A Total-e-bound Publication
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The Goddess Within ISBN # 978-1-906328-28-3 ©Copyright Amarinda Jones 2007 Cover Art by Anne Cain ©Copyright August 2007 Edited by Claire Siemaszkiewicz Total-e-bound books This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-e-bound eBooks. Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-e-bound eBooks. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork Published in 2007 by Total-e-bound eBooks 1 The Corner, Faldingworth Road, Spridlington, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, LN8 2DE, UK. Warning: Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has been rated total-e-burning.
The Goddess Grind:
THE GODDESS WITHIN Amarinda Jones
Dedication Dedicated to every short, fat, thin, tall, clumsy and graceful goddess. Belief is the first step to being. Never let anyone limit you, for you are fabulous.
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Chapter One
The present
Mardi Keller screamed as the orgasm drove her face forward onto the floor. “Oh God,” she panted out loud as Stryker continued to thrust hard and deep into her from behind. She clutched at the short pile of the carpet and thanked God that fate had brought this delicious man her way. Mardi pushed up and back against him feeling the heat of his balls as they slapped against her arse. Her knees were wobbly and her heart was pounding but she wanted all this man had to give. At the last hard thrust of his cock, Mardi shrieked in pleasure and fell to the floor gasping for breath. “Bloody hell you are good.” Stryker laughed and dropped down on the ground beside Mardi, pulling her into his arms. “You are beautiful,” he murmured against her lips as he kissed her softly. “I have my moments.” And this was definitely one of them. Mardi looked into his eyes and for a split second saw her future. “Marry me Miss Mardi.” Mardi’s eyes snapped open with amazement. Of all the things she expected to hear this was not one of them. She pushed away from him in shock. “What? Are you nuts?”
One hour ago
“She has the most luscious arse I have ever seen. My cock stands up and salutes every time she walks by. And those breasts. I just know they would be delicious to suck on.” The man’s voice
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was husky and low with barely contained passion as it came through the walkie-talkie on the desk. “And I adore red heads.” “I tell you that man is talking about you Mardi!” Zipporah Scott turned and looked at her red headed friend. “He is bloody not!” Mardi Keller scoffed at the suggestion. “I reckon he is.” True Kinsella nodded her head in agreement. “You said these walkie talkies only have a range of two hundred metres. He has to be somewhere close by and how many red headed Goddesses are around here?” She licked her lips with interest. “That voice is so sexy I could come just listening to him.” “You are both mad.” Mardi snorted with fond derision. They were her friends. She loved them but they were borderline insane sometimes. “So why don’t you go and introduce yourself to the lady,” asked another male voice over the line. “She has a touch-me-not look about her, like she would run away if she got the chance.” The first man said it as if he did not see that as a problem, more a challenge. “Oh that is so you they are talking about. You have that ‘touch-me-not look down’ pat.” Clementine Caspar looked at her friend significantly. “Not you too Clem!” Mardi reached over to turn the walkie-talkie off but she was greeted with a howl of protest. “These are not toys. They are supposed to be used in the warehouse for work.” Mardi was to use them to page the guys on the loading dock from her office. She never did as she thought they were rather dorky and really a bit of a boy’s toy which disappointed the dock workers as they liked to swagger around with them on their belts. “So why do you tune them into listening to strangers conversations?” “Because I get bored typing data all day.” Mardi needed something to keep her awake as she typed in endless purchase orders. The company she worked for dealt in import and export from the Australian head office in Brisbane. The job was monotonous and dull. As soon as Mardi had discovered she could pick up random chatter on some of the channels on the walkie-talkies, it kept
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her mind off daily grind of her work. However she had never heard this man before. Just hearing him sent a shiver up Mardi’s spine. “You want to touch her don’t you?” The second man asked. The women all looked at the walkie-talkie with anticipation. “I would to lick her all over and make her so hot she begs me to slide on inside her.” Mardi was feeling pretty damn hot just listening to the voice. As for licking and sliding… she shook her head. “It can’t be me. Men don’t find me attractive.” Her friends laughed hysterically at her words. “I’m fat for God sake!” “Honey you are the perfect hourglass Goddess,” True responded as the other two women nodded in agreement. “The redhead sounds like the woman of your dreams.” “I am going to make her my reality.” “And I m going to help him.” Zipporah grabbed the handset. “Zipp, what are you doing?” Mardi tried to snatch the handset from her. “When was the last time you had a good shag Mardi Keller?” Zipporah looked at her with interest. “You know with all that grinding, toe curling heat inside of you making you scream?” “I am not going to invite some sexy voiced stranger to fuck me.” “I have not had a damn good head job in so long,” True sighed wistfully. “It certainly does clear out your sinuses—all that screaming.” Clementine smiled a teasing at Mardi. “I thought we were going to lunch.” Regardless of their work schedule, every Wednesday the four women made a point of meeting up and having lunch together. “Lunch can wait.” Zipporah pressed in the button on the handset. “Do you want to meet the sexy red head cowboy?” “No Zipp!” Mardi loved Zipp but she would have to kill her if she continued.
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“Who is this?” The man asked intrigued. “I’m a friend of hers.” “Tell me more.” “We are going to be at the Brew-ha-ha Café in ten minutes.” “I’m not bloody going.” Mardi stamped her feet angrily. The man chuckled. “Is that her?” “Yes that’s Mardi and she thinks your voice is sexy.” Zipporah stuck out her tongue goodnaturedly at the woman in question. “I would love to meet you Mardi.” Bugger, now he knew her name. “I’m married.” Mardi pulled a furious face at her grinning friends. “She is not,” yelled True. “I’m gay.” “Only in the sense she is happy,” added Clementine helpfully. “Take a chance Miss Mardi,” the voice crooned low and soft over the line. Mardi swore softly as she raked an agitated hand through her hair. What if she went and he realised she wasn’t who he thought she was? How embarrassing would that be? He was expecting someone ‘luscious’ and ‘delicious.’ To her mind she was neither. It would be like being on one of those dating game shows when the wall slid back and the contestants froze in horror. With that smooth, whisky voice Mardi knew she wouldn’t be disappointed but maybe he would be. She was no super model. She was super average. “What am I supposed to do?” Mardi raked a frustrated hand through her hair. She did not want to be in this position at all. She liked control. She had none if she went along with this. “Go meet him, have sex, marry and have babies.” To True it all seemed pretty obvious. “I’m open to all that,” the man said with a chuckle.
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Mardi grabbed the handset from Zipporah and turned it off quickly. “I’m not going.” How could she? It was just weird. “Chicken.” “Bugger off.” Okay so maybe she was a chicken but instinct told her meeting this man would change her life for good and change was not necessarily always as good as a holiday. Change could be awkward and difficult. Mardi was sure Wednesday had to be a bad day for change. “We work all bloody day week after week and it’s a dull monotonous grind. If something spontaneous happens you should go for it and see where it leads.” Clementine urged. “Come on Mardi do one crazy thing in your life.” “I know you three—isn’t that crazy enough?” Mardi looked as them knowing from experience they would not leave her alone until she agreed to meeting this stranger. “He could be something horrible like an axe murder or a karaoke singer or a politician.” “We’ll be there to watch you back.” “No, you’ll be there to gossip and perve.” It would be exactly what Mardi would do if it was one of her friends. “Well yes but come on, we’re your friends and you expect that.” Zipporah reached over and plucked the handset from her hand. “We’ll see you in ten minutes cowboy.”
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Chapter Two
“Bloody hell!” Mardi’s eyes opened wide in shock at the man coming towards her. “It can’t possibly be him,” she murmured in disbelief. The tall, dark haired man coming towards her was the man she had lusted discreetly over for weeks. Mardi had caught glimpses of him every day when she came to work. She always seemed to be getting out of her car just as he jogged by all hot and sweaty and male, legs pumping and firm butt well in her eyesight as she lingered longer each time at her car just for a glimpse. He was the lean athletic run ten kilometres a day type while she was the slump on the sofa type. He could not possibly want her. Opposites did not attract that much. They were almost different species. “I know that look in your eye.” Clementine grinned conspiratorially. “You have lusted over him haven’t you?”
Stryker Reed made a beeline for the woman with the red hair. The opportunity to finally meet who he instinctively knew was the love of his life was too good to pass up. “Hello Mardi.” Stryker was amused at the way she suddenly jumped when he said her name. He turned to the three women who watched him with undisguised feminine interest. “Ladies.” “We were just leaving,” one of them said as if satisfied that they had seen what they needed to. Stryker smiled as Mardi blushed at their winks and hand signals of approval. Sweet and sexy. “My name is Stryker Reed.” He sat down on the chair beside her and inhaled the soft scent of musk and woman.
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“What sort of a name is Stryker?” Mardi leaned back from him in a casual way to give herself space. Stryker leaned towards her and looked her in the eyes. He wanted her to know exactly how and felt. “It’s a family name for my mother’s side but I don’t want to talk about names.” He smiled softly as he saw her gulp quickly. “You’re beautiful and I want you.” That was it—pure and simple. He needed to touch and taste this woman to assure himself he had not dreamed her. Stryker was bemused at the mixture of surprise and disbelief in her eyes. “You don’t waste time.” “Life is short Miss Mardi. Haven’t you just seen someone and known straight away that they were the only person for you?”
“No.” Mardi knew it was a big fat lie but they were the one you counted on in moments of great temptation. “Liar.” Stryker picked up her hand and gently kissed the palm. An intense shiver of desire ran through her body and she was instantly wet with wanting. Mardi crossed her legs tightly to remind herself this was a stranger not a lover yet. Yet. “I don’t screw around.” She didn’t. That was a fact. She wasn’t a prude but sex had to mean something more than just body parts grinding together. “I am glad to hear that.” Whoa! That voice—deep, hot and possessive. Mardi just knew he would make love the same way. Make love? What the hell was she thinking? He was a stranger—sexy as—but a stranger who was giving her the most sensuous hand massage she had ever had. “I’m not desperate enough to jump on any available cock.” Though she was honestly was contemplating her options with him. Every so often her slut hormones came out and egged her on and this was one of those moments.
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“I know that.” Stryker’s voice sounded certain on that point. “Let’s not waste time. I have wanted you since the first moment I saw you get out of your car and drop your handbag on the ground.” “Really?” Mardi tried to sound cool and jaded but she remembered only too well why she dropped her handbag. It was the first time he had run past her and she had been oblivious to all but him. It was like her hands wanted to reach out and touch the hot sweaty man and not the faux leather bag she carried. “Oh yes really, and you noticed me.” “Well you were hot and sweaty.” Mardi had wondered at the time what he would look like when he stripped those clothes off to cool down. “And you wanted me.” Stryker’s eyes locked with hers and they both knew the answer. Fight the feeling or not? “Yes I wanted you.” There it was out. A definite ‘not’. “Do I make you hot all over?” “Yes.” Mardi gulped noisily. “Come with me.” Stryker pulled Mardi to her feet and led her from the table. Mardi grabbed his arm with her free hand to stop him pulling her any further. Hmm…nice muscles. “This is way too fast. I know nothing about you other than you jog and you have access to a walkie talkie.” And you make my heart pound and the muscles between legs tighten with anticipation. Maybe that was enough to know? “I jog to keep fit and I was talking to my mate Mick over the two-way and that’s how you heard me.” “You were discussing me.” “Because you are the woman of my dreams.” “Is this a line you use on women all the time?” “This is the first and only time I will ever use it Miss Mardi.” Stryker gently pulled her along.
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Sexy and sweet. Mardi knew at that moment she was doomed to do something dumb like fall in love with a complete stranger. “Where are we going?” It seemed natural to hold his hand. “Do you work around here?” Inane chit-chat seemed to be a good way to get a grip of herself and the situation. “Over there.” Stryker pointed to the large, impressive steel blue building that housed Reed Engineering. Stryker Reed “You have a building named after you.” Stryker stopped and pulled Mardi into his arms, their bodies meeting for the first time. “Yes I do, but the only thing I want right now is to be inside you.” He leant down and kissed her hungrily, his hands sliding down onto her arse pulling her close. Mardi gave in willingly to the sensation of his hot mouth on hers. She could feel his cock hard against her stomach and she could not think of a single reason not to follow Stryker wherever he wanted to take her. She was oblivious to the people who smiled at them in bemusement as if they could see the need in their eyes. How they got into Stryker’s office, Mardi wasn’t sure. All she knew was he locked the door and looked at her with such hunger it made her knees wobbly. “I fell in love with you the moment I saw you.” Stryker walked towards her with the slow, sure gait of a man who knew what he wanted. “You’re just saying that to get into my knickers.” “Oh yes, I want in your knickers and inside you badly, but if you really don’t want to be here with me all you have to do is say no.” The decision was hers. Mardi saw the passion in his eyes and bulge in his pants and she knew it was a done deal. She had wanted him and now she could have him. Clem was right. Something spontaneous and wildly exhilarating should not be passed up. “We need a condom.” She quickly started pulling apart the buttons on her blouse. Mardi needed his hands on her body.
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“For what I have planned we are going to need a box load.” “Smooth talker,” Mardi murmured in cynical amusement. Clothes flew everywhere as they stripped off quickly, their need overwhelming all else. Mardi looked at his cock standing club-like against his stomach. It was huge and just for her. She licked her lips in anticipation of all the heat inside her. “I wanted to go slow the first time,” Stryker’s voice was low as he stood before her naked and hard as a rock. “But you are so stunning and I am very close to losing control for the first time in my life with a woman.” He pulled her naked body against hers and leant his head down to suck her nipples as he had wanted to from the start. Mardi whimpered softly as he nipped and sucked her hard. She had never before considered herself remotely attractive but at this moment, in Stryker’s arms she felt like a Goddess. She reached down and touched his cock. Now was not the time for going slow. “Condom. Now.” “Yes m’am.” Stryker reluctantly moved from her and went around to his desk drawer. “Smooth or ribbed?” He smiled wickedly at her. “As long as you’re cock is in it and then in me I don’t care.” Mardi had never felt so wild and wanton in her life and she liked it. “Make it fast Mister.” “Get on your hands and knees,” Stryker ordered softly as he rolled on the condom and approached her. An unbelievable thrill of excitement shot through Mardi. “What?” “I have lusted after your beautiful arse and I want to take you hot and hard from behind. Oh boy…yes please. Mardi dropped to her knees on the soft carpet. She wanted Stryker anyway she could have him. Stryker dropped down behind her and moulded his body to hers as he placed her hands on the floor before her. He then slid his hand between her legs and smiled.
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“Mmm, you’re so wet.” “I need you,” she gasped. His cock pushing at the cleft of her arse was the most erotic sensation she had ever felt. “Then have me.” Stryker thrust inside her in one long stroke. “God, you are so perfect.” He growled as he pulled out and pushed back into her hot pussy again. “Oh Stryker,” Mardi moaned as Stryker finally settled his cock inside her and started pumping hard and sure. She could feel the edge of the orgasm and she knew she would not last long. No man had ever made her feel anything this fast or intense before. “I am not going to be able to hold on.” “Then don’t. Just give into it,” Stryker said as he thrust harder and faster as if following his own advice. Mardi tried to bite on the scream that erupted from her as she came but it was impossible. The orgasm drove her face forward onto the floor.
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Chapter Three
The present
“Marry you? I knew this had to be too good to be true.” Excellent sex with a drop dead gorgeous man had to have a flaw in it somewhere. “You are insane.” Typical. Mr Right comes along and he’s nuts. Just my luck. Mardi pulled out of his arms and sat up. Stryker chuckled at her words as he leaned back casually on one elbow and looked at her. “Why? Because I instantly fell in love with you?” He disposed of the condom and looked at her thoughtfully. “You did not. You just wanted sex and you got it.” She looked at him lying like a reclined statue of David, all male and hard bodied. Of course Michelangelo’s David could have only wished for a cock as good as Stryker’s. Even now he was still semi-erect. “You wanted me too.” “Yeah but I didn’t ask you to marry me.” This was wildly beyond the norm of a one night stand or in this case a lunch time pash. “Anyway you cannot just fall in love like that.” Let alone offer marriage. She had not had sex for a while. Had the rules for pure and simple lust changed?
“Why not?” Stryker looked at her in amusement. Mardi sat like a hot flushed and confused Goddess. His office had never looked so good before. “It takes time to get to know someone.” “Fine, let’s get to know each other.” Stryker reached over to pull her into his arms but Mardi scooted backward from him. That was okay. He enjoyed the pursuit of a beautiful woman and this was one he planned to capture and bind to him for life. “I don’t mean knowing in the biblical sense either.” Mardi drew her legs up before her and wrapped her arms around her knees.
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Stryker wondered if she was trying to keep him out or keep herself from reaching out and taking what she wanted. As far as he was concerned she could have any part of him she wanted. “Okay, let’s get to know each other. My favourite colour is green like your eyes and my star sign is Scorpio.” Whatever made Mardi comfortable he would do. “I have two parents and three brothers. I have my own hair and teeth…” He stopped when she held up her hand to silence him. “Have you asked many women to marry you?” “Only one—you.” Stryker could see that stopped Mardi in her tracks. He knew one day he would find the right woman and it was Mardi. Time meant nothing when it came to love. “How old are you?” And now the lady looks for flaws… “I am thirty-six. How old are you?” “A gentleman never asks.” “That’s mighty prissy sounding after what we just did.” “I’m not prissy.” Mardi threw up her hands indignantly. “I love prissy.” Stryker’s eyes latched onto her breasts as they bounced in indignation. He sat up and started to move towards her. Both he and his cock were ready for another taste. “I’m thirty-two and I am not prissy. In fact you know nothing about me other than…” “…you scream with pleasure when you come.” He grinned as she blushed brightly at his words. Not many women did that any more and he liked it. “You don’t even know my last name.” Mardi looked at him meaningfully. “It’s Keller.” “Mardi Keller-thirty-two, beautiful and delicious and I need you in my life.”
“Are you on drugs?” If he wasn’t insane that had to be it. Stryker threw back his ahead and laughed. “Don’t you believe in love at first sight?”
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Maybe that happened, maybe not. She had no proof. Other than having the best sex of her life, Mardi knew they probably did not have a lot in common. Great sex did not mean a great love or even an okay marriage. “I don’t run or exercise, I love eating junk food and I am hooked on reality television.” No point beating around the bush. Mardi wasn’t about to change for anyone not even the man with the enormous erection headed straight towards her. He legs dropped open of their own accord. “Are you trying to turn me off?’ “Look at you and me. You’re all lean and buff.” And mighty yummy. Mardi grabbed his hand and put in on her thigh. “This is cellulite or fat if you want to be specific.” Stryker stroked her thigh sensuously, his eyes locked on the red curls of her pussy. “On you cellulite is sexy.” He leaned into her giving nowhere to go but flat on her back under him. “Well yes, that is the correct response to give.” Was it hot in here or what? Mardi fell back onto the carpet and Stryker took advantage and lay down between her parted thighs. A good girl would have sat up and struggled but then a good girl would not have had sex the first time with—and be contemplating sex again with—a man she barely knew. Bad girls rocked. “But can’t you see but you’re so…and I’m so…” “I’m so what Miss Mardi?” Stryker hands slid up her ribcage to her breasts and teasingly moulded the mounds of flesh. “You’re gorgeous.” And that cocky smile of his was a killer. “You could have any super model look-alike you wanted.” “I don’t want a plastic woman. I want a real woman.” Stryker’s eyes locked on hers. “I want you.” “Based on a quick tumble.” Mardi knew she had to harden her heart with a good dose of reality or she would be handing it to this man any minute now. Remember it was just sex, great sex, but still just sex.
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“Hey, I am more than happy to take the time before I slide on in but we both let the moment take us and it was good.” Damn good. “You know what I mean.” It was hard to sound firm and convincing when Stryker’s fingers were circling her nipples. “No I don’t. Do you think I’m just saying this because we had sex? Yes, you are delicious to fuck but I don’t just want any woman.” He head bend down and licked one pert rosy nipple. Oh God…focus. “Other than the physical attraction of tits and arse what do you know about me?” Mardi pulled his mouth from her breast. As much as she wanted him to keep doing what he was doing, she needed to know what the hell this wild attraction was all about. Could this be as real as he made it feel? Was it more than just wild, hot sex? Stryker pushed the hair back from her face gently as his eyes searched hers with the certainty of a man who knew what he wanted. “I know that you have three good friends who want to see you happy, so that means you are special to them and you value friendship. I know that everyday you stop and chat to lonely old Ned sitting on the bench outside the Brew-ha-ha.” He saw her look at him in surprise. “Yeah, I have watched you.” “Why didn’t you…” “Make a move before this? I was planning to but your friends got in first.” He slowly rubbed his cock back and forward over the wet cleft of her parted legs. “Why can’t you just accept that this is meant to be?” Synchronicity—fight it or go with it? “And you are definitely not on drugs or insane?” Go with it the Goddess within her called. Bloody hell it was hard to concentrate when he was placing wet sucking kisses on hers breasts. “Stryker…” “Yes Miss Mardi?” Stryker murmured softly in between kisses.
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“There is more to love that just sex.” Though, to be honest, at the moment Mardi was not about to split hairs. “’Been in love before?” His tongue circled her nipple. “No…” Mardi moaned in response. “Good.” Stryker ran his hands down her hips, gripping her thighs and pulling her legs up to wrap around his waist. “You are not being serious,” said the woman who locked her legs around his waist willingly. “I am deadly serious.” His eyes locked with her. “I want to marry you Mardi Keller but first I want to hear you pant, moan and then scream my name.” Stryker’s fingers sought out her clit and massaged slowly. That was guarantee if he kept doing that. “Stryker I thought you wanted to go slow.” She grabbed hold of him as his other fingers slid inside her. “You turn me on like no other woman.” “Boy. You know all the right things to say.” And do. “Your fingers are good, but I need your cock inside me.” “Yes ma’am.” Stryker pulled his fingers out and sunk his cock deep inside her wet, slick pussy. “Heaven,” he murmured as he pushed and pulled slowly, rocking in and out of her. “I can’t remember…” Mardi gasped and clutched Stryker to him. “Can’t remember what?” Stryker whispered against her lips. “Ever feeling this good.” Why lie? She had known only two lovers in her life and neither compared to Stryker. “And this is only the start.”
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Chapter Four
“What are you doing here?” Mardi asked when she saw Stryker Reed standing on the door step. Her heart did a crazy flip flop and her body ran instantly hot with need. God he was gorgeous. That smile, those eyes, that body. “How did you get my address?” “Your friend Zipporah came to my office and demanded to know if my intentions towards you were honourable.” Good one Zipp. “I did go to your work before I came here and they said you were sick. As your friend had already given me your address I came straight away to see you.” His eyes were soft with concern. “Are you okay? You look tired.” “I, um…come in.” She shut the door and looked at him. Other than her friends, Mardi had not had anyone care about her in a long time. It was sweet and loving. “I’m fine. I hate my job and I had a lot on my mind.” You. I had you on my mind all bloody night. After lunchtime sex with Stryker yesterday she had wobbled back to work and stared at the computer screen for an hour before feigning illness and going home. Last night she had lain awake thinking of ‘what if’s’ and ‘could it be’s’ until the sun rose. Mardi looked at him purposefully. “I don’t want to have sex with you again.” That sounded fake even to her own ears. “Okay.” “What?” That was not the right answer. “You know how I feel. I love you and I want you. If that’s all too much for you I will walk out this door any time you want me to.” Stryker’s tone was straight to the point. “It’s up to you. What do you want Miss Mardi?” She licked her lips and assessed him. Well of course she bloody wanted him. That was a nobrainer. Feelings verses rational thought. Hot sex verses a sleepless night in a cold bed. Part of her
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knew this might all end in tears but that wasn’t the part she was thinking with. She grabbed his shirt and pulled him to her. Stryker smiled widely at her response. “Excellent choice ma’am.” “Shut up and kiss me.” Mardi pulled his head down to her and kissed him passionately as her hands tore at the buttons on his shirt. “Do you like this shirt?” Mardi asked between hungry kisses. “Not particularly.” “Good.” Mardi ripped it open sending buttons flying in all directions. Her hands went down to his zip. “I need to see you naked.” “Are you the same woman who wasn’t going to have sex with me two minutes ago?” Stryker asked as he pulled her shirt over her head and reached for the clasp of her bra. “I changed my mind.” She tugged his pants down and smiled as his cock popped up and out in excitement. Mardi ran her thumb back and forward over the head. “Do you have a problem with that?” “Hell no.” Stryker watched as she dropped to her knees. “Mardi?” “I want to taste you. May I?” She looked up at him and knew at that moment this man was hers to do with as she pleased. She leaned forward and licked the head of his cock in slow cat like nips. “Oh God,” Stryker growled as his fingers threaded through her hair. “You don’t have to do this.” “But I want to.” Mardi liked the way his hips bucked forward in eagerness. It gave her a power over him that she liked. She wasn’t the only one losing control in this situation. She took the head of his cock into her mouth and sucked hard. “You keep doing that and I will come way too soon .” Mardi slid his cock from her mouth momentarily and looked at up him.
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“That’s the plan.” Once again her lips slid back to his cock, licking and sucking until Stryker pushed her mouth off his cock and drew her to her feet. “When I come I want it to be inside you.” He lifted her into his arms and kissed her. “But thank you.” “My pleasure. I’ve never done that before.” The look Stryker gave her was as if she had given him the best gift in the word. “Which way to the bedroom my lady?” “It’s a mess.” Mardi pointed the way to her messy boudoir. “If it has you and a bed that’s all I need.” Stryker kicked open the door. “I love a man who kicks a door open.” It was so strong and manly and every hormone in her body went oohh in response. “You’re right, your bedroom is messy.” Stryker looked at the chaos within—clothes scattered, shoes haphazardly thrown on the floor and books cluttering every space. “Well we can clean or have sex.” Mardi bounced once as Stryker dropped Mardi on the bed. She looked up at him enticingly. She thrust her breasts forward and licked her lips. “Jeans off now woman.” Stryker helped tug her jeans off and he tossed her panties on the floor. He grabbed her ankles and pulled her forward so his mouth was in line with her pussy. “Now let me taste you,” he growled. Mardi shrieked as Stryker’s tongue insistently licked the wet pink flesh between her legs. “Oh Stryker…” It was the most intense sensation Mardi had ever felt and when his lips fastened on her clit she sucked the breath caught in her throat as she forgot to breathe. She held his head between her legs and panted with need. “Now, I want you now.” “Got a condom?” Stryker looked her between her parted legs. “Don’t you?” “Not in here. I have a pack in my jeans outside.” “Were you looking to get lucky sailor?” Stryker leaned forward and kissed Mardi.
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“I already am.” “Go get them and come straight back.” She giggled as Stryker leapt off the bed, cock bouncing in eagerness as he ran for the door, slamming it behind him. Within a minute he came back and kicked the door open. “I knew that turned you on last time.” Stryker rolled the condom over his straining shaft. “Oh honey you already have me, now get over here.” Mardi spread her legs wide in invitation. Stryker grabbed her ankles again but this time put her legs over his shoulders and penetrated her in one long stroke, then stopped still. “Are you going to move?” “Do you want me to?” “Well I’m not here waiting for a bus mister.” Mardi had the heat she craved now she just needed the friction. “Now move.” As Stryker thrust his cock in and out, he leaned forward and sucked one nipple into his mouth. Mardi cried out as the most incredible wave of pleasure shot through her body. She clutched Stryker to her as the tremors shook through them both. She looked in his eyes and she knew then and there that she was in love.
“Let’s make a deal,” Stryker said the minute he saw Mardi was awake. His hand splayed possessive on her arse and his cock poked into her stomach. It was the perfect way for a man to wake up. The woman in his arms looked at him with suspicion. “We go two weeks without sex. I will court you every day and if you can think of one reason not to marry me then we won’t.” “One reason?” “But it has to be logical.” He could see her minds ticking over with thoughts. “Okay.”
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“And you can’t blow me off because you’re scared.” “I’m not scared. This falling in love thing is weird.” Stryker smiled at her admission. “So you admit you are in love with me?” “I don’t know.” “Yes you do.” Stryker kissed her softly and got up. He knew Mardi was watching him dress with interest. His cock was as hard as a rock but he had made a deal and he would honour it no matter how much he needed to bury himself inside this woman. “Are you going now?” Mardi lay back with hands over her head in naked invitation. “Two weeks without sex remember?” He swallowed hard as he dragged his eyes from her body. “Right. What are you going to do with that?” Mardi pointed to his cock. “Think pure thoughts.” Which meant Stryker had to get out of Mardi’s house now as his thoughts were anything but pure. He pulled up his trousers and pushed his cock inside wincing as he did. “Get prepared for some serious courting Miss Mardi.”
“If you were not a friend I would hate you.” Zipporah smelled the richness of the deep red roses with envy as she sat on Mardi’s desk. “Oh Zipp the last week has been incredible.” Stryker was as good as his word. Each day he courted her with such love and charm that Mardi knew she was hopelessly hooked on him. “Stryker has taken me to lunch every day and we went to the movies and held hands and it was so sweet and romantic. When he walked me to my front door he just kissed me on the cheek.” “I want him,” Zipporah announced teasingly. “You can’t have him, he’s all mine and I intend to keep him.”
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Stryker heard Mardi’s last words as he walked in with a picnic hamper. He smiled softly at her. “I thought we’d go on a picnic for lunch.” “Do you have a brother?” Zipporah looked at Stryker with interest. “Well, I can’t have you as you belong to my friend, so a sibling would be the next best thing.” “Sorry Zipp, they’re all married.” “Bugger.” Zipporah slid off the desk. “I can see you two are all gooey-eyed over each other, so I‘ll leave before I get a sugar overload.” “Come with me on a picnic my lady?” Stryker held his arm out to Mardi. “Oh yes.” Mardi knew she would follow this man anywhere.
“You invite me over for a home cooked meal and you order take-out?” Stryker chuckled as the cartons of Thai food were placed on the table. He looked up at Mardi and he stopped laughing. “You weren’t wearing that when you met me at the door ten minutes ago.” It had been one week and five days and Mardi Keller was so hot and needy for Stryker Reed that she had deliberately set out to seduce him into taking her now and forgetting the extra two days of the two week deal. She had met him at the door in a simple sun dress that happened to conceal the deep pink lace teddy she was wearing now. “There are two days left Mardi.” Mardi sat down on his lap, pleased to know by the feel of his cock prodding her arse he was ready for action. She made sure her barely concealed breasts were bobbing in his face. “It’s only two days.” “No, a deal is a deal.” Stryker dropped his hands to his sides to avoid touching the flesh he desperately wanted to touch.
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“You’re serious?” Mardi could see by the muscle jumping in his jaw that he was. “Well, now I feel stupid.” She blushed and pushed away slightly, turning her head away in embarrassment. She had never tried the seduction thing before and she doubted she would ever do it again if this was what happened. “I’m honoured, Miss Mardi.” Stryker’s eyes were soft on hers. “But you’re not interested.” She slid off his lap. Stryker grabbed her hand and pulled it down to his denim covered cock. “Does that feel like I am not interested,” he asked. “It’s just two more days.” “But I need you now.” Why not be honest. The man had her hook line and sinker. “Miss Mardi, I crave every luscious inch of you but I said two weeks and I meant it. I need you to believe in me— in us.” Mardi sat down on one of her dining room chairs. “Fine…whatever.” It was anything but fine. She needed Stryker with a hunger she wasn’t aware she possessed until now. “After dinner let’s go to bed.” Stryker smiled at the sudden interest in Mardi’s eyes. “I want to fall asleep with you in my arms. Okay?” “Okay.” Yep, I love him.
The next morning Mardi woke up to a wave of sudden panic hitting her. What the hell had she agreed to? She could not possibly agree to marry this man in two days. It was insane! She barely knew Stryker Reed. What if she said yes to marriage and it was a horrible mistake? But then what if she said no and she regretted it for the rest of her life? Did she want to marry Stryker because of excellent sex or did she really love him and want to marry him regardless? Bloody hell I don’t bloody know. Mardi pulled out of Stryker’s arms and headed to the kitchen in search of coffee. She could not think clearly when he held her and she needed a clear head now. She had gone from gob-smacked confusion to lust and now panic with the word marriage and forever flashing like a neon signs in her mind. Marriage was a huge commitment. It was not like
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she wanted to have sex with anyone else, it was just the whole ‘til death do we part thing that she was starting to get her knickers in a twist over. Mardi blew out a frustrated sigh and switched on the coffee maker. She jumped as she felt Stryker slide in behind her. “Morning.” He kissed her neck and looked at her with concern as she pulled away from him. “Are you okay?” “I’m just tried. I didn’t get much sleep last night.” She had actually had the best sleep of her life until she woke up in a panic. “You were snoring your head off in my arms.” “I do not snore and that’s a very ungallant thing to say.” Did she snore? How embarrassing. “What’s up?” Stryker tried to pull her back into his arms. “Nothing, I just need some space and you’re crowding me.” Stryker looked at her puzzled. “You wanted me to crowd you and—let’s not forget—fill you, last night.” “That’s so tacky to mention that now.” Even though it was true Mardi did not need to be reminded how much she physically wanted this man. She had to work out if she loved him for him, or just for sex. “You are just spoiling for a fight aren’t you?” Stryker guessed correctly. “You’re looking for a reason not to marry me.” “I am not,” scoffed Mardi knowing she did not sound like she meant it. “Oh yeah you are.” “I just need some space. You’ve rushed me into this.” This had been the wildest and admittedly best two weeks or her life, but could she build a future on that? “You know, you really didn’t have to go along with me if you didn’t want to.” Stryker crossed his arms over his chest and looked at her knowingly. “You are very pushy.” “I see. I made you lick and suck me all over. I made you beg me to take you.”
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“This is a really inappropriate conversation for breakfast.” “You’re a chicken.” Stryker shook his head. He was one hundred percent correct. “Whatever—I think you should go.” Because I have no idea what I am going to do or say next. “So you’re going into a mood now?” “If I was dumb enough to marry you, you would see once a month what a real mood was.” “At least it would be genuine and not an escape route.” “You know the way out.” “And you know where to find me if you want me Mardi.”
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Chapter Five
Mardi stared at the computer screen. The data normally meant nothing to her as it was just a bunch of figures she keyed in every day and it meant even less today and she did not care if the work got done at all. She had the walkie-talkie tuned to miscellaneous chatter but other than a bunch of truckers swearing and a cafeteria lady flirting with some man on route to deliver paper cups to her, nothing could not take her mind off Stryker and what she should do. Yesterday she had fooled herself into believing she did not need Stryker and that she was okay just the way she was. Celibacy and solitude meant independence and self justification. She had got on fine without him before. Mardi did not need love to find meaning in her life. She was a whole person without a man. “What a load of crap,” Mardi muttered to herself. The bottom line was she needed Stryker Reed in her life. She loved him. Mardi just had to gird her loins and go get her man. “Okay time to stop being a big dummy Mardi Keller,” she told herself out loud as if giving herself confidence that this was the right thing to do. She pushed her chair back and stood up.
The door to Stryker’s office was open. Mardi poked her head inside and saw Stryker sitting at his desk with his foot bandaged and resting on the desk. “What happened?” Mardi asked as she rushed over to him. “Are you okay?” Stryker smiled a soft happy smile of relief. “I twisted my ankle when I was out running.” His eyes trailed over her face and body hungrily. “I was thinking of you and not paying attention to where I was putting my feet and I fell.”
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“So you are trying to blame your clumsiness on me?” Mardi ran her hand lightly along the bandaged foot. “Does it hurt a lot?” “Nothing hurts as much now that you’re here Miss Mardi.” The man was so sweet. Mardi knew in a heartbeat what she needed to do. She walked over to the office door and shut it. She looked at her watch and then at Stryker. “You know we have three hours left until the two weeks are up.” She walked back to where he sat. Mardi lifted up her skirt and slid off her knickers. “What are you doing?” Stryker’s eyes were riveted on Mardi as she swung one leg over and climbed on to his lap. “I’m going to make love you.” The angle he was on made it awkward but nothing a determined woman couldn’t handle. “I also need to show you just how seriously I am going to take the ‘in sickness and health’ marriage vow.” She pulled at his zip and smiled as his cock bounced out to meet her hand. “I am going to make you forget your sore ankle.” She caressed his cock slowly. “I love you Stryker Reed and I will marry you.” “Yes!” Stryker growled out happily. “Are you excited about the fact I love you or that I have your cock in my hand.” Stryker pulled her close to him and kissed her lingeringly. “I always knew you loved me and any time you touch me I’m excited.” He looked over at the door. “Did you lock it?” “Do you care?” Mardi asked as she pulled off her blouse and unsnapped her bra. She needed Stryker’s mouth on her breast. “Not for me but I don’t want anyone looking at my woman naked but me.” Stryker reached over and hit the intercom “Mary absolutely no interruptions and no one to comes into this office until I say.” “You are so commanding. How I love that.” Mardi eyes locked with Stryker’s. “And how I love you.”
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“Stryker and I are getting married,” Mardi announced to her friends as they met for their usual Wednesday lunch at her office. “Twenty dollars please.” True held out her hand to Clementine and Zipporah. “I was right. I said Mardi would get engaged in under thirty days.” “You bet on me?” Mardi wasn’t really surprised. She would have been in on the bet if it had been one of them. “Yep, I had you down forty-five days.” Clementine handed over her twenty dollars. “And I said you’d just live sin.” Zipporah pulled out her wallet and waved a fifty dollar note. “Anyone got change?” “I’ll remember this when you lot fall in love.” Mardi told them pointedly. “Never going to happen,” Zipporah responded. “And I barely have time to spit after work let alone deal with a man.” True found change for a fifty and handed it to Zipporah. “I like being single.” Clementine added. Mardi shook her head at them. She was exactly the same before Stryker. “You’re all pathetic.” “Yet we would love to be bridesmaids as long as it’s not lime green.” “Or yellow as it makes me look sallow.” Stryker walked in and went straight to Mardi. “Thank God you’re here.” She pulled him in close. “Save me from these mad women.” “Anytime, you know that.” Stryker kissed Mardi oblivious to the fact they had an audience watching.
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“Oh jeeze I sense sex in the office. Time for us to go,” Zipporah murmured as she followed Clementine and True outside to office. “And then there were three for lunch.” They headed down toward the Brew-ha-ha. Suddenly Zipporah stopped. The same feeling she had been having on and off all week was back again. She turned and looked behind her and saw him. It was the same man that had been following her for the last couple of days. Short cropped military style hair, tall and lean in faded jeans and a black leather jacket. “Okay who the fuck are you and why are you following me?” Zipporah Scott swung around angrily and faced her stalker. “You are the only one who can see me,” the man replied simply. “Okay so you think you’re invisible and you’ve decided I have some special power to see you.” It had been a long day already. She did not need this crap. “I hate to tell you this mate but you aren’t invisible.” “I’m actually a ghost.” “Sure you are and I am Mary Poppins.” She looked her friends. They turned to look at her but neither of them were looking at him, and he was someone a woman would instantly look at and lust over. “You’re not a bloody ghost.” Zipporah was open minded to most things but ghosts? Come on. “Are you okay Zipp?” True asked looking at her friend “You’re mumbling to yourself. ” Mumbling to myself? Were they blind? How could they not see tall, blond and gorgeous? “I am talking to this nitwit who‘s been following me.” Zipporah pointed at the man before her. “He thinks he’s a ghost.” “We’re starving Zipp. Stop stuffing around.” A cold shiver ran down Zipporah’s spine. Stuffing around? “I told you. No one else can see me but you Zipporah,” the man voice was calm and non threatening. “Oh please. That is a crap pick up line.”
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“It’s truth.” The man lifted his hand and waved at her friends but neither woman acknowledged him. “Okay, if and I mean if I believe you—why me?” “Why you what?” Clementine touched her arm as she came to stand beside her. She was surprised with Zipporah jumped in alarm. “What the hell is wrong with you Zipp?” Zipporah looked from the man to her friend. He smiled a simple smile of I told you so and Clementine looked at her as if she was mad. Zipporah pinched her own arm to check she wasn’t dreaming. “You are awake and I am a ghost,” he confirmed. “Zipp?” Clementine looked at her worriedly. “Are you okay?” Zipporah looked at her friend vaguely. This was crazy. A real life ghost? “Um—yeah sure I’m fine. It’s just this whole camping thing that is making me jumpy.” That, and her invisible friend that no one else could see. Great. She not only had the camping with her niece thing on her mind but now a possible psycho-slash-ghost following her. “It’s only camping.” Clementine shook her head in bemusement. “Yeah well I may catch some ghastly camping disease.” Zipporah turned at the sound of laughter from the man. “Camping disease? Not the outdoorsy type I take it?” “Oh shut up.” “Okay,” responded Clementine in surprise. “No, not you.” Zipporah glared at the man. “I’m sorry I am just on edge Clem.” True stormed up to where they stood. “It’s one weekend in your life for God sake. Get over it!” She pulled Clementine along with her towards the café. “Now bloody hurry up Zipp or we are eating without you.” Zipporah looked at the man—or was he a ghost? “She’s right – get over it. It’s just camping,” he said.
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“Oh bugger off.” Great, instead of an ethereal being she got a mouthy ghost. “What the hell do you want from me?” “I need you to help me,” he said. “How?” Ghost or not, the sudden pain she saw in his eyes alarmed her. “Make me live again Zipporah.”
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About the Author Amarinda Jones believes anything is possible and sometimes just asking for the impossible will surprise someone enough that they will give it to you. Writing is like that. Put it out there and wait for a response. There is always the possibility you may fall on your arse, but after all, that's what cellulite is for. Amarinda believes in taking chances, speaking her mind and aging disgracefully. Twenty years from now she plans on being the neighbourhood witch that all the kids are scared of. But then, everyone has to have a hobby. Email:
[email protected] Amarinda loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.totalebound.com.
Also by Amarinda Jones Lust in Time
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