God Style Temptation

An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

God Style Temptation ISBN 9781419912580 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. God Style Temptation Copyright © 2008 Taige Crenshaw Edited by Briana St. James. Cover art by Syneca. Electronic book Publication January 2008 With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/) This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

GOD STYLE TEMPTATION

Taige Crenshaw

Dedication To my mother who has always been my number one fan— Although you are no longer with me I know you are smiling down at me getting published. To Marilyn my sister and second mother who has always believed in me. To my lunch buddies who listen to me ramble on about my writing ideas.

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Popsicle: Lipton Investments, Inc.

God Style Temptation

Chapter One With an angry flick of her wrist Aurora Garrwick slammed the door in the face of her next would be suitor before he could open his mouth. Stomping down the hall into her living room she wasn’t even calmed by the lush oasis she had created throughout her home. This was her sanctuary from the crazy, fast-paced, pressure-filled world she faced everyday as a surgeon at Savoy Valley Hospital. “I should have let them bleed to death.” Aurora dropped down, slouched back and rested her head on the back of her rust colored couch. Aurora knew that damn oath she had taken as a doctor, to first do no harm, wouldn’t have let her. Who would have thought a good deed would lead to so much trouble. As she thought of it Aurora steamed. “I shouldn’t be penalized for doing something nice, damn it.” Angrily she sat up and picked up the paper off the glass-topped table in front of her. She glanced briefly at the address written there. It was in an area of Savoy Valley she knew about but hadn’t actually been to yet. She was determined to find it and put an end to this madness. Going back across the room then down the hall, she opened the closet, took out her boots and pulled them on, took out her coat, grabbed her purse and car keys. With determination in every step she went to the door and flung it open. She saw there was another handsome man getting ready to knock. He smiled his brown eye twinkling. “Cl—” His words were the same as those of the one hundred men before him and to cut him off, Aurora did the only thing she could think of. She screamed loud and long in his face. The man jumped and seeing the look of fury on her face he ran down the stairs. As he rushed to his car, got in and drove away Aurora figured he was a lucky man. She 5

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was ready to do someone bodily harm and anyone who got in her way better have a good doctor on call. Watching his taillights disappear into the inky cold night through narrowed eyes Aurora slammed her door stomped down the stairs and went to her car. Opening the door of her dark green SUV she looked up at the darkened cold night sky. “Cupid, you motherfucker, I am coming to give you a punch in the eye, then we’re going to dance if you don’t leave me the hell alone.” She deliberately called him Cupid instead of his real name, which she had found out was Claude, knowing that if he could hear her he would hate it. Getting in the car, she slammed the door turned on her engine and peeled out of her driveway. With Valentine’s Day long past she shouldn’t be getting men sent to her by Cupid— but oh no, she was the unlucky one. Another man walking up her driveway jumped out of the way and into the bushes in the nick of time as she sped past. Aurora glanced back, debating if she should stop to see if he was okay. The man stumbled back onto the road watching after her, a shocked look on his face. Seeing that he was okay Aurora turned to look back at the road then swerved, barely missing another car coming up the road to her driveway. The man in the car waved and mouthed that name she had come to dread—Claude. When nothing happened Aurora smiled grimly and flipped him the finger. Swearing viciously Aurora pressed on the gas. Feeling hot she opened her coat, shrugged out of it, then tossed it over her shoulder onto the back seat. A long line of cars was driving up the road toward her house and since she was the only house at the end of this street she knew they were coming to see her. They had to all be from Cupid because she didn’t even know that many people in Savoy Valley yet. Each car had a gorgeous man in it. Swearing she pressed down harder on the gas and zoomed by them. After passing the last car Aurora continued driving for another fifteen minutes before she saw the sign for her turn and took it fast. It was a sharp curve and her SUV tipped to the side on two wheels. Holding it firm Aurora didn’t panic—she was too angry. When it righted itself

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and bounced hard on the road her teeth snapped together. Anger bubbled in her stomach as Aurora watched the empty stretch of road rushing past her windshield. Her anger was fueled by the disturbances she had today at work and now at her home. She slammed her hand on the steering wheel. Her home was her sanctuary and he had gone too far. Thoughts of earlier that day filled Aurora as she remembered when the first man had showed up. It was during her six o’clock morning rounds. She had thought he was a family member of a patient. After he had apologized on Claude’s behalf for taking so long he explained that with Valentine Day, then the wedding season, Claude hadn’t had time to fulfill her request until now in October when things were slow before the holiday season. The man had then added that he was her househusband. Since she didn’t know anyone named Claude or what the man was talking about she had told him to go away. He had gone without a word. The next man, who showed up during her office hours, had said the same thing. Only curiosity had made her listen this time. When the man whispered that Claude was actually called Cupid by mortals, “But please don’t call him that because he hates it,” she had started to realize what was happening. The man had then patiently explained, as Aurora had started to suspect, that because she had helped Aphrodite with her little mishap a few months ago Claude wanted to repay her, since he knew how much trouble his mother tended to get into. Hearing that Aurora had groaned. Back at the end of January, when she was driving home from the new job she had started barely a month earlier in Savoy Valley Hospital, she had seen the unconscious woman dangling from a tree. At the time she had wondered how the heck she had gotten up there. It had taken her a few moments to realize the woman was alive but unconscious. Aurora had come out of her car and, seeing no alternative, had pulled her down. As Aurora got her out of the tree the woman had fallen on her, causing Aurora to injure her shoulder. Since it was too icy to go back to town Aurora had taken the woman home and tried to help her. The woman had slept for two days and when she awakened claiming

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to be Aphrodite the former Goddess of Love, Aurora was afraid she had injured her head. At her continued insistence Aurora had decided that the woman had a few screws loose. Deciding to act as though she believed her, Aurora had continued to care for her. When the roads were clear a few days later and before the woman claiming to be Aphrodite had left, she had—despite Aurora protests—asked what she could give Aurora in return for her help. Aurora never imagined that her flippant yet blunt reply, that she wanted a househusband who would take care of all her needs in and out of the bedroom with no emotional entanglements, would result in this. In the few months since the incident she had come to find out that Savoy Valley was different. When she had mentioned the strange incident to her friends at work she hadn’t realized they would react as they had. They had dragged her to a part of the hospital she hadn’t seen before. The man who had come and questioned her, then explained it all to her, had been very weird. She hadn’t understood his insistence on knowing how she felt about Savoy being “different” or how her response would affect her. Initially she had told him to fuck off but that was when his wings—which she hadn’t seen before—had flared out. Those suckers had been almost the width of the room. Aurora had been shocked. Since she wasn’t one to care about the norm she had told him she didn’t care. They had taken her at her word and the easy job she had taken to get away from the hectic pace of New York had become just as hectic as the one she had left behind. Now she treated not only humans but all sorts of supernatural creatures she never previously knew existed. And to top it off she now had to deal with a crazy Cupid who was determined to give her a househusband who was good in bed. Each time she sent one of his househusbands away he sent more. By her last count there had been one hundred and twenty-two of them. Each time they spoke— Her car communication system provided by the hospital rang interrupting her thoughts. Absently she noted it had started to snow, which was unusual for this early in

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winter in Savoy Valley. Automatically she flicked on the dashboard communication system. “Garrwick.” “Is this Aurora Garrwick?” The sensual male voice filled the car. Aurora frowned. She didn’t recognize the voice but then again she wasn’t familiar with all the dispatchers from the hospital. “Yes this is Aurora Garrwick what is it?” “Claude sent me. I’m your new househusband.” Knowing what would happen if he finished Aurora fumbled to disconnect him. “And I’m good in bed,” the voice purred out. Aurora swore realizing that she was too late. A shaft of heat shot straight to her clit and her foot pressed down on the gas. Blearily she looked and was thankful to see she had an open stretch of road ahead of her. Shivers of pleasure started to rack her and dropping her head back on the seat Aurora let it come. She had learned from her earlier experiences that morning that fighting it only made it worse. Her breasts started to ache while her pussy throbbed. The orgasm swept over her with such a force it made her back arch off the seat chair while her foot pressed harder on the gas. Opening her mouth she screamed as her clit became so heated it was painful. Tightening her hands on the wheel of the car she felt her already sore pussy spasm hard. Wetness started to soak through her clothing. She arched again as her pussy started to pulsate. Sharp talons of pleasure racked her while the heat in her pussy went to silken fire. Aurora knew that was only a warm-up to the real thing. Before she could brace herself she went under. Another scream ripped from her as she absently noted that the man was asking if she was okay. Her body shook as the pleasure that bordered on pain bombarded her. In that moment Aurora realized that this was more intense than before. She got lost in the extreme sensuality of it. Her pussy undulated as if being taken by a cock. Shock waves of pleasure rolled through her pussy. Pleasure continued to crash into her as her orgasm went on and on. She slumped deeper back into the car seat holding the steering 9

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wheel in a death grip. Gasping Aurora bowed as the force of it held her hostage. Pleasure jerked her body up and down against the seat. Her mind went blank under the force of her release. It went on and on as she whimpered. Wetness continued to gush from her, soaking her clothing and the seat. Finally, as quickly as it started, it stopped. Aurora mumbled. “Eighty-nine.” Aurora added this orgasm to her growing list. She tried to catch her breath as small explosions of pleasure continued to fill her. After she had started rejecting each man Cupid had sent, he had begun playing dirty. The first man to say, “I’m good in bed” had caught her unaware in the middle of surgery. She had been embarrassed when everyone had looked at her—then suddenly she had found herself on the floor writhing in pleasure. Thankfully there was another surgeon to step in on the tricky wing replacement surgery she was performing on a fae. After coming back to her senses she had brazened it out in front of her colleagues. Silence was the best course to take when dealing with supernaturals especially her colleagues, who were a mix of human and super. Sex was an open subject with most of them. They did not have the usual hang-ups humans had. The majority of them were, after all, sensual beings. She ignored their sly grins and sent the man on his way thinking it was a fluke. Since she hadn’t been with anyone for almost eight months Aurora figured she was just horny. When it hadn’t happened with the next man she thought she was going to be okay, at least until the following one came and it was then she knew she was in deep trouble. She had locked herself in her office trying to figure out why it had happened with one but not the other. Since she had patients to see she couldn’t stay there forever and when she left her office she still hadn’t figured it out. As she stepped out of her office there was a line of men waiting for her. She had ignored them and strode past them without looking at them. They had each said the same thing. Only with some of them had she felt the tightening, but she fought it. Ignoring the smirks on her coworkers’ faces she had continued on her way thinking she had beaten them. She was making rounds to her patients when another man had come

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to her and said the same words. She had felt it and not wanting to hear any more she had gone into an empty observation room to avoid any more men. That was when the pleasure had hit her. Since it had accumulated it had taken her over two hours before the orgasms subsided. She had thought she was going to die of the pleasure. Aurora shuddered as she remembered how she had come to the realization she was in huge trouble. “I can’t go on like this.” She pushed back her sweat-soaked hair and took a shaky breath. She closed her eyes and prayed that she could at least finish the day. The sound of a knock on the door startled her from her thoughts. She didn’t want to see anyone. “Aurora, are you okay?” Dionne Lukas, her coworker and friend, asked through the closed door. “I’m fine, Dionne,” Aurora replied. She hoped Dionne didn’t hear the shakiness of her voice. Her next words made her realize she had. “I don’t believe you. Come out, Aurora.” Aurora rested her head back on the cold wall and refused to answer her. A sound made her head jerk up. Dionne calmly stepped inside and dangled the keys she held. Dionne pulled the clip from her hair. It fell to cover her face, hiding how tired she looked. Aurora ran her hand through her hair. “God, Dionne. I only need a moment alone.” She laid her head back against the wall again. “Like I care. What’s wrong, honey? I came out of surgery and heard you locked yourself up in here.”

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With a sigh she filled her in. Dionne was suspiciously silent. Aurora opened an eye and saw her face. Laughter spilled from Dionne filling the room. Not appreciating her laughing at her predicament Aurora glared at her. Dionne controlled herself. “I wish I had that problem,” Dionne said with a grin. They were silent for a while. “What are we going to do?” Aurora felt relief course through her at Dionne’s question. She reached over and squeezed Dionne’s hand. Dionne patted her hand in response. “Not all the men made you come, right? We have to figure out what the difference is between them and the ones that did. Then you have to figure out a way to avoid it. Let’s start with physical features. Eyes? Lips? Butt? Chest?” Dionne ticked each one off on her fingers. Aurora shook her head after each. Dionne kept listing body parts as she continued to shake her head. Aurora’s mind raced as she thought of all the men. Suddenly it hit her. She knew what was different. “Their voice.” Aurora sat up. Confusion was plain on Dionne’s face. Aurora explained. “It wasn’t what they looked like. It was something in their tone that sent me over the edge.” She slumped back. “That’s what it was. Their voice.” “Hmmm… the voice. I would have never thought of that one. Heck I’m more of a chest woman myself. Now you know what to avoid.” “Yes, but how the hell do I stop them from talking to me?” “How am I supposed to think of everything? You’re on your own with that one. Heck I would be more prone to finding each man. I would not be avoiding them. The things I could do.” “Please, you forget who you are talking to. When was the last time you went on a date?” She threw Dionne a look. “You don’t have to date for that.” Dionne’s grinned wickedly. 12

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“True.” “Are you ready to go outside now?” Aurora shrugged. “In a few minutes.” “I think we should go now.” “What’s the rush?” She looked at her suspiciously. “None. But I forgot to mention a bunch of people were about to break down the door when I arrived. Including the head of the hospital.” Dionne bit her lip to hold in the laughter. Aurora jumped up. “Shit. Why didn’t you say something?” Dionne stood to join her. “I just did.” Dionne strolled over to the door, threw it open and stepped outside. Aurora followed her and winced as she saw the hall full of her colleagues but fortunately no sign of her boss. Dionne spread her hands wide. “She’s all right, folks, nothing to see here. Don’t you all have work to do?” Dionne glared at a few of them. They laughed, accustomed to Dionne’s theatrics. The crowd left. Dionne motioned to her. Aurora came outside into the now empty hallway. She walked with Dionne down the hall. “Now I can get some wo—“ Aurora trailed off as she turned the corner and saw all the men waiting there for her. “Yum,” Dionne purred. Aurora saw Claude was pulling out the big guns. The man in front of her was as handsome as sin and muscular with it. His lips quirked in a smile and he opened his mouth. Aurora stepped forward and slapped her hand over his mouth before he could speak. The man stood still and looked at her. His blue eyes were twinkling. She peeked behind him and saw all the other men

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waiting. Every one was incredibly sexy. She shifted the man so she could watch all of them. He moved willingly. “Say nothing to me. Only nod or shake your head. Do you understand me?” Aurora demanded. They all nodded. “Did Claude send you?” Again they nodded. “Did he tell you to say, ‘Claude sent me. I’m your new househusband and I’m good in bed’.” Nods again. “I want you all to take a message to Claude. Tell him you gave me all the messages then you tell him to leave me the fuck alone.” They all shook their head. Her eyes narrowed then she glanced at the man whose mouth she covered. Carefully she removed her hand. He said nothing. “None of the rest of you say a word. You, tell me why you can’t deliver the message.” She waited for him to speak. “We must each deliver our message personally until you find the one who is suitable for your needs.” The man spoke in a sensuous purr. A shudder racked Aurora as he said “needs”. Anger quickly squashed the stirrings of lust. “So, even if I tell you to go away, you won’t.” They all nodded their heads. “Only Claude can release us from our task.” The first man spoke again. Another shudder quivered through her. Her pussy creamed. Shit, she thought as she watched him. Coming to a quick decision Aurora grinned engagingly. “Fine. You all wait here a moment while I get rid of my friend.”

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She grabbed Dionne and hustled her down the hallway. They went around a corner into another hallway. Aura was thankful that it was empty. She peeked around the corner to see if they were followed. She saw no one. With a decisive move she strode down the hall and told Dionne over her shoulder, “If they come looking for me you don’t know where I went.” ‘Where are you going?” Dionne asked. “The one place they won’t be able to find me. Home. I’m off for over a week and by the time I come back they should have given up. See you in a week.” “Have fun,” Dionne laughed. The sound of many footsteps echoed in the halls. She picked up sped and raced down the halls. Dionne laughter followed her and she heard the murmurs of the men asking where she was. “Come on, boys, she went back that way,” Dionne said. “Umm… Your arm is really firm.” She heard Dionne leading them in the other direction from her. Aurora was grateful Dionne had given her some time to escape. Aurora had been sitting at home thankful to be away from all the men coming to her. When the first man had knocked and she opened the door she was shocked they had found her house. It was so far removed from the main roads. After realizing they had followed her all the way home she knew she could not allow anyone to disrupt her sanctuary. Her home. She simply would not allow that.

“Fucking Cupid.” Raising a shaky arm Aurora scraped her hand through her short curls pushing them back from her face. As she opened her eyes Aurora realized she was hurtling down the road. Easing her foot slowly off the gas pedal to avoid spinning out of control she frowned at the snow

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that had gotten heavier. Suddenly out of nowhere a tree seemed to sprout up in front of her. “Shit.” Jerking the wheel to the right to avoid it Aurora’s eyes widened as she literally saw another tree appear before her. Knowing she could not avoid it she could swear she heard a male voice say, “Christ don’t kill her.” Her car hit the tree making a loud crunching sound. Her head bounced forward, the seat belt snapped and her head hit the steering wheel before bouncing back against the seat. The glass from her windshield rained down on her cutting her cheek. The cold snow started to fill her car. Nausea swamped Aurora as she fought not to pass out. Blood leaked into her eyes. Blinking her eyes to clear it she distantly heard a female voice. “You bonehead we need her alive.” Darkness swamped her. “Shit, I’m hearing things.” Her vision dimmed and went black.

***** Pushing his hand in deep Nigel Ha’gan felt the rich warmth surround it. His eyes closed in pleasure. There was no feeling like it. Pulling his hand out again he felt the warmth trickle down his hand. As he opened his eyes he looked at the rich earth in his palm. It was the right consistency for his purple and peach dahlia. Glancing right, then left, he took in the profusion of flowers. There were various colors of orchids, Indian Mallow, Desert Rose, Cherries Jubilee, hibiscus and many other plants. They spread all around the base of his home and as far as the eye could see. Turning back to the empty space he had reserved for his dahlia he took the plant, gently placed it in the space and covered it up. Nigel muttered. “Retirement sucks.” He ignored his hair that came over his shoulder and tickled his bare chest as he rotated his neck. He was bored. The only excitement he saw these days was when a

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wayward traveler got lost on his hill. And that hadn’t happened in months. His flowers gave him a small burst of pleasure but still he was restless. Nigel knew he could take his children’s suggestion and find a companion but he couldn’t imagine letting anyone that close. The death of his wife years ago still affected him. Every time he tried to get close to anyone he felt like he was betraying her. Raising his face to the warmth of the sunlit sky Nigel felt the tears burning his eyes. “I miss you, Zarlu.” He felt the tears trickle down his cheeks unabated. His retirement would be easier to take if she was there with him to share it. Nigel was furious at himself for moping. His eyes narrowed as he took in the fierce snowstorm raging before him. He controlled the environment around his house so his garden could bloom all year. The storm was just beyond his garden. He didn’t know what Nybia was up to but he would find out. He shook his head. They should have never have turned over their responsibilities to the children. Turning on his sandaled feet he strode toward his front door. A sound made him stop and look to the side. It sounded like someone was in trouble. He sniffed the air and smelled smoke.

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Chapter Two Nigel turned and raced around the side of his house and up the hilly path. Automatically he shifted, avoiding the rocky area, trees and rough terrain without breaking stride. In moments he came to the road ten miles from his home. He saw the car crumpled against a tree. Even as he watched fire spouted from the hood. Waving his hand to slow down the fire, he raced down the hill, wrenched open the car door, pulled out the person, then streaked back up the hill. Turning, he watched the fire break free of his freeze then lick hungrily up the car. Then with a loud boom the car blew straight up in the air. He watched as the pieces of the car rained down from the sky hissing in the snow. Dragging his gaze away he looked down and was shocked at the beauty of the woman in his arms. Despite the blood flowing down her sienna skin from the cut on her forehead close to the hairline and the other one on her cheek, she captivated him. She wasn’t beautiful in the classic sense. Her hair was in short curls against her broad forehead while high sculptured cheeks offset a full nose and a rounded chin. Her mouth was lush and full. His gaze lowered taking in everything in one glance—her bountiful breasts rising and falling rapidly in her dark red T-shirt, her black jeans hugging rounded hips that led to long legs. Nigel wet his dry lips captured by those long legs. An image of her legs wrapped around him as he drove deep within her hot wet canal flashed through his mind. Guilt swamped him at the thought. He hadn’t felt like this for years. Frowning he glanced around. Something about this whole scene seemed off. The woman moaned, distracting him. She started to shiver violently. Noticing for the first time that her lips looked blue, Nigel swore softly. He didn’t have on any shirt and had only sandals on his feet but hadn’t felt the cold. He had been controlling it. With a swift turn he went back through the snow to his house. He barely

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glanced up as the house came into view. The patch of land for his flowers was filled with sunlight, which made the rich red brick of his home shine. He moved out of the snow and onto the sunlit path. He wove his way though his flowers then raced up the stairs made of stone and indigo marble. The rich carved mahogany wooden railing enclosing the stairs led to the wide expanse of the wraparound porch blooming with flowers and beautiful sculptures. A second before he reached the mahogany double doors, they opened. He ignored the comfortable furnishings and went up the stairs to the second floor and to his room. Gently he laid the woman on the bed. As he let her go he realized he should have taken her to any one of the many guest rooms. Deciding not to waste the time, Nigel without a thought, stripped her bare then himself. Lying down next to her he pulled her into his body. He hissed as her cold body touched his. Pulling her tighter Nigel let his heat seep into her. You could warm her without being naked. Although knowing it was true Nigel ignored it and the guilty feeling he had as if he was cheating on his dead wife. He felt compelled to warm her this way. Closing his eyes he felt tiredness seep into him. His body stirred at her closeness. Ignoring the hardening of his cock Nigel took a deep breath and her scent filled him. She smelled like vanilla and cinnamon. With a groan Nigel willed himself to calm down. Sleep overtook him as he went under. The dream snuck up on him. “Nigel, you have to let me go,” Zarlu said in that soft voice of hers, then she smacked him on the head. “Ow, what did you do that for?” Nigel looked at Zarlu’s twinkling blue eyes. She smiled, a sweet twist of her lips and put her hands on her hips. He knew from her stance he was in trouble. “Why are you holding me as a shield so no one can get close to you? Geesh. You’re a man for god’s sake. You have needs.” She paced back and forth in front of him. She stopped and gave

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him a sexy look. “I know you’re not a saint.” She chuckled sensuously. “So stop being an ass and start to live.” Watching her Nigel ached to touch her one last time. She smiled as if she understood. Coming to him, she slid her arms around him. Sinking into her embrace Nigel felt her love and care for him. Zarlu pulled back with her arms still around him and sighed. “Nigel, it’s time to get back to living. Stop holding onto the past.” She looked at him. “When you’re ready you’ll know it’s time.” She glanced over his shoulder. Following her gaze Nigel looked at himself and the woman on the bed. “Her name is Aurora and she needs you as much as you need her, Nigel.” Zarlu touched his cheek gently, pulled his face close and kissed him softly and tenderly. “I love you, my warlious.” She started to fade. Reaching for her he whispered. “I love you, my sesuioul.” She smiled and disappeared. Watching her leave Nigel knew it was the last time. Tears rained down his face as he returned to his body. Gasping he came awake, careful not to jerk the sleeping woman. He felt the tears on his face. Taking them off his cheek he held them and watched as they turned into a handful of diamonds. They rose off his palm and floated across the room. A drawer opened and they floated into it before closing. He knew that the drawer was full of diamonds and other gems. For the last year he had been dreaming of Zarlu and each time he woke there were tears on his face which turned into precious gems. Glancing back at the naked woman in his arms he was pleased to see her color was good and she had stopped shaking. Yawning he looked over her shoulder at the floor-to-ceiling windows that led out onto the balcony. It was dark and still snowing heavily although the snow didn’t come near the house. A glance at the crystal clock by the bedside showed him that it was after nine o’clock. Closing his eyes he decided to take a nap before getting up and heating some food for the woman—Aurora—he corrected himself as he fell asleep.

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Feeling as if something was wrong, Nigel absently opened his eyes and was captured by rich meadow green eyes. Against her rich caramel skin it was startling. She was even more beautiful than he’d first thought. His cock stirred again at her close proximity. Looking at her he saw her eyes heat in reaction. Suddenly her hand flashed out and hit him in the eye. Nigel’s head snapped back in pain and he let her go. She was up out of the bed and across the room and out of the door. A glance at the clock showed him it was still nine o’clock. Nigel frowned. That wasn’t possible. He felt rested. Looking up he saw the bright sun shining outside and realized he had slept through the night. He hadn’t slept so peacefully in a long time. The sound of her footsteps running down the hall and her mutters of escape reached his ears. Shaking his head Nigel got out of bed slowly and followed her. The house wouldn’t let her out.

***** Escape was all Aurora could think of. She had felt so warm and protected when she woke up. Then she had opened her eyes and seen the handsome man holding her. His long dreadlocks partially covered a face relaxed in slumber. His sun-kissed skin depicted his Native American descent. His face was raw, chiseled masculine perfection with a broad forehead, curling sooty lashes resting against prominent cheekbones, a slightly long nose softened by sensual lips and a firm chin. Glancing down his lanky frame she took in all his muscular ridges then looked down and gulped at what made him a man. He was thick, long and definitely on his way to being aroused. Even as she watched, his cock lengthened. He moaned incoherently. She saw his eyes open. They were slumberous but that didn’t detract from the impact of his rich dark brown gaze. She felt his body stir against her and she realized she was also naked. Reaching up she hit him to get away. While he was disarmed she knew she had to escape. Running down the long hall she tried to listen to see if he was following. She couldn’t chance slowing to check. Seeing the stairs she went down them as fast as she could. She ran

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across the expansive living room and down the hall to the front door. Reaching it she grabbed the handle. It wouldn’t turn. Pulling frantically she couldn’t get it open. “Now what?” Aurora stiffened at the sound of a rich voice behind her. Glancing back she saw the man was leaning against the wall adjacent to the door. Not knowing what else to do she flew down the hall and looked for another door. The man’s sigh followed her. Frantic she continued to run toward the light shining ahead. Reaching it she hurtled through and realized she was in a kitchen. She heard his footsteps behind her and looked around for a weapon. Seeing a pot she hefted it, turned to the door as he entered, and threw it at him. His hand flashed out in a blur and he caught it before it could connect. Her mouth dropped open. She hadn’t seen him move. He kept coming. Picking up whatever she could get she threw it at him as she stumbled backward. Pots, food and knives—he caught each one effortlessly. Breathless she stopped backing up. The man stopped and watched her, waiting to see what she would do next. Frustrated Aurora screamed. “What the fuck are you?” He smiled, a nasty little twist of his lips. “Besides the man who saved your pretty little ass from being a Popsicle? A god.” Hearing that Aurora felt fury flash through her. Not stopping to think she headed straight for him. The man’s eyes dropped and he grinned, a devilish quirk of his lips. Realizing she was still naked and he was ogling her made Aurora even angrier. Slowing, she added more sway to her hips and watched his eyes light up in appreciation. She looked at him and saw his smile widen. Returning his smile she let her hand flash up to slug him. He caught it. “Uh-huh, not that again. You’re such a violent little thing.” The man’s tone was calm. Ignoring his comment she swung with her other hand. He sighed and caught it too. He raised an eyebrow as if saying “now what”. From how they were standing she estimated he was about six three to her six feet. Jerking her head forward she hit him 22

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with it. She felt his nose break, as was her intention. A grim smile curved her lips. He let her go and stepped back. Swinging at him again Aurora found her hand caught. Instinctively she swung with the other. He again caught it then turned her around and pulled them behind her back. Jerking her head back she tried to hit him with her head. “Shit. Will you calm down?” the man growled. Straining against his hold Aurora gritted out, “Fuck you, Cupid or Claude or whatever the hell your name is. I have eighty-seven more of those to give you. You motherfu—” The man sighed once more and said softly, “I’m not Cupid.” She stilled and gasped realizing she was plastered against his body. His next word distracted her. “Although I can relate, why do you want to kick Cupid’s ass?” His tone was matterof-fact. “You’re hurting me. Let me go first.” Aurora demanded although he wasn’t. He scoffed. “Liar.” “Let me go.” “Only if you promise not to hit me again.” “Fine I won’t hit you again. I only connected twice.” Although it galled her to admit it. The man laughed and his cock rubbed against her ass. Trying to keep still Aurora closed her eyes. She was getting hot over a man she barely knew and she didn’t even know if she liked him. He let her go. Spinning to face him she took a step forward and looked up into his amused chocolate gaze. “Who the hell are you?” His smile widened. “Nigel Ha’gan at your service, Miss Aurora.” He sounded very formal but his devilish smile belied that.

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“You’re very formal for someone who is naked.” Then what he had said hit her. “How do you know my name?” A look of pain flashed through his eyes so fast she almost thought she imagined it. “I figured since you were ignoring it I’d be a gentleman and do the same.” “What?” He shrugged a graceful movement of his shoulders. “Our nakedness.” Aurora sighed. “You’re quite a handful aren’t you?” Realizing what she had said her eyes automatically dropped and looked at his impressive member. Blushing she turned away from him and mumbled. “Crap, you know what I mean.” “Now no need to be shy, queinlos,” Nigel said the laughter plain in his voice. “What does queinlos mean?” Aurora asked although she suspected it was something derogatory. “Little warrior,” he purred. His answer pleased her. The feel of soft cloth brushed her skin. Glancing down she saw light filtering around her body and a robe in a rich green, the same color as her eyes, covered her. He was now clothed in a similar one in dark brown. “Thanks.” She winced when she saw his broken nose. She knew it had to be hurting him. Grabbing his hand she pulled him to the table. He came willingly. She pushed him in the chair. Reaching to check his nose she gasped as his hand stopped her. Again she hadn’t seen him move. “Don’t be a baby. I just want to check it out. I’m a doctor.” She touched it and he winced. “Ah man, I’m sorry. She looked for some paper towel and got a bowl of water. “Sorry you hit me or sorry I’m not Claude?” he asked. Smiling she replied, “Both,” as she gently cleaned his nose. “Why do you want to kick Claude’s ass?” He sounded curious. Rolling her eyes Aurora told him. “It all started about eight months ago.”

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Listening to her explain about helping Aphrodite out, Nigel shook his head. Aphrodite was always in some mischief. He enjoyed having someone fuss over him for a change. He could heal his nose with a touch but was enjoying the feel of her hands on him too much. Looking at her face wrinkled in concentration he was again arrested by her meadow green gaze. Her face was so expressive. She had looked like she would kill him when he said he was a god. She was like a fearless naked Valkyrie as she ran to him. He shifted, trying to hide his telling reaction to her. She held him in place with a soft yet firm touch. As she continued to speak he jerked when she mentioned an orgasm. There was a startled look on her face and she seemed to blush. She held him and told him again to stop being a baby. He didn’t know if he should laugh or be offended. She smiled, continued explaining and thankfully didn’t mention orgasms again while cleaning his nose. He stifled a chuckle when she mentioned her plan to find Cupid and hit him for each man he sent her trying to repay her. When she got to the part about the snow and the trees sprouting up out of nowhere he frowned. Something was going on here and he had to figure out what. She leaned in closer and her scent of cinnamon and vanilla distracted him. Gently she parted his legs and stepped between them. His penis stood to attention begging for her to stroke it with the same gentleness she was using on his nose. His eyes dropped to her lips and he leaned forward. Catching himself he jerked away from her. She had a startled look on her face. Without saying a word he ran his hand along his nose. He felt it knit back into place and the pain fade. She looked at him, her mouth hanging open then her hand flashed out and she pinched his ear then stepped back quickly before he could get over his surprise and grab her. “You jerk. Why didn’t you do that in the first place?” She stood a little way from him, her arms crossed under her breasts, her foot tapping. Her robe gaped open making his mouth water. Gulping he watched her, wanting to bite along her neck and down to her nipple.

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“Well?” she asked, her tone demanding an answer. Closing his eyes Nigel replied. “There is a room on the top of the stairs you can use. We’ll speak in a few hours.” Her eyes narrowed. “What? Wait a minute. Is your ability to heal the reason I don’t have any injuries.” He was silent. She took a step toward him. “You’d better answer me.” He opened his eyes and roared, “Unless you want me to lay you on the floor and fuck you right now, get out.”

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Chapter Three Nigel saw her jump then stick out her chin stubbornly. “Try it if you want to get bloody again.” He looked at her stupefied, then he bared his teeth and let her see his hunger. Surprisingly she gulped, turned and ran from the room. He brought his fist down hard on the nearby table and a loud crack rent the air as the table buckled. It looked as if an ax had hit it. The twenty-seat table was in two pieces. Shuddering he tried to rein in his lust. He waved his hand to make the table whole again, then went across the room to the doors leading to the back garden. He flung them open and walked down the path. Suddenly he stopped and scented the air. Glancing up at the bedroom overlooking the area he saw the curtain move and knew she watched. He bared his teeth again then turned and went to the Olympic-size pool, dropped his robe and dove in. The warm water engulfed him as he sliced through it with hard strokes. He changed the temperature to freezing cold.

***** Aurora watched Nigel’s lithe frame cut through the water in the pool and cursed herself for running. She wanted him but when he yelled at her she reacted as she usually did. Ready to come out swinging. It wasn’t until he bared his teeth and his eyes started to glow an eerie amber color that she realized he was on edge. Yes he had frightened her but that wasn’t why she ran. She was afraid of the strength of her desire for him, a man she barely knew. She had wanted to open his robe, climb up him and impale herself on his long hard cock. That thought alone had made her leave fast. Just looking at him she knew doing anything more with him would lead to complications she didn’t need. 27

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He had to be cold. Concern filled her as she watched him. Glancing up at the storm raging outside the house she blinked. She realized the area around the house was clear of snow. Yet beyond was swamped with snow. Narrowing her eyes she wondered if him being a god had something to do with the weather. Although she had met all sorts of beings since learning Savoy Valley’s secret, she hadn’t known that there were gods or goddesses in Savoy Valley. She had assumed the address she had coerced out of one of the men for Claude’s house was just a temporary dwelling while he tortured her with his gratitude. She frowned, wondering if Aphrodite also had a home in Savoy and what other gods or goddesses were in Savoy. Looking back at Nigel she wondered what kind of god he was. She realized he’d said he was retired. She had a lot of questions. She crossed the room to the bath. She would clean up and then go and ask him. What about your ache for him. Shrugging it off, Aurora took off her robe and got into the shower. It didn’t matter. She wasn’t one to back away from a problem and it wouldn’t happen again. After her shower Aurora reached for the robe. She stopped before picking it up. She couldn’t go downstairs in the robe again. There was no reason to add more fuel to the fire. It was too much of a temptation. She was attracted to him but to act on it would be foolish. She couldn’t afford to let anyone get close. You can have sex without emotion. Shaking off the thought she looked around and spied the closet. It was filled with clothing. A shaft of jealousy speared her. Swearing softly Aurora cursed herself. She had no right or claim to be jealous. He was just her rescuer. The shirt and jeans she picked out were her size. Surprised but pleased by this she put them on quickly, ran her fingers though her hair, then formed her plan to get her questions answered. Aurora stopped at the bottom of the stairs as a wonderful scent hit her. Her stomach growled in reaction. Sniffing the air she walked toward the kitchen. Stopping in the doorway she saw Nigel was busy at the stove. Whatever he was making smelled

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delicious. As if knowing she was there he turned and smiled. Heat licked up her veins and her heart beat wildly in her chest in reaction. “You must be hungry. Come and sit.” Nigel’s deep voice resounded. Biting her lip Aurora walked in. “I borrowed some clothes from in the closet. Thank whoever they belong to for me.” “I put them there for you. I figured you wouldn’t be comfortable in just a robe so I made them. If you need anything else let me know.” Nigel motioned for her to take a seat at the table. Walking over she sat and prepared to ask her first question. He put down a glass of juice and slid a bowl of stew in front of her. The smell distracted her. He sat in the chair across from her, put down his own bowl and set down a platter fresh bread. Lowering her head she murmured a prayer then picked up her spoon and dug in. As she took a slice of the bread she almost moaned. It was still warm. “Are you a doctor at Savoy Valley Hospital?” “Yes. I’m a surgeon.” A smile curved his lips. Wetness pooled between her legs. Shifting she fought to keep her body under control. “What’s the smile for?” Nigel shook his head. “I should have figured you would be a doctor who worked with weapons, queinlos.” Startled she looked at him then thinking about all the things she had thrown at him, she laughed. He joined in with her. “I’m not normally so violent.” Aurora felt the need to defend herself. “Really?” She could hear the laughter in his voice. “Okay I have a temper. The weapons, as you put it, aren’t the reason I became a surgeon,” Aurora replied. Nigel sat back and looked at her. “Why did you become a surgeon?” 29

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She started to give him her standard answer of “to help people” but his intent look made her change her mind. “My mother.” His genuine interest caused her to say what she hadn’t told anyone in years. “We got in an accident on the way to my dance recital. It was bad and if it wasn’t for a doctor who had seen the crash she would have died immediately.” She remembered her fear. “She was terrific. Gave my mom a tracheotomy on the side of the road with a straw and penknife. When I asked her how she knew to do that she didn’t brush me off as a little kid but told me she studied hard for years in med school. It was then I knew I wanted to do what she did. Help people. Although she gave Mom a few more hours, Mom didn’t make it. The rest of her injuries were too extensive.” Embarrassed she had said so much she picked up her juice and took a sip. She was surprised to realize it was her favorite, strawberry. Taking a deeper drink she glanced up at him over the top of her glass. He had a gentle smile on his face. “Tell me about a day in your life as a surgeon. Not the glossed-over fake things you tell people. The real things.” Stunned she looked at him. No one had asked her that before. How was he able to do that? Make her want to tell him everything. It was a heady thing and drew her to him even more. Before she knew it she was talking. “It is the most exhilarating, frightening and heartwrenching career you can ever have. People think its ego when you’re emotionally detached but it’s survival. A good surgeon feels too much and if they do they burn out. I left New York for that reason.” Liar you left for other reasons. Ignoring her inner voice she looked at him. “I love what I do. It is in me and I could do nothing else.” She cleared her throat before starting. “Today I had—” Nigel watched her face as she spoke. There were circles of fatigue around her eyes and something else. That didn’t stop him from wanting to lay her down on the table and have her. The emotion in her voice spoke of her deep passion for her job as a

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surgeon and her compassion spoke of her big heart. When she discussed her mother there was pain in her voice but also pride. She was a mass of contradictions. She was a warrior yet he could see she was also longing for comfort. It was his specialty but he couldn’t afford to get too close to her. He didn’t need to read her mind to know that she had baggage that she wouldn’t talk about. It didn’t matter. Aurora was on the edge and didn’t even know it. He could at least take care of her. Feed her, help her get some rest and rejuvenate. There was a frailty about her that he did not like. He continued to listen to her as he picked up their bowls, put them in the sink and got the dessert from the oven. Quickly he plated it and brought it back to the table. She stopped talking and the baffled pleasure on her face was telling. She wasn’t used to being cared for. She took up her fork dug in and took a bite. “Hmmm… Caramel soufflé.” His cock hardened as her eyes lowered half-mast. She took another bite and moaned. He clenched his hand around the fork and it broke. Aurora glanced up. Making it whole again before she noticed he took a bite of his own caramel soufflé. She let out another moan and it was all he could do not to pull her across the table and take her. “Continue.” His voice was hoarse. She looked at him for a moment. Worked up a bland smile. He saw her shrug then continue talking about herself. Mechanically he took another bite. He wasn’t in the mood for the soufflé. Another moan trickled from her lips. Shifting to ease some of the discomfort from his zipper pressing against his cock, Nigel cursed himself. He had gleaned some of her favorite things from her surface thoughts and had made them to make her comfortable. He could have gone deeper but found he wanted to learn from her telling him and not him reading her thoughts. Aurora purred as she took her final bite. Looking up he kicked himself for wanting her while the fatigue was weighing on her. Standing he picked up her plate. “Go and get some rest we’ll talk tomorrow.” 31

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She didn’t argue just nodded tiredly murmuring. “Night, thanks for a wonderful meal.” From his place at the sink he heard her footsteps as she crossed the room. Fighting with himself he gave in and looked. Her hips rolled with an internal sensual rhythm as she walked. She passed through the door and disappeared down the hall. He stood listening as she went up the stairs. Turning back to the sink he filled it with water and soap. As he washed the dishes he looked outside at the raging storm. Frowning he decided he would take Aurora home tomorrow then deal with the storm. A slight pang filled him at the thought of her leaving. Shaking his head he pushed it away. He couldn’t afford to give in to his attraction for her. Aurora had “no commitment” written all over her while he was a man who only knew how to be committed.

***** Nigel tried not to look up at Aurora from where he sat in his chair pretending to read. He should have taken her home his morning after they had breakfast. Yet he kept putting it off. He had disappeared into his garden leaving her alone to entertain herself. He had come back and made her lunch but left before she came to eat. Nigel admitted to himself he didn’t want her to go. Another night won’t matter. He turned his page and tried to look busy. At least when he had seen her at breakfast the circles under her eyes were gone and she had looked stronger. Aurora sighed. He could hear the impatience in the sound. He kept his head down in his book not daring to look up. He was a fool. Despite knowing it was foolish he still wanted her. Clenching his hands around the hardcover book he felt it buckle. Yes he was fool keeping her here when her very scent drove him crazy. He was a bigger idiot because he knew that he had no intention of doing anything to satisfy this ache. Biting off a curse he loosened his hold and used his power to make the book whole again.

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Four hours later Aurora looked over at Nigel. He was still intently reading a book. When she had come downstairs this morning he had breakfast waiting. She’d had a restful night—the first in a long time. While they ate he was charming, funny and distant. It was if nothing had happened before. She was confused. He had disappeared all day and now it was after dinner and they were in his living room. He had told her there were movies, books or anything she wanted to do to entertain herself, then he had gone to the chair in the corner to read. She wanted to snatch the book out of his hands. He looked up at her and smiled then went back to reading. “What kind of god are you?” Aurora asked the question that had been bugging her. He looked up startled. “I told you.” She shook her head. “No you didn’t.” He marked his page, set his book down, came over and sat closer to her. “I’m retired.” “You said that before I didn’t think a god could retire. Why aren’t you in Olympus?” He laughed. “Olympus isn’t just a place anymore it’s more of a state of being. It is always with us no matter where we go.” He touched his heart then a rueful grin spread on his face. “Sadly we all thought it was time for the kids to accept more responsibility and take over.” Her heart beat frantically. “You have kids. Shit, are you married?” His smile saddened. “Yes I have kids and no I’m not married anymore. My wife died.” There was such pain in his voice Aurora felt like crying. She touched his hand. “I’m sorry.” Then she frowned. “I didn’t think gods or goddesses could die.” “Yes they can. It’s too long a story to explain.” “Okay.” She felt guilty lusting after a man still mourning his dead wife. “How long has it been?”

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“Over three hundred years.” She watched him in disbelief. He was serious. Her heart ached. For a man to mourn a woman that long he had to be deeply in love. I wonder if anyone will ever feel that way about me again. As soon as the thought formed she pushed it away. She didn’t want to open herself to anyone like that again. “Before I retired I was the God of Nurture.” Absently she looked at him. “Excuse me did you say the God of Nature. I thought Nature was a woman.” He shook his head. “The God of Nurture.” She couldn’t have heard him right. “God of Nurture. I haven’t heard of you before.” He sighed. “I know. Everyone knows Zeus, Aphrodite or Hades but they never think of Malcolm, the God of Matrimony—well now it’s Markus since Malcolm retired—or the Goddess of Fertility, or God of Lust, G—” She listened in awe as he rattled off a list of gods and goddess she had never even known existed. He continued to rattle off names for a while and when he finally was finished she was shocked at how many there were. Then she thought of something. “Wait a minute. So you were the God of Nurture. You mean like caring, sweetness and such.” He watched her and nodded. She bit her lips trying not to laugh. The thought of such a masculine man being the God of Nurture seemed so improbable. Sighing he stood and motioned to her. “Go ahead. I’ve heard it a million times.” At the disgruntled look on his face she lost it. She started to laugh and continued to laugh until tears rolled down her face. He walked away and leaned against the fireplace across the room. More in control of herself Aurora said, “So you’d make a good househusband. Are you any good in bed?” She winced as she realized what she said. Nigel watched her.

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Rushing to explain she said, “That’s what got me into this situation. I’m so busy with work that when I come home I don’t have the time or energy for the household things—laundry, preparing meals and cleaning house. When I told Aphrodite I wanted a househusband to take care of all those things. I figured the man should also be good in bed in case I felt a need. Although with my schedule it was unlikely.” She shook her head and shrugged. “I don’t want someone to fall in love with me just someone to be there without the emotional entanglements. I didn’t expect her to take me literally and sic Cupid and his band of orgasm-talking men onto me.” “Orgasm-talking men?” Earlier she had deliberately glossed over the full details of what Cupid had done. She didn’t want to tell him. His look was patient. “Fine. He sent various men and when I kept sending them back he decided to fight dirty and when they said ‘Claude sent me. I’m your new househusband‘ I had an orgasm. Eighty-fucking-nine orgasms in one day because of him.” The look on his face was priceless. “Eighty-nine.” She squirmed. “Yes.” “And all they said was ‘Claude sent me. I’m your new househusband‘. That’s it.” She looked anywhere but at him. “Well no. They also said ‘And I’m good in bed’.” “And I’m good in bed.” His voice was sensual. She jumped up. “Crap don’t say that.” Aurora blinked and realized that nothing happened. She frowned. That wasn’t possible. She knew from the way her nipples were beaded talking with Nigel was turning her on. Looking at him she demanded, “Say the whole thing.” He look was bland as he said it. “Claude sent me. I’m your new househusband. And I’m good in bed.”

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Nothing happened. Ecstatic she was cured of whatever was ailing her before Aurora ran across the room and jumped into Nigel’s arms. His hands banded around her, holding her. Locking her legs around his waist she smiled happily in his face. “I’m cured.” In joy she laughed and watched his darkened eyes. Warning bells sounded at his look. Her breath caught at the look of hunger in his eyes. “Aurora.” His voice was a dark sensual purr.

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Chapter Four Clearing her throat Aurora found it hard to answer. “What?” Nigel leaned in close to her face and inhaled deeply. Shuddering Aurora loosened her legs to get down. His hand clamped firmly on her ass holding her in place. She moaned as she felt every delicious inch of his thick cock against her spread jean-covered mound. His eyes heated to molten pools of raw unbridled lust. “My name is Nigel and I’m explosive in bed.” He purred the words against her lips. Aurora’s eyes slammed shut and her back arched. She screamed as an orgasm ripped through her. Liquid fire filled her veins making her feel as if she was about to combust. Grinding against him she felt his hard cock pressing against her aching clit. A shaft of joy filled her as the orgasm held her in its heated grip. Shivers of delight tore through her dragging a harsh gasp from her. Her breasts felt tender and ached to be touched. Her pussy throbbed milking out every pulse of her orgasm. Shock waves of pleasure made her back bow even further. The feeling built to a feverish pitch crashing over her. Wetness soaked her clothing as she continued to gush. “Ninety,” she whispered hoarsely as the orgasm subsided. Opening her eyes she saw his eyes were glowing amber. “Uh-huh. That one was all mine.” His voice had dropped to a deep growl. His gaze was direct. “Do you want this, Aurora?” She opened her mouth to answer. He shook his head cutting her off. His locs shadowed his face and only his glowing eyes showed. “Be sure, Aurora. I haven’t been with anyone in over three hundred years.” She felt him shudder, then he continued his voice strained, “I can’t be gentle,

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Aurora. At least not at first. Hell maybe not even the second or third time. I need to know you’re ready for this.” She watched him and saw the fine shivers racking him as he strived for control. Instead of answering him she leaned into him wrapped her arms around his neck and tightened her legs around him. Leaning into his face she kept her eyes locked with his as she kissed him. It was a carnal clash of tongues. Sucking on his lips she nipped him as she answered him. “Bring it on.” At her words he dropped to his knees still holding her. He spread his legs wide and pulled her flush against his hard cock. His lips covered hers in a harsh demand, sucking in the moan that ripped from her throat. He ate at her mouth like a man starving. Wild sounds came from his mouth. Sucking them in, she locked her hands in his locs. “Hold on,” he breathed. Tightening her hands around his neck and her legs around his waist she held on as he dropped forward on his hands. His back rippled as he crawled across the floor with her hanging onto him. Aurora moaned at each movement forward. He was rubbing against her aching clit. Suddenly he lowered his body onto hers. Feeling the lush carpet behind her back Aurora realized she was naked once again. He slid forward and into her. Aurora gasped and arched at the feel of him stretching her. He kept going and going. His cock touched all of her and demanded she give more. Her pussy clenched around him wanting all he had. His glide was like silk wrapped in fire. It was almost too much. With a grunt he stopped and kissed her. Opening her mouth to his demanding tongue she whimpered as he pumped slowly and strongly. He hit all her heated aching places. His hard shaft penetrated her with a ferocity that made the breath stall in her lungs. With a sensuous twist of his hips he ignited her passion. He pulled away from the kiss with a wet lush sound. She breathed in deeply taking in the scent of their lovemaking. A growl rumbled from him setting off vibrations all along her skin.

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She was slick from her previous orgasm but she felt pleasantly stretched by each of his powerful strokes. The sensation was overwhelming. Aurora frowned something felt wrong. Looking at his face tight with concentration she saw the determination on his face. Narrowing her eyes she clamped her legs tighter around him as she loosened her hold around his neck. Locking her eyes with his, Aurora clenched her fists and pounded them against his shoulder. “Let go. Give it to me.” His eyes glowed brighter. “Queinlos.” Aurora remembered it meant little warrior. Hitting his shoulders again with her clenched fist she demanded. “Damn it. Let go. Give it to me.” Nigel bared his teeth at her and she could almost hear his control break. He gave it to her. He rammed into her so hard and fast it moved them across the floor. Throwing her head back Aurora eyes slammed close as she grabbed his sweat-drenched back. She felt her nails sink into him as he moved, stroking within her. His hot breath burned her face. Nigel nuzzled along her neck then he bit her. The shock sent her over the edge into intense pleasure. He continued to stroke within her and she felt the carpet burn on her back as they moved along the floor. His lips settled on hers and his tongue mated with hers. “Nigelll!” Aurora cried as his hand gripped her leg and hitched it higher around his hip. His cock slid deeper, the tip scraping her womb. It was pleasurable pain. Nigel’s thrusts became yet more demanding as he stroked harder and faster. Undulating her inner pussy muscles around him, she shuddered at the feel of his hardness filling her. A whimper came from her raw throat. “Aurora!” there was a weird sound to his voice. There was an intensity in his glowing eyes that made her heart flutter with anticipation. His strokes slowed. The ripples of pleasure filled her. 39

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“Nigel, oh god, please.” Nigel continued with his slow deep thrusts then his eyes flashed. And the only way she could describe it was that he burned. His cock seemed to lengthen and harden even more. The sensation of fire flowed through her pussy. Arching her back further Aurora screamed at the intensity of it. She went over the edge into an extreme orgasm. Shudders roared through her body and her hands scrambled along his back. She heard his hiss as her nails scored his back. A dark sensual smile twisted his lips as the pleasurable fire held her in its grip. Raising her legs higher on his back she ground her hips against his. At her movement Nigel felt his balls tighten and cock lengthen. Grinding his teeth he held back. A groan ripped from him as she contracted tightly around his penis. Her pussy walls sucked him in as she wrapped those long legs higher around him. Settling in deeper to her Nigel twisted his hips. The gasp that rippled from her lips made his cock quiver. He set a pace for a hard slow ride and glided in and out of her as her keening wails of pleasure filled the air. Her pussy gripped him fiercely. The liquid heat of her body enticed him on and on. Aurora bucked and he felt her body tightening signaling yet another impending orgasm. Through the haze of his glowing gaze Nigel saw her. She was breathtaking, her face filled with beauty. Grabbing her hips he tilted her, sinking deeper within her hot center. His sac tightened as he pounded into her impaling her, drawing fierce cries of ecstasy. Her hips rotated in a sensual rhythm as she took him in and gave him herself. Suddenly she peaked brutally her shattering triggering his own release. His back rippled and bowed as a roar tore out of his throat. Pumping his hips he rode the orgasm that held him in its grip. The power rushed out if him and into her. She screamed long and loud drowning out all other sounds. His hot seed filled her up and up. Then he collapsed on her quaking body careful not to crush her with his weight. Still embedded in her he rolled to the side and pulled her

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into his body. Tangling his hand in her curly hair he kissed her lazily. Aurora kissed him back and held him fiercely. Pulling back from him Aurora watched him and smiled. “Catch your breath then it’s my turn.” Laughing, he dragged her back to him and kissed her.

***** Beautiful music caused Aurora to wake abruptly. She reached out for Nigel and found he wasn’t there. Opening her eyes she looked around the room decorated with heavy masculine furniture and saw she was alone. As she stretched she felt the soreness between her legs. Nigel wasn’t kidding when he said he couldn’t be gentle. They had been all over the house and in almost every room in the last two days. Each time was more intense than the last. He was imaginative, hungry and demanding. Her body quickened thinking of all they had done. Nigel made sure she was fulfilled each time and asked for more. Once again a sound distracted her. A melody filled the air. It was hauntingly beautiful. Getting up from the bed Aurora grabbed her robe and went to the door. She walked down the hall following the sound of the music. At the end of the hall she looked up at stairs she hadn’t seen before. The music was coming from above. She followed the music as it became pulsating, taking on a hungry beat. She pushed open a door and her breath caught at the sight before her. Nigel was bent over a baby grand piano playing with his eyes closed and an intent look on his face. Various instruments played as they floated in the room around him. Then she heard something she hadn’t heard in years. A steel pan started to play adding a seductive beat. She stepped inside then started to sway in time with the music. With a roll of her hips she let go, closed her eyes, raised her hands over her head, and swayed. As the rhythm caught her Aurora turned and rolled her hips again. A smile curved her lips. Strong hands held her hips startling her, then she relaxed knowing him by his

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touch. The piano continued to play as he pulled her back against him. She could feel his hardened cock pressing against her ass. He didn’t grind against her. Instead he swayed in time with her movements. His gentle touch was her undoing. A warm burst of feeling swept her. Stiffening against the sensation and him she pulled away. His hold tightened and he turned her to him. Raising her head she locked her eyes with his liquid brown ones. He smiled. Aurora hardened her emotions against his gentle seduction. She knew these past few days he had been doing what he had done for centuries—nurturing—but she couldn’t let down her guard. It had to be only sex and no emotion. That was all she could allow. It was all that she could afford to take. Clasping her hands around his neck she looked at him leaned in and took his mouth. She stroked her tongue deep with no niceties. He wanted gentleness she wanted carnality. Murmuring she let her body relax into his and tightened her arms around his neck. With her hands into his dreadlocks, she held him for her taking. Nigel let her sweep him under. He held back the frustration that bubbled up threatening to spew out of him. Every time he thought he had made some headway in breaking down the wall he could tell was surrounding her, she built it back up more firmly than before. She stroked his tongue with hers making his already hardened cock twitch with wanting to be deep inside her. They had talked and shared not only amazing sex in these last few days, but also their lives. Yet she held something back and he wanted to know what put those shadows in her eyes. She avoided all his questions. He had let it go, deciding to give her time to tell him. Nigel had done what he could, treating her with his own special brand of care and seduction. Aurora was willing to try anything with him and demanded what she needed. It was heady to be with a woman who wasn’t afraid to ask for what she wanted. Yet it was frustrating that she tried to keep him at a distance. She pulled back and whispered in that dark sensual tone that made him want to fuck her blind. “Take me, Nigel.”

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He lowered his forehead to touch hers, then looked into her eyes, sent her clothing away, lifted her and impaled her on his cock. She moaned and tightened her legs around his hips. Nigel sealed his lips to hers he watched her eyes go blind with shock and pleasure. He held her close as he walked over to the wall—each step making her clench around him. With impatience he put her back to the wall and held her for his taking. He pumped lazily in and out of her as the music continued to play behind them in time with his thrusts. Aurora murmured, tightened her arms around him and rotated her hips taking him deeper. Nigel increased his thrusts and felt her body tighten in preparation for her release. Not wanting to miss anything he looked at her as the pleasure sent her over into a harsh orgasm. Her face went tight, her neck arched back as the climax took her. She screamed as the pleasure racked her body with shudders. Then her face went serene and her eyelids dropped to half-mast. There was look on her face that made his heart beat sped up. She stiffened and tried to pull away. Holding her firmly he felt all his frustration and fury at her keeping him at arm’s length send fire up his veins. Slapping his hand on the wall beside her head he pinned her to the wall and thrust forward hard. Her eyes rolled back in her head and she whimpered. Growling low in his throat he pumped hard and fast inside her clenching pussy. Wetness rained from her making his thrusts slide easily in and out of her. Opening his shield a fraction he let his power trail along her skin. She raised her head back and screamed. It was music to his ears. Looking at her face scrunched in pleasurable pain, Nigel laid claim to her with a sensual assault he made sure she would never forget. He felt her body quicken again as he rotated his hips. Thrusting forward hard he felt his cock hit her womb. She undulated wildly around him. With his will he held off his orgasm. Opening his shield a little more he let his power scorch her. She screamed harshly then the sound stopped. He saw the soundless anguish on her face as her throat moved but no sound came from her lips. Her hands grabbed him, her nails digging deep. He felt the pain and reveled in it. Pushing his body deeper into hers he pressed her hard against the wall as he thrust. He heard the wall crack under the pressure of his 43

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thrusts. Aurora’s voice came back and she screamed loud and long spurring him on. Nigel growled again and let his shield drop completely. Aurora roared and Nigel felt the brick give way under his curled fingers as he thrust into her. Pumping into her furiously he felt his own pleasure come over him with gale force. His hips pumped in time with the pulse of pressure as Nigel kept her pinned to the wall. The wall shuddered starting to crumble around them. Aurora tightened around him and she came again shrieking her release. Riding her as her orgasm pulsed Nigel felt it drain out of her, then she went limp. Her body undulated as mini-orgasms continued inside her. His cock continued to jerk as his own orgasm filled her up and up. As the pleasure subsided Nigel became aware of his surroundings and felt the debris raining down on him. Looking up he saw his fingers were embedded in the wall and the whole wall was cracked up to the vaulted ceilings. A large chunk fell. Pulling his fingers out from the wall he waved his hand and the chunk disappeared. He rubbed his hand on the wall and it became whole again. A glance back at Aurora showed him she had passed out. Her breathing was harsh. Nigel eased away from the wall and holding her close he took her back to their bed.

***** “Come with me.” Looking up at Nigel from where she was reclining on the couch watching television Aurora saw he was holding a pair of sandals. Frowning she watched him then looked out at the fiercely snowing landscape. “You’re crazy if you thin— Hey,” Aurora yelped then wiggled trying to get away. He held her against him effortlessly and continued to walk across the living room. Wrapping her legs around his waist tighter as he walked Aurora could feel his hard length against her. “Come on it’s too cold for outdoor sports,” Aurora said bucking. Nigel laughed and held her. “Is that all you think about?” 44

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“Yes,” she pouted. He kissed her. Returning his kiss Aurora felt his cock get harder. She smiled at him. Frowning she smelled a nearly overwhelming scent. Looking around her eyes widened. Nigel released her and she slid down his body. Stepping away from him she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Sunlight washed the many beds of various flowers. It was a beautiful profusion of flowers. There were hundreds of flowers surrounding the base of the stairs and all around the house. She had forgotten to ask him about the brief glimpse she’d had of the sunlit area. Aurora remembered something else she had been meaning to ask. “Nigel, why wouldn’t your house let me out?” He looked confused. “When I first woke and ran.” “Ah, it is enchanted and only does my bidding.” “Enchanted?” “Well that is the easiest way of explaining it. It does only what I desire.” Aurora looked back at the grand house. The awnings were waving in the breeze. The door opened and closed making her jump. Nigel chuckled. “What was that?” She glared at him. “The house saying hi.” He shrugged. “Do I have to reply?” “If you like,” Nigel chuckled. “Hi,” she waved and dropped her hand feeling silly to be conversing with a house. She strolled forward and sniffed a tiger lily. Looking back at Nigel she asked. “You did all of this.” He shrugged. “I have a lot of time on my hands.”

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She stifled a chuckle at the disgruntled look on his face. He had told her his view on how much retirement sucked. She walked until she reached where the sun turned to heavily falling snow. Reaching out she felt something move under her palm. Narrowing her gaze she saw the air was wavering. It was some kind of shield. Nigel stood at her back and wrapped his arms around her. He lowered his head as he kissed her. She turned in his arms and murmuring, she sucked his tongue into her mouth. It was a lazy clash of tongues. “Show me your garden.” Nigel gazed at her, a hungry look in his eyes. “I’ll show you my garden all right.” Laughing, she pushed free of his hold and ran down the aisle of flowers. Nigel chased after her and caught her. He lifted her off her feet as she shrieked. He kissed her on the nose then shifted her to his back. Wrapping her legs around him she listened as he described the various flowers to her. She could hear the pride in his voice. Half an hour later Aurora laughed as, with her still riding on Nigel’s back, they stumbled into the kitchen. He let her down, turned to her and kissed her softly. “What would you like to eat?” Shaking her head Aurora smiled. “Let me feed you.” She saw the surprised on his face. “Yes, I can cook you know. Have a seat and prepare to be dazzled.” Taking his hand she led him to the island set up with stools close to the stove and pushed him into a seat. Aurora went to the fridge and pulled out what she needed. Turning to the cupboards she found the pasta then got to work. In no time at all she had the water boiling and her pasta sauce going. The scent filled the kitchen with a robust smell. She saw Nigel was watching her, a smile on his face. Going over to him she put her arms around him and sank into his embrace. “Just because I’ve let you do all the cooking doesn’t mean I can’t cook. Let me pamper you for a change.” Aurora stiffened as she realized what she said.

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She was stopped from drawing away as Nigel’s arms came around her firmly. He looked at her with a closed look on his face. Seeing it Aurora hoped he wouldn’t ask what was wrong. She couldn’t tell him. Ever. It was too painful to think of. His look was intent as he leaned in and kissed her hungrily. Locking her hands in his hair she pressed her body against his. His heart beat rapidly against her. Nigel looked at her, then a devilish grin curled his lip. “Feed me, woman.” He smacked her on the butt. “Ouch. You’re going to pay for that,” Aurora promised. He grinned. “I can’t wait. But first feed me, woman.” Laughing Aurora went back to the stove and checked her sauce and pasta. Seeing it was ready she drained the pasta, added the sauce and took a fork out of the drawer. She brought it over to Nigel and put it before him, and placed the fork next to it. Turning to get her own plate she was stopped as he held her arm. “Share with me,” Nigel said, his voice seductive. He pulled her gently against him. She relaxed between his spread thighs as she took the fork and twirled spaghetti on it, then fed him the first bite. He chewed saying nothing. Aurora watched his face waiting for his reaction but he gave nothing away. After he was finished chewing he said. “Not half bad.” “What? The h—” Aurora cut off as she felt his body shaking with laughter. He laughed in her face. Smacking him lightly on the cheek Aurora growled at him. “Feed me then you can hit me.” Laughing with him she gave him another bite.

***** “Then Zeus ran to help Aphrodite and they both ended up rolling down the hill and into the dragon pit,” Nigel laughed. Aurora watched his face lit with laughter and felt his body shake with it. He ran his hand down her jean-clad legs that were resting over his on the couch they shared. His 47

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fingers on his other hand were twined with her fingers. She couldn’t believe they had been together five days already. Since their little tour of the garden, her making him spaghetti and feeding each other, they had been relaxing inside, cuddling on the couch, watching the storm still raging outside. Although in the last five days they had talked, cooked, eaten, laughed and had hot passionate sex all over his house, it was still a surprise to her being with him this way. He had answered all her questions about the gods, goddesses and Olympus with patience and humor. Surprisingly she felt comfortable with him. She had shared with him almost all her deepest secrets and he shared his with her. She had enjoyed listening to him recount tales of the other gods and goddesses. “I can’t believe I’m having sex with a two thousand and seventy-one-year-old.” Running her hand along his leg she added, “You look good for your age, old man.” His eyes lit with devilment. “Old. I’ll show you old.” He grabbed her, dragged her into his lap so she straddled him and tickled her. Laughing Aurora cried, “Truce.” He stopped and looked at her. The look in his eye was tender and he leaned forward and kissed her. Sinking into his special brand of seduction Aurora’s mind raced with thoughts of what would happen once the storm abated and the real world intruded. He pulled back from her and smoothed her hair away from her face. “What’s the matter, queinlos?” Aurora smiled. Little warrior had become his nickname for her. “I’m thinking what will happen after the storm lets up.” He smiled. “It should be clear later today.” Looking out at the still fiercely raging storm Aurora asked. “Really.” Then she looked at him. “What shall we do until then?”

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Chapter Five Nigel smiled that smile that made her heart quicken and her breath catch. He slid into her smooth and hot. He had a delightful habit of striping them naked with a thought and taking her wherever they were. He just had to look at her and she was wet and ready for him. Lazily Nigel stroked up her back and tangled his fingers in her hair. He held her as he kissed her ravenously. She clamped her legs around him and gripped his hips moving herself up and down his shaft. Feeling him lengthen even more inside her Aurora raised herself up almost off him. She twined her fingers with his then sat deeper onto his hard cock enjoying the feel of him inside her. No matter how many times they made love and in how many different ways, each time was like it was the first. “Ride me hard,” Nigel whispered. His voice growled a dark invitation that made her skin heat with awareness. Rotating her hips Aurora gasped breathlessly from the feel of him inside her. Nigel arched his hips up to meet her downward motion. Holding his hands, Aurora quickly raised herself up and down his hard cock. His breath hissed out at each of her motions against him. His hot, hard shaft piercing her drove her into a frenzy. His eyes were glowing while his face was intense with need. Aurora felt his power build then he pulsed. Throwing her head back she screamed at the feel of the fire licking along her veins, then slowly she raised herself up almost off his cock, then sank back down swiftly. “Fuck,” his voice growled. Aurora smiled and set out to drive him insane. He bared his teeth in response. She contracted around him milking his cock. Aurora arched her back and rotated her hips sucking him deeper into her hot pussy. A grunt ripped from him as she pumped up and 49

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down. Looking at her intense sienna face as she rode him Nigel marveled at how close they had grown in such a short time. They had shared so much. Her full breasts bobbed as she rode him. Lowering his head he took her nipple in his mouth. She murmured and sank deeper onto him. Sucking strongly he felt her pussy contract in time with his sucking. Her body jerked and she gushed cream as an orgasm ripped through her. Moving to the other breast he sucked hard and another orgasm tumbled over the first, making her pussy contract wildly around his cock. Rocking his hips he spread his legs widening her. He felt her hardened clit press against him. Gripping her fingers with his he threw his head back against the couch and shuddered as her orgasm triggered his own. Aurora swiveled against him taking in every pulse of his hot seed. Countering her movement Nigel felt her body undulate then a third orgasm milked his cock. He locked his lips with hers drinking in her cries. He held her as her body continued to shiver as sparks of the aftershocks of her orgasms filled her. Aurora collapsed against him gasping for breath. Turning his face he kissed her. Her body quickened again.

***** Quietly Aurora walked across the darkened kitchen heading for the door. Guilt choked her but she forced it aside. The closed in feeling she usually got when a relationship seemed to be forming had made panic well inside her. She had to get out. He was getting below her defenses. It couldn’t happen. The light snapped on temporarily blinding her. Turning toward the doorway she looked guiltily at Nigel. She hadn’t wanted any messy goodbyes. When she had awakened she had realized she had let herself get involved. She was doing what she usually did when things got to serious. Leave before he could. Silently he watched her. “I…um…” She fumbled for the right words to say.

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He walked over to her and gently raised her face to his. He kissed her—a tender touch of his lips. Clinging to him Aurora felt tears burn her eyes. Gently he drew back and kissed her on the forehead. “When you’re sure, I’ll be waiting.” Turning he went back to the door when he reached it he looked back at her. “Don’t take too long or I’ll be coming after you.” She opened her mouth to speak but a weird sensation swamped her. Staggering Aurora looked around frantically and realized she was in her own bedroom. Shaking her head wildly she felt pain well deep in her chest. Why did you leave him? her mind screamed. Going over to the bed she pounded it with her clenched fists and screamed to the empty room. “I can’t take the pain of losing anyone else. I can’t wait to see him die and leave me. I…can’t… ta…ke…it.” Dropping to the bed she curled up into a ball and wept bitterly.

***** Nigel watched her fade as he sent her home. Clenching his fists he knew he had to let her go. Pain bloomed as the air wavered. He strode to where she had been standing his hand barely feeling her as she faded and was gone. He saw the stove and the pot of spaghetti she’d made him, sitting on the warming plate. He looked down at it blindly. He had thought when she had made it and fed him she had been ready to open to him. It was galling that she had chosen to leave their bed and run off like a thief in the night. He had known from time she left the bed that she was leaving. It had hurt, oh god how it hurt, that she wouldn’t tell him what was eating at her. He could fight demons and other supernatural badasses with his bare hands yet this one woman unraveled him with her kick-ass attitude and vulnerability. She wasn’t ready to let him in and there was nothing he could do about it. The only solution was to let her go and hope she would come back to him. Taking up the pot of spaghetti he ignored the pain from it still being hot. He threw it against 51

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the wall, then dropped his hands down on the island. He closed his eyes and felt the fear that she might not come back fill him in black ugly waves. With a sigh he shrugged it off, knowing it didn’t matter. If she didn’t come to her senses and come back to him he would go and find her. She was his and he would lay siege to her soul until she gave in. He looked out at the still-raging storm. Narrowing his eyes he padded on silent feet across the kitchen and went outside. Silently he moved around the side of the house then in a slow stalking motion he went up the hill. He heard their whispers. “Christ she left. Stupid human. This was a perfect idea and she ruined it,” a male voice griped. “You should learn to leave things alone,” a female voice answered. Nigel’s eyes narrowed. They never learned. He strolled silently up behind them and in a swift motion collared them both. They jumped trying to get their necks free. He held them firm. “We’re going to have a talk about what the hell you all are thinking. Then we’ll discuss punishment.” He saw the shock on their faces then their faces went white. Smiling grimly Nigel herded them back to the house, his heart aching as he glanced toward where he had found Aurora.

***** “Why are you moping around here instead of going to get your man?” a husky alto voice asked. Rolling her head against the wall to look at Dionne Lukas—her best friend and coworker—Aurora noted her hair was pulled back and the scar that curved from her ear to just below her jawline stood out rigidly against Dionne’s rich coffee-toned face. She knew that meant Dionne was in pain. Dionne had never given her the whole story on what had happened to her. All she would admit was that she had been in a car 52

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accident before they met and became friends. She hadn’t pushed Dionne any further about it. Stiffly Dionne lowered herself to sit next to Aurora. Knowing better than to suggest she go home for the day Aurora answered her question. “I’m not moping.” Dionne snorted. “Yeah right. Why don’t you admit you love him then go and tell him? It’s been almost two weeks already.” Her heart clenched in anguish. “It’s been only thirteen days.” Dionne looked at her. “He hasn’t called.” “No.” Dionne slapped her upside the head. “Ow. Shit. What’d you hit me for?” Aurora demanded. “Do really expect him to call after the way you sneaked out? Go to him, Aurora, and admit you were wrong to leave, then fuck his brains out.” Shifting Aurora glanced out at the observation deck to the empty surgical room below. “I can’t. What if he decides he doesn’t want me?” “Are you willing to live without him?” Dionne countered. Aurora turned to her and Dionne gasped at the pain in her gaze. “No, but I can’t open myself like that again.” Dionne, knowing her history said, “Jax is dead, Aurora, and he would want you to be happy.” At the sound of her dead fiancé’s name Aurora felt the pain fill her. She hadn’t been able to tell Nigel of her fear of him dying and leaving her. She couldn’t bear it again. She would rather die than be without him. It was easier to leave him. Dionne’s next words drew her attention. “We all die sometime, Aurora. As doctors we see it often and it’s not a person’s death that defines that person. It’s what they do

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while here that matters most.” Dionne grabbed her hand. “He’s a god. It’s much more likely that you would die and leave him.” Aurora eyes widened, she hadn’t thought of that. “I definitely wouldn’t want that for him. He’s already lost his wife.” Dionne expression clearly showered her exasperation. “You’re missing the point, Aurora. You’re miserable without him. Go to him and enjoy each moment with him.” Aurora ignored Dionne’s fierce look and held out her hand to help her up. Ignoring it, Dionne stood on her own. Aurora sighed at the stubborn set of her chin. Leading the way she went across the room to the door. She stood back as Dionne limped through, noticing Dionne grit her teeth in pain. Dionne smiled gamely. “Come on. Let’s get out of this place before all hell breaks loose.” Aurora glanced at her watch surprised to realize that it was seven o’clock. Glancing out the window she saw the sun glistening off the snow. Their shift was over. They went into their offices across from each other, then met back in the hall. Striding down the hall to the hospital exit Dionne asked the same question she had asked for the last thirteen days. “Are you going to him?” “No.” Sighing Dionne stepped outside and put on her shades. “See you in a few days.” Aurora realized that she had forgotten they were both off for a few days. Watching Dionne head for her bike Aurora yelled, “We need to find you a man.” Dionne turned and looked at her. “Unless he is a drop-dead gorgeous bad boy with a good heart then forget it.” Dionne laughed and swung her leg over her bike. She started it with a loud rumble and peeled out of the parking lot. She banked the corner without breaking speed. Aurora winced watching her as she sped down the highway. Walking to her new amber

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SUV Aurora’s shoulders slumped as she imagined going home to spend another lonely night in an empty house. She got in, started the car and just sat there. He didn’t even have the decency to call. Telling herself it was better he hadn’t followed through with his threat Aurora slammed her hand against the wheel. Angrily she put the car in gear and backed out of the parking lot and headed home.

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Chapter Six “That’s it.” He threw down the rake and put his hands on his hips. “I quit.” Nigel looked at him. The younger man bent and picked up the rake. “Come on, Dad, how much longer are you going to torture me. You let the others go days ago.” Nigel looked at him. “Nathan, it’s my privilege as a parent to show you the errors of your ways. Humph. Do you all know what havoc your shenanigans caused?” Nigel watched Nathan, his son and the current God of Nurture. “It worked out.” “No thanks to you idiots. What were you thinking?” Nathan mumbled. “What, Nathan?” Nathan looked at him. “We just wanted you to have someone to care for, Dad. You were bored. Hell this garden is where you spend all your time. We wanted you to be happy. I’m sorry, Dad.” Nigel saw the sincere look on his face. “When are you going to stop punishing yourself for your mother’s death?” Nathan threw the rake away violently. “I am to blame. If it wasn’t for me, you would be together.” Nigel touched his shoulder, aching from the pain his son was feeling. “It was not your fault. Your mother made a sacrifice to save you. I don’t blame you. I never have.” Nathan looked at him the pain on his face. “I blame me. It should not have been a choice she had to make.”

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“You were her child and my son. Do you think if I was there I would not have made the same choice?” Nathan tried to shrug him off. Holding him firmly he looked at Nathan. “You were a child.” “I was a man.” “No. You are our child and you tarnish her sacrifice by thinking it was in vain. I hated that she had to leave us but I loved her for letting me see you grow into becoming the man you are today.” Nathan battled his tears. “I miss her so much.” Nigel held Nathan, watching him. “I miss her too, but she wouldn’t want us to be mourning her like this. She would have hated it.” Nathan laughed, “Yeah.” Nigel shook his head “That’s why I don’t understand how you could have caused Aurora’s accident. It was dangerous. Do you know she could have died? I still haven’t gotten the full story on how you got everyone involved to help you and your crazy sister with you half-assed plan.” Nathan cleared his throat and shifted. “Well Claude didn’t exactly know about what we had planned and I owe him one.” Nigel looked at him and laughed. Since he had made Claude and the others involved in the debacle to get Aurora to his house and then strand her there work in his garden, he could imagine Nathan owed Claude big time. “Don’t you get involved with his obsession,” he warned Nathan. Nathan nodded. “I won’t. And Sis didn’t agree with what I had planned. I umm…didn’t let her know what I was doing.” Nigel looked at him in sympathy. “You know she’s going to make your life miserable.” He looked sheepish then grinned. “I’m the older child and I can handle the runt.”

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Nigel shook his head at his delusional son. Nathan would learn when Whitley, his daughter and the Goddess of the Wind decided to get her revenge. Nigel didn’t remind Nathan that Whitley would probably get Havoc, his cousin and the Goddess of the Hunt involved. He would figure it out on his own. Knowing his son’s arrogance Nigel figured he wouldn’t apologize as he should, but figure he would be able to sweet-talk them all. Nathan captured his attention as he continued to plead his case. “We had the best of intentions, Dad. Nybia only meant to stop her car a little but it got out of hand. Then Sybil lost control of the storm. It just kept going wrong. I’m sorry, Dad.” “Are you sorry that you got caught or for what you did?” “Whichever will get me out of here,” Nathan answered promptly. Nigel laughed and Nathan joined him. “Go,” Nigel jerked his thumb. Nathan didn’t wait for him to change his mind he shimmered and disappeared. Nigel had seen the shadows still in Nathan’s eyes but knew he would have to forgive himself in his own time. Looking down the length of his garden Nigel’s thoughts, as they had done for the last thirteen days, went to Aurora. He frowned. His patience was almost to its end. When he had found her sneaking out he had made the decision to let her go. It was the hardest thing he had ever done. Nigel knew although they had shared a lot Aurora was holding something back. From the time they spent together he knew he wouldn’t get it out of her by a demand. She would have to tell him on her own. Nigel turned his attention back to his garden and dug deep. From the moment she had awakened and hit him he had already figured out that Aurora ending up practically on his doorstep wasn’t an accident. The kids were so obvious. He hadn’t wanted to leave Aurora to confront them. He chuckled as he remembered their disgruntled looks as he snuck up on them just after Aurora left. They had been spying to see what happened. When they had started to protest and call names to defend themselves, he had called the others. He ignored all 58

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their pleas he had put them to work. After what Aurora told him he had assumed Claude had something to do with the crazy plan too and had called Claude and then put him to work along with the rest of them. The rest he had let go after day five but Nathan, who he knew was the mastermind, he had kept to work with him. It wasn’t such a hardship since Nathan liked to garden as he did, but knowing his son he knew he hated to be told what to do. He wanted his son to learn a lesson and to spend time with him. They didn’t spend enough time together. Plus, although he wouldn’t admit it, he was lonely and missed Aurora. He decided he would work for another fifteen minutes in the garden then go inside and sit by the fire and plan. Looking up at the sky he made his vow. “You have until tomorrow, Aurora, then all bets are off.”

***** Narrowing her eyes Aurora glared at Nigel’s profile. He was standing in the kitchen looking out the window a slight grin on his face. Here he was happy and she was miserable. She hadn’t meant to come here. Heck she hadn’t even known she could find it. Instinctively she had taken all the winding roads and hills. She was thankful she had decided to get another SUV or she wouldn’t have made it. She had thought she was lost as she drove with only blinding snow visible, for over two hours. Although she cursed herself she kept going and when she had seen his house shining in the golden sun she had almost wept in gratitude. When her car had come off the snow and onto his sun-drenched path she had felt the change in temperature immediately and had to take off her coat. Going up the stairs to his front door she was debating with herself about leaving before she rang the bell, when the door swung open for her. She frowned, remembering Nigel had said the house didn’t let anyone in or out unless it wanted to. Taking the house’s invitation she went back to the kitchen knowing at this time of day he would be

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there. She hadn’t expected to find him happy. Suddenly his shoulder slumped and a miserable look settled on his face. Her heart softened. “Nigel,” Aurora said. As he turned to look at her she ran to him, jumped up and clamped her legs around his waist. She felt his body stiffen in shock. Before he could push her away she grabbed his face and kissed him. His hands clamped around her and he returned her kiss. Something was different about him. Jerking away Aurora gaze met whiskey-colored eyes. In shock she realized the features and locs was the same as Nigel but the eyes were different. The stranger watched her, an arrogant smile on his face. “Yummm.” “Put her down,” Nigel’s voice growled behind her. Aurora saw him standing across the room. Looking back at the man she narrowed her eyes and decked him. The man grunted and dropped her. Landing on her feet Aurora followed through and stepped on his foot and kicked it from under him. The man dropped to the ground. Quickly grabbing his wrist she twisted it behind him and held the tendon between his thumb and forefinger. Looking at Nigel frantically, she yelled, “Quick get some silver chains to bind this Ziocoli shifter.” Nigel looked at her stupefied. She couldn’t understand why he was standing there. From her training she knew that Ziocoli shifters could take anyone’s shape and were dangerous. The man growled then—one moment she held him and the next he was across the room standing next to Nigel. Seeing Nigel was in danger she ran across the room and as she reached them she bent her knees and jumped to tackle the man. The man waved his hand and Aurora found she couldn’t move. Watching him from midair Aurora realized Nigel was unprotected. The man turned and glared at Nigel. “Some help would be appreciated here, Dad.” Dad. Aurora watched as the man turned and glared at her.

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He walked over to her and said in between gritted teeth. “What were you doing?” He waved his hands around. “You think that puny attempt could disarm a Ziocoli shifter. What the hell have you been hearing anyway? Ziocoli shifters may be dangerous but unless you mess with them they are peaceful. Heck my best friend is Ziocoli.” The man walked around her as he continued to mutter and curse. Nigel watched her, a small smile on his face. Aurora knew as soon as she got out of this, her fist would be having a talk with his face. She watched him imagining her fist breaking his nose. Of course she planned to patch him up afterward, but on principle alone, for making her look like a fool she was going to break his nose. “Enough, Nathan.” Nigel finally spoke the laughter clearly in his tone. He waved his hand and Aurora floated forward and into his arms. Nigel looked at her and smiled. “Bye, Nathan.” “Good luck, Dad. She’s crazy,” Nathan grumbled. Nigel looked at her and kissed her. Feeling returned and Aurora wrapped her arms around him, locked her legs around his waist and returned his kiss. Her plan could wait. She sank into his kiss. Slowly they came apart. Looking into Nigel’s warm brown gaze Aurora saw all his caring. Softly she said, “I’m sorry, Nigel.” “Tell me.” “Three years ago I was engaged to be married. I was working the late shift when Jax my fiancé was bought in to the ER. We couldn’t wait for another surgeon to work on him. He had been shot. I got to work on him. It was bad, Nigel. Real bad. He had been shot in the chest, back and stomach. I worked to save him and I swear to you I did. He was in ICU but would make it, or so we thought.” Aurora stopped and took a deep breath. “I was by his bedside. I hadn’t even stopped after surgery to change. I was holding his hand, willing him to live. My sister and cousin were there. I don’t even know who called them. His heart stopped. Just

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stopped. As a surgeon I knew it might happen, but as his woman I couldn’t accept it.” Turning she looked at him. “I don’t remember what I did but they said I cracked open his chest there in the room and was massaging his heart to make it beat. They had to pull me off him. He was already dead you see. They sedated me and when I woke up in the hospital they told me he was gone. Then I found out where he had been found. He had gone to get me a roti from this little place we knew. He was on his way to have dinner with me.” Taking a deep breath she looked at him. “It took me a long time to realize it wasn’t my fault, but I did. I promised myself I would not open myself like that again.” Watching his face Aurora continued. “I closed myself off from men. When I told Aphrodite I wanted a househusband for good sex and no emotion I meant it.” She shook her head. “But I didn’t count on you. The temptation that you would bring me. You made me hope. Hope that I could have an invincible man who would never leave me, but then you told me about your wife dying. Yes I know she chose to save your son, but I couldn’t take the chance. I fooled myself into believing it was just sex but it wasn’t. Isn’t. I can’t take it if you die on me, Nigel, but I can’t live without you either. It’s like you died anyway. In here.” She pressed her hand over her heart. Nigel put his hand over hers and shook his head. “Ah queinlos, we all must live the life we have now. I can’t promise you that nothing will happen to me but I can promise that even if I die I will always find you.” Aurora looked into his eyes. “I love you, Nigel.” The look on his face was priceless. She laughed and he joined her. He sobered and his gaze was intense. “I love you, Aurora, my queinlos.” Nigel gaze shifted pass her shoulder. Aurora followed his gaze and gasped. There was a breathtakingly lovely woman standing in the doorway leading to the garden. Her hair hung around her in inky black curls and her eyes were rich amber. Aurora could see the garden through the door through her. Aurora knew she was looking at the ghost

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of Nigel’s deceased wife Zarlu. The woman smiled, gave them a thumbs up and then she was gone. Looking back at Nigel she saw the soft smile on his face. He looked at her and she saw the peace and love shining in his eyes. He leaned in and kissed her. Sinking into his kiss Aurora felt the hunger she always felt when he touched her, rush to consume her. Nigel murmured against her lips. Still holding her in his arms he walked toward the door to the gardens. Stepping outside he strode down the path and around the corner of the house. Stopping he lowered her to a bed of flowers and kneeled between her widespread thighs. As she lay on them Aurora inhaled their sweet scent. Over Nigel’s shoulder she could see the snow covering the ground a little distance away from the house. The gardens and around the house were bright and warm from the sun. Nigel was waiting for her to look at him. Reaching up she cupped his cheek. “Make love to me.”

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Chapter Seven “That’s what I have been doing each time I touched you, Aurora. This time I want us to make love together.” Aurora looked at him and saw the heated promise in his eyes. Nigel leaned down close to her weeping slit and inhaled deeply. Watching him Aurora shuddered at the look of pleasure on his face. He rolled his eyes up to meet hers and he licked her from top to bottom slowly. Arousal gushed from her wetting his tongue. He murmured and went in deep. He impaled her on his tongue with a deadly accuracy, missing nothing and finding all she had to give. Moaning Aurora gripped his hair and held him to her tightly. Burrowing inside her he licked along her aching clit then sucked it into his mouth. Aurora screamed and bucked at the sensation. Nigel gave her no mercy and continued his sensual assault, alternating between deep suction and soft caresses. He backed off each time she got close to release. “Nig… please… I…need…to… come.” Aurora pleaded. Nigel ignored her and continued driving her out of her mind with pleasure. Arching Aurora tried to get some relief but he was relentless. Suddenly he stopped, then she felt power rise off him and he began to pulse. Screaming she came in a gush. Her body shuddered uncontrollably. Nigel covered her, spread her legs wider then sank deep. He pumped into her in strong urgent demand. She raised her legs, clenched them around his hips and grabbed his ass with her hands, moaning loudly. Nigel looked into her eyes as he rocked against her. He impaled her again hitting all her hidden places. Her eyes fluttered closed. Nigel stopped until she looked at him. Raising himself slightly off her, he pressed firmly against her clitoris as he murmured, “Watch.” 64

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Aurora watched as he went in and out of her. It was an unbelievably erotic sight, watching him fill her and withdraw, then fill her again. He alternated between soft and hard thrusts. He stopped each time she was near the pinnacle. In frustration she grabbed his hips and tried to grind against him. Effortlessly, he held her still. He withdrew completely then surging forward he embedded himself in one stroke as he said. “I love you, queinlos.” Grabbing his face, she kissed him. Nigel undulated his hips making her scream in pleasure as he thrust harder. He filled her up until she didn’t know where he ended and she began. Her eyes fluttered closed. Once again he stopped still and didn’t move until her eyes opened again. His eyes glowed amber and the hungry look in them was tempered by softness. Nigel moved deeply and her breath hitched. She met him stroke for stroke. Waves of fire crashed over her and drowned her in pleasure, as she was ripped apart with the force of her release. Keeping them connected Nigel pulled her back with him as he sat back on his knees. He continued to stroke deeply and her body quickened again as she was caught up in his inferno. Trying to get closer to him, Aurora ground against him, tightening around him as he raced toward his own release. Nigel groaned. Leaning back away from him she gasped as he groaned again at the feel of himself sinking deeper into her hot core. Unable to control the fire that was consuming them they came screaming and embraced tightly as the heat scorched them with the power of their simultaneous releases. Nigel’s body pumped frantically into her, then they collapsed in a tangle of limbs. Breathing harshly Aurora gasped, “I love you, Nigel.” Gasping for breath Nigel leaned in, kissed her and murmured against her lips. “Look to your left.” Aurora gasped at the sight of the most beautiful flower she had ever seen. It looked like a dahlia but she had never seen one that color before. It was purple and peach and 65

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somehow fragile and regal all at the same time. Even as she watched the flower seemed to move and from it, rose a gorgeous ring made of various precious stones. In the middle was a rich amber jewel she couldn’t identify. Looking back at Nigel she saw him smile. “Marry me, Aurora,” Nigel asked. Aurora’s heart sputtered then sped up. “Yes, Nigel, I’ll marry you.” He laughed. The ring floated into his hand and he placed it on her finger. It sparkled in the sun. Looking at him Aurora laughed. “I guess Claude repaid me with my househusband after all.” Nigel looked at her, a disgruntled look on his face. “Please don’t say that out loud or we’ll never be able to live with him.” Aurora laughed. Nigel stood and picked her up. Wrapping her legs around his waist as he walked Aurora thought of something. “Do you know a drop-dead gorgeous bad boy with a good heart?” Nigel stopped and looked at her his eyes narrowed. “If you’re thinking of another man I must have done something wrong.” Aurora laughed then gasped as he lifted her and impaled her on his revived cock. “No, it’s for someone else.” “Good, and I do.” He continued to walk, his cock scorching her as he went. Gasping Aurora ground against him. “We’ll talk about it later.” Suddenly a roar filled the air making the earth shudder. Startled Aurora looked around. “What the hell was that?” Nigel didn’t look back and continued walking around the house. “Nathan. I just told him you would be his stepmother.” Aurora eyes widened. “You can talk to each other telepathically.” He shrugged. “Yes.” 66

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Aurora laughed evilly as she realized what he said. “Nathan is going to be my stepson.” Nigel looked at her. “I’m afraid of that look on your face, Aurora.” Aurora whispered as she kissed him. “Don’t be.” Nigel sucked in her tongue into his mouth and went to the door leading into the house. He pulled back and looked at her. “You’re going to be a handful aren’t you?” Grabbing his hair she licked his lips then grinned. “You bet your sweet ass.” Nigel laughed and kissed her hungrily. Returning his kiss Aurora knew their life together would be a wild ride.

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About the Author Taige Crenshaw has been enthralled with the written word from the time she picked up her first book. It wasn’t long before she started to make up her own tales of romance. Her novels are set in today between people who know what they want and how to get it. As well as in the future of vast universes between beautiful, strange and unique beings. There is lots of spice and sensuality added to her work. Always hard at work creating new and exciting places, Taige can be found curled up with a hot novel with exciting characters when she is not creating her own. Join her in the fun, frolic, interesting people and far reaches of the world in her novels.

Taige welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

Tell Us What You Think We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email us at [email protected].

Also by Taige Crenshaw Carnal Awakening Golden Seduction Seducing a God Shadow Dance Veils Rising

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