“Sorry. I didn’t know anyone was in here,” she said as she fiddled with the strap of her camera nervously.
“I wasn’t supposed to be,” he muttered, sounding irritated, looking past her towards the open doorway.
Raven’s spine stiffened. She glanced back over her shoulder to see what he was looking at. All she saw was a way out. Was he being a dick on purpose? Or was this his nature? She wanted to turn around and walk back out. Instead, she squared her shoulders, swallowed her trepidation, and plastered on one of her best fake smiles. “I don’t believe we were formally introduced last night, my name is Raven,” she said with an icy edge as she walked forward, holding out her hand.
“No, I suppose we weren’t.” He gave her the once over, taking in her disheveled appearance. Her hair had almost come completely undone. He blew out a breath. “I am Reed Scott, one of the owners of this fine piece of real estate, at least for the time being.” He stuffed both his hands into his trouser pockets, blatantly ignoring her outstretched hand.
Raven lowered her hand and went back to fidgeting with her camera strap. “Oh, I didn’t realize there was more than one owner.”
“Why would you?” he said simply.
Raven narrowed her eyes at him. He promptly turned his face away from her and looked back across the room, at what, she had no idea, and at the moment, she couldn’t really give a crap. “Right, well, I had no idea you would be in here, I was merely looking for a pen. I wasn’t trying to ruin your day,” she muttered out the last bit, not able to help herself.
Reed jerked his head back around and looked at her again. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
Raven almost smiled, almost. Was that shock on his face? You can dish it out, but can’t take it… take that, smartass. She covered quickly. “I mean, my bosses didn’t mention it,” she said, dragging her eyes away from his and looked around the room, waiting to see if he was going to say anything more.
“Not that, what did you say after that?”
Raven felt her face heating again under his scrutinizing gaze. “Oh, I asked if you had a pen I could borrow.” She smiled.
“Really?” he asked, giving her an incredulous look. She had a feeling he heard her smartass response.
“You want a …pen?”
“Yes. I would like to borrow a pen. You know it has ink and you write with it.”
“I know what a pen is,” he said, pulling his hands from his trousers and raked them over his face.
“Okay. I was just clarifying.” She rolled her eyes but then stopped when she caught him staring at her again. “So is there any particular room you might like me to start in?” she asked, walking over to lean against a chair.
He said nothing.
“Well, I can see you are very busy. I didn’t mean to interrupt you… so sorry.” He didn’t look busy to her…he was just staring off into space.
Reed closed his eyes for a moment. Listening to her voice, but not really hearing what she was saying. She had a nice voice. He noticed she stopped talking and opened his eyes to find her staring at him. He didn’t know why that bothered him so much. He swore she was standing closer to him then she was before. She was too close. Giving her a sidelong glance he went back over to stand behind his desk. She was still looking at him. Finally he couldn’t take it. “Sorry, what did you say?”
Raven took a breath. “Where would you like me to start the inventory? Any place in particular?”
“Oh, right, inventory.” He was about to say anywhere, then thought it might be better to send her over to the west wing of the house…the part he never used. That section was closed up sometime after the reign of Queen Victoria; the bedrooms still a perfect reflection of the Victorian era. The more he thought about it, the better he started to feel.
It would be perfect; then he wouldn’t even have to see her. Once she finished that, he could send her down to the Halloween Room in the basement. Throughout history, when guests came for parties and such, they would paint something in that room. It turned out a bit darker than one would have expected, hence the name Halloween Room. It was interesting, though. The bowling alley, weight room, and a swimming pool were also down there. Then maybe he could send her to the subterranean level. Actually, now that he thought about it, he wasn’t sure if he had ever been down to that particular level.
“Hello? Earth to Reed Scott,” Raven called out, widening her eyes and leaning forward. He looked like he was in a faraway place and she did not intend to stand there all day, waiting for his brain to function properly. Besides, he may be hot and all, but he was also being kind of dick-ish to her, so she really didn’t care if she was being rude.
Reed shook his head and refocused on the girl. “Right, sorry, I have a lot on my mind. You can start in the west wing. It’s been closed up since the reign of Victoria, so if you are interested in the Victorian era, you will find pretty much everything has been preserved.”
“Wow, seriously?” Raven asked, her excitement clearly showing through.
“Yes, seriously…” he trailed off, noticing her face lighting up like a child’s on Christmas morning. Her enthusiasm was catching. “Maybe I’ll join you later to show you around a bit.” Oh shit! He had no idea why he just said that. He had a million things to do and none of them included her.
Raven’s mouth dropped open. She had to force herself to close it. “Ah, thanks,” she said stupidly, cringing. “Ah, so how do I get there?” She wanted out of there fast. The last thing she wanted to do was work with him looking over her shoulder, critiquing her every move.
“Oh, right,” Reed, said absently. “Just go back up the stairs and when you reach the top, follow the hall down to the end. Make a right, go up a flight of stairs, follow it down to the end, and back down a short flight of stairs. At the bottom is a huge window and a gallery, take that hall down. There are bedrooms and such on both sides and another staircase, which leads down to another library, breakfast room, and a small parlor. It is practically a house unto itself.”
Raven’s eyes widened. “Good grief, it sounds like it. I had no idea there was another entryway,” she said, impressed, wondering how in the hell she was not going to get lost for, like, ever.
“Oh, there is more than that,” he said excitedly. “There is a dungeon somewhere, although I have never seen it myself.”
“Seriously?” she asked. “There is an actual dungeon? Are there chains hanging from the ceiling and torture devices?” Raven was amazed. She had never seen an actual dungeon and wondered if the Double Bs knew about it. “I wonder if a stretching rack is down there, or a room where they hang people from the ceiling, searing their skin with molten hot pokers?” She shivered, imagining it all.
Reed watched the girl become even more animated describing different torture devices that were used throughout time. How on Earth did she even know about such things? He shook his head, not sure how to respond. Instead, he changed the subject. “There is a tower room as well,” he added. Seeing her questioning look he elaborated, saying, “Each owner throughout history has added on to this house. The original house, or ‘the donjon,’ actually dates back to the realm of King Arthur. Some of the rooms are just as they once were. It is like walking into another time altogether.”
“Wow,” Raven mouthed in amazement. She could hardly wait. “Can I get that ink pen and then I will get out of your hair.” She laughed awkwardly, looking at his thick brown hair falling forward, her fingers itching to brush it from his face.
“Yes, of course,” he said and then reached down to grab a pen. He handed it out to her.
Raven walked forward and grabbed the pen, their fingers touching.
Instantly he felt a shock shoot up through his fingers and down his arm as an image of a girl that looked very much like the one before him now flashed into Reed’s mind. He closed his eyes a moment to stop the high-pitched ringing in his ears, making his body shake from within.
Raven grabbed the chair at her side to keep from falli
ng. A vision of another time slammed into her mind, causing a sharp pain to steal her sight. Everything that was in front of her was now replaced by images of a girl. She wore a long dark gown with flowing sleeves and a high waist. The girl’s pale complexion was in striking contrast with the darkness of her hair and gown. The expression on her face stole her breath the same as the vision took her sight. There was such longing on the girl’s face.
Raven couldn’t take it. Her heart hurt as she pushed the vision from her mind. Trembling, she forced her eyes open and stared directly into Reed’s stormy gaze.
“What in the hell was that?” they both asked in unison.
Some dreams do not fade
AGE OF CHIVALRY * RAVENHURST
THE lilting sound of laughter filled the air, sending shivers of delight across his skin, filling his mind, body, and soul.
In the distance, he spotted her running, her long dark hair wafting out from behind, floating on the wind. Giving chase, he stays behind even though he can easily catch her. He wanted the game to last a bit longer.
Ducking behind a tree quickly he hid from sight, a smile broke across his face, while he waited for her to turn back around so he could give chase once more.
A dark shadow passed overhead, making him look up. A lone raven glided across the sky, its silky black wings fluttering in the wind as it soared higher. The laughter he held in check evaporated. In horror he gripped hold of the tree as he watched the raven being swallowed up by the swirling white mist descending from the sky above. All other sound is blocked out by his raging heartbeat. Pushing off the tree he ran as fast as his legs would carry him toward her. The earth vibrated through his muscled legs as he ran forward through the thick mist. He couldn’t see. The mist was too thick. Sightless he continued to run, trying to find her. Fear wraps itself around him, squeezing the very air from his lungs.
A dark form appeared in the distance, relief poured over him momentarily until he tried to take a step. His legs were stuck in place and he was unable to move. In horror, he watched the churning mist wind its way around her.
Helplessly he watched the love of his life disappear. Falling to his knees, an anguished cry tore from his throat.
***
Darias awoke with a start. His breathing ragged. Pushing himself up to sitting, he raked his hand through his long hair, trying to catch his breath, but he could not. Bracing up on his elbow, he gazed down at the girl at his side. What was he doing? This girl, whoever she was, was already plaguing his dreams and yet he barely even knew her. Not able to help himself he lifted his hand and reached out to stroke her long hair, pushing the length away from her face. His hand shook and he pulled it back, trying to get his emotions under control. He felt such a pull to the girl…he did not understand it, but it scared the bloody hell out of him.
He frowned down at her even though he could barely make out her face in the dim light, but somehow, someway, he knew she was awake. Reaching out, he pulled her body closer to his own, inhaling her scent. It was fresh, crisp… like mist. His mind recoiled from the visions that were too close to the surface. He wanted to touch her again, make sure she was real and not some illusion conjured in his mind.
Once again, he lifted his hand, reaching out to her. It still shook. Quickly he pulled it back and clasped one hand over the other. A vision coursed through his mind of doing the same gesture before, but that was not possible, he did not know her.
Time no longer had any bearing on the here and now. His thoughts, whatever they were, soon became feral. He couldn’t keep them in a cohesive pattern, they jumbled, taking him to places he had never seen, doing things he knew he had never done…with her.
Then everything blurred together. The past, present and something else….something intangible, but he knew it was there…somewhere, he merely needed to grasp it…
Leaning forward he reached out and grabbed hold of the blankets. He felt her tense at his side. And if he wasn’t mistaken she was holding her breath as well. He didn’t understand her but he smiled nonetheless. Slowly he lifted his hand and pulled the strings apart on the front of her gown, revealing the gentle curve of her breast.
Marguerite did not move, not a muscle. She did not dare. She was afraid of waking from the dream she had surely fallen into. This moment was the one she had dreamed of a million times, in a million different scenarios: It was perfect.
The weight of his body pressed in on her as he moved closer. She could feel his warmth against her. His long hair fell down across her face, tickling her. She tried not to laugh. Now was not the time for laughter but the long strands kept tickling her exposed flesh. She bit her lip. The bed creaked under his weight as he shifted his body. Then he lowered his mouth to hers and pulled her into his strong arms and any laughter lingering evaporated.
“I want you,” he breathed, nipping at her mouth.
Lifting her hand up, she dragged the tips of her fingers over his taut muscles, feeling them flex and bunch underneath.
Slowly, he kissed her mouth, licking, and sucking on her lips tenderly. “Do you want me as well,” he asked, lifting his mouth from hers.
“Yes,” she breathed, caught up in the moment.
He continued to kiss her slowly, teasing her lips apart with his tongue, while his calloused hand slid over her skin, gently caressing her. Pulling the fabric of her gown away, he freed one of her breast. “By the saints above, you are beautiful,” he said and then groaned from deep in his throat, lowering his mouth to her nipple, sucking gently.
She could do nothing but moan in response, her fingers threading through his long thick hair, sifting through the silky length, tangling in the ends.
Climbing on top of her, he nudged her legs apart with his own. “I need you,” he breathed against her exposed flesh. The warmth from his breath elicited a tingling sensation that spread over her body at an alarming rate. Arching against him she tried to get even closer as he grabbed the fabric of her gown, pulling it up inch by inch. The fabric slid up her thighs; the cool air stoking the fires from deep inside.
“You taste sweet,” he murmured against her flesh while nibbling her skin with his teeth.
Marguerite dug her fingers into his skin as he spread her legs even wider, the action causing her body to tremble under his. And just when she didn’t think her legs could spread apart any further, he seized her mouth with his own and levered himself up. The blankets slid off completely. Trying to gain entrance, he rubbed himself against her, eliciting another moan of pleasure from her.
Marguerite really had no idea what to expect from her first time with a man, but if this, what was happening now was what it was about, she had no idea why anyone would even want to wait.
Unfortunately, that thought suddenly flew out of her mind as he shoved his hard length inside of her body. All the desire and heat she had been feeling suddenly dissolved. Now all she felt was her body being ripped apart…which had to be wrong. It felt so good just a moment ago until he surged forward, trying to gain entrance. She sucked in a sharp breath of air, trying to ward off the sudden pain between her legs.
Darias stilled his body. He could tell something was not quite right. Her passage was so tight, wrapping around his length. He could feel her stiffen under him, and felt her palms push slightly against his chest. And still he could not stop himself from pushing in just a bit further until he was pressed up against her maidenhead. Well that answered that. She was an innocent. He knew he should stop but he did not want to. It felt too good. His body shook as he tried to control the urge to plunge deeper inside of her.
Marguerite stayed perfectly still. Was he finished? Now that didn’t seem right, he still felt hard.
Darias self-control was quickly slipping away. He gritted his teeth. “Are you all right?”
“What?”
“Are you hurting?” he said hoping, no, praying that she was fine.
“Well, it does kind of hurt, or it did, but it is starting to feel much better, especially when you are
not moving.”
Darias squeezed his eyes shut. “Do you want me to stop?”
“Why? Do you want to?” she asked weakly.
“No.”
“Well, then why did you?”
“I was afraid I was hurting you,” he answered, his body shook.
“Isn’t the first time supposed to hurt?’
“Yes.”
“Will it get better?” she asked. Obviously, he would know.
“I hope so.”
“What do you mean?”
“You will be the death of me woman,” he mumbled as sweat steadily ran down the sides of his face. Now he knew why he never bedded innocents. They never shut up.
“Then why are you not saying anything?”
“I am trying not to spill my seed.”
“Isn’t that the point?”
“Yes.”
“Then why aren’t you?” Granted, Marguerite was not educated in the finer points of love play, but she did know a man was supposed to expel something.
“I do not want to hurt you,” he said finally, his voice coming out gruff.
The gruff tone in his voice startled her. He sounded like he was in pain. She had to wonder if it hurt him as much as it did her at first. Well, if it did, no wonder he sounded upset. “Oh, I am fine, you may continue. Besides, it doesn’t bother me nearly as much as it did earlier, you’re um… man part, thing, doesn’t feel as big anymore.”
Darias almost had an apoplectic fit. Hell’s teeth, the only reason he was not still hard as a stone any longer was because she was trying to hold a bloody conversation right in the middle of their love play. Maybe he should just give up and go elsewhere for relief. Morrigan would be willing…she was always willing. A crease marred his brow. He did not want her though, not now, not ever, really. He looked down at the girl in his bed, her lovely face inches from his own. He wanted to taste her again, make love to her…hear her cries of pleasure as he thrust deeply into her body. This girl, whoever she was, would be his undoing; he felt it down to his bones. He inhaled a shaky breath, knowing he would not, could not, not finish what he began with her. He wet his lips and lowered his mouth to hers once more. Her lips were so soft, the taste of her tongue so sweet he could not seem to get enough of her. He tore his mouth from hers and leaned up on his hands pushing away from her body, trying to be gentle, but she felt so damn good. “Is this all right?” he breathed into her ear, slowly moving in and out of her body.
TIME TO REMEMBER: A NEW ADULT TIME TRAVELING ROMANCE (RAVENHURST SERIES) Page 9
