Uncovering Egypt

eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work. This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental. Samhain Publishing, Ltd. 577 Mulberry Street, Suite 1520 Macon GA 31201 Uncovering Egypt Copyright © 2008 by Ann Cory ISBN: 978-1-60504-254-1 Edited by Heidi Moore Cover by Natalie Winters All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. First Samhain Publishing, Ltd. electronic publication: October 2008 www.samhainpublishing.com

Uncovering Egypt Ann Cory

Dedication

To my husband, who has made love an adventure all its own.

Uncovering Egypt

Chapter One

Jasmine Devi tried to ignore the weight of Mason’s predatory stare as she worked. Being the only woman on the research expeditions no longer bothered her, but he had just about gotten on her last nerve. Determined not to let it ruin her entire day, she fixed her attention on the task at hand. With various brushes, she meticulously swept along the pyramid walls, careful to preserve the natural foundation. So far, she’d uncovered some pottery shards, flint flakes and ornate drawings. Excitement buzzed inside her very being. She was in her element. Few people had the chance to travel to Egypt and participate in an actual expedition inside the infamous great pyramid of Giza, and she wouldn’t have traded being here for the world. It was that precise reason that every few minutes she stopped and pinched herself to make certain she was awake. Sand, pyramids, ancient artifacts and treasures lurked around each corner. All that was missing was a hunky hero from The Mummy to sweep her off her feet and give her the adventure of a lifetime. Jasmine turned up the wick of her lantern and took a step back to admire the rest of the architecture. Along the high-slanted ceiling she could make out a string of words carved in hieroglyphics. She’d learned to read the unique caricatures as a child with the www.samhainpublishing.com

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help of her parents, who had been die-hard Egyptologists. Thanks to their love of history, she too had made it her life’s passion. As she continued to sweep along the wall, a distinct shiver passed through her. She could almost feel the ghosts of pharaohs wandering the pyramid, wondering why there were strangers inside their sacred temple. She longed to converse with them, and reassure them their structure would remain protected. At times, she needed to remind herself that what she did wasn’t about rooting through someone’s garbage, but helping to educate people about history. She had so immersed herself in the Egyptian culture that she often wished she could step back in time and experience it firsthand for herself. Jasmine tried to concentrate on her work when Mason’s heavy stare got the better of her. Eyebrow cocked, she faced him and asked, “Find something interesting?” Without missing a beat, he answered in a cocky tone, “As a matter of fact, yes. A priceless piece of work.” “Really?” She sighed. “Then you better inform the site director. He’ll want to make sure it’s properly logged and taken care of.” Wrinkles etched his eyes as he smiled. “I’m trying to figure out how to take care of it, but the precious beauty seems resistant to my charms.” Did he say charms? What charms? “I wish you’d put the same intense focus into what you’re doing and take your work more seriously. Otherwise you could miss something important.” His lips formed a childish pout. “And I wish you’d take my feelings toward you more seriously.” She glanced over his brooding form and then locked her gaze with his. “This isn’t the time to talk to me about romantic feelings, and it’s certainly not the place.” Why did she even have to say anything? He let out an exaggerated sigh. “I’d be happy to talk somewhere else, but you’re never not working.”

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Exactly, she thought to herself. Why didn’t he get the hint? Sure he had rugged good looks, and probably a toned body beneath his form-fitting clothes, but in the two years she’d known Mason, she’d never once had a single fantasy about him. He’d rubbed her the wrong way from the first day they worked on a field expedition together. What started as friendly conversation turned serious and soon he followed her around like a lost dog. Since then he showed up to every event and expedition she did, and it drove her crazy. Maybe there were people out there who would consider his gesture charming, but she didn’t. Her mother always said that when the right man came along, she would know. He’d be the one to take her places she’d never been, but always wanted to go. She’d observed the adoring way her parents looked at one another from across a room, expressions so full of love it left her with high expectations. Mason didn’t meet any of those. He didn’t even come close. Jasmine crossed her arms and gave him her best stoic look. “There you go. I’d say you hit the nail on the head. Why waste your time on someone married to the job? Wouldn’t you rather go out and find a woman who has all the free time in the world to devote to you?” He raised his arms and gestured toward her. “Because it’s you who fascinates me, and few women fascinate me.” She chuckled under her breath. Sure, he was fascinated now, but what about ten minutes after sex? For a brief moment, she almost considered having sex with him if it meant he’d leave her alone. But, no. The thought of him touching her made her shudder. She just didn’t think of him in that way. Or in any way. Jasmine figured there were many women out there who would enjoy his company. At least the ones who liked boorish, egotistical cads. “Look, I’m the most boring person you’ll ever meet. I’m always working, I never shut off, and a relationship is about the last thing I’m looking for.” Actually, she figured her ideal man didn’t even exist.

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From the corner of her eye, she saw Mason take a step closer. Immediately her entire body tensed. “Are you kidding me? Boring? You’re brilliant, beautiful and passionate about what you do. It’s those traits that excite me. Besides,” he gave her an impish grin, “you want me to keep chasing after you. Admit it.” Her stomach turned. Boy, when he had things wrong, he sure had them wrong. “Sorry to burst your bubble, but unlike some attention-seeking females out there, I don’t care to be chased.” She sighed. Here she stood in the great pyramid of Giza and rather than uncovering buried treasure, she was arguing with Mason. She’d rather argue with a mummy. “Look, I’m trying to spare you from wasting any more of your time. Work is my life and I’ve no intention of changing any time soon. Now please, let me get back to work. I’ve waited a long time to get here, and I want to savor every moment.” Before Mason could respond, she grabbed her lantern and hightailed it down a long, narrow corridor until she reached a short flight of limestone steps. They led to a diminutive room with not much else to it. She was fairly certain the room was off the grid of where they were assigned to look, but at least she would have some peace. The site director could yell at her later. Jasmine shone her lantern around the tiny enclosure and smiled. She could only imagine what the room had been used for back in the day. Her mind filled with decadent images of a sexy Egyptian man who would draw the sleek brushes along her curves. A man who knew the way around her body and treated it like a temple. She chalked the fantasy up to reading way too many books about harems and women kept as sex slaves. Many times, she wondered what would it be like to be locked up until a horny pharaoh wanted to be pleasured. For some strange reason she didn’t think it sounded terrible at all. Of course, it was probably her hormones talking. Her body had been charged since she entered the pyramid. Almost restless. If she didn’t have to worry about someone from the group catching her, she’d get herself off right now. Screw chocolate. Give her a chamber in a pyramid and it was all the foreplay she needed. History turned her on.

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All her years of study hadn’t prepared her for how remarkable it felt to be standing in an actual piece of the past. For sanity’s sake, she pinched herself again and delighted in the brief jolt of pain. With or without a hunky pharaoh, she planned to enjoy her time in Egypt. So long as Mason left her alone, she thought it a real possibility. As she went to set the lantern down, a crack on the far wall caught her attention. She squinted and took a tentative step forward. With the pads of her fingertips she traced the faint spider-like lines, admiring the texture, when a piece of stone fell away exposing a small hole. She raised the lantern and a hue of dazzling bright green caught her eye. A soothing calm warmed her from the inside. Curious, she went to reach for the object when a noise caught her attention from behind. She gasped and turned. Mason stood like a giant in the shadow of the lantern light, his hands planted firmly on his hips. She put a hand to her mouth. “Oh my gosh, you scared me.” “What are you doing all the way over here,” he scolded in a rough-edged voice. “I could ask the same thing,” she retorted. Thanks to him, her heart nearly beat right out of her chest. His eyes widened. “I came looking for you. Hell, you had me worried sick. I wish you wouldn’t take off into all these hideaways, especially ones off the grid. It’s unsafe.” Jasmine fumed silently. She didn’t feel the need to explain herself to the likes of him. Who did he think he was? “First off, I don’t need your permission, and second, I’m a big enough girl that I can handle myself.” He rubbed at the back of his neck. “Maybe so, but what if something happened to you? Who would know? Why didn’t you just say you were going to look around?” Her blood boiled. Why couldn’t he find some other woman to chase? If only he’d get the hint. “I don’t have to tell you where I’m going. We aren’t joined at the hip.” When he didn’t say anything back she figured his feelings had been hurt and he was expecting some sort of an apology. Even if she did apologize she wouldn’t mean it. But she didn’t want him all upset either or he’d make the whole trip a hellish experience.

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She offered a half-smile and lightened her tone. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you. Must be jet lag. Gotta love time zones. If you’d give me a little time to myself in here, I’ll meet back up with you. I promise to not be too long.” Jasmine desperately wished he’d leave her alone so she could get back to inspecting the green object. Right now, she didn’t want to share her discovery with anyone, especially him. He’d ruin it for her. His dark brows furrowed like thick caterpillars. “So, you’re saying that you don’t want my company?” Jasmine clenched her jaw. Leave it to him to take it personally. “We’ve been over this before. You know I prefer to work alone.” He sighed so loudly it reverberated all around her. “So stubborn.” She jutted out her chin. “No, I’m independent.” “It would be more fun if we worked together. We’d get more done.” She couldn’t stand it. The man was driving her insane. Being nice didn’t seem to cut it. Without a care of hurting his feelings, she let it out. “You’re starting to piss me off. I know it’s difficult for you to grasp in that thick head of yours, but this isn’t about you. It’s about me. When I work, I like to think that nothing else exists. I like to picture in my mind how the people dressed and how they spoke. What I don’t like is being distracted.” An unflattering smirk crossed his lips. The kind of smirk she wanted to slap right off and stomp flat. “Ah, so you admit I’m a distraction? I could take that as a compliment.” She frowned and tried to ignore the taste of the airline peanuts making a second trip. He was clueless. What she wouldn’t give to find a way to make him leave her alone. “Please don’t. It wasn’t meant as one.” His smirk faded and he straightened, sweeping a stray hair from his eye. “No need to be rude. I just want to protect you. Nothing more. Women—” Jasmine put her hand up to keep him from further making an ass of himself. “Well, it feels more like smothering and it puts me in a foul mood. Besides, I don’t need protection.”

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“Yes you do,” he countered. “It’s dangerous. Remember the time when you set off that booby trap in Mexico? Had I not been there, you could’ve been hurt. And who knows to what extent.” She couldn’t believe he gave himself credit for that one. Because of him, she’d suffered a fractured wrist when his big, boulder-like body fell on her. “Correction, I didn’t set off the trap, that idiot Raymond, who later admitted to being drunk on the job, did. I know how to look for booby traps, and I know what I’m doing.” He shrugged. “I can’t fault you on your love for this job. I admire it, but I worry it has become a dangerous attraction for you.” Jasmine bit her tongue to keep from laughing. “I don’t fear danger. I welcome it. Now please, I beg you, let me work in peace.” Mason gave her a look of utter rejection and then jutted out his chin. “Fine, have it your way. I’ll be by later to check on you, though. Like it or not.” She sighed. “I won’t like it, but whatever floats your boat.” “If you need me, just holler.” Jasmine waved her hand at him. “Yep, got it. Bye.” He gave her a lingering look before turning and sprinting up the steps. She waited for a few moments to make certain she wouldn’t be interrupted, and then turned her attention back to the brilliant green object. Her palms were sweaty and her fingers shook. The thought of holding something so intricate and valuable was almost too much for her to take. From her pocket, she took out a small pen flashlight and shone it inside the open space. The object sparkled like a beautiful jewel. Unable to control herself, she reached inside and felt around until she grasped it. Fist tight, she made sure the object didn’t get scratched as she pulled it out. Breath held, she uncurled her fingers. In her hands lay a beautiful bracelet made entirely of peridots. She’d read about the precious gemstones in Egyptian art books. They were also called chrysolites, and were considered the gems of the sun. Legend claimed they held the ability to clean and heal the heart.

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Jasmine turned the bracelet with a delicate hand, in awe of its divine beauty. Against the paleness of her skin, she could fully appreciate its velvety appearance. It looked like something fit for a princess, or maybe even a queen. On her menial paychecks, she’d never be able to afford anything as extravagant. With an envious sigh, she shone the flashlight back inside the wall for a final check, when the bracelet slid from her fingers and wrapped around her wrist. What the? She blinked and brought her wrist up to her face. How in the hell did it fasten by itself? This wouldn’t look good at all if she couldn’t remove it. She didn’t even know how it affixed itself on her in the first place, but who would believe that as an excuse? Sweat beaded on her brow and upper lip. In the soft light of the lantern, she tried to locate a catch of some sort. Unable to find one, Jasmine gave the bracelet a cautious tug. Any harder and she risked damaging it. A whimper escaped her lips. Gods, she was in big trouble. Footsteps shuffled behind her and she groaned inward, knowing it was Mason at the ready with one of his “I told you so” speeches. Yeah, he’d really get a kick out of this. She turned with her wrist concealed behind her back, when all the breath left her lungs.

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Uncovering Egypt

Chapter Two

Two handsome men stood silent, their mouths set in a firm line, each holding a long spear in their left hand. If this was someone’s idea of a joke, they were doing a very convincing job. Their manner of dress was dead-on, something straight out of the history picture books she’d skimmed through as a child. Simple wraparound white cloths hung from just below their waist to above their knees, showing off impressive abdominal muscle tone. Their hairless, well-proportioned chests remained bare, and they didn’t wear a stitch of other clothing aside from sandals with straps that wrapped around strong, shapely calves. Long, raven black hair hung down to just above their luscious pecs. If she didn’t suspect someone from the group had put them up to the dare, Jasmine would have thought she’d died and gone to Egyptian heaven. She let out a long, low whistle. “Wow, you guys really know how to get into the spirit of things. Who are you two supposed to be?” They looked to one another and back to her, their brows furrowed. “We serve the king.” Jasmine nodded. “Okay.” She could play along. “And where is the king?” “We have come to take you to him,” they answered in unison.

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Ah, now she got it. This had to be Mason’s doing. Much as she wanted to play along, she couldn’t. She had an ancient piece of jewelry on her wrist and didn’t want anyone else to know. Jasmine winked. “Sorry boys, I’m going to have to pass for now. Maybe later.” The two men lurched forward and gripped her arms, steering her toward the steps. Stunned, she struggled against their hold. “Hey, what’s the big idea? Seriously guys, let me go.” “Silence,” they commanded. “We have orders from the king.” The costumed men were taking the joke much too far for her comfort level. “Did you just tell me to be silent? Oh, I don’t think so. I’m not one to listen to men giving orders.” “You have no choice,” spout the shorter of the two. Jasmine never responded well to that string of words, but she was at their mercy. They practically dragged her up the steps and down the long narrow hallway. She considered screaming, but decided it wasn’t worth the embarrassment of having everyone’s attention. And she worried no one would invite her on another dig again. At the end of the hallway, they turned a corner and stopped. One of the men let go of her arm and approached the wall with a limestone archway. She tried her best to get loose from the other man’s grip when a section of the wall opened up. Much as she wanted to seem uninterested, her insatiable curiosity won over. “Wow. You guys are really going off the grid. It might not be safe to enter there.” “Silence!” “Fuck you,” she retorted. Sure, it was an immature comeback, but it made her feel better to have the last word. Against her will, she went with them inside the hidden passageway. At least now she could better see where they were going. Bright torches lined the walls as the men dragged her down a long causeway into an enormous room, where two more half-naked men in cloths stood, holding spears. The four to one ratio mildly concerned her, but she played it cool, at least they were to-die-for gorgeous. Once Mason had his fun playing king for a nanosecond, she planned to give them all a rant-filled lecture they’d never forget.

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Her anger subsided momentarily and she drew in a long breath. Rows of artifacts glistened in a brilliant golden hue, and along the far wall lay a red granite sarcophagus. As her gaze swept along the large room, she couldn’t help but notice a bizarre contraption sitting smack-dab in the middle, and wondered what the hell it was. She’d never seen anything like it before. It looked like a cage molded into the shape of a headless body, with an open space where a chest would be, and another open space between the legs. If she weren’t in a pyramid, she would have thought she was looking at some sort of medieval robot. The burly men forced her to the center of the room before releasing their vise-like hold. Jasmine gently rubbed her arms. “Would one of you mind telling me what is going on? I’ve been more than patient and I demand an explanation.” The only answer she got was one of silence. Irritated she tapped her foot. All four men had her surrounded. The one with a sexy scar along his brow raised his hand and pointed toward the weird contraption. “You will remove your clothing and step inside the body chamber.” Body chamber? She’d never read about one of those in any history book. “Like hell,” she countered and tried to move past them. They weren’t having it and gripped her arms again. “You guys have a lot of nerve.” “They are orders from the king. You must obey.” Jasmine had had enough. She glanced around and wondered if Mason was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle from wherever he hid watching. “Please inform the king that I demand to see his ass here right now.” The scarred man scowled. “King Okpara will not meet with you until you are successfully detained inside the body chamber.” Her pulse thundered at the highly formal name he spouted off. “I’m sorry, did you say King Okpara?”

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The men grunted in answer. She racked her brain, wondering where she’d read the name before. Ah, yes, the hieroglyphics. On her way into the pyramid she’d read about a king named Okpara who reigned in 2130 BC. She gave Mason credit for his creativity. “Now, remove your garments or we will remove them for you,” another guard insisted. If they wanted her to feel insecure or intimidated, she wouldn’t give them the satisfaction. In fact, she’d give them a little strip show. Under normal circumstances she wouldn’t bare herself to a bunch of strangers, but she’d learned to temper her modesty after spending so much time in the male-dominant expedition groups. Jasmine removed her button-down shirt, jeans, bra and panties, displaying her naked body proudly with her chin held high. As she looked into the faces of the breathtaking men, their gazes remained fixed straight ahead. Suddenly she felt invisible and unattractive. Not like she was expecting applause or money thrown at her, but still, deafening silence? Talk about a let down to her self-esteem. Scarface pulled open the backend of the body chamber and reluctantly she climbed in. It was awkward at first. She had to position her legs over the inner molding, which left her thighs apart and her crotch completely accessible over the open space. To make matters worse, she had to push her breasts through another open space as if they were on display. And if she couldn’t be any more uncomfortable, her arms rested along the unique molding, completely stretched up and out. Summed up, she looked like she was in the middle of doing jumping jacks and frozen in motion. When Scarface closed the back end, the chamber conformed even tighter to her body, making it nearly impossible to move. The large open squares allowed others to touch her, but not the other way around. Still, the men didn’t bother to look. She bit her lip. This had to be her most vulnerable state ever. Fueled by a low sense of self, she decided some answers were in order. “Fine, now that you have me in here, what do you plan to do?” The shorter man of the four glowered at her. “Your punishment will be decided by the king, and only the king.”

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She swallowed hard. Had she missed the memo? “Punishment? For what?” “You’ve been charged with the theft of the queen’s most precious jewel. King Okpara will see you now.” Jasmine felt the wind knocked out of her. So, they had seen her with it after all. Damn. Damn. Damn. “Look, I didn’t put it on, I swear. You won’t believe me, but it closed around my wrist all on its own, and I can’t for the life of me find the clasp to take it off.” Like some scene out of the movies, a gorgeous hunk of a man entered the room, and he was not Mason. Everything from his clothing to his proud expression screamed nobility. Had she not been bound inside the chamber, she’d have instinctively bowed before him. He approached with a slow, sexy gait. “Greetings. I am King Okpara. And you would be?” Her pulse quickened. For a king who reigned centuries ago, he looked ultra-hot. “I’m confused.” He chuckled with a deep resonance. “Confused? Hmm. Not a very fitting name for such a captivating woman.” Heat stole along her face. “Uh, no, my name is Jasmine. I meant that I’m a little confused because I expected someone else.” He looked around the room and then back to her. “Is there another King Okpara here?” Yeah, they were starting off on the wrong foot. In fact, if she could, she’d open her mouth and insert her foot. “No, I think you’re the one and only. I didn’t mean any disrespect.” If he was angry with her, he didn’t show it. “Jasmine.” The timbre of his voice as he said her name shot little rockets of excitement off in her stomach. “I would say that name fits your beauty implicitly. We have something in common already. I too, am confused. You also aren’t who I expected.” His gaze followed along her arm to where the bracelet lay wrapped around her wrist.

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She wanted to shrink to the size of a pea. Not only was she guilty of wearing a priceless jewel, she was buck-naked and couldn’t do a damn thing about covering herself up. The king rubbed at his chin and cocked his head to the side. “I wonder where you found such a rare piece of jewelry such as the one you are wearing.” Her throat tightened. “I-I didn’t steal it, I swear. I found it inside an opening in the wall. I only meant to hold it for a moment and then planned to put it back. Honest.” His presence made it hard to think straight. “Yet you still wear it.” She had to give him credit for being observant. “Well, yes, but I didn’t take it. You’re not going to believe me, but it wrapped itself around my wrist. I can’t find the clasp to remove it. Honest. If you can get it off, please take it, I don’t want any trouble.” His eyes narrowed into sexy slits. “You say it wrapped around your wrist all by itself?” Jasmine sighed. It was worse than being caught with her hand in the cookie jar. How could she make him understand something she wouldn’t even believe? “Yeah, I knew you weren’t going to buy that part, but it’s the honest truth.” He stepped closer and she sucked in her breath. There was no doubt in her mind he came from the past. Men didn’t look like him anymore. Her knees weakened at the size of his stature, so near, so impeccably handsome. Bands of gold material were bound around each of his wrists. Two more bands were wrapped around his shoulders from which a gold robe-like cape draped along his back. A gold-plated necklace covered his entire upper chest, where several peridots shimmered in the center. Marks of blue and red ink ran the length of his forearms, drawing her attention straight to his exceptionally toned biceps. Heat from his breath teased at her nipples and sent waves of desire through her. She could hardly stand how close his fingers were. He could reach right up and caress her breasts if he wanted. Oh, how she wanted him to. Under his watchful stare, she found her

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mind cluttered with fantasies. Judging by the appearance of his body, and the shape he was in, she figured another part of his anatomy would be sizeable as well. Jasmine swallowed hard again and met his gaze, enamored by the intense green of his eyes. So green they mirrored the stunning shade of the peridot itself. He cleared his throat and parted his lips, a gesture she found made for a strong reaction inside her body. Her clit ached to be stroked. If only he’d run his fingers between her legs. “Do you understand the seriousness of the situation, my dear?” She bit her lip. “Yes, I think I do.” “This particular bracelet was worn by my queen. The jewel is so powerful that it summoned me here into your world the moment you touched it. I don’t take that lightly. You will have to come back with me, I’m afraid, for I cannot allow you to keep such a sacred object.” Her jaw dropped open briefly. Had she heard him right? Go back with him? “Where exactly do you expect me to go?” “Ancient Egypt. Back to when I ruled inside this very temple. Before there were strangers digging up our personal affects.” She blinked back her stunned surprise. “I can’t up and travel to your time, are you kidding me? Please, you can take the bracelet, I had no intention of keeping it in the first place.” He shrugged his massive shoulders. “It is beyond my control.” How could he claim to not be in control? She was the only one not in control. Under any other circumstance, she’d be ecstatic at a chance to go back in time, even if it were for a brief moment. But this wasn’t a story she was reading. This was real life, and only in her fantasies did she think going back in time was possible. “Please understand, I cannot go back with you. It’s impossible.” Surprise reflected in his eyes. “Then you think I am an illusion?” She hesitated, her mind frighteningly blank. “I didn’t say that.” “How can you look at me and not believe?”

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The pain in his voice registered deep in her core. “I rarely believe anything that seems too good to be true.” He took a step closer. His warm breath fanned her skin. “You feel me. Does that not mean anything?” She couldn’t deny how charged her body felt being in the presence of such a great leader. How many times had she woken up drenched in sweat and her own juices after dreaming about a man who looked very much like King Okpara? “Of course. I’m not claiming you aren’t real.” Jasmine sighed and observed him through the veil of her lashes. He was more real than any man she’d ever met. “I don’t know what to think. I want to believe this is all possible.” “It is possible. A set of events have taken place and made a shift in both of our times. The moment the bracelet latched onto your wrist it affected my past and your future. I did not come here of my own volition. It is no mere coincidence we found one another. We cannot pretend this away.” She felt a surge of apprehension. “How can you be certain I am meant to return with you? Anyone could have found the bracelet if they looked hard enough.” “No. You were guided. I can be certain because I trust what is being shown to me. I need no other proof than the bracelet on your arm. It has chosen you. Where I am from, we pay attention to the signs around us. They help us seek the truth and happiness in our lives.” Her lip quivered. “And is that what you think when you see me?” He gave her a solemn nod. “I look in your eyes and it all becomes clear. This path was set before either one of us knew. I believe it is why you chose to study Egypt.” She took a deep breath. She wanted so much to accept his words. Why couldn’t she be as certain as he was? Even if it were all true, people would miss her. Or so she hoped. Jasmine flashed him a sincere smile. She needed to get the idea out of his head. “Seriously, I can’t do the time warp thing and go back with you. I guess you’ll have to find a way to pry the bracelet off me.”

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His long dark hair shifted as he shook his head. “I will not risk damaging the jewels.” Damn if they didn’t share the same stubborn streak. At this rate they’d be talking in circles long into the night. She decided to try another tactic. “If I decline to go with you, what will you do to me?” A mischievous smile spread across his attractive features. Jasmine wet her lips and wondered how concerned she should be. “You wouldn’t hurt a woman, would you,” she asked and swallowed hard. His eyes widened. “Certainly not. When I place my hands on a woman, it is to bring her to an unimaginable point of pleasure.” She shuddered. His comment prodded all the right places. She felt his gaze rest on her breasts. Much as she wanted to be irritated and tell him to stop staring, another part of her welcomed the attention. Gods help her, she loved it.

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Chapter Three

When Okpara had entered the chamber he’d been taken by complete surprise. His day had started like any other, until a terrible pain had swept through him. He’d heard a voice from his past, calling to him, and a strange pull started deep in his gut. In his mind he could see a figure in the pyramid and they had disturbed the queen’s hidden bracelet. The one he’d made for their wedding ceremony. He’d been summoned to the future before when a man attempted to leave the pyramid with a gold tablet, but he’d taken care of him. The only way to deal with a thief was by death. Yet, as he entered the room and found a woman wearing the bracelet, claiming she couldn’t remove it. He’d instantly known she was the chosen one. His former lover had spoken and she wanted a new queen to take her place. Okpara couldn’t help but admire the mysterious woman’s rare beauty. Paler than most women he’d seen, her skin looked almost ethereal. Long, coal black hair draped along her body exquisitely. Her well-proportioned curves made him want to cry out. Inside the body chamber she looked like an angel waiting to be rescued with a stroke of his cock. Her parted thighs with a tuft of dark hair teased him to trail his fingers to her warm spot and fondle her clit. The fullness of her breasts brought him to a fierce erection, and his mouth twitched at the thought of suckling her tawny nipples. 22

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As he stepped closer, her brown eyes and full pink lips nearly hypnotized him. Even her worry lines magnified her loveliness. He ached to have her. She cleared her throat and gave him a thin-lipped smile. “Can I ask you a question?” “Ask me anything,” he replied. Okpara wanted her to trust him and would do anything to please her. “When you said she chose me, who did you mean?” He smiled. “My former queen, Kiya. On her deathbed she said the peridot would one day guide me to the woman she believed would be the next queen of Egypt. I am certain that it is you she has chosen to take her place.” Her adorable nose scrunched up. “Aren’t there other women from your time who you could be with? I’m sure you’re very popular with the ladies.” “I have had my share of women, yes, but they are not fit to be queen. Besides, I find too many women make for too many demands.” Humor wrinkled the corner of her eyes. “In other words, you’re unable to live up to their expectations?” Okpara laughed. “I’ve found that sating ten women in the span of a few hours leaves me exhausted for days. Since I must watch over my people and always be prepared for a battle, I cannot afford my energy to be drained.” Her eyes grew into big brown orbs. “Ten women? In one night?” A smirk bowed his lips. “Does that impress you?” She nodded. “It’s hard not to be impressed after that statement.” Truth be told he didn’t enjoy being with so many women. He enjoyed the attention, but it no longer held the same attraction to him as it once did. Not since Kiya. No one would ever replace the queen, his first love, but he saw something in Jasmine that reawakened him to all the emotions of love, lust and temptation. Emotions he’d never expected to feel again. Such a beautiful distraction. He’d gladly give her anything she wanted. How could he convince her to come back with him?

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“So,” she said and brought his thoughts back to the present. “Are you going to let me out of this thing anytime soon?” Her sharp tongue intrigued him. What a handful she would be. He worried she might try to run away if he let her out. While the peridot remained on her wrist he felt bound to her. And he couldn’t ignore the instant attraction. Okpara shook his head. “At this time, I cannot. It amuses me to see you this way.” She scowled. “Ugh, men. Look, I’m sorry if it hurts your feelings to hear, but I can’t go back with you. We’re from two completely different worlds.” In all his life, he’d only known one other woman who argued with him. The rest only cared about pleasing him. A snap of the fingers and women fed him, bathed him, dressed him if he so desired. This woman proposed a challenge. She might get away with telling other men what to do, but things were about to change. First, he needed her to bend to his will and enjoy it at the same time. “That may be, but I am used to getting my own way.” Her sultry lips pursed. “Yeah, but see here’s the thing, your royal kingness. With me stuck inside this body chamber, you have an unfair advantage over me.” “And I plan to take full advantage of that. Right now.” He snapped his fingers and two of his guards moved in front of Jasmine. Momentarily, he turned from her and slipped on his own piece of jewelry, then faced her again. “Have you been satisfied into a euphoric oblivion? Have you let a man pleasure you all night and into the next morning? Have you let a man sate you between your thighs until your legs were so weak you couldn’t stand for days?” Her face blushed a provocative shade of pink. “Well…” “Have you let a man bring you to multiple orgasms with the flick of his tongue?” The thought alone made his cock twitch. “I…” Her breathy voice spoke straight to his heart. Okpara reached his hand between the square her face looked through and lovingly stroked her cheek. “I know the answer to all those questions.” A puzzled look gleamed in her eyes. “How could you? You don’t even know me.”

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They had all the time in the world for idle chatter. Right now he planned to make her putty in his hands. “I recognize the yearning in your eyes. I can smell your eagerness and see you shudder with each word I say. You hunger for those very things that I can do. It has been your dream to be with a man from the past who will treat you like you are golden. To give you the attention you deserve. You aren’t interested in a man from your time because they are too busy, too focused on their own needs. You want a man who can show you passion. I can do all those things. I can do them now.” He fixed his gaze on her. How beautiful she looked with her eyes misted and dark lashes fluttering. “Wait, you’re wrong, I don’t want any of those things. I—” His hand went up. He wasn’t about to let her finish. The time had come to prove his words. Okpara nodded toward his guards. “Men, please prepare my future queen.” Her sensuous lips parted in protest, but shut quickly as two of the men leaned forward and lolled their tongues around her taut nipples. He watched her body flush a myriad of colors. The scent of her arousal infused the air. She’d soon be ready and craving the pulse of his cock between her milky thighs. He’d make her beg. *** Jasmine gasped in sheer surprise. Heat crept up her neck and settled around her shoulders. Feeling their mouths on her nipples piqued all her senses. Her body writhed against their flickering tongues. Bound and captive, not the worst thing in the world, but she didn’t want to seem so easy. How had he known so much about her? He’d been right, she wanted the pleasure and attention. And she longed for the passion. His words were like the soft brushstrokes she’d imagined earlier in the hidden chamber. The men suckled her nipples harder, relentless in their obedience of the king. Her breath quickened as she struggled to act indifferent. “I’m not impressed, in case you’re wondering.”

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He gave her a lopsided grin. “Is that so?” Jasmine watched as he disrobed and let the cloth from around his waist fall to his feet. Her knees went liquid at the sight of him in all his naked glory. She couldn’t ignore the thickness of his thighs or his enormous erection. Adorned at the base of his cock was a beautiful peridot cockring that glittered in the soft light of the torches. He took another step forward. So damn close. She was painfully aware of how charged her body felt around him. His deep voice made her head all fuzzy. “Still not impressed?” How could she not be? Damn him for zeroing in on her weaknesses. Her lips pressed tight together and she swallowed back a sigh. She worried that by speaking she’d give away the ecstasy filling her up. “I think perhaps you are, but don’t want to say,” he chuckled and then looked at her with eyes that smoldered. “It’s all right, I like that about you.” Jasmine’s mind reeled with the men rolling their tongues along her nipples. Her body craved to know how it felt to be fucked by a man wearing a cockring. And a king no less. “You don’t have to say anything, my beauty. You know I have the power to bring you pleasure with a single gesture.” A strong wave of desire moved through her. How much more could she take? Okpara wrapped his hand around his cock and stroked its length. “I wish you could see yourself. You’re a lovely vision inside the chamber with your body stretched and open. Brazenly exposed. And I’ll bet your pussy is incredibly moist. As you can see, I want you.” She loved the way his eyes and lust-filled voice seduced her. “Beg for me. Beg for your king to slake your desires.” It frightened her to think of letting herself go. If anyone could bring her ultimate pleasure, he was the one. Inside she knew it. Jasmine made one final attempt to assert herself, knowing it wouldn’t do any good in the end. “No,” she whimpered. His eyes widened. “Very well.”

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He snapped his fingers and the guards moved away. She sighed, in both frustration and relief. “You’re a stubborn woman, but I won’t let that deter me. I want you, and you’ll beg for me soon enough.” She sucked in her breath as he lowered to his knees and positioned himself beneath her open thighs. The space gave him plenty of room to do as he pleased. With the tip of his tongue he circled her clit. “Mm, such sweet cream.” The blood drained from her face. He flicked his tongue along her swollen nub, teetering the raw organ back and forth. Her eyes welled up with tears from the searing pleasure. Like it or not, her body was fully surrendering to his stimulating touch. From deep inside, a carnal hunger feasted on the remains of her rationalization. She needed this. She deserved this. Jasmine let her head fall back as he slipped his fingers inside her damp entry. Her leg muscles tensed but she couldn’t move. She was at his mercy inside the body chamber. His men watched her squirm with absolute intensity, only furthering her arousal. The king expertly tongued her clit while his fingers pumped in a steady tempo. Her entire body trembled. The fine art of seduction was apparently not lost on him. She’d never realized it could ever be this amazing. Her body was everywhere all at once, a restless entity of endless holes, begging for each one to be filled and pleasured until she was spent. Somehow he knew the way to ignite her entire being. The familiar beginnings of a long-awaited release built up inside her. Eyes closed, she allowed herself to let go. “Ah, yes,” she whispered. Without a word, Okpara stopped and stood. Her eyes flashed open and she groaned. Twice she’d been brought close to the brink, only to be interrupted. She was dizzy with need and knew only he could relieve her. The sheen of her juices along his upper lip reflected against the light of the torches. “Is there something you wish to say, my queen? Perhaps a way I can be of some help to you?”

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She chewed at her bottom lip. Unable to deny him any longer, she caved. “Please let me out of this body chamber and have your way with me.” A pleased expression crossed his face. “As you command.” He raised his hand and gestured toward the guards. “Men, let her out and bring her to me.” Scarface nodded and helped her out of the contraption. Her legs were terribly weak, making it difficult to walk. Okpara flashed her a sinful smile. “Make my queen a chariot.” All four men picked her up and cradled her in their arms, fully supporting her body between them. Okpara spread her legs and moved in close. She felt weightless in the arms of the men. Beneath their cloths, the men sported large erections. Their masculine scent hung heavily in the air and drove her mad. Okpara teased her clit with the head of his cock. “I’m going to give you everything you want, and more.” She wrapped her trembling legs around his waist and fixed her eyes on his. How could she feel this close to him? Did the powers of the peridot influence her emotions, or had she finally met her match? “Please,” she whined. The wait nearly killed her. “Anything for you, my queen,” he growled. His cock pushed through her delicate folds and she cried out. He took it slow, easing into her an inch at a time. With each push she moaned in ecstasy. Multiple hands caressed her body, inspecting crevices and exploring curves. Where their fingers touched, her body ignited. She’d never, not even in her wildest dreams, expected to be surrounded by five men with all eyes on her. Okpara pushed in to the hilt and pulsed inside her. The jeweled cockring stimulated her clit as it gently grazed back and forth. Her body was ablaze. Fingers, lips, teeth and mouths probed, kissed, suckled and manipulated her dangerously close to the edge.

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Faster the king slid inside her, the cockring teasing the hell out of her overly sensitive clit. Jasmine gripped the forearms of two men, steadying herself against the intense buildup in her belly. Two of the guards pinched her nipples and that did it for her. She cried out as an orgasm slammed through her, but still they didn’t let up. Her eyes blurred as the faces of the men hovered above her. She reached under the cloths of two guards and stroked their cocks, enjoying their warm flesh in the palm of her hands. “You’re so beautiful,” Okpara whispered. “I could fuck you like this nonstop for days.” The guards around her groaned as she stroked them. She was teetering closer to oblivion. Her body burned from the sweet pleasure. Another orgasm spilled forward, prompting her to scream. Soaked with sweat and drenched from her juices she didn’t have an ounce of energy left. Jasmine pleaded with her eyes that she needed him to stop. He nodded and spoke in a stern voice. “I am not through with you. I have only just begun.” His endurance stunned her. Okpara withdrew and took hold of her hand. “Rise my queen.” With the aid of the guards, she was helped to her feet, but couldn’t find her balance. The king walked her forward to the body chamber. “Bend forward so I can take you from behind.” Jasmine walked her hands down the body chamber. His hands smoothed over her ass, following the curves of her hips. “I can’t seem to get enough of you,” he grunted as he thrust his cock into her pussy. She’d thought her body too numb and spent to feel anything more, but she was wrong. She bent further, clinging to the chamber, spreading her thighs wide, as he stroked her clit. Her muscles clenched tight around his cock. Every inch of him sank inside and it brought about overwhelming sensations. Jasmine pushed back into him repeatedly, until the thrill overtook her. His grip around her hips tightened and he sped up his movements. “Come with me, my queen.”

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She didn’t need any further prompting as an orgasm tore through her with violent force. They cried out together in a deafening pitch. His cock thrust inside her a few more times before he pulled out altogether. Drained, Jasmine faced him, her back up against the body chamber to keep herself from falling. She’d never come so hard in her life. The king slipped the cockring off and brought her into a tight embrace. He brought his lips close to her ear and whispered, “You’re incredible.” She thought the same about him, but how would she explain that going back in time wasn’t an option, no matter how much pleasure he brought her?

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Chapter Four

Okpara breathed in the subtle scent of her hair and ran his fingers through its softness. Being so close to her brought peace to his heart. The long days of sadness and grieving had finally let up. He’d reign contentedly with her by his side, and ravage her perfect body each night. She pulled back from his embrace and looked around. “Where did your guards go?” In the heat of the moment, he’d forgotten all about them. “I think you excited them. I expect they’re off tending to their own desires.” Her laugh warmed him. “I’m not sure what I was doing touching them like that.” “You reacted in the moment.” “I’m not usually so forward.” “When we let ourselves go, our inhibitions fade.” He watched her pick up her clothes and put them on. All the layers confused him. “You wear far too much clothing. Why cover up such a sinful body?” She moved her hands to her hips and smirked. “Trust me, it’s you who doesn’t wear enough clothes, to the point it’s distracting.” Okpara chuckled and wrapped his cloth back around his waist. “Our cultures have many differences, it is true. What made you come to Egypt in the first place?” www.samhainpublishing.com

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“It’s part of what I do. I study artifacts and help discover the treasures your people left behind. The history of your culture fascinates me. This is my first trip to Egypt, and it won’t be my last.” Did she really think he would let her go without a fight? “If you come back with me, Egypt would be your home.” Her eyelids lowered. “Don’t, please. Can’t we just stay like this for a little while longer, without all the real-world stuff to come between us?” A moment ago he’d been closer to her than anyone would ever get, and now she pushed him away. “I was certain I had you convinced to come back with me.” She fidgeted with her hair, a trait he found adorable. “Believe me, I want more of you, more of this. It’s just not possible.” Kiya had taught him that nothing was impossible. It was no mere coincidence that Jasmine came upon the bracelet. He knew it in his heart. “Why are you afraid to come back with me? As I said, I will not harm you. No one will.” A frown marred her expression. “There are many reasons why I can’t. Most of them are difficult to explain.” He didn’t want to hear a list of excuses. It was apparent his feelings ran far deeper for her than hers did for him. Was he expecting too much? Decades of getting his way hadn’t prepared him for otherwise. Did he want her more because she denied him? “You study Egyptian life, yes?” “Yes.” She crossed her arms and tilted her head. “And?” “Wouldn’t you rather be living it than studying it? Observing it firsthand? Not many can boast of receiving such an offer.” Her eyes searched his. “Of course I would rather live it, who wouldn’t? The thing is, what you’re asking is permanent. It’s a big change from what I’m used to.” “I would give you anything you wanted. You’d be fully provided for.” She glanced down to the floor and circled her toe. “I’m not interested in material things. On my salary I’m lucky to pay a bill every now and then. But I don’t regret my choice of career because what I have seen holds more value to me than a paycheck ever

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could. It’s not about possessions. I’m talking about routine, comfort and security. This is the only life that I know.” Her words sounded final. “It pains me to hear you say this.” She stepped forward and rested her hands on his. “I’m sorry.” “As am I. You are the queen Egypt has been waiting for.” “What will happen if I don’t return with you?” He took a quick breath in and exhaled. “Then my fate is sealed here in your time and Egypt will be without a proper king. History will change as you know it.” Panic flashed in her eyes. “What? Can’t you return the same way you came here?” Okpara couldn’t hide the truth. He’d rather she came willingly and not out of guilt. “You and I are bound by the jewel. Its powers brought me and my guards here to protect it. And protecting it means protecting you. I hadn’t expected to find my future queen in the process. Now that we have found one another, I couldn’t leave you even if I wanted to.” He noticed her tremble and held her tight. “I want us to be together. But I find it difficult to wrap my head around the idea of waking up in a completely different era, living a completely different life.” And that was all she needed to say. “I won’t push you. I will honor your decision regardless of what it is.” Okpara didn’t know what else to do. Her strength and charisma excited him. He wanted to be with her and prove that love was possible. Even for two people from very different worlds. If it would make her happy to stay, then he would stay. When she didn’t respond, he put a finger beneath her chin and tilted her face upwards. A tear streaked down her cheek and he brushed it away. “Why do you cry?” “Because it isn’t fair. You’re more concerned about my happiness than your own, while I’m only thinking of myself. How can I allow you to leave behind your people, kingdom and all the important things that make you who you are?” “Out of loyalty, I do it gladly. I will not beg you to come back with me. Such a display is beneath me.”

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* Jasmine hated herself for letting fear get in the way of the kind of life she always wanted. Why did she even hesitate? Spend the rest of her life continuing her Egyptian studies or experience it first hand? How could a king, a great ruler like Okpara, ever conform to this world? “I have nothing to offer you,” she declared with a heavy heart. He cupped the side of her face. “Your trust is all I need.” Trust? He had her trust in spades. There wasn’t a single thing wrong with him. It was her flaws she worried about. “What if I displease you? What if I upset the people and traditions of Egypt?” “You’ve shown me who you are. What else does there need to be?” She shrugged. “I haven’t done anything to be remembered by or for.” His thumbs ran down the side of her face and ran along her bottom lip. “I believe your greatest adventure is waiting for you. The past isn’t unknown to you, the future is.” Jasmine caught her breath. His words hit her like a bucket of ice. Here was the man who could take her to all the places she ever wanted to go. Her stomach knotted. He was her adventure. “Damn you. It’s like you know all the right things to say.” “I only say how I feel.” “Don’t change. It’s a rare quality.” She sighed and shook her head. “Since you’re being all open and honest, I guess I should say exactly how I feel.” He pressed a finger to his chin. “Okay. I’m listening.” “Since there isn’t anything to keep me here, and this isn’t the life for a king, then there is only one choice to make. Yes, I will go back to ancient Egypt with you.” Okpara opened his arms and she nestled close into his powerful chest. She heard the beat of his heart and knew she’d made the right decision. In many ways, she’d be going home. “You have made me very happy. I promise you will be content in your life as a queen.”

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The idea of being a queen actually terrified her, but she didn’t want to ruin the moment. “With you by my side, I don’t doubt it.” She rose to her toes and pressed her lips against his. Her knees went all weak again and desire flickered in her belly. The nights were certain to be her favorite part of being in Egypt. Jasmine paused mid-kiss and drew back. He cocked a brow. “Is something wrong?” She thought someone called her name, but figured she was hearing things. “No, for the first time, everything is right.” Jasmine went to kiss him again when she both heard and recognized the voice. “What the hell is going on?” She turned to see Mason poised with a gun in his hand, eyes brimming with rage. This would take some creative explaining. “Where the hell did you get that gun?” He flicked his wrist. “I bought it, for protection.” Okpara stepped in front of her and Mason cocked the gun. “Are you hurt? Did this freak do something to you?” Jasmine’s heart thundered. “Stop it, he isn’t a freak, show some respect. This is King Okpara.” She stretched out her arm with the bracelet on it. “I came across this inside a wall, and its powers brought him here from his time. Actual ancient Egypt. It’s quite amazing when you think about it.” Mason sneered. “What’s gotten into you? You’re too smart to fall for some jerk in a costume telling wild tales.” “Crazy as it is, it’s the truth. Look, I’ll explain everything to you in detail if you’d just put that stupid gun away.” He shook his head. “Not until he steps away from you.” She faced Okpara, hoping at least he would listen. “It’s okay, he won’t use the gun. I think he’s been watching too many action adventure movies or something. I’m going to

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try and reason with him.” Jasmine took a step away but the king put a protective arm around her waist. “You are my future queen. I am not leaving your side.” What could she say? Jasmine sighed and shook her head at Mason. “I know you have feelings for me, but I consider you a friend, nothing more. It wasn’t ever going to go anywhere.” He glowered. “You’ve never given me a chance.” Her patience level with him neared empty. “I’ve been nothing but straightforward with you from the get-go, but you refuse to listen.” “I’ve done everything for you. Who do you think paid for your trip here?” She hesitated a moment. “The university.” “Wrong. I paid for your ticket. I thought this would be a romantic way for us to get to know one another. But I see now that I’ve wasted both my time and money.” Jasmine felt a slight pang of guilt. She would never have agreed to come had she known he purchased the ticket. Being in Mason’s debt was the last place she wanted to be. “I never asked you to do any of that, though I am grateful.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah, right. I wanted to tell you earlier, but you were too busy keeping your distance. Then I find you with a half-naked man, and you’re talking all crazy.” He’d gotten on her last nerve. “It’s not crazy, and I don’t expect you to believe me anyways. There’s nothing left to say.” “Sure there is, we can talk about this privately. Alone.” When would he leave her alone? “No.” Mason’s tone changed drastically. “Why not?” Like it or not, he needed to hear it from her. “Because I’m going back in time with King Okpara. I’m going back to ancient Egypt.” His expression changed about five different times before he broke the silence. “I don’t even know how to respond to that. What can he possibly give you?” “I didn’t know what I wanted out of my life, but I do now.”

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Mason waved a hand at her. “He has you brainwashed or something.” She threw him a dirty look. “Not at all.” “What would make you leave everything behind to run off with someone you hardly know?” “You know as well as I do, history is my passion. Now I can be a part of it. I believe it’s where I belong.” The glint in his eyes darkened. “You belong with me. Give me a chance before you throw your whole life away.” “It’s not your decision to make.” Mason raised his gun and aimed it straight at her. “I said stay with me.” This was a side of him she never expected to see. Okpara tightened his grip on her. “I’ve made up my mind and I’m sorry it doesn’t work into your personal plans. Get over it.” Mason’s face changed to a crimson hue. “I refuse to walk away and leave you behind. I’m not ready to give up fighting for you.” Her mind could hardly formulate words. She’d never stared down the barrel of a gun before. “This isn’t a game. This is my life. I’m following my heart for the first time. Don’t you dare take that away from me.” “I warned you that eventually you’d get caught up in a dangerous attraction.” She wanted to laugh considering he was the one threatening her, but she didn’t dare. “It’s not a dangerous attraction. It’s a mutual one.” Mason raised his other hand to help steady the gun. “I suggest you kiss your attraction goodbye.” The room spun before her eyes as the brunt of his words hit her. “Wait, what?” He aimed the gun toward Okpara and walked forward. The wild look in his eyes frightened her. He meant to kill the king. “Please don’t, I beg you.”

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Okpara released his hand from her waist and shielded her. “The lady doesn’t want to be with you. I can understand that rejection stings, but if you truly love her and want nothing but her happiness, then simply let her go.” Mason continued to walk forward. “Shut up freak. You don’t even know what you’re talking about. I’ve loved her for over two years and I’m not giving her up now. Either you go back to the circus you came from, or I’m going to pull the trigger. Your choice.” “Since I am unable to leave without her, I suppose your only recourse is to kill me.” Jasmine couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Mason, if you kill him you might as well kill me too. I’ve no intention of being with you. Ever.” She knew it was a risky thing to say, but she needed to get that gun pointed away from them. “And you won’t be with him, either.” Before she could respond there was a deep rumble. The ground beneath their feet shook and large pieces of stone crashed down from the ceiling, stirring up clouds of dust. With her arms covering her head, she ran to try and find a safe place. “Jasmine!” She faintly heard Okpara call to her, but couldn’t see him in all the falling debris. “I don’t know where you are,” she shouted. “What’s happening?” “The pharaohs have been angered. They are letting their presence be known. To threaten a king is punishable by death.” Mason’s voice broke in. “Jasmine, come with me now. If you stay in here, you’ll get hurt. The king of Egypt can’t help you.” She was so angry with Mason she wanted to throw something at him. “This is your fault. How dare you threaten to kill a king?” Some of the dust cleared and she vaguely saw Mason, his gun still at the ready. A couple feet away she could make out Okpara’s majestic form. She had to do something. Jasmine moved quick as lightening to where she’d seen the king when another rumble started. A large stone came down from the ceiling and hit her on the head. The impact stunned her and sent her to her knees. She heard the gun go off and froze.

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“Okpara,” she cried. Slowly, she tried to get to her feet, but a wave of nausea sent her reeling back to the ground. More of the limestone debris fell and made it difficult for her to keep her eyes open. The little she could open them didn’t make much of a difference. The flames of the torches had been snuffed out and they were shrouded in darkness. She heard someone coming and strong arms wrapped tightly around her waist. “Let me go,” she screamed, fearing it was Mason. “My queen, you are safe. I will protect you.” To hear Okpara’s soothing voice flooded her with relief. “Are you hurt? I heard a gunshot.” “I am fine. We need to find a way out.” “Why doesn’t the bracelet take us back to your time? Can’t we make it work somehow?” “Its powers cannot be manipulated. We remain here until it sends us back.” “What do we do until then?” “All we can do is wait.” “We could die waiting. There must be something. Anything.” “Perhaps the power is stronger where you found the bracelet.” Okpara laced his hand in hers. “Come. We must hurry.” She ignored her throbbing headache and pushed on through. As the rest of the pyramid began to fall away, she worried their way would end up blocked. Blindly, they moved through the room until his grip loosened from her hand. “Make your way to the room and I’ll find you.” What was he doing? “No, we need to go together.” “Neither of you are going anywhere.” Mason startled her as he came up behind her and pushed her to the ground. “Stay down or I’ll end up shooting you.” “Damn it Mason, this has to stop.” “Shut up,” he hissed. “Now, King Okpara is it? Let’s settle this like men.”

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He fired three shots that lit up the room long enough for her to see Okpara fall to the ground. “Okpara,” she screamed. “Talk to me!” When he didn’t answer, her heart sank. Tears ran down her cheeks. Without him there’d be no future, and there was no past. “Come on Jasmine, playtime’s over.” Fear ebbed through her. If Mason couldn’t see her, she could still get away and bring back help. Quickly, she crawled up the causeway. She could only hope that time was on her side. Maybe the ancient pharaohs would take pity on their king and send him back for a proper burial. Halfway up the causeway, the floor began to sink beneath her, taking her with it. Jasmine tried to grab hold of anything solid, but the strength of the pull was too great. She panicked as what felt like sand rose past her waist, chest and shoulders. No one could help her. In the darkness, no one could save her. She took one final breath before the ground swallowed her up.

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Uncovering Egypt

Chapter Five

Jasmine emerged from the luxurious milk bath with her skin silky smooth to the touch. She’d been sponge bathed and pampered by four ladies who were thrilled to be assisting their new queen. They’d given her a sheer white gown to wear and left her to dress alone. After all the chaos it felt good to relax. Her bare wrist reminded her of the beautiful peridot bracelet. Though damaged, it had still held enough power to bring them back. When she’d opened her eyes and seen King Okpara’s worried expression as he hovered over her, she’d known they’d made it back safely. The dress flowed along her body as she walked around the spacious bedchamber. She couldn’t believe the size of the king’s bed. It was so large and round it could be its own island. No wonder his majesty had no problem accommodating ten women at once. Now that she was here, there’d be no more sating other women’s desires. Only her own. Jasmine admired the red satiny sheets and tasseled pillows. Flames from dimly lit torches danced along the wall creating a soft glow. The room was set for seduction. She’d been here before, in her dreams. “Do you approve, my queen?”

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Ann Cory

Okpara entered the room, looking even more handsome than before. She thanked the gods for having this man to herself. “I’m not a queen yet.” Jasmine gestured around the room. “You have an impressive place here, and I’ve only seen the bedchamber.” He flashed her an impish grin. “It’s the most important room in my temple. And the only one you will see tonight.” “Oh really?” “That is correct. For now, I get you all to myself.” Her gaze followed the muscles of his shoulders, chest and stomach. Perfect for running her fingers along. She moved in close, her nipples pressing against her sheer gown. It seemed impossible for her to not be turned on in his company. “Now that you have me here, what are you going to do to me?” “Everything you have ever imagined in that evocative mind of yours.” Her thoughts raced from zero to naughty. “Sounds sinful.” “It can be. Here in Egypt, it is customary to try out the bed on your first night.” She couldn’t hold in her laughter. “Do you say that to all the women?” “Other women? There is only you.” “Good answer.” Her hands smoothed along his muscled shoulders, traipsing along each solid peak. “First, I have a gift for you.” In his hand lay a small box made of clay. Her chest tightened. “Are you kidding me? This is all one fantastic, enormous gift right here. I don’t need anything else.” He opened her hand and placed the box in her palm. Just the touch of him sent electric shocks throughout her body. “Get used to my spoiling you. Now open it.” She removed the top and saw an exquisite peridot pendant on a long gold chain. Jasmine blinked back a tear. “It’s absolutely breathtaking.” “I had it made especially for you. Something fit for a queen.”

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Uncovering Egypt

Never before had she believed love could be like this. She removed the necklace and held it out to him. “Will you put it on me?” “Of course.” Jasmine turned and held up her hair. The chain fell lightly against her skin and the radiant jewel hung between her breasts. “How does it look?” His gaze lowered to the necklace. To her surprise, he frowned. “Hm. Something is not right.” He reached for the hem of her dress and lifted it over her head. “Ah, now it looks perfect.” Jasmine shook her head. “Men. But seriously, thank you. It means the world to me.” He touched her cheek. “I’d give you the world.” In her mind, he already had. “I know.” Jasmine removed his cloth and admired his nakedness. Perfection had a name, and it was Okpara. “I’d like to show my thanks for all you’ve done for me. My king.” Before he could respond, she knelt and wrapped her hand around the base of his cock, sliding it along his heated length. His cock grew in her hand, so hard and thick. The masculine scent of his sex almost consumed her with a feral need. Her pussy ached greedily, but she wouldn’t oblige, this time his white heat would grace her lips. She watched his eyes close to half-mast as she trailed her tongue along the thick underside of his cock. His muscles twitched when she swirled his moist head with her lips, tasting him for the first time. Delicious. The sound of his pleasure as she took him in her mouth added to her enjoyment. Right then, she claimed him, as he’d claimed her. Jasmine pulsed her lips up and down his cock, engulfing him further each time. She surprised herself how far she could take him, breathing out as she descended. Mouth tight she sucked him, milking him dry. His groans were sweet music to her ears. She rested her palms against his thick thighs and felt his muscles clench beneath his skin. Faster she pumped her mouth along his cock. “You don’t get off that easy,” he growled.

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Ann Cory

Okpara picked her up and fell back onto the bed with her on top. He pulled her forward until her pussy was stretched wide over his mouth, her thighs situated on either side of his head. She was about to scold him for not letting her bring him to an orgasm when he laved his tongue along her clit. Her legs trembled and he went to town. He devoured her like a starved animal, suckling, licking, flickering the hell out of her tiny organ of pleasure. His hands held her hips firmly, even though she squirmed. Never had a man ravaged her with such passion and intensity. “Faster, oh please, I’m so close,” she cried, her body nearing release. It felt so good her eyes welled up with tears. A tiny trickle started from somewhere inside and grew until she came in a long, hard rush, moistening her insides with a light, creamy film. She hollered, not caring if all of Egypt heard her. A series of jolts followed, but he didn’t let up. He continued suckling her clit. Her juices spilled down around his mouth, but his eyes stared deep into hers. He truly was going to fuck her into oblivion. Another orgasm started low, and then broke free. His tongue laved along her soaked slit as he lapped her up. She’d never felt closer to a man in her life. Even with her legs like mush, she wanted him to come. Jasmine scooted herself back, straddling her legs around his waist. With her hand, she held his cock and sank herself onto him. His hands trailed along her chest and breasts, gently caressing her nipples between his fingers. As he pinched them, she sped up her movements, undulating over him. “I love to watch you this way. Everything about you turns me on,” he groaned. “Faster my queen, faster.” She rocked her hips, no longer feeling the weariness in her legs. A second wind had overtaken her. “You’re on fire,” he whispered. She felt alive. More alive than ever. Lust burned through her veins, fueling her adrenaline. He slid a hand down to her clit and rubbed at it. Her breath came quicker. She’d wanted to solely pleasure him, but he wouldn’t have it. His eyes bore into hers. “Are you with me, I’m close.”

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Uncovering Egypt

Jasmine nodded. Too close. He brought his hands to her hips and helped her ride it out to the point of no return. Her elated cry filled the room at the same time his release rippled through his body. She waited a moment before moving, wanting to savor every last second with him inside her. Satisfaction oozed throughout her body as the spasms finally let up. She sidled up to him contentedly, tangling herself into his arms. “You know, I wouldn’t mind it if you brought that body chamber in here. I rather enjoyed it.” His look was priceless. “Is your mind still on sex? I fear my queen has an insatiable appetite.” Her body knew no boundaries. “I blame you.” “If you remember, the body chamber was built for punishment.” Jasmine didn’t see it that way at all. “Yes, and the things you do to me are torture.” His boisterous laugh gave her goose bumps. “I will have a special body chamber made, just for pleasure. How does that sound?” “Even better.” Her lips still craved the taste of him. “Uh oh, I recognize that look in your eyes. It’s dangerous. You should try and get some rest. Tomorrow will be a busy day.” “I look forward to it.” She lowered her hand and teased his cock. “However, the night is still young.”

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About the Author

To learn more about Ann Cory, please visit www.anncory.com. Send an email to Ann Cory at [email protected].

Look for these titles by Ann Cory

Now Available: Under a Warlock's Spell Melting Iron Blame the Rain The Howl and the Pussycat

Her day couldn’t get any worse—until the wolf shows up.

The Howl and the Pussycat © 2008 Ann Cory Jacqueline’s sexy little Red Riding Hood outfit was supposed to rekindle her boyfriend’s flagging interest. Instead she’s red in the face and dumped for another woman. To add to the indignity, she finds herself pursued into the woods by a wolf. Somehow she manages to escape, only to end up with two new pains—a twisted ankle, and a sexy rescuer who claims he’s been searching for her all his life. After several decades of searching, Baldric is surprised that his destined mate is a provocative human woman with a catty attitude. Hardly a perfect match for a werewolf, but there can be no other partner for him. To seduce the woman he’s hungered for all his life, he’ll have to convince her hardened heart that he’s capable of love. And do it without scaring her off with the truth—that underneath his hard body beats the loyal heart of a wolf.

Enjoy the following excerpt for The Howl and the Pussycat: “Don’t be mad. Nothing may come of this and then we can just pick up where we left off. Absence is supposed to make the heart grow fonder and such.” Her stomach churned. “Oh shut up. The absence is going to make me even more ready to be with someone else. You had your shot. Sorry I wasted three years on your ass.” She clicked the phone off and slammed it shut, uninterested in anything else he had to say. Glancing into the rearview mirror, she took a good look at her reflection. Pathetic. All dressed up and nowhere to go. If she went to the party alone, it would be obvious what had happened. She’d spend the entire night catching glimpses of Sophie in Ted’s arms whispering naughty little words into his ear. The office would be buzzing with gossip in the morning. A great day to call in sick. Maybe even for the entire week. She wanted to hit something, strangle someone and scream obscenities all at once. Men.

Even more upsetting than Ted were the tears starting up. She hated to cry or admit defeat. Weakness sucked and so did getting dumped. Had he seen her dressed up like sin in heels, he never would have chosen Sophie. The whole idea of her costume was to get him to realize what a great thing he had with her. Brilliant plan gone wrong. Jacquelyn wiped at her eyes, careful to not smear any mascara, and blindly tossed her cell phone to the backseat. She froze. Was that a growl? She was about to turn and look behind her when a car pulled into the next space over, distracting her. A man in a dark blue jacket got out and ran toward the costume shop. For a split second she considered returning Ted’s wolf outfit, but the humiliation of explaining the situation to Cassidy quickly helped make her decision. Instead, she backed out of the parking space and pulled out onto the street. It would be a long, miserable drive back. She couldn’t believe how cold Ted had been. All the times she’d put up with his selfish ways and this was her thanks. Not even ten minutes on the road, a light drizzle started that instantly turned into a heavy downpour, making it near impossible to see. “Oh you’ve got to be kidding me,” she muttered aloud. Before Jacquelyn had a chance to start up a solo tirade complete with f-bombs, she heard the same low growl she thought she’d heard before come from the backseat. She straightened and tried to catch a peek in the rearview mirror, a difficult task with the rain pounding the windshield. The blood rushed out of her face the moment she caught movement in the mirror. Or so she thought. “What the hell?” Jacquelyn went to take a second look when the car hydroplaned. Knuckles tense, she gripped the wheel and rode it out, doing her best to keep the car steady. Judging by the unfamiliar signs she passed, she realized her exit had come and gone. Shivers crept up her back as she heard something rustle around behind her. Not willing to risk getting in an accident, she veered off at the next exit and turned onto a gravel road. She followed it just long enough until she came to a patch of trees. God she hoped it wasn’t some rabid raccoon or stray dog. Before she panicked, she decided to take a look.

“It’s just your imagination. You’re fine. There’s nothing back there,” she reasoned aloud. With the car in park, she counted to five and turned around, coming face to face with a large gray wolf. Jacquelyn screamed and bolted from the car. The rain pelted her skin and soaked her cape, making it twice as heavy. She looked back once and noticed the animal bound from the car and come after her. It let out a howl that reduced her to half-screams, halfwhimpers. Why the hell did she pick to run toward the trees? She should have run toward the road and flagged down a driver, though dressed in her outfit she worried who would stop for her. With only the newly risen moon to see by, she found herself running through a forest that stretched for miles. Old crippled trees surrounded her, looking like they would reach down and swoop her up into their gnarled clutches, a thought she quickly shook from her mind. “I’m going to die, I’m going to die, I’m going to die,” she chanted to herself, trying to ignore her screaming calves and ankles. Not only was it murder to run in high heels, but her stockings scratched against her inner thighs. Talk about chaffing. She looked back again and saw the wolf still hot on her trail. God, why was it chasing her? Dumped, desperate and now some wild thing’s prey. Her heart nearly beat right out of her chest, thundering loudly as she ran. How had it gotten inside her car in the first place? Did it crawl in when she first went into the costume shop? Someone’s cruel joke at her expense? Damn Ted. It was all his fault…somehow…in a way that didn’t make any sense, but made her feel better to think. As she made it to a clearing in the woods, the rain let up, becoming a light mist. Just in time too, as up ahead she spotted a small cabin. Maybe her luck had changed? She tried to forget about all the scary movies she’d watched where a young woman runs into what looks like a deserted house, only to become dinner and a show for a band of nasty little men. Though, the other alternative, her limbs being torn apart by fangs and devoured, left much to be desired. One way or another she was screwed. And here she’d planned the night to be screwed for pleasure, not pain.

Jacquelyn fought the pain in her calves and ran toward the cabin like a madwoman, jarring her ankle hard in the process. Nothing, not even the grueling pain, would make her stop until she made it safely inside. At the door, she stopped a moment to catch her breath and tried to peek in through the window. No lights were on. Should she knock? Waking an angry old man might not be a good idea. Out of good manners or stupidity, she didn’t know which, she knocked. A branch snapped behind her followed by another eerie howl. The sound vibrated and made her queasy. She didn’t dare look back. As her hand closed around the doorknob, something grabbed her from behind. She heard herself scream, high pitched and blood curdling. Her knees buckled. Instead of falling to the ground, she felt herself being picked up and propelled over something curiously solid. Whoever or whatever it was couldn’t be good. Finally, the delicious black shrouded her vision, and she let it take her.

She’s the only mate he wants. But love isn’t on the menu.

What’s a Ghoul to Do? © 2008 Mardi Ballou Lilith P. Graves needs to get a life. A social life. This shouldn’t be a problem, since she’s partnered with her best friend in the “Fangly, My Dear” dating service. Problem is, she keeps falling for the wrong guys, and they don’t get more wrong than the super-hot alpha Rafe Graywolf. With the history of bad blood between her kind and his, the message is clear: Vegetarian demi-ghouls need not apply. Obeying the call of duty, Rafe took the role of alpha at a rough time for the pack. For the sake of stability, the elders insist he find a mate. Now. A dating service isn’t normally his cut of steak, but he has little time—or choice. But Lilith…now there’s a choice morsel he could sink his teeth into. Too bad they’re on opposite ends of the ghoul-werewolf social spectrum. Not to mention the food chain…

Enjoy the following excerpt for What’s a Ghoul to do?: “Can I get you a drink?” A gallon of ice water might be a good start. “We really need to finish the questionnaire,” she murmured. “And it’s getting late. I have to get home.” He got right in her face. “What’s your first question?” It’s about the questionnaire. She swallowed hard. “What is your most important value?” Instead of answering, he kissed her. His lips, full and well-formed, brushed across hers with unexpected tenderness. The element of surprise caught her off-guard and intrigued her. Though she should have known better, she pressed her lips back to his, which evidently was all the invitation he needed to begin a deep plunder of her mouth. His powerful arms drew her to him as their mouths tangled. Was that his heartbeat or hers? In his embrace, she lost track of boundaries. He felt so strong, so sheltering, as she

burrowed in his embrace. Her legs pressed against his, which he’d splayed in an effort to diminish the difference in their heights. She stood on her toes to reach up to him, but he still had to tilt his face down. He ground his erection against the sensitive area of her lower belly and groin. She wanted to have him in her hot, wet pussy. She’d creamed so much already, the silk of her panties bunched up into her folds like a tease. She needed to feel him there, to wrap her legs around him and have him plunge his dick deep into her. Shivering with excitement and anticipation, she surrendered to the moment and the man. Lips still latched to hers, he began to massage her back. The erotic friction of his hands on her, kneading her muscles and rubbing her, brought her to the edge of an orgasm. A hair trigger away from becoming a screaming meltdown, she imagined herself on a speeding train, out of control on lightning tracks. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered when they broke apart. Though her head told her he’d said the same words to many women and would say them to many more, they lodged in her heart and took root. He found her beautiful. He wanted her. Right now, it didn’t matter what had come before or what would come afterward. For this moment, she was beautiful to him. She would cherish his words always. For a moment, she tried to find a way to tell him to stop what was inevitable between them. Before she took him into herself, her rational voice chided, she still could hold something back. Once they became intimate, she would be lost. She didn’t care if she stayed lost forever. At this moment, she was ready to toss everything aside but the burning need for them to be together. He wanted her— completely, passionately, all the ways she’d always dreamed of being wanted. She could read his heart and soul with a startling clarity, each desire lit up with the light of absolute understanding. And she matched him in ardor. More than anything in the universe, she longed to expend her passion, her desire, on this man. “I want to make love with you.” His whispered words penetrated her soul. “Yes.” Hand in hand, the two of them ran to his bedroom. His king-size bed beckoned. In moments, he’d tossed back the blue and beige quilt to reveal pale blue cotton sheets. He

tore off his clothes, then drank her in with his eyes as she gave up on a sexy strip and got naked. Usually, she felt shy about being naked with anyone, but tonight was different. With Rafe she had the strangest desire to display herself with pride, to offer herself. The way he devoured her body with his gaze, Lilith could have sworn he was responding to her whacko emotions. Under Rafe’s intense scrutiny, she unfurled herself, opening like a blossom at last encountering sunlight. His gaze warmed her. Though she didn’t make it a practice to jump into strange beds, her leap into Rafe’s bed felt exactly right. Kind of like Goldilocks. Oof. She wished her mind wouldn’t play such weird tricks on her. “I want to savor your beauty with all my senses.” Rafe towered over her in his naked glory. Impossibly, the man appeared even more gorgeous in the actual flesh than she’d imagined. His body was the ideal. Not even Michelangelo could have sculpted such magnificence. Lilith couldn’t decide what she wanted to do more—look or touch. Not to mention taste and smell. Like a starving woman invited to a rich one-time only banquet, she went into glutton mode and prepared to feast. “I must touch you, now,” he growled, climbing in alongside her. Touching his skin set off electrical impulses within her. Before now, she’d never realized how much pleasure could come from simple skin-to-skin contact. Was it the wolf in Rafe that made him feel so different to her fingertips? Realizing this magnificent creature, this total man, contained within him a different nature took her breath away, exciting and terrifying her. She was completely out of her depth. But more than breath itself, she craved the erotic intimacy their being together promised. “Lilith Graves, you are a very special, beautiful woman,” he murmured, tracing the contours of her body with his fingertips. She closed her eyes and focused her whole being on the moment. His masculine scent—pine and forest and something she couldn’t name but found appealing—made her head spin. She wanted to remember that scent always, to imprint it within her so she could conjure it up, so she could summon up the sense memory of being with him every day for the rest of her life.

His breath seared her as he nuzzled the space between her breasts. She always felt self-conscious because she was bigger than most of the models in fashion magazines. Though people always said men liked big breasts, she hadn’t found that to be true—until now. Rafe suckled one nipple with gusto while he fondled the other and appeared not only to accept but to appreciate her as she was. She moaned with pleasure in response to the way his hand and mouth moved, the things he did to her with each movement and breath. Most of all, she loved the way he savored her and awoke her to the wonders of her body. She’d never before realized how sensitive her breasts were, or how direct the connection was between her areolas and her clit. “Mmm,” she murmured. Her fingers wove into Rafe’s thick black hair. With his ear near her heart, Rafe had to be able to hear what he was doing to her, how her heartbeat sped with arousal. His skin heated her everywhere they touched, as if he wanted to share his inner fire with her. Never one to remain passive, Lilith reached for Rafe’s flat, taut belly. Her hand immediately encountered his huge pulsing erection and they both moaned at the erotic contact. Rafe Graywolf was exceedingly well formed. His cock felt like velvet skin over a marble core. He responded to her slightest movement. With the thrusts of his hips and his deep growly moans, Rafe let her know how much she pleasured him. “You are one delicious lady,” he whispered. Using his talented tongue and teeth, he began to nibble the sensitive flesh of her breasts. She shivered. Moving with infinite slowness and deliberation, he began to work his way down her aroused body with his teeth and lips.

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