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Relieving Zoe’s Virtue Copyright  2011 by Eve Edwards ISBN: 978-1-61333-144-6 Cover art by Dara England All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work, in whole or in part, in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by Decadent Publishing Company, LLC Look for us online at: www.decadentpublishing.com

Relieving Zoe’s Virtue Eve Edwards

A 1 Night Stand Story

~DEDICATION~

My thanks to everyone at Decadent Publishing and to my critique partners, Casea and Katie, who offered invaluable assistance on this story. I also thank my family for their understanding when they can’t part me from my laptop.

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Chapter One The webpage ignited Zoe and her libido. In an attempt to answer the main question on the welcome page, her previously un-awakened sex drive revved to life with a voracious response of “Oh hell, yes.” She wanted a one-night stand. She deserved it. As a librarian who lived on the conservative side in the little university town of Colton, Ohio, she had sufficient funds to buy herself an orgasm. 1Night Stand, a high-end dating service, promised anonymity, adventure, and fantasy—all rolled into one mind-blowing night. Hell, anything that would blow her away sounded good. She smirked. She’d have to thank Darren, plus a long line of other dud boyfriends, for her new found sexual resolve. Though she hadn’t let his penis near her, he’d let it roam freely in other women’s “pastures”. The betrayal finally freed her of waiting for white-picket fence dreams. She shook her head. And to think she’d fought him off for the last few months and even felt sorry for him. He played the guilt game well, but couldn’t worm his way into her panties. At that time, she’d been a longstanding good girl. After a disastrous experience right out of high school that hadn’t technically relieved her of her virginity, she’d decided to “save” herself for the right guy. What a crock that turned out to be. He didn’t exist. At least, not on this planet. At the current rate, she’d be dead before she got any action, though whether old age, klutziness, or the occasional falling book would take her, she didn’t know. Her long-held standards needed a revamp, like a complete toss-out-thewindow kind of revamp. If any more pesky morality or fear thumped her on the head, she’d thump them back harder. She didn’t want to stay a virgin forever. She frowned. Would her lack of experience be a problem for the guy? Not that he’d find any physical evidence of her hymen. She’d fallen from bikes, horses, and steps enough to take care of that. So how would he know unless she told him?

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Though she knew there would be pain, surely her first time couldn’t hurt so much it aroused his suspicions? She straightened up in her chair. Any soreness could be due to a dry spell. He didn’t have to know she’d been a practitioner of abstinence. A quest for adventure overtook her. What did she have to lose? The owner of 1Night Stand, Madame Eve, guaranteed a safe and “combustible” match, no crazies allowed. With the fee she would be paying, the service could definitely afford to run a battery of background tests. Well, that’s if Madame Eve runs a legit business. Her gaze flickered to the numerous testimonials noted on the website. Surely the dating service couldn’t get away with using those if they hadn’t earned them. The waning rays of the summer sun outside her window brightened for a second and illuminated the keyboard in front of her. As she settled her fingers on the keys, resolve filled her. The night would be on her terms, on her own rules. She wouldn’t be looking toward the future for once. What a freeing thought. If her one-night stand turned out to be lackluster, she could retreat behind her dull, prim mask again. At least her virginity would vanish along with the onenight stand. How many twenty-eight-year old virgins did Ohio have? She’d grown tired of waiting for wedding veils and Mr. Right. All she wanted was Mr. Do Me Right Now. She glanced at her Fendi bag lying nearby on the desk and mentally caressed the supple leather. Even a bookworm had to have some vices. Designer purses were hers. While the touch of it gave her pleasure, she hungered for a different kind of tactile sensation. That list of vices needed to expand to include something other than purses. Putting her fingers back to work, she signed up for an online account so she could access the questionnaire. She groaned when she saw how many questions she’d have to answer—over two hundred. Shrugging, she tried to brighten her mood. The dating service was just being thorough, not intrusive, right? But that assumption took a nosedive in the dirt, along with her spirits, as she answered some of the wackiest, most personal questions. As she typed, the key clicks sped up, along with her heart rate. 2

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When she got to the “fantasy” portion, her mind lit up with possibilities. Her favorite fantasy? Hmmm, she loved escapism, so an “otherworld” experience would be ideal. She clicked X next to that box. The next questions asked if she liked claws, fangs, and wings or if she remained undecided. Hmmm, vampires were so common nowadays. Same with werewolves and other shifters, and they would be hard to accurately portray. Maybe 1Night Stand had a few good role-players as clients, though. She clicked undecided for all of those boxes. She didn’t care who she got as long as he rocketed her out of this world and fired up every one of her fantasies. *** Zoe clutched the FedEx envelope from 1Night Stand with tense fingers. The lights of The Willows Hotel glittered on the waters of Lake Erie through the limo window. Surrounded by water on three sides, the hotel offered one of the most private settings in the area. She snorted in disbelief. When she’d asked for an otherworldly adventure a month ago, she hadn’t foreseen Sandusky, Ohio, as being the go-to destination. Home to Cedar Point Amusement Park, the town wasn’t her ideal location for a hot one-night stand. But what did she know? Maybe 1Night Stand arranged a lot of super-sexy rendezvous in rollercoaster land. A two-and-a-half hour ride from home had allowed her nerves to take off like a rocket. Her back and butt may as well be glued to the seats. Again, what tempted her to do this? Oh yes, for fantastic sex. To lose her virginity, so she could feel like an average twenty eight-year-old librarian. Like an average twenty eight-year-old woman. The access road seemed to stretch into infinity, but it still reached an end too quickly. The limo slowed down, and she inhaled a deep, steadying breath. This is it. No turning back now. Heaven knew words to halt her adventure had nearly flown off her tongue in the last few hours, but somehow she’d forced them back. Damn it, her doubts and inhibitions wouldn’t destroy the man-fueled orgasm she’d planned for the night. She needed a real man between her legs, not some 3

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vibrator. Not that she could truthfully say what the sex toy felt like, as it sat unused in the back of her medicine closet. She frowned. Okay, that might’ve not been a good comparison. But she wanted an orgasm she didn’t have to give herself. As the limo stopped in front of the Mediterranean-inspired hotel, she smoothed out the rumpled envelope that suffered her death grip. The materials arrived a week after she’d been approved. That process only took an astonishing three days after she’d submitted the questionnaire. Her emotions vacillated between elation and fear since then. She knew every word contained within the mailer—how a perfect match had been found for her, but regretfully Madame Eve couldn’t release his name until he’d offered it to Zoe himself. She rolled her eyes. What was it with anal guys not wanting to give their name to the chick they were about to screw? So childish. Why didn’t he just give a fake name? But she didn’t have time for further reflection, because a man in a suit opened the car door. Warm night air rushed in and carried the scent of the lit torches lining the courtyard. Headiness swept over her. Those torches must contain some sort of fragrant herb. The portico’s light spilled into the automobile and offered up a tantalizing view of what awaited her outside. Brown hair pulled back in a ponytail, sun-kissed skin, wide shoulders, and a narrow waist all came together in a superb male form. Her gaze took in The Willows Hotel emblem on his shirt, and disappointment hit her. Too bad he wasn’t her guy. He looked like he could work up a good orgasm for her. The man proffered his hand. “Ms. Cohen, we’ve been expecting you. I’m Tom.” She cocked her head to the side, taking in Tom’s features, and tried to place his accent. “You don’t look like a Tom.” Heat crept into her cheeks. Damn my tongue for going wild all of a sudden. Tom laughed and helped her out of the limo. “I get that quite a lot. It’s my nickname.” “Oh, what’s your real name?”

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He smiled mysteriously. “Where I come from, this is a question that’s never answered without something in return.” Uh, whatever. More male bullshit. She pasted a smile on her face, ignoring the grimace that wanted to appear, and kept silent. Stupid tongue kept flapping without asking her brain’s permission. It always acted that way around handsome men. He ushered her through a polished wood door and into the atrium of the hotel. “I hope the ride here was comfortable and that the driver saw to all your needs.” His voice dropped to an intimate whisper. “At The Willows, we endeavor to satisfy all your desires, every last one of them.” She choked on the air trapped in her throat. Shit, did he know the reason for her visit? She slipped on the polished marble floor, but got her feet under her before she could fall. Tom continued on, not seeming to take any notice of her hyperventilation. “I’ve taken the liberty of already signing you in when Chris, your driver, called ahead to say you were near. We want you to have plenty of time to get ready for your big night.” He flashed a knowing grin. Oh God, he does know and apparently so do all of the staff here. “Your luggage will be taken up to your changing room. From there, an employee will take you to your meeting point.” She froze. “Changing room? Meeting point?” She hadn’t received word about that in her mailer. Wouldn’t she get a room like any other guest at The Willows? He grasped her arm and gently pulled her forward. “This is all part of your adventure. Your fantasies can’t be fulfilled any other way.” She squashed the urge to melt into the ground. Discussing the rendezvous with a hot guy, one who wouldn’t be playing with her vagina and delivering a night of great nookie to her, wasn’t high on her to-do list. But she would see the adventure through and followed him to the elevators. Once the door opened, they got on, and he pressed the third floor button. “Do you have any questions?” She pursed her lips. “Will you answer them if I do?”

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Tom shrugged, and he sent her a sidelong glance. “Depends on what you’re asking.” She squinted. Were his eyes glowing in the low light of the elevator? Not believing what she thought she saw, she blinked and then breathed a sigh of relief. Whatever she’d seen was gone. Must’ve been a trick of the light. She shook her head to refocus. “Is there anything I should know about this adventure that you can tell me?” “Stay by the male 1Night Stand matched you with. He’ll ensure your safety and pleasure. Once your journey begins, it will run its course and end at 9 AM tomorrow. We can’t interfere before that time.” “Interfere? Safety?” Her voice wavered. What the hell did I sign up for? The elevator door opened, and they stepped out. “1Night Stand and The Willows Hotel have taken every precaution to safeguard your health. As long as you follow our security measures that I’ve outlined, you shouldn’t come to too much harm.” She threw him an alarmed glance. “Too much harm?” His lips quirked at the edges. “You are here for a passion-filled night. Expect some bruising and soreness.” She didn’t reply. Silence seemed best. That or throwing herself out a third story window. She hadn’t decided which recourse to favor. The plush carpet of the hallway muffled their footsteps. Candles and torches lit the way. Pale green walls made the hall seem brighter. Interweaving creamcolored motifs dotted the area. She had never seen anything quite like it. Tom stopped at a beautifully engraved wood door emblazed with a scrolling pattern. The place emanated an otherworldly vibe. She’d give them that. Who knew this was tucked away in Sandusky? He waved his hand in front of the door, and it swung open. Startled, she stumbled back a pace. She searched for some kind of motion sensor, but saw no hint of one. Technology could be impossibly sophisticated, so she shouldn’t be surprised. That had to be it. Magic didn’t exist. If it had, she’d have found a perfect orgasm-giving guy before then.

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“Please go in and change into the provided outfit. Someone will be here shortly to guide you to your next destination.” She poked her head into the room and found nothing too scary. When she turned back to Tom, her mouth dropped open. He’d disappeared. She rolled her eyes. Men! Tom probably got off work and didn’t want to spend another moment with a lady he didn’t get to lay. She squared her shoulders and strode through the door. Light blue-grey walls surrounded her. Pretty tapestries added color to the space. A quick sweep of the area showed a far from regular hotel room. It had no bed, only a few jacquard sofas and chairs, plus a small wardrobe and vanity. The door slammed behind her, eliciting a frightened squeak. As she moved to go check the door’s lock, her gaze honed in on a dress that peeked out of the wardrobe. The slight rose-colored sheen of the fabric drew her across the room. Running her fingers over the material, she let out a wistful sigh. The silk dress felt heavenly. But would it fit her? She opened the wardrobe. The lone dress took up little space. A pair of slippers sat at the bottom. Zoe removed both items. They looked to be a perfect fit. Only one way to find out. She quickly divested herself of the sexy pencil skirt and satin cami she’d purchased to wear for the occasion. Now the only action they would be getting was when her hand jammed them into the back of her closet, another outfit to bite the dust. The dress practically fell off the hanger right into her hands. Slipping it over her shoulders, the silk flowed down her body like water. Cool air caressed her bare arms. As she walked toward the vanity mirror, the hem dusted the ground. She toed on the slippers—also a perfect fit. She stared at her reflection. The dress didn’t leave much to the imagination. The silk clung to every curve, making her regret the three Krispy Kreme donuts she’d indulged in every day for the last few weeks. But she’d needed something to fortify her nerves. Sugar cured all. Too bad her thighs and tummy didn’t know that.

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The low scoop neck showed off her ample cleavage, and her nipples poked against the thin fabric. The candle and torchlight illuminated the material of the dress, making it much sheerer than she would’ve liked. Was that…was that…. Yes! The V between her legs showed plainly and hinted at the color of the neatly trimmed area waiting for some lucky guy. I’m wearing nothing but a glorified nightgown. Her cheeks were flushed, and her dark hair lay in disarray around her shoulders. The blackness of her pupils swallowed much of the blue iris of her eyes. Great, I already look sexed up. That might be the purpose of the whole visit, but she didn’t want to wander around like that for all to see. What if there were other people about when the Willows employee came for her? A knock sounded at the door, and her stewing petered out. She wanted the waiting over with and the night to start. So far, her adventure had been far more embarrassing than she’d foreseen. A tiny man…elf…ambled into the room. Boy, 1Night Stand really went all out for the fantasy to hire a little person. Chubby like a toddler, he had a sweet pixielike face. His charmingly medieval clothes of tunic and leggings fit him well. He smiled to reveal dagger-sharp teeth. Wariness welled up where her common sense used to be only a month ago. The open door looked mighty friendly, so she thought she’d go pay it a visit. Though she tried to keep a wide berth, the little man’s hand shot out and grabbed her elbow. A shriek escaped her lips, and before she could struggle, stars exploded around her and the demonic elf. Then blackness swamped her.

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Chapter Two Zoe sat up, groaning, and lifted a hand to her aching temple. Shit, who fucked with my head? She couldn’t think straight. All she remembered was the little demon elf and blinding stars. Then nothing…. Massaging her temples, she opened her eyelids. She sat upon some kind of couch. Crap, where am I? She glanced up. Double crap. Light gray walls surrounded her, but what really got her attention were the handsome weirdoes staring at her. Couldn’t a girl wake up from a swoon without being ogled like some piece of prime ass? She hadn’t signed up for a gangbang. Dressed in fantasy-faire clothes, the men put her wardrobe to shame. Supple leather pants hugged rippling leg muscles and contrasted nicely with the silk and linen shirts spread over broad chests. Oh yeah, she swam in testosterone land. Long hair rivaling the colors found in a crayon box spilled over their shoulders. Geez, these rejects took their role-playing fantasies a bit far. Did they dye their hair or are they wearing wigs? That was the question of the day. She shook an inward finger at herself. Time to be serious. Had the loonies slipped through Madame Eve’s screening measures? Her gaze wandered up to their faces. Big mistake. Just like their bodies, their countenances were made up of ruthlessly perfect lines. What were a gaggle of models doing there with her, anyway? As she examined their features, a sinking feeling settled in her stomach. Their cruel beauty screamed something other than human. Glowing hair and eyes the colors of the rainbow and, yes, pointed ears rounded out the otherworldly package. The whole effect seemed too convincing to be an act. The men…creatures…crowded around her and gave her smiles full of sharp teeth. One with dusky blue hair bent over her and ran a finger down her cheek, and she cringed backward. What the hell did he think he was doing?

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Blue Hair licked his lips. “Oooh, a new toy! A pretty human has fallen into our midst. Have you come to play? We’ll have so much fun.” He looked up at the others and gave a predatory smile. “She’s intoxicating, isn’t she?” Terror encased her heart, and she scooted back on the couch until she hit something hard. Craning her neck, the sight of more leather-clad bodies barring her way startled her. Hightailing it out of there sounded good right about then, but she hadn’t a clue as to where she was. Shit, what if one of these psychos is my hook-up? Would he even protect her? She was so going to sue Madame Eve and 1Night Stand…if she made it out of there alive. Her heart rate took off like an airplane, and her raspy breathing filled the room. The males’ presence suffocated her. All her synapses fired for escape, fear threatening to shatter her into a thousand pieces like a china doll. “Fools, get away from her.” A silky voice cut through the silence. “She’s mine.” The men tensed and spun around, leaving her with a wide-open view of Mr. Sexy Voice. She was his? Zoe closed her gaping mouth. What the hell did he mean by that? Like the other men, he possessed a tall and lean build, but his aura seemed larger somehow. Platinum hair framed high cheekbones and violet eyes that slanted at the outer corners. He had a wide and sensuous mouth she could picture doing wicked things to her. While the others were gorgeous, that guy made her all her hormones beg for his touch and his lips—on her breasts, down her stomach, on her clit…. Whoa, she didn’t know the man, or if he’d even come to help her. He may well be the instigator of everything. She should be scared, not horny. Blue Hair pouted. “You weren’t here when she arrived.” Sexy Voice crossed his arms over his broad chest. “Eiron, she’s mine—bought and paid for. You know this and are not to touch what’s mine. Business detained me, but that doesn’t excuse your behavior.” Even as he spoke to the man, he speared all those present with a chiding glance. Eiron threw him a contrite yet defiant look. “Yes, my lord.” She raised a brow. Mr. Sexy Voice, a lord? Maybe that meant she’d be safe from the others. But would she be safe from him? A thrill went through her. Did 10

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she even want to be? And what did he mean “bought and paid for?” Was he her match? He made her sound like his slave or captive…or something. “Go!” he barked to everyone in the room. He stood completely still as the men filed out past him. Once everyone had vacated the room, he turned that searing gaze on her. The intensity of it tore a gasp from her lips. She’d never believed the tales of a man having the ability to give a woman an orgasm with only his smoldering gaze, but he made her a believer. Oh hallelujah, yes. Even though the empty room should’ve seemed bigger, the space shrank down, ceasing to exist until he became the center of her world. Alarm bells went off somewhere in her mind, warning of the dangers of falling too fast. He walked toward the couch, his graceful stride igniting all the nerve endings in her body. Stopping near her, he picked up a tendril of her assuredly mussed-up hair before dropping it again. “The men didn’t scare you too much, I hope? They’re mostly all bark and…little bite.” She didn’t know whether to be relieved with his description or horrified. “They certainly didn’t make me feel welcome, unless their idea of a greeting is to make me feel as if I were a porterhouse steak in front of a pack of starving men.” He let out a low and delicious laugh. “Zoe, you don’t know how close your words are to the truth.” She sent him a wary glance. His words and the fact he knew her name didn’t reassure her. “What do you mean?” She couldn’t imagine such gorgeous guys having trouble finding a fuck somewhere. “All will be explained to you soon enough.” He sent her a teasing smile. “You’re looking decidedly…rumpled. Let’s get you out of that dress and into nothing but bare skin.” She suppressed an answering grin. “Where am I? Are you my match from 1Night Stand?” The look he sent her curled her toes and wet her panties. “You’re in Otherworld. Don’t ask where that is. You’ll not find it on any human map. After our little adventure runs its course, the stipulations provide you’ll be

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returned to your dimension. As for being your match, would it matter if I weren’t?” “No. Yes. I don’t know.” A deep, throaty chuckle escaped him. “You don’t have to make a choice. I’m the person you were matched with. Since the night started out so dismally for you, let me make it up to you in every way I can. My tongue, lips, fingers, and cock are at your service and will rise to the occasion.” He held out his hand. “Come, we only have so many hours before you must return.” She eyed his hand even as little sparks of electricity shot down to her core. Well, she had asked for an otherworldly adventure. Though her mind warned caution, her hormones screamed for great mind-blowing, orgasm-giving sex. Her hand slipped into his. Oh God, she couldn’t say no to him and his words, though she’d have to overlook the tiny fact he apparently wasn’t human. Though she should’ve been more scared, a sappy grinned stretched her lips. She would receive her orgasm, and by the look and sound of it, she’d be getting it many times tonight. *** Zoe stood in the middle of his bedchamber, a perfect spot for their night of hot, sweaty sex. Pale green walls like the ones she’d seen in the Willows created a private oasis for all her desires. Flickering balls of light within crystal bowls lit the room. The effect looked much like candlelight. Though he appeared to live in a fortified manor of some type, he had many amenities she hadn’t expected. Oh, no TV or cable, but the importance of flushing toilets couldn’t be denied. She’d checked herself from kissing the black marble of his bathroom when she saw that much-revered item. A hand slid up her back, drawing her back to the present. Now that one bodily function’s clamor had been taken care of, the time to ask a few questions arrived. Only then could she find relief for another bodily need that demanded a little satisfaction. The area between her legs clenched in excitement. God, am I a

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walking vagina with one thing on its mind? She’d never felt so out of control. What a novel experience—terrifying, but new. Trying her best to ignore the hand trailing over her back and the lips sucking at her neck, she steadied her voice. “Before I have sex with a guy, I like to know a few things about him, like his name and what species he is.” He didn’t lift his head, making his voice vibrate against her skin. “Why, it sounds like you’ve been with a veritable zoo of males.” Glancing up, he considered her for a moment. “And maybe females, too.” She gasped. “No! I don’t swing that way. Do you?” He grinned wickedly. “I’m open for anything once.” “You’re serious?” “About trying anything once? Of course.” She waved that away frantically. “I meant being with a guy.” He cupped her face and traced a finger over her lips. “Umm, just once, but it convinced me I preferred females to the exclusion of all else. Does this shock you, little one? Make you rethink your opinion of me?” She closed her eyes. His fingers killed most of her coherent thoughts. “I don’t know you well enough to have an opinion of you. But I want my experience to be with a guy who is firmly dedicated to vaginas, not anuses.” He chuckled, his mouth near her ear, and the evidence of his desire pressed up against her side. “Now, who said I couldn’t be firmly entrenched in your undoubtedly cute, little puckered hole?” She slapped his hands away. “You’re getting nowhere near that.” She’d come for some good-old fashioned sex, not to take it up the ass. He shrugged and stepped away from her. “We’ll see about that.” She glared at him, still not knowing who or what he was. “A name, please?” He threw his long platinum hair over one shoulder. “Sin On.” She couldn’t suppress the incredulous note in her voice. “Your name is Sin On?” A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “My name does bear a remarkable likeness to the moniker, though I spell it S-i-n-n-o-n. You may call me Sin if you would prefer.” 13

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“S-S…in.” Is every single thing about this male decadent? He prowled back to her and pulled her against his hard, lean body. “Why so shy, my dear? You came here to sin, after all.” His cock prodded her belly, and she had to stifle the urge to rub against him. Fuck, what is he, to drive me wild this way? “I know your name, but not what…species you are. Before I let you anywhere near my panties, I need to know.” Sinnon’s hands ghosted down her sides to her hips. “Panties, indeed. You have none on, you shameless girl.” He wandered his fingers over the area between her legs and cupped her. Through her dress, he traced the slit of her core. She bit back a moan. God, between his voice and his fingers, she’d come before she even got a look at his cock. He licked a path up her neck and bit her earlobe. “You’re blazing for me already. Is the little human up to taking on this big, bad Leanan Sidhe?” Her mind shook loose of the pleasurable haze that gripped her to process his words. She backed away. “You’re Leanan?” She’d known he was something not human, but not that something. Fear coursed through her. As a librarian, she knew her mythology. Leanan Sidhe supposedly served as muses to mortal lovers. But all gifts from the fey world came with a price, and in this case, mortal paramours forfeited their life. Sidhe of his type lived off the life forces of their humans, draining them dry. He scoffed. “Not those old legends again.” Her gaze flew to his face. “You’re reading my mind?” “Your face hides nothing, and I can feel your fear.” Flames of heat leapt to her cheeks, but she didn’t respond. His eyes narrowed. “I see our night won’t begin until all your questions are answered. Leanan do live off life forces by inspiring emotions in humans. Normally perfectly safe, this exchange….” Sinnon paused and seemed to struggle for the right words. Probably searching for some that won’t make me faint or run screaming from him. After all, he’d paid for the night as well. He’d want his money’s worth.

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A smile lit his face. “This exchange of energy doesn’t have to be received in a sexual way. Any emotion will do, though admittedly I like the emotion of lust best.” He let his gaze roam over her body, where it settled on her breasts. She didn’t need to glance down to know her nipples thrust against the fabric of her gown. The pebbled tips were painfully tight. She tamped down the desire to cross her arms over her chest. “So you’re not going to suck me to a dry husk?” The orgasm she’d saved up for threatened to disappear like a spent wet dream. He raised a brow. “You’re safe with me. I won’t lie—I will feed off your energy, but this will only heighten your pleasure. As for sucking you, I plan to do that to your entire body, starting with those delectable nipples of yours.” Oh God, that decided it. She’d jump his bones even if it were hazardous to her health. Nothing got in the way of her and her planned night of hot sex, even the guy in question. She’d see to it. She stifled a giggle. Never get in the way of a virgin. She’d been one for many years because of her determination. Now she’d use that same drive to cast her virginity to the four winds.

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Chapter Three “Would you like some refreshment for the long night ahead?” Sinnon’s query broke through her lustful ponderings. Food? The butterflies in her stomach probably couldn’t withstand any fare right now. Besides, she only wanted one thing in her mouth, and food wasn’t it. She sucked in a breath. She never imagined she’d want to do that to a penis. But the idea held a fascinating allure. Could she make him come undone? Hmm, she’d have to find out. He trailed a finger down her arm, and his breath fanned over the hollow behind her ear. “Food, Zoe? I would be amiss if I didn’t offer you any.” She shook her head, belatedly remembering warnings of fae-drugged foods in the tomes she’d read. Sharing her body would be risky enough. No need to compound the matter by possibly consuming something enchanted. “Maybe later.” His hands slid up to her shoulders and fingered the straps there. “Well, if you’re sure, then I think I will see what awaits me under this gown. I hope you have sufficient energy to keep up.” Her back straightened at the challenge in his voice, though her legs wobbled like Jell-O from his light touch. “I believe I have enough energy to match you…move for move.” “Really?” His fingers drew one strap down her shoulder. She closed her eyes. This is really happening. Oh, how she wanted it to, but some part of her expected to wake up at any moment, alone in her bed. The other strap slid down her arm, and cool air hit her skin as the gown glided over her body to the ground. At the sensation, her eyelids popped open, and her gaze tracked downward. Sinnon rested on his knees before her naked body, murmuring in a lilting language she’d never heard. He stared at her chest, but she didn’t think his attention focused on her breasts. His manner seemed more reverent than sexual, as if he was experiencing some defining moment in his life.

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The air in her lungs grew heavy, and her heart sped. Could he be doing something funky to her? She bit her lip. “Sinnon?” His smooth voice halted, and he flashed her a devastating grin. “Yes, beautiful?” That surefire smile, along with what he called her, turned her to mush and endangered her ability to talk. “What are you doing?” He hummed. “Honoring your body. That’s all, my dear.” She narrowed her eyes and shot him a doubtful look. Then she shrugged off her hesitation. Who knew what traditions his people had concerning sex? “Well, why don’t you start honoring it with your hands and lips then? Starting from the top and working your way down.” She could barely believe the brazen words coming out of her mouth, but by God, he’d mentioned her nipples earlier, so he could start his worship with them. His eyes took on a lascivious light. “My lady’s ardent wish is my command.” He stood and swept her into his arms in a staggeringly swift motion that left her reeling. He bypassed the bed. Where does he think he’s going? But before she knew it, he pressed her down upon a large built-in window seat and lay on his side by her. Her gaze flew to the open portal. Good God, the curtains were pulled back. Had she landed herself an exhibitionist? She wanted her first time to be private, not some kind of reality TV fuck-up. “The curtains. They’re wide open.” She couldn’t take her eyes off the window and the lush garden outside. Nobody appeared to be outside, but…. “Yes.” She frowned. His answer wasn’t helpful. “Well, close them.” “No.” She pinned him with an alarmed glare. “No?” Her voice squeaked in a most annoying way. Must he disconcert her every opportunity he got? “Hypothetically, no one should see us.” “Hypothetically?” She grimaced. Geez, what was she? An echo? A dimple showed in his cheek. “That’s part of the allure, the thrill.” “What, giving everybody who walks by a free show?”

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He shook his head. “The unknown. It’s heady, something that’s not experienced much with a long life.” She’d forgotten that little bit of lore. “How long do your kind live?” He gave a bittersweet smile. “Too long, at times.” She propped herself up on one elbow. “Wh—” “Enough of such talk. You’re here, naked. I intend to enjoy that, and you should, too.” As if to punctuate his words, he slipped his fingers into her hair and pulled her head to his. The touch of his lips on hers caused all worries to flee. Let the whole world watch for all she cared. His tongue flicked at the seam of her lips, seeking entry. She opened to him, and he slipped in. As his tongue discovered the inside of her mouth, she set out on her own exploration. He tasted delicious, mint mixed with some indefinable flavor that was Sinnon. She moaned as he deepened the kiss and wound his hands in her hair, angling her head for better contact. He pulled back first, his somewhat heavy breath matching hers. She didn’t get much time to recover. His lips trailed over her jaw and down her neck, where he paid particular attention to the hollow of her throat. That’s going to leave a hickey. The mere thought of such a mark on her body caused warmth to pool low in her stomach. Her fingers worked up his back, and under her ghosting touch, his muscles flexed. She trailed a hand up to one of his ears, caressing the pointed tip. He hissed and his eyes clouded in unveiled carnality before he nipped at her neck. Elation filled her. Oh, he liked that, did he? Her tongue snaked out to lick and suck on the tip. His growling moans sounded in her ears, and she shivered in delight. One of his sensual hands left her hair and cupped a breast. The areola stiffened. He palmed it, creating an erotic friction that shot straight to her core. His fingers soon took control as he drew ever-nearing circles toward the taut peak. Oh God, the anticipation would kill her, and he hadn’t even ventured below the waist. A breath hissed between her teeth as his questing digits found their destination. He pinched and rolled the sensitive nipple between his thumb and 18

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forefinger. Her whole body shuddered somewhere between pleasure and pain. When he lowered his head and tongued her areola, she bucked. Her blood pressure skyrocketed through the roof. His lips slid over her nipple before he gently bit and then blew over the turgid tip. He pressed his body closer, and the stiff flesh that prodded her hip left no doubt of his desire. Why were there still layers between them? She wanted them skin to skin. “Clothes off, now.” He laughed against her breast before lifting his head slightly. “Patience, my love.” Her mind froze. My love? Surely he murmured a meaningless term of affection? He had to. This is a one-night stand, and he isn’t human. Nothing lasting could form between them. In a raspy voice, she said, “I’ll be patient when you’re naked.” “When you phrase it like that, how can I resist?” He sat up and grinned down at her. “I believe I shall let you do the honors, though.” She swallowed. So he wanted her to strip him? Was it like unwrapping a particularly luscious lollipop? “Up, my dear.” He reached down and pulled her into a sitting position. His silk tunic felt cool against her fingers as she unlaced the ties. She did her best to ignore the shaking of her hands. Once she loosened the neck, she grasped the hem and eased it over his head. She sat back. He looked like a Greek god, with platinum hair spilling over his muscular shoulders. The proud lines of his face creased with desire. Dear heavens, she wanted to touch and taste every inch of him. What did his cock look like? Magnificent like the rest of him? Her fingers itched to find out. Surprising herself with her own audacity, she rose from the seat to kneel before him. As she brushed her fingers up his thighs, a telltale bulge caught her attention. Did her eyes deceive, or did a huge penis wait to greet her? Her hands rose to the ties of his leather pants. She clumsily unlaced him, and his erection twitched against her fingers. Her touch apparently didn’t leave him unaffected. He lifted his hips and helped her shimmy the pants down his buttocks. Her gaze fastened on the long, thick rod 19

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jutting out from a platinum thatch of hair. A wellspring of curiosity arose, making her want to explore him. She looked to him for confirmation. He inclined his head, his hair brushing the tips of her breasts. “My body is yours.” She tentatively touched him and enjoyed the feel of velvet over steel. He tensed and groaned. As she stroked him, a pearly white bead formed on his tip. She smoothed her thumb over that drop, spreading it over the head of his sex. She itched for a taste. Her tongue came out and gave a swipe. The saltiness of his flesh wasn’t unpleasant, so she leaned back in for more. Sinnon gasped. Soon her mouth trailed over him, leaving no inch of his penis or balls untouched. Sitting back on her heels for a moment, she considered him. Long and thick, his length staggered her. Could she…all of it? She bent down and took him in her mouth, first sucking the tip. Enveloping him deeper, she gagged a few times, but managed to fit in most of his length. He fisted his hands in her hair. “Oh, gods.” Listening to the music of his moans, she continued to stroke and suck him until he forced her head back. “No more. I refuse to come outside your body the first time. And I owe you recompense.” Sinnon drew her up onto the seat next to him and then took his place on the floor. He ran his hands up her calves before he splayed her legs and lifted them over his shoulders. She suppressed a squeal as his fingers parted the lips of her labia, and his tongue slipped in. Her elbows reached behind her for support. Seeing his head buried between her thighs shot electric current from her nipples straight to her core. Her whole body tingled with the fiery sensation. His tongue worked its magic on her clit and canal. She bit her lip, her hips moving of their own volition as pressure built between her legs. Heavens, he performed so much better than her vibrator. As she curled her fingers against the damask cushion, her harsh breathing sounded in her ears. The merciless throb in her sex and the mouth that paid worship to her held every nerve in thrall. God, she was so close. She threw her head back, rapture shuddering through her body. When she came, a cry burst from her lips. Her inner walls spasmed around him. 20

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Her head drooped, her chin resting on her chest. Damn, that orgasm blew her away. No wonder some women were addicted to tongue. Soft chuckling caused her to glance up. Sinnon drew back, licking his lips, and a teasing light appeared in his eyes. “I hope my reparation met your expectations.” Goodness, had it ever. She nodded, all out of breath. “More than I could’ve ever dreamed.” Leaning down, she bent to kiss him on the cheek. At the last moment, he moved his head and caught her lips with his own. The taste of her on his lips mixed with the tang that still lingered on hers. The weight of his body pushed her back. He parted her thighs and positioned himself between them. A nervous breath escaped her throat. Would this hurt terribly? He stilled and gazed at her with glowing violet eyes. “How experienced are you?” Her face flamed. Oh God, not that conversation. “What? Why do you ask?” He nuzzled the valley between her breasts. “Your emotions—I can feel them. I’m Leanan, remember?” Dear Lord. She closed her eyes, mortification welling up in her chest. He knew, didn’t he? “You are a virgin, aren’t you?” “Yes,” she mumbled. He lifted his head from between her breasts, a satisfied smile on his face. “What? I can’t hear you.” “Yes, okay!” Her voice echoed in the room, eliciting a wince from both of them. “I’ll be as gentle as possible, but it may sting a little.” Her gaze remained glued to his chest. “I expect some…discomfort.” Sinnon tilted her chin back. “But after that, only bliss.” He moved away and withdrew a condom from a side table near the bed. In a few quick motions, he put it on before coming to lie beside her. His fingers slid down between her thighs and slipped inside her. He stroked and rubbed until the tingle in her core became a fiery pressure begging to be relieved. Shifting over her, he used his arms to hold his upper body away from hers. His cock nudged against her mound. 21

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Adjusting slightly, he brought the head of his penis to the lips of her vagina. Inch by inch, he eased into her. She gasped. A burning, stabbing sensation gripped her until he fully seated himself within her. He rested, allowing her body to acclimate to the size and feel of him. “Are you all right?” She blinked back tears at the concern in his voice. He showed such sweetness about the whole ordeal she could fall deeply for him if she let herself. She squeezed her eyes shut and swallowed hard. “I think in a few moments I’ll be fine.” And to her surprise, her words proved true. She experimentally moved her hips, and the pain dulled to a flicker. In fact, when she kept up the motion, pleasure condensed low in her stomach, and a full, heavy sense of being filled replaced all discomfort. His hips flexed against hers. He moaned, his breath harsh against the crook of her neck. “I have to move.” The want is his voice caused her hips to jerk. “My body is yours.” He growled, the sound sending a primal shiver down her spine and he started a shallow cadence of thrust and retreat. His strokes grew more frenzied until he plunged his whole length in and out of her. The sweet throbbing built in her core and moans burst from her lips. She ran her fingertips over his back, finding the fine sheen of sweat that covered his body highly sensual. Her hands slid down to his ass and squeezed the taut muscles that flexed rhythmically as he fucked her. His breath hissed through his teeth, and his eyes glowed an even more intense shade of violet. “Oh, Zoe, so good.” She concentrated on the euphoric high taking over her body. Her eyes fluttered open and closed as she reached her peak. “Ahh, Sinnon!” Her vaginal walls clenched around him, wringing a ‘so damn tight’ from him. He followed her over the edge and released deep into her. Sinnon collapsed against her, laying a soft kiss on her collarbone now and then. She fared no better and couldn’t have moved even if the room lit on fire.

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She smiled wryly. They may have set the room ablaze themselves. He certainly fired up a great orgasm. Once their breathing moderated, he shifted onto his side, and she stretched. Ah, finally that pesky virginity had been cast aside. Her satisfied thoughts halted as she felt something pull at the region around her heart. Had she worked herself up into heart attack mode? Surely two good orgasms couldn’t…. She glanced down and froze. What the fuck? She blinked, but the image still remained. Her gaze followed the path of a ghostly thin silver chain as it spanned the area from her chest to his.

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Chapter Four Zoe jumped up, her heart pounding. Her flight only lasted a step or two before it stopped. Damn, that chain was more substantial than it looked. She’d drawn it taut between them. Sinnon wore a pained frown on his lips, and a furrow formed between his brows, as if the chain hurt him in some way. She pointed to the chain. “What the hell is that?” A vast number of emotions played over his face in a quick succession too fast to name. “It is the sign of a link, a tie between us.” Placing her hands on her hips, she fought to keep her voice steady. “And why is there a tie between us?” He ran a hand through the gorgeous mane of hair she now longed to yank. “It’s the Leanan sign of a fated match.” “A fated match for what?” Though she hated being stubbornly obtuse, a perverse sense of satisfaction and control swept over her. The incredulous lift of his eyebrows said it all. “A fated couple, or pair. You humans know them as soul mates.” Her mouth opened and closed wordlessly. Soul mates? She’d signed up for a one-night stand, not to play house with some overgrown fairy who lived in Otherworld…wherever that was. After clearing her throat and coughing a few times, she rediscovered her shaky voice. “How does this link come about?” Her mind worked furiously. Did the little ceremony he’d been performing on his knees have anything to do with it? “With ritual words and sex.” Panic flowed through her mind. Damn and double damn. Ritual words—check. Sex, major sex—check. Royally screwed? Hell, yes. Rage supplanted the fright that ran riot through her brain. “Why did you do it?” Her tone quivered with ire. He stood up, glorious in his nakedness. “You are my One.”

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She forced her libido down and backed away, only halting when the chain forced her to. She threw a resentful glare at it—and him. “What if I don’t want to be your One? You didn’t exactly give me a choice.” His voice held no apology. “I wanted, needed, my destined mate and decided to wait no longer. Even according to Otherworld’s standards, Madame Evangeline has an unnaturally high rate of success. So I availed myself of 1Night Stand’s services.” She crossed her arms over her chest, suddenly remembering her nakedness. “And you got me.” “I got you.” His tone, though softer now, still contained no contrition. “How about if I don’t want you?” His jaw clenched. “You’re stuck with me until 9 AM. It says so in our contract.” She snorted. “That’s 1Night Stand’s contract.” She plunked at the chain in front of her. “What do we do about this?” “It will fade.” Relief washed over her. And so what if a little disappointment also appeared? She studiously ignored it. “The link will go away?” “The sign of our link will fade away, not the link itself.” She closed her eyes against the prick of tears. Images of her one-night stand becoming a night of horror flashed through her mind. Though Sinnon seemed like a great man...er…fae male person, she didn’t really know him. Sure, he could bring her to orgasm and made her smile. But he wasn’t of her world, and she refused to be trapped in any way. Inhaling deeply, she voiced her next question. “What does that mean?” The sound of his light footsteps neared her. But she refused to open her eyes. A gentle finger traced down her cheek. “Everything and nothing.” Her eyelids flickered open at that evasive answer. “That’s really not a helpful response.” He shrugged. “It is what it is. I won’t keep you here. The link will always be there, but you can go back to your previous life.” “H-how will that affect us?”

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He smiled bitterly. “You, not much. You will go home and live your short life, while I continue on.” She shivered at his words, wrapping her arms around herself. “You make that sound so depressing.” “I’d hoped to spend the rest of my life with my One. But, as so often happens, that doesn’t seem to be the case.” “Surely you can find someone else?” A smattering of jealousy popped up, but she squelched it. What did it matter to her if he diddled in other pastures? A frozen, calm mask settled over his face. “Temporary fixes, yes. Don’t worry. That’s what I’ve had to live with so far, so I’m used to it.” “But—” He cut her off. “Come, Zoe. I wish the best for you and don’t want to spend our last hours in regret. Do you?” She shook her head. That wasn’t what she wanted, especially since sadness seemed to radiate off him. But what could she do? Not truly ready for a real-life fairytale, she didn’t even believe such happy endings existed. Besides, her job and cat awaited her at home. That would be enough. It always had been before. After her dreams of finding the “right man” tanked, a one-night stand had seemed the way to shake things up a bit before she returned to her status quo of boring. Her heart lurched. Sinnon certainly shook her to her core. That’s because he was your first, she chanted to herself. Nothing more. He cupped her face and gave her a brief, yet searing kiss that threatened to stop her heart. His melancholy spirits appeared to lift as he grinned wickedly. “You said I wouldn’t get anywhere near that hole in the back. Allow me to relieve you of this virginity, too.” She bit her lip, her mind whirling. Though she had no doubt anal sex would hurt, the idea didn’t seem as repugnant as before. And Sinnon certainly knew his way around a woman’s body. That, along with the hopeful look on his face, decided it for her. With a shaky laugh, she followed him to the previously ignored bed to let him get rid of that cumbersome innocence, too. He produced a vial of lubricant from somewhere and bent her over the bed’s edge. With one thoroughly oiled finger, 26

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he stood behind her and touched the rosette of her ass before inserting the tip of his finger into the opening. She stiffened at the downright uncomfortable sensation. As he fingered her, the pain let up, and a surprising erotic emotion swept over her. She squirmed, the sateen coverlet creating an enjoyable friction against her nipples. Flexing his finger side-to-side while working it deeper, Sinnon slipped past the tight outer ring of her anus. “You’re so unbelievably tight.” A burn shot through her, but lessened as he continued his ministrations. Again, that pleasurable sensation crept up in her core. Another finger joined the first one. She froze, expecting a load of pain, but only slight discomfort came. He thrust his fingers in and out until her hips followed his rhythm. When she neared orgasm, he redrew his fingers, and the head of his penis prodded her. Just as he had with his fingers, he slowly worked his cock in until it pushed past the outer ring of flesh. She gasped at the fiery bolts of pain taking up residence in her anus. Sinnon held still a few moments, his breath raspy in the silence of the room. Slowly he started to pump in and out. She groaned, sure he would tear her. It hurt just like losing her other virginity. Pleasure and pain seemed to go hand-inhand with sex and Sinnon. But the humor in the situation couldn’t be dismissed. She was taking it up the ass for him, every thrust hitting home as his balls slammed against her ass cheeks. The searing sensation abated somewhat, and his thrusts grew more urgent. The sound of skin slapping on skin skyrocketed her arousal and soon drove all humor away. The build-up tightening in her sex caused her hips to push back against his, her hands curling into the sheets as her cries echoed in the room. He pulled her up to her knees on the bed and back against him. When he reached around and tweaked a straining nipple between his fingers, the pressure in her core broke apart in a wracking spasm. Sinnon pumped a few more times and moaned her name as he came. After they collapsed against each other, the chain was gone. A pang of loss assailed Zoe. Again, she attributed the emotion to Sinnon being her first—and to

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her own sentimentality. She couldn’t allow it to be more, because all fairytales faded in the light of day. A wet cloth between her legs drew her attention back to the present. After a quick wash and a light snack for them both, he put on a condom and slipped between her legs, positioning his cock at her vaginal lips. Smiling at him through misty eyes, she was hell-bent to enjoy the feeling of his arms around her as he made love to her. Again, and again, and again. Any fallout would commence at home, not here as he drove his cock into her with long, smooth strokes. Sinnon deserved that much. Over the next few hours, he surpassed all her expectations of a lover. Admittedly, when she first decided on the adventure, she’d been aiming for one measly orgasm. Lucky for her, he seemed to have a full supply of those to gift. Reveling in all of his touches, she thought she’d finally attained true womanhood. He’d helped bring about that change, and she’d never forget it. Too bad she had the niggling sense no one else could ever come close to living up to Sinnon’s legacy—in or out of bed. She scoffed at herself. Sappiness had hit her again. A few hours later, the time for their goodbyes came. As they stood in each other’s arms, no words were needed. They’d already said it all, and their sated bodies only reiterated that. A pleasant soreness throbbed between her legs and in her ass, a reminder of all that had happened between them. Reaching up, she pulled his head down and pressed her lips to his. Mouths opened and tongues danced until she and Sinnon broke away for air. The clock on the mantle chimed, and right on time, the little demon elf reappeared. Sinnon released her and the elf grabbed her arm. As stars exploded around her, she turned her head and stared at the now barely visible Sinnon. He raised a hand in farewell. Then tears and darkness overtook her.

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Epilogue Zoe stared at all the books waiting to be shelved. Damn the assistants and interns for leaving early that evening, even though she’d given them leave. The Fourth of July shouldn’t cause so much giddy excitement in her staff. Of course, her moroseness had nothing to do with her nonexistent social life. She scowled at the book in her hand. No, that reason didn’t hold true at all. Her life served her well. She loved her boring job and quite liked her small, cramped apartment. Her cat livened up her evenings by snuggling in her lap. That’s almost as good as being in Sinnon’s arms, right? She blinked back tears. Well, it would have to be. She didn’t know how to contact him. Did Otherworld have Internet or telephones? Highly doubtful. And it seemed unlikely he would seek her out, since she’d tossed his…offer of love or whatever it consisted of to the ground. His One—he’d called her that. Sometimes when she wept and her body shook in the middle of the night, she believed every word he’d said. Did she merely hobble along on the crutch of her familiar life? Had she’d thrown away a chance at happiness? The thought had invaded her mind ever since she’d awakened three weeks ago in the Willows, in a bedroom the staff claimed she’d received right from the beginning. They had no recollection or record of the previous room she’d been given, nor of her 1Night Stand meeting. Shaking her head at the memory, she collapsed into a chair. Just one more mystery for her to ponder. She rubbed her eyes and decided to put the books away later. Right now she wanted to brood. The sound of a door opening made her silently curse. She didn’t bother to look up. After all, couldn’t the imbeciles who inhabited the town read the sign? “We’re closed.” No voice answered her, but long, lean hands came to rest on the desk. Her gaze remained on them, and her mind gave a shuddering sigh. Those fingers…they

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looked like the ones that had brought her such pleasure. Excitement and dread flooded her stomach. She drifted her eyes over strong arms bared by the rolledup sleeves of a dress shirt. An unbuttoned neck revealed a strong column of throat. Craning her head, she drank in the sight of platinum hair pulled back into a ponytail that cleverly hid any hint of pointed ears. Her heart drummed in her chest as she raised her head farther. A face of inhuman beauty, of harsh planes and angles, topped it all off. Sinnon. She gulped, but choked because of the dryness of her mouth. “What are you doing here?” He lifted a brow. “Surprised to see me?” The softness of his voice sent a shiver down her spine. She couldn’t tell if he tried to be seductive or predatory. Maybe both, and her body responded to it like a siren song. At a loss for words, she nodded. He leaned across the table, obliterating her personal bubble of space. “Now, you didn’t think I would let the situation end the way it did?” A sense of surrealism hit her, and truthfulness was all she could muster. “I didn’t know what to think.” Sinnon prowled around the desk and came to stand next to her chair. “My kind doesn’t admit defeat so readily. I thought time and distance may have softened your stance. Has it?” She couldn’t concentrate. Her mind bounced everywhere. “How did you know where to find me? Why are you dressed in a dress shirt and pants?” Her gaze cascaded down. “And loafers? Are you trying to pass for human?” How could he hope to with those eyes of his? But most people only saw what they chose to—the logical side. To them, violet-colored contact lenses would be the obvious answer. He slid a finger under her chin. “So many questions. But first answer mine.” “I…I….” Words deserted her yet again, so she did the next best thing. She stood up and flung her arms around his neck to yank his head down to hers. Her mouth locked onto his. Infusing all her love and longing into the kiss, she let her body melt against his. He deepened the kiss, groaning into her mouth, and slipped an arm around her waist. A delicious bulge prodded her stomach. 30

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Wiggling her hips, she moaned. Damn, she’d missed him so much, missed this so much. But not just the sex. Sure, it had been great and explosive, but it’d only been a part of her life for one night. What she missed most were the emotions he aroused in her. He frustrated the hell out of her and kindled more desire than she’d ever thought possible, but under all those, one fact remained. He made her feel alive. Sinnon drew away first and took a few deep breaths. “Is this the answer I think it is?” As his hand caressed the side of her face, she closed her eyes. “It is.” “You’ll be My One and all that entails?” She swallowed before she opened her eyes. Life in Otherworld was an unknown to her. “I want to be, but there’s so much I don’t understand.” “First, will you go where I go?” Thinking for a moment, she nodded. “As long as I’m safe.” His arm tightened about her. “You will be.” “The longevity of your life compared to mine has to be much greater.” “Normally, it is, but as My One, we will share the same lifespan, one that should last for centuries. We’ll perform the bonding ceremony that cements our ties when we next make love.” “Oh.” She should be shocked. But with all that’d happened, no true surprise flared. Now, where to go next? She wanted this—to be with him. But dread still retained a hold on some part of her soul. She liked a neat and tidy life, one she could order at her will. With him, she’d be giving up some of that control. Okay, a lot of that control. He gazed down at her with tender eyes. “It’s a lot to take in, I know. But any sacrifices you make regarding the life you live will be rewarded tenfold.” She sucked in a deep breath. “Giving up my life here is a scary thought, but being without you is even scarier.” “Who said you would have to completely give up your life here?” She froze. “Wouldn’t I?” A smile lit his face. “I’m a part-time law professor at the university here and also take on several cases a year.” 31

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“What!” “Given I’m Leanan, I need to make forays into the mortal realm frequently, so I decided to live on your plane part-time. Quite a few fae do so, especially those of the Leanan variety. The Willows is fae-run and is a central spot where we can come to siphon emotions under the guise of tourists or employees.” “Really?” She couldn’t stifle the incredulous note in her voice. Rollercoaster Land was prime fae real estate? “All that amusement park adrenaline is delicious. We also tend to hide in plain sight, in seemingly unlikely places that won’t arouse suspicion. Sandusky and Colton are fine examples. And practicing law allows me to run into many exquisite emotions.” “So those are the main reasons you stay here? To work as a lawyer and professor?” He shrugged. “Plus, I like your world and all its conveniences. The fast women don’t hurt, either.” She drew back in his embrace and slammed a hand against the chest so many women apparently had seen. “So violent. But I was going to add that this consideration doesn’t exist anymore. I don’t need fast women.” He sent her a wolfish smile. “I have you.” She tossed him a dry look. “If anyone here won a high ‘mileage’ award, it would be you, buster.” Ignoring his smirk, she continued on. “But what about the place where we spent the night, and who were those other guys?” “What about them? You were at my home in Otherworld. That is where we’ll stay when there. As for the Leanan males you saw, most are guards or other people under my direct employ who help in clerical and administrative matters.” “Why do you need the help?” “We have governance systems in place just like you humans. Much of Otherworld has large estates ruled by a lord or lady, who are loosely answerable to the monarch of that region.” She blinked, her mind glazing over. “So you’re a lord? I’ve never been one much for politics.”

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“I have good people working for me, so many of the day-to-day activities run smoothly without my presence. That’s why I can be on this plane as much as I am.” Apparently brain overload with a side of headache appeared on the menu. She’d have to deal with one problem at a time. “Back to these…guards. They seemed, well, kind of creepy.” “If they could hear your opinion of them, their egos would suffer.” He chuckled before growing serious. “We fae haven’t earned the reputation as tricksters for nothing. They taunted and unnerved you because they could. It’s in our natures to do so.” A scowl flitted across her face. “That’s reassuring.” Let’s play with the human didn’t sound like a fun game to her. Smiling, he shook his head. “My people know their place and wouldn’t venture past the use of words and infringement upon personal space to discomfit you. Once you either ignore or stand up to this behavior, it will stop.” She bit her lip, throwing him a doubtful look. “That easy?” “Yes. Though I daresay they’ll find a way to tease you. They won’t be able to resist, because they’ll come to love you.” He trailed his lips over her neck. “Who wouldn’t?” Her respiration increased as his actions and words performed a double whammy on her. Clearing her throat, she forced her vocal cords to work. “Do you? Love me, that is?” He straightened to his full height. “You were made for me, and your emotions can wholly sustain me.” As she digested that new information, her heart leapt in hope. “So you won’t need to draw from anybody else?” She didn’t think her jealousy could take it if he did. “You are My One. I need only you.” She stopped herself from floating away. His words were a balm to her heart. But she still hadn’t heard the declaration she wanted. “You didn’t answer me.” He framed her face between his hands. “I love you more than myself, and this coming from a fae is something indeed.” 33

Eve Edwards

“Conceited much?” “You love me anyway.” When she didn’t answer, a gleam of worry seemed to shine in his eyes. “Right?” “You silly male, only for love would I be willing to turn my well-ordered life upside down and inside out.” He smiled devilishly as he pressed her down on the desk and followed her. “Really? Those sound like interesting positions.” “Someone might walk—” He stopped her words with a brief, soul-stealing kiss. “I might’ve locked the door as I came in. Maybe.” Her laughter bubbled up. Life with him would be a test in extremes, but somehow she knew she’d get the best of both worlds there and on Otherworld. Then all thought fled when his hands and mouth worked their way over her body.

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~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~

Eve Edwards loves to escape into the fantasy of penning a romance. She lives in Illinois with her husband, son, and Siamese cat. On most days, you’ll find her chained to her computer. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and exercising, but hates mowing the lawn.

www.eveedwards01.wordpress.com