by Autumn Dawn
"Allow me to escort you, then. I thought you might enjoy a tour of the grounds before dinner."
"Ah ... are there a lot of ... of Haunt walking around out there?"
"Yes, but I think I can protect you."
She shot him a look for that comment, but maybe he deserved a little revenge. “I'm not a coward."
"Aren't you? Let's see,” he murmured. He stepped closer and kissed her.
Stunned, she froze as his mouth brushed hers. More confusing, he stopped there. Lifting his head, he said softly, “Maybe you aren't."
Confounded, she stepped back. “Don't do that!"
"Do what?” he asked innocently.
"That! You know what. Don't do it again.” More rattled than she liked to admit, she braced to resist if he tried it again.
He shrugged and headed for the door. “You don't have to feel inadequate, you know. I'm sure you might get better at it with practice."
Outrage had her following him, railing as she went. “I don't need practice! If I did need practice, I wouldn't get it from you.” Confused, she frowned. That sounded like an admission of some kind.
His smile was cocksure, designed to enrage. He threw it over his shoulder and walked slowly on.
Tripping on her skirt, she hurried after him. “If you can't behave yourself, I want you to stay out of my room. I won't let you in if I can't trust you. You're supposed to be my guardian!"
There was no one in the hall, and Fallon took advantage of it, backing her to the wall. Bracing his hands on either side of her, he said huskily, “You can trust me.” His eyes dropped her lips. “I promise."
She didn't think he was promising what she wanted, not with that look in his eyes. She shook her head, hating the dizziness in her blood.
His head dipped closer until she could feel his breath against her lips. “No?"
She shook her head, realized it wasn't enough. “No.” It came out wrong—breathy and weak.
He moved his mouth to her ear and whispered, “Tell me if I change your mind."
She shivered.
Her stomach felt odd as they walked on—fluttery and unsettled. Keeping her eyes from his, she placed her hand on her abdomen. Obviously he wasn't good for her—he was making her sick. Distracted, she didn't even realize they were passing by Haunt until about the third one. Terror made her draw a deep breath. Her muscles locked up—
Fallon slid his arm around her waist and breathed in her ear. She almost jumped out of her skin.
"What are you doing?” she demanded in a strangled whisper.
His hand slid dangerously low on her hip. “Distracting you?” he said in that oh-so-innocent tone.
She grabbed his hand and threw it off, veering right to an archway with the doors flung open. She didn't have to look to feel him sauntering behind her.
It was a bad sign when she could feel a man like that.
They came to a small field enclosed by a low stone fence. Breathing deeply, she gripped the top and stared out over it. Just beyond it, a series of stone and adobe huts began.
She felt Fallon's arms go around her, gripping the wall beside hers. Again, her muscles locked.
He sighed and let go. “We'll work on it."
She grit her teeth, too angry to answer as he straddled the wall to her left.
"As a man and a warrior, I see something I like and pursue it. I think most men are like that,” he said reflectively, looking over the field. “The feelings confuse you, don't they?"
"I have no trouble understanding anger,” she growled.
He smiled. “You haven't been pursued by anyone with honorable intentions, have you?"
Eyes narrowed, she dared him to lie to her. “You have no honorable intentions. I doubt you've ever had a lasting relationship in your life. I'm not a plaything, and I'm not a fool!"
"No, you're not. You might know that I'm not a liar, though."
"No, I wouldn't know. When in the last few days that I've known you would I have figured that out?"
"Ah. You need time, and I'm rushing you. My bad."
She breathed deeply for strength. “I've got no interest in a relationship with you, however brief. Don't tell me you're desperate for female companionship. I'm sure there's a few women around here you haven't bedded. Probably a teen or two who came of age while you were away."
"Ouch. You have a barbed tongue. I haven't been as busy as all that. I'll bet there's ten women, at least, who I haven't bedded here."
She walked off.
He hopped off the wall and joined her. “I was joking, you know."
"I don't joke about this kind of stuff. Find some beer buddies to share your gutter humor with."
He let out a gusty sigh. “I—watch out!"
She hadn't been watching were she was going as she turned a corner. Unfortunately, she ran right into a Haunt taking the same curve from the opposite direction. Fallon grabbed her arm to steady her, but it was too late.
"Ah-choo!"
"Rain? Are you okay?” Fallon asked with concern. The Haunt reached for her, perhaps in an effort to help.
"Ah-choo! Ah-choo!” She backpedaled, tripping on her skirt. She would have landed on her bum if Fallon hadn't caught her.
"What is it? Are you allergic to Haunt?"
"Dog fur!” she gasped, then sneezed again mightily. Her eyes were watering.
Fallon choked on a laugh. “You're serious?"
She sneezed in answer. “W-thin two feet, I ... ah ... ah—"
He coughed, clearly dying to laugh. “Okay, we'll take you to the medics and get you something for this. We can't have you running around sneezing all the time. You might blow off your nose at this rate."
"You're not funny!” She really was miserable, and it was hard to breath.
He sobered. “Come on. You need medicine."
Rain balked. “I don't like doctors."
One arm behind her back, he moved her relentlessly on. “You're getting one anyway. Get used to it."
"I hate you,” she muttered, and sneezed again for good measure. She was getting light-headed from lack of air.
"Do I need to carry you?"
"You do, you die,” she promised.
"Feisty, aren't you?"
She did make it to the medics. To her disgust, she was too winded to argue with him about the bitter medicine he made her take. It did ease her breathing, though.
The medic looked at her, a smile lurking around his mouth. “An unusual allergy, but one we can deal with. Repeated exposure should build up immunity, and we have several herbal mixtures that will help. We'll try the mildest one first, then work up to the more powerful doses as needed. Be sure to note any uncomfortable side effects—we want to make sure the medicine is not worse than the disease."
"That's a first,” Rain muttered.
The man smiled. “Is there anything else I can help you with today? No? Then take care, and have a good day."
She sulked all the way back to her room. “I hate medicine. I don't need to take it unless I run into any more walking carpets."
"You'll take it. The doctor said it will help you to build up immunity."
"So he claims."
"And we're going to test those claims. I'll watch you take them with every meal, if I have to. If I can't be there, then I'll make sure Malian sees you do it."
"You're awful bossy,” she sniffed. Her eyes were still a little watery.
He opened the door to her room for her. “As you pointed out, I am your guardian. You look tired. Would you like a nap before dinner?"
"I guess."
"All right, then. I'll see you after you rest. Pleasant dreams.” He dropped a kiss to her lips, then let himself out.
Rain stared at the door, too tired to chase him down and yell at him—as if it did any good the last time. If Fallon wanted to kiss her, he was going to kiss her. Maybe her best defense was not to react.
Pondering her new strategy, she changed into the linen pajamas laid out on the bed and fell asl
eep.
Chapter Five
Someone was stroking her hair. Vaguely annoyed—it tickled—she snuggled deeper into the covers.
A man chuckled. Fallon. The man was always laughing, smiling ... you'd think his life was all roses. “Go away."
"It's almost dinner time."
Food. Dinner was a good thing. She sighed sleepily. “Five more minutes."
He laughed again. “You've slept for an hour already. We're having fresh bread, a roast with herbs, tender young vegetables ... I think there's dessert, too."
"Okay. You've convinced me.” She didn't move right away, though. She liked to get her brain in gear before she climbed out of bed.
His hand moved deeper into her hair, massaging until she looked at him with sleepy eyes.
"Rain? May I kiss you?"
A ‘no’ hovered on her lips, but the way he looked at her stilled it. It was the first time he'd asked.
Her gaze dropped to his lips. Could it be that bad? Curiosity stirred. “Ah ... I guess."
His lips curved at her uncertain answer. Gently, he brushed his mouth against hers, not once, but many times, until she found his light touch a tease and sought his lips, seeking deeper contact. Obligingly, he gave her more ... but not enough.
She made an impatient sound. While she'd never liked kissing, if he was going to kiss her, he should kiss her. This game was frustrating. Grabbing his head with one hand, she pulled him closer.
This time his mouth opened over hers, gave her full contact. Now his tongue swept inside, surprising her with his controlled passion. This wasn't like the others—it felt ... good. Really good. So good, she started to lose her head.
His hand was cradled behind her head, gently holding her steady. When his body joined hers on the bed, she blinked in surprise, but the kisses soon drug her back down. There were covers between them, after all. One hand curved behind her back, pulling her closer, showing her how good it felt to press against him. She whimpered her encouragement.
Boldly, he swept down the covers and snuggled closer. The kisses alternated on her lips and ears, trailed down her jaw and caressed her neck. The hand on her back slid down to cup the curve of her behind, massaging, pulling her closer.
She should have objected. Should have said no. Instead she gasped, unable to remember why this was a problem. It had just been so long since she'd felt pleasure, and he was giving her his full attention. Pitiful, but she was starving for his touch ... any touch. More importantly, he was more than willing to give it.
If she couldn't have love, then at least she could have this.
Heaven help her, the man was gorgeous, nice, and he wanted her. It was all she could ever hope for, then she would take it.
Her sleeveless linen shirt twisted around her, the soft fabric suddenly chaffing. Fallon sat up and pulled it off her, sinking back down into a kiss before she could object to the exposure. His weight was so good, the sensation of his leather vest on her breasts exciting, scary in its newness, but to hard to stop.
He lifted from her slightly and stared at her breasts, then slowly licked his lips.
She shivered and covered them.
Smiling wickedly, he covered her hands with his own and rotated them.
Shocked, she yanked hers away, then gasped as his hands took over, massaging, pinching her nipples, causing wicked fire to race through her blood until she arched under his hands.
He kissed her, took his time to deeply explore her mouth, then lifted again to watch her. “Want it, sweetheart? Need it?” he whispered rakishly. “Have some.” His mouth closed around her nipple, gently bit.
Rain's body arched off the bed. She growled and yelled his name, closing her eyes as his hands came under her to grip her butt.
Bursts of pleasure raced through her, causing white hot flashes of light behind her lids. What was this? It went on and on, then ebbed, only to rise again and consume her.
She was so hot. Couldn't get enough, but when she tugged at his vest, wanting closer contact, he slipped down her body instead.
"No, love. Tonight's all about you. You want to invite my pleasure another night, I'll be happy to oblige. For now ... just enjoy.” His tongue caressed her belly, lapped at her navel, dipped inside. Kissed the skin just above her pants. Taking his time, he untied the bow of her drawstring trousers.
Rain knew what came next, trembled in anticipation. She'd heard about it, wanted it. Wasn't about to tell him no if he wanted to do it. This was better than the Bell, better than—wait! What was she thinking? If he was going this far, he wasn't going to stop there. The Bell was safe, in its way. He was not. “Wai—! Uh. Oh. Ahhh.... His fingers had slipped below the pants, which he'd inched down. He had her clitoris in between his thumb and fingers and was gently massaging.
"More?” he said suggestively, and lowered them a fraction. “Do you want my kiss there, too, baby? Say it."
"Say what?” She couldn't think.
"Tell that you're wet, dreaming of my kisses. Tell me that you want my kisses there."
"I can't!"
"Yes, you can. Say, ‘Fallon.’”
"Fallon."
"I want your kisses."
"I ... I want your kisses.” She moaned in pleasure as he rewarded her, then squirmed when he stopped.
"Fallon, I'm wet, dreaming of your kisses."
"That's embarrass—” she broke off with a squeal as he dipped a fingertip a fraction into her. Sadly, he stopped again.
"Say it. Say it all, or I'll stop now."
"No!"
"Say it."
"F-fallon. I ... I'm so wet, dreaming of your kisses there.” Just saying it made a gush of liquid heat wet her thighs.
"That's my sweet kitten,” he murmured. Deftly, he flipped her onto her stomach and tucked a pillow under her hips, raising her up. He stripped off her pants, leaving her totally exposed, totally naked to his vision.
She tried to sit up. “What—"
He spread her thighs and licked her, right where she'd told him she needed it.
It was too good, but she couldn't get away, couldn't stop him with her hands. The more she squirmed against the sheets, the worse the friction teased her. Her butt was high, her thighs clamped in his big hands, spread wide for his pleasure ... and hers.
Such sweet pleasure. Such a relief to surrender. She couldn't fight him, didn't want to fight him. Could only buck and squirm as he sank deep into her, crying out when his deliberate moan vibrated inside her.
Fallon knew that he could have anything he wanted at that moment, but he wasn't about to take it from her. She was passionate and needy, needing a lover who would put her needs first. This first loving was about healing, about teaching her the power of trust and pleasure. It was also a binding, though she wouldn't recognize his power over her at first. They would have plenty of time for more, and he was a man with self control. So instead of bringing her higher, driving her mindless, he brought her down easy, left her floating on a plain of pleasure. When she had drifted down enough not to hurt when he stopped, he got off the bed and pulled her up. “Come on. It's time for dinner."
She wobbled in his arms. “W-what?"
"Dinner. Oddly enough, having dessert first always whets my appetite."
She blushed and looked around for her clothes. Happy to keep her off balance, because he didn't want her to think—it was always a headache when women thought in these situations—he helped her into her dress. Mm, he liked that blue outfit on her. He was tempted to buy her that style in every color of the rainbow.
She still looked dazed when he brought her to his suite and seated her at the long table. Larger than her own apartments, his was furnished in soft greens, bronze and tan leather. It had three bedrooms, suitable for the family he'd one day have. The houseplants were few, but well cared for thanks to his housekeeper. He looked at Rain, but whatever she thought of the place, she seemed too unsettled to comment.
The meal had just been laid out on the table. Content to leave the u
nfocused expression on her face, he filled her plate for her and poured her wine before serving himself.
She ate, but kept her eyes on her plate. He let her have silence for a little while, then said casually, “I thought we could fish on the bay in the morning. I've arranged to borrow a small sailboat, and the weather promises to be fine. We should enjoy it before the storms come in the fall and we're forced indoors much of the time."
She risked a glance at him. “Storms?"
"Fierce electrical storms. How do you like your dinner?"
She looked down at the half-eaten roast. It's good."
"And did you enjoy making love with me, too?"
Rain looked at him with a stricken expression. “You're so casual about it."
"Not casual. Frank. I enjoyed it. I don't want it to be swept under the rug. Preferably, I'll like to share it again with you ... at your invitation, of course."
She remained silent, her eyes on her plate.
Fallon waited.
"I think you'd better find someone else,” she whispered.
"I've no interest in somebody else."
"Today.” Her voice gained strength.
"You've decided I'm some sort of playboy."
"Aren't you?"
He considered that. “In the past, I've been as wild as any youth. Trust me, the lifestyle pales as a man gets older. I'm thinking differently these days, planning differently. You have nothing to fear from me."
She met his eyes with apparent difficulty. “What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means I'm looking for a wife. My friends have settled down and I like what they've done with their lives. They've got a good thing going."
"Well, if you're looking for a wife, we know you won't choose me,” she said bitterly. “Besides, you barely know me. Like I said, find someone else."
He continued doggedly, “There's an appeal to coming home to a place with someone in it. I like the idea of a wife lighting up a house."
"You want kids,” she accused him.
He shifted uncomfortably. “Not really. Not right now, at least. Don't misunderstand—I like playing with my cousin's children, but it's a relief to know that they're his at the end of the day."
