Night of the Canid

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The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Night of the Canid Copyrightã2003 Audra Cole ISBN: 1-55410-011-9 Cover art and design by Martine Jardin

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Published by eXtasy Books, a division of Zumaya Publications, 2003 Look for us online at: www.zumayapublications.com www.Extasybooks.com

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DEDICATION For John, who inspires me more than he will ever know.

Prologue

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It was dark now, and the forest was alive with its night song. Nocturnal creatures roamed its pine-needled floor, their footfalls muffled. The two who were left from a pack of over a dozen crept along, aware of every movement around them, fearing what they could not see, senses honed, on watch. The alpha knew that survival depended on his ability to outmaneuver the ones who now hunted the hunters. A far-away howl echoed through the darkness. A warning. Danger was near. They ran, the alpha and his mate, their breath sluicing into the thickening fog creating dense vapor clouds in their wake. Muscles taut, fur standing on end, the large black male led the way. Behind him the female, sleek and trim, her amber eyes aglow, kept pace. They came to a clearing and stopped. A cliff lay ahead; there was nowhere to go. They were trapped and there was no time to go back the way they had come. Their only hope was to split up and scurry into the tangle of underbrush, one to the north, the other to the south along the cliff's rocky edge. Eyes transfixed on each other, a decision was made. We will meet again,he silently vowed,I will find you. Nostrils flared, the female turned and ran into a nearby thicket, disappearing from view. Then, as a bank of clouds passed over the moon, the alpha's howl of rage and desire could be heard from one end of the forest to the other.

Chapter One

It was spring and the small cottage was surrounded by an artist's palette of blooming colors. Talia loved being out here in the garden, it seemed to bring all of her senses to life. The cottage was located on the edge of the town of Arcadia. The town itself wasn't very big, but it suited Talia just fine. She liked the slow pace, and she adored the small, one bedroom house made of stone. As an artist, she'd been particularly drawn to the den off the dining room. It faced the East, giving

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her morning light through two sets of double windows. For the past month she'd been working on several paintings for an upcoming show at theVictor Kane Art Gallery . For an unknown artist to be invited to show her work at Victor's gallery was an honor, and she'd been striving to make sure her paintings were exceptional. She'd arrived in Arcadia a little over a year ago, after spending a month in a nearby hospital's rehab center. The accident had been a bad one and her memory was gone. She hadn't known her name or anything about her past when she'd awakened swathed in bandages. Amnesia. Could be temporary; could be permanent, the doctors told her, their faces wearing those pasted-on looks of concern they seemed to carry around with them for just such occasions. They'd offered therapy to help her adjust to her 'situation.' She'd declined. She may not have known her name, but she knew somehow that she was an artist. She began sketching while she was in the hospital. Then one day, she'd bumped into a tall, distinguished-looking man in the hallway. She'd had her sketchbook with her and he'd shown an interest. Introducing himself as Victor Kane, he asked to see more of her work, telling her he owned an art gallery in the next town. When he'd asked her name, she was embarrassed to say she didn't really know. But she did know that 'Jane Doe' wouldn't do, so she simply chose another one. Victor had come to visit her several times after that first encounter, and when it was time for her to be released, he'd made all the arrangements. Tall and willowy, Talia was a natural redhead with amber eyes and a sensuality that went beyond looks. To the outside world she tried to present an air of self-assurance. Of course, considering her circumstances, she didn't always feel as confident as she looked. But she had sense enough to know that if she let people see how frightened and unsure she was at times, they would never treat her with respect. Still, the vulnerability was lurking just below the surface, evident at times, hidden at others. Victor had done a lot to bolster her self-esteem by taking her under his wing and finding freelance graphic design work for her to do. He'd arranged for her to live in the lovely little stone cottage she now inhabited, and best of all, he was going to allow her to show her work in his gallery. Now, if I could only remember something about my past. I am somebody. Somewhere there are probably people who are searching for me. I'm someone's daughter or sister or aunt. Am I a wife? They said at the hospital that I'd never had children, so at least there's not some little boy or girl out there wondering why mommy went away. I belong somewhere, though. Why can't I remember where? And, most of all, how do I find the answers? Inquires through various official databases and other channels had been a waste of time. Finally, in frustration, she'd given up and decided she needed to get on with whatever sort of life she could make for herself. As the sun crested the horizon, she sipped her tea and thought again about the restless night she'd just spent. That damned dream. It was like a thief in the night, robbing her of rest, leaving her groggy and lethargic the next morning. It was always the same, or at least nearly the same: She was in bed, asleep. Suddenly she sensed his presence and opened her eyes. He was rugged, his dark hair thick and wiry. He had a neatly-trimmed beard and his brown eyes were flecked with gold. He was naked, his body lean and muscular. She could

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even smell his scent, wild and musky. There was a familiarity about him, as though he'd come to her many times before and the sight of him filled her with a desire so intense she could barely breathe. His penis was erect and she stroked it with her fingers, then sat up and took it into her mouth. His moan was guttural, coming from somewhere deep inside that broad chest. Suddenly he was on top of her and her vagina sucked him in and kept him there; tight, demanding, urgent. At this point she always woke up sweat-soaked, cunt flowing with the thick, creamy residue of her desire. She would lay there for few minutes, her skin still on fire from his touch, her heart pumping wildly in her chest. Always, it was impossible to get back to sleep and she would spend the rest of the night tossing and turning. Even now, remembering the dream made her clit twitch with longing.If I could find a real man like that one, I'd never leave the bedroom. Getting up to take the empty teacup inside, she smiled to herself.Shame on you, Talia Coe, or whoever you really are. And, quit dwelling on dream men who don't really exist.

Chapter Two

Victor always woke with a hard-on. Caroline was grateful, because she always woke up horny. "This is why we're so perfect for one another - we're both insatiable," Caroline said, stroking his erection, then moving her hand down to his balls. They tightened at her touch, and she smiled coyly. "I do bring out the best in you, Victor, don't I?" Sex between them had always been phenomenal. Caroline liked to experiment, and Victor seemed to delight in thinking of new ways to please her. They'd even gotten into occasional role-playing in a small way. It was something new for Caroline, but she found she liked it once in a while. Things like that kept the relationship fresh and interesting.

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This morning, Victor was on his back in the center of the king-sized bed. She was beside him, propped up on one elbow. Caroline was a petite beauty with raven's-wing hair cut stylishly short. Her eyes, blue as an autumn sky, were feathered by thick dark lashes that never needed to be embellished by mascara. Victor, on the other hand, was tall, almost reedy, with graying hair and eyes the color of deep, dark chocolate. At forty-two, he was twelve years older than Caroline, but she paid little attention to things like that. He could more than keep up with her in the bedroom, and his charm and wit were extraordinary. He was successful, well-educated —although she wasn't quite sure where he'd received his schooling, since he didn't like to talk about that —and he wasn't afraid to show some initiative. She'd been working for him now for over two years. They'd been sleeping together for almost that long. She studied him intently then leaned over and began licking his nipples, lightly at first, then with more pressure. Finally, she nipped at one with her teeth. She sat up, straddling him while he pulled at her nipples. They instantly stiffened, and he tugged a little harder. Victor loved her tits. They were large, high, and perfectly formed. At first, he'd had a difficult time believing her when she denied having had a boob job. She also had a nice ass. It was tight and smooth, the skin soft to the touch. He loved feeling it, even loved kissing it. For Victor, being with Caroline was more about the pleasure of the moment than future plans. He'd conditioned himself long ago not to count on forever. It didn't exist. Forever was now, the moment. Caroline was beautiful, smart, and so good for him that he sometimes wondered if maybe, just this once, he could trust his feelings and take a chance. He pushed her away and rolled her over onto her stomach. "All fours," he directed huskily, pressing his penis between her buttocks. But, instead of obeying, she slid sideways and turned over underneath him. "Not quite yet, lover," she cooed, taking his cock in her hands. Victor liked variety and the unexpected during sex. Like now. The way she was rubbing his cock between her palms caused a friction that sent pulses of pleasure through his groin. "I'm going to eat you up," he promised with a crooked grin. "My turn first," she responded, her voice thick and low. She rose up and began licking the head of his dick, slowly working her tongue over the top and around the ridge, then up and down the shaft where veins now stood out in sharp contrast against his skin. Then she lay back and pointed to the area between her breasts. "Put it here," she invited, moistening her full, sensuous lips. He slipped his cock into the cleavage and she licked at it again, this time rolling her tongue over the opening and lingering there. Reaching behind his back, Victor and ran his hand down her inner thigh to her cunt, massaging it roughly then slipping two fingers inside the wet, narrow channel. Caroline was always as tight as a virgin, and this excited him even more. He found her clitoris and ran his fingertip over its button-hard surface.

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"You like this. I know what you want," he said, using his other hand to tug on her nipples; first one, then the other. Caroline loved the taste of him; salty, tangy. She lapped at the liquid that seeped out of the head of his dick, delighting in its smooth creaminess, wanting to have it all. Sometimes he drove her crazy with desire, like now. The way he was pulling on her, she felt about ready to burst. She spread her legs further apart and pushed herself against his hand as the urgency grew. More. Harder,she begged silently as her entire body became consumed with a fire that only one thing could extinguish. Victor's hand was drenched with her juices; warm, thick, sweet. He wanted to drink them up, needed to taste her. When he withdrew his hand and pushed himself away he heard her moan of protest. Scooting down, he grabbed her legs, forcing them further apart and up until they rested on his shoulders. He licked at her inner thighs, his tongue hot and moist against her flesh. The taste of her skin excited him even more, and he shoved his hands under her buttocks, pulling her toward him. When his mouth reached her cunt he explored her slowly, languidly, until he finally felt her swollen clit against his tongue. Caroline cried out as Victor teased her, showing no mercy, tantalizing her. Her body felt as though it were charged with a thousand volts of electricity as he kneaded her clitoris between his lips. I'm dying! I'm going to push his damned face clear up my twat,she thought as she arched her back and clasped her legs tightly around his neck. Grabbing the bed sheets beneath her, she clenched her fists around the already soaked linens with so much force her knuckles felt like they were going to pop. She was drenched, her hair soaked, her fluids running like a river as she felt the first wave of sweet, welcome relief. Victor reveled in her excitement and drank her juices like a man dying of thirst. "So good, so good," he crooned in a voice barely audible above her cries of pleasure. He withdrew his tongue and pulled her legs down from his shoulders. When he entered her he did it slowly, working the head of his penis around the opening. Letting go of the bedsheets, Caroline wrapped her arms around Victor. Raking her fingernails down his spine, she felt him shudder as he buried his face in her shoulder, kissing her over and over. Her own desire matched his, pulsing through her body with the force of a jackhammer as he rammed his cock up and down the slick walls of her vagina. She reached down and found his balls, tight, hard. "I told you, Victor, I know what you like, too," she whispered against the side of his head. But, Victor didn't hear her. All he could hear was the roaring in his ears as the blood coursed through his veins and his cock exploded inside her with an orgasm that nearly sent his body into spasms. Caroline often experienced multiple orgasms during sex with Victor, and this time was no exception. Her

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cunt contracted over and over as she felt Victor's dick reach further up into her with each stroke.

***

While Caroline showered, Victor made coffee. As he waited for it to brew, he stood at the kitchen window gazing down at the street below. It was almost seven-thirty and people were beginning to stir, starting their day. The second floor apartment was small, but Victor liked the coziness of it. The building was older and the other three tenants were quiet professional people who had lived there for many years. The gallery opened at nine o'clock, and today he knew that Talia would be coming in to complete final arrangements for the show. He'd come to Arcadia three years ago after purchasing the failing art gallery, and in just two of those years had turned it into a successful business. It was a comfortably profitable little enterprise; nothing elaborate, but it suited him just fine. He preferred to keep a low profile, anyway. Caroline had been part of the package, so to speak. She'd been working for the former owner, and it was obvious to Victor right away that she would be of invaluable help as he tried to rebuild the gallery's clientele. She was smart, quick and knew the business. On a personal level, she was the best lay he'd ever had. "Penny for your thoughts," Caroline said from the kitchen doorway. She was nude, and as he poured her a cup of coffee, she rubbed at her wet hair with a bath towel. "They're not worth a penny," he told her. His cock stirred at the sight of her. But then that happened a lot. She had that effect on him. Seeing the growing bulge beneath Victor's shorts, Caroline smiled. "Down, boy, we've got a busy day ahead, and I need to make some calls before the gallery opens." "Cock teaser," he jibed as he brushed past her, pinching her ass on the way. "Tonight, I'll be a high school cheerleader, and you can be the head coach," she offered. "We'll go to my place, there's more room." "Rah, rah, rah," he called back over his shoulder.

***

As Talia got dressed, she thought about her upcoming meeting with Victor. He was a strange man. And she was almost sure something was going on between him and his office manager, Caroline Thomas.

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For some reason, Talia sensed that Caroline didn't like her, although she couldn't recall doing anything to offend the woman. She almost acts jealous of the attention Victor gives me.She ran a brush through her hair and applied a smattering of lipstick. She needed little else to make herself look good. Her skin was clear and smooth, with just a few freckles scattered across the bridge of her nose. A knock at the cottage door startled her and she jumped. When she saw her visitor through the screen door, she muttered, "That will teach me not to close both doors." Craig Lynch smiled a greeting from the small stone stoop, which served as a front porch. "Hey, Tally, want to come out and play?" he finally said, the grin widening. "No comment," Talia responded. She did not open the door or invite him inside. "Good one, very funny. Actually, I'm here in my capacity as a reporter. I want to do a story about you and the upcoming art exhibit for the paper. Need to set up a time. How about over dinner tomorrow night? You pick the place." He was, she would guess, somewhere in his mid-thirties. He was partially balding and slightly built. His pale blue eyes ogled her from behind a pair of rimless glasses. "I'm just on my way out, Craig. Call me later," she said, opening the screen door. Then, she remembered she didn't have her purse or keys. She grabbed them from the coffee table in the living room. When she turned around, he was standing behind her. "Nice dress, by the way," he said, reaching out to touch the silky skirt. It was a floral design that complimented her coloring. He rubbed the fabric between his thumb and forefinger. "I have to go, Craig. As I said, call me and we'll set up a time for me to come by the newspaper office and do the interview." Craig had been flirting with her since she'd moved to town, and it hadn't taken her long to grow tired of it. However, he never seemed to get the message that she wasn't interested. In fact, something about him turned her off, almost repulsed her. He let go of her skirt and moved his hand to her hip. Sidestepping, she walked around him and went to the door, opening it wide. He followed her. "Need a ride?" he asked, his thin lips curling up in a half smile. They both stepped outside. "I'd rather walk into town. It's a great day and I like being outdoors," she said, as she strode past him and down the cobblestone walk.

***

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When Talia entered the art gallery, the first person she saw was Caroline Thomas, hovering over an older, middle-aged couple who were studying a bronze sculpture. She looked around for Victor but didn't see him so she contented herself with examining some of the pieces that were propped against the far wall. She assumed they were recent acquisitions, probably brought in for the show. Most of the paintings that usually hung on the walls had been removed and the place smelled of fresh paint. Victor was obviously sprucing things up for the upcoming gala. "I'm going to use easels for a lot of the paintings, especially yours," Victor said, from his office doorway. Funny, she could have sworn he hadn't been in there when she'd looked for him a few moments ago. He came to her, then reached out and took both of her hands in his. "You look beautiful, as always. So, what do you think of the place?" He beamed proudly. It did look good. The new, lighter shades had made a world of difference. "It's perfect." She smiled at him, thinking to herself that he was like a proud father, showing off a new offspring. Caroline joined them, looking Talia up and down, before turning her attention to Victor. "The Swansons want that sculpture. I'm sending it out tomorrow, but they want a word with you." As Victor went to talk to the Swansons, Caroline leveled her gaze on Talia. "Victor is quite enthused about your paintings. They will be ready, won't they?" The other woman's animosity was obvious. "They'll be ready," Talia replied coolly. "See that they are. I wouldn't want to see Victor disappointed," Caroline said before walking away. Suddenly, the hair at the nape of Talia's neck stirred and she shivered. She was being watched. But, from where? Then out of the corner of her eye she caught a fleeting glimpse of something, or someone, moving past the window outside the gallery. But when she turned to look there was no one there.

Chapter Three

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Victor locked the gallery door. It was a warm, clear night, so he decided to walk the three blocks to Caroline's brownstone. Crossing Main Street, he was surprised to see lights on inside the long-vacant building at the opposite corner. A sleek, black sports car was parked in front. Curious now, Victor went to the front door and peered in the glass. There was movement inside, he could hear the shuffling sounds of footsteps, but he saw no one. Then, a shadow played across the wall beside him and he jumped back, senses alert, eyes widening. He sniffed at the air and detected a scent lingering there, heavy, cloying. "Everything okay, Mr. Kane?" The question startled him and he spun around, balancing his weight on the balls of his feet, poised to fight, ready to ward off an attack. "Whoa, take it easy," the jovial looking man pleaded. It was Jed Parker, one of Arcadia's finest. Slightly unnerved by the events of the past few minutes, Victor muttered something about being late for a date and hurried off into the night.

***

Caroline answered the door wearing a tight red jersey and white pleated skirt. Red bobbie sox and white tennis shoes completed the outfit. The number/letter combination 38-D was printed across her shirtfront. Victor smiled as he realized what that represented–her bust size. I must say, she knows how to get my blood pumping.She stood in the doorway, waiting for their game to begin. He could see her nipples jutting out underneath the fabric of the jersey, indicating that she wore no bra. The skirt hit her about two inches below the 'cunt line', as he liked to call it. Her legs were smooth and tanned, and he could smell her perfume, light yet enticing with just a hint of musk. Her hair was brushed casually back from a face devoid of makeup. She looked young, fresh and innocent. Victor was still new at this role-playing thing, so he tended to take his cues from Caroline. "Mr. Kane! I wasn't expecting you. My parents aren't home. Did you want to see them?" she asked, assuming the role. He looked her up and down, openly admiring her many virtues. "I did need a word with them, but maybe I can just leave the message with you," He took a tentative step into the foyer. She smiled widely and motioned him inside. "Sure. You know, I was just practicing some new cheers. Want to watch? I'd really be grateful for any pointers you could give me." She eyed him coyly, adding,

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"You know, I just can't seem to get my cartwheels right. Maybe you could help me." She stopped in the middle of the room, where Victor noticed that the glass-topped coffee table had been removed. She continued, "Stand here and I'll turn in front of you. You can spot me, make sure I don't fall." With that she did a perfect cartwheel, and as her legs flew into the air, the skirt fell away, revealing that she wore no underwear. Taking his cue, Victor caught her legs in his hands, suspending her in mid-turn. Holding onto her tightly, he bent down and licked at her calves, then moved his tongue down to her thighs. "Mr. Kane, what are you doing?" Caroline cried in mock surprise. "Improving your technique," Victor replied, as he let go of one leg and ran his hand down to her pussy. She smelled so good, tasted so delicious. And, she was wet for him, sweetly moist. Then he pushed on one leg, helping her complete the cartwheel, and she gracefully landed on her feet and stood up. Caroline glanced at Victor's erection and smiled inwardly. Reaching out, she rubbed at the bulge in his pants a couple of times, then said, "Mr. Kane, I think you might need my help, now!" Victor watched as she turned away and went to the entertainment center against the far wall. "How about some music?" She bent over to get several CDs from a case on the bottom shelf, revealing her bare ass. Victor quickly crossed the room and came up behind her, moving in very close, but not touching her. She backed up a little. "Something slow? Or, are you in the mood for something hard and fast?" she asked. He reached around to pick up a CD and his hand brushed against her tit. At the same time his cock pressed into her buttocks. "Better watch it, Mr. Kane, I might get the wrong idea," she said, wiggling her behind slightly. Victor felt his dick throb a little as she backed up even more. Then suddenly she straightened up and turned around, her breasts pressing against his chest. "Did you hear that? I think my folks are back!" she said, her voice high-pitched. Getting caught up in the game now, Victor, looked around in a panic. "What should I do, I can't let them see me like this!" "Quick, my room. The closet," she said, taking his hand and pulling him toward the stairs. The bedroom closet was a spacious walk-in. Once they were within its dark confines, Victor let his night vision take over. "Very quiet, not a sound," she warned with an index finger against his lips. Then she slowly lifted the jersey over her head, and her breasts became his playground as he nibbled on them, alternately pulling at one nipple then the other.

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He loved the feel of her, loved to caress her skin, bury his face in the sweet softness of her neck. "We have to be quiet," she whispered in his ear. Her hand rested on his cock. Even through the fabric of his jeans she could feel the heat. She undid the snap, then pulled down the zipper, freeing him. "You are delicious," he moaned, as he kissed her throat, where he could feel her pulse beating wildly just below the surface. "Ssshh," she warned, "remember, no noise." She put her hand on his balls, massaging them until they tightened under her touch. Victor reveled in the sensations that raged through his groin as Caroline fondled him. She was so uninhibited, so free. Caroline put her mouth against Victor's ear. "I'm wet down there, Mr. Kane. What does that mean? Show me what that means," she whispered softly. Victor felt an involuntary chill race up his spine as Caroline licked the outer rim of his ear, then ran her tongue inside. "I'm a virgin, Mr. Kane. Do you want a virgin? I'm so tight inside," she whispered, licking again. Victor moved his hand up under the skirt to her pussy and felt the moisture there. He played his fingers around the outside, teasing her as she squirmed around, pushing herself against him. Then, Caroline reached above her head and felt around until she found the light cord. When she pulled it, the closet was illuminated by the red light bulb she'd placed there earlier. Cast now in the crimson glow, Caroline looked more enticing than ever to Victor. He unzipped her skirt and let it fall to the floor. Her body was perfect – narrow waist, slightly rounded hips, flat, hard abdomen. He knelt before her and kissed her navel, then licked the skin just below. When he reached her cunt, she moaned softly, holding his head there with both hands. He cupped her buttocks, relishing the firm feel of them as he licked at her cunt, drinking in that delicious moistness. His tongue slid freely, easily around the opening, and he teased her by flicking it inside, just a little, then withdrawing it again and again. Caroline's knees felt weak and her breath strained as Victor licked at her. She fumbled behind her back for one of his hands and finally brought it around to her breast. As he played at her rigid nipple, she fondled the other one herself, pinching it between her fingers. He stopped and stood up. "Now me," he mouthed, still observing the silence. She put her index finger into her mouth and moistened it, then ran it up the side of his penis. "Ssss, red hot," she whispered, swirling the finger around the tip. She gathered up some of the fluid there, then returned her finger to her mouth, licking it again. "Hmmm, good."

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Victor ached for her now, wanted her more than he ever had before. "Tell me what you want, Mr. Kane. You have to tell me what you want, After all, you're the coach, so coach me," she whispered, flicking her hand lightly across the top of his cock. Victor pushed Caroline down to her knees, then thrust his hips forward. With his penis less than an inch from her lips, Caroline smiled up at him and whispered, "Tell me." His balls contracted, his groin throbbed and when he spoke, his voice was strangled, strained. "Lick me, taste me, suck me." "Like this?" she said, tentatively darting her tongue along one side of his dick, much like a child testing the flavor of a Popsicle. "More. All of it," he begged, entangling his fingers in her hair and pulling her head closer. She felt the heat, could smell his desire as she lightly licked the tip of his cock, tasting the saltiness there. Her cunt was so wet she knew it must be dripping onto the floor. Suddenly, Victor reached down and pulled her to her feet. "Tease. Cock teaser," he said, holding her fast. Then, he lifted her up off of the floor and she quickly wrapped her legs around his middle as he rammed his dick into her. She rode him with a fury, jamming herself down over and over. It always felt wonderful, but tonight in the dimly lit closet, she experienced an orgasm that seemed to last forever. She wanted all of him inside of her, and if she could have figured out a way to get his balls up there too, she'd have done it! As her womb contracted, she felt her skin grow hot and her heart beat wildly in her chest. Victor drove his cock higher, pumped faster as he felt the orgasm rip through him. The release was so total, so violent, he felt as though his legs might give way. The roles forgotten in the heat of passion, they exhausted one another and finally slid to the closet floor.

Chapter Four

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Rather than feeling spent by the sex he'd just had with Caroline, Victor felt energized, senses heightened, blood pumping. He still didn't entirely understand his reaction to seeing her in that damned cheerleading outfit. But, he was awfully glad she'd thought of it. He was now seated on the sofa in Caroline's trendily decorated brownstone. It was the sort of room you might see in some urban decorating magazine, all soft colors, glass-topped tables and big, clear vases filled with tall reedy artificial flowers. She brought him a drink, bourbon and water, and sat down next to him on the soft, leather sofa. She drank white wine. She was still naked. So was he. Dipping her finger into the wine glass, Caroline put a drop of liquid on his right nipple then licked it off. Repeating the ritual again with the left, she smiled and said, "Your turn." He smiled back at her and returned the favor. Then, he said, "I hate to talk shop, especially after the wonderful evening we've had, but did you remember to call Talia today about that painting I want to feature in the show?" The smile disappeared from Caroline's face. "Well, Victor, you certainly know how to kill a mood," she snapped. With that, she got up and went upstairs. She returned shortly, this time wearing a thigh-length terry robe, tied snugly at the waist. She sat down in one of the leather chairs opposite the sofa. "To answer your question, yes. I got no answer so I left a voice mail." Victor eyed her for a moment, then patted the seat beside him. "Don't be angry. You know how important this show is. It's never far from my mind these days. Come here. I'll make it up to you." Caroline stayed where she was.It's not only the show that is never far from your mind, she thought with rancor. Things hadn't been quite the same since Talia Coe came to town. Victor had danced attendance around her from day one and he was still doing it. She claimed to have amnesia. Likely story. Running from something or someone was Caroline's guess. The law? An abusive husband or lover? Who could tell, but she was definitely a woman with secrets. Well, she wasn't going to get Victor.He's mine and I'm going to keep it that way! "Caroline, come here," Victor repeated, this time with an edge in his voice. Finally, she got up and joined him again.

***

Talia had awakened at a little after two o'clock in the morning, sweat-soaked and burning with desire. The dream had been indistinct this time, she'd been chasing him, trying to catch up, needing his touch, yet

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he had remained just out of reach. When she'd sat up in bed, she'd felt like she was suffocating. Her body had cried out for release, and she'd masturbated to climax. But even then, she'd still felt unrelieved. Her body was alive with a growing hunger that would not be explained or satisfied. Giving up any idea of going back to sleep, she'd gone to her studio and began putting the finishing touches on the final painting for the gallery show. She'd deliver all six of them later this morning. The show was tonight. Suddenly feeling uncomfortable, Talia glanced toward the picture windows. She hadn't bothered to draw the curtains and the blackness of the night stared back at her. Then something caught her eye; an indistinct movement or a shadow, she wasn't sure which. Wiping off the paintbrush with an oily rag, she put them both down on the scared oak table beside the easel. Carefully, she walked to the window, reached for the drapery cord and yanked it, closing the curtains with one decisive movement. Probably just some animal in the woods, foraging for food,she thought, as she went back to her work.

***

Caroline was having a sleepless night, also. She was almost glad Victor had decided not to stay. She was still miffed at him for bringing Talia's name into what had otherwise been a perfect evening. But, once he was gone, she longed for him again. She missed his closeness, missed the feel of his body next to hers in bed. Tonight, however, Talia would have been like an unbidden ghost resting between them.

***

Victor paced his small apartment in the pre-dawn hours, unable to settle down. Finally, he gave up and made himself a cup of coffee. Several minutes later, he decided to go to the gallery and make sure things were set up for showing. Opening night jitters,he thought as he made his way down the spiral staircase and turned on the lights. He was featuring five artists, but he had a feeling it would be Talia's pictures that would draw the most comments and critiques. They were unique, some might even call them dark. He wondered if they captured the tortured soul of the artist. One in particular had caught his eye. It was on a midnight blue

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background and featured a blurred male form, head thrown back, arms outstretched as though imploring the heavens. Behind the solitary figure was a shadowy grouping of trees, and from within its depths two yellow beacons of light, low to the ground. Animal eyes, glowing in the night, watching, waiting. She called it 'Hunted' but Victor thought a more appropriate name might be 'Haunted'. He had placed six easels in an alcove near the front window for Talia's paintings. He wanted patrons to see them the minute they walked in the door, and he wanted her grouping to be the last thing they saw before exiting. That would double her chances of selling the artwork. Going to the window, he peered out, looking toward the corner. That light still burned in the little shop. Then, as he watched, it went out and seconds later he saw a form hovering by the front door. Someone was leaving the building. The single street lamp, of the old-fashioned English gaslight variety, did little to illuminate the man's features. Victor opened the gallery door and stepped out onto the sidewalk, but the figure had already disappeared around the corner. Then, the gentle breeze carried a scent his way and he sniffed at the air, nostrils narrowing, full lips compressing. Deep in his throat an involuntary growl emerged and the dark hair on his hands and arms stood up.Adversary, he thought, then realized he was still standing outside, and quickly went back into the building and slammed the door.

Chapter Five

The minute Caroline walked into the gallery and saw Talia placing her paintings on the easels by the front window, she marched straight into Victor's private office and confronted him. "You're giving an unknown artist front spot?" she flared. She stood just inside the door, hands on hips, blue eyes bright with a mixture of indignation and jealousy. Victor, seated behind a large teakwood desk, looked up at her and smiled. "Good morning. You look very sexy. Mind if I get up and ravage your body?" His reaction caught her off guard and she just stared at him. Finally, she managed, "Why is Talia Coe

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putting her paintings in the front, Victor?"What is going on between you two? was what she really wanted to ask. Obviously, the influence that woman had over Victor was increasing. Getting up from behind the desk, Victor came toward her, a half-smile on his lips. "She needs the exposure." He reached out and ran two fingers over her right tit, then did the same with the left. Trying to ignore the sensation his touch sent coursing through her body, she stepped back, only to have him grab her arm and pull her toward the small bathroom just off his office. "Red is your color," he whispered, eyeing her tight sweater. Her nipples were now protruding, hard, inviting. The bathroom was small, just a sink and commode, with a little room to spare. Victor slammed and locked the door, then pushed Caroline against the wall. Her body responded at once, molding itself against his. His dick was hard, straining against his pants. She felt her cunt tighten. "People might come in....we shouldn't," she gasped, as his lips covered hers, his tongue probing the recesses of her mouth, exploring, tasting her. He reached down and pulled up her short black skirt, then tugged at her panties and they fell to the floor around her ankles. His hand went to her pussy and found the sweet liquid there. He could smell her heat and that excited him even more. "I'm so wet. I can't wait," she gasped, tugging wildly at his belt buckle. He didn't help her, though, preferring to let her struggle, wanting the excitement to build. Her arousal fed his own as he tweaked her swollen clitoris, pulling at it gently with his thumb and forefinger, coaxing it, stroking it. Finally freeing his cock, Caroline found the head was slick with fluid. She longed to take it into her mouth, to run her tongue along its contours. Why did he have this effect on her? She couldn't break free of her overwhelming desire for him, could barely stand to be in the same room with him without touching him. Suddenly, he withdrew his fingers and hefting her under the arms, lifted her up. As she'd done the night before, she immediately wrapped her legs around his waist. His cock found its mark at once, sliding up the soft, swollen walls of her vagina with ease. "Practice makes perfect, doesn't it?" he asked, his voice low and throaty. The knock on the bathroom door was tentative at first, then more forceful. "Excuse me, excuse me," came a high-pitched female voice. "Oh God, no," gasped Caroline. But, her hips kept moving, undulating up and down as Victor climaxed. The hot liquid of his semen shot inside of her, searing her, driving her on, making it impossible for her to stop the orgasm that now caused her body to ride his penis as though it were a bucking bronco. Her buttocks knocked against the wall as she rocked faster and harder.

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Finally, the impatient rapping at the door caused Victor to stop, and Caroline struggled to catch her breath. Finally, she called, "Just a moment, almost done." Victor, amused by her comment, rammed his dick up further and whispered into her ear, "Almost doesn't count. We'll take up where we left off later." Caroline emerged first from the bathroom, poking her head out to see if the coast was clear. She was almost certain the person who had knocked was the cleaning lady, since she'd told her to come in early to prepare for the show tonight. To her relief, she found Victor's office empty, and like a co-conspirator in some spy movie, signaled to him that it was safe to come out.

***

Victor found Talia still fussing over her paintings. Several of the other artists had now arrived and were also arranging their displays. Soon, the caterer and florist would be making their deliveries. In the three years since he'd purchased the place, Victor had pretty much had the same clientele: rich, older women who came in with long-suffering husbands, obviously just along to pay the bill. But this year, he had sent announcements out to many of the surrounding cities, hoping to draw a more diverse crowd. He was sure Talia's art would appeal to that more sophisticated group. She was wearing a sundress of yellow and pale blue. She looked fresh and innocent and smelled of lilacs. He drank in the fragrance, heady, rich. She turned and bestowed a radiant smile on him and he felt his heart skip a beat. She was so lovely. "I'll help you," he said, lifting one of the paintings from its easel and propping it against the wall. "This one will be better here," he told her, replacing the original painting with the one called 'Hunted.' "You don't want clients to see this one right away," he said, explaining why he'd put her obvious favorite toward the back of the grouping. "You want them to discover it on their own, to be enthralled by it, not shocked by it." She lifted the painting called 'Meadow by Moonlight' onto another empty easel. It was just as the name implied —the sky was like black velvet, with pinpoint-like stars scattered across it. Below was a meadow, lit by only the glow of a harvest moon. On a hill overlooking the meadow was a small animal of some kind and swooping in from behind, unseen by that unsuspecting mammal, was a hawk, ready to pounce on its prey. "Better?" Talia asked Victor, searching his handsome, rugged face. "Much," he confirmed, letting his hand rest in the small of her back.

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***

Watching from the doorway of her own office, Caroline felt a pang of jealousy as she saw Victor touch Talia. This had been going on for weeks. He always seemed to find a reason to lay his hands on her. He gravitated toward her, seemed to always find a reason to be around her. This gallery show was the perfect excuse for him to be running out to that cottage, or for her to be showing up here. With a feeling of dread, Caroline wondered if they were having sex. Oh, it was coming, no doubt about that. She knew the signs. They weren't fooling her. That's why she went out of her way to keep Victor satisfied and to make sure their sexual encounters were spicy and interesting. What did they know about Talia Coe anyway? She'd come here a year ago, all defenseless, playing on everyone's sympathy and had proceeded to cock-tease Victor into helping her get a job, then a place to live, and now a prime spot in this exhibit. As feelings of envy and resentment welled up inside of her, Caroline went back into her office and slammed the door.

Chapter Six

Nervous as hell, Talia ran her fingers through her fiery hair and thought again about changing her outfit. This was the fourth one; the others were scattered helter-skelter on her bed. "Calm yourself, they're coming to look at the paintings, not you," she said aloud to her reflection in the dressing table mirror. The emerald outfit was exquisite, with its low-cut neckline and slightly flared, silken skirt. She slipped on her matching shoes, picked up her purse and house keys and prepared to leave. Once outside, she inhaled deeply. It was a warm, calm night and the moon was full. On impulse, she decided to walk into town. It was only a quarter of a mile, and it might help alleviate some of the stress she was feeling. The woods, running along the side of the cottage, were behind her now as she started her trek. She loved the night. Everything was different; the sounds, the smells, even the feel of the air. Talia wished she

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could remember her childhood, her parents, friends, siblings. Did she have brothers or sisters out there, still wondering where she was? Did she have a mother who cried herself to sleep at night because her daughter went out one day and never came back? A father who cursed himself for not keeping better track of his beloved child? Well,she thought as she neared a fork in the road,I guess I can really say, in all honesty, that I'm a self-made woman. Suddenly a howl cut through the night like a low, mournful siren, and Talia drew in her breath sharply. She spun around, fully expecting to see some beast from hell crouching behind her. But there was nothing but the woods shrouded in darkness. Then she sensed it, rather than saw it. Something moving, something out there. Raising her head a little she felt her nose twitch just slightly as the scent reached her. But, just that quickly it was gone and she shook her head in dismay, as she turned and hurried toward the lights of the small village ahead.

***

Victor greeted Talia at the door. Already, people were beginning to arrive and she was pleased to see that many of them were gathered around her display. "Come into my office," Victor directed, leading the way. He was in a dark suit, and she wondered how old he was. He'd never said, but she would place him somewhere in his early forties. I'm twenty-six, give or take a few years.It was a guess, of course. The doctors had been nice enough to take a vote and tell her the outcome.Sometimes the entire thing was laughable. I'm the woman without a real identity, and without an official age. He let her precede him into the office, followed her and closed the door. "I've already had a bid on the meadow painting," he told her proudly. "It's a generous offer and I think you should consider it. Of course, you'll want to wait until the show closes tonight to make a final decision." Talia was thrilled. She'd sold a painting! "Oh, Victor, thank you," she cried, hugging him tightly. Caroline opened the office door and stood there taking in the scene before her: Talia in Victor’s arms. Victor, holding her tightly, eyes closed, a strange look on his face. Was it ecstasy, mere pleasure, or something else? She couldn't tell. "Sorry to interrupt," Caroline finally said, her tone of voice making it clear she was anything but sorry. Talia nearly jumped out of Victor's embrace and spun around. Victor locked into Caroline's gaze, but

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said nothing. Instead, he encircled Talia's tiny waist with his arm and steered her toward the door. Caroline stepped back to let them pass, averting her gaze from his.

***

"Well, well, isn't this just a gathering of Arcadia's upper crust?" Craig Lynch said as he stepped up beside Caroline a few minutes later. He nonchalantly brushed her ass with his free hand, the one that wasn't holding a glass of Victor's best champagne. Caroline loathed the squirrely little reporter, but right now she might be able to use his services. She turned and smiled at him, raising one eyebrow slightly to insinuate she was about to tell him something juicy. "Tell me, Craig, what do you know about the wonder girl over there?" She nodded her head toward the front of the main gallery where Talia now stood with Victor and a matronly-looking woman with hennaed hair. "Love to have a piece of that," Craig commented, downing the rest of his drink and swiping another off of a tray as a waiter walked by. "Yes, well, we all have wet dreams, Craig. I'm talking about her past, who she is, where she came from." Caroline countered. "Why do you care?" he asked, suddenly suspicious. But before she could answer her eyes traveled to the front door and the man who had just entered. "Well, well, what have we here?" Caroline said under her breath. Craig heard her and turned to see what or who was the subject of her comment. "I'd say someone from Kinnard or Canton," he surmised. But, Caroline didn't think so. There was something about him, something almost exotic. She couldn't explain it, but she had the feeling that things were about to change forever.

***

Talia sensed his presence before she ever saw him. It was all around her, causing her heart to speed up and her palms to grow sweaty. Then her skin seemed to tingle and the air seemed to be filled with millions of tiny electrical charges. The worst of it hit her like a physical blow when she looked toward the front door and saw him walk into the gallery. Tall, with coal-black hair worn a little longer than currently fashionable, he came in and hesitated just inside, taking in his surroundings. His goatee was neatly trimmed, his nose long and narrow.

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He was muscular, well built; she could see bulges beneath the blazer he was wearing. Then, his gaze landed on her, and her heart nearly stopped. She could feel her cunt tighten as the muscles reacted to a sudden need she could neither explain nor deny. The room seemed to be off-kilter, and she felt hot as her blood pumped wildly through her veins. She could feel moisture flowing down her vaginal walls. What the hell is this?Panic rose in her, along with desire. He walked toward her slowly, never taking his gaze from hers. He was the man from her dreams. That nocturnal visitor who invaded her sleep and left her weak and half-satisfied on sweat-soaked sheets. Only this wasn't a dream, and her body was screaming for this mysterious stranger. And, she knew if he dared to touch her she would not be able to control herself, no matter how many people were in the gallery to witness the act. Victor, now aware of a subtle change in the atmosphere, turned to Talia and then to the newcomer. As though some danger had suddenly presented itself, he instinctively stepped in front of her. "I'm Victor Kane. I don't think we've met," he said, his voice low, almost guttural. No welcome, no smile and no extended hand in greeting. "No, not formally, anyway," the stranger said, his voice smooth and even. "I'm Lucas Knight. I just rented the shop on the next corner."

***

Even with Victor shielding her physically from Lucas Knight, Talia still felt the unexplained hot, searing need that now controlled her body. It had taken hold, possessing her breasts, which now throbbed and ached for this stranger's touch. Her swelling clit was alive, titillated. She sensed the strain between the two men but was helpless to do anything about it. Seconds seemed like hours as Lucas Knight found her gaze again. His eyes were brown, with flecks of gold dancing in them, holding her there, making it impossible for her to look away. She tried to move but seemed rooted to the floor. Conversations were going on all around her, people were laughing, glasses clinking, music playing softly in the background, but she could not move. He could smell her heat, sense her desire, even though she was trying to hide it. It matched his own and he felt his cock stir, begin to harden. "Your paintings are very interesting, Miss." he finally said. Victor smiled tightly and replied, "This is Talia Coe, a local artist."

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Stepping around Victor, Lucas walked past her toward one painting at the back of the grouping. He wanted to get her away from the gallery owner, to have time with her alone. Talia could feel the warmth of his body as he walked behind her and even though he barely brushed against her, she felt her thighs quiver, her skin tingle and the tiny hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She turned to follow him, helpless to do otherwise.

***

"Come on, Victor, you're ignoring your other guests," Caroline said. She was standing next to him and he hadn't even noticed her until she spoke. He was still watching Lucas and Talia intently. "Victor!" Caroline said sharply. He turned toward her and she saw a flash in his eyes that made her step back. Just briefly she could have sworn they changed shape. "I think Talia can handle herself. Victor, please come with me," she said, taking hold of his arm and pulling him in her direction.

***

Talia wanted to be alone with Lucas Knight, yet feared it at the same time. He was talking about 'Hunted' and she tried to pay attention, but the building need between her legs had a grip on her, and she could not concentrate on his words. Then, his hand was on her hip and the touch was like an electric shock, coursing down her stomach and into her cunt. He had stepped closer, their bodies almost touching now, and she could feel his hot breath on the side of her face. Turning so that no one could see what he was doing, he slid his hand down to the area between her legs and rubbed her through the silky skirt. Once, twice, back and forth, and she spread her stance, opening her legs more, thrusting her hips out a little. When he finally stepped back, she could see the bulge in his pants and wanted more than anything to touch it. Buttoning his blazer over his enlarged penis, Lucas said, "I think I want this painting. I'll take it. Who do I talk to about the purchase?" Breathing raggedly, Talia pointed toward Victor, who was just entering his office with Caroline.

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***

"You just can't stay away from her, can you?" Caroline said once they were behind closed doors. "I don't know what you mean," Victor said flatly. "I mean Talia and don't play dumb. And, for God's sake wipe that patronizing look off of your face." "You have no reason to be jealous of Talia Coe," he told her. "She's a child, I'm just trying to mentor her, guide her. She has real talent." She wanted to believe him, needed to believe him. Stepping closer, she said, "Maybe you like younger women," she said. She looked really sexy tonight, and he'd neglected to tell her so. He'd been so tied up with Talia, he'd forgotten to throw some flattery Caroline's way. "Did I tell you how ravishing you look tonight?" It was true, she had on a black dress that showed lots of cleavage and had a skirt that hugged her silky-smooth thighs like a second skin. The worry lines on her face relaxed and her lips turned up in a half-smile. "The showing is going well, I think. Any idea how many paintings are sold?" He stepped up to her and took her in his arms, stroking her back and running his hands down to her ass. He slowly rubbed her there, raising her skirt in the process. "So good," he exhaled the words rather than spoke them. Then, he slid his hand down further and found the sweet moisture already flowing from her cunt. He could smell it and longed to taste it, longed to bury his face in her pussy and run his tongue up into those soft folds. "Excuse me," came a voice from the office doorway. "I don't mean to interrupt, but Talia tells me you're the man to see if I want to buy one of her paintings.” Releasing Caroline so suddenly that she almost fell over backwards, Victor swung around and faced Lucas Knight. What happened next was so quick that Caroline would never be sure it had happened at all. In that instant, she could have sworn she heard Victor emit a growl from deep within his throat and his body seemed to hunch forward, shoulders rounding. At the same time she looked up and saw, or thought she saw, Lucas Knight's eyes take on a golden glow, as his head dipped down giving his nose an even longer appearance. Then, it was over and the two men were just that, two men staring at each other across a room. Pulling her skirt down a little, Caroline turned and went into the bathroom, locking the door behind her.

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***

"Well, where did you disappear to?" Craig asked Caroline twenty minutes later. She'd stayed in the bathroom for quite a while trying to get the throbbing in her cunt to stop. And, she was still trying to make sense of what she'd witnessed inside that office between Victor and the mysterious Lucas Knight. Craig sidled up closer and said, "So, who is the new kid on the block?" He nodded across the room to where Lucas was edging his way through the crowd toward the front door. "Word is he bought that scary thing Talia painted, the naked guy in a field." "Hunted?" Caroline asked. "Yeah, that's it. She paints weird stuff. Think she's sexually repressed? Maybe I could cure her." "You're drunk," Caroline stated. She could smell the liquor on his breath. He moved closer so that their hips touched. She stepped slightly away. "Are you doing a feature on this show?" "Of course. I'm here tonight as a reporter." "So, maybe you should interview some people, find out a little about them?" she ventured. "Oh, you wouldn't happen to be talking about Mr. tall, dark and brooding would you?" Craig asked with a grin. "Well, he is new in town, and he is opening a new business," she said. "I suppose I should get acquainted, huh? Drop by his shop and see what he's bringing to our quiet little hamlet." "Exactly," Caroline confirmed.

***

Talia watched Lucas leave, but not before he'd come to her again, standing so close she could almost feel the force of the blood pumping through his veins. He had kissed her hand, a courtly gesture that both surprised and aroused her. Again, she felt the unexplained longing. She wanted to beg him not to leave, wanted to go with him and wanted to never see him again all at the same time.

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"I'd like to see some of your other work," he'd told her, his lips creasing in a smile. Imagine what those lips could do to your pussy, she'd thought. He'd been looking at her waiting for a response to his last remark as she struggled back from the recesses of her desire. Her cheeks had reddened and she'd muttered, "Maybe, sometime. I live....." "In that quaint little cottage at the edge of the woods. I know," he'd interrupted. She had no idea how he knew that and didn't care. It was only important that he knew where to find her.

Chapter Seven

It was close to 11:30, and the gallery was quiet now that all of the guests had gone. They were in Victor's office and Caroline, as she usually did after such an event, was going over the paperwork from the evening's sales. "I'm taking Talia home," Victor told Caroline. She was at his desk; he stood beside her chair. Putting his hand on her shoulder, he casually ran it down to her breast, playing at the nipple until it hardened under his touch. "You're coming to my place then?" she asked, feeling her vagina contract. Why couldn't she get enough of him? "I'll be there. We did well tonight, didn't we?" He moved his hand up to her neck, cupped her chin in one hand and with his other hand spun the swivel chair around. Then, he bent down and kissed her on the mouth, his tongue teasing her. She grabbed at his dick with both hands, longing to rip at his clothes, to free him so she could let her hand slide up and down its entire length. Abruptly, he straightened up and released her. "That should hold you for a while," he said, stepping back.

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"You bastard!" she croaked, her face flushed with passion. He chuckled and walked toward the door. "I'll see you later," he said, without looking back.

***

As Talia waited for Victor by the front door, her thoughts returned for the hundredth time to Lucas Knight. She'd seen him in her dreams for weeks, but when he'd actually walked into the gallery tonight, she had nearly fainted. The effect he had on her was devastating, the longing she felt for him all-consuming. Even now her cunt ached and her breasts felt swollen. She had to see him again, to touch him, to demand he take her. She put a hand to her cheek and felt the heat there, like a fever. "Ready to go?" Victor's voice jarred her away from her thoughts and she gave him a startled look. It took her a moment to answer, and she noted the look of concern in his eyes. "Yes, I'm ready," she finally managed and he took her arm and steered her toward the door. "I could have walked, you know," she told him once they were inside the sleek, black Porsche. "Probably not a good idea at this time of night, not even in quiet little Arcadia," he told her. "Besides, I want to take a look at some of the other things you've been working on." "I guess I could have done worse after the accident than ending up here. The town has been good to me. I did well tonight, I sold three paintings," she said. "And, a consignment on a fourth, don't forget," he reminded her. "I'm leaving the two remaining paintings in the gallery and if you have a few more, I'll put them in there, also." She smiled and turned her head to look at his strong, angular profile. "You've made all of this possible. I don't know how I can ever thank you." "Just keep painting," he replied. They were at the cottage now and he pulled up in front of the small walkway. When he got out of the car, he scanned the woods, sniffed at the air. Talia resisted the impulse to do the same. Once they were inside she went straight to her studio and he followed. She had several finished paintings that she'd chosen not to put in the show. But, Victor liked them, he thought they were brighter, less morbid and told her he would send someone for them tomorrow. Then, he noticed a sketchbook on a nearby table and picked it up, thumbing through the pages. One drawing in particular made him stop and he stared at it for a moment then turned to her, holding it out. "When did you draw this?" he demanded, his tone a little sharp. She was surprised by the question and stammered, "I don't remember exactly. Several weeks ago, I think."

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It was of a man, a man who looked amazingly like Lucas Knight. Slapping the book shut, Victor asked, "Have any memories of your past come to the surface lately?" "Nothing. I still can't remember the accident, or anything before that," she told him honestly. Her mind was like a blank page as far as her past life was concerned and as much as she struggled to remember, she could not. He walked to the door and she followed. His arm slipped around her waist. She did not resist, but welcomed the contact. "Lock the door when I leave," he instructed. "Thank you, Victor, for everything," she told him, hugging him fiercely. He held onto her, wishing he could tell her the truth. When he left, he once again scanned the perimeter of the cottage, just to make sure nothing, or no one was lingering in the shadows.

***

Caroline was on her third drink. The one she'd prepared for Victor forty-five minutes ago was sitting on the wet bar, watered down, ice melted. Glancing at her watch, she wondered why it was taking him over an hour to drive Talia a quarter of a mile to that damned cottage. Her mind roamed, envisioning them having wild sex in that cozy little living room. Just that bitch's way of saying thanks to her 'mentor', no doubt. Victor was a sexual creature. Pure and simple, he liked to fuck. He liked to fuck beautiful women and often. He maintained a suave, sophisticated exterior for his clientele that went along with the business he was in, but in his private life he liked his sex down and dirty. Caroline tried to accommodate him and had learned a lot from him, especially when it came to the more unusual aspects of hot, sweaty sex. Now, she craved it as much as he did; couldn't get enough of it or of him. She heard his key in the door and got up from the sofa, meeting him halfway across the room. "I was about ready to send out a search party," she commented, trying to keep her voice light. "I wanted to see some of Talia's other work," he replied. He took off his suit coat and tie and draped them over the back of a chair before stepping behind the small wet bar and picking up the drink Caroline had prepared earlier. After a sip, he threw it down the drain and poured another. "You want a fresh one?" he asked, holding up the bottle of vodka. "Why not, "she replied, joining him. "So, just what else did Talia have to show you, Victor?" she asked.

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He handed her drink to her across the bar and took a sip of his own. "Three paintings. I'm having them brought to the gallery tomorrow.” "You're allowing her to keep five paintings there, after a show?" "She has a real talent." Caroline eyed him doubtfully. "I heard several people comment that her pieces seemed a little too disquieting for them." "To each his own. You know how things go in the art world. Besides, the new ones are different." "Yes, I know how it is in the art world - you have to earn respect, over time. No one is an overnight success," Caroline snapped. Ah, the green- eyed monster once again rears its ugly head. Well, time to bring another head into the conversation,Victor thought. "Are you wearing anything under that robe?" he asked suddenly. It was made of magenta silk and she looked good enough to eat. In fact that's just what he had in mind. "I guess you'll just have to find that out," she replied turning away from the bar. He put down his drink and followed, grabbing her arm and spinning her around. With one quick motion he undid the sash and the robe fell open, revealing her smooth, tanned flesh. His mouth found her nipples, and she moaned with pleasure as her cunt pulsated in time with each long, slow pull of his lips. Her drink fell to the floor, making a soft thud as the glass hit the thick carpeting. She rubbed his cock, feeling the heat through the material. Then, he helped her by quickly undoing his belt and snap. He let her pull down the zipper. He shed his shirt, while she finished taking off her robe. Then, he lowered her to the floor and turned her over onto her stomach. Straddling her just below the buttocks, he stroked her back. As he felt her begin to relax, he leaned forward and kissed the back of her neck, then nipped at it with his teeth just enough to raise goosebumps all over her body. She shivered, tingling with need, as he ran one hand up and down the length of her body, while at the same time he manipulated his dick into her crack so it lay there like a hot dog in a bun. Leaning down, he nuzzled her neck, playing around the sensitive areas with light flicks of his tongue. She raised her body up off of the floor a little so he could fondle her breast. She loved it when he pulled at her nipples, loved the sensation as they hardened. He rolled onto his side, taking her with him so they were in spooning position. His hand moved down her flat, taut stomach to the hot, moist slit of her cunt. She threw one arm up and reached around, encircling his neck, bringing his head down against the side of her face. Victor kissed her cheek and along her hairline, now damp with perspiration. He licked at her ear, then

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whispered, "Tell me what you want. Do you want my cock in your pussy? That's what you like isn't it. Tell me. Say it." "Yes, in there —your cock in there," she said, her voice thick, low. He found her clit, now a hard little button, and pulled at it, coaxing it to grow. She muttered something he could not understand and he felt her juices flow onto his fingers as she pressed herself back against him, her tight little ass squeezing at him, almost swallowing him up. Then, he rolled over onto his back and she straddled him backwards. She bent forward, hiking her buttocks in the air and leaned down, taking his cock into her mouth, licking at him slowly, moving her tongue rhythmically up and down. Victor tasted the sweetness of her soaked slit, probing, exploring, manipulating her clit as it swelled even more. At last, she sat up and turned herself around, sitting down this time on his cock, driving it into her with force. His climax was like an explosion inside of his body as he rammed himself into her deeper, faster. Above him, Caroline's body shuddered as she rode him wildly. As the fever spread through her, Caroline felt her skin tingle, her vagina contract with each of Victor's thrusts. Afterward, they stayed there on the floor for a long time, dozing, waking and falling asleep again. Finally, he got up and pulled her to her feet. "You're staying tonight, you said you would," she reminded him. "It's after four o'clock, almost time to get up," he observed. "Then we have time for more before we have to get ready for work," she teased, leading the way to the bedroom.

***

It wasn't a dream this time, it was a nightmare. She was in the woods, on a quiet afternoon. The birds were singing, the air fragrant and damp. Then, the sounds stopped and she sensed danger. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up and she spun around, sure that she felt something pass behind her, its movement soft as the flutter of butterfly wings, yet strong enough to cause a slight stirring of the air. She hurried back to the cottage, relieved at the sight of it in the distance. But, even once she was inside its protective walls she didn't feel safe. Something was in there with her, she could sense its presence. Hurrying to the bedroom, she was sure that if she could just get back into bed and go back to sleep, the

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dream would somehow end. In her world now, logic and realism don't exist, and this seemed like the best solution. Once she lay down, the scene changed and it was dark, the air heavy with a feeling of impending doom. She tossed and turned, and finally tried to get up again, but seemed rooted to the mattress, unable to move. Suddenly the French doors flew open as a gust of howling wind pushed them inward with a bang. In the semi-darkness she could see a figure silhouetted against the opening —large, menacing. She tried to pull herself up from the recesses of sleep, but couldn't seem to open her eyes or even move. In her mind she was screaming for help, but the words would not form on her lips. Then, thunder again roared across the sky and she jumped. Startled, Talia sat up in bed and shook her head, trying to clear it.What the hell was that? What a strange dream. This was getting ridiculous. "Is it ridiculous to want someone so badly you can taste it, Talia?" came a soft voice from somewhere nearby. She whipped her head around in the direction of the sound, and he stepped out of the shadows. Lucas Knight, clothed in black, his gold-flecked gaze fixed on her, paralyzing her. "How did you get in?" she gasped, as panic clenched at her throat. "You let me in," he said, coming toward her, reaching for her. She was unable to resist as his hand stroked her cheek and followed a path down to her milky-white breasts. Able to move at last, she got up and went to him, the hunger so intense she couldn't stop herself. He pulled up her nightie and his solid, muscular leg slipped between her thighs, separating them. She rode him hard as tendrils of desire slithered around inside of her. Talia awoke with a start as a clap of thunder echoed through the night. Lightning sliced open the sky and the rain began. She lay there for a moment, waiting for her heart rate to slow down, her breathing to become normal again. God, what kind of dream was that? I came in my sleep.Her body still vibrated in the aftermath of the orgasm. Itwasa dream, wasn't it? Or, rather, a dream inside of a dream? Then, she realized the air was thick with the smell of him, and her mouth could still taste him, still recall the roughness of his tongue inside of it, probing, exploring.Sex. The room was full of the smell of sex.But I'm alone, there's no one else here. She glanced at the French doors, expecting to see them flung wide, but they were still securely closed.

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Chapter Eight

Lucas roamed through the building, picturing in his mind where he would place some of the antique furniture that would arrive today. The little storefront was the perfect place to open up his business, the town ideal for his purposes. The past year and a half had been rough. He'd lived on the streets in the beginning, foraging for food, even fearing for his life some of the time. He'd befriended a gaunt, sickly looking man who called himself Halsted. Lucas was never sure whether that was his first or last name, nor did he care. What was important was that Halsted seemed to know people who could put you in touch with people who could get you official looking means of identification. Lucas had no money, so he stole it and the deal was made. With his new identity, Lucas Knight got a job as a cook in a greasy spoon, and worked there for a few months, saving his money like a miser. Next, he moved to a bigger town and got a better job, assisting the owner of a large antique business. During the next few months, he'd watched and learned, making smart purchases, often underbidding his own boss secretly to get the merchandise. Small pieces, but good ones, then larger ones. He'd put them in storage until he was ready to make a move. Now he had enough stock to open his small storefront business. This building had once housed a pizza parlor, and Lucas had decided to leave the arc-shaped counter intact. He'd polished it to a high sheen, and now its deep-grained mahogany glowed richly under several coats of lemon oil. He'd turned the upstairs into a small studio apartment. There was an adequate bathroom with a shower and a small alcove-kitchenette in the back storeroom on the first floor. He had a desk and file cabinet back there, also, so it doubled as an office. His thoughts returned to Talia, as they had been doing all morning. Last night, when he'd been close to her at the gallery, he could feel her body heat rise. And, he could smell the desire in her.

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His own body had cried out for her, too. His cock had been aching with arousal, his blood boiling in his veins. If it is that bad when we are just in the same room together, imagine how it will be when we are finally really together,he thought with a mixture of anticipation and anguish.

***

Talia took a long, hot shower, but still couldn't wash away the memories of that damned dream. So what is this anyway? A tall, dark stranger rides into town and I start having orgasms in my sleep and playing with myself half the night,she thought furiously as she briskly towel-dried her hair. He really wasn't that good looking, she reasoned. His face and nose were too long, and he hadn't smiled once during their encounter at the gallery, unless you could count that little half-smirk he'd thrown her way right before he left. And, he wore his hair too long. He'd had a hard-on. She'd seen it last night, even though he'd tried to hide it by buttoning the blazer. She'd even felt it brush against her hip as he'd passed beside her when they were looking at the painting he eventually bought. He was hung. God, how she'd wanted to reach back and just flick her fingers lightly across that protruding cock of his. "Enough!" She shouted aloud, shocked when the sound of her own voice reverberated through the air. She looked at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Her face was flushed, her eyes bright and her nipples rock hard.

***

When Lucas entered the Kane Gallery, a small bell trilled, announcing his arrival. Caroline came out into the small foyer that separated the offices from the main rooms and smiled at him. She thought he was attractive, in a primal sort of way. He also seemed sure of himself, unafraid. Well, a big dick did seem to give a man an air of confidence. And, even though he didn't appear to have an erection at the moment, she could still see a substantial bulge behind the zipper of those well-fitted blue jeans he wore. "Mr. Knight, welcome. Your painting is all wrapped and ready to go," She looked into his eyes and felt a little unsettled. Then she realized he was no longer looking at her. Lucas was gazing over her shoulder and Caroline sensed Victor's presence even before he said, "I have the painting in my office. We can settle up there and then you can be on your way." His voice was cold and hard.

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Caroline resisted the impulse to shiver. Instead, she stepped out from between the two men and went to greet another patron who had just entered the gallery.

***

Once they were inside Victor's office, Lucas handed the art dealer eight hundred dollars in cash and said, "I'd like to see some of Talia's other work. Maybe I'll stop by her cottage." Bullshit! You want to see Talia,Victor thought. Aloud, he said, "Well, you're in luck, then, because I'm having more of her paintings picked up and brought here today. Why don't you come back tomorrow?" With that, he hefted the painting from its easel and handed it to Lucas. "How long has she been here in Arcadia?" Lucas asked, staying where he was. "Why do you ask?" Victor countered. "Are you from here?" Lucas pressed, ignoring Victor's question. His gaze darkened. "I'm not sure that is any of your concern," Victor replied rudely. Then, he walked to the door and swung it open, inviting his guest to leave. Lucas glanced carefully around the office before turning around. "I'll be back tomorrow," he promised. Victor did not reply, but stood for a long time in the doorway after Lucas was gone, hand on the knob, brow furrowed in a frown.

***

Talia was finding it difficult to concentrate. It was a beautiful day, and she'd taken a walk, hoping that would help her get more focused. But, now she knew it was hopeless. She doubted if even the glass of iced tea she was now preparing in her small, cozy kitchen would cool her off. Her mind kept going back to that dream last night and to her encounter at the gallery with Lucas Knight. She had to see him. She had to have him. Her body burned for his touch and she ached for the release that only he could offer. The feeling was growing stronger, too. It consumed her thoughts, wriggled around in her brain, and was making mincemeat out of her creative urges. The only urge she had now was for Lucas Knight's strong, hard cock to slid up inside of her and make her come over and over again. This is insane! What the hell am I going to do? I can't work, I don't want to eat and I can't think of

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anything but him! The sharp rap on her front screen door made Talia jump and her cheeks flushed with the embarrassment of someone who had been caught with her hands between her own legs. Leaving the glass of iced tea on the counter, she hurried through the dining area and entered the living room. Caroline Thomas stood on the porch, clenched hand raised, getting ready to knock again. "I'm here, just a second," Talia told her, unlatching the hook that served as a lock for the old wooden screen door. "I came for the paintings," Caroline said without preamble. She stepped inside and glanced around. "Very nice, very quaint." she commented eyeing the décor. It was all blues and tans with just a hint of willow green. Not her choice, but to each his own. "It was furnished already," Talia told her. "Would you like some tea? I just made..." Caroline noted that Talia was still gorgeous, even in an old T-shirt and cut-offs. No wonder Victor was smitten. She interrupted with, "I need to get back. So, maybe we should just pack them up." They wrapped the pictures in silence, and after loading them into her car Caroline came back into the cottage to give Talia a receipt. "Just sign here," she ordered. Enough of this shit,Talia thought furiously. "Look, Caroline, I know you have something against me, I just can't figure out what it is, that's all. So, would you like to tell me?" "Fair enough,"she replied, taking the top copy of the receipt and sticking it in her jacket pocket. "All right, you want to know, I'll tell you. Everyone else in this town might be buying into your little Miss Innocent Amnesia Victim act, but not me. You're hiding something or running from something, or maybe both. So, if I'm wrong, tell me now." "I can't remember anything. It's the truth," Talia protested, feeling her neck grow hot. "This is really about Victor, isn't it?" "The way you play him, depend on him, it's getting old," Caroline told her. Then, Talia finally understood. "You're jealous! Or, threatened. Which is it? Is it both?" "Bitch!" Caroline cried, "Wipe that smug grin off your face!" Talia hadn't realized she was smiling. Then, Caroline came at her hand raised, ready to deliver a blow. What happened next was not totally clear to Talia no matter how hard she tried to reconstruct it in her mind. Her body tensed in anticipation of the slap, then she felt her eyes narrow, her gaze blur. She couldn't breathe and there was a roaring in her ears. The skin on her face seemed to tighten, and her neck muscles drew up. Finally, the room swam back into focus and Talia could breathe again. Inhaling deeply, she looked around her. Where was Caroline? Then, she heard a car start and went to the door just in time to see the silver Lexus pulling away.

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***

Craig Lynch opened the door of the newest shop in town and went inside. It seemed deserted. All the better. He walked around, noting that some improvements had been made. And, there were some items sitting here and there. Antiques, he supposed. The sign in the window was new.Knight's Antiques. How original. It smelled musty, but then he figured all places like this smelled that way. He'd noticed the way Lucas Knight acted around Talia at the gallery last night. Like a dog in heat, sniffing at some ripe-and-ready pussy. She was turned on, too, he could tell. She was hot to trot, and Knight was more than anxious to oblige. A stirring of the air caused Craig to turn around and come face to face with Lucas. When had he come in and where had he come from? Momentarily disoriented, Craig blinked stupidly at the tall man, then managed to say, "The door was unlocked." "We're not open for business yet," Lucas stated. The reporter cleared his throat and tried to sound unflustered. "I'm here to do a story on the place. I'm with theArcadia Messenger ." "I know who you are," Lucas replied, not moving from his position by the front door. "Well, now it's my turn to find out about you, I guess," Craig shot back. Lucas smiled slightly, then said, "So, what do you want to know? Ask away." The sudden cooperation surprised Craig, but he quickly recovered. "What made you choose Arcadia for your business?" The questions were routine and Lucas was tired of it all within ten minutes. Then, Craig shifted gears a little. "You were at the gallery show last night. What made you buy that painting of Talia Coe's?" Hesitating just a moment, Lucas finally replied, "It appealed to me." Craig raised an eyebrow and stepped closer to Lucas. "Really? I thought it was a little creepy. In fact, I thought all of her stuff was morbid. Did you know her before last night?" The question was unexpected. "Why do you ask that?" Lucas replied sharply. Instead of answering, Craig walked past him and opened the door. "Thanks for the interview," he said over his shoulder.

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***

When Caroline returned to the gallery with Talia's paintings, Victor was waiting for her. "That you?" he called. "Just a minute," she yelled back, placing the final picture against the wall near Talia's kiosk. The minute she entered his office he slammed the door and grabbed her roughly, pulling her against him. "I missed you," he whispered in her ear, pushing his hardening cock into her abdomen. His arms held her tightly, as he spun around and backed her against the door. After that episode at Talia's, Caroline was still a little unsteady. She wasn't sure what had happened, but the look on the other woman's face had frightened her. And, those eyes. They'd changed somehow, become almost predatory. Now, nestled in Victor's arms, feeling his heat against her, it all seemed silly and she banished it from her mind. "I want you to fuck me senseless," she finally said, grappling at his belt buckle with shaking fingers. She undid his snap and pulled down his zipper. Stepping back a little she tore open the buttons on his shirt and flung it to the floor. His pants were more of a challenge since his erect penis was holding them up, but she finally managed to free him. He spun her around, pressing her against the door, jamming his cock into her buttocks. "You want it this way?" he whispered next to her ear. Finally, he released the pressure against her and she fell back against him, as he reached around and took one tit in each hand, his fingers kneading her nipples with slow, firm strokes. Moisture flowed from her pussy, warm and sticky down her leg and her body tingled with the need for him. "You want it all, don't you? Just like I want all of you. You never want it to stop, say it," he demanded, his voice husky, more like a growl. A flicker of discomfort sprinted across Caroline's conscious mind, but her body was now in control. "Never stop, please, never stop," she begged. But he did. He stepped away from her so she could turn around again. He undressed her with excruciating slowness, as she silently screamed for him to hurry. Then, kneeling before her, he kissed her hard, flat stomach, then moved his lips down to her pubic hair, his tongue lashing out, exploring. When he found her quivering clit, she arched her back and entangled

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her fingers in his hair, pushing his head further between her legs. At last Victor stood up, wrapped his arms around her, spread her legs further apart with one knee, and with a force that jarred her to the core, drove his penis savagely into her vagina. The moist, swollen walls enfolded him, pulled at him, nearly devoured him. Once more, some inner voice told Caroline something wasn't quite right, but her passion took control and she couldn't focus on anything but the great fuck she was getting, and how she never wanted it to stop.

***

Arcadia's most picturesque feature was its town square. Complete with a gleaming white gazebo, it also sported mature trees, flowering plants and rosebushes of every variety. There were also white wooden benches, some in the shade, some in the sun, where residents and visitors alike could sit and enjoy the great outdoors. Band concerts were held each Friday night during the summer months. Craig encountered Talia in the square just after he left the antique shop. When he saw her walking toward him, he quickened his pace. It looked like she was headed toward Knight's Antiques. "So, going to visit your new friend and see how it’s hanging?" Craig said by way of greeting. Talia just looked at him, dumbfounded. "The painting he bought from you, I mean. He's got it on the wall behind the counter," Craig clarified, smiling widely. He ran a hand up and down her bare arm. "Soft. Sexy. Wanna go out?" She could feel Lucas nearby. She needed to see him, wanted to touch him, but was scared to death to be in the same room with him. "Hey, earth to artist," Craig said impatiently. "I have to go," Talia told him. As she walked away, his hand fondled her ass, and before she could stop herself she reached back and grabbed his wrist, digging her nails into the soft flesh. At his yowl of pain, she quickly released the vise-like grip. "What the hell! Geez, you drew blood!" Craig cried, encircling the small scratch with his other hand. Shocked by what she had done, Talia reached into the pocket of her shorts and got a tissue. "I'm sorry.....I didn't realize..." she said, trying to dab at it. Craig drew away. "It's just a pat on the ass, for Christ's sake!" he snapped, before turning and hurrying toward the square.

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In the window of his antique shop, Lucas Knight had watched the scenario unfold between Talia and the reporter. Finally, he sighed. He knew he'd been right. It was her.

***

Talia entered the gallery, wishing she had the courage to cross the street and go into the antique shop instead. And say what?Oh, hello, Lucas Knight. Even though you're a total stranger, I know you wanted to fuck me at the show the other night and I dreamed about screwing you for weeks before I ever met you, so I though I'd just drop by this morning and we could seal the deal! Brilliant, Talia. Smooth. So instead, here she was coming into town on the pretext of conferring with Victor about the placement of her new pictures. Lame, but better than nothing. Maybe she would be able to catch a glimpse of Lucas, even run into him. She needed to see him, be near him if only briefly. It was like a growing hunger that nothing else would satisfy. It was a little past two o'clock, and the gallery was deserted, but she knew Victor usually left the door unlocked until he left around four. Looking around, she spotted her wrapped canvases propped against the wall near her other paintings. His office door was closed and she was about to knock, when she heard the moaning. It took her a moment to realize that it was the sound of sexual pleasure. Stopping now, with her hand in mid air, she stood for a moment, listening. Then, she found herself imagining it was her and Lucas on the other side of that door, wrapped in each other's arms, making love. When Caroline's voice cut through her fantasy with, "Don't stop, don't ever stop." Talia quickly turned, rushed to the front door and quietly left the gallery.

Chapter Nine

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I t was twilight and Talia was restless. The yearning to see Lucas was like a burning hunger that reached down into her soul. She'd spent the rest of the afternoon working on a new assignment for a local company, but even throwing herself into that endeavor hadn't kept her mind off of him for very long. Plus, hearing Victor and Caroline having sex earlier had stirred her up. Now, she realized why Caroline was jealous, and why she was so possessive. Her shoulders ached from the strain of hunching over her worktable, and she kneaded the muscles with her hands.I wish Lucas was here to give me a massage —a full body massage, she thought, imagining what his strong hands would feel like on her flesh. Stop it!she scolded.Wishing won't make it so. She needed someone to talk to about all of this. It wasn't normal. Was it?How the hell do I know what's normal for me? I don't even know who I am. Maybe I was a slut, used to sex all the time. The thought had crossed her mind that, due to the circumstances of her accident and how she'd been found, she couldn't be sure what her former life involved. Had she been one of those people who had been caught up in some kind of kinky sex game gone bad? She didn't have any real friends in Arcadia. Just Victor. He'd been so kind, helped her so much. She kept waiting for him to make a pass, but he'd never done it. Well, he had Caroline and Talia could just imagine that she was a handful, in and out of bed. She carefully cleaned her brushes, put them away and left the studio. The sun was just hovering above the horizon. Her favorite time of day. She loved to walk in the evening. Going to the bathroom, she quickly brushed her hair and changed into a pair of blue jeans. The gallery would be closed by now, but she knew he usually stayed late. She needed to talk to him now.

***

Caroline handed Victor a bourbon and water, then dragged the chair that was across from his desk out into the middle of the office and sat down. "I'm not wearing any underwear," she said conversationally. Then, ala Sharon Stone inBasic Instinct , she spread her legs just far enough for him to see that she wasn't lying. He could also see she wasn't wearing a bra under the silky white blouse. Her skirt was mid-thigh, her skin smooth-looking, inviting. Victor licked his lips, sipped at his drink and got up. The bulge was already clearly visible in the front of his pants. Their brief tryst earlier had only whetted his appetite and he felt his desire for her rise up again, right along with his penis.

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"Don't get up," he directed, walking behind her chair. He reached around and took her drink, putting it down on a nearby table, along with his own. Then, he undid his tie and yanked it free of his neck. Leaning down, he whispered in her ear, "Put your hands behind the chair." She could feel her vagina clench, and her pulse quicken. She did as she was told. He expertly tied her wrists, not too tight, but snugly. Then, he stood up and ran a finger along the side of her face, causing her to shiver. "Now, what shall I do with you?" he asked as he came around the chair and looked down at her. The blouse she wore opened down the front and he reached for the first button. Already she could feel the moisture flowing from her cunt. He unbuttoned the blouse slowly, letting his fingers explore the skin of her breasts with each one. She pressed her head into the back of the chair, aching to feel his lips on her nipples. Victor slid his hand under her skirt and up her thigh, finding the warmth there. Her clit quivered just a little as he probed deeper, sliding two fingers into her cunt. . She felt so soft inside, so inviting. No wonder he could never get enough of her. Caroline closed her eyes and arched her back as needles of pleasure shot up into her womb. And, when he caressed her nipple, tweaking it softly at first then with more force, she pushed herself forward, wanting more, struggling against the bond that held her hands behind her. "Untie me!" she demanded, as the need to touch him became unbearable. But, even then he ignored her. He removed his hand from her tit. Then, he withdrew the fingers a little so that his thumb could find the round, hard button of her clit again. He leaned down and licked at her other nipple, working his tongue around the tip. Caroline was both frustrated and excited by her helplessness. She clenched and unclenched her fists behind her back, aching to break free, longing to feel his cock in her hands, her mouth, her cunt. She felt her vagina spasm, her clit pulse —once, twice. "Now! Oh, now! I'm coming," she cried, her body rocking back and forth in the chair. She felt the rise and fall of the orgasm as relief flooded through her and the pressure began to ease. And even then, he didn't stop. Instead, he stood up, reached around and undid her restraints. He stepped back, coaxing her to follow. "Down on your knees," he commanded, pointing to a place at his feet. She obeyed. Her lips closed over his cock. He was hot and hard as steel. She felt the liquid trickle down her throat and she swallowed it, savoring the taste of him. Longing for more, needing it like a drug.

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***

Talia walked into town even though it was nearly dark. She didn't fear the night. In fact, she felt safe wrapped in its inky folds. The square was nearly deserted, just a few people milled about, and she heard the peal of laughter as a young couple kissed playfully, then arms wrapped around one another's waists, walked toward the small cafe in the middle of the block. As she drew close to Victor's gallery, she was relieved to see a light on in the main part of the building. Involuntarily, her gaze moved toward the opposite corner and the antique shop. No light burned there. She tried the gallery door, but it was locked. Glancing around the corner, she saw that both Caroline's and Victor's cars were still in the small parking area adjacent to the building. She knocked lightly, once, then again. Finally she walked around the side of the building. I need to talk to him.As she approached, she heard voices coming from inside. She tried the door. It was unlocked. Gratefully she pushed it open, and entered what was the storeroom where supplies and odds and ends were kept. Moving quickly, she went down a dark hallway toward Victor's office, then stopped just short of the open doorway, taking in the scene before her. Victor, half-naked, was standing over a partially nude Caroline. His dick was in her mouth. The sight both fascinated and repulsed her. She quietly backed up and hurried toward the back door, afraid of being discovered. Good God, do they do it all the time?Somehow, imagining Victor Kane as such a sexual creature seemed unfathomable to her. Once outside in the alley, she realized that what she had just witnessed had aroused her. Her thoughts went to Lucas, and her body responded with a wet cunt and stiffened nipples. It's getting worse. The hunger for him. The need for him. I don't know how much longer I can stand it.

***

TheArcadiaMessenger occupied the first and second floors of what had once been the Mercantile Building. It was located in the center of the second block of buildings that made up the downtown area. It was steeped in history, and many residents swore it was haunted. Folklore abounded in Arcadia, and

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many tales of ancient curses were part of the colorful ambiance that enticed tourists to visit the small village. Tonight, Craig Lynch was working late, trying to beat the bane of a reporter’s existence, the dreaded deadline. Actually, it had been a sparse news week and he'd been scraping around for stories, ending up with mostly human interest pieces and crap like this antique shop opening. Actually, he'd gotten little out of the dark, mysterious Lucas Knight during his visit, so he'd gone around to other shop owners and asked if they'd visited the establishment. None had. So, then he'd gone on the Internet to find out what he could about the owner. Nothing there. Had Knight owned a similar shop anywhere else in the state, he wondered. Several calls to the proper records bureaus had given him no answers. So, who was this guy? Where had he come from? Why had he chosen Arcadia to set up his little business? He'd tried calling Knight several times today to ask more questions, but got no response to the messages he'd left on the guy's voice mail. Below him, the presses would soon be running, as typesetters were inputting the information that would become the finished newspaper. But, on the second floor, Craig was alone, except for Maria, the cleaning woman. He could hear her humming softly to herself as she worked at the other end of the newsroom. Craig's cubicle was in the corner, near a bank of windows and as he pecked away at his keyboard, he sensed rather than felt the presence behind him. It was like a prickly feeling on the back of his neck. When he looked up and saw the reflection in the darkened window, he spun around in his swivel chair. Lucas stood just inches behind Craig, unmoving, silent. "Christ! You damned near gave me heart failure. I didn't even hear you come in," the reporter said, getting out of his chair. "I got your messages," Lucas said, his voice low, even. He eyed the other man somberly, unsmiling. "Yeah, well, I had some more questions for the article," Craig said quickly, licking his lips. Did the guy have to stand so close? As though reading Craig's mind, Lucas stepped back and looked up and down the length of the room. Then, he turned his attention back to the reporter. "So, ask." Starting to feel uncomfortable under the other man's steady gaze, Craig, cleared his throat, then said, "Well, the article's about finished now, so it's a little late, to be honest." Lucas responded with, "A reporter who can't think of a question. Now there's a new one on me." A muscle in Craig's face twitched slightly and his palms grew sweaty.Those eyes, they're creepy. What's this guy really want? "I saw you in the square yesterday with Talia Coe. Are you friends?" Lucas suddenly asked. A snort of nervous laughter escaped Craig's lips. "Hey, I thought I was supposed to be asking the questions," he said inanely. "She didn't want your hands on her. And, neither do I," he continued, his voice barely above a whisper,

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yet crystal clear. Craig couldn't believe this. A flash of anger sparked inside of him.Who the hell does he think he is? Trying to intimidate me on my turf. Right here in my office? Jesus, what an asshole. "So you’re her guardian now? You and Victor Kane? Tell you what, buddy, you just turn around and slink back on out of here the way you came, however that was, okay? I got work to do. And, maybe we should just let Talia speak for herself. Last time I looked she was a grown woman, and a damned sexy-looking one, too." Lucas' arm shot out and his hand was at Craig's throat in an instant. Moving into the cubicle now, he pushed Craig back against his chair, which rolled into the desk with a clang. Putting his face very close to Craig's, Lucas said, "I'll say it once. Leave her alone." "You all right, Mr. Lynch?" came Maria's worried voice from across the room. Lucas dropped his hand and turned around, staring hard at the short, squat cleaning woman. "Mother Mary," she whispered, crossing herself, as fear replaced concern in her eyes. Spinning back toward Craig, Lucas pointed at him and said, "You won't get another warning, Lynch!" Then, he walked past Maria toward the elevators. "Did you see that? He threatened me! He's dangerous!" Craig sputtered, rubbing at his throat, which was already smarting. "You want I should call the police, Mr. Lynch," Maria offered. Craig considered it for a moment, then said, "Never mind. Just go on. I've got to finish up here." Then, he sat back down, erased the article plugging the antique shop and replaced it with one that he was saving for later in the week. That son of a bitch can whistle for his free publicity. He'll never get it out of me or anyone else at this newspaper.

Chapter Ten

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Talia unlocked the cottage door and slipped inside the cool darkness of the living room. The scene she'd witnessed between Victor and Caroline had had a strange effect on her. She was aroused. Totally, sexually aroused. Oh, how she wished Lucas Knight were here right now. There was no doubt about it, Caroline was a beautiful, sensual woman. No wonder Victor was so hot for her all the time. You could tell it by the way he acted around her and the feeling was mutual, that was obvious. But, even that could not compare to the electricity that had passed between herself and Lucas the night of the gallery show. She got wet just thinking about it. She was wet now. She licked her parchment-dry lips and walked into the bedroom. She felt restless tonight, unsettled. Small wonder. Maybe a hot bath would relax her, soothe out the tired, aching muscles of her neck and back. She flipped on the small lamp on the table beside her bed, then went to the bathroom and started running the water in the tub. She searched under the vanity for some bubble bath, or something similar. In the back was a sample of a popular bath oil and she tore open the single-use packet, dumping the thick, pearly-pink liquid under the running stream. It was a light floral fragrance, and her senses welcomed the aroma. Crossing the room, she opened the bathroom window just a little to let out some of the steam, then began to undress.

***

Craig Lynch was not afraid of the dark either, or the woods. But, having lived in Arcadia all of his life, he had developed a healthy wariness when venturing into its depths after sundown. Tonight, however, he was a man with a mission. The encounter with Lucas Knight had left him unsettled, but it had also made him angry. How dare that pompous bastard come into his newspaper and blatantly threaten him! In fact, how dare he come barreling into this town acting like he owned it? Just what makes him think he can go around telling me to leave Talia alone! Who the hell is he, anyway? That was really the question, wasn't it? Just who the hell was this character? Then, the thought struck him again that there could be some prior connection between Lucas and Talia. Craig had sensed a familiarity between the two the night of the gallery show. And, that little sexual dance they'd been doing around one another had been less than subtle in his opinion. The guy was feeling her up, for God's sake! Maybe no one else noticed it, but Craig had.

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He'd called Talia earlier. He wanted to talk to her, to try and get some sort of line on whether he was right. There had been no answer. Then, as he was leaving the newspaper office, he saw her across the street, coming out of the alley next to the art gallery. His first instinct had been to flag her down, but her movements seemed odd, almost furtive, so he'd ducked into a shadowy doorway as she passed. She was headed out of town, so he assumed she was going home. Now, as he approached her cottage, he could see a dim light burning in one of the back rooms. A rustling noise erupted from somewhere beyond a small grouping of cedar trees to his right, startling him. He squinted into the woods for signs of life. Geez, Craig get a grip,he thought, as a slight breeze stirred the air, carrying with it the sweet, pungent smell of damp earth and rotting vegetation. As he moved into the clearing and approached the front door, a chill raked up his spine, and he shuddered involuntarily.Someone just stepped on my grave, he thought, recalling his grandmother's old adage. He was about to knock when a scraping noise caught his attention. It was coming from around the corner, and he stepped back off of the front stoop and peered around, just in time to see a window being raised. From the looks of the frosted glass, he figured it was the bathroom. Carefully, Craig tiptoed along the side of the cottage.

***

The room was filled with the aroma of the bath oil. Talia lit two large candles she kept on the vanity, throwing the room into an amber twilight glow. Candlelight always relaxed her. And, Lord knew, she needed that tonight. Her whole body was wound as tight as a bowstring. She went to the full-length mirror that hung beside the door and untied the silk robe she wore. Pulling it off of her shoulders, she let it slide to the floor. She always felt better when she was free of clothing. It was liberating, somehow. She examined her reflection, appraising the curves of her breasts and the lines of her hips. Sometimes, her own body seemed like a stranger's. There was no feeling of familiarity. The flickering glow of the candlelight danced shadows across her face and down her reflected form. Finally, she turned away, walked over and turned off the tap. The claw-footed tub was a relic, but she'd loved it at first sight. The rest of the bathroom had been modernized, including the addition of a shower stall, but she'd insisted they leave the beautiful old tub.

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After testing the water with one toe, Talia stepped in and lowered herself into the hot, fragrant water.

***

Craig approached the window gingerly, afraid of being heard. Isn't this where I'm supposed to snap a twig underfoot, causing alarms to go off, searchlights to be activated and sirens to slice through the night? Oh, and let's not forget the pack of baying hounds nipping at my heels as I run for my life! Feeling like a peeping Tom, which is just what he was about to become, Craig crept closer to the window. He had to admit, he was getting a perverse thrill out of this whole escapade. The window was a little higher than he would have liked it to be, which made it necessary for him to stand on tiptoe and hang onto the sill in order to see inside.

***

Usually, the hot water immediately relaxed Talia. When she spent long hours at the easel or bent over her worktable, she tensed up, especially in her shoulders and upper arms. But, the tension she'd been feeling since the gallery show had nothing to do with her art. It had to do with the way her body was reacting to the presence of Lucas Knight. At first she'd prayed for the dreams to stop. But, now she realized that only meant there would be no release in the night, no orgasms to soothe the hunger for a while. She closed her eyes and sank further down into the water. She was on fire for him, and she could feel his heat, sense his desire. How long would he be able to hold it in check? How long would she?

***

Craig licked his pencil-thin lips as he watched Talia lower her nude body into the tub of water. Her breasts were perfect, her nipples rosebud pink. He wanted to touch them, kiss them, lick them. Then there was the matter of her pussy. He'd guessed she was a natural redhead, and the auburn pubic hair confirmed it. And, oh, those thighs. Creamy, slender, sinewy. He could just imagine those long legs wrapping around his waist as he slipped his dick into her cunt. He'd fuck her until she cried out for mercy. She'd love it; he'd make her love it.

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As his erection grew, Craig fantasized some more about what he'd do to Talia, when and if he got the opportunity.

***

Talia closed her eyes and Lucas' face seemed to pop into view behind her eyelids. The angular line of his jaw fascinated her. He wasn't handsome by any means, but he was sexy and sensual. Swirling at the water with her hand, Talia brushed her fingertips across her breasts and felt her nipples instantly respond. She did it again, this time lingering a little longer. An electric thrill nipped at her clit and she could feel the longing intensify. With one hand, she played at her breast, while the other hand sank beneath the surface of the water and found her cunt. She rubbed at it, massaging the outer regions, slowly, thoroughly. It felt so good! Oh, how she wished it were Lucas doing this to her. Her clit began to throb and she probed herself, seeking it out, needing to respond to the desire that now snaked through her body. She moaned aloud, as she tugged at the rock-hard nipple of her right breast, then moved to the left, pulling at it. She spread her legs wide and slid one finger up inside. It was wet up there, swollen. Arching her back, she pushed against her own hand, the need inside of her in control now, taking possession, demanding satisfaction. When she came, her body rocked with the orgasm, and she moaned loudly, tossing her head back and forth.

***

Craig didn't even realize he was masturbating until he felt the wetness seeping through his pants onto his hand. As he massaged his dick, he kept his eyes pinned on Talia. She was almost there, almost ready to climax, he could tell. She was thrashing around in the tub like a drowning person, water sloshing everywhere, even onto the floor.Oh, man, this was something, this was something! He wanted to burst in there, join her, slip his engorged cock into her. Watching in fascination, he saw her body finally relax, heard the moan as she sank back into the water. Damn you, Talia. I'm still hard as a rock and I want you,he thought as he crept back along the side of the cottage toward the front door.

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***

Talia felt exhausted, yet unsatisfied. It hadn't taken away the yearning, hadn't quieted the hunger for Lucas. In fact, if anything, it had made it worse. Suddenly, she heard a noise outside the window and looked in that direction. Then, she heard it again. Quickly, she stood up and grabbed a towel. Stepping out of the tub, she wrapped the terry cloth around her and went to the window, slamming it shut. Had she locked the front door? She couldn't recall. Hurrying from the bathroom, she sprinted down the hallway and into the dining room just in time to see the front door knob turn. "Who is it?" she demanded, shouting with far more bravado than she felt. "I'm calling the police right now!" She rushed to the door and looked through the peephole. No one was there. But, she sensed that someone was standing nearby, watching, waiting. She smelled fear in the air, rank and sour. It wasn't Lucas. She knew his scent.

***

Craig ran around the side of the house and darted toward the nearest clump of trees. Christ, that was close! Did she really call the police? Damn, that's all I need, to be picked up peeking in someone's window with a hard-on! Once he was a few feet into the woods, he slowed his pace, trying catch his breath. His heart was racing like a wild stallion inside of his chest. He'd had asthma as a child, but had mostly outgrown it. Only extreme fright or tension made it flare up, and he could feel his bronchial tubes closing. Slow and steady breaths, now, Craigie, slow and steady, inhale, exhale, calming breaths, measured breaths, one, hold, two, release. Gradually, the tension subsided, and he could breathe easier. He hadn't used an inhaler in years, he wasn't about to start again now. Suddenly, he heard a noise behind him, a twig cracking, then another. Man-oh-man, I need a nice long vacation. I'm getting the hell out of here and going home. I'll deal with little Miss Hot Pants at a later date.

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He decided to walk along the clearing's edge to a trail he knew about nearby, then back into town to get his car. Should have driven out here to begin with, he thought as he trudged along. Then, he heard it again, only this time closer. It was coming from somewhere to his left, the unmistakable sound of footfalls, even, slow, plodding. They were keeping pace with his own progress in a deliberate way.Like hiding in my shadow , he thought. To test his theory, he stopped suddenly, pretending to put a foot down, but holding it about an inch above the ground instead. There! He heard it; that rustling sound. He was being followed, stalked. A hot spear of panic shot through Craig as he quickened his pace to a near trot. Why had he taken this route, anyway? In this section of the woods, the path curved in, putting even more trees between him and the clearing. Well, considering you almost got caught peering in Talia's bathroom window, it would have been pretty impossible to just walk out in the open now, wouldn't it,he thought as he stole a glance over his shoulder only to see the trees staring mutely back at him. Up ahead he could see the trail start to wind back toward the road. Relieved, he hurried on, his breath coming in short gasps, his forehead covered with a sheen of perspiration. The next noise seemed closer, the footsteps heavier. His heart leapt in his chest. Stop it! Jesus! Will you calm down. It's probably just a raccoon or a possum; maybe even something smaller, like astray cat. Oh, wouldn't that be rich. I can see the headlines now. Reporter stalked by eight-pound tomcat! Then, he heard the growl. Low, throaty, menacing and directly behind him. Afraid to turn around, he began to run, sprinting around trees and bushes, as low hanging branches swiped at his face and neck. But, he didn't care; his survival instinct had kicked in, that deep-down primitive voice that shouted inside his head 'run, go, don't fall.' When he fell, he had no chance to catch himself. As he landed flat on his face, his glasses flew off, catapulting through the air like some crazy acrobat. They landed several feet away in a thicket of ground cover and Craig's world suddenly became a dark blur.

***

The feeling she had been watched was stronger than ever as Talia crossed to the French doors in her bedroom. She pushed aside the white organdy curtain just a little and scanned the side yard. It was empty. On impulse, she threw open the doors, letting the cool night breeze brush past her and into the room. Her entire body ached now with a longing so deep, she couldn't define it in her own mind, let alone know how to satisfy it.

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Then, a howl full of fury cut through the night and Talia gasped in surprise. It had come from somewhere in the woods, but she had no idea which direction or how far away. Sounds at night were deceptive, carrying long distances. Quickly, she stepped back and closed the doors, making sure to lock them.

Chapter Eleven

Lucas emerged from the woods and stood for a moment looking at the stone cottage. Moonlight afforded him a silhouetted view of the structure. He knew he should not be here like this, yet felt this is where he was meant to be. The pull toward Talia was growing stronger with each passing day. He'd wanted to give her time to remember. At one point he had even hoped he could spark some of those memories, but the fever that coursed through his veins was much too strong to deny any longer. He knew she felt it, too. That was why she'd been avoiding him lately. She was afraid. The night was taking on a chill, the air becoming heavy with moisture. Rain before morning, he predicted as he walked along the path leading to the front walk.

***

Inside the cottage, Talia was pacing the living room floor. She was edgy, her skin crawling, on pins and needles. Anticipation, fueled by desire, was coursing through her veins. He was out there. She could feel him. That's why she'd been compelled to open the French doors. She was inviting him in, beckoning him to come to her. She ran her hand over her breasts and down her abdomen to her cunt. She felt the heat, the wetness and she closed her eyes, savoring the sensations, readying herself for him.

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***

When Lucas knocked on the scarred oak door, she answered at once. Her scent was strong and sweet, like nectar. There was an aura surrounding her; exciting, enticing, intoxicating. Without a word she stepped back and he entered the cottage. "You don't seem surprised to see me," he told her, as he pushed the door shut behind him. "I heard a noise, a howling. I guess I shouldn't have opened it," she stammered, feeling like a fool. "Yes, you should be careful who you open your door to. You're kind of isolated out here," he replied, looking her up and down slowly. She was wearing an emerald-green robe that clung to her curves enticingly. Her hair fell around her face with careless abandon. Then, he glanced around the living room and walked to the mantle where an etched crystal vase caught his attention. "This is an interesting piece. Very old. I have a few similar ones in the shop. You should come by and see them," he told her. Talia felt herself flush. Her whole body was on fire. What the hell was she going to do? Why had she let him in? He really was a stranger. Yet, somehow, she knew he wasn't. "It was here when I moved in. A lot of these things were," she replied, her voice strained, barely above a whisper. She knew she should offer him coffee, or a drink or something, yet she was unable to move, found it hard to even speak coherently. So, she stood transfixed, her heart racing, her cunt throbbing for him and her juices starting to run down the insides of her thighs. He circled the room, taking it all in, examining it with his eyes, and often his fingers, the various pieces of furniture and the many antique knick-knacks sitting here and there. His movements were slow and methodical, but his eyes kept sliding toward Talia. "You have no memory of your past. That must be difficult," he said. How did he know about her amnesia? Aloud she managed, "Sometimes." "You and Victor Kane...you seem...close." He met her gaze, the golden flecks in his eyes more pronounced than ever. She felt off kilter, almost dizzy. Her palms were moist, her mouth dry. "He's been very good to me," she replied softly. He walked toward her, and she could see the muscles beneath his shirt move with every step. He was dressed more casually than she'd ever seen him before, in an open necked shirt, blue jeans and tennis shoes.

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As he came to her, she seemed to melt into his arms, her hungry mouth finding his instantly. Strong arms encircled her, as Lucas pressed his taut body against her soft, supple one. His cock, swollen and rock-hard strained against the fabric of his pants, as though trying to find it’s way to her. As his tongue explored the recesses of her mouth, she savored the taste of him. After a moment, he pushed her away just a little, and undid the sash of her robe. It fell open easily, revealing the smooth white breasts, the perfect, flat stomach and the triangle of hair below her navel. Unable to control herself any longer, Talia fumbled with his belt, but her fingers moved with uncharacteristic clumsiness. "I'll help," he whispered, kissing her again, deeply, longingly. Then he undid his belt, unzipped his zipper, and taking her hand, slid it inside the front of his jeans. His erection was steel-hard, and she could feel the heat of his arousal. Slipping her hand further down, she cupped his balls, massaging them as they tightened in her hand. He kissed her neck, then moved down to her breasts, kissing one nipple then the other. The robe fell to the floor and in one swift movement he picked her up and carried her down the hallway. She buried her face in his neck, kissing him wildly. He could see the bedroom straight ahead. A dim light on a night table cast a muted glow around a large four-poster bed. He sat her down on the plush comforter and she reached for him, her cunt tightening with desire. Her clit twitched, aching for his touch, his lips. Lucas stripped off his clothing and stood above her. Her hand circled his penis and it seemed to pulse in time with her slow, broad strokes. Moisture, smooth and warm seeped from the head, wetting her hand, making it glide easily up and down. He moaned, thrusting his hips forward, inviting her to take him into her mouth. As her tongue slid up and down his cock, she could taste the saltiness of his juices. She couldn't get enough of him, and she knew it would always be that way. He withdrew his dick from her mouth and scooted her up on the bed, lying down beside her. Then, his lips found her breasts again, nipples hard and engorged with passion, and she stifled a groan of ecstasy as one of his hands moved between her legs, seeking the warmth there. One finger, then another entered her vagina as his thumb stroked her clitoris, sending shock waves through her body. She pushed herself against him, wanting more yet knowing that only when he entered her would she be fully satisfied. And, just as the thought came into her mind, he withdrew his fingers and rolled her onto her back. He straddled her, then spread her legs far apart and with a decisive thrust entered her, pushing the full length of his cock forcefully up the walls of her vagina.

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Talia gasped as her own desire peaked. He pulled back, then thrust himself deeply into her again as her muscles contracted with longing and she cried out over and over. He held out for a long time, playing at her nipples, thrusting himself inside of her, then withdrawing. She prayed all at once for it to end and for it to never end. When he came, she could feel the warmth of the liquid as it traveled into her, arousing her even more. Talia's orgasm rocked her body like a tidal wave, making it hard to breathe. Her cunt contracted violently, and the throbbing seemed to keep pace with the wild beating of her heart. She bucked against him, forcing him deeper inside of her, clawing at his bare back with her fingers, pressing herself against him as though she wanted him to absorb her. As their passion ebbed, Talia lay limply in his arms, satisfied at last. Lucas cradled her, kissing her forehead, her cheeks, then finally her mouth, slowly, longingly. "You are mine," he whispered.

Chapter Twelve

Caroline awoke with a start, then lay there listening.What the hell was that?It sounds like someone is breaking into the townhouse! Victor was not beside her. As an arrow of alarm shot through her, she sat up and turned on the bedside lamp. Then, she threw aside the covers and stood up. "Victor?" she called, making her way to the door. But, the hallway stretched silent and empty before her. Damn. What now? This is ridiculous. Has he left? She was used to Victor's sometimes bizarre behavior, but lately he'd been even more unpredictable then usual.

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The sex tonight had been almost ferocious. Her cunt still ached. He'd been like a man possessed. So now where the hell was he? She crept down the hallway toward the living room. Suddenly she heard footsteps behind her, stealthy, almost furtive. She stopped as her heart lurched, fear gripping at her like a steel vise. When she finally spun around, she was both surprised and relieved to see it was Victor. He was naked, his body glistening in the dim light, his erection rising from between his muscular thighs. "Where the hell were you?" she demanded. He looked her up and down, his gaze lingering an extra few seconds on her breasts. She felt her cunt tighten. "What's going on, Victor?" "You know, I've heard there's nothing like a hot shower in the middle of the night to relieve stress," he finally said. Such a comment usually called for one of his crooked grins, or at the very least, a leer. But tonight his expression remained somber, intense. She approached him. "Oh, and do you have stress?" she asked, licking the tip of one finger and running it up the side of his penis. He took her hand and led her toward the bathroom.

***

Victor stepped under the hot, pulsing spray first, then helped Caroline into the tub. As the stream hit her body she turned to face it, welcoming the warmth. Finally, Victor pressed his erection against her ass, and reached around, cupping one of her breasts in each hand. He pulled at her nipples with excruciating slowness as they grew under his touch. She leaned back, then ran her hands up and down his legs, massaging the tight muscles there. He caressed her slick, glistening skin, moving his hands to her abdomen and finally into the tangle of pubic hair. His fingers sought out her pussy and lingered there, stroking slowly, almost lazily. When he found the hard button of her clit he tugged at it, as though coaxing it to come out and play. The feel of the water beating against her hardened nipples only added to her arousal, and she pushed her ass back even more. Then she leaned forward, bending a little at the waist, hoping he could enter her that way. Victor kissed the back of her neck, nibbling, first playfully, then with more force. "Ouch!" she exclaimed, as she felt his teeth nip at the tender skin. "Take it easy, what am I, a midnight

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snack?" Again, the teeth tugged at her and she used her elbows to push him back a little. She straightened up and turned. What she saw caused her to squeal with alarm. His face seemed longer and his nose jutted out more than usual. But it was his eyes that frightened her. They were no longer Victor's eyes, but those of a predator, dilated, glowing, hungry. Carnivore.The word leapt into her mind and she pushed at his chest, which was now covered with a tangle of coarse hair that reminded her of fur. She looked up at his ears, pointed, his eyebrows, bushy, uneven. A growl suddenly emanated from deep within his throat. "What's wrong with you? Let me go!" she cried, pummeling him with her fists. But he held tight, as the water beat down on her without mercy. His cock sought her out, as he pulled her closer, seeking the warm moisture that had flowed so freely down those legs just a moment ago. Then, Caroline felt her knees weaken, and the darkness closed in around her. The roaring in her ears was soon replaced by a feeling of floating away. She welcomed it.

***

She awoke with a start, arms flailing, a scream nesting in her throat. As her eyes focused, she realized she was in her own bed and it was morning. Sunshine streamed in through one window, bathing everything in a bright yellow light. "Well, you're a sleepy head today," Victor said, entering the room. He was carrying a steaming mug in each hand. "Here, some coffee. I tried to let you sleep as long as possible, but we do need to be at the gallery by nine. That shipment from Philly is coming in today," he reminded her. He was already dressed, in a pair of impeccably pressed navy slacks and a white shirt, open at the neck. She let her eyes wander to the few chest hairs that were visible. They seemed normal. So did his ears, his nose, and even his eyes. He smiled down at her, waiting for her to take the mug. When she didn't, he put it on the night table. "You okay? You seemed very restless last night," he said, sitting on the bed beside her. It was a dream. The whole thing was a dream. Dear Lord, what the hell caused that? "I had the worst nightmare...you were....we were in the shower...you tried to eat me...." she stammered, her mind still groggy from sleep. Victor's lips curled up in a smile. "Well, that sounds more like a wet dream than a nightmare. Do tell me more."

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She rubbed a hand across her face, trying to blot out the memory. Then, she forced a laugh, which came out more like a snort. "I need that coffee," she finally said, reaching for the mug.

Chapter Thirteen

Lucas was working in the back of the shop when her heard the bell above the front door jingle, signaling that someone had just come inside. He knew it was her before he ever left the storeroom. He could feel her, smell her scent. His cock twitched, his heart sped up a little. It's getting worse, more urgent. The need is growing with each passing day,he thought, as he walked down the short hallway and out into the sales area. She was wearing a pair of pale yellow shorts and matching top. Her hair, glistening with highlights, tumbled around her face and onto her shoulders. Her body moved with grace and agility, her hips swaying just slightly as she walked around from table to table, looking at the merchandise he had for sale. He had wanted to stay last night, but fought the urge, choosing instead to get up and leave her there asleep. Because he knew if he stayed he would never be able to control the urges that tore at him like some wild clawing animal. She spoke to him without turning around to face him. "I woke up this morning and you were gone. Why?" He stopped behind the counter, feeling the need for the barrier. "It isn't because I wanted to, believe me," he said. His body ached for her, like an addict needing a fix. Then, she turned and met his gaze. "I want you now. Right here. I'm wet for you. What the hell is going on, Lucas?" There was just enough despair in her voice to wrench at his heart. How could he answer her now? How?

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He came around the counter and went to her, taking her into his arms, absorbing the sweetness of her, the fragrance of her hair. His hand slid down her back to her ass, then up under the shorts, seeking the wetness she'd told him was there. She pushed against his erection, her cunt ripe with desire and longing. She needed to feel him inside of her, to fill herself up with him. He pushed her away, turned and went to the front door, locking it. Then he took her hand and led her into the back room and up the stairs to the small studio apartment. It was simply furnished, with antiques scattered here and there. And, when Talia saw the kaleidoscope of colors on the gleaming hardwood floor, she looked up and was surprised to see a stained glass skylight. She wanted to tell him it was beautiful, that he had good taste, but she could only think about getting to the bed in the corner. "You were right last night," she finally managed to say, her voice raspy with passion. "About what?" he asked, lifting her onto the mattress. "I am yours," she replied simply. He undressed her slowly, tantalizingly while inside she was screaming for him to hurry. She could feel the thick moisture building inside of her vagina, preparing for him. Lucas ran his hands over her perfect breasts, flicking at the nipples as they hardened under his touch. They were small, pink, delicate. He took off his shirt and pants, then allowed her to lower his shorts. When she bent and licked at the tip of his penis, letting her tongue linger there, Lucas thought his cock would burst with desire. Yet, he wanted to hold back, prolonging his agony and hers, an exquisite torture that he knew would make their climax even more spectacular. He rolled her over onto her stomach and scooted her up toward the head of the bed. Then, straddling her, he began to kiss her, slowly moving down her back, across each shoulder blade, along her spine. They were lingering kisses, light, yet filled with desire. He moved his body down and when his mouth reached her buttocks, he used his tongue also, tasting her skin, relishing the fresh scent of her, now mixed with the musky aroma of her arousal. Talia separated her legs and lifted her ass into the air as Lucas moved to her cunt, probing at her, seeking out every recess. His erection was hot, rod-like as it slid along the back of her leg, leaving a liquid trail, thick and warm on her skin. "I want you inside of me, Lucas, please! Now!" she begged pulling at him. He sat up and flipped her over, spreading her legs wide.

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"Not quite yet," he said huskily, he got up from the bed and pulled her to her feet beside him. Suddenly, she was on the floor, on all fours, and he entered her from behind in one quick motion. His cock burned her, yet she pushed back against him. His hands found her breasts and kneaded them roughly. She arched her back and threw her head back. She was on fire with a need so deep she could not deny it. Her cunt ached, her clit undulating as he rammed at her, going deeper with each thrust. Her body tightened as the pleasure reached a crescendo and she felt as though she would explode if she didn't come right now. As Lucas shuddered and she felt the warmth begin to spread through her own body, her cries mixed with his and she knew that she would never feel this way about anyone else.

***

Caroline was having a hard time concentrating. She was in her office at the gallery. Victor was busy examining the paintings he'd received from Philadelphia that morning. As she tried to keep her mind on the job, it kept returning to last night. She'd never been prone to nightmares, even as a child. It was so real. How could it be so real? Nightmares always have something quirky in them, some weird thing that make you realize you're dreaming, even while you're still asleep. Don't they? She had even gone so far as to use her small hand-held mirror to look at the back of her neck in the bathroom mirror this morning. There had been no marks there. Yet, she'd felt those teeth, sharp and pointed, biting into her flesh!Could you feel pain in dreams? She got up and left her office, just in time to see Victor leave the gallery. She went to the front window and watched him cross the street. Talia was coming out of Lucas Knight's antique shop. Victor was rushing to meet her. As she watched the pair standing on the corner, she again wondered about Victor's friendship with the willowy artist.Is he fucking her, or just wishing he could? Well, maybe that creepy little Craig Lynch had been able to scrounge up some information about Lucas Knight. And, better yet, he might be able to do a little investigative research on Talia Coe. She marched back to her office and picked up the phone, dialing theArcadia Messenger's number. "Well, where is he and when will he be back?" she demanded shortly, after being told by a nasal-toned receptionist that Craig was not available. "We're not sure," came the vague reply.

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"Is he out on an assignment?" she pressed. "Actually, we can't find him," the woman finally admitted. Caroline slammed down the receiver without saying anything further. "Swell," she muttered. Picking up her organizer, she found Craig's cell phone number and dialed it. After leaving a voice message asking him to call her immediately, she hung up and tried to get back to work.

***

She's been with him. I'm too late,Victor thought as he walked beside Talia. It was nearly noon and the town square was crowded with people going to lunch or just out enjoying a beautiful day. He'd offered to buy her something to eat, but she said she needed to get back to the cottage, she had work to do. "I have your money," he finally told her, reaching into his pocket and withdrawing an envelope. "I think you'll be happy with the figure." She took the envelope, but didn't open it. Victor was always fair when he sold her work, never taking an exorbitant amount in commissions. "Looking for antiques?" he finally ventured. She smiled slightly, then replied, "You don't like Lucas, do you?" He didn't need to think about his reply. "I don't trust him," Victor said right away. She wondered if Victor was jealous. She'd known from the beginning that his interest in her had not been purely professional. She just couldn't figure out what that interest really was. "Why?" she asked, stopping to sit down on one of the benches that dotted the perimeter of the gazebo. He sat beside her and thought for a moment before saying, "You don't know him. You know nothing about him. Who he is." Talia laughed out loud. "Hell, Victor, I don't even know who I am. So, what is your point?" Fury flashed in his eyes. Then, he realized he'd been stupid to bring it up. It wouldn't solve anything. "I'm just saying that you need to be careful. Don't rush into anything. And, above all else, please don't let yourself be manipulated," he pleaded. She looked at him carefully, taking in the soft brown eyes, the thick hair just graying at the temples, the strong, square jaw. He was a good-looking man and he'd done so much for her. So, was what he was asking so out of line? No. She knew it wasn't. Perhaps she did need to hold back, reign in her feelings for Lucas and take it slow. But, she knew she wouldn't, no, couldn't do that. The attraction had been instant,

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the need for him like an insatiable hunger demanding to be satisfied. "You worry about me too much, Victor. I may not remember who I am, but I'm a big girl. I really can take care of myself. At least with a little help from my friends," she said, laying her delicate hand on his. He grabbed that hand and squeezed it hard, making her wince. "Listen to me, Talia and listen carefully. Beware of Lucas Knight. He's not what he seems!" His vehemence startled her. "And, am I what I seem, Victor? Who am I?" she asked with equal passion. "If you know something. Tell me!" she demanded. He got up, releasing her hand in the process. Then, he walked away without answering her questions.

Chapter Fourteen

When Victor returned to the gallery, he found Caroline waiting for him in his office. She was sitting at his desk but did not relinquish his chair. "Close the door," she said, her voice even, without emotion. He eyed her carefully, raising one eyebrow. "You want to go to lunch?" he asked, hoping to lighten the mood. "I want to know what is going on between you and Talia Coe," she replied. Victor sighed, then said, "We've been over this, Caroline. There is nothing going on." She cut him off with a wave of one hand. "Save it. I'm not buying it anymore. She drops in here out of nowhere and you start dancing attendance around her like some dog in heat. You fuck me every chance you get, then pant after her the rest of the time." Her cheeks were pink with indignation, her eyes moist with unshed tears. She stood up and came around the desk, standing within a few feet of him now. "Do you want her? Is that it? I'm just a handy screw, a stand-in until you can get her into the sack?”

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Victor reached for her. She stepped back. He stepped forward and reached for her again. She again stepped back. Then, he lunged, grabbing her quickly into his arms and pressing his lips to hers. The kiss was long, lingering and passionate, as his tongue worked its way around the inside of her mouth. All the resolve she had mustered during his absence seemed to dissolve as his hands moved up and down her back, finally resting on her ass. Then, like an unbidden visitor, memories of that nightmare came back, filling her mind with images she wanted to forget. And, another memory, more obscure but just as unsettling – that day at Talia's, when she'd been about to strike the woman. Victor's hand scooted up under Caroline's skirt, finding her panties and tugging them down over her hips. As they fell to the floor, he ran a finger enticingly up her inner thigh and over the triangle of hair, then back down the other thigh. Her muscles quivered at his touch. Oh, how she loved the feel of his hands on her and the feel of his hot dick inside of her. She wanted him to fuck her senseless, to devour her. "Say you want me as much as I want you. Say you don't want her, only me," she said, as she struggled with the belt buckle and pants zipper. She fumbled clumsily with his pants, yanking them down over his narrow hips, then nearly tore his shorts in her haste to get them off. His cock was hard, ready and she wanted to take it in her mouth and suck it until he came. She wanted to hear him cry out her name, only her name. When he pushed her away, she gasped in surprise. "Do not doubt me again," he said sternly, standing back from her, looking at her trembling body. "Never....please Victor..." she begged. She wanted him more than ever now, felt that if she didn't have him, she'd die. He walked to the desk and shoved papers, pencils and folders aside, sending them tumbling to the floor. Then he grabbed her and sat her up on the hard wooden surface. She lay back, legs dangling over the edge. He got on his knees and licked his way up her inner thighs to her cunt. Her clit was so swollen she was almost in pain, and when he took it between his lips and tugged, she pushed herself against him, wanting all of him inside of her. Victor's urge was strong, his need primal as he got up and pulled her from the desk. "On the floor," he commanded. Once she did as he said, he rolled her onto her stomach and straddled her. His strong hands massaged her back, then moved to her firm buttocks. She longed to touch him, but when she tried to reach around he pinned her arms against the carpet, holding her there. He separated her legs with one of his knees and his fingers sought out her clit. She spread her legs wide, lifting her hips up off of the floor as he eased the pressure of his body against hers. "I like to play. Do you like to play?" he whispered, pulling at the hard little button for emphasis. She nodded, wanting to tell him all the things she was feeling, yet, unable to speak.

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Finally, he thrust his dick inside of her, feeling the walls of her vagina clutch at him greedily. For Caroline the pressure was almost unbearable. She begged for release, yet Victor kept bringing her to the brink, then withdrawing just enough to hold her there. "Please, all of it, now, now," she cried. In response, he withdrew his dick even more and she moaned in frustration, pushing herself back against him. He leaned down and nuzzled the nape of her neck, his body hot against hers as he moved his tongue down across her shoulders. His hands ran lightly along her sides and she shivered. Her body was now covered with a sheen of perspiration, and her skin rippled at his touch. She couldn't speak, only react and wait. Finally, he entered her again, and she felt the orgasm clench at her as her vagina contracted over and over.

***

Caroline's need for Victor was all-consuming, yet in her mind a disquiet had begun to take root. But, in spite of her doubts and suspicions, she still wanted him more than anyone she'd ever known. From the small bathroom, she could hear him moving around in the office, putting it back in some semblance of order. Her muscles ached, her breasts were bruised, and her cunt throbbed from their lovemaking.And, you want to go right back out there and do it again, admit it! As she ran a comb through her hair, she viewed her reflection in the mirror. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright. He was good for her, no doubt about that. However, she still harbored a fear that there was more to his relationship with Talia than met the eye. I need to find out about her, find out just who she is and where she came from,she thought, reminding herself to call Craig again.

***

"He ain't been here all day, and he's not at his apartment," the nasal-twanged receptionist told Caroline later that afternoon when she called theArcadia Messenger and again asked for Craig Lynch. "Well, where is he?" she demanded, tired of this. Was he avoiding her? The receptionist's voice took on a conspiratorial tone as she replied in a near whisper, "Well, the editor

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has tried everywhere and can't find him, not even at Toolie's. I think he might be gonna call the police." Toolie's, a local bar on the north end of town, was a favorite watering hole for many of the locals. She'd encountered Craig there several times herself. He usually managed to brush an arm against her boobs, then apologize with, "Sorry, but it's crowded in here, hard to maneuver." She hung up the phone without another word, cutting the woman off in mid-sentence. Then she sat behind her desk, thinking.That lecherous little dweeb is never going to help me find out about Talia or Lucas. But, I know that she's running from something, or hiding from someone. And him - he's got a hidden agenda, that's for sure. Maybe it's time to turn over some rocks and see what slithers out!

Chapter Fifteen

Victor entered the antique shop and stood for a moment just looking around. He had to admit, Lucas had stocked the place with a good variety of exquisite items. "You look surprised," Lucas said. Victor shifted his gaze toward the entrance to the small hallway, where the shop owner now stood. He stared at him for a moment before responding with, "It didn't take you long to accumulate all of this. Or, was it in storage somewhere, waiting?" "I've been collecting for a while," Lucas admitted. "How long?" "Does it matter?" "I suppose not," Victor replied. He walked slowly around the shop, admiring the objects, large and small. Lucas stepped forward, positioning himself behind the counter. "Looking for anything in particular?"

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"Always. For instance, right now I'm looking for some clue as to where you came from. Care to fill me in?" He turned and faced Lucas, lowering his head slightly, his eyes riveted on the other man. Like a mirror image, Lucas also lowered his head a little, looking down his long narrow nose. "Some reason you want to know?" he asked, adding, "Although, I'm not sure it's any of your business." "I'm making it my business," Victor said, taking a step forward. "I guess this is about Talia," Lucas said with a sardonic grin. Victor was not amused. "She's in no condition..." Lucas laughed out loud, "Oh, I think you're wrong there; she's in very good condition!" "You listen to me, you cocky bastard..." Victor said through gritted teeth. "Let it go, Victor. You can't change things," Lucas advised. He placed both hands flat on the countertop, but never shifted his gaze. Victors stance changed, as he spread his legs a little and leaned forward slightly at the waist. His arms hung loosely at his sides, fists clenched. Lucas put all of his weight on his hands, as though ready to spring over the countertop. The jingle of the bell above the door jarred both men, as a large woman carrying a small poodle entered the shop. Victor straightened up and looked her way, while Lucas simply relaxed and smiled at her. The woman was Mrs. Filbert, one of Arcadia's wealthiest matrons. They could both see that she was flushed and excited. "Did you hear? Oh, it's dreadful! So horrid!" she said shrilly. Victor reached her first, placing a solicitous hand on her plump arm. She was, after all a frequent patron of the gallery. "Here, sit down," he coaxed, leading her to a delicate-looking rocker that he hoped would not crack under her weight. "Hear what?" Lucas asked, coming around the counter. "Some boys taking a shortcut found a man's body in the woods, near that cabin where that artist lives. He was all mangled, half-eaten. Oh, it's too awful," she wailed. Talia!Lucas thought, wanting to go to her, hold her, be with her. Victor stood up and without saying another word, left the shop, leaving Lucas to deal with Mrs. Filbert.

***

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Talia had been staring out of the window for the past hour, watching as a parade of emergency vehicles came and went. First one police cruiser, then a fire truck and ambulance, followed by another cruiser. Finally, the black wagon with the words Vinton County Medical Examiner stenciled in white across the back drove slowly, almost reverently into the clearing. Turning away from the window, she decided that she had to know what was going on. She was barefoot, wearing cut-offs and a paint-stained T-shirt. She hadn't bothered with a bra or panties. Quickly she changed the shirt and slipped on a pair of tennis shoes. She left the cottage unlocked and quickly walked across the clearing. She could hear voices in the woods, not too far away. Carefully making her way through the underbrush, she stopped at the sight before her. Police officers, paramedics and firemen alike stood around in clusters, talking in hushed tones while the man who had gotten out of the black wagon squatted down beside something on the ground. Heart racing, nose picking up the scent of blood, she edged closer. What lay there barely looked human. Mud mingled with blood covered the ravaged limbs, and the clothing had been all but torn from the body. The face, however, was recognizable. "Craig Lynch!" Talia said, as all eyes followed the sound of her voice. A police officer was immediately at her side, then another. "You can't be back here, Miss!" the heavier of the two pronounced, guiding her back to the clearing. The smaller officer followed, saying, "You live in that cottage, don't you?" Talia nodded her head. "You hear anything last night, or early this morning?" He was looking at her, waiting for a reply. She tried to think.What happened to him? An animal attack? What kind of animal? Surely nothing that vicious lurked in the woods surrounding her idyllic little haven. Yet, the scene had fascinated her, drawn her. She'd wanted to get a closer look. "What was he doing in there?" she asked, her voice quivering. "Who the hell knows?" the burly officer said. His nametag readEarl Purcell . The other one was Bob Jenkins. She told herself to remember the names, but as soon as they left her standing there alone, she'd already forgotten them.

***

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Victor drove to the edge of the clearing then pulled his car into the grass beside Talia's cottage. He got out and walked quickly to the front door, where she stood gazing out at the activities still going on across the way. "It's that reporter, Craig Lynch," Talia said idly, her mind focusing on the comings and goings of the various official personnel. Victor took her arm and turned her around, forcing her through the doorway and into the living room. He closed both doors behind him. "You don't need to be seeing that," he snapped. He went to the kitchen and came back with a glass of water. "Drink some of this." She carried it to the front window, still fascinated by what was going on outside. "Do you suppose whoever did it wanted him to be easily identified? They said his face was almost untouched." She turned and looked at Victor then, for the first time since his arrival. "Hard to say. Come away from the window, Talia. You don't need to be watching this," Victor said. But, she stayed where she was. "I wasn't very nice to him. I feel awful about that now. He was probably harmless, just a lonely little man. And now he's dead. What happened out there?" "They said in town that it was an animal attack. There have been instances of this happening before. I've heard stories," he told her. He joined her at the window. She leaned against him, finding comfort there. "I heard a howling in the woods last night." "When?" he asked quickly. "I don't know, very late. I didn't look at the clock." The knock on the back door surprised them both, but it was Talia who spun around, as though she expected to see some wild-eyed, rabid animal charging at her through the kitchen.

***

Lucas pounded again, this time louder. "Talia!" he called. "Open up, it's me." She looked pale and frightened and he took her into his arms the minute she opened the back door. He'd seen Victor's car parked beside the cottage and expected as much. It was obvious where he'd been headed when he rushed out of the shop like that. Unfortunately, Lucas had been left behind to contend with the fat, very rich customer and her ill-tempered poodle for a few minutes longer. Then, he'd walked to the cottage, taking a recently discovered shortcut. "Is Kane still here?" Lucas asked, releasing her. He charged through the kitchen, anger fueling his determination.

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But, the living room was empty. And, when he flung open the front door and stepped outside, he saw the art dealer's car just pulling away from the cottage. He came back inside to find her standing in the middle of the living room, just staring at him. "Did you talk to anyone out there? Who found him? We heard it was school kids." He shot the questions at her, his tone impatient. Near tears now, she replied, "I don't know. I only realized something was wrong when I heard cars coming and going and looked out the window. The place was crawling with police. I saw him. He's all torn up, bloody. I could smell it in the air." She recalled the way her pulse had quickened with excitement at the sight of him lying there.No, she thought wildly, suddenly feeling sick inside. Lucas saw the fear in her eyes, the uncertainty settling there like an unbidden guest. He went to her, and she slid into the comfort of his embrace, laying her face against his muscular chest. She could hear his heart rate accelerate as she pressed her body against his. Her need for him once again sprang to life. In spite of the horrible thing that had happened in the woods last night, all she could think of now was having him again, feeling his cock inside of her. Already, she felt herself becoming moist, could feel her nipples hardening. He pushed her gently away and tilted her chin up with one finger, bringing his lips down to meet hers. The kiss was filled with longing, as his tongue darted into her mouth. She could feel his erection against her, full and hard. It didn't seem right, somehow, for them to be so consumed by passion with poor Craig lying dead and mangled just yards away, but she could not deny the lust that overwhelmed her each time she saw him. Her emotions were in a frenzy; she was coiled inside, ready to snap. Lucas felt his need for her take hold, blocking everything else out. He ended the kiss and looked at her, meeting and holding her gaze. Then, he spread her legs apart with one of his knees, pushing against her cunt as she squirmed up and down on his thigh. When he pulled up her T-shirt, she raised her arms so he could slip it easily over her head. He kissed her breasts, letting his tongue linger on her nipples as they began to swell. It felt so good, she never wanted him to stop. She rubbed his cock, increasing the pressure, squeezing harder. He drew away from her, then backed up and quickly took off his shirt, jeans and shorts. Kicking the clothing aside, he led her to the couch, where he sat down first, then pulled her naked body down so that she was straddling his legs. She took his cock in both hands and massaged the shaft up and down, watching it grow. She longed to lick it, feel its warmth inside of her mouth. He didn't touch her. Instead, he left his hands at his sides. "I'll let you take over —I'm your slave," he told her with a crooked grin. Her cunt ached for him; it felt swollen, and her nipples were so hard she was afraid they would burst. "Suck them, oh, please suck them hard," she moaned.

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He kissed each breast lightly, then flicked his tongue over those distended nipples. Next, he used his teeth and lightly nipped at them. Her vagina tingled and she arched her back, leaning toward him. "Do whatever you want," he whispered, still not touching her with his hands. She kissed his mouth, his chin, his neck and his chest, pulling at the dark tangle of hair there with her lips. Next, she nibbled at his nipples, then moved down, running her tongue along his skin, raising goosebumps as she went. Lucas felt his groin tighten as Talia slid to the floor and took his cock into her mouth. He thrust his hips forward, the sensation rippling through him like an electric shock. It felt so good; she knew just what he wanted. Knowing that if she didn't stop now, he would be beyond the point of no return, he pushed her head back. "I want to make this last," he told her, his voice heavy with emotion. When she stood up, he leaned forward and kissed her navel, running his tongue down to her cunt, licking at the moisture that flowed there as she spread her legs further apart. Talia loved the feel of his tongue on her body and her vagina throbbed with a need that pushed all other thoughts from her mind. He withdrew his tongue from her cunt and she pushed her knees into the sofa cushions, bracing herself so she could mount him. But, when she tried, he cupped one strong hand under each buttock and held her just inches away. Slowly, he moved the head of his penis around her opening. "I can't wait, Lucas, please don't make me wait," she begged. Her cunt tightened, almost in spasms now, as he continued to move beneath her, barely touching her. She could feel the heat, feel the inside walls of her vagina swelling as the ache became more intense. Then, he sat her down on him, sliding his cock into her slowly at first, then with more force. Finally with one final sledgehammer stroke, he entered her fully, The mixture of pain and ecstasy hit Talia with the force of a physical blow, as her body rode up and down on his steel-hard erection. She encircled his neck with her arms and pulled his face against her breasts. He kissed and nipped at them wildly, his lips pulling at the nipples until they were so hard they felt like little steel rods in his mouth. As she felt her body convulsing in the first throes of an orgasm, she dug her fingers into his shoulders. Her juices flowed freely, soaking his inner thighs and rolling down onto the sofa cushions. His cock burned her with an exquisite heat, and she let herself be carried away, gave herself over to him completely. Then, something seemed different. His breathing became more ragged, and the feel of his body changed. His shoulders were rough, the fine hairs suddenly coarse.

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She opened her eyes. "Oh God! What?" she gasped. But, she had no control now, was forced to ride the crest of the orgasm to its end. Her mind, however, had registered the subtle changes. When Lucas felt the floodgates of his desire open up, he rammed himself into Talia with almost brutal force. Driven by a desire so strong he could not control it, he held her tightly and gritted his teeth as his groin clenched over and over again. She collapsed against him, resting her head on this shoulder. When she opened her eyes again and looked at him, she saw that he had not changed at all.

***

The knock at the door had an urgent sound to it. Talia and Lucas were dressed now, sitting beside each other at the kitchen table, drinking coffee. She jumped, spilling some of the hot liquid onto the tabletop. "Shit!" she exclaimed, then felt her cheeks grow hot. She tossed Lucas a guilty look, only to find him smiling at her. "I'll get that. I'd imagine it's the police," he said in a matter-of-fact tone. She watched him leave the room.If it is the police, they should arrest me for what I'm thinking right now. God, I want him again. I can't get enough of him.He makes me crazy —I want him inside of me, want him to touch me. The magic he does with that tongue! "Talia?" Lucas' voice brought her out of her netherworld and she opened her eyes to find him standing across the table. Two men —one short and balding, the other tall, thin and bespeckled —were flanking him. "I'm Detective Muncie," the short one said. "And, I'm Detective Reed," the taller one added. Muncie's expression was deadpan. He glanced around the room as though inspecting it for decorating flaws. Reed kept his gaze on Talia, but spoke to Lucas, "You might as well have a seat again, there, sir." Lucas did as he was told. "Guess you saw all the excitement outside today. A couple of uniforms said you tried to take a look-see, so I don't have to tell you it was Craig Lynch, that reporter from theMessenger ," Muncie began, looking at Talia. Reed continued, "Need to ask you if you saw or heard anything out of the ordinary last night, say from eleven on." Talia shook her head. "No, I'm afraid I didn't." Her voice sounded strained even to her own ears.

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"How about you, sir?" Muncie asked Lucas. "I don't live here. I wasn't here," he replied steadily. He didn't look at either of the detectives, choosing instead to take that opportunity to sip his coffee. "I see," Reed said, throwing his partner a knowing look. "So, when did you arrive?" Muncie asked Lucas. "About an hour ago." "Really. Is that your car next to the house?" "No, that's mine," Talia offered, adding, "Well, actually it's a rental. Victor —" "I walked from town." Lucas told them, cutting off Talia's explanation. "Live in town, huh? Where?" Muncie asked. "I own the antique shop. I live above it," Lucas said. "What happened to him?" Talia finally asked. Both men ignored the question. "Know of any problems Lynch might have been having with anyone?" Reed asked. "How about something job-related? He wrote some pretty revealing exposes from time to time. Did he mention anything he might have been working on that was dangerous?" "We weren't close, I just knew him casually. He didn't discuss his work with me," Talia told him. "Something mangled him up pretty good —maybe a wild animal. But, the medical examiner says he most likely died from a blow to the back of the head. We found a bloody rock nearby," Muncie revealed. Talia shuddered. "I didn't hear anything," she said softly. "Right. Well, thanks for your time," Reed said, as he reached into his jacket pocket and extracted a business card. "Call me if you should remember anything. Anything at all no matter how insignificant it might seem to you." Lucas got up and went to the front door with the two detectives, then came back and joined Talia. "He was murdered," Talia said in disbelief. "Like the detective said, he wrote some rough stuff. Maybe he pissed off the wrong person." "That's a cold way to look at it, Lucas," Talia said, eyeing him critically. Lucas met her gaze, then reached over and brushed a stray strand of hair away from her cheek. "Tell

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me, Talia, what do you suppose he was doing out there in the woods at that time of night?" Immediately, Talia thought of the eerie feeling she'd had last night that she was being watched.

Chapter Sixteen

Caroline already knew about the murder when Victor arrived at the gallery. Mrs. Filbert had made Kane's the second stop on her town-crier tour of the morning. "Where have you been?" she asked, the minute he got inside. "I had a couple of stops to make," Victor said stormily, passing by her and going straight to his office. He strode to the coffee pot in the corner. She had the feeling he'd have liked to slam the door in her face, but was resisting the temptation. "What stops?" she pressed, closing the door herself. He finally looked up at her. His expression was clouded and frown lines creased his forehead. "I went to see Lucas Knight, then to Talia's." "Yes, Mrs. Filbert told me about running into you at the antique shop. I supposed you had to rush out to comfort poor, dear Talia the minute you heard she'd had a killing nearby," Caroline said. Victor looked at her silently for a moment, then said, "I felt she might need my support, yes. I see nothing wrong with that." "No, I don't suppose you do," she retorted. Victor's reply died on his lips. Instead, he sighed and stepped closer to her. "You have nothing to be jealous of, you know," he told her, running one finger up and down her bare arm. Just his touch, so simple and light, sent waves of anticipation rippling through her. She moved in a little and he slipped his arms around her. "We can't solve all of our problems by having sex, Victor. There are some issues here, some things I need to talk to you about seriously."

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"Hmmm. I'm very serious right now," he said, kissing the side of her head, then flicking his tongue inside of her ear. "You do this all the time. Whenever I want to discuss things about us, you —" she began. "You smell good. New perfume? I like it. Very sexy. My cock is hard for you. Can you feel it?" he asked her, his voice silky smooth, seductive. Caroline nudged him away. "We don't have much time. Mrs. Giddings is due here in a half hour," she said softly, looking into his eyes, searching there for some sign that she really was the only one he wanted. "I don't need much time," Victor replied. He untucked her knit top, then reached around and with an expediency borne of much practice, unhooked her bra. Her body felt instantly electrified, as tiny needles of desire pricked at her skin. Her vagina contracted as he massaged her nipples, pulling at them, forcing them to harden. He ran one hand down her side, around the curve of her hip and across her abdomen to her inner thigh, then back up again on the other side, lifting her skirt in the process. Her panties were already moist. She pushed urgently against him as his fingers slipped underneath the nylon and found her cunt, hot and ready. "Yoo-hoo!" came a high-pitched wail from the other side of the office doorway. Caroline jumped back, and would have fallen if Victor's strong arms had not held onto her. "Shit!" she hissed, glancing toward the door. "Damn," Victor whispered, steadying her. "The old crow's early," Caroline spat, her body protesting the sudden interruption. "We'll continue this later," Victor promised, willing his erection away. "I feel like a damned teenager caught by my parents with a boy in my bedroom," Caroline said. She felt grumpy and out of sorts. Recalling their recent role-playing experience, Victor had to chuckle at her comment. "Well, just don't do any cartwheels and we'll be all right," he commented. Still failing to see the humor in the situation, Caroline threw him a stormy look, but said nothing. "Anyone in there?" the woman called again, this time knocking loudly on the door. "Yes, just a moment," Victor managed, as Caroline hastily dressed. Once she felt presentable, she motioned for Victor to sit down behind his desk, "Unless you want that old bag to see a woody," she added as she went to the door and flung it open. "Might not do her any harm," Victor commented under his breath.

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"Oh, I was beginning to wonder," their visitor said, somewhat peevishly. Resenting the interruption, Caroline was in no mood for ass kissing. "Well, I guess I misunderstood. I wrote the appointment down for ten." She glanced significantly at her watch as she squeezed past the overweight woman in the doorway. "Yes, I suppose I am a little early..." Mrs. Giddings began, but Caroline was already entering her own office and slamming the door.

***

As she tried to concentrate on work, Caroline found her mind returning to this morning and the way Victor had, again, used sex to draw her attention away from the subject of his attachment to Talia Coe. She'd begun to notice it quite a while ago, but had let it go, unable or unwilling to face the truth, she wasn't sure which. She gazed out the window, recalling the other night and the nightmare she'd had. What if it hadn't been a dream? What if that had been just another of Victor's sleight of hand maneuvers? Don't be ridiculous. Get a grip. You're letting jealousy cloud your judgment. God, don't be so whiny. Men hate dependent, clingy women. Still, she felt an almost overwhelming need to find out more about Talia. Something wasn't right.I wonder if Craig discovered anything, or if he even had time to look into it? And, just what was he doing in the woods near Talia's cottage anyway? That question jarred her and she sat straight up in her chair. What had he been doing out there at night? Had he found out something and gone to investigate? Something about Talia? She had to know. But, now that he was dead, how would she get the answers to those questions? Just then, she glanced out the window and saw Talia come into view. She was walking purposefully across the square. Was she coming here? Interested now, she watched as Talia crossed the street and entered the antique shop. Probably humping Lucas Knight. No wonder Victor had been so hot to get out there to the cottage this morning. He wanted to beat his competitor to the punch. Making a quick decision, Caroline grabbed her purse from the desk and left the gallery.

***

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The crime scene tape was still up around the trees, but there were no police vehicles in sight. Breathing a sigh of relief, Caroline made her way to the back of the cottage and tried the door. It was locked. Extracting a nail file from her purse, she picked at the lock. It was an old one and it didn't take her long to jimmy it open. Heart beating wildly, her breath coming in short gasps, she opened the door and stepped into the kitchen.I'm not cut out for crime. This is breaking and entering. Oh, God. She stopped in the middle of the room, glancing around. It was neat and tidy, nothing out of place. Somehow, she found that odd for an artist. She was looking for anything that might give her a clue as to where Talia had come from, or who she really was. There had to be something here. There just had to be. Going first to the kitchen drawers, she pulled them open one by one, but found nothing except kitchen utensils, silverware, towels, and various other cooking aids. No random papers, no address book, no old grocery lists.Who the hell doesn't have at least one junk drawer in their kitchen? she wondered as she moved through the small dining area and into the living room. She figured the bedroom would be her best bet, so she tried that next. The closet was small, but there on the top shelf was a shoebox. She carefully took it down and put it on the nearby dresser. She rifled through the contents with shaking hands. Most of it was useless, just receipts for artwork sales, but one thing did catch her eye. It was a discharge summary from St. Marks Hospital in Canton, dated over a year ago. Caroline had visited Canton several years ago. It was in the southeastern part of the state. She fished around in her purse for something to write on, finally coming up with a notepad and pen. She jotted down the information then returned the document to the box. As she walked back to town, she studied her notes. Talia had been in the hospital, and for quite a while according to the admission and discharge dates. She'd had head injuries, resulting in amnesia, due to a hit and run. Amnesia. It was true, after all. But, she still didn't believe that was the whole story. Talia had claimed that the authorities weren't able to find any of her family members or even friends who could identify her.Bullshit! Everyone has someone, someone who knows who they are. Plus, she couldn't shake the feeling that Victor knew a lot more about the mysterious artist than he was telling.

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Chapter Seventeen

There was one customer in the shop when Talia entered, so she looked around while Lucas took care of the sale. He really had some beautiful things. One object in particular intrigued her; a small, hand-painted hatpin holder. The detail work was amazing. "Something catch that artist's eye?" Lucas said, coming up behind her. She could feel the warmth of his body, smell the musky aroma that she'd come to associate with him. Whenever he was close, her senses came alive, her body ached for his touch. The urge transcended everything else, taunting her like a playground bully, sometimes leaving her near tears. "Besides you?" she replied, putting the holder back on the table. She turned around and he took her into his arms, kissing her deeply. She responded by pressing her body against his, urging him closer. She could feel his erection pressing against her. Lucas felt his resolve slipping away with each passing second. He'd take her now, right here on the floor of the shop if he could. Never mind that he'd decided in the cold light of morning to draw back a little and not push things. Never mind that he should give her a chance to remember. His need was ferocious, waking him at night, haunting him during the day. She squirmed against him, hungry for his touch, and he obliged by moving one hand to her breast. But, that wasn't enough. She wanted more. "Your apartment. Now! Please!" she demanded, her throat dry as sandpaper. He hurried to the door, locked it, then came back and scooped her up in his arms, swiftly carrying her down the hallway and up the stairs. He undressed her deftly, stroking her skin, then rubbing the area just below the triangle of pubic hair, She tore at his clothing, her body on fire, her heart already beating out of control. She could feel her nipples hardening even before he pressed his lips to them. Then, he lifted her up and laid her on the bed, and she brought him down with her, unwilling to end the embrace. He intertwined his legs with hers, forcing one of his muscular thighs up against her cunt and she moaned loudly, pushing herself down on it. The sensation was so erotic, she lost herself in it, wishing he would never stop, wanting him to do more. She cupped his balls and moved her hand up the shaft of his penis, feeling the power there, the heat, the

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yearning. She ran her finger around the head. He was wet also, and she longed to lick the moisture from him. The thoughts that were running through her mind were raw, explicit, full of lust. Suddenly he rolled onto his back, so that she was on top of him. "Sit up and turn around," he said softly. She wanted to mount him, to feel his cock inside of her right now, but she did as he asked. With one quick motion he grabbed her by the hips and pulled her backward, nipping playfully at one butt cheek. She squealed with a mixture of delight and surprise, then leaned down and took his cock into her mouth, savoring the taste of him, licking wildly at the head, then up and down its length. Lucas took his tongue down to her vagina, probing there with slow, steady strokes, going in deeper each time. Her clit fluttered as he licked at it. She wanted to devour him; wanted him to eat her alive. She dug her nails into his thighs, pushing his penis further into her mouth, sucking harder, licking more urgently. At the same time he moved one hand up to her dangling breast, tugging hard at the nipple, then rolling it between his finger and thumb. Her knees dug into the mattress, became raw from the friction, but she didn't care. She began to rock back and forth as the rhythm of her climax began to build. In response, Lucas forced his tongue further up the walls of her vagina, exploring, probing. The orgasm exploded inside of her like a bomb, sending shrapnel throughout her body. Her hands went numb, her legs tingled, her face grew hot and her cunt contracted with hard, intense palpitations. But, even then, she wanted more. "I need you inside of me, please!" she begged. She rolled off of him and he mounted her, plunging his penis deeply inside of her. She wrapped her legs around his middle and grabbed his ass with both hands. The second orgasm was no less intense than the first, as her body became rigid. Lucas felt himself let go with an overpowering surge that made him thrust his penis as far up inside of Talia as it would go. He held onto her tightly, pumping frantically, until he felt empty and exhausted.

***

"I don't understand any of this, Lucas. This need I have for you. Where is it coming from?" Talia asked later, as they lay nestled together on the big overstuffed sofa. He stroked her hair, pushing damp tendrils back from her forehead. "We belong together, Talia. Isn't that enough for you to know for now?" She propped herself up on one elbow, looking at him closely. "Do you know who I really am, Lucas?"

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she asked, as the thought suddenly struck her. He smiled lazily, then reached up and stroked her cheek. "You're the woman I'm absolutely crazy about. You're the woman I never want to go through another day without seeing at least a dozen times, and you're the woman who I hope will invite me to dinner tonight at that quaint little cottage, if I promise to do the cooking." he replied. She laughed then, as the questions melted away under the promise of having him all alone again tonight.

***

Armed with what she felt was vital information, about Talia, Caroline returned to the gallery to find the front door locked and Victor gone. It wasn't quite noon, but she knew that sometimes he took an early lunch, especially if he had afternoon appointments. She scanned the calendar quickly. He had two people coming in this afternoon; the first at one forty-five, the other at three o'clock. She went to her office and opened the small refrigerator, extracting a bottle of spring water. While she sipped the cool liquid, she thought about the discovery she'd made at Talia's cottage. She wanted to contact that hospital, but she knew they would probably not be very forthcoming with information about a former patient. So she'd have to go in the back door, so to speak. Still, the feeling persisted that Victor knew more about Talia Coe than he was acknowledging. Making another decision, she got up and went to his office. She'd have to work quickly, since she had no idea how long he would be gone. She started with his desk, pulling open drawers and riffling through the contents. Next, she moved to the credenza behind the desk, sliding open the panels one by one. Nothing. Next, she moved to the file cabinet. It was locked. Why? Getting the trusty nail file out again, she worked carefully and quickly, afraid he'd come back and catch her. Finally, she heard the lock click and pulled open the top drawer. It yielded nothing. Nor, did the second or third. But, in the bottom drawer she found a file folder with one piece of paper in it: a copy of Talia's hospital discharge summary.

Chapter Eighteen

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When Lucas unlocked the front door of the shop so Talia could leave, he found Detectives Muncie and Reed standing outside. Muncie's fist was raised, as though he were about to knock. Reed stood behind him. Talia stopped beside the counter, a feeling of dread washing over her as she saw the two men step inside. "Well, I guess you kind of keep your own hours, huh, Mr. Knight?" Muncie said, his voice low and even. Reed walked around the two and went to an antique mantle leaning against the opposite wall. "Hey, Paulie, my grandma had one like this in her old house. Solid walnut. This must be worth some money, right?" He turned and looked at Lucas, then let his gaze slide to Talia. "You work here, Miss Coe?" he asked. Startled by the unwelcome attention, she looked at Lucas, as though waiting for a prompt. "Miss Coe was visiting," Lucas said succinctly. "What can I do for you two?" "Well, Mr. Knight, you can tell us about your little visit to Craig Lynch at theMessenger the other night, for starters," Reed said. Talia felt her pulse quicken. What visit? She knew nothing about this. What was going on? The detectives were staring at Lucas now, waiting for an answer. "I had something to discuss with him. We talked for about five minutes. I left," Lucas replied. He didn't look at Talia, but kept his gaze on Muncie, who was now standing beside a display shelf near the front window. "Not how we heard it," Muncie challenged. "Try again." "There's nothing more to tell," Lucas said. "We heard you threatened Lynch. We have a witness. So, maybe we should finish this at the station. Might improve your memory," Reed said, taking a step forward. "Am I under arrest?" Lucas asked. "Not yet. Just tell us the truth and we can be on our way," Muncie told him. Talia's head was spinning. Why did they think Lucas threatened Craig? "All right. It's nothing really. Lynch was getting a little too familiar with Talia and I told him to stop it, that's all," Lucas admitted. "Jealousy?" Muncie scoffed.

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"Not jealousy," Lucas corrected, "Just letting him know he was out of bounds, that's all." "Where you from, Mr. Knight?" Reed suddenly asked. "Proctor," Lucas answered quickly. "Northern part of the state. What made you come here?" Muncie pressed. "Opportunities. I like the area," Lucas replied, then added, "Are we through here?" Both detectives walked toward the door. "For now," Reed told him, "But, I have a feeling we'll be back, or we'll be inviting you to join us at the station."

***

After they left, Lucas went to Talia. "Come to me," he said, holding out his hand. She took it. His touch reassured her somehow, but she still felt as though something was unsaid between them. He held her close, whispering in her ear, "I would never do anything to hurt you. You must believe that. I will protect you always." Talia bit at her lower lip. Lucas threatened Craig because of her. It had to be true, otherwise he'd be denying it now. What happened out there in the woods? The first small seed of doubt was forming in her mind, but she quickly pushed it away as she settled into his embrace.

Chapter Nineteen

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The next day was Saturday. Victor had already told Caroline he was going to the nearby town of Kinnard to look at some paintings he was considering taking on consignment. She'd half expected him to invite her to go along, and was relieved when he didn't. She had her own plans for the day. She was going on a little field trip, to St. Mark's Hospital in Canton. As she drove up Route 37, she failed to notice the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Instead, her mind was on Talia and the compulsion Victor seemed to have with protecting her. What was the hold she had on him, anyway? He repeatedly denied any sexual involvement, but Caroline still wasn't sure she believed him. I'm with him a lot, but not all the time. He could be sneaking out to the cottage. In fact, he's the one who set her up out there to begin with, wasn't he? How convenient. She's out of town, off the beaten path; it's custom made for secret trysts. Another thing. He denied having known Talia before her arrival in Arcadia, but Caroline had sensed form the beginning that there was a familiarity there, at least on Victor's end.Oh, let's not forget, poor Talia has amnesia. She doesn't know who she really is. Poorlittle lamb. Caroline was now obsessed with learning the truth. Victor was lying, she could feel it. At the very least he was hiding something. And, his reaction to Lucas Knight only served to reinforce that theory. It was as though he were observing the man's every move.He watches him, she thought for lack of a better explanation.He especially watches him when he's around Talia. That was what bothered her most of all. Was he jealous? Was he protecting his territory? Caroline didn't want to lose Victor, especially not to Talia. But, there was an undeniable pull there, some attraction.They are connected in some way. I can sense it. Slowing down as she entered Canton, she grabbed the piece of paper lying on the seat beside her and glanced at the hastily scrawled directions. Somewhat larger than Arcadia, but by no means a big city, Canton was a town with wide tree-lined streets and very little traffic congestion. St. Mark's Hospital was a four-story structure at the end of Oak Street in an otherwise residential neighborhood. The houses surrounding it were large, and well maintained. She parked in the lot behind the building and walked around to the front door. Once inside, she didn't bother acknowledging the elderly woman at the front desk, but walked straight to the elevator and punched the button. The paper she'd found in Talia's closet had been signed by someone named Tina Marsh, RN, who was, according to the form, the fourth floor nursing supervisor. The doctor's signature had been scrawled, but the typed name read Dr. Peter O'Toole. She knew she'd have a slim chance of getting either of them to tell her much, but she'd surely be able to talk to somebody who might at least remember the tall, willowy redhead who had lost her memory. That somebody turned out to be an aide named Roslyn, who remembered Talia quite distinctly and was more than willing to tell Caroline all about her. "She was a mess, honey. All bruised, her head all cut up, eyes blackened and swelled shut. But, you

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could still tell she was pretty, under it all. Then, when she woke up, she didn't know anything. Not her name, not where she came from, nothing. Of course Burt was devastated." the short, plump woman told Caroline over lunch in the hospital cafeteria. "Burt?" Caroline interrupted. "The guy who hit her out on thirty-seven. Name's Burt Parker. He owns a trucking company in town, over on Elm Street." Roslyn explained. She shook her head as if in dismay, sending a full head of dark ringlets flying this way and that. "I'll tell you, he's as tough as they come, but that shook him up plenty." Talia had been hit by a car? "How did it happen?" Caroline asked. "Not really sure. You could talk to Burt, he's usually in on Saturdays doing paperwork. Hey, you're not with some lawyer looking to sue him or the hospital, are you?" Roslyn said, suddenly suspicious of Caroline's first explanation. "No, of course not. I told you, I'm a friend, just trying to piece things together to help her try and remember, that's all." "Yeah, well, it wasn't Burt's fault, that's all I know," Roslyn stated, getting up from the table. "I gotta get back on the floor." With that, she walked away.

***

The trucking company was housed in a run-down stucco building with a vacant lot on one side and a ramshackle carryout on the other. Across the street sat a line of older two story houses in various stages of disrepair. She parked along the street and looked at the building, trying to decide where the main entrance was located. Finally she saw a small door at one end of the structure with the word 'Office' stenciled on the outside. The office was small, cramped and smelled of grease and sweat. There were two desks. Behind one of them sat a fat, bald man in blue coveralls. He looked up as she walked in, his expression at first apprehensive. Then, he smiled, exposing a row of tobacco-stained teeth. Well, my day just got better," he said, motioning her inside. "Come on in, I won't bite. Not unless you beg me too, that is!" He laughed heartily at his cleverness, then looked her up and down, his gaze lingering on her bust line. "Are you Burt?" Caroline asked briskly. "You a cop?" Burt countered, his eyes narrowing. He opened up a battered wooden box on his desk and extracted a cigar. After cutting the end off with a pocketknife, he stuck the stogie in his mouth, rolling it from side to side. "Well, are you?" he repeated, opening the middle desk drawer and taking out a silver

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lighter. He lit the cigar and blew a billow of white smoke into the air. "No, I'm not a cop," she replied, her nose turning up as the offensive smell hit her. "Good. You're too gorgeous to be a cop. I'm Burt. So, what can I do for you?" he grinned lasciviously at her. Still standing just inside the door, Caroline said, "I'm here about Talia Coe." "Who the hell is that?" Burt asked, his bushy eyebrows shooting up with the question. "Hey, by the way, you can sit down, you know." He indicated a stained plastic chair across from the desk. Caroline remained where she was. "The woman you hit a little over a year ago, out on Route 37?" The cigar smoke was making her sick to her stomach. "Oh, yeah, that. What's your connection with her? She's not suing me, is she? You a lawyer or something?" Burt asked, throwing the questions at her with machine-gun rapidity. "No. I'm just a friend. We're trying to find out who she really is, so we have to do some backtracking." Caroline stopped as another wave of nausea hit her. Silently, she hoped the half-truth would pass muster. "Well, just so you're not working for some shyster lawyer. Bloodsuckers, all of them. Can't leave the honest working man alone." "Can you tell me anything at all about the accident?" Caroline interrupted, anxious to get the information and be on her way. "I was driving along, within the speed limit, I might add. Anyways, it was dark, about eleven o'clock and all of a sudden boom, something comes running out of the woods like the devil was after it and went right in front of my pickup. At first I thought I'd hit a dog. Then, I got out to take a look and found a naked broad layin' in the road." Burt looked at her and rolled the cigar to the other side of his mouth. "She was naked?" Caroline asked, shocked. "As a jaybird," Burt affirmed with a grin. "Not built like you, but a pretty nice lookin' piece anyway." Ignoring the comment that, she supposed, was meant to be either a compliment or a come-on, Caroline asked, "What did you do then?" "Called for an ambulance and got the cops out there. I mean, it's not a usual thing around here for naked broads to come sprinting out of the woods, you know." From what I've seen, I could take issue with that,Caroline thought. Aloud, she asked, "Did she wake up at all, did you talk to her?" "Nah. She was almost dead. In fact, I thought she was dead when I first seen her. Head was all bloody, arms and legs all cut up. A real mess." But you still managed to notice her great body, didn't you,Caroline thought with disgust. "Did she have anything with her? Was she carrying anything?" Caroline asked.

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"Well, now, just what would you be expectin' a naked broad to be carrying?" Burt scoffed. Caroline had had enough of the obnoxious man and his disgusting cigar stench. "Well, thank you for your time," she said, turning to go. "Hey, what's your hurry? I got some cold beers in the back. Have one, relax. We can get to know each other a little. Maybe I'll remember some more about your friend," Burt said. Caroline felt her stomach clench. "No, thanks," she snapped, turning to go. "You know, that broad I hit was a looker, but you got her beat all to hell. Those tits real?" Burt called after her.

***

Victor returned from Kinnard around one o'clock in the afternoon and went directly to Caroline's apartment. When she didn't answer the door, he checked the garage behind the townhouse and discovered that her Lexus was gone. He considered letting himself in, but decided instead to go to the gallery and begin the paperwork connected with his latest acquisitions. He'd decided to take all of the paintings he'd seen that morning. The artist had agreed to a three-month consignment contract at a figure that was more than generous. As he drove slowly into town, he spotted Talia going into Lucas Knight's antique shop. Quickly pulling into his customary parking spot behind the gallery, he hurried back out to the street on foot, just as the couple came out of the shop. They were holding hands, heading for the square. He followed. They strolled along at a leisurely pace, talking and laughing. Talia's fiery hair swung loosely around her shoulders as she walked. Finally, they reached a small cafe with outside seating and selected a table. Instead of sitting across from one another, however, they pushed the chairs side by side. After they sat down, Talia rested one hand casually on Lucas' knee as he draped an arm over the back of her chair and lightly brushed her shoulders with his fingertips. Then, she leaned toward him and he kissed her lightly on the lips. All signs of intimacy, Victor thought as he turned around and walked back toward the gallery. Maybe he'd go to Caroline's after all and wait for her.

***

Caroline had only been home a few minutes when she heard a key turn in the lock. Hurrying, she put her purse on the kitchen table, and walked down the hallway into the living room just as Victor was closing

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the front door. He noted the flush of her cheeks and the fact she seemed a little winded. "You just getting home?" he asked, glancing significantly at his watch. "Yes, I had to...I mean I had some stops to make," she stammered.I'm really not cut out for this subterfuge; I much prefer the direct approach, she thought, as visions of the repulsive Burt sprang to mind.Damn you, Victor, for making it necessary! "So, how did it go in Kinnard?" she asked a little too brightly. She wanted to refocus his attention. "I'm more interested in hearing about your little outing," Victor countered, coming across the room and slipping his arms around her. "Hello, by the way." She smiled and relaxed a little. "Hello," she said, returning the hug. He ran his hands up and down her back, finally concentrating on her shoulders. "You're tight as a bowstring. What's going on?" he asked, nuzzling her ear. Then, he pulled back and looked down at her. "So, which friend were you meeting this morning, the one who smokes cigars?" He stared at her, his expression hardening as he waited for an answer. Caroline's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?" "You reek of cigar smoke," he snapped, releasing her. He strode across the room to the wet bar and opened the small refrigerator. There were several bottles of beer inside. He pulled one out, opened it and took a long drink. "So?" He again stared at her, waiting. "Smoking section was all that was available. What can I say?" she said smoothly, surprised at how easily the lie rolled off her tongue. "You want some lunch?" She left the room without giving him a real chance to respond. She was beginning to think he'd left, but he finally joined her in the small, well-equipped kitchen, where she was slicing some leftover chicken for sandwiches. He came up behind her and pressed his body against hers. "Excuse an old grump?" he whispered in her ear. "Forget it. I'll shower after we eat. I hate the smell, too," she replied, leaning back against him. He moved his hips against her ass, and she could feel his erection growing with each swipe. God, how she loved the feel of that cock inside of her —the heat, the sensations, the things he did. Victor moved his hands to her flat, tight stomach, then up to her breasts, and she pushed against his touch, wanting him to pull at her nipples harder, faster. She rested the back of her head on his shoulder and let him feel her everywhere, closing her eyes as his hands wandered over her entire body, bringing it to life, awakening her desire. As he moved his hands between her legs, he pressed his erection into her backside. She could tell by his ragged breathing that he wanted to fuck her as much as she wanted to be fucked. Now. Right now. No more foreplay, no coy overtures. Just a bout of good, sweaty sex on the floor, on the sofa, on the stairs,

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on the kitchen table, for that matter. Who cared where; just do it! He stepped back and turned her around, kissing her deeply, his tongue darting around the inside of her mouth almost frantically. Releasing her again, he quickly helped her remove her top, then he unhooked her bra and threw it aside. His mouth found her breasts, sucking at the hardened nipples, one then the other, his lips hot against the sensitive skin. She moaned and pulled his head against her as her vagina contracted with each pull. Victor's cock was straining against the confines of his pants, as Caroline struggled with the snap and zipper, finally freeing him. She massaged his penis, pumping it with her hand, then moved to his balls. They became tight, hot sacks as she increased the pressure. Next, Victor unhooked her slacks letting them drop around her ankles, then he pulled her panties down so hard they almost ripped. When his hand reached her cunt, he rammed his middle finger up into her vagina, while the rest of his fingers cupped her buttocks. "Oh, it feels so good. Please, don't stop, more, up further," she cried, pushing herself down against his hand. Victor felt himself losing control, but was powerless to stop it. He withdrew his finger and pulled her roughly to the floor, spreading her legs wide. Leaning down, he licked at her pussy, lapping up the juices that now flowed freely. His penis ached now, but still he held off, letting his tongue linger around the opening, then shooting it up inside of her, seeking out her clit. Caroline couldn't breathe, and all she could hear was the pounding of her pulse in her ears. She felt like she was dying, yet had never felt so alive. Her body was wracked with spasms as Victor pulled relentlessly at her clit, then drew back. When he finally entered her, the soft walls of her vagina seemed to enfold him in their greedy grasp. The orgasm swelled inside of her like the storm surge before a hurricane, washing over everything, blotting out all other sensations but that one. As Victor climaxed, he pushed his hand under her buttocks and pulled her forcefully to him, jamming his penis into her. His desire was insatiable and he came again, his body wracked with spasms so violent he shuddered and clenched his teeth. When the crest of the wave lowered him back to earth, he opened his eyes. Immediately his attention was drawn to his arms, where rough, coarse hair was now visible. His vision was different, clearer, yet lacking color vibrancy. He quickly rolled off of Caroline and leapt to his feet and sprinted up the stairs to the master bathroom. Expecting the worst, he went to the mirror and viewed his reflection, only to find nothing out of the ordinary. "Something I said?" Caroline asked from the doorway. She stood there naked, staring at him. Victor turned to face her, hoping the relief he felt was not too obvious. "Too much coffee, I guess," he told her, stepping in front of the commode.

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But, he could tell she didn't believe him.

Chapter Twenty

After lunch, Talia and Lucas decided to walk to the cottage. They took their time, enjoying the day. "Tell me about your family," she said, as they lingered at the gazebo in the town square. Lucas felt a pinprick of discomfort. He'd known the questions would eventually come, but had dreaded it. "Nothing much to tell. Just a normal family. My parents are both gone now," he replied. "No brothers or sisters?" she asked. She hadn't pressed him about his background before, but now that her feelings for him were growing, she felt the need to know more. Lucas shook his head. "Just me." She stared at his profile, as he stood in the afternoon sunlight. It was angular and clean, almost classic. "I wish I could remember something. Anything," she lamented. He turned toward her, looking at her sweet face. "Give it time. The memories will come back. I promise," he told her. "I wish I could be as sure about that as you seem to be," she replied, meeting his gaze. Those eyes had drawn her in that first night at the gallery. Dark, intense, glinting with gold. They had touched her soul. They still did. "Stay with me tonight, Lucas. Please," she suddenly asked. "You never have to add please to that request," he replied, taking her hand and raising it to his lips.

***

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Victor still didn't believe Caroline's explanation about where she'd gone that morning. As he toweled himself dry, he could hear her in the bedroom, humming while she got dressed. Was she seeing another man?He wondered, yet it didn't make sense. If she were seeing someone else, why would she be jealous of Talia? And, shewas jealous, that much he knew for sure. She hadn't seemed interested when he'd talked about his trip to Kinnard. And she didn't seem the least bit interested in the possible consignment. Obviously, something else was on her mind. He was pretty certain it had to do with her mysterious trip this morning. "Oh, I forgot to ask how did it go in Kinnard?" Caroline called from the other room. Chuckling to himself, Victor called back, "We came to an agreement. The paintings will arrive next week." "Great. We need the new blood. Maybe you can move Talia's to the back and put the new ones in her old spot by the front door." Victor let that one go. He wasn't about to get into a debate about where Talia's paintings would be displayed. In the end, it would be his decision, not Caroline's.She might be a good piece of ass, but it's still my gallery.

***

Lucas and Talia reached the cottage at a little after three o'clock. It was a warm afternoon, but inside the stone structure the air was cool and the living room was filled with the fragrance of the fresh-cut flowers she had picked that morning. "Are you afraid to be here alone because of what happened in the woods?" Lucas asked, as Talia went to the kitchen to get them something to drink. He followed her and stood in the doorway, waiting for an answer. She put ice in two tall glasses and poured tea from a pitcher into each one. "I'm not afraid. But, I do wonder who would want Craig dead. Also, what sort of animal could have done that kind of damage?" she told him. They took their iced tea out onto the patio. While Lucas sat down at the round, metal table, Talia went to the small herb garden next to the back door and pinched off two springs of mint. After rinsing them under the nearby spigot, she joined him, placing one sprig in each glass of tea. "Very elegant," he commented with a grin. Then, his expression turned somber again as he warned, "Just stay inside at night. At least until this is cleared up." "I'm glad you'll be here tonight," she told him, reaching for his hand.

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"Well, I was beginning to wonder if anyone was home," came the voice of Detective Paul Muncie. He was rounding the corner of the house, followed closely by Detective Reed. Lucas stifled a groan. Talia was openly annoyed by the interruption, but like Lucas, said nothing. "Sorry to disturb your afternoon, but we need to see Mr. Knight downtown," Reed said. "Why?" Talia asked, her voice unsteady. "Police business," Muncie said, the deadpan expression in place. "Let's go," Reed ordered, reaching for Lucas' arm as if he intended to pull him out of the chair. With lightening-fast speed, Lucas was up and had a grip on the surprised detective's wrist, exerting just enough pressure to cause discomfort, but not pain. "I can stand up all on my own, detective," Lucas said, his voice low but steady. "And, I'm capable of finding my way to the station house. I'll meet you there in a few minutes. That is, unless I'm officially under arrest." He met and held the man's gaze. Reed looked into those eyes and felt his heart freeze in his chest. Finally, he managed, "No, we just need to talk to you." Confused by his partner's meek reply, Muncie chimed in with, "Follow us and don't try anything funny." As the detectives walked away, Lucas turned to Talia. "I won't be long. I'm sure it's just routine." "I'm going with you!" Talia cried. "No, you stay here. It will be all right. I promise. Just let me use your car. I left mine at the shop, remember?" he said. She hurried inside and brought out the keys. As he drove away, Talia couldn't help but wonder how the detectives had known where to find Lucas.

***

Victor left Caroline's townhouse intending to go to the gallery for a while, but instead drove to the cottage. As he approached the lane leading to Talia's, he saw the two detectives driving out onto the main road. Then, a minute later he saw her car pull out with Lucas behind the wheel. She was standing in the front yard, just staring down the lane. When she saw his car approach she ran toward it. "Oh, Victor, you've got to help Lucas. He said not to worry, but I'm so scared. The police have made him go to the station to answer questions about Craig's death!" She stopped, tears filling her eyes.

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Victor got out of the car and went to her. "Calm down. Now, what did they say?" "They wanted him to answer more questions," she replied, gulping back a sob. "Normal procedure. Nothing to panic about," he assured her. But, Talia wasn't convinced and it took him over a half hour to calm her down.

***

It was almost seven o'clock that evening before Lucas returned to the cottage. At the sound of her car pulling along side the house, Talia ran out the back door and into his arms. He held her tight, stroking her hair, kissing the warm, soft flesh of her neck. "It's okay. I'm fine," he crooned. "I couldn't stand it! I was so afraid," she said, the tears flowing now. "Come on, let's go inside. I'll tell you about it," he said, leading her toward the back door. She fixed him a sandwich and sat across the kitchen table sipping hot tea while he ate and told her about the questioning. "They were just trying to shake me up a little. They don't have anything," he told her. They have you threatening Craig at the paper, she thought before she could stop herself. "Seems they think I was jealous of his 'relationship' with you," Lucas said. "What relationship?" Talia exclaimed, finding it hard to believe that the police would even entertain such an idea. "That's what I asked them. It's ridiculous. They were just fishing around," he replied. He looked tired. She reached across the table and stroked his bare arm with the fingers of one hand. "I suggest an early bedtime," she told him, adding "I need to be close to you tonight."

***

He held her for a long time, their bodies molding together in that perfect fit that long-time lovers enjoy. He felt familiar and safe. Talia longed for him, yet feared all the feelings his closeness brought to the surface.

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She wanted him with a deep longing that she couldn't explain or control. Now, as she felt his body responding to hers, she moved closer, and began to caress his face, moving her fingers down his chin to his neck, then his chest. They were still clothed, and she began to unbutton his sport shirt slowly, playing at his chest hair as she went along. Lucas loved the smell of her —floral, light, sexy. She felt so good in his arms. Natural. She belonged there. They belonged to each other. He rubbed her back, lightly, gently, then moved his hands down to her buttocks. She snuggled closer, encircling him with her arms, laying her head on his shoulder. "I can't imagine my life without you," he whispered, kissing the side of her head, then moving his lips to her ear. "You are so beautiful, so soft." He pulled away a little, looking at her as he caressed her face, feeling the smoothness there. Then, he pressed his lips to hers in a deep, passionate kiss. Talia let herself go, giving in to the pent-up desires that now raged through her body. She moved her hands down his back, feeling the taut muscles there. When she reached his buttocks she pulled him tightly against her, his erection pressing into the soft skin just above her navel. Lucas was on fire, his senses honed razor sharp, his cock throbbing with the need to possess her totally. His skin tingled, and he could feel some of the hairs on his back and neck standing up. She was part of him, they were one. He ended the kiss and moved his lips down to her neck, craving the taste of her, longing for more. Pulling away, Talia gazed into his eyes. "This scares me, Lucas. This thing between us. I just keep thinking that it was so sudden," she began, but he quieted her with a finger on her lips. "Tonight, we don't think. We just feel," he said huskily. Slowly, he slipped the straps of her sundress down over her shoulders letting it drop to the floor. Her skin was flawless, like fine china, smooth and pure. Her breasts were milky white, the nipples pink and erect. He bent and kissed them, letting his lips linger on each one. Their first time together, he had carried her to the bedroom, but tonight he longed to make love to her under the stars, to lay her down on the fragrant earth, the way it was meant to be for them. "Your turn," he said, taking her hand and placing it on his shirtfront. She undid the rest of the buttons and tugged the shirt off of his shoulders. His pants were next, then his shorts until, like her, he stood there naked. "Come with me," he said, taking her hand and leading her through the kitchen and out the back door. The night was clear, the sky alive with the twinkling of heavenly lights. Crickets chirped, and the air carried the heady aroma of the rose garden. The yard was secluded, a tall hedge surrounding it. He welcomed the solitude tonight. They stood there for a moment, enjoying the feel of the night air against their bare skin. Then Lucas turned to Talia and took her in his arms again, his face nestling in the crook of her neck.

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He tasted her skin, caressed her back, finally cupping her ass in his hands. Her knees felt weak as he brought one hand around and found the opening to her vagina. She spread her legs pushing against his fingers as they slid easily inside. Her womb contracted, her nerve endings tingled, she felt helpless, totally at his mercy. She couldn't think, only feel. Lucas felt a need so primeval he couldn't control what he did next. As she rode his fingers, he brought his head down to her breasts, taking one nipple into his mouth. He sucked at it, his mouth working it furiously, pulling and tugging until it was so engorged he feared it might burst. But, still he kept at it, bringing his free hand to the other breast. Pinching it between his thumb and forefinger, he massaged it as it grew hard and hot beneath his touch. Talia arched her back and pushed harder against his fingers. She grappled for his dick, and when she was finally able to reach it, she pumped it wildly. She could feel the veins against her palm; they were solid, pulsing in her grasp. Lucas pressed his thumb against Talia's clit and felt it twitch wildly. The next time he did it, she cried out and he pressed harder, testing her limits, seeking the threshold of her endurance. "Oh, God....I can't last....please....Lucas...." she said, her voice high and thin. He laid her down in the grass and rolled her on top of him. "You are even more beautiful in the moonlight," he told her, his voice cracking with emotion. Placing his hands on her hips, he lifted her up and sat her back down on his cock. She was hot as fire inside, and he pushed himself further up inside of her. Talia prayed for release, as her vagina contracted over and over. With each of Lucas' thrusts she felt more pressure build, a deep ache that found no relief. Lucas felt his body become rigid, his muscles bulge. His arms trembled, his legs felt numb. He could not control the raging desires now, as primal instincts took over and his penis ached with the need for release. Talia came with an intensity that consumed her entire being. As the throbbing in her cunt became more demanding she felt the warmth spread and her muscles contract over and over again. For Lucas, it was like a starburst, quick, strong, almost violent as tentacles of pleasure sped through his body at lightening speed.

***

Afterward, they lay there for a while, letting the night breeze cool their bodies. But, it did little to cool their passion and Talia found that she wanted him again. Lucas also found that the heat of his desire had been sated for only a short time, and he felt his cock

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harden again as she gently rubbed his chest, pulling playfully at the thicket of hair there. "You'd better watch out, I'm a man in love, you know," he told her. "Well, that's a comfort. I'd hate to be in this all alone," she responded, moving her hand down to his abdomen and then to his penis, which was fully erect again. Suddenly, Lucas' senses were on alert. He gently pushed her away and sat up. Something or someone was out there, watching. He could feel it. Nose in the air, he sniffed several times, then suddenly stood up. Sensing the danger too, Talia said, "What is it? What's happening?" "Get into the house. Now!" he ordered, pulling her to her feet. Then, he hurried to the hedge, gazing toward the woods beyond. Talia obeyed, without question. Once inside, she peered out the back screen door. Lucas stood statue-still, listening. He could hear movement coming from a grouping of ancient looking cedar trees. Something out there was doing just what he was doing —watching and waiting. Turning around, he walked toward the cottage. Once inside, he took Talia's hand and pulled her with him into the living room. "Stay inside no matter what happens. If I'm not back in fifteen minutes, call the police," he directed. "Don't go out there," she begged, knowing that he intended to do just that. In fact, he was already on his way to the bedroom to get dressed.

***

Lucas entered the woods slowly, listening to every sound around him. It was cool there, the air heavy with moisture. Letting instinct take over, he walked with light easy strides, taking his time, letting his senses guide him. If it had not been for Talia, he would have come into the woods as soon as he sensed another's presence. But he didn't dare risk her knowing the truth just yet. The growl was low and menacing and Lucas stopped in his tracks. Just then a breeze stirred, carrying with it an unmistakable scent. Turning quickly around, Lucas saw the glowing eyes of his adversary who stood several yards away, statue still, nostrils flared. Lucas backed up, the other stepped forward, baring his teeth, fangs dripping with saliva. "It will do you no good. You should have realized that by now," Lucas said quietly.

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Stopping, the other one emitted another low growl, then turned and ran away, disappearing into the night.

***

When Lucas returned to the cottage he found Talia pacing the floor, almost in tears. She threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly. "I was so scared, what was it? What was out there?" "Nothing. I found nothing," he lied She looked at him closely. "But, I heard it, too. Are you sure?" He nodded. "Just a raccoon or possum foraging, I guess. But, promise me you'll stay inside at night, just as a precaution." She agreed, but could tell he was lying.

Chapter Twenty-One

Caroline woke up feeling groggy and lethargic. Then, the nausea hit and she jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom, retching into the commode with a violence that frightened her. Reaching behind her, she pulled a washcloth from the towel rack and ran it under cold water. Pressing the welcome coolness against her face, she tried to steady her breathing. Where the hell is Victor,she thought furiously as her stomach grumbled noisily. Then, she heard movement downstairs.Well, that answers my question at least. I hope he's made coffee!

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She waited a few more minutes to make sure that she wasn't going to be sick again, then went to the bedroom and put on a robe. "I was beginning to think I'd have to come wake you up," Victor told her as she entered the kitchen. He was now seated at the table, reading the paper. "I feel like hell," she groused, going straight to the coffee pot and pouring herself a mug full of the steaming brew. She sipped at it gratefully and eyed him over the brim. "Did you get up during the night? I thought I heard a door closing down here." Victor chuckled. "The refrigerator door, I'd say. I woke up about three o'clock starving and came down for a snack." "Good luck. I haven't been to the store in ages," she replied. "So I noticed. You okay?" he asked, going to her. He noticed that she hadn't brushed her hair and it stood up in tiny little spikes. "Just peachy," she replied. She didn't intend to tell him about getting sick. "Well, I need to shower. I have two appointments this morning." Just then the front doorbell chimed, and Caroline glanced at the wall clock. "Good God, who could that be at seven o'clock in the morning," she snapped. She made no move to answer it. "Well, I guess I'll get it and see," Victor finally said, eyeing her quizzically. When Victor opened the door, he found Detectives Muncie and Reed standing there. Muncie's dour expression did not change at the sight of the art dealer answering someone else's door at this early hour. Reed, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow and let his glance slide sideways toward his partner, then brought it quickly back to Victor. "We need to talk to Miss Thomas," Muncie said in his normal monotone. "Is she here?" Reed added, glancing over Victor's shoulder into the living room beyond. "What do you need?" Victor asked, still blocking the doorway. Muncie stepped forward, making it clear he intended to come inside. "We need to see Miss Thomas," he repeated. Victor stepped aside at last, admitting the pair. Caroline emerged from the kitchen, coffee mug in hand. "Who was it," she began, then stopped at the sight of the two detectives standing in her living room. Muncie stood by the sofa, Reed walked to the fireplace, as though admiring something on the mantle. That wasn't the intent, however. When they questioned witnesses or suspects, they liked to be on opposite sides of the room, so they could shoot questions from both angles. Caroline and Victor stood side by side in front of the sofa. Finally, Caroline sat down. She did not offer

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either detective a seat. "We're still investigating the Craig Lynch murder," Muncie began. "We'd like to know what business you had with Mr. Lynch." Reed finished. Caroline looked from one to the other, then said, "I don't know what you mean." "We have Mr. Lynch's cell phone records, Miss Thomas. You placed three calls to him the day he died." Muncie told her, whipping out a piece of paper from his breast pocket. He unfolded it and handed it to her. "As you can see, I highlighted your phone number. Looks like you called him the day before he died, too. He returned that call. Why don't you tell us what that was all about." Caroline's head was buzzing and she felt dizzy. Victor was staring down at her, obviously just as anxious to hear her explanation as the police were, by the look on his face. "I was working with him on a feature article about the gallery. We were just beginning to make plans about it, so there was nothing concrete, just him saying it would be a good thing and me saying okay, we'll talk about it," she replied, her voice a little unsteady. Muncie had been a cop for a long time, and he knew a lie when he heard one. But, it was Reed who pressed on. "You know anything about this, Mr. Kane? It's your gallery, isn't it?" he asked Victor. Victor glanced at Caroline, who refused to look up at him. "I rarely get into the publicity end of things. That's Caroline's job. So, if she says that's what it was about, then that's what it was about." Reed moved away from the mantle and joined his partner. As Victor followed the pair to the front door, Muncie said, "We might need more clarification on this. You'll be around, right?" The question was directed at Caroline, but it was Victor who answered with, "We will both be around."

***

Victor closed the door then spun around, marching back into the living room. "What the hell was that all about?" he demanded. Caroline was halfway to the kitchen. "You heard what I told those keystone cops," she replied. "You think you fooled them with that fairy tale? I saw the look on their faces. They weren't buying it and neither am I. Now, why were you calling that sleazy little creep, Lynch?" Victor stormed, approaching her. All at once Caroline was tired of it. She felt like hell and was completely on edge because of recent events. Looking up at Victor, she snapped, "I'm tired of having to explain everything I do! I called him. Period. Maybe we had lunch; maybe we had phone sex; maybe we were planning a rendezvous! Lord

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knows you have your little secrets, Victor. So the least you can do is allow me to have mine!" With that, she tried to push past him to go upstairs, but he stopped her. "We need to settle this," he told her, grabbing her arms. His eyes had darkened and seemed to narrow. "It is settled. I'm not discussing it further," she said. His grip tightened, and beads of perspiration dotted his forehead. Then, as quickly as it had come, the stormy look was gone and he released her. When she saw he was going toward the front door, she cried, "No! Don't leave!" "We need to get to work. We can discuss this later," he replied, walking away. She followed, stepping in front of him at the foot of the stairs. By now, the sash of her robe had come undone and the garment fell open, revealing her voluptuous body. She made no attempt to close it. In spite of his earlier anger, Victor felt his cock stir to life at the sight of her standing there. He reached out and grabbed one of her breasts, tweaking at the nipple roughly. Caroline moaned as needles of desire flung themselves down to her vagina. She loved the feel of his hands on her, of his fingers probing her cunt. She reached out and massaged the bulge in his pants, feeling his erection grow with each stroke. He grabbed her then, pulling her to him, running both hands down to her ass, cupping her buttocks and squeezing. As he pulled the robe down over her shoulders, she pressed against him and undulated her hips against his hardening cock. She could feel his heat, smell his desire. Running his finger down to her butt crack, he let it linger there, probing just a little, then moved it down to her pussy. His dick was on fire for her, his blood churning through his veins in a torrent of urgency. Caroline wanted to get at his shirt buttons and undo his pants. When she finally did, she ripped at them, hands shaking, breath coming in ragged gasps. As his pants dropped to the floor, she tugged hard on his shorts, finally freeing his cock and taking it in her hand. "Turn around," Victor ordered hoarsely. She obeyed He bent her forward over one of the stair steps and pulled her ass up in the air. Then, he entered her, ramming himself up the smooth, silky walls of her vagina with force. She cried out, then moaned as he continued to push. She pressed back against him, wanting all of him, wanting to devour him, become one with him. Victor moved a hand to her breast, squeezing the nipple hard, pulling at it until it throbbed under his touch. "Oh, ouch, not so rough," she cried, feeling her breath catch in her throat. Her body tingled, her ears rang and still he pushed harder, pulled harder.

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Victor felt his groin clench as though it were being squeezed by a giant fist. Then, he came with a force that caused him to cry out. Caroline's clit pulsed violently as her orgasm peaked, and she grabbed the stair railing for support so that she could push herself back against Victor's cock as far as possible. When it was over, she felt her knees give way, and he eased her down on the stairs. "My God, what do you do to me?" she muttered. Feeling dizzy and a little sick to her stomach, she sat on the stairs, waiting for the room to stop spinning. Victor stood up. "I turn you on, that's what I do to you," he told her simply, adding, "And, you sure as hell do the same for me." Debating as to whether she should tell him that she wasn't well, she finally decided not to.

***

While Caroline showered, Victor took the opportunity to do a little searching. Her home office was set up in the spare bedroom. He wasn't sure exactly what he was looking for, but he knew she'd been lying about the purpose of that little trip she took last Saturday. Maybe he could find out why. It didn't take him long to get his answer. In her organizer, which was laying on her desk, he found some papers, hastily scribbled notes that brought a scowl to his face. Caroline stepped out of the shower and wrapped herself in one of the big, fluffy bath towels she kept on a nearby shelf. As she entered the bedroom, she saw Victor standing near the bed. "I thought you'd already left for the gallery," she said. "I want you to explain these," he said, thrusting the papers at her. She glanced at the notes she'd taken during her visit to Canton, then handed them back to him. "You went through my organizer?" "Beside the point," he snapped. "I want to know why you're checking up on Talia." "And I want to know what your connection is to her. You're hiding something and so is she! Did you read these? She ran out of the woods stark naked, for Chrissakes!" Caroline cried. Instead of responding, Victor turned and left the room. "This conversation is useless. I'm going to the gallery," he called over his shoulder. "You still haven't answered my question!" Caroline yelled back.

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Chapter Twenty-Two

Lucas arrived at the shop to find Muncie and Reed waiting for him on the sidewalk. "Don't you live above this place?" Muncie said by way of greeting. He looked Lucas up and down, taking in the rumpled clothing. "That's right. What do you want?" Lucas asked. He didn't unlock the door, but stood on the sidewalk with them. "We need you to come to the station to answer a few more questions," Reed said. "Can't you ask them here?" Lucas wanted to know. Muncie emitted a dry chuckle. "Well, now, we could but we're not going to. Come on." Reed took Lucas' arm and steered him down the street toward the police station a block away. Muncie followed silently behind. Good God, do they think I'm going to make a break for it,Lucas thought as they marched him up the steps and into the building.

***

As Victor approached the gallery he glanced down the street and saw two police cars parked in front of the antique shop. Curious, he walked over just as Detective Reed stepped out of the building. "Mr. Kane," the detective said with a nod of the head. "What's going on?" Victor asked, glancing over the tall man's shoulder and through the open door. "Just doing a search. All legal, I assure you. We have a warrant," Reed told him.

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"Where's Knight?" Victor asked. "Well, Mr. Knight is down at the station with my partner, answering a few questions," Reed replied. Victor turned and walked away. When he got back to the gallery, instead of going inside, he went to his car, got in and quickly drove away.

***

It was two hours later when Lucas walked out of the police station. Disgusted with the entire affair, he wanted nothing more than to take a shower, change clothes and get back to Talia. When he got to the shop, he found a note in the crack of the door. It was from Mrs. Rutledge, expressing her displeasure at the store not being open on time and inquiring how he expected to make a living if he wasn't open for business at the appointed hour. Lucas wadded the note up and threw it aside.Now I suppose I'll get taken in for littering, he thought as he unlocked the door and stepped inside, welcoming the quiet and solitude. Going to the phone, he picked up the receiver and dialed Talia's number. She answered on the first ring. "Lucas?" she said, her voice reedy, filled with concern. He could hear the stress and felt the overwhelming need to have her in his arms. After telling her where he'd been, he said, "I'll get a shower, change and be right there." "Come right now. You can shower here," she begged. He smiled wearily. "I need a change of clothes. I won't be long, I promise." "Lucas?" she began hesitantly, "What did they ask you? What did they want?" "I had nothing to tell them, Talia. I'll be there shortly." After he hung up, he stood for several minutes, staring at the wall, thinking about the bizarre series of events that had brought him to Arcadia and wishing he could foresee an end to this nightmare.

***

Muncie and Reed were discussing Lucas Knight and their case. They knew they didn't have any real suspects and they certainly didn't have enough to arrest Knight.

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"My money's still on him," Muncie said, as he bit into one of the low fat muffins his wife had sent to work with him. He made a face and put it aside. "No flavor," he muttered. "Well, we need proof. Just because he's the new guy in town, doesn't mean he's guilty of murder," Reed reminded his partner. Muncie snorted, then said, "Funny we never had anything like this before he arrived. And, how come we can't find much out about this guy. It's like he sprung up out of nowhere." "A sketchy background doesn't make him a murderer," Reed replied reasonably. "You can be a pain in the ass, you know that?" Muncie grumbled, getting up from behind his desk. "Yeah, so they tell me. What did animal control have to say?" Reed asked. "No reports of any wild animals that could do that to a person. It was definitely canine, though, the ME confirmed that. Maybe a fox or wolf. Search of the woods turned up nothing, naturally." "Well, how about lunch?" Reed suggested, as his stomach growled loudly. "Yeah, why not," Muncie consented. "Then, after we eat, maybe we can pay that artist a little visit. She and Knight are thick as thieves these days. Maybe she can tell us a little more about him." Reed nodded in agreement. "Good idea. You know, I can't shake the feeling that Lynch being in those woods that night had something to do with her." "Hmm, think they were seeing each other? Maybe had a little thing going?" Muncie asked. "I'm not sure what I think," Reed admitted, then added, "but I think it's worth looking into, don't you?" Muncie's answer was a quick nod of the head.

***

While she waited for Lucas to arrive, Talia stepped outside, listening to the sounds all around her. The garden was the only place where she could feel at peace. Suddenly, things seemed to change, and a feeling of deja vu swept over her. She felt a roaring in her ears. Then the screeching of tires shot through the air and she screamed, jumping back onto the porch steps. Eyes scrunched shut, she waited for the moment of impact, but just as quickly as it had come the feeling was gone and she opened her eyes to find herself alone in the garden. What was that? What just happened? I know I heard a car. No bigger than a car, louder. A truck? But, there are no trucks here in my garden. What's happening to me? She tried to clear her vision, but it seemed distorted. Then, she felt she might faint and grabbed the side of the house for support.

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"I thought you might be back here," Lucas said as he rounded the corner. He took one look at her and rushed to her side. "What the hell!" he exclaimed as she collapsed in his arms. Later, Talia awoke in her own bed with Lucas beside her, cradling her head in the crook of his arm. He stroked her hair, then kissed the top of her head. "I don't know what happened out there. I just got dizzy," she explained. Lucas had no words of comfort for her. So, he just held her and began rubbing her back. She snuggled in closer and sighed, feeling safe in the knowledge that no harm could come to her now.

***

Victor entered his small apartment and threw his keys on the library table just inside the door. Tonight, he'd decided not to go to Caroline's. She hadn't been happy with the decision, but then he wasn't particularly happy about her lies, either. Why had she been in such close contact with Craig Lynch? He went to the liquor cabinet and got out the bottle of Scotch. Just as he was about to pour some in a glass, the phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID box he saw Caroline's phone number. Let voice mail get it,he thought as he loosened his tie and walked toward the bathroom and a hot, soothing shower.

Chapter Twenty-Three

The next morning, Caroline hurried to the gallery, hoping to find Victor there so that they could talk. When she found it still locked and his car nowhere around, she used her cell phone to call his apartment.

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No answer. He's at Talia's. No doubt in my mind. Damn him! She unlocked the gallery door and went inside. First she checked the appointment calendar and confirmed that there was nothing pressing this morning. Then she checked the phone for messages. She was tired of playing games. She had to know the truth. Making a decision, she grabbed her purse and keys and left the gallery. Instead of driving, she decided to walk. It was a pleasant day and she liked the advantage of being able to approach Talia's cottage silently. As she neared the lane she scanned the woods, feeling a little nervous. Then, a movement caught her eye and she jumped, startled. Victor stepped out from between two trees. Caroline stopped and put her hand over her heart. "Damn! You scared the life out of me. What the hell are you doing skulking around in the woods?" He stood there, not moving, watching her. Finally, he came to her, a slight smile creasing his lips. "I could ask you what you're doing out here, too, you know." The lie came so easily. "I came to see Talia. She was supposed to bring two paintings to the gallery yesterday, and she didn't show up," she said, without returning his smile. "Wouldn't a phone call have been quicker?" he asked, reaching out and touching her shoulder. Then, he ran a finger down her arm, finally grasping her hand in his. "I thought you might be out here, at her place, I mean," she admitted. "Actually that's where I was going, but now that you're here, I have a better idea," he said pulling her with him toward the woods. In spite of her misgivings, she felt a certain excitement as he led her through the underbrush to a spot where the sun was almost blocked out by a tall canopy of intertwined Sycamore and Oak branches. It was a cool, quiet place and the smell of wet earth and damp foliage was like a heady perfume. Caroline inhaled deeply. "Where are we going?" she asked. "You'll see," he told her as they came to a rocky outcropping. Going around it, Victor stopped and pointed. Caroline couldn't believe her eyes. It was a waterfall, surrounded by flowering shrubs and large fern-like plants. The small, beautiful area had the look of a tropical paradise. Water rushed down the face of the sheer cliff and pooled at the bottom in a pond so clear you could see the bottom. "It's only a little more than waist deep. Want to take a dip?" he offered, leading her to the edge. She bent down and felt the water. It was cool but not cold. "I never realized this was here. How did I miss it? I've lived here for years," she said in amazement.

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"How often do you come this deeply into the woods?" he asked, then smiled at her. "Not often enough, evidently," she replied, this time returning the smile. "You didn't answer my question. Are you up for a swim?" He began to strip off his clothing as he talked. "You're serious?" she said, still in awe of the beautiful surroundings. "Very serious," he replied. He reached out and tugged at her blouse. He finished undressing himself and waded into the water, then turned and held out his hand. "Join me," he called. Caroline laughed, then looked over her shoulder, as though she expected to see someone spying on them from behind the nearest tree trunk. "No one here but us natives," Victor said, crooking his index finger and motioning her into the water. Slowly, Caroline unbuttoned the blouse exposing a lacy black bra that barely contained her large, voluptuous breasts. Her nipples were already erect, poking at the material as though trying to get free of its constraints. She accommodated them by reaching behind her back and unsnapping the hook, letting the undergarment fall to the forest floor. Next, she unzipped the skirt and let it drop, then pulled down her black lace panties and quickly stepped out of them. She took a couple of tentative steps into the water. "It's not bad," she admitted. "I told you so. Come on, take the plunge, don't be such a sissy," Victor jibed. "Who are you calling a sissy?" she responded, throwing him a look of mock reproach. Even the cool water had not kept Victor from having a hard-on. "I've got something for you —make it worth your while," he said. As though proving his point, he reached down and pumped at his erection a couple of times, enjoying the sensation that shot through his groin. "Better hurry, or I'll start without you," he called, then gave his penis another massage so that she could make no mistake about what he was doing. "You're shameless!" she squealed, wading out toward him. She felt all of the earlier anger and apprehension fade away. He stood up and she saw how rigid his cock was. In response her vagina clenched. Victor wanted to go to her and sweep her up into his arms. He wanted to ravage her body; ram his dick into her pussy over and over. But, he didn't. Instead, he stood there waiting. When she stopped every few steps to adjust to the water temperature, he reached down to stroke his penis, teasing her, taunting her. "See what you're missing?" he cajoled. "Better hurry, I've got better things to do with my hands." Caroline stopped just inches away from him. The sound of the waterfall was soothing, almost therapeutic. She felt herself relax as he reached out and cupped her tits in his hands, flicking at the nipples with his thumbs. "So beautiful," he said softly, leaning down and kissing each breast, then licking at her nipples until they

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hardened even more against the rough surface of his tongue. She loved the feel of his mouth on her skin, especially her breasts, which lately had been even more sensitive to his touch. "Don't stop, it feels so good, Victor. Please don't stop," she crooned. One of his arms slid around her waist then down to her buttocks, while the other found its way to her cunt. He rubbed her there, letting his fingers glide around the soft lips, separating them, exploring the area slowly. She reached for him, running a finger up and down his cock, feeling the power there, longing to have him inside of her. Suddenly, Victor pulled her down into the water and she squealed with delight as it washed over her body. "Come and take a shower with me, the way it was intended to be," he coaxed, pulling her toward the rocky wall and the rushing waterfall that cascaded down its glass-like surface. She didn't resist, but instead let him guide her underneath the spray. "It's glorious!" she cried, raising her arm. "Back up," he said, pushing her gently against the rocks. Immersing himself under the water, Victor reached for Caroline's legs and spread them apart. Giggling a little, she squealed again as she felt something brush against her inner thigh. Feeling below the surface she discovered it was Victor's head. His tongue flicked against her skin again, and she laughed out loud. He came up for air and grinned at her, then went down again. This time his tongue found her cunt and she felt him probing at it. The sensation was so heavenly she never wanted it to stop. The second time he came up for air, he embraced her, kissing her neck, her breasts, letting his tongue lap at the water as it washed over her. Playfully, he nibbled at the tender skin just above her navel, then fell sideways into the water, taking her down with him. She gasped, hanging onto him as they tumbled underneath the spray. They frolicked like children, rolling around in the water, laughing, hugging. The waterfall plummeted beside them, sending a fine mist over their bodies. Her skin glistened with beads of moisture and he licked at the drops. Then, he ran his hands down to her ass, cupping her buttocks, pulling her against his erection. She pushed against him as he separated her thighs with his leg. The combination of the cool water and Victor's hot body created a sensation that sent shock waves up the walls of her vagina clear into her womb. She could feel her clit swelling, feel the urgent need building. Victor longed to ram his dick into her, to rake it up and down those sweet, smooth walls. He would never be able to be without her, never be able to not drink in her juices, suckle those hard, full nipples,

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lick that hot, flowing cunt. She made him crazy with desire. Caroline's clit spasmed and she moaned. Reaching down she grabbed Victor's cock, squeezing it hard, then ran her hand down to his balls. They were hard sacks in her grasp and he responded by dropping his knee and spreading his legs apart. Now, he leaned back against the rocks and raised his arms above his head, submitting to her completely. She kissed his chest, licking at the thicket of hair, pulling at his nipples with her teeth, then moved down to his abdomen and back up to his neck again. She had his dick in both hands now, rubbing it between them, flicking her fingers up and down the shaft. Abruptly Victor lifted her up, pulled her close to him and brought her down on his cock with a force that caused her entire body to shudder. "I can't hold out! I can't —" she screamed as her muscles contracted. "Then just let go," he said. Caroline wanted the feeling to go on forever. Her engorged clit quivered as the orgasm rocked her, leaving her exhausted and drained in its wake. Victor held on to her, leaning back against the rocks for support as he buried his face in her shoulder. He pushed himself deeply up inside of her, feeling the need to get his cock up as far as it would go, yet fearing that it would never be quite far enough. At last, he carried her from the pond so that they could lie together in the grass at the water's edge.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Lucas walked to Talia's cottage, using the time to try and clear his mind and formulate a plan of action. This had gone on long enough. The afternoon was clear and the air smelled clean. He really did like the town; it was quaint and had a hometown feel about it.Not that I ever really had a hometown, he thought as he approached the lane leading to the cottage

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He scanned the edge of the woods, alert for any movement. What exactly had Craig Lynch been doing out here the night he was killed? An after-dark appointment with a source, perhaps? He'd suggested that to the police and the plain-faced, square shouldered one, Muncie, had bluntly told him to leave the detecting to the experts. Lucas had bitten his tongue to keep from reminding the idiot that they weren't doing a very good job of it so far. Talia flung open the cottage door and ran down the walk the minute she saw Lucas coming up the lane. She threw herself into his arms. "Don't ever leave me again, promise!" He held her tightly, stroking her hair. "Hey, easy now," he whispered against the side of her head. She smelled like wildflowers. Pushing her away, he looked at her, then wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb. "I was so worried. All I could think of is you being arrested. What would I do then, I couldn't face that, Lucas, I just couldn't," she cried, a sob catching in her throat. "No one's going to arrest me," he told her with much more certainty than he felt. "But, the police —" she began. "Are nowhere near the point where they can arrest me," he finished. "Come on, let's go inside." Say you didn't do it, Lucas. Deny it,she thought as she let him lead her into the house. The living room was cool and Lucas began to relax the minute he stepped over the threshold. Talia turned to him and put her arms on his shoulders, inviting a kiss. He obliged, and his tongue briefly explored her mouth, tasting her sweetness. She wanted to stay in his arms forever and she pressed her body close. When he broke the embrace, she resisted a little, but finally stepped back. "Are you hungry?" she asked. He was hungry, but not for food. "Did I tell you how lovely you look today?" he asked, smiling for the first time since his arrival. She wore a pair of khaki shorts and a light, scoop-necked shirt. Lucas pulled her close again and moved his hand up and down her back, then down to her ass. The feel of the tight muscles there aroused him and he felt his cock begin to stir. "Getting fresh with me?" Talia asked. "It's the effect you have on me," Lucas replied, bringing one hand up under her T-shirt to her breast. She wore no bra, and he could feel the nipple hardening as he rolled it between his forefinger and thumb. "Let me do all the work. Don't help," he said. He kissed her neck, then moved his mouth to her ear, flicking at it with his tongue.

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Slowly, he lifted the shirt over her head and dropped it to the floor. Then, he ran one hand down her leg, lightly caressing her inner thigh. His fingertips flicked across her cunt and lingered there briefly before moving on. Talia stood very still, enjoying the sensual feel of his hands on her body, as he removed her shorts and panties. When she was completely naked, he led her to the bedroom and motioned for her to lie down. Standing at the foot of the bed, he pulled her toward him so that her legs dangled over the edge. Getting down on his knees, he looped his arms under her thighs and lifted her buttocks up. He kissed the backs of her legs, licking the skin there, savoring the taste of her. Then, he ran his tongue up until it found the opening to her vagina. She was wet, and he spread open the lips with his tongue, licking around the outside, lapping up the moisture that now flowed there. Talia grabbed the bedspread, her fists holding the material tightly as Lucas moved his tongue up into her cunt, sending electric charges throughout her body. She felt ready to explode, wanted to cry out, but no sound would come. And still the pressure built up, the need for release grew stronger as he nibbled at her clit with his lips, coaxing it to grow. Lucas' groin ached for relief. He could feel the climax quickly building. Withdrawing his tongue he got up and joined her on the bed, pulling her into his arms. When he entered her, she pushed against his cock as her muscles began to palpitate and her clit tightened. She couldn't think, only feel as the heat consumed her.

***

Long after Talia was asleep, Lucas lay staring at the ceiling, wondering how this was all going to end.

Chapter Twenty-Five

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The knock on the cottage door startled Talia and she spun around, half expecting to see someone breaking in. She'd just brought glasses of iced tea into the living room and as soon as Lucas was finished showering, they would have an early dinner. She walked to the front window and pulled the curtain aside just enough to see who was standing on the front stoop. Oh, great, just what we need,she thought as she heard another knock. Resigned, she opened the door and came face-to-face with Detectives Muncie and Reed. "Got a minute, Miss Coe?" Reed asked politely. "We have some questions," Muncie said. He evaluated the short, emerald-green robe she wore. It was obvious she had nothing on underneath. It was also obvious that she was not the least bit embarrassed to answer the door this way.No wonder Knight is over here fucking her brains out every chance he gets . Frick and Frack,Talia thought. Reed looked flushed as he took off his glasses and stuffed them into his shirt pocket. Muncie was sweating like a pig. She was secretly delighted. Aloud, she said, "I have company. Please come back later." As she began to shut the door, Muncie pulled open the screen door and put out his hand, resting his palm against the heavy oak. "We'd like to talk now," Reed told her. "It's important." Giving up, she stepped back and let them come in. Lucas would be furious, she was sure. As the pair stepped into the living room, Lucas came down the hallway, a bathtowel wrapped snugly around his waist. "Did you say something?" he asked. At the sight of the two visitors, he stopped. "I'm sorry, Lucas, they insisted," she told him. Muncie eyed Lucas' attire, then said, "Well, we just always seem to be running into you out here, don't we, Mr. Knight?" "Is this where I'm supposed to look all self-conscious and run to get some clothes on?" Lucas said. Instead, he casually walked to the coffee table, picked up one of the glasses of iced tea and took a long sip. "Thanks, sweetie, that hits the spot," he commented, smiling at Talia. Then he picked up the other glass and gave it to her. "We need to talk to Miss Coe, alone." Reed snapped, licking his dry lips. "Anything you have to ask me, you can ask in front of Lucas," Talia told him. Muncie walked to the window, glanced out, then turned around. "You have a pretty good view of the woods from here, don't you?" He stared hard at Talia.

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Unsure of where this was leading, she threw a nervous look toward Lucas, then back at the stout detective. "I suppose." "Your bedroom's got a view of the woods, too doesn't it, from those nice wide French doors?" he added thoughtfully, almost as though he were talking to himself. Then he asked, "One or two bedrooms?" "One," Lucas responded quickly. Reed emitted a short laugh. "Yes, I suppose you'd know that, wouldn't you?" Muncie forged ahead. "So, at the time Lynch was killed, which the ME puts between eleven o'clock and midnight, where were you, Miss Coe?" "Here. I was here." "You here, also, Knight?" "No." "Really. So, you were here alone. Doing what?" "I took a hot bath. Then, I went to bed." Talia replied. She put her tea on the mantle. "A bath. Alone?" Reed interjected. He threw another glance at Lucas, eyeing the towel again. "Yes, alone," she repeated firmly. "Craig Lynch wasn't here with you?" Muncie finally asked. "You weren't having some good, clean fun together in that hot bath?" Talia's face reddened and Lucas slammed his glass down on the coffee table. "Just what the hell are you saying!" he shouted, his face blanching in anger. "No! It's not true!" Talia cried. "Get out!" Lucas raged, moving toward the detectives. "Not quite yet," Reed replied quietly. Muncie changed his position and Reed moved over to the other side of the room. Now Talia and Lucas were between the two. "We've been talking to a lot of people around town. Craig Lynch had a thing for you, Miss Coe. He was always after you to go out with him, and more. Maybe you didn't exactly tell him to get lost. In fact, some people say you sort of liked the attention," Muncie baited. Talia's cheeks reddened. Then, memories of that night returned, and she recalled the feeling of being watched she'd experienced while she was soaking in the tub.My God, was he here? Was he spying on me? And did he later cut through the woods?

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She noticed that Lucas was now standing in front of her, shielding her from the other two men. When had he moved? She didn't remember. All of a sudden she felt her legs go weak and she grabbed the back of the sofa for support. Reed stepped forward to help her, but Lucas misinterpreted the move and lurched at the detective, nearly knocking him off of his feet. Muncie rushed forward in an attempt to tackle Lucas, but Talia screamed a warning. Muncie caught Lucas' backhand squarely in the jaw and went down like dead weight, hitting the edge of the coffee table. As the detective crumpled to the floor, blood oozed from the side of his head. Reed reached for his gun, hands shaking, but before he could get it free of it's holster, Lucas rammed him with his shoulder and he emitted a whooshing noise as the breath left his lungs. On the floor now, gasping loudly, Reed fumbled inside his jacket again only to have Lucas hit him on the right cheek with his fist. "Stop, Lucas, stop!" Talia yelled, as he prepared to hit the downed detective once more, his rage and fury out of control. "Son of a bitch," Reed muttered reaching up and tugging the towel from around Lucas' waist. It dropped to the floor and Lucas stood up turning to Talia. Talia saw the change, but her mind couldn't quite take it in. His face seemed distorted, his eyes almost golden, the pupils larger, darker, like deep bottomless black holes. His goatee was fuller, his nose longer, and along the side of his face tufts of coarse looking hair had appeared. His shoulders seemed hunched now, and she could see thick patches forming on his back. "Lucas, what's happening? Please tell me what's happening!" she cried, backing up as he ran past her and down the hallway. Reed was struggling to his feet. Muncie was making moaning noises. Panic stricken now, Talia ran after Lucas, following him into the bedroom just in time to see the French doors closing behind him. She rushed to them and flung them open, searching the yard, her eyes scanning the landscape. Then, she stepped back and gasped as she saw what was running between the trees. Its body was long and sleek, its fur coal black, its tail full and bushy. A wolf... It was a wolf.

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Chapter Twenty-Six

Victor and Caroline were half asleep when all of a sudden Victor sat up. His heart was racing, his breath coming in quick, short gasps.Danger! Something is here! He's here —nearby! Caroline muttered and stirred next to him. Sliding away from her, he stood up, sniffing the air, scanning the trees. Instinct took over as Victor scurried to the other side of the pond. The rushing water should have made it hard to hear, but his ears could easily pick up the sound of breaking twigs not far away. Something, or someonewas running through the woods toward them. Caroline opened her eyes and sat up. "What are you doing, Victor?" she asked, at the sight of him hunkered down behind a tree, nose twitching, head bobbing from side to side. He ignored her, didn't even hear her. Everything was tuned out but the sound of those footfalls and now, the scent of the other one bearing down on them.

***

Talia could hear Reed shouting at his partner in the living room. And, she could hear him calling for help, something about backup. In spite of the events of the past few minutes, she felt an excitement she could not explain. Her senses were sharp, her body charged with an energy that made her limbs tingle and her heart race. "Miss Coe!" came Reed's voice from somewhere nearby. "Miss Coe, are you all right? Damn it! Son of a bitch!" She heard a loud crashing noise, something being turned over or tumbling from a tabletop. He was in the hallway, now. Looking over her shoulder, she made a decision. She needed to follow Lucas and she had to do it before the detective found her and stopped her. As she ran outside, and sprinted across the yard toward the woods, she could hear Reed yelling after her, but soon the words became just a series of indecipherable sounds in the distance.

***

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"Victor!" Caroline shouted, running toward him. Then she stopped. Something was happening. She closed her eyes then opened them again, as though trying to clear her vision. But, it hadn't change anything. Victor was down on all fours now, his body contorted. Thick tufts of coarse hair covered his torso. It was multi-colored, ranging from tan to dark brown. His legs were stretched out, his feet distorted, nails dark and narrow, like talons, but not quite the same. His head was elongated, his ears pointed. Caroline backed up, covering her mouth with her hands to stifle the scream that was being born in her throat. Then, as she watched, transfixed, the transformation completed itself. Quickly, suddenly, it wasn't Victor any longer, but a large, thick-furred wolf who stood there. He looked her way, his eyes meeting hers for a brief moment, then he threw his head back and howled, a long mournful sound that tore at her soul and ripped holes in her heart. She fell to her knees, as the darkness closed in around her. "No, no, no," she sobbed, welcoming the blackness.

***

Talia heard the howl as she ran through the underbrush, dodging trees along the way. Her body ached, her lungs begged for air, but still she kept running. The robe came undone and she let it fly away from her body, leaving it in her wake. Naked now, she increased her speed, her senses acutely aware of every movement, every smell. She felt her stride lengthen, marveling at how good it was beginning to feel to be free like this, to run unencumbered by clothing. Suddenly, the vision spread out before her, real, yet not real. She was running through the woods, it was night, she sprinted with lightening speed, fear driving her on. Then, the lights were there, the trees were gone, the impact was sudden, tremendous. Talia screamed as pain shot up her leg, down her side, through her head. "No!" she cried, grabbing at her temples and falling to the soft earth. She lay there for a moment as memories came cascading back in a torrent. She remembered that night, the oncoming headlights, the sound of screeching brakes, the impact, and the pain. Lucas had been there; had sent her away to what he hoped would be safety. But, his promise had been a sacred one.I will find you. And, at last, he had.

***

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Lucas watched Talia from a safe distance, afraid to approach her now. Then, from somewhere nearby, he heard stealthy footsteps and turned in that direction. When he'd run from the cottage, he knew she might see him shift, but he'd had no choice if he was going to evade capture. As a man, Lucas Knight was tall, muscular and dark-haired. As a wolf, he was large and powerful, with thick black fur, wiry and coarse. His eyes, wide set and deceivingly benign-looking, were deep amber. Now, he prepared for battle, as the other one approached.

***

Victor smelled Lucas' scent long before he saw him through the trees. Creeping quietly, he emerged from cover and faced his adversary. At the sight of Victor in wolf form, Lucas bared his teeth, but didn't move. They stood there, staring at one another for a moment, gauging the other's intent, watching for any sign of aggression or attack. Finally, in the distance, they heard Talia's voice, calling. Victor shifted first, standing up on his hind legs, his body shuddering as the transformation began. Talia came running into the small clearing, her eyes widening in shock as she watched Lucas shift from a magnificent beast into the man she had grown to love. Sensing her presence behind him, Lucas turned, his gaze locking into hers. "Let us explain, Talia," Victor begged. "Don't be afraid," Lucas echoed. She looked from one to the other, her eyes filling with tears. Then, as they watched, her hair became thicker, her shoulders hunched, her arms began to lengthen. She dropped to all fours as her nose became a snout. Her deep umber fur was thick and lustrous, her face banded by a white mask, her eyes large and almond-shaped. Victor stepped forward, but her growl stopped him. Lucas spoke softly. "I know you're confused and frightened. Shift back and we'll explain everything." She yowled sharply, then reversed the transformation. She stood up and looked at them. "Good God," Victor said, looking at a spot over Talia's shoulder.

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Caroline was standing along the tree line, staring in shock and disbelief at the scene before her.

***

As Caroline stood watching the wolf turn back into Talia Coe, she recalled the truck driver, Burt's, words all too clearly. "I thought I hit a dog." Now, she realized why he'd had that impression. And, why he'd found 'a naked broad' in the road when he got out to investigate. Slowly she walked into the clearing, her eyes on Victor. He came to her. She backed away. He reached out for her. She put up a hand to stop him. "Let me explain," he finally managed. "What are you? What are all of you?" she croaked, her voice raspy, trembling. It was Lucas who spoke, his voice deep and clear. "Our kind are as old as time. We hunted as wolves through the ages, taking human form when necessary. Often, we've been hunted to the point of extinction. But not quite." "You're werewolves? Is that it? I don't understand. Make me understand!" Caroline pleaded, her voice high and out of control. Talia's voice was cool, reasonable as she explained. "We're shape-shifters. We can change our form from human to wolf at will." Her matter-of-fact tone surprised them all. Caroline laughed out loud. "Give me a break! This isn't some science fiction movie. This is life, real life." But, even as the words came out, she knew that she could never deny what she, herself, had witnessed here in the woods today. She turned her gaze on Victor, her eyes narrowing. "You! You made love to me, we had sex, over and over and all the time you knew! You knew and you didn't tell me, didn't give me a choice. You bastard. You're a monster, a freak! You're all freaks!" Victor grabbed her, his naked body now glistening with perspiration. She shoved at him, hitting him with her fists. Finally he let her go. "You want her! You always wanted her!" she cried, pointing at Talia. "Now, I know why. She's like you - a monster! Now, you can both have her!" "I never wanted to be her lover, Caroline. I only wanted to protect her, make sure she was all right.

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And, maybe keep her safe from —" Victor began. "Safe from me?" Lucas finished, then looked at Caroline. "How much do you know about wolf packs, Caroline?" "Blessedly, nothing," she shot back. "Every pack has a leader, an alpha male. Victor was that leader until he began to fail, to show his age. Then, it was time for someone stronger to step forward and lead the pack," Lucas explained. "I was in control. I was a good leader. You took it from me!" Victor raged. "Oh, and let me guess," Caroline said, her eyes narrowing, "He also claimed your mate." "My daughter." Victor replied. "Talia is my daughter, Caroline. Not my mate." "He hates me because I took her as my own after I took the pack from him," Lucas told her. Talia listened in disbelief. Her mentor, her champion, was also her father. It all made sense now, the way he'd taken an interest in her from the day he'd 'accidentally' run into her in the hallway at the rehab center. He hadn't been there to visit another patient, he'd been there to seek her out, to see if the mysterious amnesia victim was his daughter! "Why didn't you tell me?" Talia asked, her cheeks wet with tears. Victor looked at her, "Would you have believed me?" he asked. "To shift, Talia, you must know you are a shifter. Until your memory returned, we were helpless," Lucas clarified. "Not quite so helpless. I protected her, kept her safe, just like in the old days, when I was in control. That reporter found out what all of his ass-pinching got him," Victor shot. Caroline was horrified. "You? You killed Craig?" Victor threw her a triumphant look. "You bet your ass I did. I caught that slime spying on her outside of her bathroom window that night. Little prick was masturbating against the side of the house, for God's sake! I should have ripped his dick off and stuffed it down his throat!" Suddenly Caroline recalled the night Craig Lynch was killed and the strange events that had occurred. "My God! You did go out that night. I wasn't dreaming. What did you do, drug me? Slip something into my drink?" She looked at him in horror, as she saw the truth etched in the expression on his face, reflected in his eyes. "I was in the woods, hunting. The instincts are still there, Caroline. The beast sleeps, but never completely goes away. It's always lurking just below the surface. Right, Lucas?” Victor said, turning to his long-time nemesis. Lucas knew the signs. The time for the final showdown had come. Victor looked once again at Caroline and reached out, touching her cheek. His expression was sad,

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almost melancholy. Then, he turned back to Lucas, shifting in the process. Lucas followed suit, his body quickly becoming that of the strong, alpha male who had dominated the pack. Talia, gripped by a deep-seated fear, cried out for them to stop, even though she knew it was useless. Circling one another, the two males growled low and bared their fangs. Lucas, his muscles rippling with energy, gave Victor a wide berth, backing away a little. Then, Victor lunged at Lucas, sinking his teeth into his shoulder. Lucas easily shook him off, biting at his neck, drawing blood. They rolled around on the ground, fur standing on end, horrible growls emerging from their throats. Claws dug into tender flesh, teeth sank down into muscle as the two battled it out. Sobbing loudly now, Caroline turned and ran back into the woods. Behind her, she could hear the terrible sounds of a fight to the death.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Caroline ran out of the woods straight into the arms of Detective Reed. Hysterical, she collapsed there, rambling incoherently about wolves. Reed, still reeling from his encounter with Lucas Knight, tried to understand what she was talking about. The front yard of the cottage was alive with police activity. Three cruisers and one ambulance were parked there. Muncie, his head swathed in a bandage, sat on the back bumper of the ambulance, refusing loudly to be taken to the hospital. "He killed him! Victor killed him! Oh, God!" she screamed, then passed out. Muncie came rushing over, still somewhat unsteady on his feet. "What the hell was she doing in there?" he asked, looking at her disheveled, grimy appearance.

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"Need some help, detectives," a uniformed officer asked. "She says Kane killed somebody," Reed replied, meeting his partner's gaze. "Jesus," Muncie exhaled the word under his breath. Reed stood up and signaled for a paramedic to take care of Caroline. Then he walked toward the woods. Muncie drew his gun and followed.

***

Going in a straight line from where Caroline came stumbling out of the woods, the two detectives soon came to the clearing. There, they found Talia on her knees, naked and sobbing. Nearby, lay an unconscious Lucas Knight, also naked, his body covered in dirt, pine needles and blood. "Don't these people own any clothing?" growled Muncie, going to Talia. Reed rushed to Lucas and after checking for a pulse, breathed a sigh of relief. "He's alive. Looks like he's coming around." Lucas stirred then lashed out, only to be restrained by the detective. "Whoa up, cowboy. It's just me," Reed said easily. "Talia!" Lucas called, sitting up and frantically looking around for her. Once he saw her, he scurried over and took her into his arms. "What the hell is going on here? You two into some kind of weird sex games?" Muncie asked, not too kindly. His head was still throbbing from Lucas' earlier blow. "Victor Kane killed Craig Lynch and tried to kill us," Lucas told them. Talia stirred in his arms, but he held her tightly, willing her not to speak. "Don't say? Well, are we going to find him naked, too, somewhere? C'mon, Mr. Knight. Don't insult our intelligence," Muncie replied. Reed recalled Caroline's babblings and said, "Miss Thomas said pretty much the same thing. Now, let's get you two to an ambulance. We'll sort it all out later." While Reed escorted the pair out of the woods, Muncie got on his cell phone and called in the APB on Victor Kane. Reed took a look at the bite mark on Lucas' shoulder and the scratches on his chest, then asked, "Tell me, you two see any kind of animal back there, like a dog, or maybe even a wolf?" It was Talia who answered. "No. We didn't see any animal. We saw nothing like that at all."

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***

Caroline lay on a hospital gurney waiting for the doctor to return to the cubicle. She'd hated the thought of coming here, but the paramedics and the police had insisted she be checked out and she was too weak and traumatized to put up much of a fight. "Well, Miss Thomas, other than a few scratches and bruises, you're in remarkably good shape," the kind-faced doctor told her as he swept the curtain aside and stood next to her. "You're on prenatal vitamins, I assume. Who is your obstetrician, by the way? You didn't give the name when you came in." Caroline's mouth flew open in surprise. "What? I don't understand," she stammered. The doctor's eyebrow shot up. "You didn't know? I guess not by the look on your face." He beamed at her. "Congratulations. And, if you don't have an o.b. I can give you a referral." Caroline stopped listening to him. She could see his lips moving, but couldn't quite make out what he was saying.Pregnant? Under any other circumstances this would be wonderful news. It would be cause for celebration, news to be shared joyfully with Victor. Victor. Where was he? Would she ever see him again? Did she want to? He'd killed Craig Lynch by clubbing him with a rock. Then he'd torn him to shreds. She hadn't told the police what happened in the woods. Would they have believed her if she had? Doubtful. Men and women turning into wolves? Shape-shifters. That's what they'd said —shape-shifters. Ancient, older than time. How could it be true? Yet, she'd witnessed it with her own eyes. She'd seen Victor turn into a beast; had watched him become a vicious animal. And now, she would bear his child.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

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Caroline and Victor were at the office. He'd just come back from an acquisition trip and his spirits were high. She'd worn the short black leather skirt and white V-neck sweater. Forget the bra, she wanted him to see her nipples through the material, jutting out at him, inviting his tongue to work its magic. She locked the office door and walked toward his desk. He was going over statements; his brow slightly wrinkled as it usually was when he was concentrating. "All work and no play..." she teased, stopping in front of him. He looked at her and smiled, then got up and came to her, taking her into his arms. Hungry for his touch, she pressed her body against his, feeling the hardness of his erection against her. He kissed her neck, then moved down to the hollow spot just below her throat. He licked her, his tongue rough against the tender skin. His hands found her nipples, coaxing them out, pulling at them until she moaned with pleasure. She unzipped his pants and grasped his cock, loving the feel of it in her hands. He was hot to the touch and she longed to have him inside of her, rubbing against her clit, making her come over and over again. They lay down on the floor, embracing, fondling one another. He removed her top, then pressed his face to her breasts. He suckled her and she felt her cunt throb as he pulled at her nipples with his lips. She rubbed his back, running her hand down to his buttocks. His dick pressed into her side, hard, demanding. Then, she sensed the changes, even before she felt them. His scent became strong, rank, and the hair on his back became coarse and thick. His body stretched out, becoming long, sinewy. She opened her eyes and screamed at the sight of the monster who now held her. The scream in her dream became a real one as Caroline awoke in the throes of a violent spasm. She had come and the lingering effects of the orgasm clouded her mind and confused her senses. She sat up in bed and gasped for breath, her heart thumping like a jackhammer in her chest. She was sweat-soaked, her eyes wide with panic, as she frantically searched the room for signs of the wolf who had violated her. "Oh, God, when will the nightmares end," she said aloud. But, the night had no answers for her, only the surrounding darkness that seemed to go on forever.

***

Lucas brought two glasses of white wine into the bedroom, handing one to Talia and sipping at the other himself. She was lying on the bed, her head propped up by two large pillows. She'd spent the afternoon in her studio, painting and sketching. Lucas had opened the shop again that morning for the first time in

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two weeks. Since the incident in the woods and the return of Talia's memory, they had made several decisions. First, Lucas had given up his apartment above the shop and moved into the cottage. Second, they had agreed that they wanted to live the rest of their lives as humans. There would be no more shifting. The need to roam the forest as wolves was no longer necessary. The pack was gone; that part of their lives was over. The police had never found Victor. Of course, they were looking for a human suspect, not a wolf. They had no inkling of what Talia and Lucas knew to be a fact: Victor Kane was probably destined to live out the rest of his days in canine form. "He could shift and start up again somewhere else," Talia said idly, sipping at her wine. "And, perhaps he will," Lucas replied, sitting down on the bed next to her. "But, you doubt it," she said. "He was driven by his hatred of me and his love for you," he told her, "I'm not sure what he will do, to be honest. I just know that we need to get on with our lives. We can do that here in Arcadia." He put his wineglass on the night table then took hers and did the same. She reached up and pulled him down next to her, seeking out his lips with her own. The kiss was deep and passionate and she pressed her body against his hungrily. Their lovemaking had been fiery and all-consuming from the beginning, but now that Talia had her memory back, Lucas felt for the first time that he was with his mate, that he truly had her back. He moved his hands down her back to her buttocks, feeling every contour, every curve. Her breasts felt firm and taut against his chest, her nipples hard, inviting. The heat of her cunt pressing against his erection sent tendrils of longing throughout his body as she undulated her hips, seeking him out. Her fingernails scraped lightly down his spine and he shivered. Her tongue found his ear, her breath hot and moist. Breaking the embrace first, Lucas kissed her neck, then her breasts. Next, he moved to her abdomen, and the muscles rippled as he ran his tongue down to her cunt. She spread her legs wide and closed her eyes. As his lips pulled at her clit, she sighed, then thrust her hips forward, encouraging him to do more, to go deeper. When he finally sat up and mounted her, she took his cock in her hands and almost lazily ran her fingers around the head, then up and down the length, teasing him, trying to make it last. He kneaded her breasts, flicking at the nipples with his fingers, then tugging at them until they became rigid. "You are so lovely, so soft," he told her, drinking in her beauty with his eyes.

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"I knew we belonged together from that first moment at the gallery," she replied. They took their time tonight, fondling each other, kissing, hugging, and when he finally entered her, she just let the pleasure consume her.

***

"Wolves mate for life, you know," he told her later, tracing the outline of her face with his finger. "Then I guess we'd better not break tradition," she replied with a smile.

Epilogue

Caroline unlocked the gallery door and stepped into the cool, quiet interior. After Victor's disappearance and while the memories of that awful day in the woods were still fresh in her mind, she'd been unable to come in here at all. But, that had been a month ago, and with each passing day it got a little easier to put one foot in front of the other and go on with her life. Finally, today, she'd decided to open the gallery for business again. She needed to bury herself in work and she needed the money now that she was going to have another mouth to feed. Besides, this was Victor's legacy to his child. The place smelled musty and she adjusted the air conditioning. The paintings needed to be in a controlled environment and while it seemed cool in here, she felt flushed. Just another symptom of her "condition."

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She smiled to herself as she looked around the room, then her eyes rested on the paintings in the corner by the window and she made a decision. Going to the storeroom, she got a large roll of brown wrapping paper, a ball of twine and a pair of scissors. She intended to wrap up all of Talia's paintings and get them out of here. She would call the courier service and have them delivered back to the cottage. No work done by that bitch would ever be allowed inside of these walls again! Let her display her dark, ominous-looking crap in her lover's shop among the dusty junk he tried to pass off as antiques! Caroline worked furiously for the next two hours, grateful when she was finished and the call was made. She never wanted to see Talia or Lucas again, but knew that was unrealistic since they lived in the same small town. But for now, she could not face them, could not look at either of them. Maybe in time, that would change. As she took the wrapping supplies back to the storeroom, she stopped suddenly in mid-stride. Could it be? There, she felt it again —a tiny flutter, a first kick.

***

In the soft, safe world of the womb, the male fetus moved its tiny foot, stretching it out in a spasm that seemed to momentarily transform the extremity into something resembling a paw.