Electric Rayne

ELECTRIC RAYNE

Electric Rayne By J.J. Massa

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J.J. Massa

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Electric Rayne Copyright (c) 2004 by J.J. Massa Cover art and design (c) 2004 by April Martinez All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form without permission, except as provided by the U.S. Copyright Law. For information, you can find us on the web at, www.VenusPress.com Printed and bound in the United States of America.

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DEDICATION

Thank you to my editor, Tracey and my family for their understanding and patience. Thank you to Venus Press for signing me on. Special thanks to all those sexy Cajun men out there.

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J.J. Massa

Chapter One

Rayne tried to ignore the pounding on the door but it wouldn’t stop. Finally, she stumbled to the kitchen door where all the pounding originated. Stumbling to the door without even opening her eyes, she flung open the door and snapped, “What?” She held one hand, palm splayed in front of her face to deflect the annoying sunlight pouring in. The man who’d been outside pounding came inside the house. He stepped through the door and closed it behind him. “Who are you, what do you want, and can it wait?” she grumbled half asleep, turning to slump against the counter. “Thanks for closing the …” she waved her hand at the door. She was home again, nobody here would hurt her--annoy her definitely, but she was safe in her grandmother’s house. “Your Mamere asked me to check on you today,” the stranger in a sheriff’s uniform growled. “That old biddy hates me. I know it. She’s hated me since the day I was born.” Rayne couldn’t hold her head up any longer. When her head drooped into her crossed arms, she slid to the floor and curled up into a ball. She couldn’t help it. She was just so tired. “Just lock the door when you leave, Monsieur,” she mumbled from the floor. “Feel free to leave me a note. I swear I’ll call you if I ever wake up.” *** Remy Doucette couldn’t believe this woman. She’d lain down on the kitchen floor and gone to sleep, it appeared. No wonder old Ms. Deveau had asked him to check on her today, specifically. “Mademoiselle, have you been on a three day bender or something?” he asked, squatting down next to her. What a curvaceous little heap of woman. She didn’t smell as if she was steeped in alcohol. In fact, she smelled like raspberries, honeysuckle and–rain. “Took me a week to get out of Malaysia,” she complained. “Would have sold my soul for something stronger than coffee to drink,” she grumbled. 5

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“What the hell did you do there?” he barked, incredulous. “Instructing the indigenous population in the use of herbs and Homeopathic medicine,” she sighed. She rolled over, facing away from him. He scooped her up into his arms and held her against his chest, turning toward the upstairs bedrooms. He’d been in this house many times and knew it well. She couldn’t weigh a hundred pounds, he decided. Her head rolled onto his shoulder. “Which one is your bedroom, Mademoiselle?” he questioned her, heading up the stairs. “Last on the left. Oh my God, you smell sooo good,” she moaned. She burrowed into his neck. “Pardon me?” he stopped short, taken aback. His body leaped to attention. He could feel his heart slamming against his chest. She rubbed her face in the place where his shoulder met his throat. When she touched the hollow behind his ear with her tongue, he groaned aloud. She pressed her lips to the juncture where his upper jaw met his lower. “What is your cologne, Monsieur?” she whispered, tasting him again. “Mmmm,” she moaned. “I don’t wear cologne, Mademoiselle,” he told her as firmly as he could manage. She had wrapped both arms around his neck and had buried her face in the collar of his shirt. “I am so sure I’m going to be humiliated when I wake up. Please, God, let this be a dream,” she groaned, rubbing her nose in the sprinkling of hair below his sternum. “If you don’t stop that, Mademoiselle…” he choked out in warning. In one second, he was going to rip her feminine lace night gown in half and bury his painful erection into her over and over until she could have no doubt about what was a dream and what wasn’t. “Please,” she whispered, dragging her lower lip up his skin and inhaling deeply against his throat. Suddenly, she collapsed back into sleep. Very gently, he laid her down on her bed and pulled the sheet over her. Her head lifted and she raised her arm toward the half-opened curtains. She swept her hand toward the wall and the curtains slid closed following her hand’s motion. Must be trick curtains. Remy stood looking down at the small figure curled under the sheet. He’d barely gotten a look at her eyes since they’d been closed during most of their exchange. He had 6

J.J. Massa an impression of gray-blue starbursts. Carefully, he pulled the sheet over a dainty foot and calf. She was a petite package of curves topped by wavy, espresso colored hair. Her face had been like the rest of her, impossibly delicate. From what little he’d seen her eyes appeared large when opened. Right now her eyelids were purpled with fatigue. The lush lips that had explored his throat had been like her curves - sensuous and full. His body was throbbing. Almost against his will, he smoothed his hand over the crown of her head. Combing his fingers through the length of her hair, he found that the silky soft mass reached to her waist. With one finger, he traced the line of her jaw smoothing it across her lower lip. Remy was angry with himself for being affected by her. He was twice as angry with her for her overtures to him. Her grandmother had given no hint that this young lady was so free with her affections. The poor old thing bragged on about this little girl nonstop. She must not have any idea. Remembering that she’d spent all of her adolescence here in his parish, Remy decided that he’d ask around. Some of his officers and deputies were the right age. They’d know her he was sure. *** When Remy returned to the Sheriff’s office, his dispatcher must have noticed his distracted mood. “What’s up, Sheriff?” he questioned. “You look a little… funny…” he stumbled. There were several men in the office. It was close to shift change. “Nothing’s up, Foret,” he started. “I stopped off to check on Madame Deveau’s granddaughter. She was a little – out of it, I guess,” he said. “She’s back?” Foret squeaked. He called out, “Hey, y’all! Electric Rayne is back!” “Our friendship is really special to me,” Edouard Larsen, one of the officers, intoned, rolling his eyes. “I can’t tell you how much I value the time we spend together,” Foret spoke up with a half smile and a chuckle. “I’d hate to ruin this important relationship…” Officer Antibe chimed in. “…by involving a fleeting physical thing that could hurt us both in the long run,” the fourth officer, John Spike, finished for them. “’Scuse me?” Remy asked. “Do you think there is even one man in three counties who hasn’t asked that girl out and been told he was too special for her to demean by kissing him?” Foret asked. 7

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“How about cologne?” Remy questioned. “She like any of your cologne?” “Hah!” barked Antibe. “I think she got closer to dog shit than any of our cologne, huh?” he looked around. “You must be talking about Rayne Deveau, mais non?” A new man, Deke Doucette, had arrived and entered the conversation. He was the same age as many of the men in the room. “Anyone can be your girlfriend, Deke, but our friendship is special. It’s too important to me to risk losing it,” he said in a falsetto voice. “The closest I ever got to her was your old football jersey, brother,” Deke said to Remy. All the men nodded, chuckling. “What you mean, boy?” Remy growled, confused. “Remember that football jersey you gave me before you joined the Marines?” his younger brother asked him. “She was visiting one day and I showed it to her. She loved it. She held it to her face and didn’t want to put it down. I thought she’d kiss me if I gave it to her.” “Did she?” Remy asked carefully. Every man in the room laughed as if they’d never heard anything so funny. Deke chuckled. “I told her she could keep it if she gave me a kiss. She did but I got shocked so bad I fell on my ass. Damned if I didn’t want her to do it again.” “Yeah, that happened to me! Remember when she got hit by that car and broke her leg?” Antibe asked. “I tried to help her or at least hold her hand – I got the shit shocked out of me.” “She was always so embarrassed when that happened. Said her grandmother had cursed her.” Foret laughed but he shook his hand as if he’d just been shocked. “Yeah, Old Lady Deveau said she’d put a spell on her so she wouldn’t end up with the wrong guy. Said the right man would smell good to her and he’d be the only man who could ever touch her with lust in his heart,” John told the group. “That’s right,” Antibe remembered, nodding. “The old lady told me the same thing. When I asked Rayne about it, she said that’s why she didn’t get close enough to any guy to smell ‘em.” Remy shook his head and laughed as he walked into his own office. Somehow he knew he’d get the same story from any other man he spoke to about Rayne Deveau. He’d touched her and he’d definitely had lust in his heart. It didn’t matter, though. He refused to be that right man. Remy considered what he knew about the young woman. She’d come to live with her grandmother twelve years before when she’d been thirteen. He’d still been in the 8

J.J. Massa Marines then and for the five years following that. She’d gone to college and started her career by the time he’d come home and taken the sheriff’s position. To the best of his recollection, her parents had died mysteriously. She was the same age as his brother, Deke. The boy had suffered from a severe case of puppy love, he remembered now, and had written of her often. If what these men were saying was true, why had she acted the way she had when he’d carried her to bed? He decided that jet lag must have been the cause. That and the girl is more than a little flaky. Electric Rayne, huh?

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ELECTRIC RAYNE

Chapter Two

Rayne pulled on her shoes and stood up. She was beginning to feel human again. She’d slept for the better part of the last three days. Finally, she was feeling alert. After spending months in the rural regions of Malaysia and years, collectively, in other various depressed areas in the United States and abroad, Rayne was physically exhausted. Aside from the grueling journey she had taken just to get to the nearest airport, the flight home had been strenuous. The drive from New Orleans International Airport had been unbelievably long because of her fatigue. It had been past time to come home, though, Rayne knew. She missed her grandmother and the old woman missed her, too. The problem now was that her grandmother had needed to leave. There was a threat looming and neither knew for sure what it was. Both Rayne and her grandmother, Esmé, had extra abilities. They could move things with their minds – Rayne was stronger at this than her grandmother was. Both could mix herbs necessary for healing, and had a “sense” about things that were impending. Esmé was better at casting spells – or curses, as Rayne called them. Heading downstairs, the phone began to ring. Rayne ran to answer it. “Hello?” she gasped breathlessly. “Why, Rayne, my dear,” said the caller. His oozing voice made her skin crawl. “You sound winded. Are you okay?” “Who is this, please?” she demanded sharply. “Oh, my child, I forget sometimes that you barely know me, although we are family.” Rayne didn’t recognize the falsely solicitous voice of the man but she suspected she knew who he was. “Sir, I beg your pardon, but I have no male family members living. You have called me in error,” she said stiffly, intending to hang up the phone. “You don’t want to hang up on me, dear. You will regret it.” The voice had a mild edge to it now. 10

J.J. Massa “Good day to you, sir,” she said, somehow unable to just slam the phone down. She quickly replaced the receiver before the man could utter another word. After puttering around her grandmother’s house for a bit, Rayne decided that she would wander the three blocks to the local restaurant/pub. She didn’t want to cook and she’d enjoy some music. She was feeling a little lonely and that phone call had made her uneasy. Her best friend Gail Neely should be at their family bar by now. Enjoying the afternoon's autumn breezes, she ambled slowly to the town’s watering hole. Making her way straight to the bar, she didn’t look around when she entered the pub. “Rayne!” squealed a younger woman. With a grin, Rayne turned and embraced Gail’s little sister Betsy, letting her chatter. From an office around the corner, Gail surged forward and gripped Rayne in a tight hug. Issuing orders like a drill sergeant, Gail had Rayne’s favorite drink, a martini, and favorite meal, a cheesy chef salad, placed before her in record time. She carried the dish and drink to a table by the wall. Neither woman looked to see who was seated nearby. “So,” Gail started. “Tell me about Malaysia. And Rwanda, Laos and L.A. while you’re at it… How do you even hold your head up?” “With both hands about half the time.” Rayne said with a laugh. “I know you’re beyond exhausted!” Gail said and Rayne nodded. She swallowed the alcoholic drink placed in front of her. “Can I have about four more of those? I’ve been dry since I left here. Not one drop of alcohol in… When did I leave?” Gail signaled to the bartender and another martini appeared in front of Rayne. “Gotta be five years, girl. Red wine after this, Carlo.” Gail didn’t let anything get by her. As the two women caught up, Gail asked Rayne, “Have you found that sweet smelling man yet, hon?” Laughing, Rayne answered, “I thought I did. If that guy was real I would have thrown him down and had my wicked way with him in about four seconds.” The ladies laughed and jostled each other, still ignoring the inhabitants of the surrounding tables. “But I must’ve been dreaming because I told my fantasy man to leave a note. I’d just gotten to Grand-mère’s like – maybe midnight the night before – I’m sure I was still smelling oxen dung in my head.” She shook her head slowly. “You mean, here? Here at home? You found your sweet smeller just a day or so ago?” Gail grilled her. 11

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Nodding, Rayne answered, “I’m sure it was just a dream,” she sighed. “I remember a loud pounding, feeling safe like I haven’t felt since before my dad died and then, the best smell in my whole life – like Deke Doucette’s football jersey but better.” Rayne knew how silly that sounded but Gail had been her dearest friend since she was fifteen years old. She couldn’t tell Gail absolutely everything, but she did tell her more than she told anyone else – besides her grandmother. As Gail sat and stared at her speculatively, two men hurried over to the table. One of the two reached for Rayne. As he did, a loud crackle sound could be heard and the smell of sulfur was heavy in the air. The man who’d reached for her blushed and babying the hand he’d grabbed her with, welcomed her back without touching her further. The second man, Gail’s husband, was careful not to touch her as he welcomed Rayne back as well. After the men left, Gail began to rise from her seat. As she stood, she extended an arm to indicate the table behind them. “Rayne, you may not remember meeting the Sheriff, Remy Doucette, but he stopped in and checked on you two days ago.” With that, Gail kissed her and left for the kitchen. Slowly, Rayne turned her head and looked at the men seated at a nearby table. She felt the heat crawl up her body and knew that her face colored to a bright pink as she smiled and nodded. “Deke,” she nodded, “it’s been a long time.” Taking a deep breath, she turned her gaze to the other man at the table. His looks almost took her breath away. He had blue-black hair, snapping black eyes and a tanned complexion. His face was sculpted with chiseled cheekbones, sensuous lips, a slightly squared jaw, and a patrician nose that had a slight bump where it had been broken. “You must be the Sheriff. I don’t know why I didn’t make the connection. Good to meet you.” Rayne stood, dropped some bills on the table and scrambled backward toward the door. He caught her as she entered the secluded foyer. Seemingly without thinking, he reached out and snagged her, pulling her against him. Before she knew what had hit her, she was bracing herself against a wide, well muscled chest and clinging to his bulging biceps. The thighs pressed against hers were as thick as tree trunks. “Where you runnin’ to, Béb?” he murmured into her ear. 12

J.J. Massa There was that incredible smell again. Bayberry and Ocean breezes, that’s what it is. Only, it’s more, so much more. It swamped her senses and clouded her mind. Being pressed against his hard muscles was wreaking havoc with her body. “I really have to go, Sheriff,” she croaked. *** Before Remy could respond, the crazy little woman had made her way out the door. He decided he’d better speak to her and began heading toward the door she’d exited. As he pushed the door open, he heard two popping noises followed by the sound of shattering glass and the squeal of tires. Automatically, Remy drew his gun and quickly moved through the door, dropping low. Scanning the parking lot carefully, he tried to see where the breaking glass was and where the young woman, Rayne Deveau, had gone. He found them both at the same time. “Don’t move, Mademoiselle,” he instructed. Her shoulder was bleeding profusely. “I’m fine, Sheriff, I promise,” she responded. “You don’t know if you’re fine,” he snapped, holstering his gun. “I do, too. You act as if I’ve never been shot at before.” She seemed a little too glib about such things for his tastes. “That is a discussion for another time,” he barked. “Let me see your injury.” “No!” she answered. He grabbed her and gave her a hard shake. “What you mean, ‘No?’” “Oww!” she cried on a half sob. She jerked away from him and covered her injury with her hand as best she could. “Rayne?” he moved close to her again. “You hurt me… leave me alone!” She pulled away and stood shakily. He saw a tear spill down her cheek as she turned and walked toward her grandmother’s home. “I’m sorry I hurt you, Béb, but I must see to your injury.” He tried to sound reasonable and reassuring. Quickly, he grabbed his radio and called the drive-by in so that someone could begin the investigation. He notified dispatch that he was following up on his end. They should begin the report. He continued to follow Rayne Deveau. Somehow, small stones began to kick up as if they’d been launched from the ground. She’s probably kicking them at me. He dodged them easily. Had she been looking, Rayne would have seen the wicked glint in his eye. 13

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Remy took his fist and lightly tapped his chest. A hollow sound could be heard. “Oww, hey!” he moaned. On a gasp, Rayne stopped and whirled toward him. “Oh, are you okay…?” Remy seized her and lifted her against his chest. He didn’t put her down again until they were inside her grandmother’s kitchen.

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Chapter Three

“Now, Mademoiselle, if you won’t take your shirt off, I’ll take it off of you,” he growled at her, trying to ignore his body’s reaction to the idea of her without a shirt. He stood her on her feet just inside the kitchen door. Eyes wide, Rayne scrambled around him. Remy stalked after her thinking how easy it would be for a man to get lost in those starburst eyes. She had no idea how hungry she made him. When she reached the stairway, Rayne half-turned after making her way up four of the stairs backward. Remy grabbed the scooped collar of her shirt and, with one tug, ripped it down the front. He pushed it off of her shoulders and down her arms. Bracing one hand on the stair next to her head, he held her arm just below her shoulder injury. He knew it couldn’t be that bad or she wouldn’t be so active. Still, he’d grabbed it earlier and hurt her. Never taking his eyes off of hers, Remy lowered his mouth to the small wound. It was little more than a severe scratch. He covered the injury with his mouth and lathed it with his tongue. God help me, she tastes so good. Rayne groaned and he felt her fingers in his hair. That does it -- I have to have her. He placed open-mouthed kisses on her shoulder and across her collarbone. While his mouth traveled over her torso, Remy removed her bra. She might have protested but he took one rounded breast into his mouth and suckled, teasing her nipple with his tongue. She mewled like a kitten, arching her body toward his. Taking the opportunity he was offered, Remy unsnapped and unzipped her jeans while transferring his attention to her other breast. He tore his mouth away long enough to remove his tight tee shirt. He needed to feel skin against skin. Kissing his way down her body, Remy removed her shoes and socks. When he reached her waist, he pulled her pants and panties down and off of her legs. He held her legs apart and dropped his mouth to her vulnerable center. He hadn’t touched her there yet. He wanted to the first time he did to be with his tongue. 15

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Lowering his head, he breathed in her scent. The smell of raspberries, honeysuckle and rain entered his lungs. What a beautiful smell. He found her opening and touched it with his tongue, parting the coffee colored curls around it with his fingers. The peach and dusky rose folds of her inner lips were dripping and exquisite. She moaned and he caught a gush of her hot cream on his tongue. Carefully, he eased a finger into and out of her channel and rubbed up to her hard little nub. He followed the finger with his tongue. Rayne began to writhe restlessly on the stair, and he urged her legs over his shoulders. While Remy continued to suckle and lathe her woman’s entrance, he removed the rest of his clothes. Her sheath began to clench around his tongue and she cried out. Holding her legs apart with his body, he moved up and over her. “Do you want me, Béb?” he ground out. “Put your hands on me.” Rayne reached between them and took his hard member in her hands. Her dainty fists wrapped around him, though her fingers weren’t long enough to circle him completely. She moved them up and around his hard shaft, touching the tip and tracing the slit at the top. After enduring the pleasure and torture of her exploration as long as he could, Remy cupped her chin with his hand. Tilting her face toward him, he looked into the gray-blue stars that were her eyes. Her full, pink lips seemed to draw him to her. Remy bent his head and took possession of her mouth. Her sensuous lips were like warm satin beneath his. His teeth tugged her lower lip insistently, demanding she open her mouth for him. One long, drugging kiss after another had him shaking with need. “Do you want me inside you, Rayne? Do you?” he growled at her. “Yes,” she moaned. “I can’t help it, yes.” When he would have moved away to find a condom in his pants, she stopped him. “I don’t need protection. I get a shot every year for traveling.” “Mon Dieu,” he groaned. “You’re dangerous, Béb.” He rubbed his staff against her heat once, twice, up and down. Finally, he surged forward to the hilt. When he felt the thin membrane of her maidenhead give way, Remy froze in shock. She let out an involuntary cry of pain and buried her face in his neck. After a few seconds, Rayne made a little sound and lifted her hips, her eyes pleading. In that instant, the battle for his control was lost. Pulling back, he thrust again.

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J.J. Massa He heard himself groan loudly. Driving harder and harder, he plunged into her with long, deep strokes. The feeing of being inside of her tight sheath with no barriers separating them was almost too much. “Is this what you want, Béb?” he growled into her neck. “Tell me.” “Yes,” she moaned. “Yes, Remy.” “Come for me, Rayne. Come right now!” he gritted. She was so tight and hot, he knew he wouldn’t last much longer. Almost immediately, he could feel her tighten around him. Her body rippled and convulsed around his plunging cock and her nails sank into his shoulders. Her legs were wrapped around his hips and her heels dug into his buttocks. She buried her face in his neck and he could feel her hot tears. Remy exploded into her with a roar. He threw back his head and bellowed like an angry lion. Never in his life had anything felt as incredible as being inside of Rayne Deveau. *** Neither moved for at least a minute. Eventually, Rayne began to feel the aches and pains of making love on the stairs. Not making love, having sex. Remy reached out and snagged her torn shirt and used it to wipe his dripping seed and the blood of her virginity off of them. He eased himself to his feet and looked down at her. Rayne couldn’t believe she’d just done that. She believed that if she had said “no”, Remy would have stopped. She’d wanted him and she’d had him. Or he’d had her-whatever. Now she had to worry about the awkward “after sex” stuff. Without saying a word, he scooped her up and carried her up the stairs. Still holding her, he slid into her bed. He held her lightly, saying nothing. Finally, Remy rumbled into her hair, “Why didn't you tell me you still had your cherry? Why you let me fuck you dat way? Why a virgin need a birth control shot?” “You’re awfully inquisitive, aren’t you?” she mumbled into his chest. Remy growled at her like an angry dog warning of his intention to attack. “Okay,” she sighed. “First, I didn’t think it would matter to you. Next, you’re the only man in my whole life that could touch me without getting electrical burns. And all the women get shots for work in case… we all get shots.” For some reason, her eyes filled with tears. She pulled away from him and turned to face the door. Without knowing why, she found herself sobbing and unable to stop. She didn’t know what to do. 17

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Remy pulled her into his arms and turned her against him, stroking her hair. “Shh, Béb, it's okay. Shh, I’m sorry. Don’t cry,” he crooned into her hair. He began to murmur to her in his native language, still stroking her like a frightened kitten. She didn’t understand more than a word or two of what he was saying but that sandpaper and aged bourbon voice of his warmed her from the inside out. “I’m sorry,” she sniffed. “I don’t know what… why… I’m sorry.” “Shh, don’ worry.” He leaned down and kissed her tenderly. “You’re not mad at me anymore?” Rayne whispered. “Mad as hell, Bébé,” he wiped a tear away with his thumb. “Maybe you can appease me somehow, no?” His black eyes glittered down at her. “Um, okay,” she breathed. He chuckled at her. Remy disentangled himself from her and slid to the edge of the bed. Standing up, he told her, “Don’t move. Stay there! I be right back.” So gorgeous with his rippling muscles, broad shoulders, hard biceps, hairy chest and masculine grace. Rayne buried her face in the pillow he’d rested on and inhaled, groaning. In the end, she took his edicts to heart and stayed put. Pointing at the bedside lamp, she turned it on. She wiggled a finger and brought some extra pillows to her. When Remy re-entered the room, the bedspread was creeping up the bed, ultimately straightening itself over her hips. “I didn’t mean you couldn’t sit up, Béb.” He strolled into the room. With a start she grabbed the bedspread, staring at Remy with huge eyes. “Umm…” she stammered. Dumping a pile of clothing, no doubt from the stairs, he chuckled at her, shaking his head. “Okay, now we talk about the shooting, hmm?” She nodded vigorously. As he talked, he cleaned and bandaged the cut near her shoulder. “It's time to talk about your little incident, hmm?” he rumbled, sliding back into bed. Rayne couldn’t help but notice that he was still completely naked but now had a note pad and a pen. “What you remember about the car and the people in it? You know who took a shot at you?” he looked intently at her, arching a brow. “Do you always interview people naked?” she asked him smartly. “Only after we been fuckin’,” he responded with an edge to his voice. “Yeah?” she needled him. “How often does that happen?” 18

J.J. Massa “I guess as often as you get your sweet little ass in a sling. Now answer the damned question,” he growled in his deep voice. His watchful black eyes were trained unmoving on her. She began to squirm. “You got sometin’ to hide, Béb?” “No, of course not!” she squeaked. Not much, anyway. His air of authority was intimidating. How would he be if we hadn’t just had sex? “I haven’t ever seen those men before,” she told him honestly. Before she could stop herself she asked, “Is that the only time we’ll be…you know…” “How many men? We’ll be what?” Apparently, he didn’t know. “Two men,” was all she said. “Rayne?” he took her chin in his hand forcing her to look at him. “We’ll be what?” his dark gaze was glued to her face. She wanted to turn her head but his grip was firm on her chin. “We’ll be… umm,” she could feel her face flame. “F – fucking.” she whispered. Closing her eyes, she asked, “Is that the only time we’ll…” Rayne felt herself start to shake. She was desperate to turn her head or somehow hide her face from him. She could feel the heat creep up her cheeks. His hand sunk into her hair and he pulled her toward him. When she resisted, he lifted her bodily onto his lap. “No, Béb, I’m not goanna wait for you to get in trouble again to fuck you. I’m goanna do it again in just a little while,” he rumbled at her. He wrapped his arms around her and cuddled her close. Finally, he pulled back and asked her, “That sound okay to you?” Without moving her face away from his neck, she nodded. Chuckling, he questioned her further about the men who’d shot at her. Rayne began to doze while listening to Remy on the phone with his department. He was calling in to them all the information she’d given him. His sexy as sin voice flowed over her like black satin.

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ELECTRIC RAYNE

Chapter Four

Remy kept his word to her, awakening her after he hung up the phone. She’d been curled up with her back to him, dozing. He’d kissed the smooth line of her back until he’d reached the crease that split her tempting derriere. She’d tried to pretend she was still sleeping until he’d spread her nether cheeks and lapped at the tiny rosette buried there. She’d squealed and then groaned. He’d mounted her from behind and teased the little hole between her cheeks while he’d plunged in and out of her. Before long, she’d climaxed hard, taking him with her. “I like fuckin you, Bébé,” he’d said, kissing her neck. She didn’t know he’d never called anyone that before. She didn’t know that no woman had ever affected him the way that she had. “Don’t worry, Sheriff,” she’d yawned, curling up again. “It can be fucking if that’s what you like. For me, I’ll figure it out later.” “Yeah?” he’d asked. “What means that?” Mumbling she’d told him, “I’ll be heading off to some far corner of the earth as soon as I take care of the threat to Grand-mère and me. You won’t have to cross my path again if you don’t want.” She’d then rolled over and smiled at him. Smiled! “You can marry yourself a nice little Cajun girl. Maybe somebody else will want to – f - fuck me, hmm?” After that, her eyes drifted shut and her breathing became even. She didn’t see his wide-eyed stare. She didn’t see his narrow glare. She didn’t know he’d awakened half an hour ago and was still thinking about what she’d said to him. The idea of someone else doing to her what he had done to her made him unbelievably angry. It also scares the shit out of me and makes me sick to my stomach. What am I supposed to do about that? Finally, he couldn’t stand his thoughts another minute. “Get your narrow ass out of bed, we got stuff to do!” he barked at her. Rolling over toward him, she fixed an icy glare on him. “I don’t know what your plans are, Sheriff,” she said sweetly, her glare notwithstanding. “I expect I’ll be staying in today. I may work on Grand-mère’s garden.” 20

J.J. Massa Her voice was pleasant but that glare was definitely not. Remy returned it with one of his own. Deciding that actions spoke louder than words, he advanced on her. She began to back away until she disappeared over the edge of the bed. He decided to follow her to the floor. His naked body covered hers and his glittering black gaze bored into her wide, silver and blue eyes. He cupped her sex and inched a finger into her suddenly wet channel. Quickly, he replaced it with his rigid cock. Inch by tortuous inch, he entered her. “Want more, Béb?” he stopped, frozen less than halfway in. Eyes closed, she swallowed and nodded. He began to pull out. Her eyes opened and her brow furrowed. Sweat beaded on his forehead. Hopefully, she won’t notice that. “I ain’t goanna fuck you if you won’t go,” he growled. Can she tell that I can barely speak? “I guess I’ll have to get used to that some time, won’t I?” she called his bluff. Nobody could beat his granite nerve. He began to pull out the rest of the way. His tip was barely inside of her now. “No!” she choked. “Okay, I’ll go with you.” A tear fell down her cheek. He could see she was humiliated. “Thank you, Béb,” he murmured. He sucked the tear from her cheek. His mouth covered hers and his tongue sank into her mouth. As he eased his hard rod back into her, his tongue mated with hers. I just can’t get enough of this woman. Remy’s body moved in and out of hers slowly, gliding deeply to the hilt and then easing out. Dragging moans and groans from both of them, his hips continued to glide forward and back. Paradise, Heaven, Perfection. “Come for me, Bébé,” he whispered hoarsely. Clinging tightly to him, she came. Buried deep inside of her, he came, too. He wrapped his arms tightly around her and couldn’t let go. Remy had never felt like he was feeling now. He refused to examine his feelings too closely. *** While Rayne showered and dressed, Remy went home and did the same. She made a pot of coffee and poured them both a travel mug full. To go with it, she’d prepared egg and cheese croissants. Remy’s appreciation pleased her more than it should have. That was another thing she’d take out and examine at her leisure. 21

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The Sheriff had returned dressed in jeans and another tight tee shirt. Rayne decided that all tee shirts were probably tight on him. He was impossibly sexy in anything he wore and she thought he should be labeled as dangerous to women’s health. When they got to the Sheriff’s headquarters, Remy had insisted that she describe the car and it’s occupants to a police artist. She’d done her best and was even able to come up with a partial license plate. Finally Remy showed her to his office and left her there. She sat down behind his desk and looked at the blotter. In the upper corner, she found a Polaroid of a mostly naked girl that was personally addressed to him. Below it, she found another. She tossed them both on the desk and moved to the corner of the room. For several minutes, Rayne paced to the desk and then stomped away, back and forth. “Grand-mère!” she shouted finally. Nothing. “GRAND-MÈRE!” she shouted again. Her cell phone began to ring. With her back to the door, Rayne didn’t see Remy edging it open. She was more than a little stirred up. *** “Hello?” she answered. “You evil old battle-axe!” she breathed into the phone. She still had her back to Remy and couldn't notice him or the shocked look on his face. “Did someone do this same thing to you? Is that why you did such a hateful thing to your only living relative?” she barked at her grandmother. Remy was stunned. There was no doubt who it was that she was talking to. It had to be her old grandmother. How can she talk to her in such a way? What kind of electronics does she have to make the old woman call her when she yells? “Grand-mère,” her tone had a warning edge to it now. “I’ve been shot at, stalked, yelled at, and the man you’ve decided I should be chained to – the Sheriff, thank you very much – insists we’re just fucking. For the last twenty minutes I’ve had to stare at pictures of naked women he’s also fucked. Notice how good I’m getting at saying the word “fuck”?” Remy winced. “I’m more than a little testy, ya old crone!” Rayne listened quietly for a minute. Remy couldn’t have moved from the door if he’d won the lottery. He had to hear more of this conversation. “So it’s not YOUR fault Mr. Popular is the only man for me? Is that what you’re saying? The spell was only supposed to keep everyone but my own true love away? I think there’s been an error.” Rayne emitted a good semblance of a growl. Spell, huh…riiiiight… “I’ll tell you what… Now that we know who the lucky man is, lift the spell.” Rayne was silent for a few minutes. “Damn it you meddling…” Deep breath. “Fine. Fine. 22

J.J. Massa Why couldn’t you put a spell on him? He’s the one with the wandering… Fine!” Remy was glad she hadn’t finished that sentence. “Grand-mère… Esmé? It’s okay. Really. Don’t get all het-up.” Rayne was listening again. “How long has it been since you got…” Rayne chuckled, “fucked”? There I go again, huh?” she chuckled again. She was silent again. “Know what I’m gonna do? I’ll just pay someone when I get the itch to be… you know. Male prostitutes don’t care if they get shocked when the price is right, do they?” she sounded resolute to Remy. “Some of them are into pain, aren’t they?” Rayne was listening again. “I’ll have my seven cats and wait for the second man.” Silence. Second man? What second man? What does that mean? “Okay, you scroll for this evil and I’ll ward against it. I don’t want to bring that up yet, Grand-mère.” Silence. Remy began to ease the door closed. “I think if I tell the good Sheriff that…” she said “good Sheriff” in a way that didn’t sound good at all. “No, I don’t think I should say anything yet. Remy is going to jump right on that and we just aren’t sure if that’s who hired these guys.” He still stared through the door and watched and listened. Rayne sat on the edge of his desk and idly began playing with the pictures of the naked women. “Look, I don’t disagree but we need to be sure. I don’t want Remy going off half cocked,” she laughed. “Very funny… he was – given my zero experience – everything I’d ever hoped for and then some. Bet I was much less to him. How much you think it’d cost to get someone to do that and be zapped at the same time?” She was silent again. “Okay, I love you, too, you nasty old biddy. Start working on the second man spell. This guy’s never going to love me and I might like to…” she laughed again. “Heck, you’re right. Maybe I ought to consider the other team. I’ll let you know if something happens.” She hung up the phone and after replacing the pictures of his old girlfriends, turned toward the window. Remy pulled the door quietly closed. His mind was swirling. He needed to know who Rayne and her grandmother thought was threatening them. He needed to do something about her wild ideas. No way was he going to let her hire a gigolo to service her. And what is this “second man” thing? What the hell did she mean “the other team”? Remy was talking to Foret and Antibe when Rayne found him. “I’m going to walk around a bit, Remy,” she told him.

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“You don’t like my office?” he drawled. “It’s those pictures, Béb, no?” he pulled her into his arms, reveling in the gasps from the other men. “You want I should throw ‘em?” he wondered if she’d tell him to toss them in the garbage. “I just don’t want to hang out with them any more, Remy. Do what works best for you, okay?” she gave him an indifferent little smile. “I’m going to walk down to the library.” “You got nothin’ else to tell me about the guys shooting at you?” he gave her a hard look. Turning her around so that her back was to him, he partially unbraided her hair and braided it again to his satisfaction. “No, Remy, I have no facts for you right now.” She tried to pull away and he stopped her. Pulling her against him, he crossed his arms in front of her. He rested his cheek against her temple. “Béb, you remember Jules Foret and Luc Antibe from school?” This he murmured low although they could all hear him. “Of course I remember them!” a smile bloomed on her face. “I didn’t recognize you guys at first. It’s so good to see you!” she reached out to shake hands. Foret was the braver of the two reached out and took her hand. A popping, static sound was heard. He dropped her hand and stepped back, red faced. “You got lust in your heart for my Bébé, Foret?” Remy growled, straightening. Maybe there was something to this “spell” thing. “Think I’ll go now,” Rayne murmured. Remy didn’t stop her this time.

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J.J. Massa

Chapter Five

Rayne left the Sheriff’s building and headed toward the library. It was only a short two blocks away. The tree-lined streets were picturesque and soothing to her. Although it was nearly noon, the sun’s rays had trouble beating through the canopy of trees and Spanish moss overhead. On the corner of the second block, the right side of the road was wooded and Rayne stopped to pick some wild flowers, enjoying her surroundings. She’d stepped into the woods just a few feet and was watching some squirrels play. That’s when she heard the car. Automatically, she looked over her shoulder. When she saw the door swing open and a man climb out and move toward her, she plunged into the wooded area. She called out to Remy as a reflex both out loud and mentally. At the same time she caused a branch to fall in front of her pursuer. “Remy! They’re after me again!” she screamed. She didn’t get more than a few feet when a black fabric bag was whipped over her head. This was one time the popping sound and smell of sulfur was welcomed. Fighting the urge to panic, Rayne turned and pointed randomly, causing a tree to fall. She heard swearing and turned away from it. She darted forward, trying to pull the sack off of her head and run at the same time. Predictably, her legs got tangled and the sack got caught in low hanging tree limbs. She was able to raise it just enough to see the hand come at her face. When the man hit her, she saw stars. “Bitch,” he spat, advancing on her. “Your price just went way up.” “He’s got me, Remy,” she thought. “Nobody got you but me,” she heard Remy’s smooth molasses and sandpaper voice in her head. Rayne lay helpless, trying impotently to back away, waiting for the feel of her attacker’s hands on her. Suddenly, she heard a popping noise followed by a male scream and soon, a car door slam. Another popping noise was followed quickly by a ping sound. Tires squealed and Rayne struggled to sit up. 25

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Two strong hands lifted her, pulling the fabric bag from her head and tossing it aside. *** Remy had been sitting in the dispatch room fielding questions about Rayne and their relationship when he’d heard her voice. Remy! They’re after me again! Without even puzzling it out, Remy ordered the two officers with him to follow. Seeing the car crawling down the deserted street, he’d barked, “Get a cruiser to block that escape!” Making his way through the tangle of trees and underbrush, he’d seen Rayne try to remove the bag and then trip. Fury ripped through him when he saw the man backhand her across the face. He heard the bastard call his Bébé a bitch and then he heard her resigned acceptance that they’d gotten her. Her voice was a sad sigh and, for some reason, that enraged him even more. She’d scrambled backward. In that short span of seconds, Remy had aimed, tracked and pulled the trigger. Somehow, in reaching for her, the lucky fool had avoided the killing shot. Remy knew his shot had hit the attacker. The man had screamed and sprinted from the woods. Remy left it to his officers to run the dirt bag down. He headed straight for Rayne, plucking the sack from her head and moving his hands over her, checking for injuries. There was a purple bruise blooming below her right cheekbone but, otherwise, nothing damaged. He hauled her into his arms, dropping to sit on the trunk of a felled tree. Rocking her back and forth, Remy mumbled comfort and nonsense to her in his native Cajun patois. She was shaking a little less now. He unfastened her braid and began raking his fingers through it, dislodging twigs and leaves buried there from her headlong flight. While he kissed her forehead and mumbled to her, Remy told himself why he was so mad. This flaky little innocent gave all she had to people in need. She used all her energy flitting about the globe trying to help poor people treat their ills and injuries. She gave them the means to help themselves instead of begging for aid from strangers. When she nuzzled his neck and lifted her face to his, he admitted to himself that there might be other reasons for his anger. Rayne is mine, damn it, and I’m not finished with her yet. 26

J.J. Massa Holstering his gun, Remy lifted her against him and snagged the bag the man had thrown over her head. He carried her back to the Sheriff’s department and into his office. “Hush,” he told her before she could have even considered saying a thing. Still holding her, he’d seated himself behind his desk. He leaned forward and picked up the two pictures that had offended her before. From his drawer, he pulled a pair of scissors and cut the photos into small pieces and swept them into the trashcan. Weaving a hand through her hair, he cupped her head and pulled it back so that she looked up at him. He traced her parted lips with his tongue. “I’m goanna interview you some,” he murmured into her mouth and then kissed her deeply. “I’m goanna take you home and fuck you some,” he whispered low into her ear. “Then I’m goanna ask you more questions,” he kissed her eyes and nose, ending back at her mouth for an intense kiss. “Most likely, I’ll wanna fuck you some more after that,” he kissed her again. The sound of someone clearing his throat caused Remy to slowly raise his head. Rayne buried her face in his shoulder. “Boss,” Antibe spoke up, embarrassed. “They got away. I’m sorry…” Foret backed from the door as if he expected an explosion. In one fluid movement, Remy stood and placed Rayne back in the chair without him. A few strides later, he’d pushed his men into the hall and the door slammed behind him. *** Rayne was impressed at the range of colorful expression that Remy managed as he chewed out his officers. There was little doubt about how angry he was. He swore loudly and fluently in at least three languages. After retrieving a brush from her purse, Rayne stood looking out the window trying to untangle the hopeless mop on her head. “I think I’ll just cut it all off!” she groused, trying to work through one particularly nasty tangle. “Like hell!” she heard Remy growl behind her. “Go get a stool, Antibe!” he barked. The brush was snatched away and Remy began guiding it through her hair. He pushed her to the stool and tapped her hands when she would have taken the brush back. She could tell he had a hip against his desk as he manipulated the brush through her long wavy hair. “Béb, I heard you call out that they were after you again,” he began, easing the brush though her hair, “can you tell us what you saw right then?” 27

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She drew a breath to answer him when Antibe spoke up. “I didn’t hear her call out, Boss. “I did, Bioque,” he gritted, “Now just take notes!” Rayne didn’t think Antibe was an idiot but she wasn’t saying a word about that. Remy was in a very growly mood. Besides, she did yell out -- as loud as she could. “I was standing in the woods, just off the sidewalk, watching the squirrels play. I heard a car coming so I looked over. Right when I looked, a guy jumped out. I made a branch fall…” “How'd you do that?” Antibe interrupted. “I guess I bumped an old tree really hard,” she improvised. “All that adrenaline, you know?” she turned her head slightly. Remy leaned down and kissed her temple. He began to braid her hair. “Then, I guess maybe he shot at me because a little tree fell.” she looked up at Remy questioningly. He caressed her nape with his fingers. “The guy tried to grab me when he put the bag on my head. I guess… he got shocked.” She was silent a minute. Nervous chuckling could be heard from Antibe. “What happened next, Béb?” Remy prodded her. “Well, the guy was mad and, right when I tried to get the bag off, he hit me on my cheek.” Remy leaned down and feathered a kiss over her injury. “He called me an ugly name and said my price had just gone up.” Remy snapped around to Antibe, “Make sure you write that down just the way she tells you. Béb, what exactly did the man say?” Taking a deep breath, Rayne repeated his words, “He said, “Bitch, Your price just went way up.” “Can you describe his voice?” Remy asked her. After a moment’s thought, Rayne answered him, “His voice sounded like rocks in a blender – with a Michigan accent.” The room was silent for a minute with only the scratching of Antibe’s pen making any noise. Rayne could feel Remy staring speculatively at her. She wasn’t looking forward to part two of this interview. She knew she’d enjoy the middle part but the questioning in between was going to be difficult. Finally, Remy spoke again, helping her stand. “I want you to go with Officer Wilson and tell him everything you can think of about the man what hit you, yeah?” She nodded, following Wilson to a quiet office out of the way. As she described her attacker, Officer Wilson drew his likeness. She went on to tell him about the driver of the car, the make and model of the car. 28

J.J. Massa When she’d run out of things to say, Remy reappeared. “We’re going home to eat. If you cain't get me with my cell, call Ms. Deveau’s number. Don’t call unless you got a good reason.” He leveled a quelling look at the men gathered there. Rayne struggled not to blush. Placing a hand in the small of her back, Remy guided her to his truck. He helped her up into the seat and closed the door. Neither spoke during the drive to Rayne’s grandmother's house.

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Chapter Six

Still silent, Remy led Rayne into the house and up the stairs to her bedroom. Without a word, he took down her hair and pulled off her blouse. She shimmied out of her jeans and then stopped his hands when he would have removed her bra. He scraped off his shoes and socks, pulling his shirt over his head. His gun went on the night table on what he thought of as his side of the bed. “Remy” she breathed, clearly nervous. He arched a blue-black brow at her. “I… Can I…” her head drooped. He had an idea of what she wanted. Lifting her face with a finger under her chin, he ordered, “Say it, Béb.” She took a deep breath. “I’d like to touch you and stuff.” She began to frown at his twitching lips and twinkling eyes. “Don’ be mad, Béb. The touchin’ part sounds good. It’s the “and stuff” that makes me nervous.” She walked up to him and placed her fingertips on his shoulders. Lightly, she scraped her nails down his chest and over his nipples. Sliding her hands around his waist, she began to tongue one nipple. He groaned loudly, shuddering with arousal, anticipation. She pressed a hand against the rigid erection straining at his jeans. With a bestial growl, he took her mouth ferociously, plunging his tongue inside and feeding greedily. When he began to lift his head, she turned her face into his throat. With tiny flicks, she licked at his Adam’s-Apple, down to his sternum and over. She traced the hard lines of his pectoral muscles with her wet lips and tongue. Now he was exceedingly glad he’d spent time working on keeping his body in shape. She pushed off his jeans and boxers, moving him toward the bed at the same time. His mouth kicked up in a half smile as he complied with her unspoken demands. When the backs of his knees hit the mattress, he sat. She guided him backwards urging him around to the pillows and swirling her tongue around his hard nipple as they moved. She began to suck lightly on the nipple and his hips jerked involuntarily in time with her sucking. Rayne gave him a seductive, womanly smile and wrapped her small hand around his large shaft, squeezing lightly in time to her suckling mouth. He moaned, he couldn’t help it--she was torturing him exquisitely. 30

J.J. Massa She moved to his other nipple, lavishing the same treatment on it until he thought he’d come in her hand. He’d never been so stimulated by his nipples. But no one had ever given them this kind of attention. His body was aching, raging with need. She began to kiss and lick her way down his hard abdomen. Six-pack abs, they were called. He’d made sure they were as hard as the side of a building. Never had he thought of them as erogenous zones. Her tongue set fire to his body, pushing him to the very brink of his control. Somehow, she ducked away from his reaching hands and licked and kissed her way from one hip to the other, paying intimate attention to his navel. So far, she’d managed to avoid touching his erection again except with her satiny hair. As she lavished attention on his thighs one at a time, her hair slid across his cock and balls. He was in ecstasy–or was it agony? The line was so blurry now. She’d licked, nipped and kissed her way down past his knee, over his shin, around and around his ankles. First his left leg and then his right leg got her undivided attention. When she began kissing and licking his feet, he thought he’d die. She was so innocent to be so seductive. He reached for her again but she avoided his hands. “You can fuck me later, Remy,” she whispered. “I’m not finished making love to you yet.” Before he could respond, she bent to his cock and sucked on the tip. She flicked her tongue in the slit on top. Slowly, she ran the tip of her tongue along the underside of his shaft. His voice guttural, he begged in Cajun for sanity or intervention. She wrapped her hand around the base and squeezed, pumping up and down as she licked and suckled the top of his cock. Her free hand cupped and fondled his sacks, squeezing them and rubbing them. The feeling was powerful, a raging inferno gathering in his balls. He could feel himself lengthening and feel his balls hardening. He could feel the tingle starting at the base his balls. He tried to pull her up. “No, watch me,” she looked into his eyes. “Watch me…” she rubbed his penis against her soft cheek. “Watch me suck you and drink your come.” Remy groaned audibly, scooting to sit up. “God damn but you goan’ kill me, Béb.” Was that my strangled voice? Rayne was no longer paying attention to his words. She lathed the top of his hard erection and took his rod in her mouth. She sucked rhythmically in time with her pumping hand. As she sucked and pumped his hard cock and fondled his tight sacks, she would lightly graze them with her teeth or nails. The stimulation was intense. He was muttering and grumbling in his native language, trying in vain to hang on. 31

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His fists clenched in the sheets and his body tightened. His hips pumped against her mouth of their own volition. She followed the movement as if it was natural to her. Her satin hair flowing over him just added to the experience. In the moment that he looked at her pleasuring him with her mouth, while her hair spilled around them, he lost it, exploding against the back of her throat. When he came, she sucked and swallowed as if it was her only form of sustenance. She licked, sucked and massaged him until he knew he must be dry. She scooted back away from him and rubbed his leg gently until his breathing returned to normal. He rested a minute and started to pull her up. But she wasn’t finished. Slowly, making sure his eyes were fixed on her, Rayne reached behind her and unhooked her bra. She curled her shoulders forward and let the bra slide down her arms. After that, she brought her hands to her hips. She teased at the elastic of her panties, sliding a finger inside as she edged them down. When the elastic was stretched across her thighs and tight against her mound, she began to fondle her breasts, kneading them and pinching the nipples. Finally, she pushed the panties down another inch or so to just below her sex. She took her fingers and separated the outer labia and rubbed her little nub while she looked into his eyes. She delved deeply and pulled a dripping finger out to show Remy. He leaned forward and took it into his mouth, his eyes never leaving hers. She was the satin embodiment of temptation and he could not resist. Rayne swayed sensuously while she pushed the panties off. She crawled up his legs and straddled his hips. Leaning into his chest, she placed herself over his penis. As it continued to swell, it pressed against her moist center. Once again Rayne leaned forward, deliberately dragging her wet sex on him. She nibbled at his lower lip, traced the seam of his lips with her tongue and licked at the smile lines on the left side of his mouth. She sucked on his chin and leaned forward again to kiss him. When she leaned back, she guided his hard staff into her velvet sheath. “Ahhh, my Bébé, my Bébé.” Remy groaned. Lost. He was completely lost in her. Everywhere he turned there was only Rayne. She leaned toward him and he took one dusky rose-colored nipple into his mouth. She turned a little and he sucked, kissed, and licked the other breast as he had the first. Rayne undulated on his hard rod, around and around and up and down, thrusting her breasts forward and putting her hands behind her head. She rode him slowly and luxuriantly, leaning forward and easing up and down on his throbbing cock. Just about when he thought he’d die, she began to move faster. His thumb found her most sensitive spot, stroking gently. 32

J.J. Massa “You ready, Bébé?” he asked her, his need, her need, too much. Her voice hitched as she said, “Yes, Remy. You take over.” The silk brown curtain of her hair hid her breasts from him, and he gently gathered it together and pushed it behind her shoulder. Her mouth, her face, her body, his resistance was gone. He fastened his mouth over hers and, grabbing her hips, he began pumping himself into her. Remy thrust upward deeply and hard. He could feel his orgasm approaching when she tightened around him. He increased his hold on her slim hips, using both hands to shove himself up into her again and then again. The aftershocks of her clenching climax gripped at his hard length. She felt so hot, so tight, so wet…he roared as his orgasm ripped through him, still clutching her hips and thrusting as his seed pumped into her. She collapsed against his chest and he held her there, saying nothing. What could he say? He’d just had the most incredible, unbelievable, fulfilling sexual experience of his entire thirty-five years. Given that he’d had a great many sexual encounters in that time, it was saying something. This life altering experience had been courtesy of a sexual novice, ten years his junior, whose virginity he’d taken and whom he was fucking. No love, no thank you. As he ran his hands over her soft, satiny skin, Remy tried not to panic. She seemed to sense his feelings. Sliding off of his body, Rayne curled up in the crook of his arm on the pillows. “Remy?” she said softly. He looked down at her. “I don’t expect anything from you, okay?” she kissed his chest. “You do what you do and I’ll do what I do. No strings, no worries.” Looking into those starburst eyes, Remy thought he’d burst into tears. Rayne laid her head on his chest and stretched her arm across his waist in a hug. “I’m going to go conjure up some food. You hungry?” she asked sliding away.

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Chapter Seven

Wow! Yesterday I was a twenty-five year old virgin who’d never been kissed. Today I’m a femme fatale. Rayne stood in the kitchen orchestrating supper. She’d already put the butter, cream, Parmesan cheese, and Romano cheese on the counter. The broccoli was being chopped. The pasta and the pans were floating across the room. “What ya fixing?” Remy called from the bottom of the stairs. The box of pasta, two pans and the broccoli knife fell to the floor with a bang and a clatter. “Remy, you scared me,” she breathed. That was really close. He chuckled at her, picking up the debris. “You get tired easy?” he asked her. “I do. My mind has more energy than my body. I guess if I had a body like yours, maybe I wouldn’t need to use my other senses.” She smiled at him. Remy put his arms around her. “I like your body just fine, Béb. I ‘specially like what you did with it earlier. You sit down and I’ll do this. Just tell me how to mix it, yeah?” “Okay, Remy, if you’re sure.” He kissed her forehead and she sat. “You must be worn out from the day you had. Every bit of it,” he definitely had a wicked gleam in his eye now. “Pretty much, I am,” she agreed. “Remy, do you believe in magic? Telepathy? Levitation?” “Maybe. Some. It’d be fun to see but I wouldn’t want deal with it every day,” he allowed. Rayne nodded. She could understand that. Besides, this whole thing could be over in a matter of days. She took a deep breath. “How about a glass of wine? I’ll pour,” she offered. He nodded, concentrating on mixing the sauce. Rayne poured the wine from her seat at the table, and had his float over to him. He’d had his back to her and she didn’t think he noticed. She held her hand out and the other wine glass floated over and the crystal bowl of the glass landed in her open palm. 34

J.J. Massa She watched him as the glass floated into her hand. He turned at the last minute and looked at her with a raised eyebrow. She stared determinedly back at him. He turned and drained the pasta and brought two plates of Pasta Alfredo over to the table. I guess some people only see what they want to see. She wore her gray satin robe and he wore a pair of jeans. She thought he looked impossibly sexy. She pushed some pasta around with her fork. It was nearly time to come clean. This was going to be uncomfortable. “Don’t play with it, woman, eat it!” he growled. “I'm goanna think you don’t like my cookin’” he gave her a teasing smile. She took a bite and then another. She knew she had to eat. She needed rest and fuel badly. She’d lost a lot of weight since her mother had died. Malaysia hadn’t helped. *** “Grand-mère talks of you a lot, Remy. You’ve been Sheriff here for five years?” “Four, I was a deputy for a year or so,” he answered her. Remy knew what she was doing. She was distracting him. Maybe she was just doing it so she could eat. He didn’t mind that. It looked to him like she was finished though. When he was sure she’d eaten her fill, he pulled her bowl over and ate a little of it. It tasted better than his had, somehow. “You sure you got enough to eat, Béb?” he scrutinized her face. “I’m not a big eater, Remy. Besides, I had all that… before,” she gave him a devilish smile. “You know, that snack you gave me?” she took her plate to the sink. He cleared his plate and followed her. “You were in the Army before that?” she inquired of him, wide-eyed. She sat back down at the table. So did he. “Mais non! Perish the thought!” he pretended insult. “I joined the Marines after school. Ten years of service with two of college. The few, the proud, the Marines! Semper fi!” “Ohhhh, I get it…” she looked innocent again–too innocent. “What you get, petit?” he lifted a brow at her. He’d play along, for now. “I know about Marines.” She smiled warmly at him. “What you know about Marines?” his eyes narrowed and he looked at her suspiciously. “There’s only one way to stop a Marine,” she smiled as she pushed her chair back and stood. 35

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“And what way is that?” he fully expected her to say something sexual. “Throw sand at the wall and yell, “Hit the beach!” He stood stunned as she placidly carried her wineglass into the living room. “Rayne, its time to tell me what you're hiding.” Her chin trembled and she made to sit across the room. Maybe he should have let her but he pulled her to the couch to recline against him. He felt her sigh. “I don’t have any hard facts, Remy,” she sighed again. “Grand-mère and I think it’s my stepfather.” Remy started. “Stepfather? I thought your parents were dead?” She took a sip of her wine. “They are now. My mother only died about a year ago, though.” “I think I need you to tell me the whole story, Béb.” he shifted her so she’d be more comfortable. This seemed like it could be a long one. “My mother was like me--except she had slightly lighter hair and brown eyes-and she was so beautiful.” Remy would have spoken then but she gave a negative jerk of her head. “She got tired like I do and she could move things best with her mind.” Remy felt bad. Rayne leaned against him as if she was exhausted. He’d had no idea that her mother was still alive until last year. That must be why she believes that mind stuff. She’d missed her mom. He wondered how she could have lived separately from her all this time. “Did you see her at all, Béb?” he asked her gently. “Not on purpose. My mother thought that I’d be in danger if people thought that I was her daughter. Her name was Rani Goyers,” she waited. “That the woman in those experiments?” he asked. Whoa! No wonder she believes that crazy shit. “Yeah. Reginald Goyers is the man she married. Before she died, Mère came to suspect that he had something to do with my father’s death. Père was murdered when he wouldn’t get involved in some scheme or another. Mère panicked and sent me here.” “What you tryin’ to tell me, Béb?” Remy was pretty sure he knew but he wanted her to spell it out for him. “Mère was able to levitate objects like me and so she was Reginald’s meal ticket.” “How so?” he asked, thinking he finally understood but not really sure. “He claimed that he’d found a way to create and enhance telekinetic abilities in people with the right criteria. Père wouldn’t work with him. Mère found out a few months before her death that Reginald was the man Père wouldn’t work with.” She snuggled into him. 36

J.J. Massa “Mère was able to levitate objects like me, but Père couldn’t do it as well. He could talk and hear with his mind. I can do that too. Grand- mère can do what Père could do. He could do other stuff that I can’t do though. He could make the wind blow--things like that.” “So either he wants you and your grandmother to work with him, yeah?” he scooted down to a prone position, taking her with him. “Yeah. He’s figured out that I am her child and that I’m Rayin Deveau’s child, too. Grand-mère and I are money in the bank.” She took a deep breath. “But, that’s just what I think. Grand-mère thinks so, too, but we aren’t sure. There’s only one way to know for sure.” Remy took her wineglass and placed it on the coffee table. He placed his next to it. Enough crazy talk for tonight. I have other plans for this little flake. “How we can be sure?” he asked while he eased himself over her. “We let him catch me,” she said, looking into his black eyes. “No, don’t think so,” he licked her lips. “Think I’m goanna catch you now.” Carefully, Remy reached inside her satin robe and cupped her breast. “You too tired, Béb?” he asked her, concerned. His fingers played across her nipple. “Mmm, why don’t you do all the work, Remy? I’ll just lie here,” she gave him her womanly smile. Remy chuckled. He parted her robe and ran his hands up and down her body. She felt like brushed silk under his fingers. He spent a few minutes just feeling her skin. She arched into his hands, staring at him out of languid starburst eyes. “Can I fuck you now, Bébé?” he murmured against her lips. “I’ll spread my legs for you, Remy,” she whispered, drawing her legs up and parting her thighs. He pushed his jeans off and plunged into her without preamble. “Wrap your legs around me,” he growled, huskily. She did. That wasn’t what he wanted. It wasn’t enough. He didn’t want her to lie there and be fucked. He wanted her to moan, to scream, to want him. She had to need him. She’d given him so much today and he still wanted more. He caught her thighs over his arms and began plunging into her like this would be the last time he ever did. His mouth clamped to hers and his hips drove his rigid cock into her over and over. He ground himself against her mound while his tongue demanded submission. Soon he felt her gasping cries against his mouth. That’s it, that’s what I need. He pulled back and thrust again and again until she screamed and clamped around him. He 37

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felt her body shake. He felt her orgasm rip through her and rip through him. YES! He yelled his release and shot his hot load into her. She sighed in exhaustion and satiation. He lay on top of her for a minute. At some point, he realized that he was probably too heavy on her. As he levered his two hundred pound frame off of her ninety something pound body, panic swept over him. He looked down at her sleepy face and creamy, delicate body framed in gray satin and knew he wanted nothing more than to carry her up to bed. He wanted to do that every day for the rest of his life. It had to be one of her grandmother’s spells. It had to be! He knew damn well it wasn’t but he was willing--no, he needed to lie to himself about it. It was not possible to fall in love with a woman he’d only known a few days. Sure, he’d taken her virginity and those few days had been intense. She’d shown him trust and given of herself in ways nobody ever had with him-even the long-term relationships he’d had over the years. She didn’t demand things from him. She accepted him. I’ve got to get the hell out of here. Without a word, Remy got up, pulled on his jeans and gathered his belongings. He felt her eyes on him as he walked out the door.

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Chapter Eight

Rayne didn’t hear from Remy the next day and he didn’t hear from her. She spent the day tending her grandmother’s garden. She didn’t worry about her stepfather and his hired help. As long as she stayed in her grandmother’s house, she was safe. That was fine, well and good but she needed to get out. She was going to go crazy trapped in the house. All she was doing here was playing in the dirt and trying not to think of Remy Doucette. Remembering that the Harvest Festival was going on tonight, Rayne showered and threw on some old jeans. She was going to socialize. She promised herself she wouldn’t look for the Sheriff. With her grandmother’s house so close to the middle of town, Rayne decided to walk. She determined to pay attention and take care. *** “I promise, chéri, there is only you in my heart!” John Spike was at the end of his rope. He was a reformed rake. He had found the woman he wanted to marry and she couldn’t get past his “bad boy” image. How could he convince her? He looked at the object of his affections in despair. Turning his head to look out on the crowd, he could see six women he’d spent time with over the years, more possibly. Hold on! Electric Rayne! She might be the only one who could help. John shot to his feet and yelled. “Rayne! Rayne Deveau!” he shouted. He could see Yvonne glaring at him but, for once, he ignored her. Rayne was looking around and finally spotted him. How was it possible that she’s gotten so much more beautiful? Looking at her could break a man’s heart – if he wasn’t in love with someone else. She began to run toward him and then she stopped. He could see the uncertainty in her moist eyes. He held out his arms and grinned at her. She ran into them. John wrapped both arms around her and swung her around. He held her away from him and hugged her again. He couldn’t believe how misty he felt, too. 39

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“Damn, you look good! You look so good it’s painful, sugar,” he had to wipe an eye with his hand. “Oh, John. I really have missed you. Where is she? I want to meet her. What’s her name?” she said it all in a stream of words. John wrapped an arm around Rayne’s slender shoulders. For once, he didn’t mind introducing his love to a beautiful woman from his past. “Rayne Deveau I want you to meet Yvonne Beauchamp.” John dropped his arm from around Rayne and placed his hand on the back of Yvonne’s waist, urging her forward. “Pleased, I’m sure.” Yvonne said haughtily, not looking at Rayne. “You are not going to sull-up about Rayne. She's my friend and deserving of respect,” John growled. He’d had enough of this pouting of hers. When would she trust him? “John, please, it’s okay,” Rayne started. “You know what, Rayne? When I saw you, I thought to use you to prove I love only this woman and want no other.” He took a deep breath. “It would break my heart to walk away but I can’t be with a woman who won’t even try to trust me. You knew right away I was in love.” “Of course I did, John. I’m Electric Rayne. Only one man can touch me with lust in his heart. But she’s not from around here. In fact, lots of people around here don’t really believe it.” Rayne was trying to make things better and John remembered how soothing her company had always been. “What’s that mean?” Yvonne was curious and a little nervous if John wasn’t mistaken. Maybe he’d gotten through to her. Still, he was angry that she needed proof. “I heard you finally found that one man,” John grinned, ignoring Yvonne. “I…he… Please, John, I came here to find something else to think about.” Rayne tried to hide her trembling chin. “Sugar, are you alright? Let’s go somewhere and talk about it.” He placed a hand under her chin. She tugged her face away. “Rayne, I don’t want you hurt…” he said in a warning voice. She looked at him with pleading eyes and he dropped his hand. “Yvonne? You wonder why they call me Electric Rayne?” She turned her back on John, avoiding his soul-searching look. “I do.” Yvonne leveled her chin at Rayne but John could see she wasn’t pouting anymore. Rayne smiled conspiratorially, linking her arm through Yvonne’s. “I came here to live with my Grand-mère when I was thirteen,” she began. 40

J.J. Massa John listened intently. He wanted to hear her tell it. He wondered how he’d come out in this tale. “I should tell you that my father grew up here and broke more hearts than our John has. He was a very handsome man.” Rayne began to walk with Yvonne through the crowd. Yvonne was enthralled. “My mother was Romini--Gypsy. She was very beautiful. I’m sure I was an ugly duckling but my Grand-mère became convinced that men would be attracted to me. It didn’t help that I had moved here from Paris, the City Of Love.” “Rayne Deveau?” one man grabbed her hand and got shocked. Rayne greeted him and moved on. John knew that Yvonne couldn’t miss the sparks and sulfur smell strong in the air. “Grand-mère had studied some of the ancient beliefs, you know…” Another admirer interrupted Rayne. This man, too, tried to touch her, putting a hand on her shoulder. The static shock drove him to his knees. Yvonne’s eyes were wide as she took it in. “Well, Yvonne, to make this story a bit shorter, Grand-mère didn’t want me to get my head turned by the wrong man so she put a spell on me.” Rayne arched a brow and smiled. “A- a spell?” John knew Yvonne wasn’t sure if she was being had or not. “John?” Rayne turned to him. “How long did you try to convince me to kiss you in our senior year?” “Spent a good month on it before you would let me kiss you. Thought my lips would never heal.” John chuckled at the memory. “I want you to know, in case you don’t, that our friendship did mean a lot to me, Rayne. It really did.” He squeezed the hand that was looped around Yvonne’s waist. Yvonne wasn’t pouting any more but she was confused. She must have realized that John had admitted to chasing a woman for the first time. The rest of the time, the women had wasted no time in filling her in. This time, he gladly told the tale. “I know it did, John, I do. Me too.” Turning to Yvonne, Rayne explained. “Only one man can touch me while he feels lust in his heart for me. Everyone else gets shocked.” John leaned down and kissed Rayne’s cheek and smiled. “I don’t feel lust for anybody but you, Yvonne. That’s why I can finally show Rayne that I love her as a friend.” *** Rayne’s heart was moved as Yvonne turned to John. 41

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“You don’t feel lust for this incredibly beautiful woman that you tried to date? Oh John!” Yvonne cried. What a sweet thing to say. Rayne slipped away as John took his love into his arms. Moving through the crowds, Rayne felt good about John and Yvonne. She hoped her little electrical problem had helped someone. It sure isn’t doing me any favors. While watching the lovebirds together had been sweet, Rayne felt lonely. Sadly, she realized that she would feel lonely no matter what. Rayne had just headed across a grassy field toward home when a flaming pole came flying at her. As she jerked first one way and then the other, several more came flying at her from different directions. She tried to send them away, but there were too many and she couldn’t tell where they were coming from. Soon she was encircled by them--caught in the middle. She heard sirens in the distance but she couldn’t get out of the flaming circle. The projectiles were still coming at her. Finally, she sunk to the ground and covered her head with her arms.

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Chapter Nine

Remy was the first man on the scene when the call came in. He had been in the neighborhood, considering going to Rayne’s house. He didn’t want to want her. He didn’t want to need her. He didn’t want to give in to the call of her. It was like an addiction that was eating away at him. When he saw those flaming poles, almost like torches, he’d been concerned but not alarmed. As he got closer, he saw the person in the center turning left, then right and finally sinking to the ground. He knew instantly it was Rayne. He didn’t even park his truck. Remy stopped his vehicle in the road and leaped out, running toward her. “Spread out!” he bellowed to his arriving officers. “Circle the area! Those things are coming from somewhere!” The projectiles were getting closer and closer to her. She was on her side in the grass curled tightly into a ball. A shower of sparks flowed over her and one flaming--it was an old-fashioned broom--one flaming broom fell over and landed on her. Remy dived in, covering her with his body and brushing off the sparks. He tossed away the burning wood and straw. Still covering her, he radioed a deputy to come and put out the fire. Scooping her into his arms, Remy marched toward the first break in the circle and through it. He carried her to a grassy area away from the flaming circle and sank down with her. He held up a hand halting anyone from coming close. For a full minute he sat with her on his lap and close to his heart, unmoving. He buried his face in her smoky hair and held her. He could feel her heart racing. “I got you, Béb,” he crooned. “It’s me, Rayne, only me.” He could feel her slowly, very slowly beginning to relax a little. “Someone's goanna take a look at your arms an’ stuff. Got to make sure there ain’t no real bad burns, Béb.” He felt her tense up again. “Remy,” she croaked. He could feel her swallowing, trying to clear her throat. “Remy, would … please, Remy just for now…” she buried her face in his shirt, shaking. “I’m goanna stay right here with you, Bébé, don’t worry,” he soothed her. 43

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He held her in his arms as the paramedics, a man and a woman who’d known them both for years, checked her over. Just to be safe, Remy made sure only the woman touched Rayne. Someone brought her a bottle of water and she gratefully drank. When the local doctor suggested a sedative for her, he felt her tense in his arms. He shook his head and the man left. He’d listened as she told Officer Larsen that she’d had no real notion of going to the Harvest Festival. She’d been tired of her own company and decided to come. There was no rhyme or reason to her decision to leave the festival. She had just decided that she was ready to go home and go to bed. This concerned Remy more than if she’d had a known schedule. Someone was watching her very closely. She’d said that she’d been alone for the last fifteen or twenty minutes before she left so it wasn’t a listening device. Rayne was being followed. John Spike came up to them with a nervous blonde woman in tow. By then, Rayne was in something of a daze. He held her head to his shoulder and mumbled endearments to her absently, trying to keep her calm. He wanted nothing more than to get her out of there. To his surprise, John told him that Rayne had spent the better part of an hour with him and his fiancée, Yvonne. He recounted the places they’d walked to during the festival and the people they’d spoken with. As John spoke to his lady nearby, Remy heard what they said. “I thought no man could touch her with lust in his heart,” the blond said. “That man definitely had lust in his heart for her,” she accused. “I said only one man could. Sheriff Doucette is that one man.” John’s voice was patient but just barely. “Didn’t you notice that he didn’t let any other man touch her? Not the doctor or the paramedic.” Remy had heard enough. Gathering Rayne, he deposited her into his SUV--one of his men had parked it and turned off the engine. He’d had his fill of this--he was taking her home. Since Deke had the night shift, he’d take her to his place. *** Arriving at the home he shared with his brother, Remy carried Rayne into his bedroom and through to the adjoining bathroom. She watched him with dazed eyes as he turned the shower on and turned back to her. He quickly pulled her shoes and socks from her feet. When he lifted her shirt at the hem, she tugged away from him. Her eyes were wide and he saw a distressed frown on her face. 44

J.J. Massa “We’re only going to wash the smoke off of you, Bébé,” he said in a soft voice. “It’s okay.” Her head dropped forward slightly and she looked down at the floor. Remy decided that he’d reassure her later. Right now he was glad to have her submit to his care. He helped her stand and finished undressing her. Quickly, he undressed himself as well. Helping her into the shower, it took all of his willpower to ignore how beautiful she was. He couldn’t help his body’s reaction to her but he tried to pay it no attention. Remy stood Rayne under the water and soaped her body as impersonally as possible. He lathered her hair and then rinsed her again. Cursorily he did the same to himself and lifted her from the shower. He wrapped her long hair in a towel and began to dry her slight body with another one. Hurriedly, he buffed her skin until it was rosy and warm and then he pulled one of his tee shirts over her head. He turned his attention to her long hair and carefully began to brush it out. When he was certain that it was reasonably dry and tangle-free, he braided it loosely. Finished with his ministrations, Remy carried her to his bed and eased her under the covers. Pulling on a pair of boxer shorts, he slid in next to her and took her into his arms. At first, she lay tense and rigid but, after a time, she relaxed against him. He just held her and rubbed her back until her even breathing told him she had fallen asleep. After some time, he too dozed off. *** The sky was just changing from night-dark to a purple-dawn color when Rayne woke up. She felt unusually warm and unusually--safe. The kind of safe you felt when you were right were you belonged. I have to get out of here. Cautiously, Rayne edged out from under Remy’s strong arm. She wondered if it was so hard to do because he was so strong and heavy or because she really didn’t want to put any distance between them. Remy’s tee shirt reached her knees so she wasn’t worried about being properly covered. Rayne tiptoed from his bedroom and pulled the door closed. Relaxing a little, she explored the rest of the house. Glancing in the other rooms, it was easy to tell that two men shared this home. It was clean enough but it was, without a doubt, a bachelor abode. Exploring the living room, Rayne found all manner of electronics equipment. As she explored, she came upon a daunting CD collection. Two different rooms housed computers and accompanying equipment. 45

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In the kitchen, she found the refrigerator well stocked with beer, packaged meals, energy drinks, and sports drinks. The pantry held all manner of convenience foods. Finally, after a concentrated search, Rayne found the coffee and the coffee filters. Quietly, she pulled a kitchen chair over to the window and sat down to watch the sun come up. It wasn’t long before she heard the coffee pot finish. Automatically, Rayne pointed to the cabinet where she’d seen the mugs. It opened and a mug floated over to the coffee pot. She settled the mug onto the counter and looked at the coffee carafe. It lifted, filled the mug, and then settled back onto the heating element. “I think I liked you better when I thought you were just a flake.” The mug of coffee was floating across the kitchen when Remy spoke. Rayne startled and the full mug dropped to the tile floor with a crash. “A flake, I could get used to. I cain’t get used to a freak,” Remy growled. At those words, Rayne’s head snapped back as if he’d slapped her. “Clean that up!” he barked at her. Instantly, pieces of the ceramic mug began to flow toward the trashcan in the corner of the kitchen. “Stop that!” he roared. Those shards of mug that hadn’t made it into the trash began dropping to the tile floor in musical clinks and tinkles. “Clean it up the regular way, damn it!” he barked at her again. She wouldn’t point out that it was regular for her. Hesitantly, she eased out of her chair and edged to the counter, never taking her eyes off of him. His eyes were narrowed as he glared at her. Anger was evident in every line of his body. His brows were low over his snapping black eyes. His fists were clenched at his sides. She could even see his nostrils flaring as he breathed heavily, watching her do his bidding. Her first instinct was to cut and run for the door. She fought the impulse knowing that he was the predator and she was the prey. If she ran, he’d chase her. When he caught her, he was likely to be even angrier than he was right now. For a moment, as she found a cloth and some paper towels, she considered reminding him that she’d told him of her abilities. That moment passed rapidly. She was afraid that if she made a sound, he’d attack. Rayne was used to dealing with people at their most primitive levels. Many of those that she worked with had been reduced to basic survival. In some cases, language 46

J.J. Massa had been abandoned for sounds and actions that communicated only the most basic needs. The only time she ever read anyone’s mind had been when no other form of interaction would work. Keeping her head bowed, she carefully reached out to Remy’s mind. He was so enraged that it was hard to be sure of his thoughts. As best as she could tell, his anger stemmed from her bringing the abnormal into his “normal” world. I’m definitely abby-normal. I’m guessing he would NOT go for a mixed marriage… The phone rang and he snatched it up, turning his back to her. Before she could turn a hair, he swung back around. Covering the phone’s mouthpiece, he growled, “Don’t be doing that crazy shit in my house, you understand?” She nodded vigorously. As she cleaned the spill, her mind worked furiously. She didn’t know exactly where Remy and Deke lived in relation to her grandmother’s house. That wasn’t insurmountable. The trick would be to find her clothing so she could get out of this place. Rapidly finishing her task, Rayne skirted through the living room and down the hall. Once in Remy’s bathroom, she found her clothes and pulled them on, smoke smell and all. She heard him on the phone still but couldn’t tell if he was moving. Concentrating hard, she fixed her gaze on the window, lifting it and forcing the screen out. She climbed through it and lowered herself to the ground. Once again focusing on it, she closed the window again and put the screen back in place. Rayne cut through a few back yards before she emerged onto a cross street. She realized where she was right away. Thankfully, she wasn’t more than a half-mile from her grandmother’s home. Deciding that discretion was indeed the better part of valor, Rayne cut through yards and sent out calm thoughts to any dogs she passed along the way. Breathing a hefty sigh of relief, she snuck into her grandmother’s backdoor without incident. *** Remy Doucette was beside himself as he flopped down in a chair at his mother’s kitchen table. Without a word, Jolene Doucette filled a cup of coffee for her son and sat down across from him.

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Taking a sip, he avoided his mother’s all-too-knowing gaze. She slid a plate of biscuits toward him and he shook his head “no”. After a brief hesitation, he took one after all. “How’s little Rayne doing with all the excitement last night?” Jolene asked him innocently. Remy made a noise that could charitably be called noncommittal and said nothing else. His mother moved behind him and squeezed his shoulders, leaning down to kiss him on the head. “She’s real pretty, isn’t she?” Jolene commented. Remy glared at her. “There’s some talk about you two going around.” “Don’t matter,” he growled. “That’s a shame, son.” She moved back into her chair and looked long at him. Remy began to feel uncomfortable. “What?” he barked at her. Instantly, he was sorry, he’d never acted like this with his mother. She turned away from him and took a sip of her coffee. When she looked at him again, she had tears in her eyes. “Maman, I’m sorry…” he began. She waved her hand, cutting him off. Leaning forward, she snatched a paper napkin from a holder on the table and dabbed at her eyes. He could tell she wanted to say something so he waited. “I always felt I owed that girl something,” she sniffed. Remy frowned. “She should’ve been my daughter.” “Maman?” he looked at her quizzically. “I was wildly, passionately, deeply in love with Rayin Deveau.” She looked at her son unblinking. If her goal had been to shock him, she was successful. Remy had never heard anything about this before. His parents had been married for his entire life and often talked about when they were dating. As he recalled, they’d had a long engagement. She nodded at him. “He asked me to marry him. I said “yes”.” She’d managed to shock him still more. Catching his breath, Remy said, “Mom, just because you didn’t marry a guy doesn’t mean you owe his daughter anything.” “Son, I truly believe that if I’d married him, if I hadn’t been so afraid…” she took a big gulp of air and then another one. “I was afraid of his psychic abilities.” Remy didn’t say anything. He didn’t think he wanted to hear anything more. 48

J.J. Massa “Rayin understood. He said he believed that we were soul mates--Yin and Yang. I told him that he should find someone who was like him. He told me that he loved me and he knew I wanted what was best for him.” Tears were streaming down his mother’s face now. Remy had the feeling that she needed to talk about this. He continued to listen carefully while he rubbed her shoulder and filled her coffee cup. “I refused to see him anymore and he left the parish. When he married Rani, he wrote to me. He said, “She isn’t you but she is like me. I hope we can be as happy as you and Jerome are.” Remy wondered if he’d written her when his father, Jerome, had married his mother. She seemed to anticipate his question. “I’d married Jerome nearly ten years before and we had you the second year we were married. Rayin came to our wedding. He watched me get married and he shook your father’s hand. He never came back here again.” Apparently lost in her memories, Jolene moved to the stove began to cook some eggs and bacon. Remy decided that he’d do his part and eat the food she put it in front of him. He knew that she would feel better if her hands stayed busy. “When Rani had little Rayne, I was so sure that he was happy. Old Mrs. Deveau kept me updated, when I asked.” She sighed. “I was devastated when he was killed. They never solved that crime.” She set the plate of eggs and bacon in front of Remy. Refilling both their coffee cups, she sank down next to him. “When I heard that Rani sent that child here, I went to her grandmother’s house right away. The little girl barely spoke English since they’d been living all over Europe.” His mother stood and walked to the sink. “You okay, Maman?” he asked. “She was shell-shocked. She just looked at me and said, “Mon Père is dead. I will never be safe again.” Jolene turned to Remy. “I guess she was right.” *** Having only been back from Remy’s a very short time, Rayne was surprised when the telephone rang. Outside, Mother Nature was making herself heard and the pounding rain punctuated by booming thunder nearly drowned out the ringing of the old-fashioned desk phone. “Hello?” Rayne answered in a loud voice. She heard nothing but a series of clicks. “You’re going to have to speak louder, the storm is making it hard to hear!” 49

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“Rayne, Rayne, go away, come again some other day.” The voice she heard made her skin crawl. “What do you want?” she snapped. “Why, Rayne, my dear, you sound so hostile…” It was Reginald Goyers. “You know exactly what I want.” His voice had hardened a little. “You can want in one hand and spit in the other--guess which one is going to fill up faster?” Her Grand-mere was always saying that to her. “Watch your mouth, young lady!” he snapped. She thought she heard him take a deep breath. “I don’t know why you’re making this so difficult, my dear. Why do you resist the inevitable? You know I won’t let you talk about me.” “You overestimate your importance. I won’t waste my breath talking about you to anyone,” she bluffed. “Not even to your boyfriend? Come, come, Rayne, I’m an intelligent man. You, I’m afraid, have underestimated your importance to me,” the oily voice was back but with a hard edge to it. “I’m not interested in you or in what you think is important. Just leave Grandmere and me alone.” “You are so like your father, Rayne. And because of that, you may end up the same way. I will not let you talk--you should know that. I expect you to come along quietly or you and your grandmother will die!” He slammed down the phone. Trembling, Rayne put the phone down on its cradle. Neither person heard the click of the third party hanging up the phone. *** Remy stormed into his office earning himself a speculative look from John Spike. He ignored it. While Remy emerged from his office only to rage about the stormy weather and berate his officers for mistakes, John stayed out of the way and tried to decide what to do. Finally, he could take no more. “Only for you, ma chéri Rayne, will I line up to be a hot lunch,” he mumbled, rising to his feet. “Only for you…” The Sheriff was standing at his window staring out when John entered. “What you want?” he barked. John placed two cups of coffee on the desk and leaned on a corner. Emitting what sounded like a growl, Remy stalked back to the desk and sank into his chair. “Thanks,” he mumbled, “That the only reason you’re here?” 50

J.J. Massa “You mean besides trying to keep that tree you’re glaring at from going up in flames?” he quipped. Remy’s brow furrowed and his eyes became angry black coals. “You think you’re funny, boy?” he growled in a menacing voice. John sighed. “Nah, I ain’t funny. I know it. Had a fight with Yvonne last night,” he mumbled. He kept his voice low and tried to speak in a sad moan. Placing his coffee cup back on the desk, he sunk his hands into his pockets. The Sheriff wouldn’t see his crossed fingers. “That’s too bad,” Remy responded, not sounding like he cared either way. “Did you have a fight with Rayne? Is that why you’re growling like a bear with a sore head?” he asked. “Mind your own damned business!” Remy barked. “I did not have and do not have any damned thing going on with Rayne Deveau! Nothing, you hear?” “Sure didn’t appear that way the other night,” John returned, narrowing his eyes. “Looks can be deceiving,” Remy gritted. “Yeah?” he asked in a hopeful voice. “Yeah,” the Sheriff growled. “Good,” John said smugly. “Why that’s good?” Remy’s voice was low but John heard the danger in it. “I’m feeling down,” he explained. He removed his hands from his pockets and pushed away from the desk, turning to look Remy in the eye. “I won’t mind getting zapped if I can go bury myself deep in the beautiful, soft, sweet smelling Rayne.” It was eerily quiet for many seconds until, as if a switch had been activated, Remy erupted across the desk with a roar. John felt his boss grab him by the throat and then pain exploded in his face. He experienced a flying backward sensation for a second or two that ended in his abrupt meeting with a wall. The last thing he heard before the lights went out was the office secretary telling the Sheriff she had a citizen who’d overheard a threatening phone call.

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Chapter Ten

Rayne was sitting on a long window seat, looking out the open dormer windows, watching the rain pour down. She’d broken out of Remy’s house the day before and still felt a little tired. The only voice she’d heard since then was her. The large windows overlooked the back yard where the gardens were a little wild. The cool breeze coming in through the window was just a little too cool for her. She didn’t want to close it so she decided that she’d get a wrap. Just as she began to call an afghan to her, the front door opened. Startled, she dropped the blanket. Furrowing her brow in concern, Rayne wondered who it could be. Suddenly, she remembered what her grandmother had told her about her home’s protective wards. The only people who could enter uninvited were family and loved ones. It had to be Remy Doucette. Annoyed, she called the afghan again. It floated in front of Remy to the back of the house where she sat on the long window seat. Unmoving, she waited while it settled itself around her shoulders. He stared at her, eyebrow arched, saying nothing. She stared back, lifting an eyebrow at him. “Mind if I sit?” His voice was neutral. “You didn’t knock,” she answered. “I didn’t think you’d let me in,” he told her. She shrugged. She wasn’t sure if she would have, given a choice. “Now that you are in, you may as well sit,” she conceded, snuggling more deeply into the corner away from him. He moved closer to her seat and she could see the rain on his arms, back and hair. “Wait!” Two towels came zooming down the stairs and began rubbing his arms and hair. “Stop that!” he gritted. “This is my house, Remy. This is normal for me.” 52

J.J. Massa “Fine, but I can dry my own damned self.” he said gruffly. She dropped the towels. He picked them up and finished rubbing his arms and hair to get most of the water off. It took all her self-control to keep from running her fingers through his damp hair to straighten it. Rayne grabbed the edges of the afghan and pulled it more closely about her. Looking at the towels he dropped, she called them to wipe the floor where the rain had dripped from his shoes causing little puddles. “I gotta say that’s spooky, Béb,” he murmured. Pulling her knees up to her chin, Rayne asked him, “Why are you here, Remy?” Taking a deep breath, he said, “Those flaming brooms all had the word “witch” written on ‘em.” “I guess now you know why that is, don’t you, Sheriff?” He ignored her. “You got a threatening phone call last night.” He made it a statement and not a question. “And you know this how?” she asked archly. “The caller stated he wouldn’t let you talk and that either you or…” he flipped a page in his little notebook. “Either you would come with him or both you and your grandmother would die.” “Sounds like you really don’t need me for this.” She looked away brows pulled together, her mouth set in a grim line. *** One too many smart-assed answers had destroyed Remy’s good intentions. Dropping his pad and pen, he kicked off his shoes and scraped off his socks at the same time that he unfastened his heavy belt. Molten desire was pounding through his veins. He’d interview her later. Reaching out with his left hand, he grabbed her ankle and pulled her down into a reclining position. He throbbed with hunger for this woman. His body literally throbbed-pulsed in pain. No doubt she had cast some kind of spell on him. She just didn’t understand what she did to him. He looked at her and he wanted her. It was that simple. He ached for her. Ached. Her soft mouth begged for his to cover it. When she was within arms’ reach, he had to touch her. He couldn’t help himself. He had to. Before she could even squeak, he lowered his body over hers. Her legs were bare. He remembered that she’d been wearing a thin, short dress before she wrapped herself in that afghan. He slid his hand up her thigh. “What- what are you doing, Remy?” her voice was a little high-pitched gasp. 53

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“I was going to question you, Béb, but now I think I’ll fuck you. Seems like that’s what you want.” He punctuated his words by insinuating one finger into her panties. He lightly rubbed his knuckle up and down her moistening inner lips. “No, Remy,” she said, her voice clutching breathlessly. “I’ll answer your questions.” “Later Béb. You’ll for sure answer them later. Right now, we goanna fuck.” To emphasize his point, he shrugged off his shirt and slid out of his pants and shorts. His erection was a hard and thick embodiment of the hunger consuming him. “For someone wanting to fuck as bad as you do, you have way too many clothes on.” Taking her wrists in his hands, he spread her arms so that the afghan was spread under her. With one hand, he raised her dress over her head and off of her, transferring both wrists from one hand to the other. She wore no bra. Those pink-tipped globes pulled him down, summoning him. They were a siren’s song. He began suckling at her breasts immediately. First he sucked one breast deeply into his mouth. After a stinging nibble and a sucking kiss, he transferred his attentions to her other breast. The hand that wasn’t holding her wrists rested on her flat tummy and he moved it to her hip. Raising his head, he found her mouth with his, covering it on a low, hungry growl. Releasing her wrists, he ran his hands over her warm and silky skin. When his hands found her hips, he brushed her panties down and off. Rising above her, he fitted his pulsing erection against her moist heat. Her velvet and satin sheath beckoned him and he struggled against the urge to plunge. One hand cupped her face and caressed her jaw while the other massaged her feminine nub. Her eyes were closed but he could see the flush of arousal staining her chest and neck. His body was on fire with need. Hunger clawed at him. “Look at me, Bébé,” he ordered roughly. “Look at me.” With effort, it seemed, she opened her eyes and looked into his. He fought to keep from falling into those silver and blue starbursts. He gave himself a mental shake. “Tell me you want me,” he growled. She closed her eyes to him. “Open your eyes and tell me you want me deep inside you,” he gritted, pulling his hand and his shaft away from her. He heard her take a deep breath and whisper, “I want you, Remy.” 54

J.J. Massa Not satisfied, he began to lift himself away from her. She opened her eyes and looked into his black eyes again. “I want you inside of me, Remy,” she choked out. Without another word, he surged forward into her tight silk, taking her, dominating her. Stroke after powerful stroke he forged into her, stretching her, claiming her. He took her harder and faster, gathering and plunging deeper and deeper still. He could feel nothing but Rayne. Her scent, her feel, she was all around him. He heard her soft cries, felt her griping him, her body clenching and tightening around him. He couldn’t stop, didn’t stop until he felt himself explode, taking her with him. “MINE!” he roared. “I love you,” she whispered so low that he wasn’t sure he heard the words correctly. *** Rayne lay wrapped in Remy Doucette’s arms hating how much she loved being there. He’d rolled to his side and her face was nestled against his furry chest. She could hear the rain falling down outside the window. She felt so safe, so welcome, so loved. Such a fool. With difficulty, she managed not to snuggle into him, but it took a Herculean effort. It took nearly as much effort not to burst into tears. Almost against his will it seemed, Remy stroked her leg, trailing his open hand up her rounded cheeks and over her back and then down again. Rayne closed her eyes and breathed deep, enjoying the feel of his hand on her. He pressed her face to his neck and continued to stroke her, seemingly mesmérized by the rain. She inhaled his scent and touched her tongue to his throat. He smells like bayberry and ocean breezes--I love it—I love him. “Are you a witch of some kind, Rayne Deveau?” His slightly angry voice rumbled through her body. “I don’t think so,” she told him honestly. “What you’re doing to me, woman?” He wasn’t looking at her, but she knew he was focused intently on her. “Maybe I’m doing something you don’t want me to do, Remy.” Her voice was hoarse and raw. She took a deep breath. She knew she shouldn’t say anything more. “I just can’t help it.” With a rumbling growl, he rolled away from her. Resisting the urge to reach out to him, Rayne turned on her other side to face the dormer windows. 55

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Tears slipping unchecked down her face as she listened to the sounds of her lover leaving her. The cushion dipped as he sat, having pulled on his shirt, shorts and pants, he was putting his shoes on again. Leather creaked as the heavy belt was fastened. It wasn’t hard to identify the smooth sound of his gun slipping into its holster or the clinking rattle as his handcuffs settled back into place. When Remy stood, she felt the weight of his scrutiny as he looked down at her. Knowing better than to look back at him, she held her breath. He turned on his heel and walked away. Rayne couldn’t decide which would anger him more - the tears in her eyes or the love she couldn’t hide. She waited until she heard his truck drive away before she gave in to the wrenching sobs she couldn’t hold back. *** The rain lasted for another day and Rayne maintained her vigil on the long window seat in front of the dormer windows. Moving only to heed nature’s call, she sat there for an entire day and night while dozing and watching the rain come down. Briefly she considered adding a ward against Remy so he couldn’t come back but decided it wouldn’t be necessary. He wasn’t anywhere near her and seemed to be just fine with that. She’d like to claim that her pride was suffering but the hurt went deeper than that-much deeper. Somehow she’d known that if she ever found her “sweet smelling man” he’d break her heart. She’d been right. After two more days, sunny days that were spent tending her grandmother’s garden, Rayne found the isolation overpowering. Drained and unhappy, her stepfather’s intermittent threatening phone calls just added to the frustration. She decided to put her game face on and walk over to the pub. Her boisterous friend Gail would cheer her up. When she arrived, Gail was indeed in a cheerful mood. She insisted that Rayne give her the lowdown on the Sheriff. Rayne resisted for a while but Gail was unrelenting. Finally, she gave in. They were sitting in Gail’s office when Rayne finally began to tell her friend about how things had gone. “You were right, Gail, Remy Doucette was and is that sweet smelling man. The problem is that he just wants to screw. I just can’t say that other word anymore.” Rayne tried to compose herself. “Predictably, I guess, I fell in love hard and fast. He got what he wanted and now he’s done with me.” “It makes me ashamed to be his brother,” came a voice from the doorway. 56

J.J. Massa Rayne was absolutely humiliated. “Oh please, Deke, please forget you ever heard a word of this, please.” She could do no more than beg. “You feel any lust for me, Rayne Deveau?” he asked her. Wide eyed, she shook her head “no”. “Come take my arm and let’s go have a drink. You come, too, Gail.” Deke sounded commanding and Rayne definitely felt lost. She needed an hour or so of someone else taking charge. “Sugar, don’t worry. I don’ know where my brother is and this ain’t no trick. We were friends once. Lets just be friends again?” His brow arched in the way his brother’s did and her heart caught. He was right, though, they had been friends once. She could use all the friends she could get right now. Rayne placed her hand on Deke’s elbow and walked back into the restaurant with him. Gail stopped and ordered them a bottle of wine and the three sat. Engrossed in conversation, none of them paid attention to the comings and goings at the bar. Nobody saw Remy sit down and watch his brother and the ladies as they talked. Occasionally, Gail got up and then came back. After a time, when it was only she and Deke, Rayne turned her pain-filled eyes to him. “Deke, you promise not to tell what you heard before?” she asked. “Of course, Sugar, I won’t say,” he promised. “You know, Remy’s been in a pretty bad mood the last three days, Rayne,” he looked at her intently. “He’ll figure it all out, Deke. I’m going to help.” She was taking a chance but maybe it really would help. “What you mean, you goanna help?” he growled. She looked away and then looked back at him, taking a deep breath. “They need me in Mississippi. I can afford to keep Grand-mère away from here for a while. I’m taking this fight somewhere else.” Deke exploded. He shot from his chair and shouted at her. “What the hell do you think doing a stupid thing like that?” He seemed to realize that he was making a scene and sat down again. He tossed a napkin to her because she was getting upset again. “I think I’ve had just about e-nuff of you and your just-wants-to-fuck-me brother!” she said in a strangled whisper. “I’m taking my troubles off to where nobody knows me and nobody can hurt me anymore. In Mississippi, there are people who just need a little help. I can do that. Just stay away from me. All of you!” she stood up. “Maybe the worst isn’t as bad as it’s been made out to be. I’d rather be a lab rat.” 57

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Rayne would have given anything to be able to wink out of the bar and into her own bedroom. The problem was her bedroom, her living room, the whole damned place smelled like Remy Doucette. That was just one more reason to go to Mississippi. She made it out the door before she heard someone following her. Looking back, she saw it was Remy. She tried to walk faster but he caught her. “You decide one Doucette is good as the next, huh?” he growled at her. “You cain’t have me, you’ll take my brother?” “Just because you’ve had all you want from me, Remy, you don’t have to be mean.” It took everything she had to keep her chin from trembling. “Maybe I do have to be mean. Maybe that’s all what a whore deserves. Could be that’s what I think you are,” he ground out. Rayne felt like she’d been punched in the stomach. All she could do was nod. She turned and walked away with her head held high. As soon as she was sure she was out of his sight, she ran as if the hounds of hell were after her. It was her mission to make it through the back door of her grandmother’s house before she broke down. Determination exhausted, she collapsed onto the kitchen floor where she’d tried to curl up and sleep that first day. She sobbed until fatigue took over. Upon waking, she cried some more until sleep claimed her again. She ignored the clamoring home phone and her cell phone. Rayne knew she’d have to get up and deal with the world soon. Deep inside, she was aware of that. It just didn’t have to be right now. Mentally, she sent her grandmother the message that she was dealing with the failure of her first broken heart. Grand-mère understood. She’d understood from the outset that this could happen. When she learned who Rayne’s “sweet smelling man” was, she’d seemed to almost expect it. Nobody would be able to cross the threshold of her house except her man and her grandmother without an invitation. Rayne didn’t move from her spot on the kitchen floor. Her grandmother wasn’t coming and neither was that man. This was the only place in the house that didn’t smell like Remy Doucette and, for however fleeting a time she was safe. *** Remy sat in his office scowling out at the world when Foret transferred a call to him. “Boss, I think its old lady Deveau. She din’ want you, asked for Deke.” With that, the man disconnected. Wimp! “Oui, Madame?” he asked. 58

J.J. Massa “What I want is very simple,” the old woman said. “Jest drive down my street every hour or two. That’s all. You used to be my little girl’s friend. Law knows she could use one now before she leaves her home again.” “Where she’s going, Madame? When?” he barked. “This ain’t Deke Doucette!” the old woman accused. “This is Remy Doucette, Madame,” he confessed. “You just stay away afore she decides being a puppet on a string ain’t the worst thing can happen to her. Just leave her alone. She’ll be gone in a few days! If she hangs on, we’ll find her a second man. There’ll be one out there if you fail her. You’re free, boy, good luck to you!” with that, the old woman hung up. Remy sat stunned. The second man was out there for her if he failed her. If he failed her... That wouldn’t be too hard if he never even tried to succeed, now would it? What had the old woman meant, if she hangs on? And where had she planned to go? Suddenly, he remembered Deke’s pronouncement in the bar that Rayne was about to do something stupid. Remy called Officer Foret. “Send a car down Angel Street right now. I want a patrol at least once an hour. Where Deke is?" Foret told him where to find his brother, which, conveniently, was the last place he’d seen him. Remy hurried to the pub. When he found his brother he wasted no time. “What’s going on with Rayne?” he asked. Deke looked at him. “I think she’s gone already,” he said miserably. “She needed a friend and I told her she was stupid.” He turned back to his beer. “Deke, damn it! Quit crying in your beer and tell answer me! What’s going on?” he growled. “She said she was taking this fight where nobody knew her and couldn’t nobody hurt her anymore. I told her she was stupid. She said she could afford to keep her Mamere away and she’d just take the fight to Mississippi an’ work. Said she might decide being a lab rat wasn’t as bad as she’d heard.” Deke was pretty drunk. Remy slipped the bartender enough money to have someone drive his brother home. Seems like all the Doucette men were failing this girl. As Remy headed out to his truck, he got a radio call. “Boss, someone’s casing the Deveau place,” the radio crackled. “Send another car and keep ‘em coming,” he barked. “I’m heading over there now. Just don’t stop the other car and don’t interfere, got that?” “Yes, Sheriff,” came the static-y response. 59

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Remy pulled into the driveway of the old house and entered through the front door. He was nearly in a panic when he didn’t fine Rayne in the bedroom, in the living room, on the window seat, or out in the yard. The place seemed deserted. Night had fallen and he didn’t know where else to look. He was standing in the kitchen doorway when the phone rang. It rang about four times when the handset rose a quarter inch from its cradle and hung itself up again. Brows furrowed, he looked around. He was stunned. There she was, on the kitchen floor. Damned if she wasn’t wearing the same clothes she’d had on the day before. He crossed the kitchen and kneeled next to her. “Bébé?” he whispered. “Go away, please,” she told him her voice hoarse. “Bébé? Why you here on the floor?” he asked. “A better question is--why are you here in my house?” she croaked. “How long you been here like this?” he asked. “Please, leave. I have lived a giving life. I tried all my life to follow God’s laws. The only time I have ever strayed was with you. I just don’t deserve this. I swear, I don’t!” She began to whimper and cry. “Aw, Bébé, I’m so sorry. I’m such a bastard,” he scooped her into his arms. “Just kill me now. Please, just end it now,” she mumbled into his chest. “I just can’t take any more pain or degradation. My last will is…” “Hush, Bébé, just hush,” he carried her up to her bed. She’d begun to sob again. “I didn’t mean to be a whore. I just wanted to give you something special because I cared about you. I didn’t mean to act like …” “Oh God, Bébé, nobody has ever treated me as special as you did, nobody,” he groaned. Was this what the old folks meant by pigeons coming home to roost? “If that were true, Remy,” she sobbed, “Why would you want to punish me for it? You’re lying to me now. I acted like a cheap floozy. A cheap, needy floozy,” she amended. He tugged her jeans off and slipped out of his uniform shirt. He radioed that he’d be at the Deveau house until further notice if he were needed. He removed his heavy belt and placed it on the nightstand. “Hush, Bébé,” he said again, sitting beside her on the edge of the mattress. “I just didn’t want to love you is all.” She could barely speak now, she was crying so hard. “I tried not to, Remy.” She apparently had to catch her breath. “When I did, I tried to keep it to myself.” She gasped 60

J.J. Massa and hiccupped. “Remy, I’m sorry. You don’t have to love me back.” She tried again to catch her breath. “I’m going to leave, I swear. Just don’t be mad at me for loving you.” “Shhh, Bébé, just shhh. Let me hold you okay? That’s what I need is just to hold you. That’s okay?” She nodded against him, still crying. He slid down in the bed with her, kicking his shoes off. “You can love a rat-bastard like me?” he murmured against her. “Wish I didn’t. But I just can’t help it.” She continued to hiccup and sob a little. “Would it help if I loved you, too?” he asked, rubbing her back. “Would if you did, but you can’t help it. I know you don’t,” she sighed on a sob. “Oh, Bébé, it scares me so bad. I’m pretty sure I do love you and I’m scared worse than if somebody shot me.” He rubbed his face in her hair. “You don’t have to say that stuff to me, its okay, Remy. Honest.” She was sniffing a little now, but sobbing much less. He pulled her hand from under her chin. He splayed the fingers and made sure they were dry. He kissed her palm and moved her hand to his cheek. He knew she’d feel the damp tracks from his eyes. “Remy?” she whispered. “Did I hurt you? My love hurts you, doesn’t it?” He wrapped his arms around her. “No, Béb, my love hurts me. Will you stay with me for a while so I can get used to it?” “Remy, just because something is--well, we don’t have to do anything about it.” “What that means?” he might have been trying to be sharp and authoritative, but he was sure saying it into her hair took some of the edge out. “It just means that we don’t have to act on how we feel. We can just keep being us. I’ll go back to work and you do, too.” His arms tightened around her. He didn’t want her going back to work if that meant she’d be leaving him. “Béb,” he struggled to find the right words. “Rayne, stay here awhile? Let’s work this thing out together, no?” He brushed her hair from her eyes and looked into them. “I don’t know nothing ‘bout being in love but I know plenty ‘bout catching bad guys. Let me help you with the bad guys and you help me with being in love?” She looked at him for several long seconds. He began to feel true worry about what she’d say when she reached up and stroked his cheek. “Remy, I don’t know anything about being in love either. Not one thing.” Her lashes swept down, covering her eyes. 61

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His hand traced the delicate line of her jaw. He smoothed and caressed her lower lip with his thumb. Cupping her face with both hands, he lowered his mouth and sipped from her lips. “Guess we’ll learn how to love each other together, won’t we?” he kissed her again. “Okay,” she sighed. “We’ll see how it goes, huh?” She drifted to sleep in his arms. He must have dozed too, Remy realized when he was suddenly jerked awake and looked bewildered around the room. He knew he was in Rayne’s bedroom holding her but what had awakened him? After looking around, he realized that Rayne had awakened him. Touching her face, he noticed that it was hot. At the same time he heard a bumping sound in the kitchen. Disentangling himself from her, he went to look. On the floor in the kitchen, Remy found a cold bottle of water. Picking it up, he headed back upstairs. Rayne’s self-conscious was protecting her, it seemed. She was probably dehydrated and her body knew she needed water. He stopped in the bathroom and grabbed some aspirin. *** Rayne woke up when Remy came back with the bottle of water and the aspirin. Smiling, she took the tablets and washed them down with half the twelve-ounce bottle of water. “True you were thirsty, yeah?” he marveled at how much she’d taken in during a single drink. She knew her face was red. Maybe she’d tell him her side of how things looked to her and he wouldn’t think she was such a mess. “Do you feel like sitting with me and talking, Remy?” she asked, pushing her hair out of her eyes. “Sounds fine, Béb. How ‘bout we both get comfortable, hmm?” at her assent, he began taking his pants and socks off. Rayne called a nightgown to her and took her tee shirt, socks, and bra off. She smiled when she slipped the silk gown over her head and heard Remy’s guttural muttering. Once they were both comfortable, she slid back under the comforter and sheets and Remy positioned her against his chest. “I wanted to tell you some stuff about me so you won’t think I’m such a big… mess,” she said finally. 62

J.J. Massa She felt his rumbling laughter through her entire body. One arm went around her waist and he wrapped the length of her hair around his free hand. With a masculine tug, he pulled her head back and kissed her open mouth. “Béb, I want to hear everything you want to tell me. True, I thought you were a little flaky.” He caught her elbow before she could jab his stomach. “Don’t worry, it adds to your charm…” She let out a long-suffering sigh. “I can see why you’d think that about me based on our first meeting. I don’t usually lie on the floor and kiss strange men you know…” she angled her head back to catch his eyes. “I know, Bébé,” he admitted gruffly. “That’s something I’m glad to know,” he grinned. “I had been in Malaysia for almost six months. I’d been all over that country. Indonesia and before that, I was in Los Angeles for a while. I know my Grand-mère told you I teach people how to grow herbs and use different ways to treat themselves if they can’t afford the doctor.” “She did tell me, Béb, and you told me, too, when you were laying on the floor the other day.” He held her close and rubbed her hair on his cheek. “I’m proud of what you do, Rayne. I just don’t want you to go away.” He kissed her face. She smiled her love up at him. “My mother died right before L.A. That was almost a year ago. I’d seen her in Switzerland the month before. I was so upset after that and busy. I lost a lot of weight.” She could tell he was concerned and she hoped she wasn’t making a mistake giving him this information. “I’ve gained some of it back but with all the worry and all the work and all the – everything, I just got too tired. I guess when this thing happened with you and me, well, my brain just got overloaded. That’s why I ended up a puddle on the floor in the kitchen.” She hoped he understood what she was trying to tell him. “Bébé, you worried I think you’re weak? Maybe not strong in the head?” He leaned down and nibbled on her lower lip, tugging it with his teeth. “I know you’re worn out. I know you need rest and cain’t get any. You got bad guys chasing you and you got me in the bed with you. Sounds like some sleepless nights to me,” he rumbled. “What’re you trying to say Sheriff?” she asked, a grin tugging at her lips. “I’ll make you a deal, woman,” he rolled his groin against her suggestively. “I’ll keep you awake some but I’ll make sure nobody else bothers you, yeah?” She smiled her womanly smile and undulated her slender hips back against his rigid erection. “You goanna be my muscle, Sheriff?” she teased. 63

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“Oh yeah,” he growled. She felt his hand move under the hem of her gown. “I like your muscles, Sheriff,” she purred. “Every one of them.” Turning against him, she moved her hands to his shorts and tried to push them down. He rolled them so that he was on top and helped her to remove his cotton boxers. “Will you make love with me, Bébé?” he whispered into her ear. She felt a lump in her throat and could only nod. His mouth covered hers in a tender yet searing kiss. She felt all his love and all his fear in that one kiss. He carefully lifted the silk gown over her head and reverently eased her white lace panties down her hips and off. Remy massaged her bottom, squeezing her and pulling her against his straining erection. He moved his rigid shaft under her dripping labia and rubbed. When he squeezed her, she felt herself tighten on him. She wanted him inside of her. She felt his shaft rub her engorged little knob. Every time he moved, she ached for more, as he undulated his hips slowly between her spread legs. Timidly, Rayne ran her hands over his hard buttocks, feeling the muscles ripple as he reacted to her touch. She closed her hands over each buttock, squeezing and teasing him with her nails on his hips and the backs of his thighs. He rose above her, urging her legs around his waist. She could feel the head of his throbbing cock poised to enter her. She was slick with need. Finally, he slid into her slowly, pushing through her wet folds an inch at a time. She felt the width of him stretching and opening her as he pushed all the way in. At first he slid in and out with slow, shallow strokes, his obsidian gaze locked to hers. The feeling of having him inside her again after believing him gone pushed her to the edge. Her love for him burst over her and she felt herself begin to contract around him. Rayne clung to him as Remy pulled back and plunged deeply into her. She began to feel his body harden and swell even more as he began to move a little faster. Suddenly, he stopped, locking gazes with her. “Do you love me, mon bébé ange?” he whispered, his black satin eyes seeming to absorb her very soul. “Yes, Remy, I love you completely,” she breathed in answer. “I love you, Rayne Deveau,” he lowered his mouth to hers, hovering just above her lips. “You are mine. Only mine.” 64

J.J. Massa His lips claimed hers. His mouth demanded her acquiescence. His tongue insisted on her submission. She gave all she had to that kiss, accepting his possession. He plunged into her and moved in long possessive strokes. She arched and met his thrusts until she could only cling to him, mewing incoherently. His body continued to take hers, claiming her, dominating her, hilting deeply into her again and again until she came a second time. This time, Remy ground himself against her mound groaning as his body jerked and he poured his hot seed into her. He collapsed onto her and didn’t move for some time. Eventually, he rolled to his side, taking her with him. She snuggled into him and went to sleep with him still buried deep inside her. *** The next morning, Remy was up and showered before Rayne. He’d thrown a set of clean clothes in his truck the day before and gratefully, he changed into them. He prepared the uniform he’d been wearing for the cleaners and took a cup of coffee outside. Sitting on the porch enjoying the quiet peace of the Louisiana morning, Remy thought about the events of the day before. He no longer felt the panic clutching at him that had been ever-present since the first day he’d met Rayne Deveau. In all honesty, he felt better than he’d ever felt. He’d found his other half. She was beautiful, smart, funny, and she needed him. He needed her right back. Little Electric Rayne was feminine enough to accept his dominance and strong enough to hold her own. He was one lucky bastard and he knew it. When he went back inside, he called his brother and got him out of bed. Showing no sympathy for Deke’s raging hangover, he told him to round up John Spike and come over to the Deveau house. He heard Rayne moving around and poured her a cup of coffee. He stood at the bottom of the stairs holding the cup and called out to her. “I poured you a cup of coffee, Béb!” he said loudly. In his mind he heard her say, “Thanks.” He could hear the drowsy smile in that one word. The cup twitched in his hand and he loosened his grip on it and watched as it floated upward. He shook his head as the cup gained momentum flying up the stairs and around the corner. “Mmmm,” he heard a minute later. “umm… is it okay to tell you…” “I love you, too, Bébé,” he thought with a smile. He could feel her smile again as he heard the shower come on. 65

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Deke and John arrived about the time he heard the water upstairs stop. That would give him a few minutes to talk to them before she came down. “Deke, you look rough, boy,” he rumbled at his little brother. He made no effort to be considerate of the younger man’s hangover. Handing both men a cup of coffee, he began filling the machine for another pot. John was laughing at both of them. “What?” he growled at his other officer. “I see you made peace with our Electric Rayne,” he chuckled. “My Electric Rayne!” he barked, glaring at the Deputy. John’s mouth kicked up in a half grin. “Got it,” he said. “Best man won and all that.” “How come she didn’t answer her phone then?” Deke was obviously feeling poorly. He walked to the stairs and shouted, “Béb, where the bourbon?” As he returned to the kitchen, he heard both men gasp as a cabinet opened and a bottle of bourbon lifted, floated a few feet and lightly lowered itself to the counter. Remy poured Deke a shot and watched him drink it. John held out his coffee cup and seeing his dazed expression, he poured a healthy shot into both cups. Replacing the bourbon in the cabinet, he turned and walked to the stairs. “Rayne, come down here, ange,” he shouted. Still finishing her braid, she jogged down the stairs. He placed a hard kiss on her mouth and turned her to help her with the braid. “I fixed you toast, Béb,” he murmured. “Oh good, I’m starving! I think I’ll keep you,” she grinned as the toast sailed around the corner toward her. She reached out her hand for it and saw the two men following it. The toast fell to the ground. She slumped against Remy. “Didn’t I mention we got company?” He guided her into the kitchen and sat her at the table. He placed another piece of toast in front of her indicating that the others should join them. “I’m sorry, Remy. I didn’t know.” Her eyes were dark with dread. “Shh, it’s okay. I knew. Best way to tell ‘em is show ‘em.” He lifted her hand and kissed it. “They need to know, Béb, they goanna help us.” He rubbed her cold hand against his cheek. “Magical Rayne,” Deke croaked. “Magical Rayne,” John grinned. 66

J.J. Massa “My Magical Rayne!” Remy stated, kissing each knuckle and looking into her starburst eyes. She closed those eyes and then opened them. She nodded, taking a deep breath. She turned her vivid gaze on first one man and then the other. “Don’t worry, I won’t turn you into a frog. That’s Grand-mère’s department. I could probably turn you into a newt. I really should have studied more.” “Um, Rayne,” croaked Deke, “What’s a newt?” *** The best way to tell ‘em is to show ‘em, huh? Rayne turned to Remy and grinned. “Here, Deke, I’ll show you.” She led him into the living room and stopped in front of a very large aquarium. Reaching into it she pulled out a brown lizard-like animal with bright red spots on it. The small amphibian cowered in her hand. Deke shook his head negatively when she offered to let him hold it. “That’s okay,” she crooned to the little creature, “you never were very social were you Mr. Verdin?” She’d named a man who lived down the street. Deke’s face went white. “Is that really…” His voice sounded hoarse and gravelly. “I like him much better this way, don’t you?” asked Rayne brightly. “I wondered where that old fool got off to,” mumbled Remy. Rayne nearly dropped the small creature as Deke thudded to the ground in a heap. She wanted to apologize but John and Remy were laughing too hard to hear her.

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Chapter Eleven

Esmé Deveau was a nervous wreck as she hurried toward the small helicopter perched on the deck of her cruise ship. The woman from the Red Cross who’d come to help her seemed to be under quite a bit of stress. When she’d scanned her, Esmé picked up that the woman was worried about her own family and Esmé herself. While she appreciated that sentiment, Esmé was overwhelmed with fear for Rayne. All this woman could tell her was that her granddaughter had been involved in some kind of accident and had been rendered unconscious. If she weren’t so upset, she knew that would be able to reach out to Rayne but she was upset--very, very upset. This woman had told her that Rayne needed her and might not live and she didn’t hesitate to leave with her. She needed to be with her granddaughter. After transferring from the helicopter to a small plane in Miami, Esmé took a little nap. When she opened her eyes and looked out she wasn’t surprised to see trees hung with Spanish moss coming into view below her. She was surprised to realize that they were landing at a private airstrip. Surprised yes, but Esmé didn’t worry about that. Her one overriding thought was to get to Rayne. Find her sweet baby girl. Once she was on the ground, she noticed a late model car with darkened windows. As the door opened, a palpable feeling of dread swept the air. No, don’t get out! NO! I don’t want to see you! “Mrs. Deveau, so nice to finally meet you! I’m glad you could come. Rayne needs your help. If she doesn’t get it, why, I fear for the both of you.” A cold and clammy hand slid under her elbow and firmly steered her toward the car. *** Rayne and Deke had begun talking a little after Remy and John left. Before he spoke, Deke sat silently for at least ten minutes staring at her in fear and wonder. Finally, Rayne snapped. 68

J.J. Massa “Deke! You’re creeping me out. Say something!” Rayne demanded, irritated and worried that the young man would never treat her like a friend again. “Was that really Mr. Verdin?” he asked finally. “No!” she laughed. “I was just pulling your chain. It was just a newt. That one’s my pet, actually. His name’s Slag.” “Slag? What kind of name’s that?” he looked at her, brow furrowed. “Sweet little amphibian guy,” she explained. “Rayne Deveau, you are a nut! So that one’s your pet? What about the others? Are they your Mamere’s pets?” He looked at her expectantly. She really hated to bust his bubble. “Deke,” she began gently, “Um, Grand-mère is from the old ways. She uses the newts in things she makes.” He looked at her in shock and horror. “Mostly the eyes. I tried to get her to be humane and just remove the eyes but then we’d have a bunch of blind newts running around, wouldn’t we?” Deke began to laugh, bursts of barked laughter melting into tear inducing deep belly laughs. For a few moments, she thought he was hysterical. After a time, he went to freshen up and, no doubt, find some kind of perspective. When he came back he had a very thoughtful look on his face. Rayne was waiting, looking at him expectantly when he finally spoke. “You and Remy goanna have kids?” he asked without preamble. “Well, he hasn’t asked outright but I expect we’d get married first if we did decide to have kids.” She was completely bemused but obviously he had something specific on his mind. “Your first baby, boy or girl?” he demanded. “Deke? I’m not even…” She started, only to be cut off. “Don’t screw around, Rayne, you know. I know you do!” he stood now, glaring down at her as she sat on the couch. She sighed. “Girl,” she confessed. A grin split his face. “A girl,” he sighed. “I love sweet, soft little baby girls. Can I have it?” She shot up from the couch. “Can you have it? It? Dekon Cassian Doucette! Get a grip!” “I don’t mean take it--take her! I want to name her and be her Godfather and her favorite oncle,” he clarified, as if it all made perfect sense.

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“Oh Deke,” Rayne smiled warmly, “You’ll be her only uncle. But of course you can name her,” she gushed, thrilled that he was so accepting. “Unless it’s a really dumb name,” she amended quickly. He walked over to her and squatted in front of her abdomen. With a warm, sweet smile he cupped her tummy with both hands and moved his mouth up to it. “I’m out here waiting for you, Ashlynn Cassandra Doucette. Take your time, petit. You and me, we’re goanna have a lot of fun and I’m goanna look after you.” He rose to his feet and gave Rayne a hug. Startled, they both pulled back at the same time saying, “I didn’t get shocked!” and “That’s the first time you touched me!” They grinned at each other, happy to have found a safe friend. They were still beaming at each other when something large and hard hit the side of the house, bouncing off. All was silent but Deke pulled out his service revolver. “Wait here!” he ordered her and edged out a side door. *** John and Remy headed to the police station to check on the investigation in progress while Deke stayed home with Rayne. “Boss,” said Foret when Remy walked into the station. “We tracked these brooms down to a place that makes ‘em for crafts and holidays. These brooms were all part of a special order.” “Yeah? How you know that?” the Sheriff demanded. “They don’t usually get these kinds of orders for after Halloween. It came from a college.” Foret still looked nervous – he needed to redeem himself. He handed Remy a scrap of paper with the school’s name and address on it. “Good work, Jules,” Remy praised him shaking his head as the other man walked away beaming. “You got that look that says you aren’t a bit surprised, boss,” John pressed him closing the office door after they entered. Remy shook his head. “I’m not. Not one damn bit surprised.” Taking a deep breath he turned to look at John. “Rayne tried to tell me she thought it was her stepfather but I was too damned bull-headed to listen.” Without warning, fear exploded in his brain. “Grand-mere! He has Grand-mere!” in his head he heard Rayne cry out. “Rayne! Don’t you go anywhere! I’m on my way!” he responded. “I have to go, Remy! He’s going to hurt her!” he heard Rayne’s panicked voice.

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J.J. Massa “Stay inside! Don’t go outside!” Remy thought furiously to her, dragging a protesting John out the door. He’d remembered that nobody could enter the house without an invitation. “You hear me, Bébé? Answer me!” “What’s going on, Boss? Quit shoving me!” John demanded as Remy pushed him stumbling out the door and into the parking lot toward his truck. “Damn it man, I’m trying to have a conversation with Rayne and do this too! Just come on!” Remy hadn’t mastered the art of having conversations with more than one person at a time. “I can’t stay in, Remy, something’s wrong with Deke! He went outside, I think I heard a gunshot and…” “Rayne! Rayne! Where are you?” That was it. She was gone. He couldn’t hear a thing more from her. *** As the tight blindfold around Rayne’s eyes began to loosen and the ropes tied behind her back began to unravel, Reginald Goyers leaned forward eagerly. The girl on camera didn’t bend down to untie her ankles; the ropes just seemed to untie themselves. When she was free, she sat for a minute rubbing her legs, feet, and wrists. Studying her, Reginald couldn’t tell if she was just thinking or what until she moved to her feet. Still watching, his thin lips curved in a smile. The door to the dusty room she was in swung inward. Impressive. Manipulating small, internal locks is even harder than untying knots behind your head. He made a note of that ability while tracking her movements on camera. The old house was dilapidated and boards were missing from parts of the floor. He’d deliberately made a large hole in the hallway but left boards lying around that might be used to span it had they been long enough. He wanted to see what she’d do. Reginald gaped, stunned as an obviously too short board floated to the hole, met the inside edge and remained as she stepped onto it. Another board floated to the end of the first one and so on until she reached the end of the hall. The fact that she could move objects with her mind was no surprise. After all, her mother had been able to do that. Her father had too, but to a limited degree. What was amazing was that she could somehow support an object in open space to the extent that it held her weight. She did this using only the power of her mind. Amazing! She looked around carefully as she proceeded toward the room he had her grandmother locked in. That alone confirmed still another suspicion. She did have the power to communicate with the old woman mentally. 71

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Impatiently, he fidgeted in his seat waiting to see how Rayne would remove her grandmother’s bindings. Reginald hadn’t been nearly as considerate of her. He’d learned that Esmé could move small objects but he realized early on that she just didn’t have the power her granddaughter had. Instead of nice, tight ropes, he’d used tighter duct tape on her. She had been unable to move it in anyway. Rayne however, proved more than capable. She stared at the tape over the old woman’s mouth and after several seconds, it just fell off. AMAZING! One more test and he’d know what he had to work with. Reginald literally rubbed his hands together. Pushing a button on the remote he held in his hand, he both saw and heard the heavy Plexiglas sheet fall into the brackets he’d had installed around the doors. He’d made sure it was bolted over the windows before he brought the women here. Neither woman moved for several seconds, seeming to be in deep discussion although not a word was spoken aloud. He decided to give them a few minutes and then go talk to them. *** “Grand-mere! I was so worried about you! Are you okay?” Rayne sent her thoughts to her grandmother instead of speaking out loud. As soon as the sticky tape was off of her, Rayne flung herself into the older woman’s arms. “Oh my sweet baby girl, I was afeard something bad happened to you. I was scared to death!” She kissed her and hugged her and squeezed her tight. “Child, you ain’t nothing but skin and bones. Is it that bad old Remy Doucette?” “Grand-mere, that bad old Remy Doucette loves me! He loves me.” Rayne’s grin took over her face and grew even wider at her grandmother’s impatient snort. “Well that boy’s goanna have to prove himself to me, that’s all I know!” The old woman crossed her arms and considered Rayne sternly. “First we’re going to have to get out of the clutches of our own personal Snidely Whiplash…” her Grandmother looked at her blankly. “The bad guy from Rocky and Bullwinkle, Grand-mere? Oh nevermind.” “Why you wanna talk about trash like that, cher? Now, my stories…they are full of bad guys. Just last week on ‘General Hospital’…” Rayne sighed. “Grand-mere!” she groaned to the old woman who began to chuckle. “Sweet baby girl, you always take things so seriously, don’t you? I cain’t blame you. Loosing your daddy so young and never able to see your mamma. I tried to do right by you, cher.” 72

J.J. Massa Rayne scooted closer to her grandmother. She held out her arms and the other woman wrapped two surprisingly strong arms around her. They sat holding each other quietly for long minutes. “Grand-mere, you did do very well by me. I love you and you’re my best friend I hope you never wonder about that. Even that crazy man-zapping spell thing…” Rayne couldn’t help it and began to giggle. Her grandmother kissed her cheek and chuckled low. “It’s a funny thing, huh? Magic, I mean. I would never have figured Remy Doucette for your one true love. Amazing… But cher, he sure is a cocky thing. Sexy as sin and don’t he know it! You’ll let an old woman have a little fun now and then, yeah?” Rayne snorted. “As if I could stop you.” *** Within minutes of losing communication with Rayne, Remy and John arrived at the Deveau house. Deke’s unconscious and bleeding body lay on the edge of the yard near the street. Remy immediately radioed the Emergency Medical Services, while John contacted the station for reinforcements. Deke was fighting shock and John ran inside, returning with an old, handmade quilt. Gently, John tucked it around him while Remy did his best to stem the bleeding in Deke’s stomach. “Mais non!” Deke protested, “Old lady Deveau is goanna kill me for bleeding all over this weddin’ quilt. She made it for Rayne…” he trailed off. “Quiet boy,” Remy told his brother gruffly. “I’m goanna marry Rayne Deveau so that makes it mine, too. I’ll handle the old lady.” “Damn straight!” Deke choked, fading fast. “Come on, boy!” Remy growled through a dry throat. “Don’t you die or something stupid as that.” “Can’t,” gasped Deke. “Gotta hang on for baby Ashlynn. She’s goanna need her favorite oncle.” Remy decided against pursuing that issue, grateful that the paramedics had just arrived followed by his men, sirens screaming. He made a move to drop back and let the EMTs take over when Deke grabbed him. “Car went north, Remy. Big shiny black car, north.” He passed out. Remy told John everything Deke had said and stalked inside to call his mother. She’d want to be with her baby boy at a time like this. He wanted to stay with his brother too, but not nearly as much as he wanted to find his woman. 73

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*** Remy felt the funny sensations of a tickle in his brain and heard Rayne’s voice. “Remy, can you hear me?” she asked seeming as if she didn’t think he could. “Rayne? Bébé?” her uncertainty sparked his own, after all, she had a lot more experience with this head-talking, magical stuff than he did. “REMY! You can hear me! I wasn’t sure…Deke? What about Deke? “Bébé, are you okay? Where you are? Do you know?” “Remy I love you. We’re near the bayou, there’s a house half sunk…Deke, how’s Deke?” She was obviously worried about the other man and Remy didn’t blame her. It must have been horrible to see him hurt and not be able to help. “I love you, too, Bébé, so much. Doan worry, Deke’s at the hospital getting all fixed up.” He hoped he was, anyway. “John and me – we’re goanna come find you now. You’re Mamere, she’s all right?” “Mean as hell and twice as mad,” she chuckled. “We’re right here together. We think Reginald is just trying to see what we can do right now. He’s made us comfortable but he hasn’t tried to hurt us.” “Thank God, thank God,” Remy breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that Rayne was rested somewhat but still not as strong as she needed to be. Obviously she had faith in hers and her grandmother’s abilities and he could appreciate that. Those abilities were certainly remarkable. Right now, he couldn’t afford to fill his head with worst-case scenarios. He had to make a plan of action and act on it. He looked around and found John. Looking through a pair of binoculars twenty minutes later, Remy could clearly see that they had the right place. There was that big shiny black car, and this was a few miles north of town. As he and John slowly made their way through the muddy, swampy bayou, he heard Rayne’s voice again. “Remy, here he comes. I hear him.” She seemed a little nervous, he thought. “Doan worry, Bébé, me and John are almost there. You can keep him busy, yeah? Just keep talking to him if you can.” “Okay, Remy, I’ll try.” Slowly and carefully, he made his way up to the house with John just behind him. Through hand signals, they agreed to approach from different directions. Remy was pretty sure that they’d find some of the goons they’d dealt with over the last week or so. 74

J.J. Massa He wasn’t disappointed when he entered the dilapidated front door and found one of the men lounging against the wall with his eyes closed. Can anybody be that lazy and stupid and still be hired to guard a place? Seems they can… He heard a man’s voice further upstairs and saw John dragging an inert body into the house. Remy’s victim stood up straight and opened his mouth to call out, when the Sheriff slipped a hand over his mouth and snapped his handcuffs on him, smooth and easy. “You’re under arrest, Bubba. Now go ahead and resist, yeah? I’m feeling itchy today. Need to scratch something.” The man looked at Remy as if he didn’t understand a word he said. Remy thought he might not. After all, he wasn’t from there. John produced a wad of cloth from an old furniture sheet and stuffed it in the man’s mouth. “Now don’t swallow, Bubba,” Remy warned. “You could choke or worse, you could swallow some of the shit that’s growing on that thing.” The two men made their way up the stairs, finding an alternate route when they discovered the gaping hole in the hallway floor. Because of the rotting boards and the overall rundown air, they made sure to tiptoe keeping their steps to the sides of each stair. Remy stopped moving to listen to the gleeful Reginald Goyers cackle at Rayne and her grandmother. “You two will bring in the grants and funding! I’ll be rich! The government will pay me for…” “Do you honestly think we’ll just stay here with you and perform like trained monkeys?” Rayne asked in an incredulous voice. “We got powers boy!” growled Esmé. “We don’t need to cater to the likes o’ you!” “My dear Mrs. Deveau, your powers are simply not formidable enough to stop me. You’ll learn to like living in your new home and doing the little jobs I’ll give you. It’ll keep you young,” Reginald cooed in his oily voice. Remy heard a low whistle and felt static in the air. For a second, everything seemed to go still, waiting. Suddenly, he heard the freight-train sound of a strong wind. The next thing he heard was a scrambling scraping noise – he saw Reginald dive into a room across the hallway. The next thing Remy heard was a series of loud cracks of the wind hitting the Plexiglas shield bolted to the doorframe. Both men looked at each other as the zipper sound of Plexiglas splitting could be heard. 75

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“Old Lady Deveau sure has a temper on her, don’t she?” John whispered. They watched as Reginald moved back in front of the door. “Well, I guess you told me, didn’t you Mrs. Deveau?” he said reverently. “What about you Rayne, anything to add?” “Mr. Goyers, I’ve inherited powers from both parents and my grandmother. You really don’t know what I can do. I am not going to let you keep me caged for the rest of my life so that you can get grant money.” Rayne sounded calm but Remy knew she was exhausted and fighting for composure. “You’re right, Rayne, I don’t know all about your powers but I do know that neither your mother’s powers nor your fathers could stop a bullet.” He pulled out a gun. “Do you think yours can? I am not giving you up or the millions of dollars that you represent. Now if you’d like to tell me about your powers…” Remy stepped up behind Reginald, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll tell you about her extra power,” Remy’s voice vibrated with menace. “She has the power to snap your spine with a smile.” He looked at Rayne. “You want me to, Béb? We can have a cool drink of water while we watch him twitch and moan. If it lasts too long, I’ll twist his neck.” His hand curved around the other man’s nape. Slowly, he began to tighten his grip. “No! Please!” Reginald begged reaching behind him to grab at Remy’s hands. Remy snatched the gun from him with a snort of disgust. “I don’t deserve to die! You’re a police officer! You can’t kill me!” his screeching was beginning to give Remy a headache. “I’m a man and you got my woman in that room. That’s all I know,” he snarled. “I’ll let her out, I’ll let her out, just don’t hurt me. I can’t take pain. Please!” he begged, gulping pitiful sobs and spraying snot on Remy’s jeans. In retaliation Remy squeezed his neck tightly and shook him once. Rayne and Esmé’s abductor screamed and sobbed harder, pleading for Remy to show mercy. “True you killed Rayin Deveau, n'est pas? And you killed Rani, too, no?” he gave him another squeeze and shake. “Yes! Yes, I killed them. I shot them with this gun right here,” he sobbed, broken. “Rayin called me a fool. He said I was a, a charlatan,” he confessed, seeming almost relieved to tell his tale. “I’d dropped by late one night and I saw them, Rani and Rayin.” “And?” Rayne asked, moving closer to the doorway. The Plexiglas shield was still in place. 76

J.J. Massa Reginald continued, “They were cleaning the kitchen, plates and dishes were flying everywhere. As I watched, a bottle of wine rose up and filled two glasses. I saw those glasses float across the room and land in front of them. It was unbelievable. I knew I’d get grants and funding if they’d work with me. He refused. What could I do? I killed him and pursued his wife.” Remy saw Rayne’s grandmother move up and put an arm around her. Tears trailed down the young woman’s face, but she kept quiet. “Why’d you kill Rani?” His deep voice vibrated with disgust. “She found out somehow. She heard something, found something, I don’t know. But she realized somehow that I’d killed Rayin. Then, in Geneva, I saw Rayne. They never spoke to each other that I could tell, but I knew that Rayne was her child. She looked just like the two of them – Rani and Rayin. She’d have more powers, I was certain. If I had her, I didn’t need Rani anymore.” No longer the taunting bully, Reginald seemed to shrink into himself sobbing, fluid oozing from his nose. Remy flung the defeated man away from him, no longer able to stomach his proximity or his touch. “John, do something about this piece of shit, would you? I gotta get my family out of that cage.” He looked through the clear plastic barrier. “Bébé I can wash my hands first? I cain’t touch you with that filth on my hands.” *** “You started on that little baby girl yet?” croaked Deke when he opened his eyes. He’d been in surgery and recovery most of the day but Rayne didn’t want to go home without seeing him. Her grandmother insisted on visiting him, too. Rayne stood against Remy, his solid bulk supporting her as she rested in his arms. “Deke, I told you, we’re not even married. We haven’t even talked about it yet. Who knows…” Remy interrupted her before she could say anything more. “Béb I cain’t ask you right now. I’d have to get down on one knee and you’d fall over. Besides, what kind of man asks his woman to marry him in a hospital room in front of everybody?” Remy held her a little tighter and nuzzled her neck. Rayne smiled. She’d let things go for a few minutes, but she knew pretty well how to move things along. First things first, Deke. “How’re you doing, Deke? I’m so sorry you got hurt,” she leaned forward and squeezed his hand. Remy didn’t let her lean too far forward. It didn’t take her long to realize that she hadn’t been more than two feet from him since he’d gotten her and her grandmother out of that room several hours before. “He’ll live! He’s young and healthy,” Esmé declared loudly. “What I want to know is who told you to bleed all over my baby girl’s wedding quilt?” 77

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“John,” Deke yelped, “It was John!” John, who’d been a silent observer, suddenly found himself in the limelight. “Hey! I was trying to keep you from going into shock, traitor!” He glared at Deke. Esmé grabbed him by the ear and twisted. “A whole house full of blankets and quilts and you had to grab my baby’s wedding quilt?” “It was the first thing I saw! It was right there!” On his knees now, trying to alleviate some of the pressure and pain from his ear, John was obviously trying to find the words to clear himself. “Besides, Remy said I could since he was goanna marry Rayne anyway! Ahhhhh,” he sighed. He’d said the thing that bought his freedom. Esmé turned on Remy with a glare and stalked to him. Remy was apparently secure in his safety turning to face the old woman – secure as long as he held her granddaughter in his arms. “Who you think you are, saying it’s okay to bleed all over something so special like that?” The old woman appeared to be hopping mad but Rayne knew she was playing. “Laying it on a little thick, aren’t you, Grand-mere?” “Just watch, cher, just watch.” “This woman’s goanna be my wife. That means that’s my quilt too,” he looked down at Esmé lazily. Rayne turned her head and looked up at the man holding her. He looked down at her through those hooded onyx eyes and it was all she could do to keep from groaning aloud. Her heart was racing and she felt moisture gathering between her legs. “I wouldn’t be so cocky, boy. We were in that room and Rayne said she always thought about playing for the other team, yeah cher?” Her grandmother sent her a mischievous look and Rayne hid a grin. Stretching languidly, she looked back up at Remy’s face. “That’s right Remy. Let’s don’t rush this marriage thing. I’ve been thinking about it awhile. You know, exploring my sexuality a little. I wonder if they’d get shocked if…” “What means that “other team”?” he snapped, any hint of relaxed calm gone from him now. “You’ll excuse us. John, see that Mamere Deveau gets home! Deke, see you tomorrow boy. Tell Maman I’ll call her tomorrow, too.” Without another word, Remy ushered her out of the hospital and into his SUV. *** Brooding. He was brooding and he knew it. He stashed his gun in the drawer on “his” side of the bed. Turning, he grabbed Rayne and pulled her to him, growling into the curve of her neck. 78

J.J. Massa “What means that “other team” Béb? You tell me!” His voice was harsh and low. “If it’s anything to do with giving yourself to somebody else--anybody else--you can forget it! You are mine, Rayne Deveau, mine!” He emphasized his statement by crushing her against him and claiming her mouth in a possessive kiss. Urging her onto the bed, he slid her shirt over her head. Too impatient to unfasten her bra, one quick tug parted it and he tossed it away. He kissed his way down her jaw and sucked a love bite on her neck as he unfastened and unzipped her jeans. He tugged them down and grabbed her flimsy under panties in his teeth. With a snap of his head, the thin fabric and elastic parted and he threw it aside with her ruined bra. Lifting himself off of her briefly, he skimmed his own shirt off and kicked out of his shoes and jeans, tearing his own boxers in his rush to be naked beside her in bed. “You want to explore your sexuality, Bébé, you’ll do it with me. Want a woman? I’ll talk high-pitched and you can get on top or something. I don’t wan’ hear no more about other teams or any second man, you hear me?” He latched himself to her left breast taking the entire mound into his mouth and sucking until she was breathless. He covered it with his hand and moved to her right one, giving it the same treatment. “That feels good,” she panted, breathlessly. He began sucking and nibbling his way down her ribs. “Tell me, answer me!” he growled. “Um, what?” she gasped, squirming as his mouth found its way to her feminine heat. “Nobody else, Rayne,” he rumbled into her soft, pink flesh. The vibration directly on her labia and her clit sent her straight up off the bed. “Oh my GOD, Remy! Oh,” she squealed, clutching the sheets. He held her legs wide as he lathed her from her small opening to her little nub over and over and over again. “Remy!” she screamed, tightening on his tongue as her orgasm took over. When her body stopped clenching, he kissed his way over her abdomen, stopping to tongue her bellybutton. He nibbled up her ribs, nipped at each breast and then slid his cock into her to the hilt. He moved out slowly until only the head of his penis rested inside of her. Slowly, slowly, he entered her again until his course curly hair mingled with hers and he could feel her lower cheeks against his sacks. 79

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“Marry me, Rayne? Let me love you this way for the rest of our lives.” He pulled out and slid in again. “Let me make you crazy and then make you forgive me. I’ll give you babies and I’ll help you raise them.” He continued to slide in and out of her steadily in long, fluid strokes. “I’ll love you in so many ways--better than anybody anywhere ever could. Marry me, Rayne, please?” When her lips curled into a beautiful smile, his heart began to race. He lowered his lips to hers and whispered, “Marry me, mon Bébé?” “Yes,” she whispered against his mouth. “Yes.” That one word was all he needed to hear. Yes. Yes. Yes. “Yes!” he shouted, “YES!” he came with a roar and a groan. “I love you, Remy,” she gasped and tightened on him as he shouted. They lay tangled in each other for several long seconds until Remy rolled them until Rayne rested on his chest as he lay back on the bed. “Béb?” he asked after a while. “Hmmm?” she answered drowsily. “You couldn’t really change anyone into a newt, could you?” He felt her smile against his chest. “No Remy, I’m Electric Rayne, remember? Grand-mere changes ‘em and I fry ‘em up.” “Béb, we really haven’t seen Old Mr. Verdin in a while,” he shifted, rousing her a little more. “Oh, don’t worry,” she smiled apparently thinking he was kidding but trying to reassure him anyway. “Grand-mere said he went to visit his sister Grace.” “Béb, you remember that your Mamere never did like that old coot, right?” she shrugged and nodded. “Turns out, he’s an only child.” Rayne bit her lip. “Um,” she squeezed her eyes shut and cringed, “I’ll talk to Grand-mere about it in the morning, I promise.”

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Author Bio

J.J. Massa lives on the Jersey Shore with her husband and children and yellow lab. For many years, she taught and wrote for various periodicals but never seriously considered writing books. When she was laid off at her last job she decided to finish writing a story she’d begun for her own entertainment. When it was finished, she took a chance and submitted it to one of her favorite Electronic Book publishers. She hasn’t stopped writing since.

See other works by this talented author at www.Venuspress.com

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