Jennifer focused her thoughts on finding Candy. Certainly, a live little girl would stand out in a dark place like this. Jennifer allowed her body to touch the ground. She was standing on a long dirt road. All along the edges were the skeletal remains of dead trees. Not a blade of grass could be seen for miles.
Off in the distance, three figures approached, but when Jennifer tried to walk toward them, they disappeared. She turned around to see if anyone was coming the other way and she started.
There, standing before her, was a little girl.
She was dressed in her sleep jumper, her long, brown hair down over her small shoulders. This must be her, Jennifer thought. She had no idea the girl was so young. She looked about four.
"Hi,” the girl said with a broad smile.
Jennifer could hardly believe her eyes. “Candy?"
"Yeah, that's me. Who are you?"
"I'm a friend of your dad's. He's been looking everywhere for you. He's very worried."
At the mention of her father, the little girl's mouth twisted into a frown. “I've been trying to get back,” she said, her eyes welling up with tears. “But I can't find my way."
Jennifer crouched down to Candy. “Do you remember where it was that you first came in here?"
"No!” Candy wailed. She threw herself into Jennifer's arms and sobbed. “I just want to go home!"
Jennifer stroked her hair. “Don't worry, Candy. We'll find a way to get you back.” Her heart felt like it was made of lead. Poor thing must have been terrified here. Jennifer was flooded with guilt about not believing Damien about losing her to the machine. She'd have to make it up to him when this nightmare was all over.
Suddenly a great flash of light engulfed them. Jennifer squinted and saw the swirling glass of the machine only a few feet away. They must have gotten the gateway fixed! Jennifer grabbed Candy's hand and pulled her toward the gate. The little girl, confused and frightened, resisted, so Jennifer picked her up and lunged for the gate.
A wave of cold air flowed over them. Then everything turned black.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Jennifer opened her eyes and gasped at the pain. She felt someone cover her in a blanket and pick her up off the ground. Strong arms carried her out of the room and down the hall. A few moments later she was laid down on the softest bed she'd ever felt. She'd made it through and come out in another place, but where? She was too exhausted to think.
"Is Candy all right?” she asked trying to get her bearings.
"Yes,” Damien said. “Candy is fine thanks to you."
Jennifer grinned and tried to sit up. After a half-hearted effort, she decided against it. She was still drained. “I'm cold,” she complained.
Damien lay on the bed next to her and pulled her into his arms. They were large and powerful and warmed her immediately. She snuggled into his chest.
"Where is Candy?” she asked.
"We have a doctor looking at her but he thinks she's fine. I can't tell you how grateful I am for what you did, Jennifer. Try and get some rest now. I'll check on Candy and be right back."
Before Jennifer could answer, she fell into a deep, exhausted sleep.
* * * *
When Jennifer woke up, it was night. She sat up not knowing where she was. Was she still at home? No, she'd found Candy and gone through the gateway with her. They must be back at the mansion. Someone gently kissed her on the cheek. Jennifer looked over to see Damien next to her.
"How long have I been asleep?” she asked.
"A few hours. How do you feel?"
She smiled at him. “Better, thanks. How long have you been watching me?"
"A few hours. I wanted to make sure you're okay.” He propped himself up on a few pillows.
"I sent Candy to stay with her mom until Karl and I can dismantle the machine."
Jennifer got up feeling awkward. She'd just awoken in a strange man's bed, something that hadn't happened to her in a long time. “I'm glad she's okay. I guess I'd better go,” she said.
Damien placed his hand on her arm and she stopped. She met his gaze and was bewitched by the mystery in those dark eyes. He pulled her back down on the bed and leaned over to touch his mouth to hers.
"Kiss me,” he said, his lips tickling hers.
Jennifer's heart raced. She thought about pushing him away and going home, but something stopped her. It wasn't like the men were beating down her door and she had to admit, she found Damien very attractive, even if he was head of an odd religion.
Closing her eyes, she kissed him. He pulled her into his arms and crushed his lips into hers with a hungry urgency. As he pressed into her, she could feel the pressure of his erection against her thigh. The thought of him inside her made her body ache.
Pulling her shirt off, he kissed the bare flesh of her breasts. Jennifer ran her hands through his thick dark hair as she cradled his head to her. Feverish with desire, she stripped herself naked and stretched out onto his bed, eager for Damien to enter her. She took his clothes off slowly, savoring every inch of his magnificent body. He let her take her time and plant kisses every place she uncovered.
Then she closed her eyes as he dragged feral kisses all down her body. His scent was deeply masculine and she let herself revel in it. He seized her legs and buried his tongue into her wet, yielding pussy.
Jennifer leaned her head back and gasped as his tongue explored. She sighed and spread her legs further. His mouth obliged her, nibbling, licking, and nuzzling. It turned her into a quivering mass in seconds. A carnal thrill filled her belly and she fantasized him inside her pounding out his desire.
Jennifer bit the tip of her finger. “That feels so good."
Damien moved up over her body, his flesh caressing her skin. The rough feel of his hands between her bare thighs made her pussy throb. She couldn't wait for him to take her.
Reaching down, she took his stiff cock and rubbed it against her clit. He moaned in her ear and she smiled.
Jennifer looked deep into his brown eyes. “I thought you were crazy, you know."
"I know you did."
"Looking back on it, I can't remember exactly why."
"You were afraid of me and I understand,” he said.
"Why?"
He kissed her deeply and took his dick out of her hands. Running it through her moisture he penetrated her, driving himself in as far as he could. Then he was still.
Jennifer felt her pussy quiver around his erection. She ran her hands up his chest loving how thick the muscles felt beneath her fingertips.
He groaned out her name and began to thrust slowly. “Because you thought I was trying to trick you. A lot of people think that about me."
She twisted under him, the pleasure building with slow intensity. “You'll be glad to know I don't think you're crazy anymore."
He ground out a heavy rhythm; his breath was heavy. “What do you feel for me now?"
Jennifer wrapped her legs around him and cried out her pleasure. When she caught her breath again, she said, “I've got nothing but love for you, baby."
Damien shook his head and laughed.
Author's Bio
Michelle has long been a fan of erotic romance, science fiction and horror. She is a member of the Winter Park Writers Group and has authored many novels and short stories for the internet. When she's not writing, she's spending time with her family and her evil Irish Terrier, Guiness.
COMING SOON FROM AMIRA PRESS
God Damn!
By Circe
The Old Gods and Goddesses were randy, raucous, and ever ready for a brawl or a brothel—if you read between the lines and beyond the stodgy texts. “God Damn!” reads between the lines, adds some lines (as in one-liners) and goofs on the Gods in general.
Hera on a mood swing? Apollo trying to renew his driver's license? Hermes dealing with an H.M.O.? Coyote out looking for his penis? Why not? If the Gods didn't like to laugh, why are there humans?
* * *
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