Humbug

Humbug by Tigra Luna-LeMar

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Humbug by Tigra Luna-LeMar Red Rose Publishing Copyright© 2007 Tigra Luna-LeMar ISBN: 978-1-60435-076-0 ISBN: 1-60435-076-8 Cover Artist: Rene Rocco Editor: Lea Schizas All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. Due to copyright laws you cannot trade, sell or give any ebooks away. Red Rose Publishing www.redrosepublishing.com Forestport, NY 13338

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Humbug by Tigra Luna-LeMar

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Chapter One This time of year always got her on edge. It was Christmas time and Khali felt depressed as usual as she walked through the mall. There were Christmas decorations everywhere. Couples were hugging, kissing, and holding hands as they walked by her and she felt a little sick inside. She felt as though at any second she could just reach out, grab a blonde ponytail and rip every hair from the various giggling women's heads, but she controlled her rage. She was better than that. The green-eyed monster would not get the best of her. Mistletoe hung above every door and window and politically correct Christmas carols were playing. Instead of saying „Merry Christmas‟, the cashiers gave their normal plastic smiles and said “Happy Holidays!” as if no one knew what they really meant. Ducking into Logan‟s, she searched for the lovely gold watch she had seen Tobias eyeing a week prior. She wanted to get it for him for Christmas. “May I help you?” a man, with an extremely thick and fake French accent, asked from behind her. “Ah,” Khali suppressed a giggle, “my friend and I were in here about a week ago and he was eyeing a gold watch…I‟d like to get it for him for Christmas.” 5

“Oh,” the man exclaimed, pressing a hand to his chest. “If you‟ll follow me, I can show you what we have. Perhaps you‟ll recognize it. Zis way.” The man stuck his ass out, cocked his left wrist, and began walking like a runway model ahead of her. Khali shrugged and began imitating his walk behind him. A few people giggled and the man looked around but Khali straightened up and walked properly before he could catch her teasing him. After finding the watch and having it gift-wrapped, she paid for it and grabbed the rest of her oodles of gifts and went back to her car. No matter how much she tried, Christmas always caught her alone. She usually spent it with Tobias, but this year, he had someone else. Khali thought back to the last someone she‟d had. “Get out of my house!” Khali Michaels screamed as she shoved her now ex-boyfriend out the front door. “And don‟t come back!” She slammed the door furiously and stormed into her living room. She paced and tried to get her breathing back to normal as she thought about the year that she had wasted with the bastard and all she wanted to do was hurl. She was sure that Sean was the right man for her… this time. He was smooth talking, rich, seemed loving enough, and most of all, he acted as though he respected her. Then he had turned from a prince into a frog and she felt sick. She had put up with his horrible skills at love making for a whole year because she

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thought he would get better or that he was just goofing around. She thought that in time, he would break out his „A‟ stuff and blow her mind. Boy was she wrong. In other words, he was cheating on her. What woman in their right mind would cheat with Sean Connelly? She was still kicking herself for dating him to begin with. Pulling into her driveway, she got her packages and entered her house. She carried all the bags up the stairs and dumped them on her bed before jogging down again. Sighing, Khali poured herself some red wine and sank into the lovely brown, leather sofa in her living room. She rested her feet on her coffee table and picked up the remote for her stereo system. Pressing the power button, she waited to see what would start playing. “All the Way/One for my baby,” by Frank Sinatra featuring Kenny G began playing. She smiled as the smooth voice of old Blue Eyes sank in. Khali‟s love life had been horrible from day one. Even though she was nothing but a nerdy librarian, she knew that the sex she had over the years wasn‟t all it was supposed to be. It was supposed to be mind shattering. The first guy she had sex with hurt her so badly she thought she was splitting in two. Then when she begged him to stop, he told her to quit being a baby and take it like a woman. To her, it was as if she was bleeding to death that

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night and the next day she was unbelievably sore. Then there was Maxwell Plumber. He was the leather wearing, Harley Davidson riding, profanity talking bad boy that one couldn‟t take home to momma. Khali was flying on cloud nine until the night she decided to sleep with him. He wanted to force her to give him a blowjob, and would have if she hadn‟t pulled her father‟s gun on him. That got him out the door faster than one could say “tiny weenie” five times fast. She glanced out the window at the falling snowflakes then looked back at the bare Christmas tree that sat in the corner. She didn‟t even know why she bought it, because she had no intention of celebrating Christmas. She sighed. The ringing telephone dragged her from her memories and she lifted the remote again. This time she pressed pause before reaching for the phone. “Yello?” she answered. “Diva!” Tobias Clarke called from the other side. “What‟re you wearing?” Khali laughed. “Nothing but a leather thong,” she teased. “Do you have any idea how much those things chafe?” Tobias chuckled. “What are you doing tonight?” Looking over at the clock, Khali noticed it was only seven o‟clock and she groaned. “Nothing,” she told him again. “You got something in mind?” “You know me,” Tobias started before yelling and Khali knew he was ogling

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a hot guy, for it was his habit. Tobias topped that off by growling before speaking to Khali again. “Buns of steel, baby girl. Buns of steel…so where was I?” “Aren‟t you dating someone?” Khali wanted to know. Tobias laughed. “Yeah…but you can't blame a guy for looking, can you? I just can‟t touch.” Khali laughed. “I was thinking of hitting Fusion tonight. Wanna hang?” Nodding even though she knew he couldn‟t see her, she said, “But you‟ll have to dress me. You know how color blind I am…no wait…Fashion challenged…” Tobias laughed, “Be there in a jiff.” He hung up after she said bye and she drained her wine glass. Then she sat and thought about Tobias, and how afraid he had been to admit he was gay. He thought she wouldn‟t love him the same way anymore. She remembered the day he came out to her. She had just finished another trying day at the library. It seemed like everyone had an issue that day and the only person on staff they could find was her. She hadn‟t taken it well and when Tobias had called, she told him full out that she wasn‟t in the mood to go anywhere. “But I need to talk to you,” Tobias pleaded, “and I need to do it tonight or else I don‟t think I‟ll have the courage to.” That worried her. “Alright, come on over and bring chocolate. LOTS of

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chocolate.” Tobias laughed nervously and assured her he would. One hour later, after her shower, Tobias walked into the two-bedroom apartment she was living in before buying her house. He stuck the ice cream into the freezer then sat her down in the kitchen around the small island. “I have something to tell you, K, and it‟s bad,” Tobias started. “I don‟t want you to hate me…please, promise you won‟t hate me.” “Toby, what‟s wrong?” she asked. “You‟re scaring me…” “Promise me.” “I could never hate you…I promise.” She was starting to shake visibly and Tobias took her hands in his, gently caressing them as he watched her eyes as though debating whether to tell her or wait. “I‟m gay, Khali,” he blurted out. Khali‟s eyes widened and she sighed, “That‟s it?” Tobias nodded. “Why would I hate you because you‟re gay? You‟re going to be the same person, right? I mean, honest, loving and my best friend…right?” “Right,” Tobias said as though not sure what was happening. “Then I‟m happy that you finally found who you are,” she said. “Please don‟t ever scare me like that again.”

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“So, you don‟t hate me?” “Of course I hate you,” Khali spoke, and Tobias‟ eyes fell. “I hate you because you‟re hiding the chocolate!” Tobias laughed and flew into Khali‟s arms. They crashed into each other so hard that they tumbled off the stool Khali was occupying and slammed into the ground. They both moaned. The doorbell began to sing the Dixie horn from the Dukes of Hazard and pulled her from her drifting. She got up and went to open the door. Tobias stepped in and kissed her on the lips before walking into the house. Normally he would use the spare key she had made for him. “Where are your keys?” Khali wanted to know. “I left them at home. I didn‟t want the extra stuff, ya know.” “Want a drink?” Khali asked. “I was indulging in some red wine.” “Girl, you read my mind.” She laughed as he made for the kitchen. “I‟m gonna take a shower. Pour me a glass and pick out my clothes.” Fifteen minutes later, she stood in her bedroom, wrapped in a towel as she rubbed sweet smelling cream onto her skin. She squirted some lavender scent onto her still damp, dark skin. Lavender always made her relax. Reaching into her

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lingerie drawer, she pulled out a black lace bra and stuck her arms into it. “You‟re out of strawberries,” Tobias called as he walked into the room. “I ate the last of what you had.” She turned her back with a smile to Tobias. “Hook me up?” she asked. As he moved to clasp the small hooks, she grinned. If it were any other guy, she would have kicked him out of her room while she got dressed, but Toby was different. “There you go,” he told her. “Thanks.” Dropping her towel, she slipped into a black thong and turned to see what he picked out for her. “Well, it‟s not hot out, but you have to be hot for the club,” Tobias said, picking up a pair of jeans. “So I picked this, along with this top. The top is all light and breezy.” She slipped into the clothes and sat down to put her make-up on. “So I was thinking…” “Oh boy!” Tobias laughed. “I knew I smelled fire.” “Ha, ha,” she smiled as she traced her eye with eyeliner. She dusted some color over her eyes, before sliding on some lipstick then slipped on her earrings. “I was thinking of giving up on men…they make such horrible lovers.”

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“What men have you been sleeping with?” Tobias joked as he sipped from his glass and handed it to her. “I have found some extraordinary ones!” “Well I doubt gay men would sleep with me,” she chuckled before taking a sip from the glass he had handed her. Savoring the taste, she placed her glass down and turned to brush her long black hair over her shoulders. “That‟s why they are gay.” “Well, I could see if Charlie‟s brother Marc is interested.” Khali looked up at her friend through the mirror and laughed. “Are you kidding me? He‟s probably gay.” “Don‟t we all wish,” Tobias fanned himself dramatically. “No such luck. Look, one night we‟ll invite him to Fusion and you can meet him. No pressure.” “The man‟s hot but he‟s never once showed any interest in me,” Khali pointed out. “I mean, he probably doesn‟t even know I‟m alive. I was at his thirtieth birthday party for crying out loud!” “That doesn‟t mean he‟s not interested,” Tobias crossed his legs and rested back on one hand. “Straight men are weird like that.” Khali nodded in agreement, as she thought fleetingly of Charlie Delarue‟s brother, Marc. He was what they would call a hottie. Marc was built, with dark hair and big, beautiful brown eyes. “He‟s not interested, Toby,” Khali sighed. “Our people are from different continents. Besides, I don‟t think he‟s into a sista like

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that.” Khali stood up and Toby handed her a pair of black stilettos. Thanking him, she took them, slipped her feet into them, and pulled the legs of her jeans over them. “Let me think about it,” she told him before doing a little spin for him. She posed with her left hip thrust out and her hand resting on it. “What do you think?” “Ravishing,” Tobias said and stood up to loop his arm through hers. He used his free hand to hand over her purse. “Let‟s call a cab, hon.” “Didn‟t you drive? Because if not, I‟m gonna need a jacket.” “Yeah…but some of us intend on getting smashed.” “Alright. You can spend the night…Is Charlie meeting us there?” “Yeah. The man‟s always there, being the owner and all…” “Him, too…you two are always welcome here…” Tobias stopped and hugged her. “What was that for?” Khali asked. “For being someone I can run to…no matter what.” Khali giggled, “Yeah…” she blew on her nails and rubbed them against her bare shoulder. “What can I say…you‟re stuck with me.” “I wouldn‟t have it any other way.” Khali grinned, then the two friends walked down the stairs and Khali called a cab. As the cab drove away from the house, Khali rested her head against Tobias‟

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shoulder. “What do you want for Christmas?” he asked her. “I don‟t know,” she told him truthfully. “I don‟t feel like celebrating Christmas this year. I just want to go to bed on Christmas Eve and wake up on Boxing Day.” “You can‟t mean that.” “I do. I don‟t know if it‟s me,” Khali sat up and turned to look at him, “or if it‟s the season or the weather, but I just feel so depressed. Like I‟m drowning and have no way of saving myself.” “Oh, sweetie,” Tobias sighed and pulled her into a hug.

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Chapter Two “Just bloody perfect. It‟s snowing again,” Marc growled and walked away from the window. He might as well get some work done. As he sat in his office and stared down at his latest case, he felt proud. His firm had won it and he couldn‟t be more proud of them. He had taken a chance and tossed the case to a newbie, fresh out of law school, and the boy hadn‟t disappointed. Reaching over, Marc Delarue pressed a small button. “Yes, Boss?” his secretary answered. “Tell McDonald to come see me,” he spoke softly. “Right away boss-man,” she chuckled and the line went dead. Marc laughed. Celia had been with him for years and he loved her dearly. A soft knock sounded at his door and Harry McDonald stuck his head in. “You wanted to see me, Mr. Delarue?” “Yes, Harry. Come in and have a seat,” Marc said, closing the file he was looking at. The nervous young man came in and did as told. “You did an exceptional job with the Vikram case,” Marc told him. “Thank you, sir.” “In my firm, I reward good deeds,” Marc explained. “The Vikram case was your first major case. In addition, you did well on the Portman case. Do you know the Fusion night club?” 16

“Know it? I‟ve been trying for three years to get into that place.” Harry pouted slightly. “Well, I can get you in. Whatever you want in there is on me for tonight, alright?” Harry‟s eyes widened and he sat there with his mouth open as if to say something but nothing came out. “Ah…” he said instead of words, “as in THE Fusion night club?” Marc nodded. “My brother Charlie owns it, so yeah, THE Fusion night club.” “Well...thank you…thank you so much! This is like passing the bar all over again.” Marc laughed. “I‟ll set it up with him. All you have to do is show up…” Harry got up, shook hands with him, and left the office almost floating. Marc marveled about the phenomenon that his older brother had started. Fusion was the only club in town that could boast the Hollywood kind. The place had already made more than it cost to open. It was trendy and lively, but at the same time, it was probably easier to get into Fort Knox. That evening Marc stopped by to see his brother and to let off some steam. Aside from the large Vikram case, the week, the day, had been horrible. “Hey, big brother,” Marc slumped into Charlie‟s sofa. “What a day.” Charlie grinned. “A sleep through the alarm kinda day?” 17

Marc nodded. “Bro, you have no idea.” Charlie chuckled and handed Marc a glass of bourbon. “Thanks,” Marc took the glass and sipped. “I thought the week would never end.” “Wanna jam tonight?” Charlie sat down with his brother. “Bring it on! But I don‟t know how late I can go for.” “There‟s someone I‟d like you to meet.” “New Man?” Marc grinned. “Nah. Tobias is the one.” Charlie blushed. “His friend Khali.” Marc‟s eyes widened. “Go on,” he said, intrigued. “Beautiful, black woman,” Charlie explained. “Sexy as hell and she has a job!” “What does she do?” “She‟s a….librarian. But she's got money from her inheritance.” Marc stared at Charlie for a while as though dumbfounded. Chuckling, Marc drained his glass. “You‟re kidding.” “Think about it….Remember your library fantasy…” Marc laughed. “Corrupting a librarian is like corrupting a nun. I‟ll pass.” Charlie watched as his brother walked over to the far window. Marc shoved his hands into his pockets; his head was wandering and Charlie knew it. “I hate seeing you like this,” Charlie interrupted his thoughts. “I want to see you happy.”

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Marc turned to face his brother and smiled. “I know. But I have time.” “Marc, you‟re thirty. And Christmas is around the corner, you shouldn‟t be alone.” All Marc did was nod and face the window again. “Just meet her Marc…that‟s all I‟m asking. No pressure.” Marc sighed and slumped a little as he thought about it. Christmas was a little over a week away and thinking about it made him sick. He still needed to do some shopping. He had to make sure he got Charlie something good this year. Last year, Charlie had gotten him a 1965 Ferrari Dino. “You said she had a job?” Charlie nodded. “Alright, I‟ll meet her.” Charlie smiled and Marc‟s heart soared when his brother smiled again. “She‟ll be at Fusion tonight,” Charlie confessed. “Good feeling gone,” Marc moaned and Charlie laughed. “Merry Christmas, little brother,” Charlie patted Marc on the shoulder.

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Marc shrugged into a light blue shirt. He loved his brother dearly, but couldn‟t believe he was letting Charlie set him up. Yet, Charlie was right. He was thirty, and it was time to find someone and settle down. The issue was, he couldn‟t

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settle down with just anyone. He loved to try different things in the bedroom and that would just startle many women. He was not a freak or anything like that, but he liked to change things up. He smiled at the thought of whipping out his chocolate spread and having little miss librarian bolt from the room. She wouldn‟t be his future, but he had promised Charlie. As he picked up his keys, Marc smiled over how Charlie was. Charlie loved to see people happy, genuinely happy. He reminded himself how blessed he was to have a brother like that. The two shared a brain growing up and were attached at the hip. Even though they were two years apart, they still had each other‟s back. If you messed with one, you had the other to deal with. Marc never saw an issue with Charlie but their parents always seemed to have a problem with the older Delarue. They treated him differently, favoring Marc over Charlie; even before they found out he was gay. Marc loved Charlie no matter what, but their parents disliked Charlie even more after he confessed to being gay. They loved Marc more because he went to school, became a lawyer, and earned good money. They hated Charlie because he was gay, owned a club and earned good money. He remembered that call. Charlie had called and instantly Marc knew something was horribly wrong. Hearing Charlie, who was a kid who never cried, as

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a man on the phone crying, made Marc dart out of his lecture on Tort Law and rush to his car. He only stopped long enough to ask a friend to get notes for him before speeding off. He probably broke every traffic law, not to mention causing a few new ones to be enacted, to get to his brother. Bursting through the front door of the newly opened Fusion, Marc looked around and immediately saw his brother pacing. It was the middle of the day, so no one was there except security and Charlie. Whirling around, Charlie ran to Marc and just seemed to fall against his younger brother‟s shoulder. All Marc could do was wrap his arms around Charlie and pat his back. “I told them, Marc…I told them and they disowned me.” “Told who what?” Marc asked, confused. What was going on? “Mom and dad,” Charlie explained then Marc felt him stiffen. Stepping back, Marc looked into his face. “C.D., talk to me. Please bro. I can‟t help you if you don‟t tell me where it hurts.” Marc was scared because Charlie had always been the strong one. He never let anything break him or let anyone see him cry for that matter. Now here he was, a mess, crying and stuttering nervously. “I can‟t tell you,” Charlie shrugged away from him. “You‟ll hate me and I can‟t handle that. You‟re all I have left and I can‟t see you look at me like…like I‟m nothing.”

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That stunned Marc and he was more confused than when he entered the empty club. All he had then were questions and Charlie didn‟t seem like he was in any condition to answer them. “And you told mom and dad? By now the people of Timbuktu know about it.” “Trust me, Marc,” Charlie spoke. His voice was shaking. “They won‟t be telling anyone about this secret.” “The only way they wouldn‟t blab to anyone is if you told them that you‟re gay…” Marc joked and Charlie flinched. “You‟re gay?” Charlie sighed and turned away from Marc. “I‟m sorry.” Grabbing Charlie‟s shoulder, Marc brought him to a chair to sit down and face him. “You should never be sorry for who you are!” Marc started but Charlie struggled to get his shoulder loose. Marc gripped tighter and said, “Charlie, listen to me. You are my brother and I love you. Gay or not, I can‟t just turn it off…Besides, it‟s required that I love you.” “Says who?” Marc pointed upward to heaven and Charlie grinned. “Good then.” “So now can I go…” “Marc, get your skinny ass out here! We‟re gonna be late!” Charlie‟s voice broke through his memories. “Besides, I‟m freezing mine off!” Checking his ass, Marc ran outside. “I don‟t have a skinny ass!”

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*****

Walking into Fusion, Khali held her breath. She smoothed her hands over her body and glanced at Tobias who was nodding his head to the beat. She smiled nervously and moved closer to his side. “Relax, K,” Tobias wrapped an arm around her waist and led her toward the VIP section. Khali took a deep breath. “Easy for you to say,” she spoke up and forced a smile at the bouncer who guarded the way to the special section where Charlie always hung out with his special guest. As soon as she got into the area, her eyes instantly feel onto Marc. Licking her suddenly dry lips, she reached in to accept a kiss from Charlie. “Khali Michaels,” Charlie introduced. “This is my brother Marc. Marc, Khali.” Rubbing her sweaty palms against her thighs to dry them, Khali stepped forward and took the hand that Marc offered. “It‟s nice to meet you,” he told her. Khali nodded but repeated his greeting before taking a seat across from him. Charlie wrapped an arm around Tobias‟ waist before motioning to the bar. “Anything you two need tonight is on the house,” he grinned.

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“We‟re going to mingle,” Tobias batted a wrist at them and Khali wanted to fly from her seat and beg them not to leave her alone with Marc Delarue. But she was a grown woman, she could sit there with a handsome lawyer and not do anything stupid or say anything completely moronic. As she watched them leave, her heart throbbed restlessly. “Would you like a drink?” Marc asked as he eyed her. The first thing that popped into his mind was that a librarian didn‟t dress like that. She was sexy as sin with curves to kill and legs to the North Pole. He had licked his lips and prayed for sanity and now he was doing the one thing he prayed wouldn‟t happen. He was alone with her. “Yes, please,” she looked down at her hands cradled in her lap and corners of Marc‟s lips rose in a smile. “What would you like?” “Oh, a glass of red wine,” Khali told him. Marc nodded to her before motioning to a waitress who hurried over. She took their orders and when she hurried off again, Marc turned his attention back to her. “Charlie told me you‟re a librarian…” “Yes…” “Are you nervous?” “Yes…”

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“There‟s no reason to be nervous. I am just a man, Miss Michaels.” A smile tugged at her lips. “Please, call me Khali.” “All right. Khali.” The way in which he said her name caused her throat to go dry and her palms began sweating again. She rubbed her legs together as heat and electricity raced through her. Even with the music blasting below them, the silence reigning between them drove her mad and she wanted to just run around screaming just so there would be something. “This is really awkward,” Khali grinned. Marc laughed. “You are right. I didn‟t think you would say it.” Taking a deep breath, Khali opened her mouth to say something but the waitress came back with their drinks. Taking a sip from her wine, she placed it down on the small table between them and looked at him. “What kind of lawyer are you?” “Divorce.” “That sounds like fun. In other words you make sure two people who used to be in love don‟t kill each other when the love runs out.” Again, Marc laughed and nodded. “I guess so. I‟ve never heard it put that way before.” They didn‟t really have a chance to say anything else. A commotion louder

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than Mystikal telling some girl to shake her ass and watch herself blasting from the speakers caught his attention. Marc barely had time to put his glass down before he was at the rail looking over. “What‟s going on?” Khali wanted to know rushing to his side. “Fight,” Marc said simply and took off for the main area.

Chapter Three North Bay at Christmas time was something that a vacation somewhere hot would beat. Lake Nipissing was already running slow in anticipation of the big freeze. Driving down Main Street was beginning to be a pain because everyone seemed to be driving now that the air was a little nippier and snow covered everything. Khali Michaels sat in her car at the stoplight at the intersection and turned the radio on. Immediately Def Leppard began blaring from her new speakers and she nodded her head in satisfaction. She made the right onto Ferguson and continued down, past the laundry mat and the detox center then 26

made another right, then a left and drove straight, through the lights and into the mall. It was one of those days where Khali felt like shopping, even though she hated the mall at Christmas. By the end of the day, she walked into her bedroom and smiled sadly. She hadn‟t had a chance to meet with Charlie‟s brother for very long because a fight broke out at Fusion. The cops were called and Charlie thought he needed a lawyer. She sighed and climbed into bed. “That‟s it. I‟m over men,” she sighed and snuggled into the sheets. Before even opening her eyes, she felt it. It was the best feeling she had ever had. Someone was touching her lovingly. She loved it. Opening her eyes, she saw the most beautiful man she had ever seen. Long flowing black hair, green eyes and a smile that could launch ships and the best part was…he was half-naked… He was feasting on her nipples while fingering her. She moaned and he looked up at her. “I see you’re awake,” he told her with a smile. “Even though I was enjoying what I was doing to you, I don’t have much time.” “What? Why did you stop?” Khali asked confused. “Because, there are some things you should know.” “What things?”

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He walked around the room and picked up a picture of Khali and Tobias. “Well, for starters. This promise you made to swear off men. You can’t do that.” “Sure I can,” Khali said, climbing out of bed. She grabbed the fragile frame from him. “Don’t touch anything.” Her anger at him for touching her picture puzzled him because she should be lashing out at him for touching her. She gently placed the picture back where it was, “And I can swear off men if I want.” “Actually, you can’t,” the man spoke and hopped onto her bed. He sat with his back against the headboard and crossed his arms across his chest. There he stayed for a few seconds, before taking a deep breath. Uncrossing his arms, he held up one arm. A piece of paper appeared in his hand as though by magic. “See this right here,” he pointed to an X on the paper, “read what it says.” “No woman shall swear off men, unless they are lesbians…. What?” “Are you a lesbian?” “No.” “Then you can’t swear off men…Simple, huh?” When he saw how confused Khali looked, he bit his lower lip and she moaned. “Okay, here’s what I have to tell you because I don’t have all night. For the next three nights, you will be visited by a different spirit. They each have something to tell you, so listen and feel well. If by the end of those three nights, you have learnt something and have changed, then you will live happily 28

ever after. If you don’t, then you’re doomed to wander from man to man…and not just any men…horrible lovers.” “What am I, Scrooge?” she tossed her hands up as though in surrender. “Humbug,” the man smiled and was gone. Just like that. He vanished into thin air. Khali flew into a sitting position and panted for air. That was a disturbing dream but she forced a chuckle. It wasn‟t real. It was only a dream. Getting out of bed, she waddled down the stairs into the kitchen and poured herself some milk. She then placed it into the microwave to warm. As she waited for it, she realized how sensitive her clit and nipples were. She rubbed the ball of her index finger between her legs, against her clit and shivered deliciously. She wished the man from her dream was real. He sure knew how to give a girl wet dreams.

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Khali crawled underneath the sheets the next night and yawned. She was thinking about the dream from the night before but wasn‟t scared. She didn‟t believe in ghost or spirits or whatever the extremely hot man from her dreams had called them. She had seen the movie. As a matter of fact, she saw Charles Dickens‟ A Christmas Carol every Christmas. This Christmas though, after the dream, she wasn‟t sure she wanted to see it. It was just creepy when a movie like that gave you 29

nightmares. She opened her eyes and looked up into the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen, aside from Marc Delarue’s. As she watched him, she reached out and touched his face. It had day old beard that made her wonder how it would feel against her thighs as his tongue danced over her clit. She smiled at him and he pulled her up to stand with him. He pulled her against his chest, cradled her head against his bare neck and smiled, “I know exactly what ye need to learn first. Before a man can satisfy ye, lass, ye must know what ye like.” Khali looked up at him confused. “Ye have ta learn ta please yerself first.” She began to shake her head. “I-I can’t.” “Yes, ye can,” he walked her back toward the bed and lifted her into his arms. He placed her on the bed and leant over to kiss her. He moved his mouth to her chin before taking her hand and moving it over one breast, then the other. “Ye must learn yer body. Feel what makes ye wantin’ more than just yer hand.” He moved away from her and her hand stopped wandering over her body. Slowly, he pulled her tank top over her head then her pajama bottoms. He pulled up a chair close to the bed and sat down. “Come on, Khali,” he encouraged, “explore yer body. Use yer index finger to gently circle yer nipple…that’s it…slowly now…notice how hard it’s getting?” Khali moaned as a sharp burst of desire ran through her. She pinched the nipple between 30

her thumb and index finger and saw his eyes roll and his tongue slip out to wash over his lips. “Move yer hand down, Khali…open yer legs…” This whole thing was new to her but her embarrassment quickly faded when she realized that by doing what he said, it turned him on as well because he moved closer and closer to her with each inch her hand went down. She finally hit her pussy and found it wet. She panicked. “Why am I wet?” she questioned. “Ye’re supposed to be,” he whispered to her. “It makes it easier for a man to enter ye. Give me your hand.” When she did, he singled out her middle finger and used it to rub over her clit. Then he flicked her clit with her finger and let her hand go. “Did ye like that?” She nodded, “Yes.” “Then go with it,” he moved back to his chair, “massage it, tease it.” He watched her as her finger began slowly rubbing herself. She watched as his arousal threatened to burst through his pants. But he didn’t move to touch her; he still maintained in control of his emotions. Her hand began moving faster. Her free hand moved up her flat stomach, to one breast, which she kneaded and pinched at the nipple. Her mouth opened as if in a scream but no sound came out. Her back arched and he smiled because he knew what was coming. “Faster, Khali…Cum for me!” She squealed in a panicked voice. 31

“Let it go, Khali…” Khali felt as if her body stopped moving as her heart hammered. The next thing she knew, both of her hands were by her side clenching fists full of satin sheets, her back arched off the bed with her heels digging into the bed. She was muttering Marc’s name over and over for some strange reason, as her body then exploded. She saw fireworks behind her closed eyelids. When her body finally fell back against the bed and she could breathe again, she lifted heavy, satisfied eyelids to look at the face that had just given her some of the best feelings she had ever felt. He was over her, stroking her disheveled hair, “How was that?” “Wonderful,” she whispered. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Sleep now, lass. Tomorrow is another day.”

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Chapter Four “What do you mean, it happened?” Tobias asked as he stuffed a chocolate truffle into Charlie‟s mouth. “You heard me,” Khali paced the beautiful condo. “It‟s all in your head,” Charlie told her. “If you panic about something in the day, then chances are you are going to dream about it. It‟s only normal.” Khali bit her nails off one at a time. “I don‟t know. And look what I did to my nails!” she walked over to Tobias and fell into his lap. His arms wrapped around her lovingly. “I‟ve been a mess since the dreams… and if what the first one said is true, I have two more to deal with. I don‟t know if my nerves can take anymore.” Charlie chuckled. “You can do it. You can even look at the bright side; each ghost brings you unimaginable pleasure.” Khali groaned and poked Tobias. “Why don‟t we take your mind off it?” Tobias wanted to know. “Marc will be with us tonight and you seemed to like him the other night.” Khali stood up and got herself a bottle of water. “Yeah right,” she said as she twisted the top off. “He hasn't even called...once! I‟m sure the feelings aren‟t mutual. Look, I appreciate you guys trying to do this but I don‟t think I can.” “You heard the hot man in your wet dreams,” Tobias grinned. “What do you have to lose?” 33

“My dignity? Peace of mind? Sanity? That good enough?” Khali snapped then took a deep breath. “Look, I have to go. I have some self pity to shovel my way.” She walked out of the condo without saying goodbye. She glanced at her watch as she hopped into her car and sped off down the street. If those pesky spirits were really going to come to her, she might as well go to bed. Hopefully, they will come early.

*****

Marc sat in his office and watched the traffic below him. He couldn‟t stop thinking about the cute, unassuming librarian. He had sworn that she wasn‟t his type but even now, he kept thinking of her. He swallowed the lump in his throat and stuck his hands into his pocket. A sigh left his lips as he thought about the dreams of her that he‟d been having. He felt ashamed each time he saw her and the dreams popped into mind. They weren‟t anything to tell mother about. They were hot, steamy with unbridled passion, their skins on fire with each touch and their breathing primal and out of control, which was just crazy. He hadn‟t had time to really sit down and speak to her for very long. “Marc, you wanted the Stages files?” a voice interrupted his thoughts and he turned around.

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“Thanks,” he smiled. “Just leave them on my desk.” “You alright?” Miriam asked when she saw his face. “Just thinking,” he told her truthfully. “Thanks for asking.” She shrugged with a smile and closed the door silently behind her as she left. Who would have thought he would be going crazy over a librarian? Marc DeLarue, the man who loved his girls wild and free. The same man who thought corrupting a librarian must be a sin somewhere. He walked away from the window and sat down reluctantly. He didn‟t want to work right then because he had a killer hard on and it was hard to sit. He had been working on that one case for what seemed like forever and now that it was finally over, he had to make sure all the paperwork was ready for it to be shelved as „closed.‟ The Stages case was one of utmost stupidity. Mr. Stages had gotten married to an ex-hooker and didn‟t make her sign a pre-nup. Marc had the misfortune of making sure she didn‟t leave with half of the Stages‟ estate. She had been married to Mr. Stages for one year and that had been one of Marc‟s main point during the proceedings. His brain wasn‟t firing right. He was angry, frustrated and turned on. After the Stages case was completed and the judge had made her ruling that the ex-hooker would only get half a million dollars since the marriage was ending because of her infidelity, Marc finished up his paperwork, filed it and drove over to

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Fusion. It wasn‟t opening time, yet he had to see his brother. Charlie bolted from around the back and smiled at him. “Hey, Marc!” Charlie greeted him. “What‟s up? You‟re way too early.” “I know…I need to talk to Khali,” he blurted out. “Can't get her out of your system, eh?” Charlie grinned goofily. Marc blushed. “Something like that. I dream about her, I find myself unable to concentrate. I almost blew a huge case today because of it…she‟s a librarian!” “Keep telling yourself that. Librarian or not, she is beautiful, funny, sexy…” “I know, I know.” “Something to drink?” “Tequila.” "You got it bad." "Tequila, now!" *****

“Hello, Khali,” the British accent caused her to try to roll over but she couldn’t move. She panicked and tried to tug at the bindings at her hand. “I thought you were supposed to be a spirit?” she asked. “I am.” “Then why the hell am I tied up?” 36

The man smiled, his teeth glowing and his brown eyes liquid desire. “Because my beauty, I am here to show you that it is not important to be in control all the time. How much fun do you think we could have if you can’t touch me?” Khali tugged at the bindings again but he only went down on his knees beside her on the bed to take a nipple into his mouth. “This is not…” Khali started to protest but his mouth on her breast was so beautiful. She instantly felt wetness between her legs and she hated herself for being so turned on. “You were saying?” he asked with a sly look on his face. “You son of a bitch!” “Is that any way to speak to an angel?” “You’re no…” This time he was kissing her. His tongue swirling over hers caused her to forget her name. When he pinched her sensitive nipples, it made her want him, then and there. She began yanking at the ropes but still couldn’t get free. “Let me touch you,” she pleaded. “That, Khali, wasn’t part of the deal.” She felt like crying. Feeling him move down her body, she heard a buzzing sound. She gasped as she looked down to see him holding a tiny vibrator. He stuck it against her clit and she squealed before her 37

back arched and her head rolled back into the pillow. He began to tongue fuck her as the vibrating orb drove her mad. “Oh! Oooooooooh!” she moaned and her body began to buck. She felt as though he was touching her all over. When she finally came, a scream escaped her throat, her fight for freedom gained momentum. Soon she was panting for air and slumped back against the bed. “We’re not through yet,” he said to her as he discarded the vibrator and moved up her chest. His large cock pointed at her mouth and she gratefully took it between her lips. She wanted to wrap her hands around it, to feel his cock throb as he pushed gently into her mouth but she couldn’t. She looked up to see him smiling and looking down at her and she got even more turned on having him watch her pleasure him. Soon he was grunting her name. She closed her eyes and pulled him deeply down her throat. He growled. She opened her eyes and looked up to see his beautiful head tossed back as his body went tense as he pulled from her lips. “You are amazing at this,” he told her before moving down her body. “Now will you untie me?” Khali wanted to know. “We haven’t finished yet.” He shoved into her hard and she arched her back and screamed Marc’s name. The spirit was slamming into her, over and over, but she couldn’t reach out to hold him. “What is it, Khali?” he asked leaning forward to kiss her. “Do you want more?” 38

“Yes!” “More of what?” “Fuck me!” He gripped her hips almost painfully and began shoving into her. All she could do was meet his thrusts and live through orgasm after orgasm. When he was finished, she didn’t feel him release her, nor did she feel him leave. All she knew was that when he exploded deep within her, it felt as though she was flying and it was the most beautiful feeling in the world.

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Chapter Five “Are you sure about this?” Tobias asked, looking a bit worried. “I‟m sure,” Khali smiled. “You should be with the people you love on Christmas. I‟ll be fine.” “But I love you, too. Today is Christmas Eve. Tomorrow is the big day! You can‟t be alone.” “Yeah, but go. Come get your present tomorrow because I am not giving it to you before Christmas. It‟s against the rules.” Tobias hugged her tightly before giving her a loud kiss on the lips. When he was gone, Khali locked the door behind him and put the chain on. She then walked past the half-dressed Christmas tree and into the kitchen. She poured herself a glass of Merlot and walked back to the Christmas tree. She stared down at the gifts beneath it. Three: one for Tobias, one for Charlie, and one for herself. Lifting her glass in a toast, she felt the first few droplets of tears toppling down her cheek. “To another Christmas alone and wanting.” She took a sip from her glass and sat down on the floor in front of the sofa, flipping the television on. Everything was about Christmas and loved ones and sharing with good tidings. Grunting a profanity, she muttered to herself as she 40

downed the contents of her glass and flipped the television off. She needed to go to bed. “Wakey, wakey,” the voice called. Khali rolled her head to one side to see an African American man lying beside her. She grunted. “What? You couldn’t just give me the damn night off?” she asked angrily. “What’s the point of all of this?” “Weren’t you listening to the first one?” even his voice was sexy. “I heard him loud and clear and the second and the third. Look, let’s just get this over with. I can always sleep in tomorrow.” “It’s not that simple. This time you have to take what you want.” Khali sat up. “Is this some kind of sick joke?” “Am I laughing?” Khali took in a deep breath and sat there looking down at him. His body was one of a Greek god and twice as sexy. The brotha had it going on! But even for the sake of everything that was deliciously naughty, she couldn’t get into the mood. He extended his tongue and made a licking motion. That got a shiver out of her and just like that, she wanted him. She leant down and kissed him. It was an open-mouthed kiss that left her panting. He didn’t move to touch her; he just did what she wanted. “This is for real right?” she asked. “I can do what I want?” 41

“Yes.” “Good.” Khali moved up a little and leant forward. “Open your mouth,” she ordered. When he did, she pressed one of her breasts in. “Suck it!” she ordered. Like a good boy, he began to pull gently on the nipple. She let her head fall back as she lowered one hand to rub his growing cock beneath his jeans. He groaned and she smiled. “You know, this could be a beautiful arrangement.” Undoing his pants, she removed his cock and gasped. It was bigger than any other ones she had had the pleasure or displeasure of riding or eating. She looked and shifted so he could suck on her other breast. Slowly, she jacked him, up and down. His hands caressing her back gave her an idea. She pulled away from him. He kept eye contact with her as she lay on her back and lifted her legs apart, up over her head. “You know what to do,” she smiled. He went on all fours and after licking his large, chocolate lips, he attacked her wet pussy savagely. She screeched in pleasure and reached down to press the back of his head down. She moved her hips beneath his assaulting mouth. She was bucking so hard, that he sat down, wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted. Soon Khali was just balancing on her shoulder, her ass and back off the bed, and his mouth clamped to her clit. 42

When he finally shoved his tongue into her, her eyes rolled back into her head and she began coming. If felt as though he had two tongues inside of her, milking her for all she was worth. “Please...” she pleaded, “fuck me…hard…” He didn’t let her ask twice. He was on his back and had her impaled on him. Khali’s whole body exploded, causing her muscles to trap him inside of her. His head fell back and he growled as she began to ride him slowly while he pinched her nipples. *****

“Where‟s Khali?” Charlie asked as he came out of the kitchen with two glasses of eggnog. “She said I should spend Christmas with you and that she would be fine,” Tobias spoke. Marc looked over at Charlie and got a sick feeling in his stomach. She hadn‟t shown up because she knew he was there. It was all his fault. “Marc?” Charlie questioned. “This is my fault.” Marc placed his glass down on the small table and stood up. “You‟re not making any sense,” Tobias spoke gently. “She thought I should spend the Christmas with Charlie. That‟s it. Nothing to lay blame for.” “I have to go,” Marc said and left before Charlie or Tobias could stop him. He knew that Khali was avoiding him because of the club incident. It had 43

nothing to do with her but even after everything, he had opted to lock himself inside Charlie‟s office instead of going out to speak with her. He tried to ignore his feelings, his sexual attraction to her. He even ignored the way his heart throbbed when she smiled or the way she would play with her fingers when she was nervous. “I shouldn‟t have ignored you, Khali,” Marc whispered, as he pressed harder against the gas pedal to get the car to go faster. Even though there was enough snow on the road to drown a village, he couldn‟t help it. He had to get to get out of there; he needed to see her. He knocked on her door a little after mid-day. Christmas was already half over and he knew it. He had spent the time after leaving Charlie‟s just driving around and finally went home to change, ignoring his growing beard and jumped into his car again. “Coming!” Khali called out as she turned down the stove underneath the rice she was cooking and wiped her hands into her apron. She swung the door open and stopped, shocked. “Marc,” she pronounced. “Merry Christmas,” he whispered. “If you say so.” She was confused. “What are you doing here?” “Can I come in?”

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Khali hesitated a bit but stepped aside. “Sure.” She watched as he walked into her apartment and stopped at the sofa. He turned and faced her. “Would you like a drink? Something to eat, maybe?” “Not yet,” he told her. “I don‟t want anything to cloud what I‟m about to say because it is important.” “You don‟t have to say anything.” She walked away from him and into the kitchen. Marc followed her. “I don‟t?” “No. I know exactly what you are here to say and I got it. I got it a long time ago. That‟s why I am staying away from you. You don‟t want anything to do with me and I get it. So if you don‟t mind--” “What?” She swung to face him. “What, you want to rub it in? Haven‟t I made a big enough fool out of myself by agreeing to the blind date at Fusion?” Marc gripped her shoulder and shook her. He wanted to yell at her that he was in love with her and wanted to see if things could work out between them but he couldn‟t find the words. Instead, he slammed his lips over hers. He kissed her until her body relaxed, her arms wrapping around his neck and she was kissing him back. Then he pulled away. “I don‟t want to tell you to stay away. Why the hell would I be that stupid? I

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sat at home and at work just thinking about you. I couldn‟t get anything done, and even though I‟ve only known you for a little bit, something happened in that small amount of time while I was with you.” Marc sighed. “I didn‟t come over here to bust your chops or to make anything difficult for you. I wanted to come over here and ask you if you‟d be my girl. I know it‟s not Valentine‟s Day or anything…I have been stubborn. Trying to fight it and even after your little spiel just now, I was looking for something, an excuse to run, but the way you kissed me back…” he stopped speaking and pulled her even closer so that his hard on was pressed against her. He didn‟t care if it scared her because she needed to know this. “Then shut up and do it again,” Khali ordered with a smile. Marc couldn‟t believe his ears. He looked down into her face questioningly but all she did was back away from him and turn the stove off. She then began slowly peeling off her top. He bit down on his lower lip and watched her as he felt heat rising throughout his body. She wasn‟t even touching him but his breathing began coming in short bursts as she reached back and removed her bra. Her large, chocolate tits bounced free and Marc moaned. Without a word, he walked over to her and fell to his knees. He massaged one breast while pulling the other into his mouth and groaned as her fingers buried themselves in his hair.

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Khali felt as though it was now or never. She had to do something to show him she wanted him around and wanted to touch him. Even when she was visited by the three ghosts, all she saw was his face. The person she touched those nights…she dreamt it was him. She let her head fall back and enjoyed what he was doing to her. Her knees began buckling but he picked her up. He looked around and finally found the piano in the living room. She groaned as he placed her on it and moved in between her legs. Marc lifted his lips to hers. He sucked on her lower lip and another moan escaped her lips. He was feeling as though he was doing something right; something that was so destined there was no way to avoid making love to her. Her touch, her fingers in his hair, her taste, all of it were driving him mad as he became rougher with her. His kiss was harder now as he ripped his mouth away from hers and moved down her neck, biting, sucking, licking his way down back to her breasts. Khali watched his head as he moved lower. She was panting in anticipation as he went lower and soon, he was sitting on the piano stool and spreading her pussy lips with delicate fingers. She wanted to beg him to stop, to tell him this was embarrassing but when he tasted her, all she could do was grip a handful of his hair and press her hips forward. “So sweet,” Marc whispered as he continued licking her.

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Either he had been sheltered all his life, or this was the way a woman should taste. She should taste of heat and be sinfully delicious. He groaned as her juices flowed onto his tongue. A sound she had never heard before left her throat as she felt her orgasm building. Her toes curled, her hips moved faster and her head seemed to thrash from side to side of its own volition. The edge of the piano was pressing into the skin of her ass but all she could focus on was the tongue dancing over her clit and the orgasm now coursing through her body. “Marc!” she panted, over and over, as her body trembled. “Wait,” Marc licked his lips and took her down from the piano. He turned her around roughly and bent her over the piano so that her breasts played the sweetest set of keys. He whispered in her ears. “There‟s more.” He was holding her hips with one hand as he undid his buckle and stepped out of his pants. He sank a finger into her and she arched her back and whispered something inaudible. He smiled and rubbed the head of his cock against her pussy lips. “Stop teasing me,” she warned. “Or else?” he asked against her ears before giving the lobe a lick. “Or else,” she smiled and pushed back suddenly, causing him to enter her roughly. She yelled his name but all Marc could do was close his eyes, grit his teeth,

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and remain still. It was either that or it would have been over right there. She was tight around him and silky. “Purrfect,” Khali purred as she began to move against him. Small squealing sounds she couldn‟t control escaped her throat. Marc thought he would lose his mind. He was lost inside of Khali and he loved it. He gripped her hips and began pushing into her. He cried her name when he felt her climaxing around him. Nothing he had done in his life had made him feel this good and he didn‟t think anything else would ever make him feel this way again. Pulling from her, he wheeled her around and kissed her. Khali took the chance to reach down and take his now slick cock in her hands to jack him. His body jerked and he grunted. “Careful,” he warned huskily. She only giggled and went down on her back on the floor. She lifted both her legs apart above her head. “I‟ve been so bad…” she whispered, “don‟t you think I deserve to be punished?” Marc was surprised. “You aren‟t supposed to be talking like this.” “Why not?” she wanted to know as she sucked on the tip of one of her index fingers. He went down on his knees and sank into her while holding her legs above

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her head. “You‟re...a librarian…” “Does that turn you on?” she asked. “Hell yes.” Marc leaned down and kissed her. There was something about having sex with a supposed nerd that just gave him more of a boost. He began shoving into her harder and harder. Each time she climaxed he stopped, allowed her to ride her wave, then he rode her all over again. After a while, he gritted his teeth and let go inside of her before falling on his back next to her, panting. “Merry Christmas,” Khali giggled as she tried to regain control of her breathing while lazily caressing his heaving chest. “And Happy New Year,” Marc moaned.

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Chapter Six “Say what now?” Charlie spoke into the phone and eyed a worried Tobias. “What?” Tobias mouthed. “Marc‟s at Khali‟s,” Charlie spoke without even covering the mouthpiece. That got Tobias to pick up the extension. “You‟re being good, aren‟t you?” Tobias asked. “What do you think?” Marc paced Khali‟s living room naked. “I just wanted to call and tell you not to worry…and that Khali wanted to invite you two over tomorrow for Christmas. We can celebrate it a day late.” Tobias chuckled. “You two want to be alone, huh?” Marc blushed. Even though Charlie couldn‟t see him, he teased. “Come on baby brother, admit it.” “Fine, I admit it.” “Oh, Marc!” Khali called sexily from the bedroom. “I have to go,” Marc told them. “Tomorrow at seven…bring all the presents so we can open them here.” “Alright, alright.” Both Charlie and Tobias grinned. “Good, now have fun you two. I have to go,” Marc said, but before he hung up, he could swear he heard a moan. Shaking his head, he hung up the phone and 51

followed the trail of lit candles to the bedroom. When had she done all that? “Well, I wanted you to open your present,” Khali called from the dimly lit room. Marc almost swallowed his tongue when he saw her. She was wearing a red corset with her breasts sticking out. She uncrossed her legs so he got a peek, then crossed them again and he grinned. He watched as she picked up a book and opened it. “I‟d like to check that book out,” Marc walked up to her and leaned in to taste a perky nipple. “Do you have your library card, young man?” she asked in a silken voice. Marc shook his head before taking the next nipple into his mouth and sucked. “I‟m sorry, Miss Michaels. I‟m afraid I left it at home today.” “Well then, there‟s only one way to get your book.” “I‟ll do anything,” Marc licked the valley between her breasts. “Anything at all.” “Glad to hear that.” Khali pushed him back against the bed and fell to her knees. She took his now hardened cock in her hands, closed her eyes and pulled it into her mouth. “Fuck!” Marc swore through gritted teeth. “Suck me…” She was sucking on him as though she had done this millions of times before. She took him at the brink of exploding, only to let him calm down and then bring him back to the brink again. He groaned and licked his lips as her tongue went

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down his shaft. “Khali…” Khali felt like she was conquering the world. Never in a million years did she think she would be role-playing with her lover. Never had she thought she would enjoy making love this much. She felt his hands pushing at her shoulders and she let him go. “Damn, that was good,” he panted and pulled her up his body so he could kiss her. With one swooping motion, he had her on the bed and rolled her over so he was on top. He kissed his way down her body then looked up at her. He smiled when he saw her eyes were closed. “Look at me, Khali,” he whispered as he aimed himself at her entrance. When she finally looked up at him, he sank into her. He saw her pupils expand and then her eyes rolled back into her head. He loved seeing that. He pounded into her, making the headboard slam against the wall and the bed creak. He heard her yelling and screaming his name and that only spurred him on. Soon she was coming, over and over. “There will be more after this, I swear,” he nipped at her ear before letting go. It was almost two hours later when Marc opened his eyes again. He had Khali cradled to him and something seemed to burst in him. Maybe because it was Christmas or maybe not, but he knew he was in love. Yet, how could he be in love

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with her? “I love you, Khali,” he whispered. She rolled over to face him. “You what?” she asked. “I love you. Isn‟t that strange?” Khali wanted to tell him that strange was being visited by four ghosts but she didn‟t say anything. She only smiled, kissed his chest and reached up to kiss him. “I love you, too,” she told him truthfully.

*****

“We wish you a Merry Christmas,” the stereo sang softly as the four friends sat down near the Christmas tree on Boxing Day. Khali giggled as Marc nuzzled her neck with his lips while Tobias and Charlie only moaned. “I‟d like to make a toast,” Khali said, and lifted her glass. The others did the same. “To friends who would do anything for you, to lovers who make you want to stay in bed forever, and to the ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet to come.” “Here, here!” they all cheered except for Marc, who looked confused. Marc wasn‟t sure what that meant. Who makes a toast to the three ghosts from Charles Dickens‟ A Christmas Carol? He said nothing but lowered his lips for

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the kiss that Khali was reaching for. He wouldn‟t complain or question it but he knew that something had worked its magic on his heart and hers. Something had thought they both deserved someone to love, not only for this Christmas but for eternity, and he wouldn‟t complain. He would be thankful. “I didn‟t get you anything, Khali,” Marc whispered. “I‟m sorry. I didn‟t know we‟d, you know…” She giggled. “Trust me, Marc. You gave me something.” Tobias kissed Charlie when Charlie opened his mouth to say something and Marc and Khali laughed. “Thanks, Tobias,” Marc grinned. “Whose side are you on?” Charlie wanted to know before kissing Tobias again. Khali leaned over and whispered to Marc, “Tonight, I have a little surprise for you.” “You do?” Marc raised a brow at her. “A late, late Christmas present.” That got Charlie and Tobias‟ attention. “We want to know, too!” Tobias called. Khali only giggled and winked at them. “Joyeux Noel, ma chérie,” Marc whispered against Khali‟s lips. “I hope to be spending all of my Christmas‟ like this.”

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“Me, too,” she answered. “Merry Christmas to you all.” Khali knew now that she had changed. She had seen men as more than horrible lovers. The first spirit was right. Now she knew that Marc was the man for her…Forever.

Joyeux Noel!

El fin

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