“Yes,” I whisper, feeling the excitement. I pull the key out of the drawer, and as I go to jam it into my corset, I remember I don’t have anything on but my thin nightdress. Shit. Okay, plan B. I take the key and wrap up my hair, using it as a pick. Stuck nice and tightly, I shut the door and back away from the desk to leave. I turn and—
“Have ye found what yer looking for?”
If I were wearing panties, I would have just peed in them. The sound of that deep, alluring voice jolts my body, and I jump two solid feet in the air. Before landing and falling over the chair, two strong arms wrap around my waist to steady me.
“Jesus Christ! What are you doing scaring me like that?” I yell whisper. I don’t need to see Locke to know it’s him. Besides the voice that has my body breaking out in goose bumps every time I hear it, his scent gives him away. The lingering smell of spice and leather.
Pure solid male.
“What are ye doing in here, Addie?” he hums into my ear. God, his voice, and he just called me Addie.
“N-nothing. I was looking for some paper. To write a letter to an old girlfriend,” I babble. His breath is hitting my neck. I might not be able to clearly see him in the dark room, but I know he is no more than an inch or two away.
“Searching for paper or on another one of yer adventures? Trying to find hidden treasures?”
“What? No, like I said, I was looking for paper, now, why don’t you let me go so I can go back to my room. I’m very tired.” His grip only tightens, his hands so warm against my almost bare skin. It’s then I remember I am in just a thin nightgown.
“Oh, I bet ye are extremely tired from yer long afternoon. Before ye go, I wanted to ask how ye were enjoying yer stay so far. Are ye, Addie? Enjoying the company of my brother?” His brother?
Then all the small pokes Christof has been giving come to mind. I shrug. “I am, thanks. I’m quite fond of your brother, actually. He treats me so nicely.” I try playing cool. Even though my heart is about to beat out of my chest.
“Nicely?” he scoffs. “Ye hardly look like a girl who settles for nice. More like someone who wants a man to take control and show her exactly what she needs.”
I mistakenly melt a wee bit in his arms. I know what he’s doing here, though. He’s trying to get back at me. “Well, he does think I’m pretty, so he will do,” I taunt him, just as he does me.
“So ye are willing to settle for nice, as long as ye are called pretty, is that it, Addie? Never know what it’s like to have rough and demanding?” He takes his hand and runs it down my side. His hands don’t stop until he is palming my butt cheek.
And then he squeezes.
I don’t think I have ever moaned like that before. Or at least, that’s what sound I think comes pouring out of my mouth. I feel his tongue hit my neck as his mouth spreads kiss after ravaging kiss down my neck.
What am I doing?
God, don’t ever let it stop.
I need to put a stop to this amazing craziness that feels amazingly crazy.
“Do ye think this is how it would feel to be with him?” He lifts me up by my cheeks and sits me on the cool wooden desk.
“Possibly better,” I groan, just as he nips my skin with his teeth.
He pulls away, bringing his hand and cupping my breast. My nipple is hard as a rock and the pressure as he squeezes does me in. “Do ye want to sleep with Christof? Is that it? Have ye? Has he already gotten a taste of these perfect lips?” Bringing his mouth down and finding my lips through the darkness. “Has he had the chance to break down each scent that ye radiate? Peaches, the ocean. The sun?” He lowers his lips back to mine, taking my mouth gently. I don’t fight him, because this is what I want. I press my body into his and wrap my arms around his neck as I kiss him back. His free hand still wrapped around my waist, pulls me closer, so I can feel how hard he is. My swollen breasts press again his chest, offering the perfect amount of pressure and with the strange sensations running through me, all I ache to do is rub against him.
“Admit it is I ye want. Ye crave. I feel how yer body is humming for me right now. It wants to submit and allow me to take.” He squeezes my breast again, with a bit of pain this time, but the feeling is much welcomed. He is right, though. I don’t know how much longer I can deny it. I’m hanging on a strand of control. I need to get home, but denying the urges I have for him can no longer be ignored. Admitting that may be letting him win, but what he promises to offer me may just be worth it. I’m about to let my loose tongue fly, but he speaks first. “Why don’t ye put that key back and let me show ye what yer body truly craves.”
Ugh!
The feeling of cold water is dumped on the moment, bringing me back to my senses. He is just messing with me to get the key. I knew I should never have let my guard down with him. Looks like he won this round. A flood of disappointment washes over me. I wrestle in his arms, until he registers my retaliation and brings his head away from my chest. “Now what’s wrong?” he asks, sounding confused.
“Let me go.”
“Why? No.”
“Let me go NOW!” I yell. I don’t have to see him to know his facial expression has gone back to dark. He releases me instantly, and I almost tumble off the desk. He bends over and lights a desk lamp, his hard facial expression now in clear view.
“What? Is this about my brother?” His tone is tight. I rip my nightgown down into place, and adjust my boob back into my top. “You know what? Fuck you.” I throw my hands into my hair to adjust, in hopes the key didn’t dislodge itself.
“I’m not asking for childish name calling, I’m asking why ye stopped. Is it because ye want him? Do ye want Christof?” His words aren’t questions, more like accusations. He’s furious.
I lift my chin; my blazing eyes meeting his. “This has nothing to do with your brother. If it did, it would be because I keep picking the wrong one! At least Christof is kind and shows me attention.” It’s then he slams his lips back to mine. The rushing force a feeling I’m almost unable to take. His lips. The heat of his body. The pressure. They all collide in such strong force. Before I have a chance, he pulls away.
“Is that what ye feel? Is that the attention ye feel when ye kiss my brother?”
I am weak on my feet, but I answer in honest.
“I have never kissed your brother. I’ve only wanted and allowed you to do those things to me.”
Time stands still at my confession. But I’m done, and now I’m very tired.
“You know what, Locke. I’m done playing your mind games. And I am not giving you this key.”
He looks confused, but then it hits him. “Ye mean the key ye have lodged in yer hair? Ye have the spare key to the liquor cellar. Ye can keep the goddamn key!”
Dammit! Zero for two. Why do all these keys look alike!?
I’m starting to think this key idea is just not going to pan out for me. I shake my head. I grab for the key and pull it out, allowing my hair to flow down my shoulders. I hand him the key, but he doesn’t bother reaching for it. I toss it on the desk.
“Just leave me alone, Locke. As I’ve said, I’m done playing these games with you.” I turn and walk out, knowing he won’t follow.
I’m lying in bed swatting at Ellie’s hand, who keeps trying to wake me up. “Miss, it is time to wake, ye have a schedule to adhere to.”
“Go away, Ellie, and cancel all my meetings,” I groan, and roll over to the other side of the bed so she can’t reach me.
“But, Miss Adeline, I have strict instructions to have ye up and ready by morning’s end.” I peek up from my covers to a stressed out looking Ellie. “Who told you I had to be ready?” I question. I swear if I have to sit with any of those ladies from the first night, and knit or some shit, I will jump out this window right now and end it all.
“Sir Locke, Miss. He was very strict about having ye ready. And in comfortable gear to travel.” Travel? Is he letting me go home? I throw off my covers and jump off the bed. Forgetting how high the bedframe
is, I practically swipe the floor with my face. I catch my fall and swiftly steady myself, running to the bathroom.
“I can be ready in fifteen minutes! Thanks, Ellie! I’m going to miss you! Make sure to never forget me, okay!” I quickly race through my bathroom routine. I run back into my room, and Ellie is looking at me funny, but laying out my outfit. I may look like an idiot going home in something like that but who cares, I’ll burn it later.
I dress super-fast, and before I know it someone is knocking at the door. I grab Ellie and land a nice wet kiss to her cheek. “Thanks for everything.” And I run for the door. As I open it, I see Locke standing just outside with his hands in his pockets. He is dressed handsomely in a pair of slacks and a button up shirt. I will always remember him in this lovely getup.
“Hello,” he addresses me, his tone much softer than last night, almost nice.
“Hi. Are you ready?”
Looking at me peculiarly, “I am. I am kind of surprised ye are this willing to come with me after last night.”
“Oh well, it’s fine. Let bygones be bygones. Water under the bridge, ya know?” I say, stepping from one foot to the other. He studies my strange behavior before lifting his eyes away from me to Ellie. “Where did ye tell her we were going?” he addresses my ex-maid.
“I told her ye requested her presence to be ready for travel, Sir.” His laid back face turns feral as he looks back at me. “And where is it that ye think we are going, Princess?” he asks, not as nice as he was about thirty seconds ago.
“Home. You’re taking me home,” I say. Sadly, it comes out more like a question than a statement. I watch him look at me, and the sadness begins to set in. “You’re not taking me home, are you?” I don’t need him to even respond. I know the answer.
“I’m sorry. I did not mean for ye to misinterpret my intentions.” My shoulders slump and I turn back to hide, fighting my lip from quivering. “Adeline,” he calls my name.
I take in a deep breath, trying to hold in my tears. “Yes?”
“Look at me.”
I turn slowly, trying to keep my emotions at bay. He walks to me, placing his hand on my cheek. “I wanted to fix what happened last night. I’m sorry for being the arse ye have rightfully pinned me to be.” I don’t respond, so he continues, “I know it’s been hard for ye. I thought to maybe take ye into the near towns and familiarize ye with how they are run. The good that comes from these townspeople.” Yeah like pitchforks and human burning? Great.
“If ye do not want to go, I will understand, it’s just that I—”
“No, its fine. Thank you. I’ll go.” My smile does not reach my eyes. Locke doesn’t look satisfied with my answer, but he says no more. He allows me to exit my room first, and we both head down the stairs and to the entrance of the castle. I expect a boxed carriage, but instead I see two suited horses waiting for us. “Do ye ride?” he asks me, as if it’s just another pastime like riding a bike or walking.
“Oh yes, all the time. I actually ride a horse to work. No, I don’t ride.” I stare at the horse, wondering how I’m supposed to get on that big ole thing. He shakes his head, a soft laugh slipping through his lips. I assume it was my imagination because Lockelan MacCowen, the grump of Wren, does not laugh. He grabs my elbow, guiding me closer to the horse.
“It is very easy. I have seen ye master plenty of things. This will just be another easy conquest for ye.”
“And how would you know what I’m good at?” I ask, but as he ignores the question, I answer it for him. It’s because for the last year he has been watching me.
No more words are exchanged. He helps me on the horse and gives me a simple lesson of how to ride. Cherry, the horse’s name, is supposed to be a very tame horse, and promises not to fling me on our trip. Great.
The journey is somewhat quiet, and when we make it over the final hill, a small town comes into view. The trees, higher than the houses, are full of vibrant green leaves overlapping the street, forming a beautiful archway into the town. The sounds of the horse hooves hit the stone street as we pass house after house, each unique in their own way. I wouldn’t pin them as cottages, but close. Each walkway up to their various colored front doors is aligned with an array of flowers, the colors so lively. The scent of roses and fresh cut grass fill my nostrils. “What is this place?” I ask, barely over a whisper, as I continue to take in the beautiful town.
“This is Ferrow,” Locke responds, leisurely guiding us farther into town. There are people outside working in their gardens, kids playing in the yard, a group of girls picnicking out in the sun. Doing all normal things.
“What do ye think?” Locke breaks me away from my ogling.
“I’m not sure. I guess I expected less… less…”
“Less civilization?” he chuckles.
I turn to him, blushing. “Yeah, I guess. Everything just seems so normal.”
“Well, it is. We all live on the same axis. Just different dimensions, Addie. We may see some things as old school, and we may have a crazy sorcerer amongst us, but to them they live happy. Even without cable and soap operas.”
I scrunch my eyes at him. “Hey! I do not watch that crap. That’s Greta!” I scold him. No way am I taking blame for Greta’s horrible choice in TV shows. He may have just smiled at me, but with the sun hitting my eyes at the same moment, I assume it’s just my mind playing tricks on me. “Wait, how did you know I was watching soaps with Greta?”
“The village talks, my sweet princess.” He winks, and before I’m able to offer him a rebuttal, a young woman is walking up to us.
“Welcome, Lockelan! I was beside myself with excitement to hear that ye would be joining us today. And this must be Adeline,” She turns to me, and bows. “It’s a pleasure to have yer presence with us today, Princess.” Returning back to her standing position, I get a better look at her. She is absolutely beautiful. Dressed in a yellow sundress, her flawless hair blows in the natural winds. Her face smooth and pure. This causes me to nonchalantly try and fix my own mop that has been blowing in the wind the whole way.
“Oh, thank you, but you don’t have to call me princess. Addie will be fine,” I say, as Locke dismounts his horse, reaching to help me down. Grabbing for my waist, I swear he takes his time allowing me to slide down. Dropping my feet to the ground, he grabs my hand and turns me to properly introduce me.
“Adeline, this is Maria Bishop of Ferrow. She runs all of our schools across the surrounding villages.”
I step forward, reaching out my hand, but she bows instead. “Oh wait, no. Please don’t do that.”
Maria looks confused, standing back to her proper stature. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to displease ye—”
“Oh my God, no! You are totally fine, but you don’t need to bow or curtsey or whatever you are doing. Just a handshake is fine. Really, we are friends. No need to bow.”
She looks confused, but brushes it off, “I understand. Well, Locke, the children are very excited to see ye and yer special guest. If ye don’t require rest or food, I suggest we head to the school.”
Locke places his hand on my lower back, guiding me into the large dome just ahead. Once inside, the boisterous sounds of little children fill my ears. From all sizes, the room is filled. “I am sorry for the noise, ye caught us at recess. The children have been wound up since hearing of yer visit,” Maria says to us as she turns back, walking farther into the room. She whistles loudly, and all the children halt and turn toward her. It takes mere seconds for them to acknowledge who is standing next to her and they take off running.
Straight at us.
“Um, are they going to stop?” I ask, feeling a bit nervous at the herd of children coming at us.
“Most likely not. I would brace yerself if I were ye.” He smiles, and then it’s straight impact. Child after child, each one runs and jumps onto Locke, every single one calling his name, the beautiful sound of excitement in their voices filling the room.
“Locke! Locke!”
“Did ye bring us anything, Locke?”
“Do ye have a story for us, Locke?”
Question after question the little ones ask, each one getting the much needed hug, and stepping aside for another one to get their turn. I’m frozen in place at the affection Locke is showing these kids. The roguish beast I’m so used to gone, and this tender man, who has a soft spot for these children, is before me. While I am admiring this new side of him, I notice everyone clear the room as a little girl with pigtails, dressed in a pink fluffy dress walks up to Locke. I watch as he bends down to meet her.
“Hello, my little Eva. How have ye faired since my last visit?” Locke inquires, brushing a loose curl away from her face.
“I learned how to spell me name, Locke.”
“That amazing, little one. I’m proud of ye.”
The little girl blushes trying to hide her smile. Lifting her chin back up. “Did ye find her, Locke? Is that why ye have returned? Did ye find yer very own princess?” I gasp, covering my lips, as Locke looks to the little girl and slowly takes his eyes off her to me. “I just may have, Eva. But we will have to see if she wants me. She kind of thinks I’m a big meanie, so we will have to show her how soft I can be.” He takes his eyes off me, turning back to the child.
What the heck?
I’m beyond shocked at this turn of events! I mean my brain is complete mush at even trying to figure this out. This big oaf of a man, who has been tormenting me since I got here, now has a soft side!?!? A huge one actually! He didn’t address the little girl’s question any further. She gave him a hug and whispered something in his ear as he smiled and nodded. Then it was time to get back to class. Maria was amazing with the kids, as well. I sat and admired how she weaved in and out of the rows of children, helping them with their math. Next was spelling, and as I saw a younger little boy struggle, I went and kneeled down next to him asking if he needed help.
“Want some help?”
“I want to. I weally want to spell me name, but I can’t.” The boy frowns, putting his pencil down in defeat. I offer him a gentle smile, pulling up a chair next to him. “What is your name?”
Unlocking Adeline (Skeleton Key) Page 11
