Executive Decisions: One Night Only Marteeka Karland All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2008 Marteeka Karland
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Executive Decisions: One Night Only Marteeka Karland Nothing in Sophie’s life matters as much as caring for the woman who’d taken her in as a child. She’d do anything for Mrs. Grinnich, a fact the older woman puts to good use when she sends Sophie on a vacation. But not just any vacation. Sophie is to spend one night with an escort from Executive Decisions. When that “escort” turns out to be two escorts, and not just any escorts, but Mrs. Grinnich’s sexy as sin twin grandsons, Sophie must face the attraction she’s always felt for the two men. Raven and Hawk are wary of the job their grandmother assigned them, but they’d never refused her. But when the door to the cozy cabin in the woods opens to reveal Sophie, the woman they both want, the two wizards resolve to win her heart. Unfortunately, there are more powerful wizards and witches out there, and the twins have one night only to prove how much they love her.
Chapter One “Bring the morning paper with my breakfast, would you, dear? And I’d like the window open just a bit. I always love the morning breeze.” Mrs. Grinnich smiled gently at Sophie as the younger woman entered the sunroom. Birds chirped in the warm sunlight and the trees rustled softly while Sophie raised the window as Mrs. Grinnich had asked. It was warm enough in the room, even with the slight wind, so Sophie didn’t see any harm in it. She would have done almost anything Mrs. Grinnich asked, no matter what. Those small tasks were nothing as far as Sophie was concerned. The old woman was like a mother to her, and had been for the past twenty years. “Of course. Do you want Sylvester? I think he’s needing a warm lap to sit in,” Sophe said, referring to the cat. Mrs. Grinnich had been particularly neglectful in giving the cantankerous cat attention of late, and the evil little poop monster was becoming even crankier than usual. “Goodness gracious me!” Mrs. Grinnich’s hands flew to her cheeks, and for a moment Sophie regretted bringing up the subject of the cat for fear her employer might put unnecessary strain on her heart. “I completely forgot about poor Sylvester. Yes. Please. Let the poor dear in.” Sophie opened the door to Mrs. Grinnich’s sunroom, and the very old, very opinionated black and white tuxedo entered regally. He didn’t even acknowledge Sophie’s presence until he was well past her. Even then, he only turned and hissed at her. God, she really hated that cat. “Come here, my darling. I’m so sorry,” Mrs. Grinnich crooned. “I completely forgot you were still here.” She gave Sophie a tearful look. “I’m so forgetful these days.”
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“Nonsense.” Sophie crossed the room and fluffed Mrs. Grinnich’s pillows on the divan. She straightened the older woman’s blankets to better accommodate her couch mate. “You just have more important things to do than worry after that old cat.” Sophie winked at Mrs. Grinnich, and the old woman returned it with a mock horrified expression. “More important than Sylvester? Why, whatever do you mean?” Both women laughed. “I need you to do one more thing for me, dear.” Mrs. Grinnich stroked Sylvester absently. “You know you don’t have to ask. What do you need?” “Before I tell you, I want you to promise me you’ll do it. This means more to me than anything in the world right now.” Mrs. Grinnich looked so distressed, Sophie immediately went to her knees beside the old woman’s makeshift bed and clasped one hand in both of hers. “You know I’ll do anything you ask of me, Mamaw. I only want you to be happy.” Sophie rarely called her that. It was the name her grandsons called her and, though Mrs. Grinnich tried her best to get Sophie to think of her as her own grandmother, Sophie felt uncomfortable doing so. It felt too disrespectful to assume the role of granddaughter when she wasn’t even related. “I want you to take a vacation.” Sophie blinked and opened her mouth, but Mrs. Grinnich cut her off. “Now, you promised,” she said, looking sternly at Sophie. “And it doesn’t have to be for long. Maybe just the weekend. I want you to have a good time and not fuss over me for a couple of days.” She smiled. “You’re smothering me.” Sophie blushed. True, she had been a little overprotective, but Mrs. Grinnich looked so frail lately. Sometimes she didn’t even have the strength to get out of bed and make it to the sunroom on her own anymore. “Who will look after you while I’m gone? You’ve been so weak, I’m afraid to leave you by yourself.”
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“Don’t worry about me. I’ve got plenty of friends to help out for the weekend. Besides, I’ve already made arrangements for you.” “What?” “Go look on your nightstand. There’s a brochure and a business card with the name and number of a man I want you to contact. Just tell him Mariam Grinnich told you to call, and he’ll take care of the rest.” “You can’t be serious.” This was absurd. She couldn’t just leave. “I’m very serious. I’ve taken care of everything, and I insist. You deserve a break, and I intend to give you one.” She waved a hand dismissively. “I won’t take ‘no’ for an answer, my dear. Go. Have a good time. I’ll be fine for a couple of days.” She smiled and stroked Sylvester, twirling his tail around her finger. The cat hissed and smacked at her hand. Mrs. Grinnich jumped, startled. “Damned cat.” “Just don’t let your grandsons know you said that.” Sophie laughed and kissed her cheek as she stood. “You know how they think you dote on the creature.” As if he understood perfectly, Sylvester growled deep in his throat and hissed at Sophie before turning around in Mrs. Grinnich’s lap several times and settling himself more comfortably. Mrs. Grinnich chuckled. “Oh, I adore him -- I always have. And I do dote on him from time to time. I just realize that not everyone feels that way, and I completely understand why. He never was much of a people person.” She stroked his head fondly. “He was more into birds, as I recall.” Sophie blinked. “You’re joking. Right?” “Oh, no.” Mrs. Grinnich looked completely serious. She looked out the window and pointed to a huge oak tree with dozens of bird feeders hanging from the branches at various heights. “You see that?” “Of course. I fill the feeders every day.” “Well, I remember a time -- not too long ago -- when Sylvester would sit and watch the birds playing for hours at a time. They simply fascinated him.” “I don’t remember seeing him do that.” Sophie wrinkled her brow.
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“Well, he did. That was when I knew he was getting old and…” She trailed off, looking at the tree. One tear fell from her eye and Sylvester immediately raised up on two legs, bracing his front paws on her chest, and licked the tear from her cheek. It was silly really, but it seemed like such a private moment, Sophie felt like an intruder. She quietly left the room and closed the double sliding glass doors. When she turned around, she ran smack into a solid wall of muscle and crisp linen. “I’m s-sorry!” she stammered. She hated that she stammered. The tall, intimidating man always made her nervous, and it irritated her so much. “I was trying not to disturb your grandmother.” “Has she decided to kick you out yet?” He raised an eyebrow, looking almost hopeful. The question made Sophie blink and her stomach lurch. Mrs. Grinnich? Kick her out? After twenty years? Ohmigod! “What? No! Why?” “Never hurts to check.” And, just like that, Raven Grinnich dismissed her as if she’d never been there. He glided past her -- the man really did glide, walking was too clumsy a term for the way he moved -- into the sunroom and shut the door behind him. “You torment that poor girl, and you should be ashamed.” Raven’s grandmother chastised him gently when he leaned down to kiss her cheek. “It’s not your concern, Mamaw. Sophie and I make our own way together.” “Nonsense. Her happiness is my business, and you shouldn’t have her thinking she might lose her home. I’ve practically raised that child, and if you think I don’t love her enough to set you on your ear, you’d best think again.” Grandmother Mariam pointed a thin finger at him as he straightened, but Raven only smiled. “You give her too comfortable of a life. Someone has to keep her on her toes.” “Pshaw!” Grandmother Mariam waved a hand in dismissal. “The girl deserves to be pampered. You should remember that, young man. She’d make a good woman for you.” She pointed at him again.
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Raven slumped into a nearby chair and scrubbed a hand over his face. “We’ve been over this, Mamaw. I don’t need a ‘good woman.’ Besides, if I whisk her away to live with me, who’d take care of you?” He smiled, hoping to divert the old witch, but she sat up and leaned toward him to drive her point home. “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, young man. If you think I’m bluffing, try me.” She raised an eyebrow. “My magic is as powerful as it ever was.” As if in agreement, Sylvester hissed and spun around in Grandmother Mariam’s lap, resettling himself. Raven raised his hands in defense. “I know better than to put my magic against yours, Mamaw.” He flashed her a charming grin, the one he reserved for her alone when he needed to distract her. “But once I’ve mastered your Primary Book of Spells, then we’ll talk.” “That’s my point, dear. Magic can’t be learned from a book. Not the really powerful kind.” Her look was imploring, as if it were of the utmost importance for him to understand her message. “For any witchcraft to be really powerful, it has to come from the heart.” “Trust me, Mamaw. I throw my entire being into my magic. People actually think I’m quite good.” He crossed his legs and sat back in the chair. “There’s even been talk of putting me on the council next year.” “Nonsense!” she spat. For the first time in his life, Raven knew his grandmother was extremely displeased with him. It stung, but he had no idea why she was so angry. “You don’t think I should be on the council?” “Absolutely not!” She fidgeted with her cover as if searching for something until she came out with the cordless phone. “I’m putting a stop to that nonsense once and for all.” She started punching buttons, and Raven leaned over to wrap her deceptively frail looking hands in his own bigger ones. “Mamaw!” Raven knew he’d been a little too cocky in mentioning this to his grandmother, but he never envisioned she’d react this way.
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“Who’s putting forth your nomination?” “That’s not --” “Who?” Raven recognized the note of command she’d used for decades as leader of the Witches’ Coven and long-time member of the Council of Magic. There was no diverting or denying her when she used that tone. “Draco.” “Oh, for heaven’s sake!” She pulled her hands out of his, leaving him the phone. He quickly laid it a comfortable distance out of reach as his grandmother continued. “He’s not even part of this province, not to mention he’s not a wizard. He can’t make a valid recommendation, and you know it.” “No, but the council listens to him. He’s one of the most powerful werewolves the preternatural community has seen in centuries.” “Listen to you.” She gave him a disgusted look. “You sound like a petulant child.” Mamaw looked him straight in the face then. Raven could see the force of will behind her clear blue eyes. So much for going around his grandmother to get on the council his own way. “You have more potential than any wizard I’ve ever known, Raven. But you cannot reach your full power until you’ve found the right mate. Everyone knows that. You know that. You might think you can use your substantial influence within the preternatural community to get on the council without taking a mate, but you can’t.” She sat back and gave him a smile only a grandmother could give. “I love you, Raven. More than life itself, but I will not let you do yourself such a disservice. Now.” She fluffed her pillows and straightened her quilts. Sylvester merely opened his eyes to give her a look that said, “Quit moving. I’m trying to sleep.” Mamaw continued, “Go. I’ve left a business card on your desk that I want you to use. Call the man and tell him you’ll help him out. I told him I’d ask you -- now I’m telling you. You need the break to think about your life and what you want out of your magic.”
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Raven raised an eyebrow. “What exactly will I be doing? You know I’m supposed to meet Hawk next week to make preparations for your birthday. He won’t like it if I leave him to do it by himself.” “Hawk’s helping my friend, too.” Grandmother Mariam smiled a secret smile. One Raven didn’t trust at all. The old witch was brewing something, stirring in something to do with his life he wasn’t comfortable with. He could smell it. And when a witch broke out her cauldron and started making a potion, the whole neighborhood could smell it. “You’ll see, my dear boy. Things have a way of working out, and I’m not the least bit concerned about my birthday. Besides, this is for your own good.” Raven knew he was in trouble, but orders were orders. Even at forty, he didn’t dare disobey his grandmother. She might be getting on in years, but she was still a very powerful witch. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if his twin had to help. At least they’d have a good time. Some dogs were better left sleeping. Or, in her case, cats.
Chapter Two Sophie ascended the stairs quietly, careful not to disturb Mrs. Grinnich and her grandson, Raven. No doubt the two were deep in conversation. Hopefully not about ending her living arrangement. She groaned. Why Raven unnerved her so much was totally beyond her, but when the man was nearby, her IQ dropped at least fifty points. She was reduced to the stammering schoolgirl she’d been when she’d first met him and his twin brother. She’d been nine years old when Mrs. Grinnich had moved Sophie into her home after her parents’ tragic death, and Raven had been a stunningly handsome, if mysterious, man of twenty-one. Sophie had been instantly smitten and had never fully recovered. Raven, on the other hand, had never looked at her twice. Sophie would be surprised if he could pick her out of a crowded room. Even after her living in his grandmother’s home nearly half his life, she’d never seen him give her more than a passing glance. Sophie picked up the photograph of her mother and father that always adorned her nightstand and traced a finger over their beloved faces. She missed them both terribly, but Mrs. Grinnich had ensured she’d always felt like the loved and treasured daughter she had been with her parents. Sophie had asked her often enough why she’d taken her in after her parents’ sudden death and the only reply she’d ever gotten was “Because you’re worth it.” As payment for the kindness she’d been shown, Sophie had taken it upon herself to make the old woman’s remaining years as comfortable as she could. Yes, her grandsons visited often and saw to the everyday running of her estate, but Sophie always tried to take care of the little things like cooking, cleaning, and just being there for a little conversation. Thinking about Mrs. Grinnich’s grandsons got her all flustered again.
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Raven. He was as dark and mysterious as his name implied. Beautifully muscled body, dark hair, and dark skin… She could look at him all day. She knew there was much more to him than what she saw on the surface, but what, she didn’t know. All she knew was his business kept him away from his grandmother most of the time. Which was why she had stayed here instead of getting a place of her own. Her parents had left her quite wealthy, but she just couldn’t bring herself to leave the old woman. The role of caretaker to the person who had taken her in and treated her as one of her own was something Sophie had assumed gladly. If she left, Mrs. Grinnich would most likely have to retire to the Pleasant Hills Nursing Home. While the place was highly regarded, Sophie knew Mrs. Grinnich wouldn’t be happy anywhere other than her own home. She sincerely hoped that, if Mrs. Grinnich did decide it was time for Sophie to move on, Raven or his brother, Hawk, would move in permanently. If not, she might just have to kill them both. Hawk was a different matter altogether. He might be Raven’s twin, but he was everything Raven was not. Except sexy as sin. He had always been kind to Sophie, but she got the feeling he thought of her more as a younger sister than anything else. Probably because he’d been home more than Raven while she was growing up. Even though no one seemed to be able to tell the two apart -- even their grandmother at times -- Sophie could. At a glance. She’d had twenty years to study them and she did at every available opportunity. And they both made her cream her panties. Well, there was nothing for it now. Neither of them gave her a second glance as a woman. She felt more comfortable around Hawk than any other person on the planet. He just seemed to see her as the little girl who lived with his grandmother. No matter how old she was. Raven? She didn’t think he even liked her. Hell, she didn’t really like him. They just rubbed each other the wrong way. She might be totally infatuated with him, but he was an ass sometimes. Most of the time. Fuck! All the time. His grandmother seemed to be the only person capable of handling him. Even Hawk had trouble from time to time. The only thing that gave Hawk a bit of an edge was his rank within the secret preternatural community of
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Mount Bell. Hawk might not be the more powerful wizard of the two, but he was more consistent. Sophie had heard the rumor Raven would be named to the Council of Magic within the Coven, but she didn’t think it would go through. She didn’t understand all the inner workings of the Coven, but she knew there had never been a council member who wasn’t mated. It was like a rule or something. She made a face. Maybe Mrs. Grinnich was right. A couple of nights away from everyone would do her good. Thinking about all that magic stuff always gave her a headache. Her mother had been a werewolf, her father a wizard, so she was used to all things magical and preternatural, but it wore her head out sometimes. She didn’t seem to have any special abilities -- she certainly didn’t turn into anything four-legged and hairy -- so she tried to just acknowledge it, then forget about it. It brought up too many painful memories. Decision made, she picked up the business card on her nightstand. The card was a rich, deep purple with gold lettering in an elegant script with the words Executive Decisions flowing across the top. The name Darius Faeman, with a phone number, was the only other thing on the card other than its decorative gold border. Glancing at the brochure, she picked it up, as well. It was folded only once, and was the same beautiful purple color as the business card. The same lovely font sparkled gold as the name of the company announced, “You’re the EXECUTIVE, it’s your DECISION.” Curiosity piqued, she opened the glossy paper and read. Safe companionship for the executive woman. On the go? Need protection or a male escort while out of town? Our service provides the best-trained escorts who cater to your unique needs as a business professional and as a woman. All our men are guaranteed to flatter your senses, yet remain unobtrusive when the need arises. You’ll make the best impression by having a companion who is knowledgeable in your field of business, yet knows when to make you the center of attention. For a free consultation and price quote, or for more information, call 800ESCORTS. Remember, you’re the EXECUTIVE. It’s your DECISION.
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What in the world had Mrs. Grinnich gotten her into? An escort service? What did Sophie need with an escort service? She compared the card with the brochure and found the numbers different. Apparently, Mrs. Grinnich had given her a personal business card instead of the company card. She’d said everything was taken care of, so she’d probably made some kind of reservations. While Sophie liked the idea of a couple days away, having an escort wasn’t exactly her style. A male escort! She giggled. It was a deliciously naughty thought, but Sophie was sure that wasn’t the kind of service this company provided. Not if they didn’t want to get busted for prostitution, anyway. She sighed. Might as well go ahead and call to find out what was on the agenda. If nothing else, she’d just cancel. There was no telling what Mrs. Grinnich had spent on something like this. She could certainly afford whatever she wanted to spend, but Sophie didn’t want Mrs. Grinnich to spend it on her. She picked up her cell and punched in the numbers as she pulled a couple changes of clothes from her closet. “Hello, Executive Decisions. My name is Darius Faeman. How may I serve you today?” “I’m not sure.” Sophie had to swallow and take a few deep breaths. The voice on the other end of the phone conjured up images of sweaty bodies intertwined among tangled sheets. It dispelled any illusions she had about that operation being innocent. “I’m supposed to tell you Mariam --” “Ah! Mrs. Grinnich’s protégé. I’ve been expecting your call. My instructions were to see that you’re pampered with anything and everything you want. I’ve also been instructed to arrange travel and accommodations to your destination of choice.” “Wait a minute.” This was just too much. It had to be costing Mrs. Grinnich a fortune. “I’m not sure this is a good idea.” The sexy voice on the other end of the phone chuckled. Sophie shivered. His voice was like silk over gravel. It was just raspy enough to make him mysterious without sounding like he’d smoked one too many cigarettes in his life. He was probably a thug with multiple facial piercings, tattoos over his whole body, and a wart on the end
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of his nose, but if she’d been paying for this herself, he could have sold her anything he wanted to just by whispering sweet nothings into the phone. It was a voice that made her think of hot, steamy nights between silk sheets with a handsome lover concerned only with her pleasure. “She said you might feel that way. It was her idea to sign the contract with a ‘no refund’ policy for reasons of cancellation. Our standard satisfaction guarantee still holds, but the money is spent. She can’t get it back because you don’t want to participate.” “Figures,” Sophie sighed. “She’s sneaky like that.” “Let’s get started. Normally, I suggest a face-to-face meeting initially, but we’re very limited on time. You need to leave tonight in order to get the full benefit of your vacation. Do you have a preference for a destination?” “I suppose it needs to be someplace close. Look, I’m not really good at this kind of stuff, so why don’t you surprise me?” She honestly didn’t care where she went. A break. As long as it was a break to let her mind rest, he could put her on the moon and she wouldn’t care. The more she thought about the idea of a vacation, the better she liked it. “Surprises are my specialty.” He chuckled. “One question before we move on. Do you prefer your time spent in seclusion or would you like something of a more urban setting?” “Oh, definitely seclusion. I don’t want to be bothered by anyone unless it’s Mrs. Grinnich. So, as long as there’s cell coverage, I’m good.” “Fine.” There were a few taps on the other end of the phone. It sounded like Darius was typing on a computer. After a few seconds, he continued. “Your escort will meet you at your destination tomorrow. That should give you time to settle in.” “My escort?” “Yes, ma’am.” “I don’t need an escort. I don’t plan on leaving my room.”
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“Sorry, ma’am. It’s part of the deal. Mrs. Grinnich insisted. What you choose to do with him is your business. He can stand outside your door the whole time as a guard, or get a bit more personal as you see fit. It’s up to you, but he has to be there. I gave my word in the contract.” Darius sounded appropriately apologetic, but there was something about his tone that told her there was no use arguing. She was stuck with a babysitter. “In that case, him arriving tomorrow will be fine.” He chuckled. “Don’t worry. I promise you’ll be at ease. It’s my job to make sure you’re comfortable and secure. You’ll have an escort tailored to meet your needs.” “You don’t know my needs, otherwise you wouldn’t send an escort.” “You might be surprised at how much I know, ma’am. Just be ready in one hour. Our limo will pick you up.” Before Sophie could say anything else, the line clicked as Darius Faeman hung up the phone. One hour to pack and be ready. Guess she’d better get moving.
Chapter Three Hawk pulled into the large, circular, blacktopped driveway of his grandmother’s home at the same time as the nondescript black limo. Curious, he got out of his SUV and approached the driver with a friendly smile. “Can I help you?” “I’m here for Miss Sophie Night.” Hawk blinked. “In a limo? Sophie? Are you sure you’ve got the right person?” Since when did Sophie need a limo to take her anywhere? The woman denied herself luxuries even though she had access to anything she wanted, either through her own fortune or his grandmother’s. The only thing the woman seemed to want was to take care of his grandmother. She didn’t ask for anything in return, and the only thing she’d ever accepted was a place to live. He greatly suspected that, had she taken on this role later in her life, she wouldn’t have accepted the permanent living arrangement. She was the most selfless person he’d ever met. It was just one of many reasons he was so infatuated with her. It irked the hell out of him that he could talk any woman he wanted into his bed, but when he got around Sophie, he turned into a blubbering idiot. As a result, he ended up treating her like a child to cover his own insecurities. “Yes, sir. I’m due to pick her up at six o’clock sharp.” “Where’s she going?” “I’m not at liberty to say, sir.” The driver was slim, not too tall, and totally not intimidated by Hawk’s much larger frame. Hawk almost challenged the smaller man, but at that moment, Sophie opened the front door and descended the steps leading from his grandmother’s front door. “I’m coming!” she yelled, juggling her suitcase, her purse, and her jacket. “Don’t leave!” The driver immediately went to her aid and took the suitcase from her.
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“Not to worry, miss. I’ll wait here until you’re ready. Do you have anything else to get from the house? Do you need any help?” “No, but thanks. This is it.” She smiled and dug through her purse until she pulled out a bill. Tip. Hawk hadn’t realized his mouth was open until that moment. She glanced his way and gave him a friendly smile. When she acknowledged his presence, he instantly became aware of his less than immaculate appearance. He’d been working on a potion that required some fungus that was only found in a nearby cave system. He’d been crawling around down there for hours to find what he needed. To say he was dirty was an understatement. He snapped his mouth shut and tried to flash his own friendly smile. “Where’re you going?” “Your grandmother thinks I need a vacation, so I’m leaving.” The limo driver opened the door to the back of the car, and she tossed her jacket inside. “I didn’t make the arrangements, so I’m not exactly sure where.” Hawk just stood there and waved. He couldn’t think of anything to say that didn’t sound like he was being too nosy. He just watched her climb inside the fancy car and settle herself before the driver shut the door. The scent of magic was heavy on the car, and Hawk narrowed his eyes. What was his grandmother up to now? He watched until Sophie was out of sight before turning and ascending the steps to enter the house. He had to pack a few things before starting on his own adventure. Too bad it was a job. It had promise, otherwise. A secluded cabin in the mountains. A beautiful woman. He could remember a time when the prospect of sharing a woman with his brother was not only tempting, but appealing. They’d often done it in their younger days, but now, he just wanted to settle down. Have a family. With Sophie. He’d loved her since the moment he saw her. She was a thin, dark-haired, broken-hearted girl of nine back then, and his feelings had been different, but over the years they had changed. He’d watch her grow from a timid adolescent into a lovely, self-assured adult. From a skinny youth to a voluptuous, beautiful woman. At times, he
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thought she might have romantic feelings toward either himself or Raven, but who knew? She always kept her emotions to herself. She might seem comfortable around Hawk, but he knew there was part of herself she kept hidden. For his part, Raven most likely had feelings for Sophie as well, but he was too busy miring himself in the political workings of the Coven and the Council of Magic. He didn’t want to be tied down and was too blinded with power to see the sweet little girl as the lovely, caring, intelligent woman she’d become. Now, Hawk was simply biding his time. Waiting for the right opportunity to sweep Sophie off her feet. “Hawk? Is that you?” His grandmother sounded weak. Tired. Hawk made his way to her sitting room, concerned. “Mamaw. Are you OK?” “Just tired, dear. Trying to get you boys on your way is wearing me out.” Her smile was tired, but Hawk saw the twinkle in her eye. The old witch was definitely up to something. “So you talked Raven into manual labor?” He chuckled. He’d been surprised to find out his brother was going on this little adventure. “How’d you manage that?” “I have my ways, and you needn’t worry about them.” “What about Sophie?” he asked as casually as he could. “Where’s she headed?” Hawk didn’t miss the smile she tried to cover with a yawn. “She’s a good girl, Hawk, but she works too hard taking care of me. I sent her on a trip to relax.” He started to reply, but stopped and studied his grandmother. He narrowed his eyes. “You’re planning something.” His grandmother smiled. “Anything I’m planning is for your own good. Follow your heart, my dear. You’ve always done what I’ve asked of you, Hawk, but this is the most important.” She sat up and reached for his hand. He took it automatically. “Always remember, I only want you to be happy. Everything else will work out by itself.” She patted his hand for a moment. Hawk wanted to say something, but his
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grandmother beat him to it. “Run along now. You’ve got lots to do to get ready for this job.” She pointed a finger at him. “Don’t disappoint your client. This is your one chance to have everything you’ve ever wanted.” “Mamaw, it’s just an escort job. I’m not changing the world or anything.” “Yes, you are.” She raised her chin. “Just not in the way you think.” With that, Grandmother Miriam used Hawk’s hand to pull herself off the couch and slowly walked out of the room. Hawk knew he was in trouble. She’d done something he couldn’t stop or divert and he had absolutely no idea what. He just hoped it didn’t cause too much havoc. The little witch was known to stir things up when she saw fit.
*** Raven grumbled during the entire ride to meet with their new employer. He couldn’t believe his grandmother had volunteered him for this. OK, yes. He could believe it -- he just couldn’t believe he was going along with it. He huffed a breath. “Might as well stop groaning about it. You know neither of us could ever say ‘no’ to her.” His brother was at ease. As always. He took things in stride better than Raven did. He always had. “I know. It doesn’t mean I have to take it as easily as you. I had plans this weekend, you know.” “Doing what? Working on that new development contract, or boinking the developer?” Raven growled at his brother, who refused to be properly intimidated. “I see it was the latter.” “Not in the least. She’s a dimwit with too many initials after her name for anyone to actually call her a dimwit. Besides, she throws herself at me and I feel…” Raven cringed as he bit back the word. “I don’t like it. At all.” His brother would laugh at him for a week if he finished that sentence. Considering the sheer volume of women he’d slept with, in the sleaziest situations he could manage, saying he felt cheap when Sally Blowman offered to, well, blow him, was the ultimate proof he was getting old. And the ultimate irony.
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He didn’t want just any woman. He wanted Sophie. She was everything he’d ever wanted in a woman. Beautiful. Strong. Caring. Intelligent. At first, he denied himself because she was practically employed by his grandmother. Then he avoided her because he was very much afraid he couldn’t return her generous spirit. His life had always been about advancing his position in the preternatural community. Adding Sophie to the equation would mean that would have to change if he wanted to keep her. She deserved his whole heart, and he was horribly afraid he couldn’t give it to her. Hawk chuckled. “Are you saying you’ve suddenly decided you don’t like fast women?” “No. I’m just saying take ‘no’ for an answer, already.” “And you do it all the time, I suppose.” “If you weren’t my brother, I’d have to kill you,” Raven grouched. “If you weren’t my brother, I wouldn’t clue you in on the woman you really want.” “You really think you know what I want in a woman?” Raven was skeptical, but he shouldn’t have been surprised. His brother had always known him better than anyone, including himself. “Not only do I know what you want in a woman, but I know who she is. I’ll warn you, though, I plan on keeping her for myself, so don’t get any ideas. Besides, you’re too busy with politics to worry about it anyway.” Hawk looked smug, but there was a hint of defiance as well. Raven narrowed his eyes. “OK. Who is this mystery woman?” Hawk looked him in the eye, and Raven knew he meant business about keeping the woman to himself. “Sophie.” There was a stunned silence as Raven tried to slow his thudding heart. He should have known Hawk knew his dirty little secret. What surprised him was that Hawk wanted Sophie too. He’d never given any indication he was interested in her. But now that Hawk had brought it up, Raven didn’t care who knew his feelings. Raven wanted Sophie. Not like he’d wanted other women before her, but he wanted her at his side forever. It scared him shitless.
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“You’re insane,” he managed to force through his clenched teeth. “I don’t have time for a woman like her.” “Nope.” Hawk smiled. “And I for one am glad of it.” They continued on in silence. The limo that had been sent for them afforded every luxury, but Raven just wanted out. He wanted to go back home. He wanted to submerge himself in work so he could block out Hawk’s words. He was jarred from his thoughts when the computer screen set flush into the table in the center of the car flickered to life. A handsome, if mysterious-looking man with flowing black and purple hair appeared on the monitor. “Good evening, gentlemen.” This must be the Darius they’d talked to earlier. “I trust you’ve prepared yourselves?” “What’s there to prepare for?” Raven grouched. “The only thing you’ve told us is we’ll be babysitting some spoiled little rich girl. We jump when she says jump and do whatever she asks.” There was silence as Darius’s eyes narrowed and a slight frown marred his features. “I’d hoped you’d listened to everything I’d told you, but I can see I was wrong. The two of you are here to give one very special woman a night she’ll never forget. Yes, you do what she wants, but not necessarily what she asks for. You have to use a little intuition without taking things farther than she says she’s willing to go. Sometimes, our clients want wild, explosive sex. Others times they just want some company and a little gentle affection. It’s your job to know the difference and respond accordingly.” He gave Raven a sly smile. “Do you think you can manage that?” “There’s nothing I can’t do with women,” Raven responded immediately. “Except keep one for any length of time,” Hawk said under his breath. Raven glared at him. “I guess we’ll see soon enough.” Darius grinned. “I’m afraid you have your work cut out for you.” With an all too knowing smirk, Darius’s image faded, and the screen went dark.
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Hawk crossed his legs and sat back in the seat. Raven hated how at ease his brother was. For his part, Raven just wanted this over with. He didn’t want to play nursemaid to some overbearing wench who was constantly throwing herself at one or the other of them. He just wasn’t in the mood for it. They continued in silence for a long while before Hawk spoke. His voice was quiet. Serious. “How long have you loved her, Raven?” “Since the first day I met her, though it’s grown since then. She was so fragile. Still is.” “Mamaw’d have a fit.” Hawk made the statement matter of fact with little hint of emotion. Neither looked at the other. “Why do you think I bury myself in my career?” Raven felt stripped bare. Thank goodness it was in front of his brother and no one else. “The same reason I can’t seem to form two coherent sentences around Sophie.” Hawk sounded as miserable as Raven felt. “Yeah.” Raven nodded his head. “Mamaw’d have a fit.”
Chapter Four Hawk fidgeted. He didn’t want to be here at all. The money was good, but he didn’t need it. One night seemed like an eternity when Sophie was away with God only knew who. His Sophie should be with him, not gallivanting around the countryside with another man. If he’d been a werewolf, his hackles would have raised at the thought of his mate with someone else. That was the problem, though. Sophie wasn’t his mate. It was his own fault. He’d had ample opportunity to tell her how he felt, but he just didn’t think his grandmother would approve, and the woman doted on Sophie. It was very likely his grandmother thought the girl too young for him. It comforted him to know that his brother wasn’t faring any better. At least Hawk could hide his anxiety. Raven had never learned how. They had been taken to a homey-looking cabin in the middle of a wooded area. Once they left the city, it had taken them an hour of highway driving, and another three hours through rural areas to get to the helicopter pick up. Both of them had raised their eyebrows at that, but another forty-five minutes by air -- and the beginning of a lovely sunset -- and they’d arrived where they were now, and Hawk wasn’t altogether sure he could have found his way out without assistance from either his magic or an experienced woodsman. As they waited for their charge to answer the door, Raven huffed. “Why the fuck are we here?” “Because we always do what our grandmother asks, and this was as close to an order as she’s ever given us.” Raven only grunted, and despite his own misgivings, Hawk had to smother a smile.
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All amusement evaporated when they heard a chillingly familiar voice from inside the house calling, “I’m coming. Feel free to leave if I don’t get there quick enough.” Both men looked at each other. “You don’t think --” “Couldn’t be.” The door opened. “Well, I’ll be a --” Raven’s voice failed him. “Son of a --” Hawk wanted to dissolve into fits of laughter. “Bitch.” Sophie’s mouth fell open, and they all just stood there a moment before Raven’s mirth got the better of him and he gave in to the fit of chuckling he’d been trying to hold back. “I can not fucking believe this.” Hawk wiped away tears that threatened to spill down his cheeks in his merriment. “She set us up.” There was no other explanation. His grandmother had to be behind this. “Oh, my Holy God,” Sophie whispered, then her expression changed from puzzlement, disbelief, and a touch of fear, to one of hard-faced, angry determination. “Go away. Both of you.” Raven, ever the practical one, finally found his voice. “I’m sorry, Sophie, but our instructions were to stay here with you.” “And I was promised an escort -- one -- who would cater to my every need. My need is for the two of you to leave. Now!” “We can’t do that, either.” Hawk crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the doorframe as casually as he could given the fact that his heart was pounding out of his chest. “We were told to give you what you need. Not necessarily what you want. In this case, I’m willing to bet my life those two things aren’t one and the same.” She stood there a heartbeat before shoving the door at them and sprinting into the house and up the stairs. Hawk looked at Raven, who was beginning to get his wits back about him, and they grinned at each other. “What do you think?”
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They nodded at each other and said in unison, “She wants us.”
*** “Omigod! Omigod! Omigod!!” Sophie chanted to herself as she scampered up the steps as fast as she could. She felt like demon spawn were on her heels. It was like her very soul depended on her escaping and locking herself into the upstairs bedroom before they could get her. Her heart pounded when she reached the bedroom she’d slept in the previous night. She slammed the door shut with a resounding thud and fumbled with the lock until she had it set. There was no way in hell she was going to spend the night with either of them because there was no way her heart would survive the encounter. How had this happened? Her lovely vacation. Her one lovely vacation was ruined. Pressing her back against the door, she slowly sank to the floor and tried to sort out her feelings. She could have everything she’d wanted since she’d reached puberty if she just let them in. For one night only. There was a knock. “Let us in, Sophie.” That was Hawk. “You know we can get in, anyway.” Raven. And he was right. They could get in despite her wishes to keep them out. “I told you to leave. Why can’t you just do what I asked?” “We could,” Hawk said, “but I don’t think you want us to leave any more than we want to.” “Trust me,” she all but whispered, her heart pounding and threatening to break. “I do. I can’t do this.” There was a whispered incantation -- Sophie recognized it from her childhood years before her parents died -- and the lock clicked open. She braced herself against the door in one last-ditch effort to keep them out, whimpering in her distress. Another whispered spell, and she was gently lifted away from the door by a current of air, and the men of her dreams entered her bedroom.
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They looked exactly like she’d often seen them in her dreams, too. Hair as black as the night sky -- with glimpses of silver, shimmering like stars, gleaming within its black depths -- fluttered in the magical breeze they’d created. Large, solidly muscled bodies quivered with raw strength and power. It was her greatest fantasy and her worst nightmare coupled together, and she couldn’t decide which one dominated. Fear warred with curiosity, and she wondered what it would be like to surrender to these gods for one night. One night only. No. She couldn’t do it. It would tear her heart to shreds tomorrow. She hung helplessly suspended by tendrils of air and watched them advance on her. What would she do if they forced the issue? She knew she was powerless to tell them no. They’d know her heart wasn’t in it because they’d always been able to tell when she was lying. She wanted them both with every fiber of her being -- she just wasn’t sure she could give them up when it was over. “Guys, I’m serious.” She tried one last time to make them see reason before she spread her legs and hoped they fucked her senseless. “I can’t do this. I really can’t.” “Can’t?” Raven asked. With a flick of his wrist, a thread of air lifted the simple cotton dress from her body, leaving her floating slowly toward the bed in nothing but her panties. She blushed and swallowed the groan. Granny drawers. Of all the things she could have worn, she’d put on granny drawers this morning. “Or are you just afraid?” “Does it really matter?” She tried to cover her breasts with her hands. Hiding the granny drawers would be impossible. “It does.” Hawk flourished his hand and her arms were gently pulled away from her chest. “Don’t cover yourself, Sophie.” His voice was husky and his face became hard, as if he were angry. “Don’t ever cover yourself in front of me.” Raven glanced at his brother with an annoyed look. “Either of us.” Hawk blinked and shook his head. Sophie was gently lowered to the bed, and she scampered backward to grab a pillow to shield herself despite his warning. She
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couldn’t help the shiver of anticipation, and she knew she’d creamed her granny drawers but good. Would they leave her in peace now? “What do we do?” Hawk asked his brother. “We can’t share her.” “We can’t?” Raven raised an eyebrow. “Do you honestly think this wasn’t set up with that specific purpose in mind?” Hawk looked shocked, then his features melted into a smile. Finally he chuckled lightly, followed by all-out laughter. “That sly, conniving witch.” “Would you have dared it otherwise?” Raven, ever the serious one, merely rolled his eyes and shook his head at his brother’s lack of emotional control. “Go secure the doors downstairs. I’ll have a talk with our reluctant charge and explain things to her.” “Whatever you say, brother. But if I come back and she’s worse than when I left, I’ll have to turn you into a goat.” Still chuckling, Hawk left the room, and Sophie heard him skip down the stairs. She was left with Raven and, if it was possible, was even more anxious than before. “You’re not going to leave, are you.” She made it a statement because there was no question the two men would take what they wanted. They always had. “No. But I want to know why you’re so reluctant. Don’t you find us appealing? Have we been so rotten over the years that you can’t even give us one night?” All Sophie could manage was to swallow and shake her head. She clutched the pillow to her chest as if it were the only thing saving her from certain doom. How could she tell him the reason she couldn’t was because one night would leave her longing for every night for the rest of her life? “Then what’s the problem?” Raven sounded so reasonable, she felt like a petulant child not answering him, so she sighed and bit the bullet. “I can’t do one night with the two of you, Raven, and it’s cruel of you to ask it. Even worse than that, your grandmother is in on this.” Speaking it aloud hurt more than she imagined it would, and she had to swallow the lump in her throat. There was no way she could go home after this. She’d always look at the men -- her men -knowing she could never have them, and she’d feel awkward in front of Mrs. Grinnich.
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She obviously expected Sophie to have sex with her grandsons, but what was supposed to happen after tonight? Raven narrowed his eyes. “Why would you think less of Mamaw for this?” “What happens to me after tonight, Raven? What happens to the three of us?” She was shedding her self-control in her embarrassment and anger. Besides, she might not have always been comfortable around Raven, but he was a constant in her life. Someone she had come to rely on. Someone who had always been there, and she expected would always be there -- no matter what happened after tonight -- in some form or fashion. “Do we pretend this didn’t happen? Do we go on our merry way and forget what we did? Hell!” She dropped the pillow in her agitation and crossed her arms under her breasts. “We haven’t even done anything, and I already feel like there’s no hope for my future. Trust me. This isn’t a good idea.” Hawk cleared his throat, making his presence known from the doorway. “Pardon me for saying,” he drawled as he leaned against the frame, “but neither of us has mentioned anything about a one-night stand. Who says this has to end here?” Sophie opened her mouth to respond -- though she had no idea what she was about to say -- when Raven advanced on her. “Enough. I want you. Now.” He shed his slacks and button-up dress shirt so easily, he had to have used magic, though the spell was so subtle Sophie couldn’t see or hear him initiate it. “If you truly find me so repulsive, say so now. Otherwise, I plan on giving you a night none of us will ever forget.” Before she could utter a single word, Raven was on her. His mouth found hers effortlessly, and he coaxed her tongue into his mouth. Sophie’s head spun as he pushed her back into the plush pillows and settled himself between her legs. Her belly clenched and her pussy throbbed, burning and tingling in anticipation. He smelled divine! Clean, masculine scents surrounded her in a spicy aroma that tickled her nose. Mint lingered on his tongue and in his mouth, encouraging her to sample more and more until she was kissing him back as vigorously as he kissed her.
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Without thinking, she wrapped her legs around his trim waist and pulled herself more firmly onto his cock. The bulge seemed to grow and writhe with every touch of her warm cunt. Even through her granny drawers. “I never thought you could possibly be this sexy, Sophie.” The voice was Hawk’s, and it penetrated her sexually fogged brain, if barely, as only that sexy sound could. It should have snapped her out of whatever spell the pair had woven around her, through her, but it only made things worse. He had a silky voice that screamed sex and sinful pleasures. “And to think, all these years in my fantasies you were the consummate virgin. I think I like this needy vixen better than the timid innocent.” She wanted to respond to that -- needed to -- but all she could do was continue kissing Raven as if her very life depended on her keeping his mouth fused to hers, her tongue deep inside his mouth licking his teeth, tasting his tongue and the insides of his cheeks. She needed more. If this was the only night she ever had with the two of them, she’d take it and make them long for more, just as she would. She ground her cotton-clad pussy onto Raven’s cock, rubbing until her pussy lips parted underneath the thin garment and he brushed her clit with every upstroke. Sophie sighed and whimpered, unable to control herself. It just felt too damned good! The bed dipped with Hawk’s weight, and Raven rolled them to their sides. It wasn’t long before Hawk’s naked body was pressed against Sophie’s back, his cock settling against the crack of her ass. She shivered when his breath fanned her neck just below her ear and cried out into Raven’s mouth when Hawk’s tongue blazed a wet trail to the juncture of her neck and shoulder. Sophie didn’t know what to do. She desperately wanted to grind her ass into Hawk’s cock, but if she did, she’d take friction away from her clit brushing Raven’s dick. Fortunately, the men seemed to know what she needed, and both of them pressed snugly against her. With every move, every touch of her hands on their bodies, they rewarded her with grunts of approval. “Sweet God,” she murmured. “Don’t stop. Either of you.”
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“Only long enough to get you completely naked, Sophie.” Hawk’s voice rang in her ears even though he whispered his words. This was her greatest fantasy come true. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she couldn’t seem to get enough air into her lungs. She clung to Raven as though he were her lifeline when in reality, she simply wanted to make sure at least one of them couldn’t get away. This might be the stupidest thing she’d ever done in her life, but by God, she was going to go through with it. Hawk made short work getting her panties down her thighs and off her feet and took his place once more at her back with his cock nestled comfortably between her butt cheeks. Raven’s cock slipped along her clit, getting covered with each upstroke by her intimate moisture. Hawk gripped her hip firmly, arching himself against her ass. They were practically fucking already. Except for one small detail. Details. They’d be the death of her. Especially the little one neither of them knew about.
Chapter Five This was a dream come true, though Hawk confessed to himself he’d never thought sharing a woman with his brother could be so supremely satisfying. It was the woman. Sophie was more than the treasure he’d always known she was -- she was his lifeline. Lying there with his arms around her, his lips at her neck, he could almost imagine she was his. Theirs. Her sighs were the sweetest music, and he loved the way she arched into both of them when they moved against her. His cock was snug between her legs, grazing her wet cunt from behind, and he wanted desperately to push just a little harder, and at a slightly steeper angle, and see what he hit. Unfortunately, he knew Raven would get there first. That was OK, though. Hawk knew he’d get his turn. Hawk knew the exact moment Raven shifted himself to plunge inside Sophie. He felt the subtle change of movement and braced himself, imagining it was him entering her slick pussy. What he didn’t expect was the sharp yelp that came from Sophie. “Fucking hell!” Raven swore. He stilled his movements but didn’t pull out of her. Sophie whimpered, and sweat broke out all over her body. Her breathing became shallow and her muscles tensed, and Hawk knew without a doubt she’d been a virgin until Raven had breached her. No one moved or said anything for several moments. “Are you all right?” Raven asked softly. Uncharacteristically, and a bit awkwardly, he stroked her hair and arm in an attempt to soothe her. Judging by his wide-eyed look, Hawk would bet Raven had never had sex with a virgin before. He had what their father had called the “deer in the headlights” look. He looked scared out of his mind. “I’m fine,” Sophie squeaked.
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“The hell you are.” Raven moved, probably to get up, but he stopped dead still when she whimpered and closed her eyes tightly. “Son of a bitch, Sophie! Why didn’t you tell me you were a virgin?” Sophie pushed at Raven, but Hawk gently grabbed her hand and threaded his fingers through hers, bringing the tips to his mouth for a wet kiss. “Does it really matter?” “Of course it matters!” Raven pulled her leg higher on his hip when she tried to pull away from him again. “Why are you pushing me away now? Don’t you think it’s a little late for that?” “If you don’t want a virgin, Raven, I’ll find someone who won’t mind teaching me how to please him. I chose to remain a virgin because I had this romantic notion that I’d find a man who’d sweep me off my feet and teach me everything about sex. I wanted my first experience to be with someone who cared enough about me not to mind the inconvenience.” She stiffened and spoke next through clenched teeth. “Now, get off me!” Hawk could have groaned aloud. He didn’t know if she was serious or not, but Sophie couldn’t have chosen a better way to get under Raven’s skin. Raven’s eyes narrowed, but he shifted his pelvis so that he slipped out of her. The way their legs were intertwined, his cock landed heavily against Hawk’s leg, wet and sticky. Hawk looked down Sophie’s delectable body to the evidence of her innocence on his brother’s cock. “Listen to me, Sophie.” Raven brought his hand to her jaw and forced her to look at him. “It matters because I would have taken things a bit slower. I don’t want you in pain. Do you think I’m that big of a cad?” Hawk took his cue and kissed her neck again, working his way up to the shell of her ear. “You deserve pleasure and happiness, Sophie,” he whispered. “Let us give you both.” More than anything, Hawk wanted to give Sophie those two things. No matter what it took to ensure it. Raven still held Sophie’s gaze. She looked so vulnerable and fragile. He’d seen that expression on her face before, but not for many years. As she’d matured, she’d
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learned to school her features so neither of them could read her emotions. Somehow, though, she always managed to pick up on their moods. It used to irritate him, but now he thought maybe the reason she’d pulled away from them -- him in particular -- was because she had some feelings she didn’t want them to know about. A light sheen of sweat glazed her body and made the dark tendrils of hair around her face and neck springy and damp. Her breath came in little gasps which became shallow and rapid when Raven trailed the backs of his fingers down the side of her body. He grazed the curve of one breast lightly, and she shivered. She was so responsive. So sensitive. He loved how her body wasn’t accustomed to a man’s touch. It was a heady experience for him and, he hoped, for her. Hawk was right. She deserved pleasure and happiness. “I’m fine, Raven. Really.” “No,” he said quietly, “you’re not. But I can fix that.” He kissed her mouth softly, lingeringly, before he left her side and walked to the bathroom to clean himself and to get a warm, damp cloth to clean Sophie. When he returned, Hawk had rolled her to her back and lay with his upper body over hers, kissing her gently, his fingers tangled in her dark, curly hair. Raven didn’t disturb the two, only slipped carefully between Sophie’s legs with his washcloth to gently wipe the blood from her thighs and the outside of her cunt. He noticed the blood on Hawk’s inner thigh and handed him the cloth so he could cleanse himself, as well. That done, Hawk couldn’t help but settle himself between Sophie’s legs to feast. She jumped with the first swipe of his tongue, and goose bumps erupted over her skin. “So sensitive,” Hawk breathed against her damp flesh. “All for us.” He watched Raven as he moved from her mouth to her throat. He licked a wet path from her shoulder to her ear. “Only for us.” Raven’s voice was so soft Hawk almost didn’t catch it, but he knew exactly what Raven meant. One night only? Not if he could help it. Sophie wanted to be mad at them, hurt by Raven’s words and actions when he’d first discovered her virginity, but their sincerity and the sensations they were creating
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were just too overwhelming. She felt like a mindless lump of sensitized flesh. She’d wanted this for so long. If she wanted to keep them after tonight, it was up to her. She’d give them a night they’d never forget. Tangling her fingers in Raven’s silky tresses, she pulled him closer, pulled him back to her mouth and kissed him. Her tongue delved into his mouth to duel with his own. No. Dueling wasn’t what they did. They danced. Giving everything they could to the beauty of the moment. His essence filled her, gave her the strength and courage to venture into this sensual foray. This was an experience she’d remember all her life. This night might end, but the memory would always be with her. Her pussy tingled and throbbed where Hawk licked and sucked. Her clit pulsed in time with her rapidly beating heart. She spread her legs farther apart and grasped his silky dark hair with her other hand, showing him exactly where she wanted his mouth. When he stabbed her core with his tongue, she thrust her pelvis at him, moaning into Raven’s mouth. Her grip tightened on each of them. Her world narrowed to nothing but the two men she’d known all her life and never imagined she’d be sharing this experience with. Maybe that was why she’d refused romantic relationships -- or even casual relationships, for that matter -- with men all this time. She was a young, vital woman with sexual needs, yet she’d suppressed them for the chance to have her perfect man initiate her into the wonderful world of sex. It might sound like a cheesy game show, but that was exactly the way she looked at it. It never occurred to her that inexperience would drive a man away. Or two men. “Oh, God,” she whispered. The sensations they were creating curled her toes. “That’s good. Really good.” She was on the verge of something really astounding. She could feel it building deep inside her, threatening to carry her consciousness into oblivion. “It gets better,” Raven replied. He pulled back and looked directly into her eyes. “But you don’t know that, do you?” Why did the man always have to remind her of her
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shortcomings? The euphoric feeling vanished in an instant, and heat suffused her face and neck. She still tingled and trembled, but she no longer felt on the verge of something great. “You asshole,” she gritted out. Her breathing was still erratic, and she couldn’t stop shaking. “Yes.” His smile looked positively wicked. This was the man she’d fallen for, no matter how arrogant and insensitive. This part of him called to something primitive inside her. He was uncouth, crass, insulting even, but she knew him better than anyone other than maybe his grandmother and brother. This side of him was a defense mechanism for when he felt threatened. So what about this situation threatened him? “Don’t forget it.” Hawk growled from between her legs and gave his brother a threatening look, but it didn’t matter. Sophie simply pulled Raven to her and gave him another wet kiss. “I won’t. And when this is over, neither will you. Now shut the hell up and fuck me.” “You have no idea what you’re doing, Sophie. Do you want me to hurt you again?” Raven’s voice was gravelly and husky. His upper lip was scratchy with stubble and damp with sweat and her saliva. Funny she should notice those things, but all her senses seemed to be both heightened and dulled at the same time. Anything pertaining to her men and what they were doing to her she was hyperaware of. On the other hand, an atom bomb could have gone off outside and she wouldn’t have noticed. “If you do your job right, I seriously doubt you’ll hurt me. After all, women all over the world come back for seconds at some point or other. And no. I don’t know what I’m doing, so why don’t you show me instead of being such a dick about it?” Hawk chuckled from between her legs. “Guess the customer’s laying down the law, Raven.” Sophie was glad to see the lines on Raven’s forehead lessen as he let go of his tension. For this to be her vacation, her night of luxury, she was having to work awfully hard to appease her escorts. Wasn’t it supposed to be the other way around?
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“I didn’t sign up for this. Getting bossed around by an impertinent wench,” Raven grouched. “But she’s a sexy impertinent wench.” Hawk winked at her before resuming his work on her nether regions. Sophie was sure she needed to say something else, but she’d be damned if she could think of what it should be. Raven, content for the moment, dove to her chest and latched on to her right nipple. Her body was alive with sensations she could never have imagined. Her breast where Raven held the tip in his mouth burned and tingled. His light nips made her jump and squirm, as did the sensations Hawk was creating with her labia and clit. The musky, masculine smell of both men filled her nostrils, and their moans and grunts were like the finest orchestra to her ears. Every sense she had was heightened beyond belief, and when Hawk moved up her body to lay behind her, as he had been when Raven had first entered her, her heart sang to be surrounded and sandwiched by these two beautiful men. “Now --” Hawk’s voice was husky and lust filled. “-- do you think we’ve done our job right this time?” Raven let her nipple go with a soft pop. “Why don’t we try it again and see?” The lines of worry around his eyes and on his forehead were back, and Sophie reached a hand to his face. “I think you’re more scared than I am.” “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this moment, Sophie.” This was the Raven she’d always known was inside his gruff exterior. “Then why didn’t you say something?” “Are you kidding? I was afraid my grandmother would have turned me into a goat.” Sophie kissed his mouth tenderly. “Obviously, she didn’t mind as much as you thought.”
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“Oh, she minded.” Hawk chuckled. “This happened on her time. She’s made it plain to us over the years -- not in so many words, but it was understood -- you were off limits to us.” “And now?” Sophie turned her head to each of them in turn, waiting for an answer. “Now,” Raven sighed, stroking her hair away from her face and behind her ear, “she’s brought us together. Perhaps it was her way of showing us there’s a right time and place for everything.” Sophie couldn’t agree more, but she didn’t get to say anything else. Raven took her mouth again in a sweet kiss that took her breath. He hooked her leg over his hip and flexed. His cock stroked her pussy, and she coated him in the slick moisture pooling there, readying him to enter her. Hawk reached around her and gently grasped her chin, turning her head toward him, and he kissed her. His kisses were less demanding than Raven’s, but no less passionate. He let her explore with little guidance on his part. Hawk’s big hand dropped to her breast and he kneaded it carefully, pausing every now and then to tweak the ripe nipple Sophie knew stabbed his palm. When she felt Raven’s cock probing the entrance to her cunt, she braced herself slightly. “Are you ready this time, little Sophie?” She faced Raven, her head pillowed on both Raven and Hawk’s arms in a comfortable bed. Raven’s other hand clutched on her hip, moving her just where he wanted her. “More than ready.” And he entered her. Slowly, carefully at first, before retreating and gliding back inside again. Sophie whimpered, but Raven caught her gaze and held it, forcing her to focus on him and not her nervousness. She felt full, stretched. It burned a little, but there wasn’t the same pain there had been before. After several steady strokes, she felt something begin to build inside her as it had before. Only this time, it was different. There was more. There would be more.
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“I think she’s enjoying this, Raven. What’d I tell you?” Hawk kissed her shoulder and neck. Her ear. Her cheek. She turned her head to catch his lips again, and he kissed her. He took control this time, thrusting his tongue inside her mouth as surely as Raven’s cock plunged inside her cunt. “I can’t get over how wonderfully responsive her body is. It’s like she was made only for us.” Raven had never heard Hawk so in awe. There were so many wonderful things about Sophie, but he’d never guessed her innocence would be the thing that intrigued his brother the most. “She’s never known a man, Raven. Only us. Right now, only you.” “Sweet God,” Raven whispered and stopped his movement. “Shut the fuck up, Hawk.” Sophie giggled. “I thought I was the virgin. You’re supposed to be a seasoned playboy.” “You, too, young lady.” He gave her a stern look that was ruined by the mask of need and lust on his face. She could feel him swelling even larger, and beads of sweat popped up on his forehead as he pulled out of her. “I will not come until I’m damned well good and ready.” “Fine.” Hawk rolled to his back and scooted up the bed, sitting against the plush pillows and leaning back. Sophie raised an eyebrow, but followed him when he beckoned her with a finger. He guided her so that she straddled his hips but faced away from him. She laughed nervously. “What are you doing? Are you nuts?” “I will be if I don’t get inside you soon.” She glanced to the nightstand and saw him grab a condom packet, tear it open with his teeth, and sheath himself with one hand. He’d wrapped the other arm around her waist to hold her to him. Once business was taken care of, he grasped her waist and guided her to his cock. Sophie took the initiative and sat up a bit, reaching between her legs for his engorged member and holding it so she could impale herself on it before lying back once again. Hawk groaned. “Sweet Mother, you’re tight.”
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Raven lay on his back, breathing heavily, with his cock standing straight up. “If I don’t get some relief soon, I think I’ll die.” “You’ll get your turn,” Hawk bit out. Sophie loved hearing the strain in their voices. Loved the fact that it was there because of her. She knew she should say something, but for the life of her, she couldn’t form the words. All she wanted was the sensation lying just beyond her reach. The one centered around where Hawk’s dick and her pussy united. She rested her back against Hawk’s chest, comfortably bracing her feet on the bed. She held her lower body steady while Hawk found a comfortable rhythm. He surged upward over and over, trying to find a balance between his need to fuck her hard and fast and the knowledge that her body wasn’t ready for that kind of punishment. He felt Raven move to lie next to them. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his brother, with his head propped on one hand, watching them intently. “She’s so lovely. Her body is perfect.” His voice sounded dreamy, like he couldn’t believe he was here. He sounded like a lovesick pup. “View’s even better from here.” Hawk glanced down over Sophie’s shoulder as he finally got his groove going with a steady pounding upward into her. Her breasts bounced enticingly every time their bodies connected. Her dark hair tickled his face and caught on the stubble of his beard, and he loved every single second of it. Raven leaned toward Sophie and palmed one small breast. They were little more than a handful, but perfectly formed. Raven had always preferred large-breasted women, but he couldn’t imagine Sophie made any other way than she was. She was simply perfect for him in every way. “I love the way your breasts move, Sophie.” Raven continued to caress them as his brother plunged into her. “I love everything about you.” He hadn’t really meant to say that, but once out, he knew it was the truth. He was laying his heart bare for her to do with as she pleased, but he couldn’t stop himself. He couldn’t imagine his life without Sophie somewhere in it. Preferably at his side as his mate.
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She smiled at him, but he could see the tension in her lovely face. She was on the verge of orgasm. Knowing what it would take to send her over, he moved between his brother’s legs and brought his mouth to Sophie’s clit. Careful of the pair’s movements, he sucked the tiny nub of flesh into his mouth. Sophie screamed. Her body stiffened and trembled. She thrashed her head and body about so that both men had to hold her tight lest she get away from their touch. Her cunt pulsed and throbbed against Raven’s mouth, and her feminine moisture leaked around Hawk’s dick. Raven lifted his head and smiled. “Well, I’d say that was the first lesson completed.”
Chapter Six Sophie sat back limp -- still against Hawk’s chest -- and let the world slowly come back to her. Her ears rang and her vision was still narrowed as the last ebbs of her orgasm passed. As her hearing slowly returned to normal, she was aware of the male chuckling surrounding her. “Absolutely beautiful.” Hawk’s deep voice made her insides rumble like the bass did when her radio was cranked up too loud. “I knew there was a passionate woman in there. She puts her whole heart into everything she does -- there was no way sex would be any different.” When she finally decided to try to focus on something, Raven’s face was the first thing she saw. And he looked terrifyingly aroused. “Wow.” There she was again. That bumbling adolescent with a crush. She could actually hear the points ticking off her I.Q. No, wait! That was her pounding heart. Either way, she should have been able to come up with something more intelligent to say than “wow.” Like maybe, “Your tongue on my clit was absolutely wonderful.” Maybe not. How about, “Now, I wanna fuck your brains out. I’ve dreamed of it for years, and I’m getting your grandmother’s money’s worth tonight.” Instead, she’d said “wow,” and for the life of her, she couldn’t form the words for anything else. She felt drowsy. Like she’d had too much to drink. She took a couple of long, deep breaths and felt better. She must have hyperventilated. Her head cleared, but she was getting mellow and sleepy. Could one get high on sex? In any event, she didn’t think she could move. Fortunately, she didn’t have to worry about it very long. Raven moved to her side and scooped her up. She cried out when Hawk’s cock slipped out of her, leaving her feeling empty.
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She clung to Raven because, though she knew this was one night only and they weren’t obligated beyond this one evening, she didn’t want this to be the end. She’d loved them most of her life. How could she possibly go back to the way things had been? Before she could move too far into the uncertain future, Raven laid her back on the bed and covered her with his large body. “Don’t, Sophie.” He slid his fingers into her hair and forced her to look at him as he positioned himself at her moist entrance. “Don’t think past this moment.” He sheathed himself with a condom and sank into her, this time with no pain. Sophie cried out in joy to feel the fullness of him moving within her, and knew she’d never feel this way about anyone else. She turned her head and saw Hawk. He watched her intently, and she was acutely aware of the bouncing of her breasts with each thrust Raven made. “I need you, too,” she whispered. “I want you both inside me.” Hawk frowned, as if the thought displeased him, then he said, “Open your mouth for me, little Sophie. Take me that way.” She eagerly did as he asked, taking his cock when he moved next to her and laid the heavy member on her lips. She tasted herself on him, and her pussy contracted at the erotic taste. Raven lay more fully on top of her, kissing her neck and throat, licking a flaming path over flesh as he fucked her at his leisure. Both men groaned and encouraged her, and she could only imagine what she looked like, lying there taking her pleasure as they took theirs. Hawk’s cock slid into her mouth about halfway before he pulled out only to gently move back inside. She sucked in on every stroke, her cheeks hollowing when he pulled out. He was long, and she couldn’t take more than half of him comfortably, but it was a delicious experience. She felt heady and very powerful. Salty liquid leaked from the tip, and she moved her tongue to capture every drop as she sucked him. It wasn’t long before his moans became more urgent and his
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breathing erratic. He tried to pull away from her, but Sophie grabbed the base of his cock with her hand and refused to let him pull back. “I’m going to come, Sophie. Let me out.” Hawk sounded almost desperate. She narrowed her eyes and shook her head. She wanted his seed inside her the only way they’d allow it. “Oh, fuck!” With those words, Hawk’s seed erupted inside her mouth. Spurt after spurt hit the back of her throat faster than she could swallow. Excess leaked from one corner of her mouth, and she continued to suck him and swallow. The salty fluid wasn’t unpleasant, and again she felt the power of being a woman with a man she’d pleased. “Son of a bitch, Hawk. You came inside her.” Raven’s movements were rapid and hard now. He pounded into her with enough force to move her slowly but steadily up the bed. “I can’t fucking believe you came…” His voice trailed off, and he buried his face in her neck. His grunts increased in volume with every thrust, as did her own pleasure. She tilted her pelvis, bringing her clit more in contact with his pubic bone, and by the time he lifted his head to shout his release, her own orgasm washed over her a second time, and she screamed right along with him. Sweat suffused her body again and she trembled, clinging to Raven desperately, not wanting to let him go. She reached out blindly until she felt Hawk’s leg, and she gripped it as tightly as she could manage. She didn’t want to let either of them go. Ever. With that last thought, she closed her eyes, sighed, and promptly fell asleep.
*** When Sophie awoke, the sun was streaming through her bedroom window. She sat straight up in the bed and looked around. They were gone. Gone! She jumped up and ran through her temporary house. Sure enough, all traces they’d ever been there had been removed. Tears threatened to fall but she stubbornly
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fought them off. They hadn’t even said goodbye. Keeping her chin up, she refused to think beyond gathering her clothes up and readying herself for her ride back home. Home? Back to Mrs. Grinnich? And Raven and Hawk? No. She couldn’t go back there. Not after this. She wasn’t sure where she would go, but the thought of facing the men and acting like nothing had happened made her slightly nauseated. A soft knock sent her running to the door. They were back! She stood at the entrance and took several deep breaths. She should have known they wouldn’t leave without a word of goodbye. But when she opened the door, she was met by the same man who’d brought her there two days before. Her spirits sank. “It’s time to go, miss.” His sympathetic look was almost her undoing, but she managed to pull herself together. It took her fifteen minutes to pack her things and leave the house. As she buckled herself into the seat on the private helicopter, she looked back at the house that had changed her life. And it had taken only one night. At the private hangar, the driver escorted her to the limo she’d ride home in. When her driver started down the road, Sophie punched the button that lowered the glass separating them. “I don’t want to go back home. Can you take me to Lexington instead?” He smiled at her in the mirror. “I can take you to Lexington -- or anywhere else you want to go -- but I have to take you back to the house where I picked you up first and you have to go inside. It’s in the contract.” “I knew I should have read the fine print,” Sophie mumbled to herself. The driver chuckled. “Don’t worry, miss. I’ve been doing this a very long time and I’ve yet to see anyone end their experience looking as sad as you do. Everything in your contract is there for a reason. Mr. Faeman knows his business.” “But it was just a vacation,” Sophie protested. He chuckled. “Sure it was.” He raised the glass again before Sophie could protest, and she was left with no other choice but to go along for the ride.
Chapter Seven Raven paced the long foyer of his grandmother’s home. How the hell Darius Faeman had persuaded him and Hawk to leave, he’d never know. It stank of magic, and he remembered little after Darius had appeared at the bedroom door. Oddly enough, he was more concerned about leaving Sophie without saying goodbye than he was about figuring out the spell Faeman had used. Funny how love put things into perspective, and he did love her. No question about it. “You’re wearing a groove in the floor, Raven.” Hawk sat at the top of the stairs, looking out the tall picture window at the driveway leading to the road. “I could give a damn about the floor,” Raven growled. “I just want Sophie safely home. Now, where the hell is she?” “Damned if I know.” Hawk rested his head on his hands, his elbows digging into his knees. Raven was just about to storm out of the house and go after Darius Faeman and make the bastard bring her home when a stretch limo turned into the drive. “’Bout damned time.” Raven yanked open the door and stomped down the steps with Hawk not far behind. Sophie exited the vehicle about the same time the men reached it. She shut the door, hefted her purse onto her shoulder and turned around… And slammed into Raven’s chest. His arms immediately closed around her, and he couldn’t stop himself from scooping her up and heading inside with her. “Put me down, you big buffoon!” Sophie squirmed and pushed at his shoulders, but he didn’t put her down until they were safely inside. Hawk shut the door soundly
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behind them when they entered and locked it as if afraid she’d try to bolt if he didn’t. Raven knew how he felt. “What the hell are you doing?” Raven didn’t answer her with words. Instead, he pulled her to him and fused his mouth to hers. She had to know how he felt. Leaving without a word of goodbye or warning was unforgivable, but she had to know it wasn’t his decision. “Look, Sophie. We didn’t leave of our own free will. That bastard Darius carted us out of there without our consent.” She snorted, putting her hand on one delicately curved hip. Raven almost lost his train of thought thinking about how that hip looked naked. There was the sexiest birthmark… “Two big, strapping fellows like you? One man forced you to leave? And here I thought with you, Raven, on your way to being appointed to the Council of Magic, and Hawk there just as strong a wizard, the two of you could take one man easily enough.” She looked livid. “Not bloody likely!” “Honest, Sophie. I remember him coming into the bedroom last night and telling us it was time to leave, but little else.” Hawk came up behind her and tried to rest his hands on her shoulders, but she shrugged him off angrily. “Look. There’s no need for this. We don’t have any attachments to each other, so you don’t have to explain yourself.” She tried to elbow her way past them, but Raven grabbed her by the shoulders and forced her to look at him. “Can you honestly say after last night none of us has claim on the other? Can you really walk away and not think about what we did together every day for the rest of your life?” “Absolutely.” Sophie’s chin was up, but it quivered. “Liar,” Hawk said gently behind her. “Our time together last night meant as much to you as it did to us.” They had her sandwiched between them. Raven let his hands rest gently but firmly on her hips so she couldn’t get away from them too easily. Hawk wrapped his arms around her, one spanning her slender waist, the other just above her breasts.
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“Maybe you can forget, but I can’t.” Hawk’s voice was full of emotion. He’d always been the more open of the two of them, but Hawk showing his feelings so blatantly gave Raven the courage to express his own. “We’ve both loved you for a very long time, Sophie,” Raven began, bringing her hand to his mouth for a kiss, “but I don’t think either of us realized just how much until last night.” “Speak for yourself, brother.” Hawk dipped his head to Sophie’s neck and licked a path from her shoulder to her ear. “I’ve always known how much I loved her. I just didn’t quite know how to tell her without Mamaw turning me into a goat.” “Well, at least both of you finally admit it.” All three of them jumped at the sound of Grandma Miriam’s voice. “Well, don’t look so surprised. Do you honestly think I’d let any other man besides one of you have my precious little Sophie?” “Mrs. Grinnich, if they don’t want me on their own, I don’t want you -- or anyone else -- forcing me on them. I don’t need either one of them.” Sophie used the interruption to push away from them, and Raven would have growled if his grandmother hadn’t glanced his way. The last thing he wanted right now was to be given the evil eye. Instead, Raven backed off, taking his brother’s arm when Hawk would have gone after the escaping Sophie. He might not know a lot about women, but he knew everyone needed space from time to time. “Sophie, have you been listening to a word these two have been saying?” “Not in the least. Those two would say anything to keep in my good graces. They always have.” “And you never wondered why it mattered to them?” The question caught Sophie off-guard. She’d never given it much thought. “I assumed it was so you didn’t turn them into goats.” A smile played at the corners of the old woman’s mouth, but she kept in control of her features and continued. “No. They never feared me -- not in that way, at any rate.
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They’ve always feared your displeasure more than mine. Remember when they took you on your first broom ride?” “It was the middle of January and bitterly cold,” Sophie recalled. “You’d said no, but they did, anyway.” “And why do you think that was.” Sophie’s heart began to race. She’d been sixteen at the time, and the argument between the two men had been heated. It simply wasn’t proper for two grown men to be out at two in the morning with a sixteen-year-old girl. Grandmother would kill them. Except they’d both gone with her, just like she’d asked. Raven had returned home after a long absence, and she’d wanted to spend time with them after the high school’s Winter Ball. The time, and the ride, had meant more to her than anything in her life up to that point, and neither of them had actually ever said “no” before leaving. They’d only argued about how much trouble they’d be in. “I don’t know,” she whispered. “Because neither of them has ever been able to turn you away. For any reason. Oh, you bicker back and forth and so on, but they’ve both loved you since the day you came to live here. I know you love them, too, so don’t try to deny it.” She looked at Sophie intently and took the younger woman’s hands in her own. “Embrace it, child! Love is rare, and you have two men who love you with all their hearts. Don’t deny yourself the passion, the pleasure, or the fulfillment. You all deserve to be happy.” The tears came then. Sophie felt them leaking from the corner of one eye, then the other. Before she could stop it, they flowed freely, and she let out a small sob. Instantly, both men were at her side. “Mamaw, look what you’ve done.” “You didn’t have to make her cry.” “How could you when all she’s ever done was try to help you?” “Would you two just stop it?” Sophie laughed through her tears. Even she, who could always tell them apart, couldn’t tell which one spoke this time. She had absolutely no idea who’d said what, but it didn’t matter. They were protective of her,
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even in the safest environment. Maybe Mrs. Grinnich was right. Maybe their words earlier had been completely sincere. She looked from one of them to the other. “Are you going to stand there, or take me upstairs?” Identical faces of embarrassment looked back at her, and she giggled. “You don’t honestly think she doesn’t know what went on last night in that cabin, do you?” “Well, you didn’t have to announce it to her,” Raven grouched. “Some things are better left unsaid.” Hawk simply scooped her up and said, “Last one to my bedroom has to be on the bottom.” And he ran down the hall, Grandma Miriam’s musical laughter following them.
Marteeka Karland Marteeka Karland is an ordinary woman with an overactive imagination. Thank God for a computer, or tape recorder, or pen and paper… whatever she can create a story with! Her husband sometimes thinks she’s nuts and asks her every time she gets frustrated with her latest deadline, “Is it really worth all this?” And every time, she answers, “HELL YES!” Apart from writing, Marteeka’s alter ego has worked in the Emergency Room for more years than she’ll admit. She has a loving husband, who still chuckles when he tells a buddy exactly what that Goddess of Water T-shirt is all about, and a son who is blissfully ignorant to anything other than he’s not allowed to “push buttons” on Mommy’s computer. Marteeka welcomes mail at
[email protected], and you can visit her website at http://www.marteekakarland.com.
