“Thank you.”
He chuckled. “I assure you, acushla, it was my pleasure.”
Sabrina shifted and grimaced as her hips cramped.
“Are you well?” He scanned her face, his expression concerned.
“My hips aren’t used to this kind of activity.” She leaned against his chest to relieve some of the pressure then laughed. “But my body doesn’t want to let you go.”
Nor does my heart. He muttered something like he didn’t want to let go either, but before she could ask, he rolled over on top of her. Darius took his time straightening her legs before pulling out of her body’s grip. They both sighed with disappointment at his departure then grinned at each other.
“Believe me, I didn’t wish to leave any more than you wished to give me up.” He rose and peeled the condom off with a look of distaste. “These things are hideous and it muffled the pleasure.”
Her heart sank. “It did?”
Darius held the latex between his thumb and index finger. “Yes.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Oh, bollocks, I’m sorry, Sabrina.” He knelt before her. “I’m not saying this right. You gave me great pleasure, even muted as it was. This contraption takes away the myriad of wondrous sensations and blends them into one constant pleasure.” A slow smile curled his lips. “I much prefer it without.”
Sabrina sighed and nodded. “I’m sure, but it’s necessary. I’m only willing to chance pregnancy at Beltane.”
She watched his sexy ass stride away and wished with all her heart Darius would be her partner for the rituals. Their bodies had fit together better than any other partner she’d ever had, and her heart had already made its choice. I’m so in trouble.
Darius returned from her bathroom with a warm cloth and gently cleaned her pussy and thighs. He took his time, stroking with firm but sensual motions, and she enjoyed the play of the muscles across his broad chest. A fine line of hair stretched from his pectorals own his belly to flare around his cock and balls, and she resisted the urge to trace it with her tongue.
She’d enjoyed surrounding his hard flesh with her mouth and wished she could have another opportunity to suck his cock again. The thought made her shiver and her pussy clenched with lusty memories.
“Are you cold, acushla?” Darius stood, heedless of his nakedness, and pulled the covers aside so she could climb under.
“A little.” He drew the bedclothes over her body and reached for his pants, but she grasped his arm, stopping him. “Please stay and warm me up.”
Darius paused. “Are you certain, Sabrina? I don’t wish to overstep.”
“Yes, Darius. I want to feel your arms around me tonight.”
The idea of sleeping alone after his wonderful loving turned her stomach. She wanted more of his touch, even the simple act of sleeping beside his body. He hesitated and she feared he’d walk away.
“Please. I know it’s only for tonight, but…I need you.” She rolled onto her knees, aware the blankets had dropped to expose her breasts. She’d use every weapon in her arsenal to get him to stay. “Keep me warm tonight?”
Darius swallowed hard. To his credit, his gaze never dipped to her chest, but his cock gave him away by twitching. She would’ve smiled if she didn’t think he’d walk away.
“It would be my pleasure and honor to sleep wrapped around you, Sabrina.”
“But?”
“But nothing. I just want to be sure you won’t regret your decision come daylight.”
“Regret is for decisions I’ve questioned. I’m sure about this one.” Even if I know it’s just for tonight. She wanted as many memories of Darius as she could have. Better to have loved and lost…
“Then I’m happy to wrap you in my arms tonight.”
The man certainly knew what to say at the right moment, but Sabrina detected none of his usual charm this time. He retreated to the front room, still naked, and she watched his glorious body strut around in the light. I might not be able to keep him, but I’m definitely going to enjoy him. Her heart contracted with sorrow. She knew he’d leave on Thursday, but she shoved the emotion aside. He’d stay with her tonight and hold her as if promising forever. And for tonight, she’d pretend everything he gave her meant just that.
When he returned, Darius wrapped himself around her as promised, the heat of his body seeping into every place he touched. Sabrina sighed and settled her back against his chest, inhaling the scents of sex, satisfaction, and warm, spicy man. She wanted to imprint them on her brain so she’d never forget, even after she had to let him go.
Chapter Eleven
Sabrina woke to an odd sensation. Heat pervaded her body, from the tips of her toes all the way to her neck, and the world seemed right for the first time in years. The oddness didn’t come from the heat, but from the man providing it.
He stayed all night. Darius breathed evenly behind her, his face nestled in her hair beside her ear, and her heart squeezed with gratitude. He’d promised to stay, but she hadn’t really expected him to be there in the morning. More fool I.
Sabrina wished he could stay every night. Let it go right now. I’m not beating a dead horse again. She mentally slapped herself even as her heart screamed at her to press her case with him.
“Good morning, acushla,” he whispered, sliding one hand to cup her nearest breast. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, better than I have in years.” She hoped the admission didn’t hurt her.
“As did I.” Why did his words make her heart flutter like a teenager? “Happy Beltane.”
“Thank you. Same to you.” She nestled back against him. “So far, so good.”
She heard him take a breath to respond when Holly’s voice carried through the door from the hallway.
“Mommy, where’s Darius? He’s not on the couch.”
Sabrina groaned and Darius chuckled. “Well, at least they’ll notice if I’m present or not.”
“Of course they will.” Sabrina rolled over to face him. “You’ve made quite an impression on them. On all of us.” She grimaced. “We’ll all miss you when you go.”
“Sabrina—”
“Don’t worry. I don’t regret any of it. And I’m used to being alone.”
“That’s not what I wanted to say.” Darius stroked her cheek with one hand. “You shouldn’t have to be alone. If I could—”
“But you can’t. I know.” She shook her head. “I still don’t regret last night.”
“Sabrina—”
“There you are, Darius!” Holly cried from the doorway. “Tansy, I found hiiiimmm.”
Pattering feet signaled Tansy’s arrival. “Mom! What is he doing in your bed? Were you cold last night?”
Despite the ache in her heart, Sabrina laughed. “Yes, a little. But Darius kindly warmed me back up. Have you gotten ready for school? It’s the May Day party today.”
“I know. Are you gonna help out for it?”
“Yes, but I can’t stay all day. I have some things to do with Darius.” He squeezed her hip beneath the blanket. “Holly, you know you can wear your party dress all day today, right?”
“Yeah, I know.” Sabrina’s youngest looked at her for a long moment, her eyes dancing with secret wisdom. Sabrina wondered what coursed behind those eyes. “Do we get to go with you tonight, Mommy?”
“Not tonight. But you’ll get to celebrate with either Matilda or Moira Callahan.”
“Awww.” But Holly didn’t look too disappointed.
“Go get dressed.”
“Okay.” Holly disappeared from the doorway and Sabrina sighed.
“I guess that’s our cue to get up.” She squeezed Darius’s arm, smiling. “Thank you for last night.”
“My pleasure, Sabrina. I will treasure the memory of it forever.”
Yeah, he sure knows what to say at all the right moments. She didn’t laugh at him, but she didn’t say anything in response as she rolled out of bed. She’d cherish her memories of him when she had nothing else to
hold. She started the shower, trying to ignore the hollowness in her chest.
****
The party for May Day in Tansy’s class seemed like an exercise in physics. How to keep twenty five small objects all going more or less the same direction at the same time. Between singing songs, dancing around a makeshift pole, and eating goodies brought by the parents, the class appeared more like flying ping pong balls than children. Sabrina thanked the Goddess when the lunch bell rang and she could kiss her daughter goodbye. She gave kudos to Mrs. Lincoln for the ability to face the troupe day after day.
Darius had declined to be there and Sabrina didn’t blame him. Not only were none of the children his, but she doubted even the Summer Court reveled in such shenanigans. Sabrina savored the quiet of her van as she drove through the sunny streets of Cloudburst. The Goddess had blessed Beltane with mild weather and only shadows held remnants of snow. It would be a good night to celebrate renewal.
Maybe even my own.
She could move on from Tommy and Merrilee’s betrayal. Oh, Tommy would always be a jackass, but he wouldn’t be her jackass problem. Maybe she could finally find her own way. Darius had handed her the Miller homestead title. She could easily start her herb shop and change her life from drudgery to prospects if she had the courage to move forward.
Darius waited for her on the porch of her house, his head tipped back to enjoy the sunshine on his face. Sabrina took a moment to enjoy the strong lines of beauty standing in the sun. The light glinted off the golden highlights in his brown hair and graced his cheeks with shadows from his lashes. Even in this moment of quiet, he looked strong, powerful, and ready to move. A warrior, and yet not without tenderness, he made her pussy clench in a primal feminine need just standing there.
Her tires crunched on the gravel and he turned toward her, the moment lost. But the image of him standing in the sun remained etched on her mind as something to savor. His long strides carried him to her van and he climbed in with a welcoming smile.
“How did your morning go in Tansy’s class?”
“It was great, but I have no idea how Mrs. Lincoln keeps all those little kids focused, more or less.” Sabrina laughed as she backed out to the road again. “I was exhausted after half a day.”
He chuckled. “Then let us take this slowly today. Do you know how to get to your new estate?”
“My estate?” She shook her head. “I’ll have to get used to thinking of it in those terms. But yes, I do remember how to get there.”
The drive didn’t take long, but Sabrina enjoyed each moment as a new start. The date on the calendar read May 1 and the world seemed to open up to her. She had a new path to take, a new world to explore, and a new man to share it with. Except he’s not staying.
She shoved the sorrow aside as they pulled in to the open space at the end of the gravel road. The old mill still held its shape although the roof looked more likely to let in rain than keep it out. The waterwheel still turned with the force of Oro Creek chuckling along its bed. Tall pines lined the edges of the cleared space, and a granite cliff face guarded the homestead’s flank. She knew from earlier explorations a trail led into the hills and the swell of granite held the abandoned mine.
“We’re here.”
Darius surveyed the open ground before the mill. “This is your dream home?”
She laughed. “It will be. The mill has good bones even if parts are in disrepair.”
“I think you mean ‘destroyed.’” He shook his head. “Had I known it was this dilapidated, I might have questioned the purchase of it.”
“Oh, come on. It’s not so bad. I did say it was abandoned.” She set the parking brake and turned off the engine. Crickets sang in the aspens and long grasses swaying in the mountain breeze. “It’s so peaceful here.”
Wild grass and weeds had grown up in the clearing, attempting to reclaim the evidence of centuries of technological advances. Sabrina scanned the old homestead, her mind cataloging everything she’d do to change it to fit her tastes. Despite the silence and peaceful façade, something seemed off. Sabrina closed her eyes and opened her senses. A low, discordant hum filled auditory space beneath the crickets’ calls.
“There’s something else I need to tell you.”
The guarded tone in Darius’s voice made her tense and open her eyes. “What?”
“I believe this is the sacred site where you’ll be performing the rituals.”
“Here? This is a sacred site?” She shoved her keys into her pocket and slid out of her minivan. The scents of warm grass and ponderosa pines filled each breath and she took a moment to savor them, enjoying the silence. The hum faded into the background. They’d driven two miles up a Forest Service road to reach the homestead and only the breeze in the trees broke the quiet.
“Don’t be fooled by its commonplace appearance. It’s not the outter—”
“Have you been watching cartoon movies with Holly and Tansy?”
“Focus, Sabrina.” Darius quelled her humor with a glance. “Let’s go around the back. I suspect the ceremony will take place there.”
Sabrina bit her bottom lip and Darius took her hand. A tingle ran up her arm from where they touched, and the air seemed to ripple as if from an invisible concussion. Sabrina listened hard for some sort of clue to what occurred, but only the sound of the wind filled her ears.
“It’s so quiet, even quieter than where I live.”
Darius nodded. “It has been neglected for a long time. The energies are unsteady here.”
So that’s what I sensed. “Then why are we doing the High Beltane rituals in a place with unsteady energies?”
“Because they must be repaired and Beltane offers the perfect opportunity to restore the conduit. When you perform the High Beltane rituals, it will bring blessings and protection to the land.”
His explanation didn’t reassure her, but she followed him around the old house, brushing her fingers through the tall heads of the grass. She tried not to watch the way his back flexed as he strode ahead of her, but even in an ordinary t-shirt he had sexy written all over him.
Stop drooling! It’s just the energies around Beltane talking. Despite the rebuke, her mind filled with all the times he’d been kind to her children, solicitous to her, and protective of them all over the last few days. Not. Husband. Material. He’s arrogant and he’s the Chamberlain of the Summer Court. Except the arrogance had waned, and he’d made sweet love to her last night. It doesn’t matter. Stop thinking of him as a prospect.
Darius paused and looked back, his expression curious.
“I’m coming. I’m just getting used to this place. Something seems off.”
He tilted his head thoughtfully. “I know you don’t wish to do this again.”
“Stop, Darius. I gave my word I would and I’ll stand by it.” She looked around the “backyard” of the homestead, noting a lovely ring of aspens rattling softly. “The trees are the sacred circle, aren’t they?”
“I believe so. The energies are strongest there.”
“Is it safe to build a fire in there?”
“There should be a stone lined pit in the center beside a slate altar.”
They pushed through the ring of trees and entered an enchanted world. The grass had been cut and the pit cleared of debris. Sunlight slanted down through the branches, painting a latticework pattern on the ground. The silence deepened within the circle and Sabrina’s mundane concerns slipped away. A small altar stood beyond the fire pit, looking more like an Olympic three step podium than a traditional table.
“Has this place been used as celebration grounds before?” Sabrina scuffed her foot through the shortened grass. “The Malachite Coven hasn’t used it.”
Darius looked surprised. “I would assume so. Have you never done the rituals here?”
“No. Not for Beltane or Samhain or Yule. Seems well-tended for no one using it.”
“Hmm.” Darius scanned the space. “Perhaps the energies have been strong enough to keep it
this well-tended until the renewal.”
Despite the sacredness of the rituals, Sabrina’s mind easily supplied an image of her bent over the stone altar, Darius pumping into her from behind. Glory, I’ve become a wanton woman after one night of sex. Her pussy clenched at the prospect and she had to blink several times to clear her sight. It won’t necessarily be him. Goddess, I wish it could be.
Sabrina took a deep breath. “All right. Who will be my partner for the fertility ritual? Has the Queen chosen someone?” She didn’t really want to know the answer. The idea of screwing another man in the sacred ritual, even for the honor of the Summer Court, killed her warm, lustful thoughts. She didn’t want any other man touching her.
“Yes.”
Something in Darius’s voice made her glance at him. He met her scrutiny with an impassive mask.
“I will.”
She damn near swallowed her tongue as her heart leapt with excitement and hope. “What?”
“I will be your partner.”
“But…you’re the Chamberlain…and…” She couldn’t quite find the words to explain her excitement. But reality intruded as she recalled his duty to the Court. She bit down on her tongue. “What if I get pregnant?”
****
Darius sighed at the look of horror on Sabrina’s face. As a fertility celebration, Beltane promoted a renewal of life, and with the attendance of the Summer Queen, he suspected the potency to be increased. Sabrina’s expression chilled his blood straight down to his bones. She’d told him point blank she didn’t want another child, and he doubted she’d want one from him. But this gave him the perfect opportunity to find a way to leave the Court for good.
He wanted a family of his own, one uncorrupted by intrigues of the Fae. His soul cried out for change, but recoiled at the dismay painted across her face. He’d fought against his attraction for the little human witch, but she’d enticed him with nothing more than her fierce protection of her children and her enduring courage in the face of her attacker’s enmity. She’d breached the defenses around his heart as she took up the challenge she had no interest in pursuing.
The Beltane Witch (Cloudburst Colorado) Page 15
