out before the maypole, but was snagged by two of the other handmaidens. "Oh, no, you are not getting away from this." "But, really, I—" "Nope, not a chance, girly," Alexis commented with a secretive smile. "You are definitely going to have fun." Bree sighed and shook her head, allowing the women to drag her to the pole. "Okay, lads and lassies, you all know the drill." One of the organizers of the festival gave directions for the weaving of the pole after everyone had been given a number, "Number ones, clockwise, and start with under. Number twos, counterclockwise and start with over. If you get stuck in the middle, may the gods bless your union!" Everyone laughed, as invariably at least a few people got pushed into the middle by friends and then were quickly weaved into the pole. It may not be strictly traditional, but it was all in good fun. It didn't always result in a pairing, but that was how Betsy and her boyfriend met last year. 25

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

The weaving began slowly, but took up speed. It was a large gathering this year, with many newcomers, so Bree found herself concentrating more on the weaving than the other participants. Before she realized it, they had gone around twice, and she had barely looked at anyone's path she was crossing. The next few rounds, she made an effort to meet everyone's eyes, sharing with them all this special ceremony of life. The closer the group got into the pole, the more confusing and amusing the activity became. Bree couldn't fathom how anyone could do an entire pole without the laughter and fun that always erupted at any festival she was at. When someone grabbed her by the waist, she wasn't shocked, people tended to get close and share the fun with each other. She was shocked, however, when she realized she was being pushed into the center. Oh, no. No way! Before she could protest, she was in the middle, and had been wrapped against the pole, and her fellow "maidens" had danced away, laughing. She felt hard maleness against her back and knew she wouldn't be able to get away. Oh, shit. Why? Deciding to face the inevitable and see who they paired her up with, she slowly turned and faced the widest, most muscled chest she had seen in a long time. Hot and sweaty, it glistened from the activity of the afternoon. Yum. She'd recognize that body anywhere. It was the scrumptious specimen from the contests. Ooooh, finally, she would get a chance to see his face. 26

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

Looking up eagerly, she felt her face go white. Her legs went weak, and if she hadn't been wrapped up against the pole and him, she would have fallen. His arms quickly went around her to support her an instant before his own face showed the same recognition. Oh, shit, shit and triple shit. She was in trouble. He spoke first. "You!" "Kade, is it? Well nice to finally put a name to the face." "What? I gave you my name, dammit." "When? Before or after you tricked me into having sex with you?" "Tricked you? What!" "Well, that's what I'd call it. Taking advantage of a newbie like that. One you knew was scared and unsure." "Oh, no, babe, if I recall, you begged me not to leave you." Bree flushed. "Bully for you. You're better at it than even you realized." "What the hell are you..." His voice trailed off as he realized the singing was tapering off and the revelers were almost done weaving the pole. "We will talk about this later." "Oh, yes, sir. Whatever you say. I will look for you after the maypole. I'm sure you are just as likely to show as you did last time." Before he could respond, the chanting raised up in final exaltation, drowning out any sound he would have made. Turning away, Bree waited to be cut out of the ribbons binding her. She was damned if she would give him another 27

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

minute of her time or thoughts. He was the one who walked out on her. He had no right to be angry at all. What did he care that she was so heartbroken she had left before the final closing ritual? It took her years before she could show up to another festival here. And she was not going to let him ruin it for her again. As soon as she was free, she made her excuses and took off into the woods. Thank the gods she had decent shoes on instead of the slippers that a lot of the other girls wore around the campground. Kade, or whatever his name was, would never find her once she was out of his sight. And no man in his right mind went trudging through the woods in a kilt. Finally convinced she had escaped him, Bree slowed down and found a spot to rest and catch her breath. How dare he be angry? He was the one who left her. He was the one who didn't come back. She could guess what caused him to swear off women at festivals. He probably tried to burn some other newbie, and she got him back. Served him right. "Did you really think I wouldn't follow you?" Bree was too wrung out to be surprised that he found her. Before today, she hadn't thought about him in a long time. It just seemed fitting that he was actually here now. But she didn't need it. She didn't want it. "No, I figured you would, but thought I could lose you." "Sorry, baby, after fifteen years in Special Forces, no one short of a miracle worker could lose me." "Just my luck." 28

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"So, you ready to talk?" He sat down beside her. Close. Too close. Immediately, she stood up, eager to keep distance between them. Needing it lest she fall into his arms again. "I don't want to talk. We had sex once nine years ago. Hell, there wasn't even intercourse. There isn't anything to talk about." "Nothing to talk about?" He got up just as swiftly. "What do you mean, nothing to talk about? You are all I've thought of for the last nine years. I couldn't get you out of my head, woman!" Even angry his sexual energy wrapped itself around her, pulling reactions from her. Reminding her what it felt like to be made love to by this man. Her body quivered at the memories, liquid pooling between her legs in preparation for what it wanted. "Well, damn, I didn't realize I was that good at giving blow jobs!" His anger seemed to melt. He slowly approached her, forcing her back against a large tree. "Obviously I'm not the only one who remembers that night." His voice was a harsh whisper of air against her skin. His body pressed against hers, leaving her in no doubt that though he was angry less than a minute before, now he had something more pressing on his mind. Against her will, her body reacted to his closeness, melting into him, moisture dripping down her thighs. In almost thirty years of living, and more than a few sexual partners, he was 29

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still the only man who could get her wet with a look and a whisper. "No, you aren't," Bree whispered. Her body was aflame, and all she wanted was him. "We have unfinished business, my dear, don't you think?" He didn't give her the chance to answer. He bent down and took her lips with his. Bree's world exploded. It didn't matter how much she hated what he had done to her. It didn't matter that she had sworn she would never do this again. Just the touch of his lips was enough for all her good intentions to go flying out the window. She wanted him. And damned if she wasn't gonna have him. She'd deal with the consequences later. Her arms wrapped around his waist, holding him tight, eager for him to be as close as possible. His hand started at her waist and worked its way under her shirt to the naked skin beneath. She inhaled sharply at the touch of his warm calloused hand against her heated skin. He brushed across her stomach, then brought his hand up to cup her breast almost painfully hard. "God dammit, woman, what you do to me makes me insane. I want you now." His other hand grasped her skirt and yanked it up to her waist. Her body bared, he spread her legs open with his knee as his hand went to her dripping pussy. "Oh, gods. I need this," he said, pulling himself away from her and dropping to his knees. Holding her against the tree with his hands on her hips, he dove into her, tongue laving and licking. He sucked her clit between his teeth, and at her 30

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cry of joy, sucked harder as he jammed his fingers into her vagina. "Oh, Kade. Oh, Goddess. Oh..." Bree moaned, thrashing her head back and forth against the tree, knotting her hands in his hair as she held him tighter against her. His licking, biting, ferocious devouring of her was sending her over the edge faster than she thought possible. The tension built higher and higher until she felt herself crest, exploding with a scream loud enough to be heard back at the campground. Without a word, he stood up and grabbed her by the hips, lifting her. "My turn," he muttered harshly as he pulled her onto his erect cock, proving once and for all that real men wear nothing under their kilts. There was nothing gentle about their lovemaking. He slammed himself into her again and again as she held him tight inside her and wrapped her legs around his waist. Branches provided just enough leverage for her to brace herself and respond to each thrust with pressure of her own until she didn't know where they were anymore, she only knew the pumping between her legs, the tension building again, higher and higher, until with a scream echoing hers, he released into her as she shattered once again. Panting, he held onto her tightly as she lay her head against him, too spent to move other than to let go of the branches and hang her arms over his shoulders. Without a word, he slowly pulled out of her and waited until her legs were strong enough to support her. Once she was able to stand, he stepped back and straightened himself as she did the same. 31

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"Well so much for talking." Kade glared at Bree. "You were the one who didn't want to talk, remember?" "Well I wasn't planning on this, either." "Oh shit." Realization seemed to hit him. "Please tell me you're protected?" "What? Yeah. I'm on the pill." "I'm sorry." "Don't worry about it. I had time to say no." "Dammit, Bree, we need to talk." "How long have you known my name?" "What?" "How long have you known my name?" "I found out before I came to look for you." "So you didn't know before today?" "Do you remember telling me at all that night?" "No, I realized that afterward." When she went looking for him. "That we never even exchanged names." "Then how else did you think I knew it?" "I don't know." Bree's patience was rapidly disappearing. "Why did you come after me?" "Why did you run?" "'Cause I didn't want this," Bree gestured to the tree and the two of them, "to happen." "Well, it's not like I intended it, either." "No, of course not. Just like last time." "Dammit, woman! You are insufferable."

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"Good, glad to see you finally learned that. Now please, just leave me alone." With that, Bree stalked away once again. **** She didn't see him for the rest of the day. She didn't know where he was or what he was doing, and she told herself she didn't care. Whenever the thought of their attraction occurred to her, she pushed it away as fast as she could. He seemed to want her as much as she wanted him. Why was he so angry at seeing her? He was the one who deserted her. He was the one who didn't come back. Damn men. As long as she lived, she would never understand them. Bree didn't expect Kade to come find her, but she was wrong. Right before the main ritual, he joined her in the procession to the circle. She didn't even have to look, she knew it was him as soon as he approached, even wearing his long, hooded cape. The energy bouncing off of him hit her palpably, making her catch her breath. What was it about this man that drove her so over the wall with lust? It wasn't lust, though. She knew that. She knew nine years ago it wasn't lust, but who believed in falling in love after one night? Bree had known she had never gotten over him. Today just brought that home to her. It would take another nine years for her to get over this weekend, too. Was it worth it? At that moment, he put his 33

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arm around her and pulled her close into his warm body under his cape. Yes, it was worth it. **** After the ritual, he turned to her with purpose and promise in his eyes. No words were spoken, none were needed. No promises, no expectations. And Bree decided she didn't need any, either. She would take what she could get, and if that was only one more night with her dark god of Beltane, then so be it. Silently he led her to his tent where he closed up the flaps securely before turning to her standing in the middle of the floor. "I looked for you," he whispered as he reached out for her. "All those years ago, I tried to find you, but I had no name, no one knew who you were. Every lead I had came up empty." "Why didn't you show the next day?" He held her tight for so long she wasn't sure if she was going to be happy with his answer. "I had to leave. I got called back to immediate duty. There wasn't any time to find you before I left, so I left messages with a couple friends, hoping they would figure out who you were." "I was devastated." Bree looked away, embarrassed to make such a confession. "I'm sorry." He lifted her chin to look into her eyes. "I came back every year looking for you, but you were never here." 34

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"I thought you had played me for a fool. I couldn't risk coming here and seeing you again. I only came this year because of one of the handfastings tomorrow." "Eventually, I stopped taking this time of the year off. I chose the worst possible assignments I could, 'cause May always reminded me of you." "What made you come back this year?" "I got out of the service. I'm due to start a new job next month. I thought I would try one last time." "One last time?" "My heart couldn't take any more failures, Briana." He shook his head. "I had to move on if I couldn't find you." "And now that you did?" He smiled bright enough to compete with the batterypowered lamp sitting in the corner of the large tent. "Now that I did, my heart is complete, and I can move on with the woman I fell in love with one night nine years ago." "What if our memories are wrong? What if we aren't meant to be with each other?" Briana pulled away, fear in her voice. "We now have the time to decide that for ourselves. The gods brought us together this last time, the least we can do is give it a chance, don't you think?" "Are you sure?" Kade took hold of her once again. "I am more sure of this than I have been of anything in a long time." "Well they went to all this trouble, the least we can do is try for the honor of the gods." Bree's smile was small, but hopeful. "For the honor of the gods. And of your love." 35

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

SHEILA'S SURRENDER by Michelle Hasker Sheila Thompson paused and looked over at the fire again. Who's that gorgeous hunk of man dancing around the growing flame? His auburn hair was tied back with a strip of leather and he was dressed, or rather barely dressed, in a kilt. A few of the other men wore them too, but on him, it looked incredibly yummy. He laughed and danced with her brother and many others around the Beltane fire. She'd give her right arm for a dance with him. Maybe she could convince him to tutor her in the ways of the pagan festival. When Morgan stepped toward the fire, Sheila reached out and grabbed her arm. "Where are you going?" "Where do you think I'm going?" Morgan pointed at Jack. "Oh!" Sheila released her quickly and blushed. Of course, she'd been thinking along that same line herself. She wanted to take Mr. Gorgeous back to her tent and have her wicked way with him. It wasn't something she'd done before, and he was a stranger, but he felt familiar and her body hungered for him. Maybe she should go for it. "You should find someone, Sheila. Like that guy next to Jack. His name's Bryant. I've known him for years. I can vouch that he's safe. Let loose and have some fun. You deserve it. Don't fight it. With all this sexual energy bouncing 36

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around, you won't be able to make it the rest of the weekend without giving in to the inevitable. I know you've been looking at him. Watching him. Go for it, honey." Sheila turned and looked back at Bryant. When Morgan stopped in front of him, Jack hugged Bryant and left, but she kept her gaze on Mr. Gorgeous. Bryant. Even his name is sexy. All day long she'd seen him throughout the campground. Everywhere she turned, he was there, his body calling to hers. She wasn't sure if it was only the magic and energy in the air. She'd felt a strong desire for him from the minute she'd first seen him. It was as if she recognized him from somewhere, but just couldn't remember. Another couple left the fire at almost a run and she wondered how much time she had before some lucky lady approached Bryant. Even though this celebration was a new experience for her, it didn't take a genius to figure out why people were pairing off and disappearing. Would someone pair up with him? Her heart thundered in her chest as panic flared. She wanted him. She wanted him more than she'd ever wanted another man. She couldn't let anyone beat her to him. Just the thought of being with him was enough to make her wet. Determination strengthened her, and as the drumbeats increased in tempo, she found herself moving in rhythm to the music. Her hips swayed the way her belly dancing instructor had taught her, and Sheila wanted to put those lessons to good use. With Bryant. 37

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Letting the music take over, Sheila closed her eyes and moved to it, feeling the beat until her heart matched the rhythm. Then she opened her eyes and made her way toward the fire. A young man came up to her and started to dance with her, but he wasn't the one she was interested in. She stayed with him for a few minutes until she was closer to Mr. Gorgeous. While she debated how to ditch her dance partner politely, a young blonde-haired woman came up behind him and began to move suggestively against him. He offered Sheila a smile, but then turned around to dance with the blonde. Sheila let out a sigh of relief and looked up to see Mr. Gorgeous staring at her, devouring her with his eyes. She winked at him and then lifted her hands over her head. She moved toward him, then turned in a slow circle as she ran her hands down her body. As she danced closer to him, his grin widened. When her back was to him again, he closed the distance and grabbed her waist. He moved with her, against her, sending shivers up her spine. Oh. My. Goddess. Did he know how to move or what? Each time he brushed against her, hunger coiled tighter in her stomach, and desire soaked her already wet panties. Could she do this? Could she ask him to go back to her tent? Slowly, she turned her head and thrust her hips back. She connected with a very hard part of his anatomy and knew if she was going to ask, she better do it now before another woman beat her to him. Sheila turned her head as far as she could so she could look at him. When he leaned forward and 38

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met her gaze, she licked her lips and pushed back against him. He shivered, and another wave of desire washed over her. "Would you like to come back to my tent?" she asked softly, praying he'd say yes. Please, please say yes. The heat of the fire, the energy of the dancers and the sounds of the drums swept around her as she continued to move to the intoxicating beat. She swayed her hips, and rocked against him, imitating a dance she'd like to do privately with him. "Yes." His husky whisper tickled her ear, and she leaned back against him. The smell of sandalwood and his unique male scent filled her senses, making her sigh. He held her close for a moment, then stepped next to her, wrapped his arm around her and led her out of the circle of dancers. "You're new at this, aren't you?" "Yes. Is it that obvious?" She blushed, heat rising in her face to match that in her lower body. Now that she was this close to him, she felt as if she would combust into flames. "It is, but don't worry. There are several new people here this year. Are you having a good time?" What was with the chit chat? She was too horny to think, let alone make small talk. Damn it, where was her tent? Oh yeah, near the end of this row. "There I am. The blue one near the large oak." She was glad she'd invested in the large tent. It'd been a pain setting up, but she was glad for the extra space, and the room to stand now that she was taking Bryant with her. 39

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"Are you sure about this?" he asked as he followed her inside. "Positive." Sheila groaned as he brushed past her. She closed the tent flaps and turned to find him lying on his side on her air mattress. She dropped to her knees and crawled to him. Her top draped open, and by the way his eyes widened, he'd noticed she wasn't wearing a bra. Would he be disappointed she was wearing underwear? "Oh, babe, you are so sexy." He let out a low moan and grabbed her shoulders, tugging her to him. Bryant covered her mouth with his, and rolled her beneath him. Her entire body trembled at the sparks of electricity and lust that generated at the contact. Sheila grabbed onto his biceps and sighed into his mouth. Damn, he was hard all over. And she was getting so wet her juices were sliding down her thighs. "I've been watching you all day," he whispered, trailing kisses down her neck to the opening in her blouse. "You have?" She gasped when his hands fastened on the bottom of her skirt and began to slide it up her legs. "Yes." He lowered his head and sucked her nipple through her blouse. Sheila closed her eyes and arched her back as she buried her fingers in his hair until she hit the piece of leather. She untied the strip and released his hair so she could fist her hands in it more easily.

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Once Bryant pushed her skirt up to her hips, his fingers cupped her through the scrap of lace that comprised her underwear. "You are so wet, babe. I want to taste you." Sheila moaned and lifted her hips, silently begging him to do whatever he wanted. "Tell me, Sheila." Her eyes flew open at the sound of her name. But then she knew his name was Bryant, so why wouldn't he have found out hers as well? "Yes," he chuckled as he dragged his face across the fabric covering her lower abdomen. "I know who you are, Sheila, sister of Jack Thompson. You don't think I fall into bed with strangers, do you?" Sheila closed her eyes and groaned as his finger brushed back and forth over her mons. "Oh please," she begged breathlessly. "Please, Bryant." "Please what? You need to tell me what you want." His voice was now a soft purr. "I want you to stop talking and start pleasuring me." She laughed, but choked when his finger pressed against her swollen clit. With a moan, she arched her back. "How should I pleasure you?" he whispered, rubbing his finger in a circular motion. "With my hand? My mouth?" He slid the lace barrier aside and kissed her wet folds. Sheila cried out, thrusting against his mouth. "Or perhaps, you'd rather I tie you up and make love to you while I spank that tight little bottom of yours?" Sheila moaned as he moved higher, lifting her arms over her head and pinning them there with one large hand before 41

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sliding his other one down her body to knead her breast. His caresses threatened to overwhelm her. She gasped for air before admitting, "I'm yours. Do what you will." Bryant growled, then took possession of her mouth, thrusting his tongue inside her lips like she hoped he'd do a little lower. He still had her hands pinned above her head, so she settled for rubbing her body against his, and wrapping her legs around him. "Are you sure?" he asked when he ended the kiss. "Positive," she purred and rubbed against him. "Whatever you want." "Oh, Goddess," he groaned and slid down her body. "I want you to take off your clothes. I want to see you. All of you." Sheila rose and stepped into the center of the tent. She turned on her battery-powered lamp and then moved to face him again. Slowly, she peeled off her clothing for him, using the sound of the drums they could still hear to add movement to her striptease. She took her time unbuttoning her blouse, then let it fall to the ground before she slid her hands to her hips and pushed her skirt down. "Stop," he called out when she kicked her skirt to the side. "Stay like that." Sheila stood still as his hungry gaze roamed over her. He rose and walked over to her. He stepped behind her and reached down to cup her breasts. "Do you have something I can use to tie you with?" "Uh..." Sheila hesitated, and licked her lips. 42

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Bryant squeezed and tugged on her nipples while the heat from his erection seared her through his kilt. More of her juices trickled down her thighs. He groaned and released her, turning her around. "Sheila?" The hungry look in his eyes was her undoing. No man had ever looked at her with such desire, and she would do anything to keep it there. "Use whatever you want." "Thank you." He smiled at her and pushed her toward the air mattress. "Lay down and wait for me." Sheila obeyed him quickly, hoping that he hurried. She was so ready for him that it terrified her. He was a stranger, and here she was, about to let him tie her up and have his way with her. What if he wanted her in the ass? She studied him as he dug through her things until he came up with the tie from her robe, and her thin cotton nightgown. What was he going to tie her to? He couldn't mean to tie her to the tent. She'd bring it down on their heads if she moved. Bryant studied her for a minute then he walked over and held out his hand. When she hesitated, his expression softened. "Trust me, Sheila. I won't do anything you don't want, and nothing that will hurt you." "I trust you," she answered and offered her hands to him. He took her belt and then used it to tie her wrists together. What's the nightgown for then? He twisted it and covered her eyes with it. 43

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

Sheila gasped and automatically lifted her hands to push it away. "Shhh," he whispered, pushing her hands down. "This will heighten your other senses and increase your pleasure." Increase her pleasure? She already felt as if she'd melt into a puddle and he wanted to increase it? "Please," she begged when he finished blindfolding her but still didn't touch her. "I love the way you beg." He pushed her hands above her head. Bryant kissed her softly on the lips while his hands cupped her face. He moved until she felt his legs between hers. Something brushed against her leg and she realized he wasn't wearing anything under that kilt. Oh my. Sheila moaned and drew her legs together as moisture pooled between her thighs. Bryant inserted his hands between her thighs and pushed them apart. "What are you trying to hide from me?" he asked. Bryant nuzzled her heat through the lace. Now she knew why he'd made her leave her panties on. He wanted to torture her. "Please," she whimpered as twinges of pleasure created a butterfly feeling in her stomach. "Please what?" he whispered, his breath blowing on her heated body. "Please. Suck me, lick me, bite me, just do it now, please!" Bryant growled. His finger slid between the fabric and her wet flesh. "Damn, baby. You are so wet." 44

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Sheila tried to move away from him as an embarrassed flush covered her face. He grabbed her sides and pinned her in place. She wished she could see him, see his face. But she couldn't. She wiggled but his hold tightened. "Sheila," he cooed her name. "Shhh. Relax, babe." "I don't usually—" She broke off with a strangled cry as his finger slid between her folds, driving all coherent thought from her mind. "Don't usually what?" He sounded breathless. If he was as turned on as she was, what was he waiting for? "Mmm," she moaned and thrust her hips against him. "Don't usually do this kind of thing?" "No. Yes!" It came out as a scream when his finger dipped inside her. "You don't usually let men tie you up? You don't usually invite strangers back to your tent? Or you don't usually let a guy go down on you?" "No. No. No," Sheila growled, turning her head from side to side. What was with him? Why had she picked a man who was more talk than action? She felt his withdrawal and it chilled her. Why was he stopping? "Sweet Sheila. I want to taste you." The sound of material tearing filled the air. Cool air blew over her quivering flesh but was immediately replaced with his hot tongue as he lapped at her juices. He moaned as he licked at her and the vibration rumbled through her body. She gasped and spread her legs wider as she grew wetter and wetter from his skillful mouth. 45

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He sucked her clit in between his lips, and teased it with the tip of his tongue. "Oh. My. Goddess!" she shrieked as tingles spread from her toes up to her stomach until she exploded into a million pieces. "Mmm," Bryant murmured against her clit as he stroked it with his tongue. Sheila cried out as he took her over the edge again before the crest of her first orgasm had passed completely. She clenched her hands, struggling against the binding as he licked his way lower on her trembling body. "Bryant!" she gasped as his tongue speared her. He tugged her legs open further, and massaged her swollen lips with his thumbs as his tongue plunged into her over and over again. It wasn't enough, though. She wanted his cock there. She wanted him to ram into her hard and fast so her world would explode again. His finger slid inside her, then moved back out, then slid in all the way as his tongue swirled around her clit. She thrust against him as he added another finger to the first. "Bryant. Oh damn. Bryant! That feels so good," she moaned as her inner muscles clenched around his fingers. She had no idea how many he was using, but he definitely knew how to use them. "You are so tight, Sheila. And you make such sweet noises." She was being awfully loud, wasn't she? Sheila bit her lip and tried to stifle her cries of pleasure. 46

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"No." He stopped with his fingers buried inside her. "I want to hear your sounds. I want to make you scream with pleasure. I want you to gasp and moan and shout my name." Sheila shivered as his words sank in. He wanted her to be noisy. Oh Goddess, it was such a turn-on. They weren't the only ones who snuck off to make love so it wasn't as if what they were doing was forbidden. In fact this was Beltane. Hadn't she heard that the May Queen and her consort were supposed to make love in their tent to ensure the land would be fertile? Beltane was about fertility and making love. Besides, if Bryant wanted her to make noise, she would scream her damn head off. Again. She'd done that once already. He plunged his fingers deeper into her and she writhed under his ministrations. Faster and faster he moved them, in and out, stretching her while her inner muscles clenched and unclenched. "You are really tight, Sheila." "It's been a while," she admitted between moans. "How long?" He groaned and replaced his fingers with his mouth as he licked at her again. "Damn it, babe. I can't get enough of you." "I want you inside me, Bryant. Please." He pulled away. She heard the sound of clothes rustling and wondered what he was doing, but then he sighed and dropped his head against her thigh. "I was in such a hurry I must have dropped my condom somewhere. It must be in here, though. I had it when I was on the mattress waiting for you." 47

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She heard him searching the tent. "I'm safe. I'm on the pill." He groaned. "I'm clean, too. But it's not smart for you to trust a stranger." "You aren't a stranger. Morgan said she's known you for years. She told me to go after you. I saw the way you and Jack are together. If my brother and soon to be sister-in-law trust you, then so do I." "But—" "Enough talking, Bryant. Can you just fuck me now?" The silence scared her, but then he laughed, and she released a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "It would be my pleasure." He crawled up over her, and tested the material covering her eyes and the belt binding her wrists. "I want to watch you," Sheila whispered. "What?" His hands hesitated on hers. "I want to watch you make love to me. Please." His breath shuddered, then he removed the makeshift blindfold. Sheila blinked as her eyes adjusted to the dim lighting. Bryant loomed over her, a wicked smile on his face, while his cock bumped against her stomach. He must have undressed when he'd searched for the condom. He was big and thick, and so ready for her that a few drops of pre-cum glistened on the tip. She licked her lips and met his gaze again. "Bryant?" "Yes?" he asked as he reached between them and pressed on her clit. 48

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She arched against him. "Sheila?" She gasped as he rolled the hard nub between his thumb and finger. If only her hands weren't tied, she could just reach down and touch him. Grab onto him and squeeze him and then guide him inside her. "Sheila?" "Hmm?" She looked up at him. "What?" "Never mind." He chuckled and moved so the head of his shaft pressed against her opening. Sheila lifted her hips, pushing against him until the tip slid inside. With a moan, he thrust inside her, ramming in to the hilt. He paused, but when she whimpered, he grinned and began to move inside her, stroking her very soul as he filled her more completely than any other man. She struggled against her confinement until Bryant pushed her hands back up, stretching them as far above her head as he could. "Keep them up there or I'll stop." "What?" Sheila cried out, then moaned as he licked and nibbled on her ear. "I'm going to mark you, Sheila." He kissed his way down her neck. His tongue traced a line over her carotid, and she whimpered, lifting her legs and wrapping them around his waist. "You are so tasty all over. I can't decide where to mark you." "Why? Why do you want to mark me?" Sheila asked breathlessly. What in the world did he mean? A hickey? Or something more? 49

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"Because you are mine. I want every man here to know that you have been thoroughly loved and are taken." Sheila gasped, then moaned as he sucked on her neck. Her inner muscles clamped around him. Bryant stopped and sat back to look down at her. "Bryant?" "I just wanted to look at you for a minute. You are so beautiful laying there breathless and flushed with passion. Your beautiful breasts full and round, with hard nipples begging to be suckled. You are so full of passion and surprises," he said as he dipped a finger into her navel and tickled her. Sheila giggled. "I can't believe I'm doing this with a stranger." The words slipped out before she could take them back. His eyes flashed with something but it before she could decipher it, it was gone. "We're not strangers. At least not anymore, Sheila." "I'm sorry." She frowned and moved under him. She'd ruined the mood. Stupid, Sheila. Stupid. Why did he have to be so talkative? Sheila pulled her arms down, but he pushed them back up. "I'm not done with you yet. I promise before this night is through, you'll want no other man." "I think you've already ruined me for other men," she admitted with a sigh. He grinned and leaned down until his mouth hovered over hers. "So you've never had it this good, babe?" "Only one came close, and he was my first." 50

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"Your first?" Bryant froze. "Have you had many lovers?" "Um, Bryant?" Sheila shifted, suddenly uncomfortable. "This is really a turn-off. I haven't asked you about your sex life, and judging by how good you are, it's been plentiful." "Are you jealous?" he asked, moving inside her. "Actually, yes. I bet they got to come." Bryant frowned down at her as she tried to stifle a giggle. Then he was moving again, deeper and deeper with each thrust. He slid out, than rammed his full length back inside her. "Bryant!" she shouted his name. He grabbed her knees and pressed them to her chest as he continued to slam inside her harder and faster. Sheila moaned and clenched her fists as her inner muscles tightened around him. "Oohh, so tight." Bryant groaned as she squeezed him again. The sound sent shivers up her spine, and she arched her back. Between the sounds of his wet flesh striking hers, and the husky noises he made deep in his throat, Sheila flew over the edge into an earth-shattering orgasm. Her entire body tightened, and she screamed his name as wave after wave of pleasure rippled through her. Before she could come back down to earth, Bryant followed her with his own shout, his hot seed spilling into her womb. When the aftershocks faded, he untied her and rubbed her wrists.

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If she didn't watch it, she could fall in love with him. A lover who was rough when she needed it, and gentle when she didn't. Sex with him would probably never be dull. Bryant tugged her close, and wrapped his arms around her. She drifted off to sleep wondering why he hadn't left, and if he was just resting before round two. **** Sheila woke to soft kisses on her neck and shoulder. She moaned and stretched, bumping into a very warm, very hard wall of muscle. Memories of the night before flashed through her mind, and she smiled. "Good morning, Bryant," she whispered. "Good morning, babe." With a sigh, she turned and met his sexy bedroom eyes. Oh no! What time is it? She fumbled for her watch. "What's the matter?" "I was supposed to meet Morgan to share breakfast." "She came by while you were snoring. She saw me, and backed out of here before I could say anything." "I do not snore!" Sheila blushed. He grinned. "No, you don't. But I love seeing you blush." She went to turn away, but he cupped her face and kissed her deeply, stealing her breath. Finally, he pulled back. He met and held her gaze with his pale blue eyes. Eyes that reminded her of Will. Blinking away that thought, she leaned back and looked at him in the light of the day. He was still here. Why? 52

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"Babe." His voice was husky as he nuzzled her neck, one hand grabbing her breast and squeezing it. Sheila gasped and arched her back. That tingling in her stomach started again, and her juices began to pool between her thighs even before his finger stroked her clit. He seemed to know exactly what she needed and when. Digging her fingers into his shoulders, she drew in a deep shuttering breath and tried to push him away. He kissed his way from her shoulder to her breast and sucked one of her nipples into his mouth. "Bryant." His name came out as a sigh instead of the command she'd been aiming for. She tried again, "Bryant. I have to get ready for my brother's handfasting." "In a minute," he said between kisses he trailed down her stomach. Sheila stiffened. "You aren't a morning person, are you?" he asked as he slid a finger into her canal. "Bryant!" she gasped as her inner muscles tightened. "You were ready for another round until you heard that Morgan caught us. Are you feeling inhibited now?" "No." Sheila shook her head. "Good. Turn around and get on your knees." Sheila blinked and stared down at him. "Come on, babe. As you said, we haven't got all day." He winked at her, his mouth curved in a smile revealing a dimple. Damn, he's sexy.

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Without wasting any more time, Sheila turned over and got on her hands and knees. Bryant grabbed her hips, and tugged her ass higher in the air. "I don't think—" "Shhh, then don't." Sheila hesitated, confused at first, then overwhelmed with desire as he slid the tip of his cock down her ass and pressed against her entrance. Moaning, she pressed back against him, remembering the way he'd pleasured her last night and wanting more. He ran his hands up her sides, sending shivers up her spine. Bryant tugged her higher and repositioned himself so the tip of his shaft rubbed against her clit. She moaned and fisted her hands in the blanket as she leaned lower against the bed, offering more of herself to him. "That's it, babe. Enjoy it. You're so damn sexy." He growled as he slid into her canal. Sheila cried out and pushed against him, drawing him in even deeper. He began to moan and slam in and out of her so fast, hard and deep that the sensations overwhelmed her and she exploded before she even knew she was on the verge of coming. Her muscles milked him as aftershocks rumbled through her body. Bryant collapsed on top of her and kissed her neck. Sheila didn't think she'd be able to move again. At least not for a while. A long while. **** "Are you okay, Sheila?" Bryant looked at her with worry in his expression. How did he know she was upset? Were they that in tune? 54

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Her brother's handfasting ceremony was nearly over. She'd schemed to get Jack married, but now she'd never felt more alone in her life. Maybe that was why Bryant had rocked her world last night, and also why she was so reluctant to get rid of him today. "I'm fine. Weddings always make me emotional." "They always did." Sheila paused and turned to look at the man sitting next to her. "Yeah, like you would know." She blew out an irritated breath, more at herself than him, but let him interpret it however he wanted. Was that disappointment that darkened his gaze? "Yes. It has been a while, but I've never been able to forget you." "What do you mean?" Sheila swallowed, and shifted on her seat as a shadow passed over her, chilling her to the bone. Shivering, she pulled her shawl closer. How was it that he knew her, but she didn't know him? And how was he making desire stir in the pit of her belly? "I was a roommate of Jack's in college. He brought several of us home one time for your parents' renewal of their vows." Sheila's breath caught in her throat. Oh sweet merciful heaven. William Stewart. He'd found her in the library bawling her eyes out, and one thing had led to another ... Will! This couldn't be Will. The hair is the wrong color. Will hadn't been muscular, and Bryant is. And the name ... Oh, Goddess. She was stupid. Bryant was his Wiccan name.

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"From that blush, can I assume that you do remember me? Although it does appear you make a habit of sleeping with your brother's friends." Sheila gasped and slapped him. Pain and electricity danced up her arm. Cheering erupted around them, and Sheila realized Jake and Morgan were kissing. As she glanced around, she noticed a lot of other people also kissing. Perhaps the ceremony was over. She would pack her bags and flee. This was worse than a nightmare. "Okay, I guess I deserved that one," he said as he rubbed his cheek. "Damn straight!" Sheila stood up and fled as Jake led his new wife over to a round table. Before she could reach their table to give an excuse for leaving, large warm fingers closed around her wrist and halted her movement. She tried to yank free, but he tugged her back so she was pressed up against his chest. Her body shivered in pleasure that she tried to fight. He'd known who she was all along. He'd lied to her. Her heart clenched, and she tried to break free. "I'm sorry. I was angry when you didn't recognize me. I had hoped you wouldn't forget your first lover." "Shh!" Sheila hissed. "Keep your voice down, damn it!" "I'm sorry, again." He gave her a wry smile as he dragged her into the shade of a large oak tree. "What are you doing?" "I'm not letting you get away from me this time." 56

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"What the hell are you talking about? You're the one who left me. I was younger and didn't know that was how things worked. I was devastated, but you did teach me an invaluable lesson." Sheila shoved against his chest, ignoring the flames of desire that heated her belly. How could she want him? "Oh yeah? And what was that?" "Never to fall in love with anyone you fuck." "You sound so cynical. Just how many men have you never fallen in love with?" he asked as he leaned closer. "I'm not the type to kiss and tell." "Talk no, but you did a hell of a lot of screaming and moaning last night, babe." Sheila screamed, and swung at him with the palm of her hand. He caught her easily and pinned her hand behind her back. When she swung the other one, he caught it and held it with his other hand. "Why didn't you tell me who you were?" "I wanted to see if you would give me a second chance." "Second chance? You egotistical prick!" She tried to kick him, but he leaned close, her back digging into the bark of the tree while his hard shaft dug into her belly. He still wanted her. No, he still desired her. "I've never forgotten you," he whispered. "You're the one who left without so much as a goodbye!" Sheila clenched her fists at her side to keep from striking him again. It wouldn't hurt him anyway. "Didn't Jack explain why I left?"

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Sheila looked up in surprise. "Why would Jack need to explain anything? He had no clue you were fucking his little sister." "It was more than that, and you know it. Is that why you haven't married? Jack said you never date a man longer than a month. Most of them don't last half that long." "It's none of your damned business." "My father died. I had to go home. In fact, I became so busy with finishing school and taking over the family business, I didn't have time to pursue other relationships. I had asked Jack to tell you. Then when I was finally able to start dating again, you were seeing Tod, and then Greg, and then guy after guy after guy." "He told me about your father, but by then, I still hadn't heard from you." "I did call you, but you refused to talk to me." "Well why would I have wanted to listen to your excuses after over a year had passed?" "Because I love you. I fell in love with you then, and I love you even more now. You've grown into such a spunky, sexy woman. I know Jack is proud of you and all you've accomplished. He'll tell you that I've never stopped asking about you." Sheila shook her head as her thoughts jumbled in her mind. She'd thought she was just cutting loose, letting go for one night. One night where she could be free to do whatever she wanted before returning to the real world where things would return to the boring reality she'd become accustomed to. 58

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Damn him! He had ruined her for other men. The only two times she'd ever made it as far as bed with a man and it had to be the same one. "Yeah well, I'm not done experimenting with other men. So if you'll excuse me, I need to go pick someone to partner me tonight." She tried to get away from him again. "Not so fast," he said as he leaned close and kissed her neck. "Remember this?" As he licked her neck, she remembered how he'd marked her last night. Hell he'd not only branded her with the hickey, but he'd given her orgasm after earth-shattering orgasm. Sheila moaned and dropped her head back against the tree. So many sensations swirled in her stomach that she stopped fighting. When he kissed her this time, she melted against him. She stopped struggling. She liked feeling helpless under his sensual onslaught anyway. Arching her back against him, she rubbed her breasts against his chest. "Yes, babe," he whispered in her ear. "Bryant." She sighed and closed her eyes as he nipped at her earlobe. "Not here, they can see us." "No one is looking. Besides, we could give them quite a show." "I don't want them to watch." "Babe, you are so beautiful when you come. Trust me, they would all be envying me." "I can't—" She broke off when he squeezed her hands with one of his, and his free hand slid under her dress and cupped her mons. 59

Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

"See, you're soaking wet, babe. You want it. You're turned on." "It's you," she moaned and arched into his touch. He stroked her clit with his thumb, sending a delicious tingling down to her toes. Her breasts were already full and heavy, but as her nipples brushed against her cotton dress, her fluid dripped onto her thighs. One of his fingers slipped into her core and her body contracted around it hungry for more pleasure. Sheila bit her lip, choking back the sounds of her pleasure. "You think it's not proper, it's not right. But when I take away the choice, it frees you. You are dripping with sweet desire, Sheila. I want to taste you, but first..." Bryant groaned and captured her mouth with his. He swallowed her cries as she rocked against his finger until she shuddered and screamed into his mouth while her muscles quivered around his fingers. She sagged against the tree. "Open your eyes. I want to see your eyes as you tremble from your orgasm and your cum drenches my hand." With a moan, Sheila opened her eyes and gazed at him, dazed. He was right, she had enjoyed it. Her protests had been weak, and he'd seen through them. And she was glad he had. Someone moved in the clearing, and she glanced past Bryant. It didn't look as if anyone noticed, or if they did, they didn't care. There were a few couples kissing and stroking each other, and even Jack and Morgan were wrapped around each other. It must be the Beltane magic. 60

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Bryant crooked his fingers deep inside her, and this time she moaned out loud. He pulled his fingers out and lifted them to his mouth. He sucked one finger into his mouth and slowly pulled it out. The sight was so erotic she had to look away before she jumped on top of him and demanded he take her now. Trembling, Sheila tilted her head back and looked toward the others again. One man stood to the side with his blonde partner. She recognized him from the fire last night. He stared at Sheila and held her gaze while he ran his hands up and down the blonde's back. He tugged on her skirt, pulling it up to reveal a thin strip of black against her pale skin. He ran his finger under the material while the woman rubbed against him, unashamed of her actions. "I didn't know Beltane was like this," Sheila said as she looked back at Bryant. He'd seen the couple who had caught her interest. "He watched you writhe and moan, Sheila. And when you came all over my hand, he kissed her like a starving man." Sheila gasped. "You're lying. How could you see him? He's all the way over there." "Babe." Bryant spun them around so he was against the tree, and her back was to the festivities. "Now look." Sheila looked over and saw that the angle was clearer from here. "And look, I think he's getting off on you watching them." She gasped and turned back to Bryant. Will. "I don't know what to call you." 61

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"Bryant is my middle name, so I'll answer to it here and at home. And you are going home with me." He tugged her up against his chest. "I love you, Sheila. I won't let you go until you promise to give me a chance to prove it." Love? He loved her? She started to melt into his arms, stopping herself just before it was too late. She loved him too, she'd never stopped. Whatever it was about him just wouldn't let go of her. But let him think she'd give in that easily when she'd been hurting all these years? No way. "I just don't know. I suppose I will give you that chance, but you better not blow it. And it better be worth it." He growled and hugged her tightly. "It will definitely be worth it. Now let's finish what we started." "Out here in the open?" "I know you liked it, babe. But this time I want it to be just us." He grabbed her hand and ran back to her tent. Sheila laughed as she scrambled to keep up. She knew one thing for sure. Life would never be dull.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS As far back as she can remember, Tina has been writing for fun but she always knew someday she would be a published author. Born and raised in the Boston area, Tina finds herself most at home on the East Coast. Despite that, she has also lived in Chicago and Wisconsin, and presently lives in rural Missouri with her husband and demanding cat, although two of the three of them dream of moving to the Northwest. After having worked at many jobs, including a mental health worker for a dozen years, she now has a day job as a substitute teacher, trying to put her college degree to some use reminding kids to strive for their goals. You can visit her at www.tinabendoni.com. Michelle Hasker has been writing for two years. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA. She loves vampires and things that go bump in the night, so it's no wonder her creations are truly paranormal. While most people only dream of finding love, Michelle's characters find it, but in the most unexpected places. Michelle lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, four children, assorted animals, and overactive imagination.

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