One Night Forever

www.beautifultroublepublishing.com

One Night Forever Marteeka Karland Copyright © 2011 by Marteeka Karland All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including but not limited to: printing, photocopying, faxing, recording, electronic transmission, or by any information storage or retrieval system without prior written permission from the authors or holders of the copyright. This book is a work of fiction. References may be made to locations and historical events; however, names, characters, places and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination and/or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead), businesses, events or locales is either used fictitiously or coincidental. All trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, and registered service marks are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only. Published by Beautiful Trouble Publishing, LLC PO Box 61 Colfax, NC 27235 www.beautifultroublepublishing.com Cover Art: Les Byerley http://www.les3photo8.com/ Editor: Cindy Davis, http://www.fiction-doctor.com/ Proofreader: Novellette Whyte http://authorgurunovellette.blogspot.com/ Formatter: Jim & Zetta, http://www.jimandzetta.com/ E-book Conversion: Jim & Zetta, http://www.jimandzetta.com/ ISBN: (ebook) 978-1-61788-158-9; (print) 978-1-61788-159-6

To Motherhood. Because, though it can be a bitch at times, from beginning to end, it's more rewarding than anything in the universe. I love you, baby!

Note about eBooks eBooks are NOT transferable. Re-selling, sharing or giving away eBooks is a copyright infringement. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author or Beautiful Trouble Publishing.

CAVEAT This work of erotica contains adult language and sexually explicit scenes, which are smoking hot. This book is intended only for adults, as it is defined by the laws of the country in which the purchase is made. Keep this book out of the hands of under-aged readers.

Chapter One What a fucking day. Ariel blew her nose as she walked briskly down the sidewalk. It was after midnight. If she had any sense, she’d have called a cab, but her cell was still at the bastard’s house, and she was too stubborn to go back for it. She’d passed her last final earlier that day, gone to work that evening, and gone home early to the sounds of eternal bliss in her bedroom. Ariel had come to tell Tom the good news—that she was pregnant, only to find him in bed with Reanne, her best friend. Needless to say, the confrontation had been bitter. In the end, though, Ariel simply walked out. She had a good job, a good education. No problem, she could take care of herself and anyone else who came along. The sound of a car driving up behind her made her quicken her pace. It took him long enough— probably because he’d been buck naked—but Tom had come after her. “It’s not what it looked like, baby,” he called from the car as he pulled up beside her, passenger window down. “Well, it looked like you were fucking my best friend into the middle of next week in the bed you and 7

One Night Forever I sleep together in every night. If it wasn’t that, what was it?” Ariel kept walking, not looking at him. She’d be damned if she’d shed a tear over the lying, cheating bastard. And if she looked at him she’d cry. “It’s not like I love her or anything,” he whined. There was nothing worse than a whiny man, as far as Ariel was concerned. “I love you, baby.” She could practically see his pouty lower lip. Funny how she used to love that lip. Now, she just wanted to punch it. “That’s too bad, Tom. Really. I’d have hoped you’d do something like that for love, not for a cheap thrill.” “Come on, Ariel. You’re being unreasonable. It was a onetime thing. Just get in the car and let me take you home.” That was about all Ariel could stand. Gritting her teeth, she whirled to face him, crossing her hands over her breasts. She was more angry than she could ever remember being, but she still felt vulnerable beyond words. “If you think for one moment I’m getting in that car with you, now or ever again, you’re more stupid than I thought. Leave me alone, Tom. I don’t want to see you again.” He revved the engine of the GTO hard, making as much noise as he could. It was how he’d bullied her 8

Marteeka Karland in the past. Knowing she detested scenes, Tom would do something that would call attention to her. This time, however, it wouldn’t work. If he woke half the neighborhood, so be it. It wasn’t her fault. She was just walking down the sidewalk. Immediately, dogs barked all over the place. He continued to rev the motor, all the while looking at her as if to dare her to defy him. Ariel merely rolled her eyes and started walking again. Inside, her heart pounded and she glanced around nervously, but she absolutely would not give in. She was going to her sister’s until she could get her own apartment. Nothing would stop her. Tom continued to keep pace with her, making all kinds of racket with the souped-up car. It sounded like a truck pull at the county fair. Fumes from the exhaust made the back of her throat itch with the urge to cough. She was about to just bolt for her sister’s three blocks down the road when a light came on in the house a half a block away. A huge, shadowy figure stepped onto the porch, paused, then skipped down the steps and headed their way. Ariel didn’t recognize the man, but the figure was decidedly male and hella big. He strode toward them, confidence in his gait. As he neared, Ariel noticed sleek, black hair streaked lightly with silver and pulled back from his chiseled 9

One Night Forever face. He wore jeans and nothing else. Bare chested, and bare footed, his feet making little noise on the sidewalk. Though his fly was zipped, the top button was undone. She swallowed hard. The street lamps gave glimpses of a determined line to his mouth and slashing, silver eyes. This wasn’t really the kind of man she wanted to run into at midnight on a deserted street. Even Tom was looking good about now. “What seems to be the problem?” His voice was a deep, raspy rumble. He looked straight at Tom when he spoke, inserting his body between her and Tom’s car. “It’s none of your business,” Tom snapped. “Me and my girlfriend are having a discussion, so butt out!” The stranger didn’t even glance at Ariel. “It becomes my business when you disturb my sleep. If the lady had wanted to talk to you, she’d be in your car, so I recommend you move along before you have problems.” “What? You gonna call the cops?” Tom sneered his question and Ariel’s heart sank. He was friends with most of the guys on the force. They both were. It was a small town and Tom had played sports with most of the local guys in high school and college. Tom knew no one would give him any grief. The stranger didn’t. 10

Marteeka Karland “No.” He didn’t raise his voice. He leaned down, placed his hands on the door of the car, and looked Tom dead in the eyes. “I’ll take care of you myself. When I’m done, you can call the police.” He straightened, a deadly smirk on his face. “If you’re able.” For once in his life, Tom didn’t argue. He paled slightly, but grumbled as he put the car in gear and took off down the road leaving Ariel alone with a man more than twice her size, who was obviously capable of violence when necessary. Tom was definitely a bastard. “You should really pick your boyfriends with more care.” The man turned to her as he spoke, his intense expression softening only slightly. “For all he knows, I could be an ax murderer, yet he left you here all alone with me.” “That’s funny.” Ariel rolled her eyes, taking a tentative step away. She wanted to be brave, but her heart was breaking all over again. She refused to shed a tear over that sorry excuse for a man, but her hormones were working against her in that regard. “I was thinking the same thing.” He stuck out his hand in greeting. “Damien Carter.” That was all he said. There was no apology for

11

One Night Forever his actions, only a calm civility as if this were an everyday occurrence. “Ariel Wilson.” She took his offered greeting and strong fingers closed around her much smaller hand. Ariel was struck how much it looked like a child’s hand in an adult’s, he was that much bigger. His grip was firm, but gentle and all too brief. In the perfect spot under the street lamp, the stranger gave her a great view of exactly whom she was dealing with. Ariel admired the sculpted muscles of his arm, the veins curling around his forearm and biceps. His chest was heavily muscled and his abdomen rippled with strength when he moved. A dark dusting of hair teased his skin and made her wonder if it was as silky as it looked. She was so lost in admiring his masculine beauty, she missed his question until she looked back at his face. His eyes danced with amusement. Damn her hormones. She was torn between sorrow for the lost life she’d had with Tom and desire for an absolute stranger. Ridiculous. She was definitely losing her mind. “I beg your pardon?” Ariel’s face heated. Grateful for her dark skin, she ducked her head hoping her hair would cover her embarrassment. Lord, the man was seriously fine! She had noticed the way he put his body between hers and Tom’s car. Now, though he stood 12

Marteeka Karland close, he was careful to keep out of her personal space. Obviously, he was a considerate man, maybe even a bit protective. That thought sent another wave of heat coursing through her, and she was immediately ashamed of her reaction. Tom might be the kind of person to sleep with anyone who’d let him, but she wasn’t. “I asked where you were going.” He didn’t seem perturbed or annoyed that she hadn’t been paying attention to his words, only slightly amused. Ariel was certain her reaction wasn’t unusual to him. Women probably fell all over this man all the time. “To my sister’s,” she finally managed, pulling herself together. It was too bad, really. Under different circumstances, she would have liked to meet this man. He had a look about him. A look that said he protected what was his with his life, and never betrayed those he loved. Something Tom would never understand. Unshed tears threatened to spill once again, but she swallowed hard and held on to them by sheer willpower. “It’s just a couple of blocks down the street.” “Let’s go then. The sooner you get there, the sooner I can get back to bed.” There was amusement in his voice, but also a sexy gleam in his eye. The image of that big body sprawled between satin sheets 13

One Night Forever sprang to mind and Ariel’s knees went weak. She seriously needed to take a cold shower. She could only attribute her wayward thoughts to an over-infestation of hormones and a healthy dose of disappointment in the male species as a general rule. She wanted this man to be different because he was so seriously good to look at. It would be a waste of a good man for him to be the same kind of asshole as Tom. She sighed and let Damien escort her down the block to her sister’s house. He stood at the bottom of the steps leading to the porch while Ariel rang the doorbell. A couple minutes later, her sister, Gretta peeked through the curtain before flinging the door open wide. “What the hell are you doing out at this time of night? It’s dangerous for a woman out by herself!” “Not to worry, Gretta. I looked after your sister.” Gretta looked past Ariel to Damien. “What happened?” “All I know is there was a guy making a bunch of racket and I put a stop to it. I need my beauty sleep, after all.” Gretta snorted. “You’re drop dead gorgeous and you know it. Now, get away before I call the cops and have you arrested for indecent exposure. And don't forget about clinic tomorrow. We missed it last week, 14

Marteeka Karland and you know how the women at the senior citizens center love you.” Damien's chuckle made Ariel's body tremor and heat erotically. She didn't want to be affected by him, but there didn't seem to be any stopping herself. At this point, she didn't really care. She just wanted to get inside where it was safe to break down without making a fool of herself. "No sweat, Gretta. I missed our weekly appointment as much as the ladies did. Besides, they feed me on Mondays. There's nothing like a good home-cooked meal." He patted his belly in obvious appreciation and licked his lips. Ariel found herself mesmerized by the action. She had to blink a couple of times to shake the vision of those perfect lips closing around her nipple... Ariel shook herself. “I appreciate your help. I’m sorry Tom disturbed your sleep.” Damien winked at her as if they shared a secret of some kind. For some silly, girlish reason, it made her feel special. She immediately tamped down the unwanted emotion. “Any time, sugar.” Lord, there was that absolutely sexy Southern drawl. How could any red-blooded woman resist such a man? Especially as vulnerable as she currently was. Ariel knew she could absolutely make it on her own, 15

One Night Forever but having a man who was as genuine as Damien seemed to be was the stuff fantasies were made of. Tom had never been that considerate of her. She was completely out of her mind and stupid beyond reason to have allowed herself to become pregnant. She’d love the child as much as any mother possibly could, but it stung that she hadn’t shared this joy with a man worthy of such love. She was pregnant with another man’s child. Even if Damien turned out to be the man of her dreams, there was no way he would start a relationship of any kind with her, and she couldn’t blame him. That just opened up all kinds of possibilities. None of them good. With another glance over her shoulder at the most gorgeous man she was likely ever to meet, Ariel entered her sister’s home. She let Gretta close and lock the door before dissolving into tears.

16

Chapter Two Seven months later Ariel looked in the mirror with a critical eye. At thirty-three and a half weeks pregnant, her body was grossly bent out of shape, to her way of thinking. Her belly stood out farther than her breasts, which were even now growing well beyond their small A cup before her pregnancy. She had dark circles under her eyes, and let’s not forget the stretch marks. And morning, noon, and night sickness. No, pregnancy did not agree with her. Sighing, she finished dressing, remembering wistfully how she’d ended up here. Oh, she could hardly wait for her daughter to make her appearance, but she wished it would happen under different circumstances. Her lawyer had called that morning with the news that Tom had signed the papers relinquishing all parental rights. It had been a horrible, bitter battle, but she was finally free of the lying, cheating son of a bitch. It also meant her daughter would grow up without a father. In order to finish school, Ariel had left the hospital she loved and settled for a small, twenty-four 17

One Night Forever hour clinic. It was rewarding, just not what she’d expected after nursing school. Still, she had made the change and was gradually finding her niche, especially after the Jackson brothers and Lilly took over the place. It didn’t take long before she felt right at home. In the clinic, she took blood pressures, temperatures, and blood samples from patients as well as giving medicine and vaccines. She was on her feet the vast majority of the day, and it was becoming increasingly difficult on her. She needed to find a way to stay off her feet even a little throughout the day, but her job was demanding and the place was always busy. Today was no exception. “Ariel, you need to rest. Sit down before you fall down,” Lilly Miller-Jackson admonished softly. Lilly was the new office manager and wife to one of the two owners of the clinic, though Ariel didn't know which one. The three of them seemed to have an...unusual relationship. “It’s not good for you to be working so hard.” Ariel managed a tentative smile. “I’m fine. If I don’t keep going, I’ll be off my feet completely, and I’ve still got a few more weeks to go.” “I absolutely will not have you hurting yourself because of this place. It’s not that important. You and your daughter are.” The tender way Lilly caressed her 18

Marteeka Karland arm was almost Ariel’s undoing. Gretta waited on her hand and foot when she got home, but her sister wasn’t the sentimental type. She was the take-charge type and sometimes she was just too much to handle. Lilly, on the other hand, was gentle and careful, always doing things that made Ariel’s life a little easier. “Don’t worry so much about me.” Ariel patted the woman’s hand, truly grateful she did make a fuss over her, though too proud to admit it. “I have a few more things to do and I’ll take a break.” “See that you do.” Lilly raised an eyebrow at her. Her expression said she knew Ariel probably wouldn’t take that break, but she was letting it go for now. The day showed no signs of letting up. She’d been so busy and preoccupied with her current task, she ran into the new doctor, literally, before she’d actually met him. The next thing she new she found herself in the arms of a god. It took a couple of seconds to pull herself together, but when she did, her heart skipped a beat, then hammered in her chest painfully. “Damien?” His gaze swept her from head to toe, not flinching at her expanding middle. In fact, his face gave nothing away. He looked intensely at her, as if looking for something. His hands held her firmly at her waist, preventing her from falling. As they stood 19

One Night Forever there, he moved one hand around her abdomen in a gentle caress. Ariel nearly dissolved into tears at the tender gesture, despite his hard gaze. This was how it was supposed to be. She didn’t need a man to protect and nurture her, but she desperately wanted one. A man like Damien Carter. He looked different than he had that fateful night they met. His hair was still long, but he’d pulled it into a tie at the back of his neck, taming it, if only slightly. Those silver-blue eyes held the same soulpenetrating quality and saw too much by half. Then she noticed the broad expanse of his chest and the dusting of dark curls peeking from the V in his tunic not to mention biceps that bulged in the restraining short sleeves. She hadn’t forgotten the impact he’d had on her, the memory hadn’t faded even slightly. Her insides melted as she stood there. With everything else going on in her life, that itself was a miracle. In that one moment, the night they met came rushing back. The instant attraction she had for him. The grief and humiliation of Tom’s betrayal. Her embarrassment at the entire situation had kept her awake at night. Well, that and her vivid imagination and all the naughty things she did to his body in her dreams. “Excuse me,” he muttered. His gaze seemed to swallow her it was so intense. “Did I hurt you?” he 20

Marteeka Karland asked, those disturbing eyes dropping again to the swell of her abdomen. His hand still caressed her. The babe moved under his touch as if she was equally as aware of the man. “No,” she replied a bit breathlessly. “I wasn’t watching where I was going.” “You look tired. Are you sure you’re okay?” The concern in his voice nearly caused her to break down into tears right there. She’d felt like a fool after their first encounter. Turning into a weeping puddle on the floor wasn’t even going to happen. “Yes. Nothing a little rest won’t cure.” She smiled a little at him. Actually, she felt damn miserable. “Have you eaten lunch?” “Well, no. I thought I’d grab a sandwich on the way home.” She knew her smile was a bit strained, but it was the best she could manage at the time. “I’m sorry I bumped into you. Excuse me,” she said and waddled to the next room. What a damned day. *** Damien Carter stared after the young woman as she rounded the corner. She certainly looked different than when he’d first seen her, but then he’d expected it. She looked like she needed rest, but other than that, she was beautiful. There was something about carrying

21

One Night Forever a child that gave women a warm glow that could not be duplicated at any other time in their life. He watched her from a distance, keeping informed through her sister when he wasn’t in the general vicinity. To say Ariel was under considerable strain was an understatement. She’d gone through hell to get her ex-boyfriend to give up his parental rights. In the end, all it had taken was money. The bastard sold his rights for a mere ten thousand dollars. It had all been done quietly and without Ariel’s knowledge through Damien’s lawyers. It had been Tom himself who'd suggested the money. Because of that, Damien had no guilt in his part in the action. He’d handed the money over gladly, with the condition that Tom leave Ariel and her child alone forever. Now, all Damien had to do was convince Ariel he was the one she needed. In all their discussions about Ariel, Gretta had left out the part where Ariel looked tired and thin despite her expanding middle. Gretta should have been more attentive to Ariel’s needs. He and Gretta might just have to have a come to Jesus meeting about her little neglect. Ariel presented the picture of a woman in desperate need of pampering, and Damien knew he was the man to do it. God, he needed her! From the first moment he’d seen her, he needed her with a primal hunger that 22

Marteeka Karland frightened him beyond words. Never had he had such an all-consuming reaction to a woman. He thought about her every night. How he was going to make her his. He hadn’t sought her out because she needed time to break emotionally from her ex-boyfriend, and come to terms with her pregnancy. Still, it had been hell for him. Now, here she was. Very alone, and very pregnant. And damn him to hell if the thought of her body growing with child didn’t make him hard. The only thing that would have made the image any better would be to know it was his child. “She could use a good man, you know,” Damien’s long time friend Connor Jackson drawled. The other doctor leaned against the counter, his arms crossed over his chest. He and his brother owned the clinic. They were also husbands to the manager, Lilly. Though their lifestyle was unconventional at best, Damien had never seen his friends so happy. “Yes. She could.” “You going to do something about that?” “Of course. Just promise me no one will be mad at her when she disappears in a few minutes. I intend to take her home.” Damien sounded far more certain than he felt. He absolutely would not force himself on a woman, but dammit, Ariel looked too tired to be

23

One Night Forever anywhere but in his bed. He’d see to it she rested. And any other activity would be his doing. Not hers. Connor’s chuckle was deep and knowing. Once he convinced Ariel to leave with him, there would be no problems with her job. Connor would see to that. He found Ariel with her head in her hands sitting at a desk in one of the back rooms. He realized she was crying silently. Well shit. “Ariel?” She stiffened and turned her head away, wiping at her eyes. It was a moment before she composed herself enough to face him, but he let her take her time, knowing it wasn’t always wise to push a hormonal woman. As she turned, the red eyes, nose and cheeks tore at his heart. “Dr. Carter. I’m sorry. Did you need this exam room?” She started to rise. “No. And don’t call me doctor. Are you okay?” He placed a hand on her shoulder to keep her in her seat. She looked up at him, eyes sad and weary. “Yeah. I’m fine.” She paused. Her composure lasted all of two seconds. “No, not really.” Then she started crying all over again. Her slim shoulders shook with her sorrow.

24

Marteeka Karland Damien couldn’t help himself. He closed and locked the door and drew Ariel into his arms. Murmuring quiet words of comfort, he stroked her hair and then her back as she sobbed brokenly, relaying her fears to him between sniffs and bouts of crying. Damien realized she wasn’t even aware she was baring her soul to him. She was that distraught. She was scared of going through the delivery alone, scared she couldn’t be the mother her daughter needed. She was just plain scared. He tried to convince himself he needed to chase the shadows from her eyes and halt her tears. But when he caught her chin in his fingers, tipping her face to him, he couldn’t lie to himself. He’d wanted to kiss Ariel the first moment he’d met her on that sidewalk. Slowly, carefully, he lowered his mouth to hers, claiming her lips in a gentle kiss meant to test the waters, to see how she felt about him. At first, he wasn’t sure she would kiss him back. She froze, her body stiffening as his lips slid over hers. Then she relaxed into his kiss and whimpered a little as she opened her mouth slightly to allow his tongue entrance. They stood there kissing for long moments before he felt Ariel’s urgency. She became a bit bolder—sucked his tongue, nipped his bottom lip. Her 25

One Night Forever fingers wound in his hair and she clung to him, her body pressing hungrily against his. Damien grunted his approval and slid his hands down her body to her waist, pulling her more fully to him and pressing his growing erection against her rounded belly. He thought she might stop then. Her languid body grew tense again and she pulled back to look at him. The need to feel like a desirable woman was clear in her eyes. Damien would be less than a man if he didn’t recognize that basic need. Despite the driving instinct to take her now, to make Ariel his, he absolutely would not do this here. He would have her; there was no question of that. But he would do it in a bed. With dancing candlelight, satin sheets, and soft music. He’d take her home and never let her go. “Are you sure about this?” He didn’t think he could handle it if she decided not to let him make love to her. She looked into his eyes, searching for something. For a moment, Damien thought she might change her mind, but she finally found what she was looking for and smiled. “It’s been a long time since I was this sure about anything.” Her smile stopped his heart. She was so beautiful! 26

Marteeka Karland “Come with me, then.” He took her hand and led her out of the clinic. How in the world he would manage to get her home, he didn’t know. But he was determined to treat her with respect and give her the pampering she deserved.

27

Chapter Three Ariel’s heart pounded. Now that the spontaneity was gone and she’d had time to think on the short ride to Damien’s house, she was having doubts. Not about him. Gretta had talked nonstop about the handsome doctor since the day Ariel met him, so she knew he wasn’t a bad guy. Her sister might be a lot of things, but stupid wasn’t one of them. And Gretta was very protective of her. Ariel was having second thoughts about the whole misadventure. It wasn’t just the sex. Had it been that, she’d gladly have given as much as she got and smiled at the memory years down the road. There was no doubt that sex with Damien Carter would be a soul-shattering experience. Ariel was apprehensive about her situation. Sex with Damien meant she bared her swollen body to him. He’d see the evidence of her indiscretion and bad judgment. She was exposing her very essence to Damien and she wasn’t sure if she could handle it if he found her lacking. Worse, what if he changed his mind? By the time they pulled into his driveway—a couple of blocks from Ariel’s sister’s house—she was entertaining serious thoughts of making a run for it. 28

Marteeka Karland “Don’t even think about it, Ariel.” Damien’s hard voice was a whip of command that sent shivers down her spine and raised the fine hair on her body. Not to mention made her cream in anticipation. The man had the sexiest voice she’d ever heard, and though he’d always been gentle with her, she sensed he could be hard and demanding. “You had your chance to back out before we left the clinic. I’m not letting you run from me now.” “Damien, are you sure about this?” She couldn’t look at him without her resolve melting so she settled her gaze on his chest. “I’m not sure I could take it if you changed your mind later.” The admission took a lot. She wasn’t a weak woman. Normally, the opinion of others mattered little, but this was different. If he rejected her, he was not only rejecting her, but her daughter as well. That was something Ariel couldn’t handle gracefully. She absolutely did not want to embarrass herself in front of this man again and slapping his handsome face would definitely embarrass her. His fingers found her face and he tilted her head back until she was forced to meet his gaze. “I think I’m more sure about this than you are, but I’m not letting you back out because you’re afraid I’ll reject you. We’ve not exactly spent quality time together over the 29

One Night Forever last few months, but I’d have hoped your sister would’ve mentioned I’m not a fickle man. I would never have brought you here if I wasn’t certain what I wanted.” They stared at each other for a long moment. Ariel searched his eyes for a hint of mockery or deception and found none. What she did find was a fierce possessiveness that thrilled her beyond belief, and a raw hunger that stole her breath. Finally, she nodded her head and managed a soft, “Okay.” Damien flashed her a smile before getting out of the car and hurrying to her side to open the door and help her to her feet. He was so considerate, cradling her hand in the crook of his arm and escorting her to his home. It was almost a formal gesture, one Ariel found she enjoyed. As Damien unlocked the door, the familiar rumble of a car engine caught her attention. Ariel glanced over her shoulder at the dark blue GTO passing down the street, slowing down as it passed Damien’s house. Tom. “He can’t have you, Ariel.” Damien’s tone was mild as ever. Ariel hadn’t realized she was staring at the car until he spoke. Blinking rapidly as she turned to face him, her heart thundered in her ears at his expression. In that moment, Damien looked almost dangerous. Predatory. A beast whose territory had 30

Marteeka Karland been invaded. It should have frightened her, or at least given her pause. Instead, it thrilled her beyond imagining. She stepped closer to him, seeking shelter in his much larger body. “I don’t want him,” she whispered. “I want you, Damien.” She reached up to touch his shadowed jaw with trembling fingers, caressing his skin until he pulled her to him with a groan as he shoved the door open. Before they were even inside, Damien captured her lips with his in a hard, possessive kiss. As he pulled her inside, she noticed him looking over her head to give Tom one hard, feral look before closing the door and locking the other man out. Damien pinned her between his body and the door, kissing her roughly. Ariel gripped his shoulders. She clung to him for dear life as her head spun and her body went up in flames. Her stomach fluttered with the sheer hunger he seemed to have for her. It was like nothing she was prepared for or had ever encountered. Electricity seemed to whip across her skin where he touched her, where she touched him. Her whole body tingled with a need she had no hope of containing or understanding. All she knew was she had to have him. Now. Right this instant. Gradually, she became aware of his gentling touch. Instead of the fierce handling of her, he 31

One Night Forever softened his kisses and eased his grip on her body. He was no less intense; he just seemed to be acutely aware of his strength. As if he realized he might be hurting her and was trying to get himself back under control. Indeed, a fine tremor shook his big body, a light film of sweat slickened his skin. Never in her life had Ariel needed sex with a man more. It wasn’t just the sex—she needed him. Damien. It was enough to give her another pause. She had the feeling it didn’t really matter, that there was definitely no turning back. She wasn’t entirely sure she wanted to turn back. This was so not like her. “Oh, God,” she gasped. Her stomach was tied in knots, though not all of them bad. She was confused and needed him so much it terrified her. “What are you doing to me?” “Kissing you. Touching you. Do you want me to stop?” God, how could she want him to stop? He was more than she could’ve ever hoped he would be. He was so strong and devilishly handsome she couldn’t think around him. It had been hell seeing him around the clinic and avoiding him. All she had ever wanted was to have him hold her just like this. Kiss her. Just like this.

32

Marteeka Karland “It feels too good to stop. I want more,” was her needy reply. She couldn’t find it in her to care, her desire was so clear for him. She knew he wanted her just as much as she wanted him. Damien carried her to his bed, following her down to rest his body between her slim thighs. Ariel loved the feel of his masculine heat against her. His whole body bathed her in warmth. His hands explored her body as he lifted his lips to hers once more and kissed her. God! She could kiss him all day! Ariel loved the softness of his moist lips as they played across hers. He was gentle, but all male. Ariel reveled in it. She wanted this desperately, wanted Damien. Ariel couldn’t get enough of him. He kissed like every woman’s dream; his tongue plunged in and dueled with hers, only to retreat leaving his lips and teeth to fulfill her aching need. His kiss left her wanting more, made her long for pleasures that had been denied her for months. When his thick erection made contact with the juncture of her thighs, she almost screamed. Her hips rose to meet his. Their kiss broke as she arched her back and cried out in shear ecstasy. Damien’s kisses didn’t stop, however. They simply shifted focus as he took her offering and slid his lips and tongue down the slim column of her neck while his hands roamed the ripeness of her breast. 33

One Night Forever “You are so beautiful, Ariel. All of you. I’ve wanted to make you mine from the first moment I saw you.” “Oh, God. Yes. Yes!” He stopped his exploration of her jaw and neck just long enough to remove her scrub top and bra. When he resumed, his mouth slid lower. He lifted one plump breast to his lips and kissed the ripe peak. Her nipple responded by pebbling and she moaned softly. “Do you like that, my beauty?” “Mmmm,” she purred. Damien chuckled just before he took her breast in his mouth and sucked gently at first, then with a bit more passion as she responded to his touch. He alternated to the other breast, lavishing it with the same attention as he ground his pelvis against hers. Her fingers found his hair again, and she cradled him to her chest, wrapping her legs around his waist. She pulled him close, loving the way his hair-roughened body felt against hers. Ariel needed all of this extraordinary man. Consequences be damned. She tugged at his shirt, trying to pull it off. At her soft cry of frustration, Damien broke contact with her chest and, grinning, yanked his shirt over his head and tossed it aside.

34

Marteeka Karland “I want you, Ariel. Take off the rest of your clothes.” She sat up with his assistance and cast off the rest of her clothing. Damien did the same with swift, sure movements. Towering over her, he ran his hands up and down her sides. When they stopped at her expanding waistline, she turned her head trying to escape his grasp. “No, Ariel. Look at me.” “Please don’t. Maybe this isn’t such a good idea. I wasn’t thinking.” “About what—that I’d see you naked? The evidence of your child growing inside you? Ariel, you’re beautiful. You’re body is perfect for growing a new life, a little part of you. Don’t try to hide it. Be proud of what’s happening to you.” He knelt before her, and looking up, he kissed her belly just below her navel and Ariel shivered. How could this man disarm her with so little effort? With one look, one touch, he sent her up in flames. God help her, she loved it. “I love how you look. Let me show you.” With that, his head dropped lower, never breaking eye contact. His tongue snaked out to lick her moist folds. Ariel’s breath caught and she closed her eyes, relaxing a bit as she lay back on the bed. 35

One Night Forever “That’s it. Let me love you.” His whisper sent shivers down her body, her nipples hardening into almost painful peaks. Vaguely, Ariel was aware of her little moan but couldn't find it in her to care. If he thought her desperate, maybe she was. It wasn't a crime. All she knew was this felt right. Everything about this—about what he was doing to her—felt right. Good. Damien licked at her until her body responded with a gush of moisture, then he looped his arms around her legs and prompted her to slide further back on the bed. With her legs over his shoulders, he sucked her clit and licked her inviting channel with ever increasing hunger. He buried his tongue inside her and wrung gasps of pleasure out of her. She tangled her fingers in his long, silky hair, urging him harder against her. Had anything ever felt so good? Lifting her bottom slightly, he dragged his tongue from her slick opening back to her clit, pausing to suck and nibble each crevice. Ariel gasped out her surprise and tightened her hold on him. *** “Sweet Jesus!” She arched off the bed and pushed her hips at him. Damien had had just about all he could stand. He needed inside her. Badly. Pulling himself up along 36

Marteeka Karland her upper body, he kissed her belly once again, her breast, and finally her lips, where he lingered. Covering her with his much bigger body, careful to keep his weight off her, he rubbed his pulsing cock against her wet entrance, silently asking permission to proceed. Ariel put her hand between their sweating bodies and guided him inside her. As the swollen head of him entered her, she screamed, a look of utter bliss on her face. Wrapping her legs around him, she impaled herself on his thick length and arched her back. Damien groaned and moved slowly at first, then plunged into her with more force. He gave her what she needed, took what he needed. He whispered soft words as he rode her body in sweet abandon. Nothing in his life could have prepared him for this moment. Ariel was his world. He'd known from the moment he first saw her she was meant for him. The pleasure he took in her body was only the tip of the iceberg. He wanted all of her. Heart and soul. Ariel dug her fingers into his shoulders. Damien knew she hadn’t given herself to anyone since the awful betrayal and he wanted to be her hero, to help her heart heal. This wasn’t about a sexual encounter— he wanted to give her all he was, to pledge his entire 37

One Night Forever being to her. Even if this was all they ever had, if she left him after this one afternoon of sweet bliss, he hoped he had given her confidence in herself and the courage to go on. God help him if she decided to leave him. He would do everything in his power to make her happy, to fulfill every need. Tossing her head back and throwing her hips at him, she came with a soft whimper, her strong inner muscles grasping him, threatening the tenuous control he had on his wayward body. She just felt so damned good! No other woman had wrapped herself around his heart so completely. She clutched his shoulders as her body contracted around his. When her spasms lessened, Damien gave in and let her bring him with her into bliss. He wanted this, wanted to be a part of her permanently. Allowing his mind, body and soul to merge with her completely, he prayed there would many, many more nights like this one. Pleasure surrounded him, pulsing through his aching shaft to the base of his spine. He stifled his groan against her neck as he thrust once more and emptied himself into her. He kissed her neck and breasts. Her mouth. Wanting to worship her with his mouth he tasted with reverence everywhere, offering unspoken praise. 38

Marteeka Karland When he finally pulled himself away from the temptation that was Ariel, he said, “You have to know that I have no intention of letting you out of my life. I want you with me.” “B-but, what about the baby? She’s not yours,” Ariel stuttered. “I want you both, Ariel. I’ll play whatever role you want me to in her life as long as you let me stay in yours. I’ll treat her as if she were my own if you’ll let me. Please, sweet. Don’t make me beg.” He smiled at her. “At least give me a chance to prove how much I care about you. Given time, I’m sure we’ll grow to love each other very much. I think I’m already at least half in love with you. What do you say?” Her smile grew slowly, but eventually lit up her face. “I think I’d like that very much.” Damien gave her a quick, hard kiss before moving off her. Making a quick pass through the bathroom, he cleaned himself before joining her again and cleansing her with a damp cloth. Then, he climbed into bed beside her, pulling firmly against him, his arms wrapped around her. This was how it was supposed to be. This was what he wanted every night for the rest of their lives. Not long after that, he felt her breathing level out and she relaxed against him completely, asleep. He smiled and kissed her neck 39

One Night Forever before nuzzling his face against her hair. Dragging her scent into his lungs, he closed his eyes and slept.

40

Chapter Four Damien woke to a horrible racket outside his house. That goddamned GTO had to go. Glancing at Ariel made him hate the bastard all the more. She looked vulnerable, unsure of herself. With a growl, Damien pulled her to him, kissing her hard. When he backed away to look into her eyes, they had a haunted look, but her gaze never wavered from his. “He’s jealous,” Damien stated. “Ultimately, it’s up to you. I won’t tell you I’ll step aside if you want to go back to him. I want you in my life and I’ll do anything I can to keep you there.” She smiled. “I don’t want him and you know it. I just hate confrontation.” “No problem, sweetheart. Stay here. I’ll be back in a minute.” He kissed her again before tugging on his jeans and padding to the door ready to open a can of whoopass if it became necessary. Damien had just stepped outside, pulling the door closed behind him, when Gretta stomped furiously down the street. “I’ve had enough of this, you son of a bitch,” she yelled as she approached the car, Tom still revving the engine. How in the world Damien managed to miss the huge Louisville Slugger 41

One Night Forever in her hand, he didn’t know. But one second she hurried toward the car, the next she was swinging the thing like Hank Aaron. The passenger side glass burst inward. Tom threw up his hands to protect his face, but Gretta continued to demolish the once pristine vehicle. Damien thought about trying to contain the little spitfire, but given the way she swung that bat, he decided it would be best to not get in her way. Standing there with his arms crossed over his chest, he watched as she systematically demolished Tom’s car. Instead of driving off, the dumb bastard got out of his car, yelling for her to stop, which only fueled Gretta further. The beat-down she gave the car made Damien wince, but he wasn’t about to interfere. As far as he was concerned, the dumbass got what he deserved. Gretta didn’t run from Tom, either. When he approached, yelling for her to stop, she turned on him. That was when Damien decided it might be best to stop the battle before Tom got his head knocked off. “Take it easy, Gretta.” He stepped between the two rather than hauling Gretta away from behind. He wanted her to see who she was swinging at. “I will not take it easy!” Gretta spat her words more in contempt than anger, though Damien was 42

Marteeka Karland sure there was a healthy dose of both surging through Ariel’s sister. “He’s disturbed my sleep for the last fucking time with this goddamned car!” “You’re kidding, right?” Damien wanted to laugh out loud and groan in frustration all at the same time. There was more to it than simply lost sleep on Gretta's part. Gretta was probably worried Tom would try to intimidate Ariel, or worse, sabotage Ariel’s chance at happiness with Damien. He’d known Gretta a long time. No, this was not about lost sleep.” “Look what the fucking bitch did to my car!” Tom shrieked as if this were all Gretta’s fault. Damien’s eyes wanted to cross. Had there not been a crazy woman in his front yard wielding an enormous bat in a very destructive arch, he’d have laughed at the whole scene. “That’s nothing compared to what I’m about to do to your balls!” Gretta lunged at Tom, who skirted out of her way. Damien caught her around the waist and practically tossed her in the direction of the house. It was a good thing too, because the cry of a police siren sounded in the distance. They were about to have the kind of company who might not like what Gretta was about to do to Tom’s tenders. Ariel opened the door and snagged her sister’s hand as she hurried down the steps toward Damien. 43

One Night Forever He waved her off, not missing the fact that she’d chosen to dress herself in one of his T-shirts. It covered her easily, reaching to mid thigh despite the girth of her abdomen. Damien couldn’t help but smile. This was as good her announcing she was his. No way Tom could deny she was over him now. “Ariel!” Tom snapped. “Get back in that house and put your clothes on! This nonsense is over right now! I’m taking you home.” That was all Damien could take. In one swift motion, he whirled, grabbed Tom by the shirt collar, and slammed him against what was left of his car. “You made a deal I intend to enforce,” Damien said. “Even if you hadn’t, do you honestly think I’d give her up without a fight? You had your chance and you blew it.” He looked straight into the other man’s eyes. “Come near her again, and I’ll make what Gretta did to your car look like a slight misadventure—only it won’t be your car I’m hurting.” Tom paled slightly, but stopped his blustering, not looking away from Damien. “Do you understand?” When Tom nodded, Damien let him go with a little shove. Without a word, Tom got back in his car and drove away as fast as the battered car would let him—just as the police showed up.

44

Marteeka Karland The officer got out and shook Damien’s hand. Brett Carter was a part time cop, and a full time ER doctor with an attitude. Such was the beauty of a small town. “Neighbors called.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Something about a GTO and a Louisville Slugger.” He raised an eyebrow as his gazed wandered to Gretta’s direction. “Is there a problem?” Grinning, Damien shook his head. “Since Tom took off, I’d say no. Though, I’m sure you’ll be hearing about it from him later.” Brett shook his head and chuckled. “No doubt. I can handle him. You should really use more restraint, you know.” “Wasn’t me.” Damien shook his head. Jerking a thumb over his shoulder, he indicated Gretta. “She has a soft spot for her sister.” Brett’s face split with a wide, satisfied grin. “Indeed.” Watching the street until he could no longer see the car down the block, Damien remained on alert. He wasn’t taking the chance Tom would change his mind and come back looking for trouble. He noticed Brett watching too and met the other man’s eyes before they turned to the women. Gretta hugged Ariel fiercely, saying something to her sister that Damien couldn’t hear. Ariel nodded and 45

One Night Forever smiled, the conversation ceasing as Damien neared them. “I think you need to tell me your intentions toward my sister.” Gretta lazily hefted the bat to her shoulder, her gaze drifting past him to Brett. She didn’t act the least bit intimidated. If anything, she looked a little more fierce. Challenging even. Damien smiled. “I intend to make her my wife, if she’ll have me. Though, I confess, you caught me before I was prepared to ask her properly. I don’t have a ring.” Tears formed in Ariel’s eyes. She squealed and threw her arms around Damien’s neck, raining kisses over his face as the tears fell in steady streams down her face. “I didn’t mean to make you cry, sweetheart,” he murmured, holding her tightly but always aware of the babe between them. “It’s okay,” she sniffed and laughed as she swiped at her eyes. “I’m happy.” “So...” He let the word hang between them, suddenly aware of his nerves. Gretta had forced his hand. He wasn’t prepared for this yet, not having time to woo Ariel like she needed. “Yes,” she cried. “Absolutely I will marry you!”

46

Marteeka Karland “Are you sure? We’ve only had one night to, uh…discuss this.” He smiled at her. He wanted to shout for joy and swing her around in the air in shear delight, but he was too afraid of doing something that might hurt the baby. “One night is all I need, Damien. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. Well, except when I knew I wanted to make love with you,” she laughed. He hugged her to him, kissing her mouth tenderly. “One night forever then, sweetheart. One night forever.”

47

Epilogue “I understand you have some anger issues we need to discuss.” Brett cocked his hip lazily, his forearm resting on the butt of his weapon. “Perhaps I need to frisk you. You know. Make sure you don’t have any concealed weapons.” Gretta met his gaze, daring him to try. Brett’s cock was at immediate attention. He’d always known the woman would be a handful. “I don’t need to conceal my weapons.” She let the bat fall from her shoulder to rest one end of it on the ground. Her hand remained on the hilt. “Anything I use will be out and in your face.” A slow smile spread across Brett’s face. He couldn’t help it. In that moment, he knew he was in love.

**

arteeka**

48

Marteeka Karland Erotic romance author by night, emergency room tech/clerk by day, Marteeka Karland works really hard to drive everyone in her life completely and totally nuts. She has been creating stories from her warped imagination since she was in the third grade. Her love of writing blossomed throughout her teenage years until it developed into the totally unorthodox and irreverent style her English teachers tried so hard to rid her of. Want to see what’s up with Marteeka? Check out her website at www.marteekakarland.com or join her Yahoo! group at [email protected]. Marteeka always welcomes e-mail from her readers. You can reach her at [email protected].