by Donna Grant
Wallace Mansion
Brian walked the length and breadth of his cell. He wanted to scream his exasperation, but it would do no good. No one could hear him.
He slammed his open palm against the metal bars holding him. Not even the pain of that could dampen his rage. The maniac who had taken him was going about his business as if he abducted people all the time.
And for all Brian knew, he did.
Brian got a glimpse of the wealth of the mansion when he was summarily ushered through the front door and then down into the dungeon.
The fact the man was all alone didn’t go unnoticed by Brian. His kidnapper managed to convince everyone at the school that Brian had to go with him.
Then there was the issue that he’d subdued Brian without any effort.
Brian flexed his hand. He could bench 250 pounds. For two years after being ganged up on by a group of guys, he spent every spare minute of his time in the school’s weight room.
No longer did anyone pick on him. He filled out his shirts with arms that were thick and strong instead of skinny and useless.
He regularly got into the ring at the village’s boxing club, because there was only so much muscle could do unless someone knew how to wield their body into a weapon.
Brian had become that weapon. Or so he thought until he met his capture. The man had taken him easily. Too bloody easily.
“What would you be saying, I wonder,” came a voice behind him.
Brian whirled around to find his abductor. The man was tall and thin. He had thin blond hair and cold, calculating blue eyes. His nose was hawkish, and his face too thin and angular. Not even the fit of his tailored suit could make him meagerly good-looking.
He sneered at the man and rushed the metal bars separating them. Brian wrapped his hands around two of the bars and bared his teeth.
“Doona worry, lad. Your sister will be along shortly. I’ve made sure of it, you see.”
Brian felt sick to his stomach. Why did the man want Evie?
“Jason Wallace is the name,” the man said. “I might have failed to give you my name earlier.”
Brian narrowed his gaze and stilled. There was only one reason for a criminal to show his face or give his prisoner his name. And that was because he planned to kill Brian.
“Oh, no,” Jason said as he shook his head. “I’m no’ going to kill you, lad. There willna be a need once Evangeline arrives. You see, she’s important to me. She’s going to fulfill a prophecy that will unleash an evil this world has never seen.”
Brian released the bars and took several steps away from Jason. He shook his head, not wanting to hear more—or believe any of it.
“It’s true,” Jason continued. “She’s a Druid, lad. Did you know that? Your sister holds magic, and it’s that magic that is going to help me. Right now she’s a simple mie. But it willna be long now until she gives her soul to Satan and becomes drough.”
Brian let out a sound as close to a scream as he could get. Evie was all that he had left in the world. He might give her hell sometimes, but he would do anything for her.
He also knew that she’d do whatever it took to get him freed. Brian dropped his chin to his chest and silently raged at his inability to do anything.
“How is it, Brian, that your sister has magic, but you doona?” Jason asked.
Brian fisted his hands and slowly raised his gaze to Jason. He let every ounce of hate and fury show through his eyes. When Jason chuckled, it only made his rage grow.
“You didna know your sister was a Druid.”
Brian let the bastard think what he wanted. In truth, he knew all about Evie’s magic. It was one secret that had been shared. He, however, had a secret of his own.
“It’s too bad you doona have any magic,” Jason said with a smirk. “I could turn you as well. I’m ever amazed at the bonds people share. It’s those bonds that make them do whatever it is I want.”
Jason came closer to the bars and peered at Brian. “Did you know there are monsters out there? There is one with your sister now. He’s doing all sorts of things to her. By the time he’s done, I wonder how much will be left.”
Brian didn’t want to believe him, but how could he not? He tuned out Jason and let his mind wander. Evie had always been independent and headstrong. She was also highly intelligent and rarely reckless.
If anyone could look out for themselves, Brian knew it was her.
He made himself relax and sit on the narrow cot that served as his bed. It had a thin mattress, a blanket, and a pillow. There was a pot in the corner for him to relieve himself. That was it in the square room he’d been confined to.
Nothing to use as a weapon, unless he wanted to throw piss at Jason.
Brian bit back a grin as he imagined Jason’s outrage.
Suddenly Brian was slammed back against the stones that made up the back wall of the cell, his head banging hard. Something warm and wet trickled down the back of his neck.
“You’re no’ listening to me,” Jason said through clenched teeth.
Brian blinked twice until his vision cleared and he saw Jason standing outside the cell. It hadn’t taken much to rile him.
Pain throbbed in his head and neck, but Brian refused to let Jason know. He returned Jason’s stare and simply waited.
“Ah. So no’ like most lads your age, are you?” Jason smiled coolly and rubbed his chin with his thumb and forefinger. “I could make you my slave if I wanted.”
Brian’s blood turned cold at the thought. He had underestimated Jason. He couldn’t—wouldn’t—do that again. Now that he had a hint of how much magic Jason had, he’d be able to tell Evie.
He just had to make sure he was still in control of his own mind and body when Evie got there. Then she would be able to take Jason on and get them both out.
* * *
Malcolm walked into the master bedroom intent on looking through the man’s closet for a shirt. When he heard the water from the shower, he stopped and stared at the door.
Just on the other side of a slim piece of wood was the Druid. Naked.
Water rushing over her skin, soap sliding seductively, slowly down her body. That long, lovely hair of hers wet and thick as she rinsed the shampoo out.
Breathing became difficult as all his blood rushed to his cock. Malcolm remembered the weight of her breast, recalled the feel of her slick walls as he pushed a finger inside her.
He didn’t know how long he stood there thinking of the last time the Druid was in his arms, of how right it had felt, how absolutely wonderful. It could have been seconds or hours.
The door to the bathroom opened and the Druid emerged with a towel wrapped around her. Her skin was still dewy, her wet hair already beginning to curl as strands clung to her.
Malcolm knew he should leave. By being this close he tempted himself in ways he couldn’t overcome. No matter what his brain told him to do, his body was in control. And he wanted to stay.
Clear blue eyes met his. Her lips parted, but no words were spoken. They stared at each other, locked in silence, passion and desire growing with each breath.
There were only six steps separating them. It would be so easy to close the distance and take her in his arms, and Malcolm knew how good she tasted, knew how incredible she felt in his arms.
He’d managed to walk away once. He wouldn’t be able to do it again.
Her fist clutched the fluffy purple towel at her breasts. In another life Malcolm would have charmed his way into the Druid’s bed. But he no longer knew how to be charming or anything else.
For years, he simply existed. Now, emotions he didn’t want ruled him every second. And, right then, it was desire and need that had a firm hold of him.
Malcolm swallowed thickly when the Druid took a step toward him, the towel parting to reveal a long, shapely leg. With each step the towel drifted open more, until he caught a glimpse of her bare hip.
His heart pounded in his chest as if he’d run a thousand miles. Malcolm lif
ted his gaze to her face and inwardly groaned. He hungered for her—with a desperation that made him want to toss her on the bed and take her right then.
“Leave,” he told her.
The Druid shook her head before her slender arm reached up and her fingers ran through her hair. Large, wet curls a deep, rich brown fell about her face and shoulders.
Her allure was palpable.
Her seduction irresistible.
Malcolm feared what he would do to her if he took her. It had been too long since his body had had release. And he was a beast. He could hurt her.
“Leave,” he urged again.
The corners of her lips lifted. And then she released her hold on the towel.
All the breath left Malcolm as the towel landed with a soft whoosh around her feet. His gaze raked over her body leisurely, noting her small but full breasts and her dark, dusky nipples.
His gaze lowered to her waist, down her navel to her flared hips. And then down to the triangle of dark curls. He got his first look at her lean legs and couldn’t wait to have them wrapped around his waist.
“You doona know what you’re doing teasing me like this, Druid.” He didn’t recognize the rough voice coming from his body, but then again, he’d never felt such aching, insistent desire before.
“Touch me,” she urged.
He had to make her understand that she needed someone else. Not him, not the fiend that he was. His hunger was too strong, his yearning too intense to attempt to restrain.
“Doona tease me.”
“I’m not. I’m offering myself to you.”
The last shred of Malcolm’s control snapped. In the next heartbeat he had her on the bed, his body covering hers as he took her mouth in a kiss meant to claim.
A kiss meant to possess.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-FIVE
The feel of Malcolm on top of her froze Evie’s lungs. His heat, his weight spurred her passion into a frenzy. He was solid, firm.
Powerful and fierce.
And it made her burn.
Evie sighed into his kisses. His mouth seized, captured. His hands caressed, stroked.
Everywhere he touched he seared her skin, raising her desire to new heights each time.
She plunged her hands into his silky locks and delighted in the feel of the golden strands through her fingers. A moan tore from her throat when his hand cupped her breast and squeezed.
Her nipples hardened and her breasts swelled. She clutched at the thick sinew on his shoulders. Her back arched when he pinched her nipple, sending a flood of wetness between her legs.
She lifted her hips to grind against him. A deep, guttural groan rumbled from his chest. His lips left hers to travel down her neck before clamping over her aching nipple.
His tongue flicked back and forth over the tiny nub, shooting pleasure through her body. Evie’s body went taut, the desire beginning to tighten low in her stomach.
He moved from one breast to the other, teasing her, arousing her until her body quivered. Only then did he kiss down her stomach to settle between her legs.
A cry of pleasure tore from her at the first touch of his tongue on her sex. He licked, he laved, he teased. Each flick of his tongue ignited a yearning that consumed her.
The pleasure was too formidable, too intense. She tried to hold her body back, but Malcolm refused to allow it. He demanded all of her.
And she was powerless to deny him.
The climax struck without warning, the power transporting her. She screamed his name as the rush of pleasure claimed her. He continued to lick her, prolonging her orgasm until she was thrashing her head from side to side and begging him to stop or continue. She wasn’t sure which.
When he rose up over her, Evie reached for him, needing to feel his muscles and heat beneath her palms. Malcolm’s azure eyes clashed with hers, desire blazing in his blue depths. Her heart missed a beat at the pure, unadulterated longing she saw there.
Her hands grasped the waist of his jeans and unbuttoned them. In a matter of seconds he discarded his clothes and loomed over her.
The light coming from the bathroom bathed him in a soft glow. Evie ran her hands up his arms and over his shoulders. The raised skin of his scars didn’t diminish her desire or take away from the perfection that was Malcolm.
Suddenly, he grabbed her wrists in one hand and pulled them over her head. She caught sight of his arousal and all the moisture of her body pooled between her legs.
He held her arms securely, but gently. The savage look in his eyes told her he had lost himself in his need. It made her flesh sizzle with anticipation, excitement.
She didn’t want soft and gentle. She wanted hard and quick. She wanted all that was Malcolm, all that he had to give.
Her breath came faster and faster when she saw his eyes flicker from azure to maroon several times. It wasn’t fear that took her but … delight.
“Don’t you dare stop,” she whispered.
“Too much,” he rasped.
Evie wrapped her legs around his hips and tugged him closer until the thick, blunt head of his arousal met her entrance. A muscle ticked in his jaw and his body began to shake.
When she couldn’t pull him closer, she lifted her hips until the tip of him entered her.
The moan that was pulled from him made her heart skip a beat. It was as if whatever had been holding him back snapped. He gave one hard thrust and filled her.
Her body jerked at the feel of his length filling her, stretching her. Several seconds ticked by as he remained still. Evie had never been so aroused, never been so close to orgasm after having one just a few minutes earlier.
But there was something about Malcolm that affected her as no other man could.
She tried to move, but he gripped her hip with his free hand. His lips were pinched as he struggled to hold back. Just the opposite of what she wanted.
“Please,” she begged, needing the release that was building again. “Don’t hold back. I need this. I need you.”
His eyes scorched her with his desire. He pulled out of her and began to move. With his face inches from hers, she couldn’t look away, couldn’t do anything but feel the incredible sensations each stroke of his cock gave her.
His hips jerked as he drove into her relentlessly, mercilessly. Her body silently reached for him, yearning for more, craving him.
Her heart pounded in her ears. Her blood was molten heat.
Her entire universe revolved around the mysterious, gorgeous man who was taking her body to places she hadn’t known existed.
She yearned to touch him, but he had control of her. And there would be no escape from him. Not now.
Not ever.
The desire tightened and twisted until she couldn’t take it anymore. Each thrust sent her spiraling toward bliss, and just when she thought she could give in, Malcolm would push her further.
“No’ yet,” he growled.
Evie tried to yank her arms loose, but he held tight. She tried to twist her body away so she could wait as he demanded, but he refused to give her an inch.
“Malcolm!” she screamed. “I can’t!”
He shifted her hips higher and drove into her deeper, harder. “No’ yet,” he demanded.
Evie tried to hold back the climax, but how could she when he felt so good? No matter what she did, her body was barreling toward release and there was nothing she could do to stop it.
“Now. Come for me, Druid,” Malcolm whispered.
As if on cue, her body exploded in an orgasm so intense white lights flashed behind her eyes. His thrusts grew quick and shallow as he wrested every drop from her before he gave a shout and stilled.
The feel of him pulsating inside her sent Evie to yet another climax before the previous one ended. She opened her magic and let it wrap around them, holding them, enveloping them in a cocoon of paradise.
For long moments they stayed as they were before she opened her eyes to find him gazing down at her with what looked l
ike wonder.
With her body fully sated, Evie found herself relaxed and sleep pulling at her. She smiled as he released her hands and gently pulled out of her.
Her eyes closed on their own, and she could’ve sworn he ran a hand down her cheek. He said something in a language she didn’t understand.
She told herself to remember to ask him when she woke.
* * *
Malcolm stared down at the Druid long after she went to sleep. He couldn’t believe he’d given into his need. But more than that, he couldn’t believe the Druid hadn’t run.
Instead she had urged him on.
He had lost control and not harmed her, as he’d feared. It seemed too good to be true. He took one of her big curls and wrapped it around his finger.
He stroked the cool strand and contemplated the Druid. Foolishly, he’d thought he could forget her. He should’ve known better.
After one kiss, she’d gotten in his blood. Now, after having her, tasting her, she had somehow found what was left of his soul and claimed it.
Malcolm pulled the covers over her so she wouldn’t get chilled before he lay back on the pillow. With one hand under his head, he kept the other with her curl around his finger.
It was dangerous for the Druid if he stayed. Yet he couldn’t leave. He’d known it when he ran from her at Cairn Toul.
His chest tightened as he thought of the Druid’s accusing eyes when he returned. She had every right to be angry with him. His vow to protect her had come in second as he worried for himself.
And it had cost him because something had happened to her. He wasn’t sure if she’d ever tell him either. She didn’t trust him now, if she ever had to begin with.
Trust. Did he even deserve it? She knew he had betrayed Deirdre, and according to Larena that was more than acceptable since Deirdre had been evil.
But what of Duncan? What of the rest of those at the castle? He’d betrayed each and every one of them when he killed Duncan.
Malcolm pushed away the memories that kept replaying in his mind—of Duncan joking with him, trying to make him laugh, of Duncan trying to get him to take his side against something he and Ian had been arguing over, of Duncan covering his plate when Galen tried to steal his food.
