Tarot Card Anthology: Synchronicity Volume 3

by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

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  Whiskey Creek Press

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Copyright ©2008 by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

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  NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

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  CONTENTS

  Published by

  WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

  Other Books by Authors Available at Whiskey Creek Press:

  Dedication

  THE SUN

  JUSTICE

  THE EMPRESS

  THE EMPEROR

  THE DEVIL

  THE WORLD

  Epilogue

  ABOUT THE AUTHORS

  For your reading pleasure, we invite you to visit our web bookstore

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  TAROT CARD ANTHOLOGY—SYNCHRONICITY

  VOLUME 3

  by

  Tina Bendoni & Michelle Hasker

  WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Published by

  WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

  Whiskey Creek Press

  PO Box 51052

  Casper, WY 82605-1052

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Copyright © 2007 by Tina Bendoni & Michelle Hasker

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  ISBN 978-1-60313-074-5

  Credits

  Cover Artist: Jinger Heaston

  Editor: Chere Gruver

  Printed in the United States of America

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

  WITCHY WOES: TAMARA

  "Ms. Hasker's writing is both fast-paced and descriptive; even though the story is short the reader is given the impression of much lengthier tale. I appreciated the fact that the scenes describing the coven's meetings were just as detailed and vivid as the love scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and look forward to the next installments with great anticipation..."

  Mickey

  Simply Romance Reviews

  WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

  CELTIC LOVE KNOTS VOLUME 2:

  DARK GOD OF BELTANE & SHEILA'S SURRENDER

  www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com/Dark God of Beltane by Tina Bendoni

  "Tina Bendoni has done it again with a sensual but awe-inspiring story in her book Dark God of Beltane. It is about how now matter how long it takes true love to find you it soon will. This is a whimsical story you are sure to enjoy. With the true intensity that only Tina Bendoni can bring you."

  Sheila's Surrender by Michelle Hasker

  "Sheila's Surrender is fabulously sensual! Michelle Hasker is phenomenal. Michelle turns up the heat with this second book. Pick it up and turn the pages and join into the world where hot fantasies come to life. Men in kilts! What more could you ask for?"

  Deb

  Sensual Reviews

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Other Books by Authors Available at Whiskey Creek Press:

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Christmas Candy Anthology

  Celtic Love Knots Volume 1

  Celtic Love Knots Volume 2

  Tarot Card Anthology—Synchronicity Volume 1

  Tarot Card Anthology—Synchronicity Volume 2

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Dedication

  From author Michelle Hasker:

  To Cynthya—Hope you enjoy your story

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  THE SUN

  by

  Tina Bendoni

  "The Sun. An interesting card. You have a very positive time ahead of you, my dear."

  Eliana Thomas watched the fortune teller as she pursed her lips. “I've always been told the Sun is a sign of positive things in your life."

  The woman smiled. “You're right, it is. It is also a sign of strong masculine energy.” She pointed to the young man standing in front of the sun. “The sun god. In your case, I see much ahead of you that is positive. Have you recently graduated or gotten a promotion?"

  Eliana furrowed her brow. “Yeah, I graduated from grad school last May. I just got my first job."

  "I do see such wonderful things in your future. Many of your goals and dreams are about to be fulfilled, perhaps some you didn't even realize you had."

  Eli smiled. Dreams she didn't realize she had? Well if they were about to be fulfilled, that sounded nice.

  "Your life is looking up. A new career, health, and you're beautiful to boot. What could you possibly want to see a fortune teller for?"

  Eliana snorted. “You don't have to pay me empty compliments. You're getting paid regardless of what you tell me."

  "I don't lie, young lady. Do you not feel you are beautiful?"

  "Oh, I have no problems with my looks. I like myself just the way I am. But I do know that I don't fit most people's idea of beauty, and that's okay with me. I just didn't want you to feel the need to flatter me for a tip."

  "Never.” The woman's smile was so sincere, that Eliana believed her. “In fact, young child, this card tells me that you're in for a surprise or two from someone very close to you. Perhaps a male?"

  Eliana laughed. “Is this where you tell me I will meet a tall, dark and handsome stranger?"

  The woman smiled. “No. Sorry, my dear. I can promise you that I see nothing about a tall, dark stranger in your future."

  "Oh well. I guess I can't have everything, can I?"

  * * * *

  "What did you see her for?” Eliana looked up at Paul and shook her head at his question. They had been friends for years, but sometimes she just didn't get the man. He could be so nice, and then sometimes almost disparaging.

  "Paul, it's for charity. It was a bit of harmless fun.” Eliana gestured to the entire Green Earth Fair.

  She watched his scowl grow before finally having enough and tugging him down to her. At his six feet two inches and her five foot two inch frame she couldn't reach his face easily unless he made an effort for her.

  Still frowning, he bent down and she reached out to his face to wipe the scowl away. “Stop being a shit."

  His eyebrows shot up. “Excuse me?"

  Eliana placed her hand on her best friend's mouth and told him, “You heard me. Now behave.” She kissed him on the cheek gently, as a friend. Because that's all they were, and all they would ever be.

  Looking at him though, she lost herself in his eyes like she always did. They had known each other for almost ten years and she had lusted after him that entire time. But with thick black hair, a perfect body and a face more handsome than a Greek god's, Eliana knew she had no hopes of ever attracting hi
m as more than a friend.

  So she lusted after him from afar and watched him date thin sophisticated bimbos while she worked her ass off to get her graduate degree. And took any pitiful crumbs he sent her way.

  The moisture on her finger brought her back to the present with a snap. Paul had sucked her fingertip into his mouth. Her body reacted instinctively, her nipples hardening in anticipation and desire.

  "Eeew!” She pulled her hand away, shaking it and then brushing it dry on her jeans. If he only knew that she wasn't really grossed out by his actions—she was so turned on she was ready to jump his bones. What she wouldn't give to have him sucking on a more intimate part of her.

  Knowing those thoughts were pointless, she started walking, only stopping when she realized he wasn't beside her anymore. She turned to look at him and saw something on his face she had never seen before. If she didn't know better, she'd think it was lust. In fact, it seemed so likely that she turned around and checked behind her to see who put that expression on his face. But there was no one there. No one for him to be sending that heated gaze to.

  Shaking her head, deciding that she was imagining it, she held her hand out to him, waiting for him to join her. She didn't know what was going on in that head of his but she wasn't going to make a big deal out of it. She was Paul's friend, and would take him any way she could get him.

  "Come on, slowpoke. You promised me dinner, and I'm starving."

  She could have sworn she saw his eyes narrowing even from over ten feet away. What the hell was going on in that head of his?

  He strode toward her with purpose in his step before joining her and grabbing her around the waist with one arm, leading her out of the convention hall.

  "What do you want to eat?"

  "Chinese, of course."

  "Of course."

  * * * *

  "Please pass the salt."

  Eliana watched Paul as he licked the back of the spoon. Her pussy clenched as she envisioned him licking her like that. His lingering gaze had her squirming in her seat as she wondered if he knew where her thoughts had headed. Hell, her thoughts hadn't left there ever since he'd sucked on her finger.

  Damn him. If he knew the effect he was having on her, she was going to kill him. It just wasn't fair. He could have anyone he wanted, why did he have to torture her like this? She was supposed to be his friend.

  Eliana forced herself to close her eyes. He couldn't know what he was doing. If he knew how much she wanted him, he'd be running in the opposite direction as fast as he could.

  Opening her eyes, she saw him watching her intensely.

  "What?"

  "What, what?"

  "Dammit, Paul, why are you doing that?” she asked as she handed him the salt.

  "Doing what?"

  "Looking at me as though I was something to eat and you were starving."

  "Hmmm, well there are lots of things in this restaurant that are worth eating.” His hand had grasped hers, and hadn't let go yet. He brushed the inside of her wrist with his thumb. Shivers ran through her body, moisture pooling at her core.

  Fuck.

  "Stop that.” Eliana tugged at her wrist, and was almost surprised when Paul let her go. This kind of teasing was new. He had never treated her as anything other than a friend. Why the sudden flirting?

  "We still on for tonight?"

  His demeanor changed entirely. Gone was the confusing sexy Paul from just a second ago. Suddenly her best friend of the last five years was back.

  "Yeah, unless you want to change your mind."

  "Hell no, I'm looking forward to it.” The thrill that went down her spine at his words worried her more than his words warranted.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Eliana looked up at Paul's front door. What the hell am I doing here? Yeah, fine, they'd been best friends for years and going to his place for movies was something they did every once in a while. But things were different now. Something had changed today, and she had no idea what.

  "Are you gonna sit out there all night or are you coming in?"

  Eli started at the sound of his voice. He had come up to her car and she hadn't even noticed it. Thank God it was only him. But as she opened the car door and climbed out, practically right into his arms, she began to wonder about her safety, or at the very least the safety of her heart.

  The hug lasted longer than it had any right to, and his hands traveled up and down her back, sending those same shivers from earlier through her body. By the time he pulled away from her she was wet and quivering in need.

  He kept his arm around her until they got inside and he had her seated on the couch.

  "I thought something different tonight."

  Eliana glanced up at Paul as he looked through the DVDs he had piled on the TV.

  "Can we turn the AC down, please?” It was suddenly feeling very hot in his place, and she didn't think the unseasonable heat wave had anything to do with it.

  "Nope, sorry, thermostat's stuck. The repairman will be here Monday.” He bent down to put one of the DVDs in the player. Eliana caught her breath. Damn she loved that ass. It was all she could do to keep from grabbing it anytime he turned it to her.

  Eliana fanned herself. It really was hot in here. Good thing she'd worn a tank top under her shirt. Well, more of a camisole, but Paul had seen her in it before, why she should be worried about it now was beyond her.

  Her nipples puckered at the thought of his lustful gaze from earlier raking over her in only her light top. Oh, God, she needed to get her body under control. And fast. She walked to the TV and started sorting through the videos he had selected for the night.

  "9 1/2 Weeks? Wild Orchid? Blue Velvet? Unfaithful?"

  "What?” Paul turned and looked at her innocently.

  "What is this? Kinky sex night?” As soon as the words came out of her mouth, she regretted them.

  The corner of his lip twitched up. “Why? Worried?"

  She was never going to survive tonight, she just knew it. She was in trouble.

  * * * *

  God damn thermostat. How the hell could it possibly be getting hotter in here? Eliana curled her bare feet under her body and forced herself to watch more of the movie. Normally she wouldn't have a problem watching a young Mickey Rourke, but tonight he was giving her way too many ideas. She'd been here little more than two hours and already she was stripped down to her camisole. And she knew it wasn't just the ambient heat that had her sweating. Paul had also changed and was wearing a form-fitting tank top. It left his gorgeous biceps bare to her gaze.

  She knew she was strange, but a man's biceps were just as arousing to her as six-pack abs and a tight ass. Paul worked out regularly, and it showed in every bit of his body.

  It didn't seem to matter how much she worked out, though, she was never going to be able to get rid of the extra twenty-five pounds she carried. And she had accepted it. At least she thought she had. Until tonight.

  God, what she wouldn't give for one night with him. Just one night of hot monkey lovin'. After that, they could go back to the status quo. Him boffing everything in sight, and her lusting after him from afar.

  Paul lounged beside her, spread out as though to catch any errant breeze that may come through the house. Suddenly he stood up and walked to the kitchen. “I'm getting another drink, you want anything?"

  "Sure, water could be great,” she called out to him. She needed something to cool her down. But she knew a glass of water wouldn't do it. Maybe if she dove into the Atlantic Ocean that would help, but she doubted it.

  Eliana's jaw dropped. Paul stood there in the doorway to his kitchen. He'd taken off his shirt, and had a tall glass of ice water that he ran over his hard, wide chest.

  His nipples perked as the cold glass passed over them, making her gasp. She watched as a rivulet of water trickled down his chest, over his six-packs abs, and down into his jeans. She forced herself to breathe despite the fact she was eager to follow the trail of the water. Follow i
t with her eyes, hands and mouth.

  The look on his face had her melting in place. There was no mistaking it this time, that gaze was filled with lust and desire, and it was aimed straight at her.

  Her mouth went dry as he approached her slowly, kneeling on the couch beside her. Smiling, he put the glass down on the end table before fishing out an ice cube and holding it to her lips. Instinctively she reached out for it with her tongue, licking the drip of water that was about to fall off its lower edge.

  The sharp intake of his breath was audible as she licked her lips, suddenly more nervous than she had ever been in her life.

  He took the ice cube and brushed it against her lips, teasing her with it. Her breath came in sharp, quick puffs as her pulse quickened. He dragged the cube over her chin, down her neck, his eyes locked onto hers the entire time. His gaze burned through her, straight to her heart.

  "You looked a little hot, my love. I thought I would help cool you down.” His voice was husky with what she would have sworn was desire, but he had never shown a hint of it before today. Why now?

  The cold cube melted against her hot skin, the trickles of water competing with the frigidity of the ice for her attention. He ran it across her collarbones, allowing more water to run down her skin.

  Her breath came faster as she watched his eyes follow the path of his hand. His gaze was hot enough to burn her through to her soul. Her hand went up to cup the back of his neck, running her fingers through his hair.

  He darted his eyes up to her face for an instant, and she was speared with the desire in them.

  "Eli, please. Don't ask me to stop."

  Ask him to stop? Is he fucking kidding? What made him think she would be crazy enough to ask him to stop? She'd wanted this for too long to call a halt to it now. Even if it was just the heat of the night, she wanted whatever he would give her.

  She said nothing, just shook her head minutely.

  Paul's gaze went back to his hand as he lowered it to the swell of her chest. Wet streaks ran down her camisole, the silk material sticking to her skin. Slowly he ran the cube down the slope of her cloth-covered breast, to her already perked and waiting nipple.