An Unfamiliar Scene

Chained Melodies:

An Unfamiliar Scene Angelia Whiting and

Tad Daniels

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© copyright Angelia Whiting & Tad Daniels, June 2008 Cover Art by Eliza Black, June 2008 ISBN 978-1-60394-175-4 New Concepts Publishing Lake Park, GA 31636 www.newconceptspublishing.com

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.

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Chapter One Congratulations! This item has successfully ended. “Excellent!” Gabby fell against the back of her computer chair. “Whoa!” The chair overcompensated, tilting quickly back to a forty-five degree angle, causing her arms and legs to reflexively flail as though she was saving herself from falling. Rupert, her fat cat perched atop the chair’s back, propelled himself in a feline leap halfway across the room. It was amazing how gracefully, yet quickly, that cat could move when it was freaked. Gabby’s chair readjusted to its prior homeostatic position and she refocused, smiling at the computer screen. She’d just sold one of her favorite portraits. It was a photo resembling a section of an oil painting of the archangel Gabriel that hung in her grandmother’s living room. She was his namesake, and Gabby had always admired the artwork, too. It portrayed the angel with his mighty wings spread. But it wasn’t Gabriel she had focused in on. Her interest was on the woman he was reaching for. Barely clad except for a silky, green veil that covered her head and most of her face, exposing only bright, emerald eyes, the woman cowered away from the archangel. Gabby had been so intrigued by the mysterious woman that when she had become a photographer, she had decided to create a photograph depicting her. Of course she had embellished it with her own signature elements, but this particular photo wasn’t going to be mass produced for posters and promos and greeting cards, or a hodgepodge of other things. Gabby wanted it to be one of a kind. She’d kept it for ten years, but lately she was beginning to feel as if it should be sold. It was an original after all and now that her name was becoming well known, she thought the photograph could bring a tidy profit. “Three sixteen a.m.?” According to the email, that was when the sale had gone through. “Who the heck stays up that late looking at art?” And wow, the buyer hadn’t even bid on it, but paid the buy now amount. Gabby grinned with satisfaction. That meant she had gotten her asking price. Hopefully it wasn’t an impulse purchase, which often ended with the customer backing out of the deal. There were terms of agreement against that, but Gabby usually let it go because it happened so infrequently. “Well, let’s see who this unique person is that took interest in this particular piece of work.” Unique because it took someone with particular tastes to pay four hundred and fifty dollars for an eleven by fourteen photograph of a nude angel bound with beaded, silk chains. The buyer had to be someone special. She scanned down the email, locating the mailing address and froze. She read it again. It suddenly felt as if her heart went still, and Gabby gulped. The buyer was a soldier stationed in Iraq. Gabby released a steady breath as her heart thumped and then wrenched. She flattened a palm to her chest, imagining the horrors he’d probably witnessed, and stared

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at his name. CMSgt. Erik T. Coldane. A strange sensation that Gabby couldn’t quite identify lurched in her stomach. Her heart went out to him, a total stranger trapped in the machinations of a government that kept sending our youth to war. Gabby leaned back in her chair. This man, whoever he was, might never come home. He could die. What she felt was the urge to comfort him. “Hey, have you seen the key to the shed?” The voice startled her and Gabby jumped. Turning she looked at Matt, who stood in the doorway of her office-slash-studio. She scratched at her temple, her gaze dropping to the floor as she pictured the keys and recalled the jingling sound they made before remembering what she did with them. “I think they’re still in my sweater pocket, the blue one hanging by the side door.” Matt nodded and turned to leave. “Hey, Matt, look at this.” Gabby pointed to the address on the computer screen. Changing directions, Matt turned and then came up behind her. He leaned over her shoulder to see what Gabby was pointing at. “This guy just bought one of my photos. He’s stationed in Iraq, and I feel like I just have to send some extras that he could use. Have any ideas?” Matt seemed to ponder that for a moment before speaking. “Probably wet wipes, mints, chap stick, I guess.” “Those are good ideas.” Gabby picked up a pen, jotting the items down on the pad of paper next to her laptop. Her attention returned to the screen. She heard Matt leaving the room and called out. “What are the kids doing?” He yelled back. “They’re playing in the yard.” While vaguely listening to his footsteps fading in the hallway, Gabby dragged her fingers through her hair, her thoughts turning pensive as she attempted to picture what this guy might be like. “Probably some poor kid who’s homesick as hell.” Her eyes flicked to the rank, CMSgt. “Chief, I think that’s what it stands for, and master.” How long did it take to become a Chief Master Sergeant for the Air Force? Master, she chuckled quietly at the word master. Maybe there was more to his interest in the chained angels than met the eye? Her friend Julie would read into that most certainly. Julie, known as Jewel on the scene, was a slave who lived the BDSM lifestyle. She loved to be chained and spanked. Her tastes were a bit extreme for Gabby, but hey, who was she to judge what other’s deemed pleasurable? Gabby had done a photo-shoot with Julie a few years back, right after she had moved from Philadelphia to the outskirts of Charlotte, North Carolina. Jewel had been a natural. Dressed like an angel of course, minus the dress, she had worn only gold metal wings and gold metal chains wrapped around her body. That was the first time they had met, and Gabby had been intrigued by Jewel’s candidness about her lifestyle preferences. It was certainly an educational eye-opener for Gabby if nothing else, though Gabby could never see herself engaging in those practices. Nevertheless they had hit it off, she and Jewel becoming great friends. Their contact was mostly by phone since Jewel lived in

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Rock Hill, which was about forty-five minutes away, though they did manage to get together for dinner or drinks on occasion. On a heavy exhale, Gabby leaned back in her chair and swiveled from side to side. “I have no idea what kind of box should be used to mail things to the Middle East. There might be regulations about those things.” Gabby looked down when the cat mewed. Rupert was back and he was pawing at her thigh, requesting permission to jump into her lap. “Hey Rupert.” Drawing up her legs, Gabby tucked them beneath her, tailor sitting in her chair. She snapped her fingers twice and the cat leapt up, pranced a bit before curling into a ball atop her thighs. Immediately, he began purring. Gabby lazily scratched his head, though her attention was focused directly on her computer. With her other hand she dragged the mouse, pointing the arrow to the toolbar at the top of the email screen and clicked on reply. She then began to type. Hello Erik Coledane, Thank you for your purchase. I was wondering what kind of package I should send it in? I’m not sure of the regulations. Gabby went still, her thoughts remaining on the soldier. The email she was about to send was going half way around the world to a war zone, to a place where Americans died every day for the sake of peace and freedom. A pang squeezed in her chest, and Gabby felt her eyes water. Damn if she didn’t feel like crying. Leaning forward she brought her fingers to the keyboard and typed a little more. Oh and by the way, be careful out there.

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Chapter Two Chief Master Sergeant Erik T. Coldane, better known as ‘Cole’ by his large circle of friends, and by other names in his more private arenas, sat back in the chair at the desk of his office. It was located in the southeast corner of the headquarters building at Samarra Air Base, Iraq. He tapped his pencil on the desk a couple of times, quietly humming a tune. He’d received the package with the photo he had bought and thought it quite beautiful. Elegantly placed in a custom, cherry wood frame, it was worth every penny. There was something else, however. When she wrote to ask what kind of package it should be sent in, her email, although short and to the point touched him deeply—four simple words, be careful out there, spoke volumes of kindness and concern. Cole could almost hear her voice in them, soft and gentle and giving. When the package had arrived he was floored. Not only did it contain the picture, but the photographer’s signature was on it. He knew it was an original, one of a kind, but hadn’t realized he’d bought a signed piece. More than that however, there was a message on the back, a heartfelt message thanking him for risking his life for the sake of freedom. It didn’t take him long to realize that the photo he’d bought was sent directly from the artist. There was more. Inside the box were other things, several packs of gum, lip balm, wet wipes and some magazines to read. She’d even written a note apologizing if he didn’t happen to like those things and that maybe someone else could use them. Apologizing, for being incredibly caring? Cole knew immediately that he had to meet this woman. He brought up his email and started to type. Hello Gabrielle. The package arrived safe and sound. Thank you so much for the extras you put in there. I can’t tell you how much that surprised me and how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness. You must be a very sweet lady. Unexpected excitement filled him. Would she respond? He hoped she would. He was sure she would somehow. As strange as it might seem Cole felt an instantaneous connection to her, as if he already knew her. Thoughts of the sexy angel in the photograph filled his mind. Opening his desk drawer, Cole slipped the canvas covering down the frame of the photograph. It was a portrait of an Iraqi girl, her head and facial features covered in a silky emerald veil with nothing but her eyes exposed. And damn, her eyes, they were a bright, bright green, invitingly provocative. She was stretched out over feathery white wings that extended from her shoulders and ran the length of her body, ending near her feet. She was lying in desert dry sand, and the entire photo was illuminated by lighting that made it appear as though she was beneath a deep red sun. The model’s naked body was modestly exposed with her torso covered by an angular sweep of the veil that spread over her left shoulder and across her body where it flowed over her right hip. Nipples of moderately sized breasts peeked through and there was a hint of areola. A triangular shadow, created by the play of light, appeared where the sheet covered her at the thighs, mimicking the shape

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of what was hidden beneath. It was tastefully sexual and to Cole intriguingly arousing. If he got caught with this while on duty, he would be in deep doodoo. At the moment, however, he didn’t care. He just hadn’t wanted to leave his newly acquired possession in his room, so he had brought it with him to work. Cole groaned inwardly as he stared at the photo. “Exquisite.” He scanned the body of the beautiful woman, his gaze lingering on the beaded rope that knotted around her wrists and ankles, tying her limbs together—an angel in bondage. His cock stirred. Yet, it wasn’t only because of the model. It was thoughts of the photographer that aroused him, as well. This work of art was a moment frozen in time. By way of a camera lens he was seeing it through Gabrielle Hunter’s eyes. She had to be an extraordinary woman to envision such beautiful creations. Carefully, Cole slipped the covering back into place and closed his desk drawer, safely hiding the gift he’d given himself. His hand went to the computer mouse to send the email. He clicked the send button and off it went, delivered half-way across the world, dropping into Gabrielle’s email within an instant. “That’s it, perfect, Donna.” Gabby snapped the picture. She heard her inbox chirp. “That’s the last one.” Her angel of the week was a sultry brunette lying on a billowing cushion resembling a cloud. Though she was completely nude, the picture was in profile with the model face down. She wore leather wrist cuffs and a leather gag, her hair a sexy mess around her head that revealed stunning baby blue eyes that gaped through the strands and straight at the camera. They expressed a sensual fear. This model was a good one. Slipping the camera strap from around her neck, Gabby set the camera on top of her desk and sat down. She clicked up her email and then hit get messages. She was expecting a new contract on a recent sale of her latest greeting card collection, Demons in Angel Disguise. It wasn’t what she got. “Night, Gabby.” Donna said from behind her. “Dominatrix angel tomorrow, Donna.” “Okay. I’ll arrive bright and early with my can’t wait-to-whup-your-ass attitude.” “Have a good night.” Gabby chuckled quietly at the comment. She didn’t turn around, however. Instead, she stared at the email. It was from that soldier. The package to Iraq had arrived more quickly than she had thought it would get there. He was writing to thank her for the extras she had sent. Gabby smiled. The soldier said she was sweet. “Five days. That’s impressive.” She had thought it would take much longer. It made her feel good to know that delivery of mail and packages to the soldiers in the Middle East was at least something the government was accomplishing in a timely manner. You’re welcome, Gabby typed. I hope everything arrived in one piece. Picking up her USB cord, one end already attached to her computer, she took the other end and plugged it into her camera. Her eyes went to the clock. It was four thirty. She had time to sort through her work for the day, and maybe get some refinishing done as well before dinner. After bringing up the photo-editor program, Gabby waited for her

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pictures to upload. Her gaze flickered to her studio window in time to see the kids run by. Eleven year old, Briel, was giggling as her nine year sister, Ariela chased her. They were such well-adjusted children. Incoming mail alerted. “Maybe this is the contract.” Gabby checked the email. Everything arrived in perfect condition. I have to tell you. I thought a lot about you when you emailed me back and asked me about the package and how it should be wrapped. When it arrived and I saw what you sent, I was so moved by it. You are a special lady, Gabrielle. You have a gigantic heart. “Okay, guess he’s live on the other end.” Gabby was a little surprised he had wrote again so soon. “Shoot I was hoping it was the contract.” Well thanks, Erik. I just wish there was more I could be doing. I was wondering why you were up so late. After Gabby had sent the message she realized the question would likely prompt him to answer. She needed to find a way to end the back and forth exchange or this could go on forever. That mistake had been made with a couple of admirers of her photographs in the past, and after a couple of days of emailing they had thought she was their best friend. Gabby began to examine the photos now appearing in her easy share album. Sure enough within a couple of minutes another email arrived. Of course Gabby read it right away. She was an email junkie. I work from midnight until noon Monday to Saturday. We are eight hours ahead of you so I actually work from sixteen hundred to zero four hundred. I like your name. It reminds of the angel Gabriel. Is the fact that your photos are of angels a coincidence? I’m named after my grandfather. He died ten years ago. He was a good man, and I miss him a lot. You can call me Cole. That’s what all of my friends call me. “Here we go.” With a grin, Gabby sent another email. In that case, I’ll call you Erik. Before sending the email, Gabby inserted a smiley face and the abbreviation for just kidding, and she also told him to call her, Gabby. Plus she added. And as to your question, yes my name has everything to do with the archangel Gabriel. As far back as we can trace, which is a couple of centuries, all of the females in my family have been named after angels. Quirky thing I guess. The males aren’t. You probably think that is completely weird. Okay. It appeared she was striking up conversation with this guy. What the hell? He was stationed in the Middle East, a long way from home. He was probably lonely and just needed a friendly ear. She could do that. Eventually he would stop writing. Guys were like that. They lost interest quickly when it came to casual chat. Incoming mail chimed. Gabby’s brow lifted. “Well, I guess he hasn’t lost interest quite yet.” You’re too cute. And no, that’s not weird about the angels at all. I think it’s awesome that you have a connection with your family like that. You must come from a good family. I have a good family I suppose. My mom and dad are very active in the community back home. I also have two sisters and two brothers and five nieces and nephews. We’re very close and see each other often so I guess I’m lucky that way. I’ll tell you more about them another time. Before Gabby could respond, another email arrived from Erik. This one

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contained a picture of him, and explained that it was taken while he was training in Florida earlier in the year. He was sitting at a table of what appeared to be a restaurant. There were two people on his left and two on his right. Surprisingly, where Gabby had expected a youngster, he didn’t appear to be more than five or six years younger than she was. “Nice smile, sharp dresser.” Gabby examined Erik’s picture. He was wearing a crisp, black shirt and a pattered, black and turquoise, satin tie. “He’s cute. Nice eyes, too.” They were a deep brown and expressive, reflecting the smile on his lips. There seemed to be a softness behind them that Gabby wouldn’t have expected from someone who’d seen combat. “Now don’t go reading into things, Gabby,” she scolded herself and then typed her next note. Very nice, Erik. Now I have a handsome face to go with the letters. I like your tie. Life was probably bleak for him at the moment, and Gabby hoped the compliment made him feel good. His response came quickly. So do you have any pictures of you to send me? I have a strong feeling about this, Gabby. I think we’re going to be great friends. Hey are you married? When I received your email back asking me how I wanted the package wrapped and shipped, I really was moved and felt something in that email. Even with you just saying for me to be careful and then when I received the package—it’s the first and only package I’ve received while I’ve been here—and you put the note and the other items in it, I knew that to take the time out of your busy schedule to put together a care package for someone you didn’t even know, there was something special about you. I just knew you were MY ANGEL.

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Chapter Three “Whoa buddy.” Gabrielle was taken aback. This was starting to drift into her personal arena. Erik was flirting with her. His angel? He didn’t even know her. The guy had been in the desert too long. Isolation and loneliness, that’s what it had to be. She knew it wasn’t unusual for soldiers to become attached to people quickly during war time, something for them to hang on to, a reason to come home, something to live for. A frown creased Gabby’s forehead. “My God, didn’t anyone care about him?” How could her package be the only one he’d received? “How terrible.” Nipping at her bottom lip, Gabby considered how much of her personal life she should tell him. After all, he was a stranger despite her knowing his real name and where he was located. If he became too forward, and Gabby couldn’t shake him, she’d report him, and he’d get into a lot of trouble. Surely he knew that. Maybe he didn’t care. “Okay, Gabby. Choose your words carefully.” She typed her reply. Well, I have to first tell you, I’m probably old enough to be your mother, Erik. I’m thirty-five. Even if Gabby had an interest, there would be no war time romances for her. Particularly with a stranger she had met on the internet. Gabby wasn’t foolish. How could she reply and let him down easily without making him feel badly? Just in case he was really a nice guy, that is, which she suspected he was. After thinking about it further, Gabby added. I was married eleven years ago. You might say I found my happily ever after. She clicked send. “There. That should discourage him.” Oddly, no red flags were going up, but Gabby most certainly had no desire to lead the guy on. She just wasn’t available, plain and simple. Gabby’s attention went to the clock. “Shit.” It was five-thirty. She’d been emailing the soldier for an hour. Though Gabby did manage to sort through some of the shots she’d taken and choose some of the better ones, not much more than that was accomplished. Thank goodness it was Matt’s turn to cook dinner. Otherwise dinner would’ve been late. After shutting down her browser, Gabby stood. She arched her back and stretched out her arms to loosens the muscles that had stiffened from sitting for so long. She then headed for the kitchen. On her way down the hallway, Gabby couldn’t help but smile. There was something about Erik Coledane that touched her. He wasn’t just an unknown soldier anymore. He was a real human with a real face. She liked his face. And though they’d only conversed briefly, she liked him. Gabby didn’t really believe he was a threat. He seemed so easy to talk to also. There was something genuine about him, sincere, and she was unable to explain why, but she felt a connection to him. “Maybe it’s the uniform,” Gabby mumbled. She’d always been a sucker for men in uniforms. “What uniform?” Matt was pouring milk for the girls but glancing at her. The

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plates of food had already been set around the table. “Uh.” Gabby took her usual seat at the end, quickly thinking of an explanation. “Just a topic for a shoot I’m considering.” “Briel called me a shit head when we were in the yard.” Ariela pushed at the peas on her plate with a spoon. “Yuck.” Briel retaliated. “She’s lying.” “Enough girls.” Matt cut into his pork chop and lifted the chunk to his mouth. He looked at Gabby and shook his head as he took a bite. “Did you call your sister a bad name, Briel?” Gabby asked the eleven year old. “I don’t remember.” “How can you not remember something that happened just a short while ago?” “I dunno,” she answered. “But I did.” “Well, I think you’re fibbing.” “No, I’m not! I really did forget,” Briel shrieked and then she seemed to think about that for a bit. “My memory banks are out of batteries.” Gabrielle and Matt glanced at each other, both attempting to conceal their smiles. The girls were a handful, but good kids nonetheless. Sibling rivalry was normal. “Well put some batteries back into your memory banks and try to remember what happens to little girls with potty mouths,” Matt warned. Ariela took the opportunity to harass her older sister. “Briel’s gonna eat soap. Briel’s going to eat soap.” “Shut up poop face!” “I said, that’s enough.” Matt gave them both stern looks. “Eat or no story tonight.” The girls loved story time, and the threat of losing it was enough to calm them down. They both quietly began eating, though Gabby suspected that, by the sidelong evil looks Briel and Ariela exchanged, they were probably kicking each other under the table. “Can you stay with the kids this weekend?” Matt asked Gabrielle. “I want to go to Rock Hill Friday to Saturday.” “Another get together?” Gabrielle asked. Matt merely nodded and Gabby shrugged. “Yah, sure. It’s not like I have any plans.” Taking a bite of her mashed potatoes, Gabrielle let the fork linger between her lips. With the exception of her photography, which for the past eight years was the only thing keeping her occupied, loneliness was consuming her life. Still she was numb to do anything about it. “Go with me?” Matt suggested. “We’ll find someone to watch the kids.” Gabby didn’t answer. Instead, she slipped the fork from her mouth and dragged the tines back and forth, creating parallel lines in her potatoes. “Can I go, Daddy?” Ariela asked. “Not this time baby girl.” Matt glanced at his daughter and then returned his attention to Gabrielle. “Gabby, you rarely leave the house. You can’t stay holed up .…” “Forget it Matt,” Gabrielle answered more firmly. Matt enjoyed his play parties, but Gabrielle just couldn’t imagine putting herself into that scene. She barely wanted to socialize at all. Looking up she smiled sadly. “Not into it.”

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“Your photographs say otherwise sweetie.” Gabrielle chuckled quietly and shook her head. “Just tell Julie I said hello and I’ll call her soon.” At the mention of her photos Gabby’s thoughts drifted to Sergeant Coldane— Erik. When Matt announced he would get the girls ready for bed if she would clean the kitchen, Gabby was grateful. No problem. It would be quicker than attending to the girl’s needs. Not that she didn’t love them to death, but baths, hair washing and braiding, supervision during teeth brushing and the bed time chats and stories would take the rest of the evening. Gabby, though unable to explain it, was anxious to get back to her computer to check her email. Had he written back or had he dropped the conversation because of her declaration of marriage? Gabby stood and began clearing the table while Matt and the girls left the kitchen. She made quick work of cleaning up and then stopped in the girls’ bedrooms to kiss them goodnight before heading to the rear of the house and back to her studio. “This is ridiculous.” Gabby balked at the computer screen. “Why do I feel a nervous anticipation?” Was she hoping he had responded or was she hoping he hadn’t? When Gabby brought up her email and saw not just one but two notes from him, her heart punched a couple of beats, her chest squeezed, and she began to breathe rapidly. It wasn’t too difficult to interpret the reaction. She was definitely pleased. I have to admit I’m a little disappointed, his first letter began. I thought maybe it was fate and maybe you were my dream girl. How romantic would that be to have met this way? Yes, I’m a very romantic person who enjoys doing romantic things, dinner by candlelight, making love on the beach. Strolling along the Reine in Paris with someone I care about, holding hands, is one of my favorite things to do. Have you ever been there? I’ve been there many times. It’s one of my favorite places to visit. Now don’t get me wrong. I think its great you’ve been married for eleven years. My parents have been married for thirty-eight years. I admire people like them and you, who have found the right person and have been able to make a marriage work. That’s an awesome thing, and I would never do anything to come between you and your husband. I’m just not like that. But I learned long ago, if you hold back from saying what you’re feeling or thinking you’ll kick yourself in the back side and wish you had. So I don’t hold back. I’ve nipped the ‘what if’ in the butt. You are very intriguing and I’d like to know you more. That’s why I asked. If I had left you alone and just accepted the portrait you mailed me then you would never have known my thoughts. “Oh,” Gabby murmured at the letter. If it was possible to feel warmth and gentleness in words, she most certainly was experiencing it. Her heart rate accelerated. Was he for real? There was no doubt this guy was having an affect on her both physically and mentally, though Gabby couldn’t say why. They’d only exchanged a few letters. At the least, her curiosity about him was piqued. He intrigued her, as well. She opened the second email. By the way, I’m thirty-seven so you’re absolutely not old enough to be my mother. I’ll look for more pictures of me before my shift tomorrow. Send me some pictures of you, any pictures. I would like to attach a face to the emails, too.

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A shrewd smile formed on Gabby’s lips. If only you knew. She responded back and told him she would look for some, but really had no intention. Gabby was still wary. Having received the package with her return address on it, Erik already had her full name and where she lived. Likewise, she also knew his real name and where he was stationed, meaning that, in and of itself, that was a good reason to believe his intentions were harmless. And it wasn’t as if he was stalking her through some chat room or online group. Their meeting was by an unusual and incidental circumstance. Still, in her line of work, and particularly with the genre of her art, Gabby attracted a lot of kooks. It was in her best interest to always proceed with caution. One never knew when some crazy admirer would show up at her doorstep, and the last thing she wanted was to put Matt or the girls in danger. Aside from all of that, giving Erik a picture of herself was like taking this exchange of theirs to the next level, and Gabby wanted him to understand that she was just not available. Remaining aloof with him was the best option. Over the next few hours, her plan failed miserably. They continued to exchange messages, each learning more and more about the other, although he told her more about his life than she revealed about hers. As the night moved forward, Gabby was becoming more and more relaxed. At one point he had Gabby laughing out loud and she realized her cheek muscles hurt from smiling all evening. Ask me anything, he told her. I have nothing to hide. Gabby believed him. And it was a good thing, too, because she discovered rather quickly that in the United States, Erik was stationed at Irmo Air Force Base, and he lived just outside of Columbia, South Carolina. It was a couple hours drive from her. If they should decide to meet, the trip was definitely doable. Not that she was considering it, though he seemed to be. Erik was already insisting on meeting her for coffee sometime in the future, once his deployment ended and he returned home. Don’t tell me no, my angel Gabrielle, because I am coming to meet you, and you can’t stop me. Okay, she wrote back, befuddled by her reply when she really meant to tell him no. Gabby wasn’t even sure if she really wanted to meet him in person. The idea of it left her a bit panicky and breathless. “Are you off your rocker, Gabby?” she scolded herself aloud. This was something she was adamant about never doing—becoming acquainted with someone over the internet. “You’ve been sniffing too many photo chemicals letting him think it was perfectly alright to meet. Oh, but wait! You don’t use a darkroom, fool. Your camera is digital.” Strangely, Gabby felt as if she’d known Erik Coledane for months already. But they hadn’t even known each other for twenty-four hours. “This is nuts.” The email alert chinked again. Of course Gabby knew who it was. They were exchanging notes at a rate of every two to ten minutes now, depending on how long the letter was. Every time she saw that the sender was Erik, her stomach did a little twist, and her breathing quickened. Her contract arrived, an email from her mother in California, several fan letters, but Gabby ignored them, focusing almost hypnotically on Erik instead. This is nuts, angel. I was just sitting here thinking about you, and it feels like I’ve

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known you for months. My head is spinning right now. I’m on cloud nine and feeling so lucky that we’ve been brought together for whatever reason. Gabby blinked, and she didn’t realize she was holding her breath until her head started spinning. She and Erik were most definitely on the same spiraling, wave length. She continued to read, trying to ignore the swarm of butterflies fluttering around in her stomach. Do you have any sisters out there who are just like you? Erik asked. I’m only asking because you’re married and I can’t have you. I’m just a nice guy who wants to be happy, to be able to treat a woman the way she deserves to be treated, with respect and kindness, courtesy and tenderness. All I want is someone I can hold, and adore, and love for the rest of my life. The only thing I would expect from her is to treat me the same way. Hey, maybe that’s why we’ve met, so you can help me find that special woman? Gabby’s breathing went erratic. She attempted to force air into her tightened chest. What the hell was happening? Was she having an anxiety attack? “Oh my gawd!” Erik Coledane was literally taking her breath away. It would be great to see you find your happily-ever-after, Erik. Gabby already knew he had two failed marriages, and though he didn’t explain it in detail, from what Erik said, he’d been burned very badly. If that’s why I’m in your life then sure, maybe I can help you find true love. After sending the email, Gabby gawked at the screen. She was completely absorbed in a different world this evening. One owned by a soldier she’d only just met and who was on the other side of the earth right now. Gabby was in awe of how taken she was by him, how sincere and kind he appeared to be. As strange as it might seem, she could almost feel his warmth radiating from his emails. Her inbox signaled again, startling Gabby, and she jumped. Of course it was Erik. You are such a sweetheart. You’ve turned my world upside down this evening, Gabby. Since you can’t be my real life mate, I know you must be my soul mate. Do you know what that is? A soul mate is always in your heart and always there for you even when not there in flesh, just like we are right now. You’ve come into my life for a reason, my angel. I can feel it. “Your soul mate.” Gabby pressed a palm to her sternum, her brow furling as she pondered that. What was that supposed to feel like? Wholeheartedly, Gabby believed that people could be kindred spirits. Perhaps that was why she had felt such an instantaneous connection with him. She continued to read. You know what I want in a woman? I want someone to love me the way I love her, with honesty and sincerity. She has to be completely dedicated to me and to me only. My first wife screwed around in my absence, but I don’t want to talk about that. I’m having too good of a time with you to start opening up old wounds. Do you know somebody out there who would be right for me, Gabrielle? I would treat her like the finest crystal from Prague. I would treat you like the finest crystal from Prague because you deserve it. I love crystal from Prague so don’t take that comment lightly. Wow. Gabby’s fingers worked at the keyboard. She was a little overcome but very enchanted, as well. It was as if she was drugged or something, and as unnerving as

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it seemed, she probably was. She was getting high on an Iraqi soldier by the name of Erik T. Coledane. I think I’m in love with you, Erik. When she sent the message, it really was meant to be more humorous than truth, though it was the old adage that truth is often spoken in jest. But still, Gabby thought Erik would at least take it with amusement. Until he replied back. I’m pretty crazy about you, too, girl. A lightness swept through Gabby as she reread the words. If she was on her feet instead of sitting, then it was likely she would topple over, she felt so faint. As it was, Gabby was already clinging to the arms of her desk chair to steady herself. This was incredible, and it wasn’t happening. It just wasn’t. He couldn’t feel that way so quickly. Guys just didn’t do those things. Gabby became acutely aware that her respirations were close to a pant. She sucked in a deep breath, her lungs thanking her for the intake of air. You’re stealing my breath, Erik. I can’t breathe. Breathe baby! Or I might just have to fly there and breathe for you. Images of his mouth on hers jammed her brain, bottlenecking any rational thoughts. Unconsciously, she touched her tingling lips with the tips of her fingers. A long-dormant sensation stirred low in her abdomen, a feeling she had thought was gone forever. This is happening way too fast, Erik. We just met. Gabby hit send. Erik’s reply came within seconds. You’re rocking my world, too, my angel. I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable, and I’m certainly not pressuring you, but it’s happening, so let’s go with it. We’re absorbing each other’s essence. We’re bonding though we’re seven thousand miles away from each other. That’s a soul mate, sweetheart. Just think, after we meet and have dinner and drinks, or just coffee, after we’ve had time to talk face to face, then our souls will never be separated again. He had to be kidding, though Gabby’s rapid breathing was far from agreeing that he was. My lord! She was having trouble breathing. Finally able to force in the deep breath she’d been struggling for, Gabby held it. The air hitched as she attempted to release it. Her heart beat so hard and powerfully, she thought it would bust right through her rib cage and plaster itself all over her computer screen—all over his letter. Gabby shook her head from side to side in vehement denial, but deep, deep inside she felt delighted at his proclamation. Barely had the thought escaped when he emailed again. Sweetheart, my shift is ending in a couple of hours, and I need to go out to the flight line for a bit. I appreciate your keeping me company but you really need to go to bed now or you’ll be too tired to talk to me tomorrow … grin. Gabby’s eyes flicked to the clock. “One forty-five, wow.” She’d become so absorbed by the back and forth conversation she had completely lost track of time. It warmed her that Erik had shown concern for her well-being, even if he had said it was so she would have the energy to talk to him again tomorrow. Gabby sighed. He was so light-hearted and easy going. Moreover, she was excited that he wanted to talk to her again. What a wonderful and caring man he must be. The attention he was giving her wasn’t so bad either.

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Yes, it is late, Gabby yawned as she typed. The girls were going to be up early for school, and she definitely needed to get to sleep if she expected to function with two very active, morning driven children. I’ll say goodnight then. Goodnight my angel Gabrielle. Dream of me. On a strenuous inhale and an equally strenuous exhale, Gabby turned off her computer and stood. Half in a daze, she made her way to the bedroom just off her studio. She didn’t bother to remove her clothes. The last thought before her eyes fluttered shut was of a soldier stationed half way around the world. Erik Thaddeus Coledane was taking up residence in her heart and her mind. And Gabby was utterly infatuated with him, maybe even a little more, and in a matter of only a few hours. Yet nonetheless, there it was. The whole thing seemed so crazy. Love at first sight was one thing, but love at first write?

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Chapter Four Erik rapped his pencil on the desk top. He’d just returned from the flight line, completing the necessary safety inspections before the end of his shift. Nothing was going to spontaneously combust tonight as far as he could see. Except for his libido, maybe. Pulling open the drawer in his desk, Erik uncovered the photograph. The model had an incredible body, lean and toned, though she didn’t seem particularly tall. Still her shape was feminine with all the curves in the right places. It was her eyes that captivated him the most—the window to the soul, so it was said. Her bright, green eyes were what had caught his attention at first. They were alluring, almost begging, as if seeking some great, great gratification or maybe some kind of fulfillment that was lost. They were beautiful. “What do your eyes look like Miss Gabrielle Hunter?” Erik hoped she would send some pictures soon. “Will I see into your soul?” After their solid and continuous emailing this evening, it felt as if he’d already had at least a glimpse. Erik wasn’t one to hold back his thoughts and feelings and tonight, he most certainly hadn’t. She was, though. He sensed that Gabby was holding back a lot, and there was nothing more Erik wanted than to have her trust him and open up to him. As quickly as it had all happened, he truly wanted to build on their friendship if nothing more than that. He was so excited and fascinated by her, he didn’t want to let her go. Leaning back in his chair, Erik rubbed his chin. His twelve hour shift ended in fifteen minutes, but there was more he wanted to say to Gabrielle Hunter before turning in for the night, or more appropriately, day since it was almost twelve noon. He had time to compose one more letter. For a moment, Erik thought about what he wanted to say, and then he began to type. Good morning, angel. I just wanted to let you know I enjoyed your company last night. I realize after eleven years you must truly love your husband very much, and I would never want him to be upset with you or me about anything we would say or do so if you want to slow this down I will, too. That doesn’t mean we can’t stay friends, but I want you to feel good about yourself and feel good about your marriage. I feel as though I’m putting you into a situation and I’m so sorry. It’s not fair I know .… Leaning back in his chair, Erik reread what he’d written so far. “Well maybe I’m not sorry for attracting your undivided attention, but for now, I don’t think I’ll mention that Gabrielle Hunter.” There was no denying that the woman was arousing him beyond comprehension, but he had to hold back. He couldn’t remember the last time he had such a hard-on for a woman. Literally, Erik’s shaft was so stiff, he was having problems shifting in his chair. But it wasn’t just sexual. His heart raced every time he thought about Gabby and what a

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wonderful lady she was. That brought a frown to Erik’s face. She was happily married and off limits. Erik considered that for a moment. Why was a happily married woman giving him her undivided attention? After a long pause, he reached for the phone, intending to call a friend in the states who owed him, someone who might be able to help him with information about Mrs. Gabrielle Hunter. But Erik hesitated, realizing it was four in the morning back in the states. “I think Jack would be a little pissed if I called him at o-four hundred.” Erik set the phone back in its cradle. “Maybe I’ll wait a couple of days and see what happens with Gabby, first.” “Hey Cole,” Lifting his head slightly, Erik looked over the top of the computer screen and toward the Staff Sergeant standing in the doorway of his office. “What’s up, Doogie?” Sergeant Douglas Owens indicated the clock. “I’m outta here. How ‘bout you?” “Yah, in a minute,” Erik answered. “Just finishing up some paperwork.” “Alrighty then, sarge, see you at o-twelve hundred.” “Have a good one.” Now, where was he? Erik stretched out his arms and yawned. Maybe he should just go get some sleep and do this later? They had had eight mortar attacks during the night, and stress levels, including his, were a bit high from hitting the deck for two solid hours. Gabby had kept him occupied through most of it, and Erik was thankful the computers hadn’t crashed so he could keep in constant communication with her. The woman had a tranquilizing affect on his nerves, though she didn’t even know it, but Erik loved her for that. It made him wonder why the hell he was about to sign to stay in this God forsaken place for another three months. Money. If Erik could keep himself from getting killed or losing a limb or an eye, another three months of hazard pay would be enough to cover his debts for a year. That was the bottom line. He had child support payments to make to his first wife for his two boys, and then more support to the surprise child who had turned up four years ago, the result of a one-night fling. Steven was already seven years old when his mother, Barbara, had had papers served forcing Erik to take a paternity test. The results? As fitting as Clinton reigning between two bushes, the results proved Erik was the father. Erik was positive Barbara had poked a hole in the rubber they used because he knew the fucking thing hadn’t broken or leaked. But, whatever, you have to roll with life’s punches, he supposed. “I do love my children, Gabby.” Erik spoke the words quietly as he typed the same sentiment. “They’re my life, and I try to see them as often as I can. My two oldest boys live in Tampa with their mother. Steven is about forty-five minutes from me so I see him more often.” Don’t get me wrong about the pay. It’s not the only reason I’m here. I love my job and I love the Air Force. You’ll never find a larger, cohesive group of people. We truly all care about each other and look out for each other, like family .… Erik examined the words in the letter he’d composed so far. Why he was spilling his guts to Gabby, he couldn’t even surmise. All Erik knew was that he was compelled to be open and honest with her about his screwed up life. It didn’t matter that they’d only

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met. He sensed that Gabrielle Hunter would be a true, blue friend, the kind that would know all about him and still care for him anyway—a friend who wouldn’t judge him. He needed that type of friend in his life now. He needed Gabrielle Hunter. …Anyway, back to me personally. Corinne was my second wife who I was married to for six years. It’s very difficult to think about her so I guess I’ll tell you more about her next time I talk to you. Have a good day and I’m looking forward to talking to you later, sweetheart .… Cole Cole. Gabby stared at the letter after reading it. She liked his real name better. Calling him by a military nick name felt too impersonal. “Well, I don’t know what the hell I want to be to you Sergeant Coledane, but what I do feel is more than just .…” A horn honked. “Oh shit!” Forgetting the thought, Gabby ran from her studio. “Girls! Grab your backpacks, the bus .…” It was too late. The bus was already down the block by the time Gabby had ushered the children through the door. Ariela was in tears. “I’ve never missed the bus before.” God! How could she have been so distracted by this guy that she had actually forgotten the kids? “Honey, no big deal.” She attempted to soothe Ariela, but the guilt was tremendous. The child prided herself with always being on time. Here it was the last day of school, and Gabby had messed things up for her. “I’ll drive you. Things happen. I’m so sorry honey. I’ll make it up to you.” “Hey, what’s going on?” Donna yelled from her open window as she pulled up the drive. “We missed the bus,” Briel answered. “And Ariela is being a big baby.” “Alright, enough. Just get in the car.” Gabby took a deep breath. Her chest was tight and her stomach was flipping all over the place. It was him. He was doing this to her. The sentiments were quickly replaced with astonishment when Donna got out of the car. “Oh lord almighty!” “Wow!” Briel exclaimed. Gabby put her hands over the girl’s eyes and pulled their heads tightly against her body in an attempt to obscure their vision. Donna was scantily dressed in a black leather thong and black, fish-net, thigh highs. Her feet were clad in four inch, spiked highheeled, platform shoes, and she held a riding crop in her hand. Well, at least the black leather halter was decent. Sort of. On a closer examination Gabby grimaced at the swell of boobs spilling out of the sides of the tiny top. Geez Louise! Were her nipples sticking out? “Is Miss Donna going swimming in the pond?” Ariela asked, attempting to break free of the hand that firmly held her. “Can I get an outfit like that?” Briel had already broken free, and Gabby didn’t like the admiring expression on her face as she gazed at the get-up Donna was wearing. “Thought the girls would be gone by now.” Donna’s nonchalant shrug was accompanied by a grin. “Well then, I guess I’ll just go inside and don my black wings.” “Wings?” Ariela was now free. She tipped her head askew, her brows raised,

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staring at Donna’s g-strapped, jiggling butt as the model headed toward the house. “Oh that’s for your pictures right?” On a groan, Gabrielle dropped her face into the palms of her hands. So much for discretion. Matt was going to kill her. “Never mind. Just get into the car.” The school was only six miles away, and the girls chattered the entire distance. Gabby offered the typical uh-huhs and fake, mommy nods pretending to be listening, hoping they weren’t telling her they were doing drugs or thinking about having sex, or anything of the sort because her mind was far, far away. Dream about me, he’d said. And she had. Her sleep was filled with dreams of Erik Coledane, dreams that lingered, becoming day thoughts that accompanied her throughout the morning and afternoon and even as Gabby attempted to work in her studio. “Hello? Gabby.” “Wha .…” “That faraway look on your face.” Donna snorted. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were thinking about a man, or at least a stiff cock.” Gabby felt the color drain from her face. She was thinking about a man. Hell, was she thinking about his cock, too? What the frig. It didn’t take much deduction for Gabby to recognize she was completely absorbed with thoughts of Erik. Ignoring the comment, Gabby framed Donna in the lens of her camera. “Tilt your head to the right a bit.” “Like this?” “Hold it. Now snarl.” Gabby clicked the shutter. She’d written Erik a letter this morning. That was one of the reasons she had been so distracted earlier. It was the reason she was so distracted now. The letter was suggestive. Gabby revealed that she found him stimulating. She didn’t say sexually, but the overtones were there nonetheless. Regret at being so forward was bothering her. He would probably think she was a fool. It wasn’t far from the truth. Gabby felt very foolish. “Gabby … Gabby? Gabby!” “What?” Gabrielle’s voice sounded unintentionally irritated. “I think somebody has her period.” Hands on hips, Donna feigned annoyance. “Either that or you need to get laid.” “Oh shut up, Donna!” Squeezing her lids shut at the overreaction, Gabby shook her head and then looked at her model with bewilderment. “I’m sorry. I didn’t get much sleep last night. Let’s call it a day.” “Well thank God.” With a grimace at the stiffness that was developing in her leg, Donna lowered her spike-heeled foot from the motorcycle handlebar it had been propped on for the last ten minutes. “This thong is wedged up my hoochie.” Gabby chuckled. “You want me to get that for you?” “Would you?” Donna’s body shimmied as if delighted by the suggestion. Gabby merely shook her head. “Let me get your check for the shoot.” As she walked toward her desk, Gabby’s eyes flickered toward the clock. It was four in the afternoon, and Erik’s shift was beginning. He was probably reading her letter

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right this moment and laughing his ass off at her. Shit! Gabrielle’s heart was pounding heavily. And accompanied by the flip-flopping in her stomach she was still having difficulty with her breathing. That damn breathing—it made her wonder if she’d ever respire normally again. “Here’s your check. I’m sorry I was so distracted.” “No biggie, Gabby. Call me if you think I’m appropriate for more of your photos.” Donna reached for the check, folded it in half and then examined her body. After a short consideration she stuffed it down her halter. She looked up at Gabby. “Hey, if you want me to fix you up ....” Donna’s gaze fell to the prop box that held some of the bondage items Gabby used in her photos. “… or get you tied up.” Gabby laughed. “Just go home, Donna.” She watched Donna leave the studio, thinking about tact and life and appropriateness. Oh gawd! Talk about appropriate. It was a stupid thing to do, telling him he turned her on. Gabby rushed toward her computer and sat down. She brought up her email, biting her lip as she clicked on her inbox. Thank goodness the girls were at the neighbor’s house playing so at least Gabby could expect a little privacy while she gathered her thoughts on what was happening. “Okay, soldier.” Pursing her lips, Gabby watched as not one, but three emails from Erik popped up. Her nerves were fraying over how he might’ve reacted to her proclamation. Conflictingly, it excited her that he’d responded, but in the same vein, Gabby sort of wished he hadn’t. She couldn’t let this situation—the emotions she was feeling toward him go awry. Things were already becoming quickly out of control as it was, and it had to stop. Today—this very minute. “How am I going to tactfully and gently tell you to get lost, Erik Coledane?” After all, she didn’t want to hurt his feelings. Gabby clicked open the first email. Two more pictures of him popped onto her screen. In one of them, Erik was standing at ease on the air base’s tarmac. He was dressed in his desert camouflage fatigues. In the second he wore a comfortable-looking pair of denims and a dark blue polo shirt. It was a night shot and the Eiffel tower was lit up behind him. Gabby’s gaze meandered all over both pictures. She halted to focus on his dark eyes, his dark hair, his warm and happy-go-lucky smile, and then back to his eyes. Without even a thought, Gabby’s gaze dropped and she examined his crotch, her imagination attempting to picture what was beneath. A heated wave shot up her spine, and she actually felt dizzy. Damn! With effort, she forced the air out her lungs because once again, she was holding her breath. It was then Gabrielle realized her mouth was agape … and watering. “Nice hips, nice thighs.” She was mesmerized. “Oh lord almighty,” Gabrielle mumbled and then inhaled. She was unable to bridle the panting expel of air that followed. Her heart pounded against her chest, and her entire body was quivering. “You are so fucking sexy, Erik Coledane.” Damn, damn, damn the struggle to breathe was unrelenting, but it didn’t keep her from staring, and the longer she gaped, the more aroused she became. The wetness seeping between her legs did little to help her deny it, nor did her hard nipples, which now poked through her top. She was clenched so tightly down below, she thought she

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could make a twig snap. It was almost a miracle. After years and years of libidinous silence, Gabby was horny.

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Chapter Five I’m glad you got aroused, but I’m sorry you couldn’t go through with it. Telling me what excites you and drives you wild would not be in anyway offensive, and I could handle knowing where it can go and where it can’t. I haven’t seen a picture of you yet, and I’m asking you to please send me some. Don’t be afraid. I’m sure you’re absolutely beautiful. In my eyes you would be, Gabby, no matter what you think you look like. You know what? I find it kind of interesting that you are fantasizing about me the way I am about you. I really want you to express it. Tell me everything. If you feel it let it go. He hit send. Wincing, Erik thought about that last letter. He was coming on to her strongly, urging her to open up to him, sexually, but otherwise, as well. He wanted to get to know her better as a person. Truthfully, he did. But now that she had subtly admitted he turned her on, his stiff cock was putting the sexual part in the driver’s seat, and it was extremely difficult to control. Erik took a deep breath of desert air, sneering at the bad taste and smell of it. Even inside his office, despite the air conditioning, it felt thick and hot, and it seemed he inhaled more sand than air. The stuff was everywhere and crept its way into every thing, every crevice. “I hate this friggin’ sandpit.” Erik felt a different kind of warmth spread along his body as another email from Gabby downloaded. “But it’s so damn nice to have a female to talk to every day.” Not that there weren’t females at Samarra AFB, but most were nearly half his age, girls, not far from his older son’s age. Besides that, fraternization was absolutely prohibited, and if a couple were ever caught, they could not only be stripped of rank, badges, ribbons, but get kicked out of the service. They could and probably would be discharged dishonorably, losing everything. It was a chance so few were willing to take. The rules sucked, but they were necessary—which brought Erik back to his original line of thinking. Sex. He hadn’t had sex in oh, a hundred thousand weeks give or take a day or two, but who was counting? “No wonder I’m so fucking horny.” Eight months, Gabby. It’s been eight months since I’ve been with a woman. “Shit.” Now why had he just been bold enough to tell her that? Chastising himself, Erik sent another email, apologizing, hoping to save his dignity. He then sat back in his chair, wondering if she was going berate him in her next response. She was probably appalled and would tell him to get lost. A pang clutched his heart at the thought of Gabby cutting him out of her life. She had learned more about him in a couple of days than any of his girlfriends or either of his wives had in several months’ time. Amazing how rapidly things were escalating between them, but Erik had no intention of stopping it unless she demanded it. His feelings for Gabby were already

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intense and too far gone. He clicked on the email that had just arrived and began to read. Her response to his crass announcement was gentle and receptive. He was correct in sensing that Gabby was a woman who accepted people for who they were without judgment. No, no, she wrote. I’m not offended in any way. It’s me who’s walking the line right now. I’m the one who should be saying I’m sorry. I’ve been suggestive to you and I really have to behave here, Erik. “You’re such a beautiful person, Gabby.” Erik began to compose his response. “I wish you could be mine. You can trust me, angel. I’ll never do anything to jeopardize your life. If I go too far just tell me. The bottom line is I’m not trying to damage you in any way. I just want you to feel happy. Maybe I can be the one to fill the voids in your life, if you have any. I’m not going to play games with you. As for calling me Erik, only my family has called me that. All of my friends and even my wives have called me, Cole. An odd tension grasped him, almost like reins restraining him. And he knew it had something to do with asking Gabby to call him, Cole. Erik regarded the feeling and realized that from her, being called Erik felt warmer. Another letter from her dropped into his inbox then, and Erik opened it. I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to barge my way into your personal arena. To me Erik is softer, more sensual. Kind of arousing, you know? I like your real name and calling you by a nickname makes you seem more like a stranger to me than a friend. Erik makes me feel heated inside. It somehow makes me feel closer to you. But if that’s reserved for family only, I apologize. I’ll call you Cole. **** “Oh my lord! How stupid could you be?” Gabby blinked with disbelief, clicked on her send file, reread what she said and hoped it was her imagination, but it wasn’t. She’d sent it. Her heart thudded as she painfully realized what she’d just done. She had come right out and told a stranger he was turning her on. Again! That was twice now. What if this guy really was some kind of kook? It didn’t matter that he was in the military. They were human, too, and not all of them were on the up and up. Panic shot through her and the anxiety hit. Gabby felt herself begin to hyperventilate. Breathe. She could almost hear his voice in that email. Thinking about it caused her to draw in a deep breath of air, which helped the panic to subside. Slightly. Crap, crap, and double crap. Gabby looked at the clock. It was five fifteen. As much as she wanted to cling to her email box, there were chores she needed to get done. Dinner being one of them. It was steak night thank the lord above. Matt was outside grilling and the rest of the fixin’s were Gabby’s responsibility. She couldn’t wait for Erik’s response and didn’t know if she wanted to. She’d been brazenly forward, though that wasn’t her intention. Gawd! She was completely embarrassed. As Gabby stood, another email did arrive before she had a chance to vacate her computer. Grimacing, she was hesitant to read it, but of course she did.

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Then Erik it is. You’ll be the only person outside of my family that has ever called me that, so for me to allow it would be unusual but also special. And you are very special to me my angel, so yes call me Erik. I’m glad you like it, and though I know this is happening very fast, it is as if you are family to me, Gabby. Warmth bathed her from top to bottom. This guy was amazing, and Gabby was sure she’d never met anyone like him. She had to question for a moment if it was foolish to be so trusting of him, but a deep inner sense convinced her it wasn’t. That’s such a sweet thing, to say, and thank you Erik. I can’t believe you’re affecting me this way. I’m so sorry I’m being suggestive with you, but you’re like a light that has turned on inside of me. I’m glad you feel that way, Gabby, Erik returned. I have a tremendous amount of desire for you, too. Please tell me more about you. How tall are you? What do you look like? Send me pictures, lots of pictures. You must have some. I know you own a camera. Grin. I’m usually on the other side of the lens though. Gabby wrote. I haven’t let anyone take pictures of me for a long, long time. I will tell you, my hair is brown and long, a chestnut color. My eyes are a dull green. I’m nothing special. I’m telling you too much. No! You are not. You’re beautiful. I just know it. Send me pictures, baby. Please. Just take some. Explain your little package to me. I want to know everything about you, Gabby, because we’re going to be together until the day we die. Soul mates remember? Lordy. Did she dare tell him her measurements? He was making her freakin’ hot that was for sure, and Gabby wasn’t foolish enough to believe this wasn’t beginning to creep into the arena of cybersex. I’m about five feet three inches tall. I wear a size five except on top I need to buy large tops because … damn, Erik. I can’t get that personal with you. It’s bad enough I keep wanting to say erotic things to you, but I don’t think it’s wise that we start playing around with each other on the computer. Gabby went through her files, found a picture that was about four years old and attached it without regard for her earlier decision to avoid giving him any. Before responding to Erik she added. Okay, here’s a picture of me but it is a few years old. I’m not that young-looking anymore. Hey listen I have to go make dinner. I’ll be back at the computer later. Immediately, Gabby shut down her email. This exchange was becoming addictive and she absolutely had to take a break. Not only because of her obligations, but because her body was quaking. Her libido was going wild, and her heart was slamming all over the place. And that damn breathing! Why the hell did she need to breathe so much, and why was it so freakin’ difficult right now? With every inhale, her heart pounded harder, her stomach flipped faster and the name Erik Coledane rushed through her brain. “How can I be so out of control?” Gabby murmured as she headed down the hall leading to the kitchen. “How can someone thousands of miles away be so overpowering? Maybe he’s a smooth talker or something and this is how he snags the ladies?” The thought made her ill because that meant she was falling for it. Even worse, he had continued to flirt with her even though she had told him about her marriage. “It’s

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all just in fun, that’s it. He’s lonely and stuck overseas and just wants to escape for awhile. Of course she was enabling that by being a willing player. “He’s okay … maybe.” “Are you seeing dead people, Gabby?” “Oh god!” Jumping in surprise—cripe how many times did that make in the last twenty-four hour period—Gabby clutched her arms to her chest. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you. But you were talking to some unseen entity again.” Matt laughed. “Shit, you’ve been edgy the last couple of days.” “I guess I’m a bit distracted.” Gabby frowned at the steaks on the platter and then saw that Matt had already prepared the veggies and garlic bread. “I’m so sorry Matt I .…” “Gabby, it’s okay.” Matt began setting the food onto the table. “I know this time of year has always been difficult for you. I just wish you could find closure and move on.” A blank expression swept across Gabby’s face for a moment before it struck her solidly what Matt was talking about. She’d actually forgotten. Erik Coledane had her so preoccupied she’d actually forgotten the date. “Maybe I’m finding it gradually.” Gabby smiled sadly, her thoughts drifting. Only a twinge of grief remained, and that was only when she focused on it. Snapping her thoughts back to the present, Gabby walked to the cupboard, pulled out the dinner plates, and then the silverware from a drawer. “Where are the girls?” “I just called Shannon’s house and told her to send them home.” As Gabby set the table, a new set of thoughts played out in her mind. “Matt, do the girls ever cry over Caroline anymore? They haven’t in front of me, but I was just wondering.” Matt dug the serving fork into one of the steaks, cutting it in two. He put one half on each of his daughters’ plates, and then began cutting Ariela’s into bite sized chunks. Briel’s he would leave alone because the eleven year old now insisted she was mature enough to use a knife. “When Caroline died,” Matt paused, his expression becoming distant as if recollecting that time. “The girls were just toddlers, and the cancer took her so fast. They remember very little. We talk about her, look at pictures, laugh at special times. They haven’t cried for a long time. Besides, they have you as a female presence in their lives, Gabby. The girls know how much you love them. You’re a good role model.” “I’m not sure about that role model thing, Matt.” Gabby began to fess up to the earlier mishap in the yard. “I think Caroline turned over in her grave this morning.” Matt furled his brow and was about to speak. “Miss Donna’s boobies were hanging out of her bathing suit,” Briel announced as she strolled into the room. “Yep, flappin’ in the breeze.” And much to Gabby’s dismay, Ariela added. “Her butt was hanging out, too.” Instead of the shocked expression she had expected, Matt chuckled. “You’ll have to explain this one to me … later. For now, let’s eat.” After dinner, and cleaning the kitchen, Gabby returned to her studio. There was one message waiting for her.

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I just knew you’d be beautiful. And four years wasn’t that long ago so I’m sure you still look the same. But the rest of you is hidden by the couch back you’re looking over. I want to see all of you and all the details. I bet you are one hot, little lady. Honestly, I’m a little disappointed in the outcome of your last letter, but I totally understand about the playing around together on the computer. Still, I can’t help but imagine you and me together. I get really excited every time I think about it. It feels as if we were just married and I’ve been separated from you because of a deployment. There is a knot in my throat and butterflies in my stomach. I know that sounds weird, but it’s the truth. The letter was read three times before Gabby answered. Her body was heating up to fiery levels, and it felt like her heart swelled larger with every beat. Wow, Erik. It sounds like you’re trying to seduce me. Gabby’s eyes widened at the next email. I am trying to seduce you, Gabby. She couldn’t believe he actually admitted it. Was he teasing her? You’re dangerous Erik Coledane. I need to watch my step with you. Maybe you’re the dangerous one Gabrielle Hunter. If you tell me stop I will. I won’t like it, but I’ll respect your wishes. I won’t do anything to hurt you, that I promise. God help me, I don’t want you to stop, Gabby returned. But I think it’s for the best if we keep this impersonal. I told you the line I’m walking is very precarious and you’re tempting me beyond belief. I completely understand. Erik wrote back. So listen, if I ever push over your boundaries just say ‘red shoe’, and I’ll stop immediately. Gabby laughed. “Red shoe?” Her smile faded. It sounded as if he’d just given her a safe word like people used on the BDSM scene. A new wave of uneasiness rippled through her. Maybe she should call Jewel and ask her what she thought? “No way!” Immediately, Gabby squashed the idea. Jewel would read her the riot act for getting involved with someone online. She wouldn’t like this situation in the least little bit, and she might tell Matt. Oh boy. No, Gabby decided she was intelligent enough and mature enough to keep her head on straight about this. The soldier, at least for now, would be her little secret. Aside from that he was so far away. This whole thing would likely bore him before he even left the base there. Gabby typed her reply. Red shoe? What does that mean? Red for stop and shoe for get away, he answered. Uh … Gabby laughed. Wouldn’t that be spelled shoo? I thought maybe you were giving me permission to clobber you with footwear … lol. Erik chuckled at Gabby’s last comment. He’d just given her a safe word, but he was pretty much sure she didn’t understand that. Regardless, it was a must, just in case he ever went too far with her. Through a simple email there was chemistry. He didn’t think he’d ever experienced this kind of connection with anyone before. The urge to possess Gabby was overwhelming, and he was relatively sure she was submissive, but didn’t know it. Her responses to him were coming too easily. Gabby was attaching to him without realizing it. But he loved it! And he wanted more of it. Still, he shouldn’t take advantage of her willingness, right?

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Scratching the back of his head, Erik inwardly chastised his behavior. “She’s married you dickhead. Try to keep remembering that.” He had to hold back, no matter how much he wanted her. Yet, behaving with Gabby was becoming increasingly difficult. The more they talked, the harder it became and the harder it became. The physical fact that his prick had been perpetually erect for the last forty-eight hours wasn’t helping the situation. He was going to have to take care of business soon before someone noticed, if they hadn’t already. His gait had been awkward on a continuous basis since he’d first discovered Gabby. Well, Erik began his response to her. Then friends it is. I’m glad you’re not kicking me out of your life, Gabby. If you ask me to leave I will, though walking away from us won’t be all that easy. If it ends up that way, know I would always keep you close to my heart. A response from her came quickly. Great. We’re friends. Platonic friends. So now that we have that straight, what’s your body look like, what position do you like and how big are you? It was a joke. Erik knew she was being humorous. But it didn’t stop him from imagining Gabby examining his body, touching him, looking at his cock. “Fuck,” Erik mumbled. His dick had just gotten harder. The next letter he sent was nearly written blindly. Physically and mentally, Erik was in a lust-filled trance, and he couldn’t help himself. The demon on his shoulder kept buzzing in his ear saying. “Do it. Do it. She’ll love it. You’ll love it.” So he did. My build is average. I’m six feet tall, one hundred seventy-nine pounds, not extremely muscular, not flabby. I come harder when I’m on top. As for my gems, I suppose I’m average, but from what the women I’ve been with have told me I use it well. I guess it’s the way I thrust. I’ve been told I take direct aim at a female’s g-spot. “What the hell did I just do?” Erik furled his brow, and then blinked, attempting to shake out of the libidinous pond he was swimming in. “I can’t believe I just told her how I fucked.” Gabby was just too easy to talk to. He was so relaxed with her and felt so comfortable saying anything to her. This was probably the last straw. If she did own a red shoe and he was in front of her right now, the heel likely would be embedded in his skull.

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Chapter Six Gabby sat with her mouth agape. Something unexpected happened to her insides. He’d taken direct aim at her g-spot and hit ground zero. The area centered low in her belly was throbbing wildly. If she could hump the chair she was sitting in—hell, she was humping the chair. He couldn’t have gotten any closer to that bundle of sexual nerves if she’d lit up a hot pink, neon sign that said eat at Joe’s … or Gabby’s. Gabby laughed. She couldn’t believe he’d actually told her about his member and how he used it. A lazy smile settled in as waves of carnal heat thrummed in her veins, culminating and pulsating between her legs, her clit craving to be touched, her g-spot swelling with an urge that seriously ached. He liked it on top. She loved being on the bottom and feeling the weight on top of her. It was a position in which he could control her, trap her, take her as gently or as hard as he wanted. Gabby’s breathe hitched. “Son of a bitch.” She pressed her fingertips between her legs, attempting to quell the erotic throb. It only served to make her itch for more. Okay, I’m very aroused now, and it’s your fault Erik Coledane. Rubbing her hand there, Gabby panted out the air she’d been holding in her lungs as she cupped her own mound and applied pressure to the area above her pubic bone, over her g-spot, with the heel of her hand. She moaned. The sensation was both incredible and agonizing. She needed gratification and she needed it now! Ah, so I made you a little amorous, Gabby? “Lord almighty, Erik you have no idea,” Gabby gasped. Tiny explosions were bursting inside of her, each more intense than the last. Hell, she was having an orgasm, and she wasn’t even playing with herself. Yet. “Cripe, I can’t tell him that.” She should’ve never told him how he was affecting her in the first place! Let’s just say you’re open comment about your … er … skills, made me smile. “There, that’s tactful.” And hopefully somewhat redeeming of her last inappropriate comment. Gabby hit the send button, wishing she could press rewind to take back telling Erik she’d just gotten horny. It was too late, it had already been said. I’m glad I put you that condition, my angel because I need and desire you more than anything or anyone ever in my life. You’ve put me in the same state, too. He wanted her. She wanted him, yet she was so over the bend about Erik that she barely held on to her common sense about the dangers of what she was doing. She would proceed with caution though, in her gut, she really felt his intentions were honest. Still, it was difficult to rationalize why this guy was having such an impact on her when no one, absolutely no one, not even her beloved husband could ignite that kind of fire inside of her, and yet just a couple of words from Erik had caused her libido to go wild. Sweetheart, as much as I hate to end our conversation, I need to go out to the

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flight line. I probably won’t be back until late, darling. Do go to bed please, and get some sleep. I will talk to you tomorrow. Sweet dreams baby and write me a letter to open when I get to work tomorrow. Gabby read his next email and then wrote back. Okay, I will. Please stay safe. Your being over there, I’m so worried about you. And she was. It was as if someone very close to her was risking his life because of his job. That’s what it was. His job—it was similar to the daily peril faced by her husband. Gabby’s stomach flipped, as her concern for Erik skyrocketed. The thought of losing him was beyond comprehension. Don’t worry my angel, Erik returned. I’ll be fine. Now go get some sleep. Send me more pictures of you, baby. I hope you can fill your head with thoughts of me. Gabby sat in her computer chair for a moment. Her breathing remained rapid and shallow as it had been from almost the very first time she’d started conversing with Erik. Breathe. She forced in a deep breath and released it in measures. Her attention zoomed in on her tingling crotch. “I am so fucking horny I can’t stand it.” After shutting down her email and the photo editor she was using in between her conversations with Erik, Gabby rose from the chair and immediately went to her studio bedroom. Heading directly to her dresser and pulling open her underwear drawer, she dug for her vibrator, wondering if the thing even had any juice left in it. It had been a gag birthday gift from Julia, though Gabby suspected that her friend wanted her to use it. She never had. She had considered it once after watching a really sexy movie starring one of her favorite actors. The dominant warrior that he portrayed, his calm demeanor, his overpowering presence and quiet confidence, and the way he made love to his leading lady, the way he had rolled on top of her and restrained her arms to keep her from stabbing him was so wildly stimulating. And when he just took her … yikes! Though Gabby loved that movie, it wasn’t her favorite. She preferred romantic comedies much more. Her lips tingled and, for a moment, she wondered how Erik French kissed. The thought caused her breathing to once again quicken. The similarities between the situation with Erik and another movie she’d seen did occur to her. She chuckled quietly at the coincidence and the absurdity of it all, but her amusement was followed by a frown as she did a reality check. There was also a similarity between Erik and her husband. They both wore uniforms and they both had dangerous jobs. Was this why she was so attracted to her soldier, because he reminded her of her husband? “No.” Gabby stripped off her clothes, peeled down the covers, and climbed into the bed. “You’re nothing like him, Erik Coledane.” In fact, Erik’s affectionate and gentle demeanor was the complete opposite of her logically thinking husband’s more stern and demanding ways, though Gabby had never minded it. Pressing the button on her vibrator Gabby grinned when she heard the buzzing. “The energizer bunny would be proud.” She snickered. Visualizing Erik, Gabby sighed as she stroked the tip of the vibrator over her clit

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before working it inside. It didn’t take much to imagine his hips between her thighs, his shaft stroking into her. The rush of her peak hit quickly, and Gabby was shuttering uncontrollably, her pelvis tipping upwards and then pulling back as she arched off the bed. She swallowed the yelp that threatened to burst from her throat as the culmination of her climax hit. Ripples of pleasure spread from her center, consuming every inch of her flesh until Gabby was a heap of trembling nerves. Her voice let loose and she moaned, tipping her head back and sucking in the deep breath of air her panting lungs refused to grant as her body swelled with arousal and then exploded into an orgasmic fit. She felt her vaginal walls squeezing, a restless yearning that she instantly realized only Erik could relieve. There wasn’t much convincing to be done for Gabby to realize she was so hot for Erik Coldane she would fly to the ends of the earth just to touch him, though she doubted it would stop there. One touch from him and she’d burst into flames. He was filling her senses, infusing his way inside of her, taking control of her body and brain. She was filling her head with thoughts of him. Gabby breathed heavily in the aftermath of the explosive climax she’d just experienced, unable to remember a time when she’d come so quickly. “Unbelievable,” she muttered. Wrinkling her brow, she searched her heart for an answer. In the past decade her husband was the only man she had had intercourse with. Gabby was suddenly overcome by an emotion that could only be described as bittersweet. A single tear trickled from her right eye, softly meandering along her cheek. It was followed by another from her left as the truth became clear. It was time to say goodbye to her husband. **** If it was the last thing he ever did, Erik was going to burrow his cock deep inside of Gabby Hunter. Images of plunging into her were making him insane. It had come to the point where he was barely holding himself together. In a few, he was going to be holding himself in hand and stroking it hard. It wouldn’t take long before he was squirting all over the place. Erik looked at the clock. Two hours ago he’d put in a call to Jack Bennett, unable to wait any longer to get more information on Gabby. If the military wasn’t so anal, he would’ve been able do a background check on the computer he used here on base, but the sites were blocked. “Hey Chief!” Robbie Hill, a three striper from Indiana was walking toward him. “Hey, hillbilly,” Erik greeted the airman as he approached. “Maintenance checks complete?” At that moment several planes flew overhead. The ear shattering noise was so loud and powerful the hangar shook, and all Erik could see was Robbie’s mouth moving as he headed toward him. It was a keen reminder of where they were. The frequent sounds of jet engines revving, the smell of fuel, and aircraft thundering down the runways ready to engage in more sorties or perhaps a real-time ordered attack was something Erik had learned to live with when he was deployed. It also made him homesick. But up until now, he had really had no motivation to go home. The thought of

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unlocking his house and entering the empty structure left him feeling cold. At least here in Iraq there was camaraderie and cohesion. Here, Erik knew he wasn’t alone. And then there was Gabby. Her genuine warmth had given him hope that maybe he could find happiness outside his military life after all. It caused Erik to consider going home instead of re-assigning for another three month tour in this god forsaken waste land. “All buttoned up,” Robbie yelled once he was closer to Erik, though there was no need for the loud voice since the planes had passed and could be heard rumbling in the distance now. “Didn’t get a lunch, Chief, wanted to get this done.” Erik scratched a few notes on the clipboard he was holding and then jerked his head to one side, toward the hangar opening. “Go on, get outta here.” Most times, being stationed on this base, were uneventful. Everything was typically routine and not much different than his duties back at home. Since there was no reason to leave the base because all of his needs were provided, the dangers were minimized also. Any mortars the insurgents tossed over the fence were detected in plenty of time to take cover. Aside from that, Erik was a fire dawg, and for the most part, ground crew. In the Air Force that meant he likely wouldn’t see combat, unless the enemy somehow invaded the air base. But here, in this war-torn, Middle East nation, hitech capabilities by the insurgents just didn’t existent. Erik smiled. He had tried to explain that to Gabby, but it didn’t matter to her. She still worried about him, and her concern was heartfelt by Erik. “You really care about me, Gabby,” he spoke low, out of earshot of the others milling about. With that said, Erik left the hangar and jumped into the base jeep assigned to him, anxious to get back to his office to see what Jack had found out. Pushing his sunglasses onto his face, he started the engine and began to drive off, but halted to let three Mac Daddies pass. The eighteen wheelers were likely heading out, ready to deliver commodities to the poor bastards stuck on the outside where the real war was being fought. “Some days I long to be in the field with the rest of them,” a voice said. Erik turned his head toward the person who had just spoke. It was Colonel Gilmore, a good man as far as Erik was concerned, stern but fair, compassionate and understanding. He hopped into the front, passenger seat and Erik didn’t need to ask him where he was going. He’d given him a ride plenty of times. “It isn’t a job I’d particularly enjoy doing,” Erik replied to him. He scratched his head, feeling the hot strands as the sun beat down on him. It was so bacon sizzling hot, it was amazing he couldn’t smell hair burning. “It’s all the hazards of war, my boy.” The Colonel smacked an open palm against Erik’s right shoulder blade. “It’s the hazard of greed for big money,” Erik returned. He knew some of the rig drivers, and they truly wanted to help their country in a round about way, but at the same time, the exceptional monetary compensation was a big motivator for many of them being here. “Ha!” Colonel Gilmore laughed. “I suppose the government has discovered

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rather rapidly that the quickest way to man or a woman’s patriotism and their hearts, so it seems, isn’t through their stomach, but their bank account.” Erik snorted. With the convoy now passed he pressed the accelerator and drove down one of the base roadways. Guilt rippled through him as he pondered whether or not anyone really cared what they were doing here as long as the compensation was good. He evaluated his situation. Yah, the money was good, but if push came to shove he would definitely die to protect his country. He would die to protect anyone or anything he loved or thought had value. The United States of America and freedom was definitely worth dying for. “Here we are, sir.” Erik stopped in front of one of the officer’s complexes and then gave a quick salute to Gilmore as he climbed out of the vehicle. Erik sped off, briefly smiling at Sandra who waved to him as he drove by. She was a young one, twenty-five maybe, too young for Erik, even if she was interested him. Erik’s thoughts shifted back to Gabby. It seemed nothing could take his mind off her for very long. Back in his office, Erik sat in his desk chair and brought up his email. Reliable as always, Jack Bennett replied to his request. Erik picked up the phone and dialed his number as he opened the message his buddy sent. “Hey, Coledane!” Jack greeted. “How are they hanging’?” “Hot, sweaty, and swollen,” Erik returned as he began to scan what Jack had sent. “Got the info, Benny. Is this everything you could find?” “That’s about it,” Jack returned. “What’s up with this one?” “Nothing yet, just making sure of a few things,” Erik answered. “Hey buddy, thanks for the favor. Now I owe you one.” “No prob. Make sure your nut guard is place.” Jack snickered. “There’s too much pussy here getting wet for you that would definitely grieve if you got waxed.” “Yah, yah.” Erik crooked a smile. There was only one little lady on his mind at the moment. “Think I’ll be a single digit midget soon. Rev a few of those sweet engines for me until I get there.” “You’re not going to re-up? This must be one special lady if you’re deciding to come home.” “Don’t know how to answer that, Ben,” Erik replied, and he didn’t. Gabby gave him hope. That was something he couldn’t deny. “I just miss the people I love and I think it’s time to come home.” Jack grunted in reply before they said goodbye and Erik hung up the phone. He began to read the background check on Gabby that Jack had sent. The information was straightforward with nothing very eventful. It was the newspaper article attached to the email that caught his eye, however. What Erik read floored him—nearly tore at his heart for Gabby’s sake. “No shit.” He shook his head as he reread it. “Why would you lie to me about something like that, angel?” Though Erik wanted to be angry, he considered what Gabby had said. She hadn’t lied to him—well maybe in a roundabout way—but really, she’d chosen her words carefully instead. “What a clever girl you are Gabby Hunter.” He supposed he could understand. It was a way of keeping herself safe. After all

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they’d met on the internet. Even still, Erik was a bit irritated, but being the relaxed sort of guy he was, it subsided quickly. At the same time his heart soared. Leaning back in his chair, he laced his fingers and rested them on his lap. An easy smile spread across his lips, and a predatory sensation began threading through him. In his mind, Gabby was now quarry in open season. He wanted her with a passion he couldn’t deny and no longer had to resist. He would definitely have her. “You’re going to be mine Gabby Hunter. Get ready, baby.”

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Chapter Seven “Hey, Gabs, I’m taking the girls to a movie ton .…” Matt stopped speaking and pursed his lips. Gabby was sitting on the bed clutching a picture frame to her chest. Several photo albums lay open around her. She looked up. “Did we really take this many pictures of us?” “Gabby ….” Matt stepped inside of the bedroom. “... Don’t you think it’s time to let go?” The sadness that shone in her eyes was reflected in her smile. Without saying anything, Gabby rose from the bed and set the picture she was holding atop of the covers. She closed the photo albums, stacked them inside the cardboard box where for years they’d been stored. She then took the framed picture, ran her fingers across the portrait and sighed. For a moment Gabby was lost in time as she admired it. Breaking from her trance, Gabby placed it in the box, as well. Her desk would seem empty without it there. Gabby folded the flaps and picked up the box. All the while Matt silently watched her. Carrying the box over to him, Gabby met his gaze while pressing the box to his chest, indicating that he should take it from her. “Be a good brother and put this in the basement for me.” Gabby tipped her head and gave Matt a sincere look. “But don’t throw them out unless I say it’s okay.” There was relief in Matt’s returned smile and in the air he exhaled. “I guess it had to happen eventually,” Gabby said in response to her brother’s obvious expression. Matt began to turn, but stopped. He glanced over his shoulder, his expression almost sympathetic. “Do you want to talk about it?” “No,” Gabby whispered, shaking her head subtly from side to side. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to talk about it, Matt.” “This is a step, sweetie.” Matt lifted the box slightly to indicate his meaning, smiled gently at Gabby and then left the room. Gabby stood motionless for a moment, but glad to be alone. She was also glad that Matt would be with his girls today because her brain wasn’t functioning properly. Every other thought in her head echoed the name Erik Coledane. Plus she was restless and horny—so very, very horny, despite pleasuring herself last evening, trying to ease the sexual anguish she was suffering from. Twice. “Have I only known you for a few days?” Leaving her bedroom, Gabby crossed her studio and went directly to her computer. She booted it and sat down. “It seems like eons.” They’d written to each other so much. She knew about things from his childhood, his high school years, the careers he held, his wives, his children, how he had gotten

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involved in the Air Force, the places he’d traveled to. Erik loved to travel. So did she. Patrick, her husband hadn’t liked to travel much, except for close domestic locations and maybe some camping. It didn’t change how much she adored him, but now Gabby did long for a little bit more. Closing her eyes, Gabby shook off the eight year old pain that threatened to surface, pushing it back to that place called numbness. She brought up her files and worked on edits for the next several hours. Every few minutes or so, she checked the clock as she waited for four o’clock to arrive. Thoughts of Erik refused to stray from her mind for more than a few minutes at a time. It was almost an obsession and that concerned Gabby. Was it just because he was arousing her like no man ever had. “Or do I genuinely care about you Erik?” The concern disintegrated instantly when her inbox chimed. It was four o’clock or as Erik would say, sixteen hundred. His shift was beginning. Hoping like crazy the email was from him, Gabby’s heart raced with anticipation. It was. Gabby’s libido tore into a frenzy, and her crotch was wildly throbbing. She pinched at her nipples. They were poking through her bra, craving to be sucked on. Damn! “I need to get a grip here.” It seemed so irrational to Gabby that she could be so turned on. But somehow, Erik was truly affecting her that way and via computer no less. What would it be like to have the real thing? I’m so glad that you wrote to me, my angel. It was nice opening the mail from you to see that you’ve included a long letter. Now give me a few minutes to read and respond to it, okay? Why don’t you look for more pictures of you in the mean time? Gabby glanced at her camera where it sat, connected to the tripod. “I suppose I could take some new pictures for you, Erik.” After sending an okay to Erik in return, letting him know she was there, Gabby rose from the chair and went to her room. She brushed her hair and dug for her make-up, thinking about how old it must be and unable to remember the last time she wore any. She thought about that for a moment. “Ariel’s kindergarten graduation, that’s when.” Almost four years ago. Gabby checked her make-up and then went into her studio to set-up for a selfportrait. The large LCD screen that was plugged into her camera would allow Gabby to view what she’d look like in front of the lens. After snapping several close-ups, Gabby chose two of them and went to her computer. There was an email from Erik waiting for her. She sent her pictures in an attachment first and then opened his letter. You really are a beautiful woman, Gabby, with a big heart, enough to hold a lot of love inside of you. You really excite me. It’s almost like being in high school all over again and falling in love for the first time. I agree with what you said in your letter. This is unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. This is real and its heart throbbing pain not to be able to talk to you every moment of the day or touch you or kiss you. All I can say is thank you for giving me a chance to be a part of you’re life. I will never hurt that trust or do anything to ruin our friendship. I love you too much for that. “You love me, soldier?” Gabby gulped back a lump that formed in her throat as she flattened her palm against her breast bone. The sensation inside of her felt like a

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warm caress. And she was still having trouble breathing! “Cripe, is this love or infatuation?” Or maybe just lust being confused for love? Gabby sent a reply. I think you’re playing with me, Erik. This is probably just a game and you have all of your buddies around the computer taking bets on how long it would be before we start having cybersex. Erik responded almost immediately. I assure you my angel, I am not playing with you. And there’s no one reading all of this but me. I know there’s some real jerks out there who would do such a thing, but not me. I’m just not that kind of guy, plain and simple. You do trust me on that don’t you, sweetheart? That was something to ponder. As bizarre as it might seem, Gabby did trust him, so she wrote back and told him so. I can’t tell you how happy that makes me, Gabby. And I will never betray that trust. Erik wrote back. The words that followed caused Gabby to laugh, because she could nearly feel the sense of amusement, almost see the grin he had on his face when he wrote it. By the way, I didn’t mean to put you in that condition. You know, my telling you about me sexually. Honestly, I’m glad the description thing made you smile. I actually got a little wet myself when I said it. What type of wicked things did you think about when I told you? I’ll bet you did more than just smile didn’t you? Gabby’s fingers moved along the keyboard, typing exactly what she’d done last evening. It seemed so natural to tell him such a thing and very odd, too, because she had never admitted to anyone that she’d ever masturbated. Not even her best girl friends. Send. “Oh my god!” Panic set in when Gabby realized what she’d just done. She’d given him every single detail as to how she pleasured herself, even the twice part! The high level of comfort Gabby felt with Erik was astounding. At the same time it was also alarming. Yet, despite that, the dull throb in her g-spot area that had been tormenting her all day suddenly, achingly swelled. Every sexual part of her anatomy tightened and pulsed in dire need for satiation. From Erik Coledane! Gabby bit her lip, worry creasing her brow. “I think I just started having cybersex.” Her stomach tipped, going topsy-turvy as her chest squeezed almost painfully with her respirations. How would Erik respond? And what would he think of her now? **** “Jesus!” Erik nearly catapulted from his chair. His dick was so hard and straining so torturously against the seam of his trousers the alarms warning of incoming should be screeching. He was about to blow. Three emails from Gabby popped into his inbox. One contained two photos of her, both a close-up of her face. Her shiny, brown hair was a sexy layered mass framing her pretty face, ending approximately at her shoulders—no bangs. Her lips looked luscious and soft and tenderly pink, making Erik’s mouth water to taste them. And now, finally he had a better look at her eyes.

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“Dull Green?” Her eyes were anything but. “You must be kidding me Gabby Hunter. Your eyes are .…” After staring at them for several seconds Erik noticed something that nearly knocked his socks off. He leaned in for a closer look. “It couldn’t be.” Erik shifted back in his seat, still examining her photo. “Could it?” Reaching over the chair’s arm, Erik opened the bottom drawer of his desk and removed the portrait he seemed unable to leave in his room. He pulled off the protective cloth covering and studied the model in the picture. Hell, she had an awesome body. It was her eyes he was the most interested in however. He held the portrait next to his computer screen, his focus darting back and forth several times, closely studying the two sets of eyes, comparing every detail, the shape, the color, the tiny little creases before it finally became clear. “No shit!” Erik grinned with amorous admiration as he savored both photographs. “I’ll be damned.” The eyes were identical. The model in the portrait he had bought was Gabby! Shifting in his chair, Erik attempted to readjust his position. His bulging cock and swelling balls were making it impossible to sit comfortably. Discovering he possessed an erotic portrait of Gabby was enough in and of itself to torment his arousal, but it was the second email she’d sent that caused Erik to nearly shoot his load. It was a response to his humorously intended suggestion about what else she might’ve done after telling her how he used his tool. He was curious as to what she said, but he didn’t read it right away because another email immediately followed. Read this first! was in the subject line. So, Erik did as she asked. Erik, I told you something … I did something … in that last email I sent you … you know that line I told you I’d been walking? That precarious line? I just stepped over it. His heart pounded with reckless excitement, and he couldn’t open the other email quickly enough. “Jesus!” he said again. A carnal fire tore through him. She’d played with herself, used a vibrator, masturbated. All while thinking about him! Twice! Erik’s hips jerked. She wanted him and he wanted her. Badly. If Erik didn’t stuff himself into her soon, he was going to go out of his everloving mind. That was it. Decision made, there wouldn’t be another tour of duty. Erik was going home to claim his angel. “You are going to be mine, Gabby.” He then typed his reply to her. Do you have any idea of what I want to do to you?

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Chapter Eight Gabby’s chest rose and fell rapidly with her quick respirations as she read those simple words. She wanted him to do everything to her. I’m so happy you’re opening up to me now, baby. It means you’re beginning to trust me more, right? Gabby was opening up alright, wide. Her thighs, that is. Erik’s response to her confession was sexually electrifying. She was definitely getting wet, her g-spot was throbbing and her vagina was agonizingly begging to be entered. If I could reach through my computer and touch you I definitely would. That is really an understatement, Gabby. I would have my hands all over you. Gently caress your face before inserting my finger in your mouth so I could taste you when I pulled it out of the monitor. But that wouldn’t be all. I would reach through again, stroke your muff. Put my finger inside of you and then pull back once more to find out how you tasted there, too. “Erik, if you could reach through this computer .…” Gabby typed as she struggled to breathe. It was unbelievable, the way he was taking her breath away. Better yet, if you transport through the computer, you would find me in my chair, my feet pulled up and resting on the corners of the seat, my butt slid forward and my knees parted, waiting for you to enter me. Very sexy my angel. Are your fingers down there baby? Just the question had Gabby putting her hand into her panties to rub at herself. Yes. “Gabby you’re insane,” she chastised. “You shouldn’t be doing this, telling him this stuff. Erik why do I trust you so much? I’m not naïve.” Her email chimed. See what you do to me … I have a larger pant size now. I’m expanding as I write. Can I call you? “What?” Erik wanted to call her … from Iraq? Gabby chuckled as she sent off her phone number to him. “He’s not going to call. He’s full of crap.” Still her heart pounded wildly in her chest. Hyperventilating will cause that sometimes. She pondered whether there were any paper bags in the house in case she needed one. The phone rang … down the hall. “Shit!” Gabby sprang from the chair and ran like hell, realizing she’d given him the house number and not the one to her personal phone. Sliding into the kitchen on stocking feet, Gabby nearly hit a wall as she grabbed the cordless receiver. “Hello?” At the same time a girly voice said the same. Gabby heard silence on the other end as she dashed to the living room. Ariela the chatter box, had answered on the extension and Gabby really didn’t have the desire to explain things should her niece decide to blab about a man calling. Aside from that things were happening so wildly fast with Erik, Gabby was still hesitant about revealing much, or at this point, anything at all.

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“There’s nobody there,” Ariela said. She stared at the phone. “It’s for me sweetie.” Gabrielle forced a pleasant smile, though her nerves felt like they were being plucked like feathers from a chicken. She was thankful that Erik kept silent. “Hang up the phone, Ariela.” “Okay.” The child did as she was told and then climbed onto the couch to watch the television. “Don’t say anything,” Gabby whispered to Erik as she went back to the kitchen and then directly into the laundry room connected to it. Her hand shook as she held the phone. “Are you there?” “I’m here,” Erik said. A shiver went up Gabby’s spine at the sound of his voice. It was deep and soothing, though it excited her at the same time. He had a slight Southern accent. It was too damn sexy for his shirt. “You sound so good.” “So do you,” Erik returned. “Now listen, I’m not going to do anything to get you in trouble. Do you understand that?” “It’s okay,” Gabby gasped out. She leaned on the washer, needing support. Her heart was pounding and she was having trouble with coherent thought. Her heated body was whirling out of libidinous control, and the cold metal of the appliance did little to cool it. “You really are having trouble breathing.” “Yes.” “Breathe, baby,” he said quietly, soothingly. Gabby sucked in a hardy respiration and Erik chuckled. “That’s it sweetheart. Take a deep breath.” She almost fainted instead. “I have to be quiet. Everyone is home.” “Then I’m hanging up.” “No, you don’t have to.” “Yes, I do.” “I like your voice,” Gabby whispered. “I like yours, too. But I don’t want you to get into any trouble, so I am hanging up. I’ll talk to you soon.” “Alright.” Gabby heard the click, and she went back into the kitchen to return the receiver to its base before taking a very quick pace back to her studio, closing and locking the door behind her. She blinked at the computer screen for only a split second when more email from Erik popped up. A shudder ran up my spine when I heard your sexy voice, girl. Do you understand how much I want you? It was sexual. Gabby kept trying to rationalize that what was happening between them was purely sexual. She tried to imagine what it would be like if he wasn’t in her life, if he got blown up in Iraq or shot or something. Anguish … sheer anguish crunched in her chest, in her heart. No, this couldn’t be just sexual. Or was she confusing that feeling with what had happened to Patrick? I almost fainted, Erik. Your voice made me weak in the knees. You sounded incredible. It just rumbled right through me, caressing me, filling me, warming me.

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Your voice made you sound good enough to eat, Erik wrote suggestively. I want so badly to see your body and to rub it up and down until it screams with passion. You are so full of love, Gabby, and it needs to be released. I am so willing to accept it all from you. Now I’m sure we have to meet each other. We WILL meet, even if it is only for coffee and to talk. Do you think we could meet and have coffee there and perhaps talk about our future, where we’re going with this? Maybe things will feel right between us and we’ll want to make love. I enjoy coffee.. And at this point Erik, if we do meet I don’t know … I don’t know if I will be able to keep from making love with you. Now why the hell had she just admitted that? So let me get this straight. When we meet, if things feel right, and we’re all hot and bothered for each other, you’ll let me make love to you? We can make that happen? Gabby threw caution to the wind. She’d already admitted it, so why not go with it? That’s exactly what I’m saying. You’ve made me the happiest man in the world sweetheart. Talk to me, Gabby. Tell me how you’re feeling right now. Don’t be afraid. You can say anything to me. Did she dare? Gabby bit her lower lip, unable to control the shudders being inflicted inside by her untamed lust. It was tormenting to crave him so badly, to endure the unfulfilled carnal desire of having Erik’s cock sinking into her taunting every hour of every day. Yes, she did want him to know how he was affecting her, and she wanted to arouse him the same way. Gabby began typing. My clit is throbbing so intensely right now and I’m so wet between the legs that I feel like I’m going to go insane. Do I take care of this or do I wait for you, Erik? I’m in pain. Wait for me, baby. But you can always do it again later if you absolutely need relief now. If I were laying backwards over an exercise ball, stretching my legs while in nothing but my underwear, would you be tempted to fall over me and plunge into me even if you just walked out of the shower naked and all clean? You would feel me entering you even with your panties on. I’d probably rip the panties with the pressure. If I were kneeling on all fours, my back arched, my butt in the air, my chest to the floor and my knees parted because I’m looking for something under the bed, would you mount me even if you had to leave for work in a half hour? Most definitely. I would be late for work to get a little of that action. I bet you are one hell of a love machine. I am going to love making love to you when I get home, Gabby. If I told you I was horny is that all it would take, Erik? I would see it in your eyes. You wouldn’t have to tell me, baby. If I was married to you or dating you, there is no way in hell you would walk around our house without having me plastered to your back side. Would we be between the sheets humping away within thirty seconds? Most definitely! Actually we’d be doing it where ever our eyes met and the vibes started vibrating.

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You would kiss me without my asking, wouldn’t you? Yes, I would … Gabby, if you had to think about it you are late already. You would slide your fingers inside of me without me guiding them there, wouldn’t you? I would push them inside you and slightly upward prior to pulling them back out with a little force. “Oh my lord.” Gabby was amazed at how his erotic words were making her insane with need for him. She’d better stock up on batteries. That thing she now referred to as her favorite toy was going to need them. My fingers are itching to wrap around your erection. I want to rub the head of your cock against my clit. I want to grind against you while you bury yourself inside of me to the hilt. I want to ride you while you’re sitting on a chair. Will you suck on my nipples while I do that? I will definitely suck you all over, baby. And play with all of your other parts at the same time. Do I sound like a woman in dire need for you? Yes, you do and I’m glad I make you feel that wonderful. Thanks baby, I needed that, but I really wish I hadn’t read all of this until I was alone. I can’t go to the bathroom now or everyone will know that I have a problem. Gabby felt lightheaded. Thoughts of being with Erik were consuming her. She wanted desperately to make love to him. But on a second though irreversible thought she shouldn’t be telling him that! And why was he pursuing it while believing she was still married—to a living man that is. Shouldn’t that concern her? When can I call you next? I need to hear your voice again, Gabby. Right now, but I want you to use my business phone. And here’s my cell phone number, too. No one answers either phone except me. Gabby included both in the email. Then wondered why she did it. “Son of a bitch, I can’t stop myself with him.” The phone on her desk rang almost immediately. She answered. “Hey,” Erik said. “Hi,” Gabby whispered, not because she thought anyone would overhear, but because her chest was tight and she was consuming too little air to create an audible voice. “Where are you?” “I’m in my studio.” “Is it attached to your home?” “Yes, it’s in the back of the house.” The sound of him overwhelmed her, made her feel even dizzier. A few brain cells were probably being shook loose—the ones responsible for common sense. “My bedroom is off to the side of it.” Dimwit! Gabby slapped her forehead. That’s it. She was calling the doctor in the morning. There was definitely something wrong with her big, fat mouth. “Your bedroom?” Erik asked. “Don’t you sleep with your husband?” There was a pause before Gabby spoke. “Let’s just say I haven’t slept with him for a long time.” “A beautiful woman like you? You should be getting laid every night, sweetheart.”

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“Fat chance of that happening,” Gabby blurted. The hand on her forehead slipped to her mouth. Was there a treatment for stupidity? A tantalizing chuckle teased Gabby’s ear. She was suddenly warm all over. “You’re in your prime, baby. If you were mine, I would be doing my thing with you every chance I got.” Gabby moaned low, but she knew he heard it. “Uh huh, you’d like that wouldn’t you?” Erik returned. “Go in the bedroom. Will you be undisturbed in there?” “Yes, it’s private.” Gabby did as he asked. “What do you want me to do?” He didn’t answer right away. She heard voices in the background. There were others in his office at the moment, and Erik was talking to them. Within a short time he was again talking to her. “Are you there?” “Yes.” “What did you ask me?” “I asked what you wanted me to do.” “You know what I want.” “Do you want me to touch myself?” Good gawd! Where the crap on crackers did that come from? She’d never verbalized sexually. “That would be really nice.” Erik’s voice rumbled, sending a sensual shiver along Gabby’s flesh. Insane as it was, Gabby wanted him to hear her doing it. Just the thought had her g-spot throbbing and her vaginal muscles tightening with renewed arousal. A hard cock, Erik’s cock was what she really needed. How long had it been, eight years? Reclining on top of her bed, Gabby slid out of her pants. “Okay.” “Where are you now?” Erik asked. “I’m on my bed.” “So tell me, are they down there?” “My fingers? You betcha.” Gabby moaned softly when she touched herself. “Keep going.” “I am … I am,” she told him, her voice a sultry murmur. “I like the sound of that.” Gabby’s breathing deepened, the arousal in her voice apparent with every exhale. “I’m so wet.” “I’ll bet that tastes good.” “Are you hard?” “Very.” “I want you inside of me,” Gabby whispered. “I want that more than anything, too.” “Erik .…” “I’m here. Go on.” Gabby began to pant, vocalizing quiet sexual sounds mixed with her breathing. Her fingers moved faster. “Are you making it happen?” “Yes,” she gasped out.

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“I’m glad to hear that,” Erik responded. For a span of several seconds he said nothing, listening to her sounds. And then he said. “I would love to do that with you.” “Your voice ….” Hesitating, Gabby took several quick breaths. Her body was rapidly rising toward climax. “… your voice arouses me.” “I’ll have to keep talking then.” “Yes.” “Tell me how fast.” “What?” Becoming lost in a libidinous fog, Gabby was unsure of what he was asking. She paused, and oddly Erik seemed to sense that. “You shouldn’t stop.” Erik spoke softly, his voice even. “Not if you’re enjoying it that much.” Gabby continued to pleasure herself. “I won’t stop until I come.” Her pants turned into gasps, the surge of her orgasm expanding as Gabby’s need to reach it became frantic. Her fingers worked faster and faster until she uttered a cry. “Uh-huh,” Erik said. “I wish I could see that. I’m going to see that.” Humming a moan, her mouth partially open and back arched, her left hand clung to the phone as she listened to Erik’s voice, the things he was saying taking her over the edge. Gabby climaxed, “Fantastic,” he said to her. “Yes,” Gabby continued to rotate her fingers on her clit, the motion easing as she fell over the other side of her peak. Her heavy breathing calmed. “That’s really incredible, baby.” “Hmm, yes it was, still is,” Gabby whispered breathlessly. “I’m really wet. My fingers are in there.” “Is that right?” Erik replied. “Then I’d say you should keep doing that.” “I am,” Gabby murmured. “Wow.” “Yah, wow. I’m going to take care of things here as soon as I can.” “You should feel the heat coming off of me, Erik.” “I’m going to, soon after I get home. Which, by the way, I found out earlier today will be in four weeks.” As Gabby’s body stabilized, returning to its homeostatic state, her respirations regulating and her muscles relaxing, she realized what Erik was actually been saying. “You’re coming home?” “That’s an affirmative.” Gabby smiled. His military style was so sexy, and it occurred to her how much he’d been saying while she pleasured herself but with so few sexual words involved. Well, he was at work after all. How much could he say aloud? Still she wondered. “Tell me how aroused you are.” “I really can’t do that.” For a moment Gabby considered why. And then she heard them again, voices in the background. “Is someone there?” “That’s an affirmative.” Fucking crap. Gabby felt the color drain from her face and she gulped. Mortification began setting in. “They didn’t hear me did they?”

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“That’s a negative.” Erik answered. “A definite negative.” “Okay.” She believed him. Gabby sat up and straightened her clothing. Suddenly she felt awkward. “I’ve never done anything like that before.” “Then I’m glad you felt comfortable enough with me to be able to express that.” “I can’t believe how comfortable I do feel with you, Erik.” Gabby smiled. “That was erotic. I don’t know how you kept a straight face, but the fact that you had to control yourself is arousing me even more.” “It wasn’t easy, baby,” Erik returned. “I couldn’t leave my chair because my dick was and still is so hard I couldn’t hide it. I wish I could’ve done more.” “Are those guys still there?” “No, they left,” Erik answered. “I’d love to have you really talk me through an orgasm. I can’t honestly say I’ve ever been talked to during sex.” “Then we’ll have to make plans on doing it again.” “You’re corrupting me, sergeant.” “Good.” There was a slight pause and then he asked. “Hey, why didn’t you tell me it was you in the portrait I bought?” Gabby grimaced and rubbed her temple. “You figured that out.” “I did, but not until you sent me those last pictures. It’s all in the eyes, and you have beautiful, green eyes baby.” Gabby blew out a gust of air. She was still coming down from her orgasm and still trying to regulate her respirations. “Breathe baby. Take a deep breath.” “I am.” Gabby sucked in air through her nose, filling her lungs. She exhaled evenly through her mouth. “That’s my girl.” Erik spoke in a low, soothing voice. “Did you put your underwear back on yet?” “Yah just now, why?” “Press your fingers against the crotch of them, and rub the material on your pussy.” “If you want me to.” Gabby complied. She was enjoying being sexual for the first time in ages. “Make sure you push your fingers inside a bit and get the material wet. Be gentle though, baby. I don’t want you to hurt yourself.” “Why am I doing this, Erik? Are you trying to get me aroused again?” “I want those panties.” Erik requested. “And some tootsie rolls.” “What!” Gabby snickered. “You want my underwear?” “And tootsie rolls. A bunch of us were talking the other day and we realized there’s none to be found on the base here and we all agreed we miss them.” “The tootsie rolls I’ll send, but not the panties.” “Why not?” “Erik, I am not sending panties stained with dried up human fluids through the mail. That’s disgusting. And I’m sure the smell ripens with age.” “I see your point,” Erik agreed. “I’ll just have to sniff the real thing when we

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meet.” “I can’t wait,” Gabby replied. Erik changed the subject. “Your daughter sounds really cute. I didn’t think to ask you about kids.” “Ariela isn’t my daughter. She’s my niece. I …” Gabby hesitated. “... I don’t have any kids.” Erik stayed silent. It was as if he was waiting for her to continue, so Gabby did. “My brother Matt lives here with his two daughters, Briel, she’s eleven, and Ariela who’s nine. His wife died of breast cancer several years ago. The girls were just toddlers then and I’m helping him raise them.” “You are truly an angel to do all of that. Your husband must be a very patient man.” “Well .…” Gabby went silent. Patient wasn’t quite the word she’d use to describe Patrick’s present condition. After a long pause, Erik asked. “Do you want children of your own, Gabby?” “I can’t have any.” “You can’t, why?” She didn’t respond. “Talk to me, Gabby.” Respiring deeply, Gabby held it for a bit and then blew the air out through pursed lips, hoping the gust would dislodge the lump amassing in her throat. “I lost a baby once, a little girl … Elizabeth.” The pain that wrapped around her when she began to speak was suffocating, and it was impossible for her to choke up any more words. “I’m listening, Gabby.” Erik’s voice was smooth, calming, and somehow the sound of it made her feel stronger. “You can say anything to me sweetheart. I’ll never judge you on anything. Trust me … breathe.” Her pained murmur was audible, but low. “My insides were messed up after that and my uterus had to be removed.” A sense of relief filled Gabby. It was the most she’d said aloud since it had happened. In the past, every time she tried to talk about it, she felt as if she’d fall apart. Still, what she had told Erik was all she was willing to vocalize for now. “Do you want more kids, Erik?” He bellowed. “No. No more kids for me.” “Is that why you didn’t you have kids with Corinne?” When Erik cleared his throat Gabby reconsidered her question. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to pry.” “You’re not prying, baby. As I said, you can ask me anything. It’s just hard to talk about it.” Gabby harrumphed. “I understand, but you know I’m here to listen, too.” “That’s what I love about you, sweetheart. You’ll listen and you won’t judge.” “No, like you I don’t judge people, either.” “If only I had met you twelve years ago you would be my wife right now not somebody else’s. You would be waiting for me to come home. Of course, if I had the pleasure of being your husband I wouldn’t be here right now. I’d be in bed on top of you and in you, going wild.”

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“I’d like that,” Gabby whispered. “Would you?” “Yes.” The thumping in Gabby’s heart magnified. “I do have to tell you that I like taking the lead in bed. I hope you don’t mind that.” “Not at all,” Gabby answered. “I’d want you to.” “Good,” Erik returned. “You should probably also know that I’m very head strong, but not mean or unreasonable, angel. I’ll give in when the confrontation isn’t worth arguing over. I’m not going to demand my way just to get it. For instance, if I want to watch a movie and you want to listen to music, then the music it is. I’m easy going like that.” Patrick had been far from easy going, and he had been somewhat demanding, but he had been good to her and Gabby did care for him immensely, though sometimes she wished he’d been different. “I need a man like that, Erik.” “Well, I can be that man then, Gabby, if not as lovers then friends.” Biting her lip, Gabby gathered her thoughts. She needed to tell him about Patrick … soon … but not now. Insecurity with Erik resurfaced and simmered quietly below the surface. Aside from that, she still feared if she spoke about her husband’s death, about Elizabeth and the aftermath of it, she might emotionally crumble. “So about Corinne.” Again Erik cleared his throat before speaking. “I still have to wonder why she married me to begin with because when we first started becoming close I was pointedly up front about wanting a child with her.” “But you don’t anymore?” It was important that Erik reaffirmed that, otherwise she would have to say goodbye. “No more kids. Three’s enough. I realize that now. But, hey, when you’re in love … anyway, Corinne said she, too, wanted to have a baby with me, Gabby. Yet every time I broached the subject she skirted the issue. One year before I left her I found out, after coming across some of her personal papers, that she had lied. Corinne had had her tubes tied six months before we married. I didn’t even know. She did it while I was on a deployment to Spain. But that’s not all. Before I realized what was happening, she had charged enough to take our credit card to the limit. We were twenty-eight thousand dollars in debt with an interest rate of eighteen percent. Part of the divorce decree—I was officially divorced five months ago—was to pay fifty percent of the charges on that credit card. I loved Corinne with all my heart, Gabby. To find out she was such a liar nearly destroyed me.” “That’s terrible.” Gabby’s heart went out to Erik. “So going to Iraq was a way to escape?” “It was,” Erik answered. “But, don’t get me wrong. I realize there’s a war going on, but most of us here don’t think about it that way. We’re here to do our jobs. I signed for duty in Iraq to focus on other things, more intense things, to forget what was happening in my life. The hazard pay is a benefit of course, but after two failed marriages it makes me sad to think I might never find the love of my life.” “You will, Erik. Sometimes you just have to be patient.” “You’re right, Gabby. But it better be with someone who doesn’t lie. I couldn’t

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Chapter Nine When I heard your voice it soothed me, yet at the same time filled my inner soul with passion and desire, Gabby told Erik before going to bed that evening. He was only allotted so much time on the phone and needed to hang up, but they continued to email. I can’t wait until I get home so I can call and we can talk openly. I miss hearing your voice. Now that I’ve heard it, it drives me seriously crazy. My dick gets hard for no reason now and I know it’s because of you. It was just after midnight her time when Erik reminded her she had to get up early and should get some sleep. She said goodnight immediately, and he couldn’t help but like how she complied. It was more a need to take care of her than boss her around. The tender feelings Erik was developing for Gabby were becoming profound. Of course the sexual tension and the few stolen moments of relief they’d been able to share whether by phone or letter continued to blaze its rampant erotic trail. “How can I get you to open up to me, angel?” It was really bothering him that Gabby hadn’t confessed about being a widow, especially now that he’d told her about Corinne. He’d already surmised how difficult it was for her to talk about it, but to continue to deceive him? “Still not giving up on you yet, though, Gabby Hunter.” Shirtless, wearing only light shorts, Erik lay reclined on his bed, laptop on his thighs. He typed another of what seemed like the hundredth letter he’d written to Gabby, most sexy and passionate, but many filled with expressions of love. Yes, he was falling in love with her, but he was also emotionally holding back as best as he could. Gabby didn’t fully trust him enough yet. He wondered if she ever would. You are sexy, beautiful, hot, smart, kind, caring, and most of all you are so easy to love. I don’t fall in love that easily, and I don’t trust ladies that easily either, but with you I feel I can trust you with all of my heart and feelings. You are truly incredible. I will take very good care of your heart. Tell me more about yourself, sweetheart. I want to know more of what makes you crazy in bed and out, so I know how to make you happy. Erik typed. So I can make love to you the way you enjoy it. I want the fantasies that you’ve had and which ones you’d like to see come true. Do you like oral? Do you like getting it doggy style or does that hurt you? I would never hurt you, my angel. Have you ever fantasized about being with two men at the same time? I wouldn’t mind exploring that if you truly desired it. I’m very open-minded and I truthfully want to know what makes you tick. Help me here. I’m horny for you, baby. Erik felt the blood surge through his shaft. No woman for as long as he could remember had stimulated him both sexually and intellectually as Gabby Hunter did. I don’t know why my voice has such an affect on you, angel, how it lulls and arouses you, but I’m glad it does. When I heard you on the other end of my phone line my heart was racing with anticipation. I have so much heat for you burning in my heart and I don’t know why. It’s just special and means the world to me. You are a gift.

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Bringing up the pictures she’d sent, Erik set the laptop to his side, the screen positioned so he could see it. The portrait he had bought was leaning against the mirror on the dresser, and he could see it perfectly from his bed. He pulled out his cock, wrapping his hand around the hard shaft. It wouldn’t take much to get himself off, not with images of his angel caressing his mind. Thinking about the sound of Gabby’s voice as she had fingered herself until she had an orgasm was maddening. He had wanted so badly to help her, to talk her through it, but there were people in the room with him. Erik stroked. Kissing her was going to be incredible. He was impatiently waiting until the day he could push his lips softly against hers. At first he would be gentle, but then he wouldn’t be able to resist sliding his tongue into her mouth to taste her sweetness. “I’ll bet you kiss with great passion, angel. You must because there’s so much passion in your portraits.” Shifting his gaze from his laptop toward the dresser, Erik set his eyes on his chained angel. His cock stiffened further at the thought of pinning her down, holding her hands over her head, her nipples poking his chest as he pushed his hardness into her chamber and feeling the muscled walls of her vagina baring down on him. But first he would lick her all over—her breasts, her stomach, her sexy lips, the ones down below that is. Erik’s hand moved up and down faster. He was seriously getting ready to shoot his load all over. Reaching for the hand towel next to the bed the last image that entered his head before spewing was the site of Gabby’s beautiful green eyes filled with passion, her hips moving with his and then her head tipping back as she screamed out an orgasm. Yes, she would scream for him. **** “Thanks for the tootsie rolls, sweetheart,” Erik said. “You really are an angel.” “You’re welcome. Let me know if you need anything else.” “I am so ready to get out of here.” “I don’t blame you.” Gabby readjusted her head set, hoping as she traveled along the highway that her wireless wouldn’t lose coverage and cut the call. “It must really suck being over there.” “It’s not just that,” Erik replied. “I don’t want to take any chances of getting hurt knowing you’re there for me now. You’re all I ever think about and the desire to hold you in my arms is mind-boggling.” “You’re coming home because of me?” Gabby swallowed hard, and her insides turned to mush. My lord, it felt like Erik was crawling all over her, inside of her and everywhere else in between. “I’m anxious to see my kids, but I know you care for me dearly, and I hope that’s an understatement. I want to bring myself home for you, my angel.” Gabby sighed in relief. “I’ve been so afraid that you’re going to get hurt over there, and because no one is aware of me, if anything happens the only way I’ll be able to find out is by searching news stories. I’m so frightened for you, Erik.” “Actually, you will know. I wrote your name and email address down and enclosed it in an envelope. It’s in my locker. I told a couple of trustworthy guys at my

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work to open that letter and do what it says if anything happens to me. It instructs them to contact you. But please, don’t worry. I will be alright Gabby. Please put your fears aside.” Gabby blinked back tears. She was so touched by the gesture and would really like to be reassured of his safety. But if anyone knew better that there were no guarantees in life, she most certainly did. Visions of Patrick lying in a pool of blood passed through her brain, but Gabby pushed the thoughts aside, refusing to mentally go there. “I wish I could pull you through the phone line right now, Erik.” “Sweetheart, if you could do that, I would take you in my arms and kiss you more tenderly than you’ve ever been kissed before. My life is so full of happiness now that you’re in it. There are knots in my stomach irritating me all day long because of the love I feel for you. You’re my number one girl. Hell you’re my only girl. You’re my everything.” There was so much sincerity in his voice, and though Gabby still harbored doubts about his feelings for her, Erik was very convincing. The love in her heart that she’d been desperately trying to hold back amplified. But almost instantly a wall went up. Damn it, why was it so difficult to just let the past completely go and surrender her heart to him? Gabby puffed out a breath. Sexually, she was giving into him easily enough, but emotionally she had to give this more time. “I don’t want to hurt you.” The feelings she was developing for her Iraqi soldier were becoming explosive, making it unclear if she was confusing reality with what might be just a whimsical moment in time. “Honey, I’m aware that you can only give your heart to me part time because of your marriage. It doesn’t stop me from desiring you or wanting to share my bed with you. But hey I’ll just have to be satisfied with what we have on whatever level. I don’t want to ever jeopardize losing my dream girl.” Gabby frowned. If he really cared for her the way he claimed, her deception would probably make him furious. It might destroy everything. Yet, Gabby knew she had to tell him that Patrick was dead. Now however, was definitely not the right place or the right time. “Oh my god!” Gabby yelled suddenly. “Shit!” “What’s wrong?” “I’m almost forty-five minutes past the exit I was supposed to get off at!” “What are you doing, girl? I better get off the phone so you can pay more attention to the road. I want my baby in one piece when I get home, not somebody’s road kill.” “Hey road kill makes for an easy supper.” Gabby chuckled. “Then I guess if that happens, I’ll have to eat you.” Gabby uttered a sensual sound and when Erik uttered the same, the rumble in his voice sent shivers through her. A crunching sound beneath her tires alerted Gabby to the fact she was veering off of the road and onto the shoulder. “I can’t believe I did this,” she said while struggling to concentrate on driving her car instead of letting Erik drive her to distraction. “Maybe I’m subconsciously heading toward the ocean so I can drive over to Iraq. Do you think that’s what I was trying to do,

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Erik, drive over the ocean so I can come see you?” “You might be, but you don’t have to do it like that. I’ll be home soon.” “Erik, I’d follow you to the ends of the earth.” “Sweetheart, I would fly to the ends of the earth just to give you a bouquet of roses,” he returned. “I can’t wait until we meet. My heart will be intermingled with yours and they will stay that way. You are truly a delight and my love, Gabby. I’m going to caress you like you’ve never been caressed before. I want to fill you with passion and light the flames that will burn inside of you until the day you die.” Gabby released a slow, heartfelt breath at his beautiful, romantic words. “I think you’re after my soul, Erik Coledane.” “I don’t only want your soul. I want your mind, body, and heart, as well, my angel.” “Do you really feel that way?” “Gabby, if we’d met fifteen years ago I would’ve dated you and probably married you right away. I would’ve sent you roses just to let you know how I felt. Hell, I’d still be sending you roses and writing you cards and letters every day. You are one incredible lady. I want you something fierce. I want to fill your life with passion and spoil you with love, companionship, and friendship. You’ve turned my world upside down, Gabby. You have this power over me that I’ve never felt before. What kind of magic spell did you put on me?” “I think you put a spell on me.” What was happening between them did feel surreal. Gabby smiled and then teasingly asked. “So I guess I’m important enough to get a key to your house?” “Sweetheart, I’d give you a key, the security code and anything else inside that you wanted including me. You already have the key to my heart.” Lord almighty, Erik had a way with words. Still Gabby wasn’t sure. One minute she totally believed everything he said, the next she was wary. “You there, Gabby?” “Huh? Oh yah, I’m here.” A car horn beeped behind her, and Gabby looked in the rear view mirror before glancing at her speedometer. She was going fifteen miles under the speed limit. Pressing the gas pedal, she accelerated to the correct speed. “This is happening very fast. It doesn’t make any sense.” “It was meant to be, baby. So let’s just go with it,” Erik said. “So, tell me, when you pull on your nipples do you get aroused? Would it be heightened if I nipped on them after you pulled them? “Oh my god, Erik!” He chuckled. “Email me a nice, sexy letter and tell me how you like to touch them.” Shaking her head, but smiling, Gabby got off the expressway at the next exit, hoping that finding the turn-around would be easy. She had no idea where the hell she was. How could one guy cause her to be so discombobulated? “I just keep thinking that the excitement will wear off and you’ll realize it was just an infatuation.” “That’s not going to happen. What I feel for you is genuine. I’ll want you forever so don’t dare even try to end this.”

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“Things like this just don’t happen that quickly, Erik, what I’m feeling for you, what you’re feeling for me. How can this be?” “How?” Erik repeated. “I think it’s because we’ve been looking for a natural and complete love, and we’ve finally found it. And no matter what happens we’ll be friends for life. I promise. We’re soul mates. I can’t get your thirty-six b’s off of my mind.” A laugh burst from Gabby at his abrupt switch in thoughts. “I should’ve never told you my measurements.” “Yes, you should’ve.” “Oh yah, why?” “You’ve given me more to think about when I’m taking care of that thing of mine that keeps getting stiff for you.” “I would’ve thought the manual on how-to-sex-Gabby would’ve been enough.” Erik chuckled. “Well I asked for it and I certainly got it.” “I’m still embarrassed. It was a mistake letting you know about everything I like to do in bed.” After writing that particular email to him, Gabby nearly threw up, realizing how brazenly blatant the letter had been. “I have to be honest,” Erik returned. “Your fantasy about being with two men really intrigues me. We’ll have to explore that some day.” Gabby’s insides heated at the thought. “That arouses me.” “Mmm, I’ll bet it does. To watch you in the heat of passion with me stimulating your body all over while another man pushes inside of you,” Erik’s voice rumbled low as he spoke. “We could have so much fun.” “I’m not sure I could really do it,” Gabby answered. “With me there encouraging your arousal, sure you could, sweetheart. I’d hold your legs open for him,” Erik murmured a low sensual sound. “And I’d trust you enough to still be mine afterward. I’m confident enough in your love for me that you wouldn’t be lured away by him.” “No one could lure me away from you, Erik.” “Then we’re going to do it. Once we’re comfortable enough making love together, we’ll have someone we both trust join us. Can you imagine me eating you out while getting your nipples sucked?” “Yes,” Gabby responded breathlessly. She took several more breaths before adding, “I’ve never been this open with anyone before, Erik. It scares me. I would be so humiliated if anyone found out about some of the things I’ve shared with you. Your buddies would probably have a good laugh.” “Sweetheart, for the last time, anything that is said between us stays between us. You mean too much to me. You truly are like no woman I’ve ever met. Your passion for love and the way you express it to me is amazing and I’ll never risk losing that.” “Yah, yah.” Gabby snorted. “You’re probably going to come up here, fuck the hell out of me, and go back with a notch in your belt.” “I don’t do notches in my belt. I don’t just sleep with anyone, honey. They have to mean something to me. When I make love to a woman, it’s more than sex. It’s a lifetime bond. I treasure any woman who trusts me enough to let me have sex with her. If I make love to you it will be making love to you and not fucking the hell out of you.

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And truthfully, even if I did things like notching belts, you would be on a different list.” Well, well, Gabby’s lust certainly hitched up a notch after that beautiful and romantic statement. Her breaths were hitching, too. “Breathe, baby!” Erik urged, the amusement apparent in the way he spoke the words. “You are truly a treat, sweetheart.” Sheesh! He was better than a brown paper bag. His sexy voice, his words— Gabby took a soothing breath and felt her body immediately relax. Erik was undeniably an addiction to her. The effect he had on her was definitely drugging. All kinds of things were happening inside of her body, chemical things. “So ….” Erik lowered his voice, speaking in that one that turned her on. “... I’m going to love laying you on your back while I put my weight on you and push it in and out, thrusting your insides into pulsating convulsions. Your body will scream for more, baby. I feel it right now, the tightness of your channel begging me to go deeper. I think I’ll have to hold your hands down and pound you for a while before easing up and making love to you some more.” As she listened, Gabby felt her panties moisten. She moaned softly, but Erik heard her. “You’d like that wouldn’t you, being held down?” “Yes,” she answered in a whisper. “Are you wet, baby?” “Soaked.” “Send me the panties you’re wearing right now.” “I told you before. I’m not sending you my panties!” Gabby scolded, though it was done with humor. “I’m having a little trouble driving here, honey.” Erik seemed to ignore what she’d just said. “Our first time is going to last quite a while. I’m going to perfect your body with fast and slow sessions. I might even arch your back with a pillow to allow my full penetration. Maybe I’ll raise your legs up and rest them on my shoulders while I slightly push it to the ends of your road. I am so hot right now, I hope you are, too. Tell me what else you’d like for me to do to you, tie you to the bed post and lick you until you scream?” “Shit!” Gabby yelled. “What’s the matter?” “You need to stop arousing me right now!” Gabby snorted at her own comment. “Yah, like that’s going to happen.” “Horny for me, baby?” “I’ve been in a perpetual state of horniness ever since I met you.” “I should have my fingers inside of you right now.” “Damn it, Erik Coledane! Knock it off.” “Why?” “Because I just drove past the ramp to get back onto the expressway and I have to turn around. I am so late for this showing.” “So what kind of movies do you like?” “Huh?’ Erik’s quick shift in topics threw Gabby a bit, forcing her to switch

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mental gears. “Movies, uh .…” “I love chick flicks, believe it or not,” Erik continued without skipping a beat. “I’m very sentimental about romance and love stories that have happy endings.” “I love romantic movies,” Gabby returned. He likes chic flicks? What a guy! She had to have him. “Me, too. I really liked the one about the guy and the woman emailing each other across the country,” Erik told her. “That’s sort of the way you are with me, sleepless and thinking about me, right? I know I’m constantly thinking about you. I’m gonna lick that pretty little thing between your thighs.” The gulp Gabby swallowed dropped directly to her g-spot. The way Erik unexpectedly threw those abrupt sexual comments into the middle of a conversation was electrifying to her libido. Gabby squirmed in her seat as her nipples hardened and all of her sex parts tensed and throbbed. Erik was driving her carnally insane, and he was most certainly caging her heart. “What scares me, Erik is that I don’t seem to have any selfcontrol with you. You have an affect on me that makes me want to do anything for you.” “I’m glad. I like having that kind of power over you. It makes me feel good inside to know you trust me that much.” And once again, she had stupidly revealed something to him that she shouldn’t have. “What the frig is wrong with you, Gabby!” she mumbled to herself. Erik was so easy, maybe too damn easy to talk to. Gabby murmured a curse. “Did you say something to me, sweetheart?” “No,” she answered. The man was causing her to feel completely befuddled and dysfunctional. “I’m just mumbling because I’m hot … er … I mean lost.” Erik laughed at her Freudian slip. “You’ll never feel lost with me, baby, especially when I have you bent over a chair and I’m pushing my rock hard erection into you from behind. You’ll know right where you belong, anchored to me.” No response came from Gabby. She was too busy swooning. And missing the on ramp … again. But then Erik said something that brought her libidinous thoughts of him to a screeching halt. “I did some photography work myself. Did I tell ever tell you that?” “No, you never told me that.” The comment ignited a different set of nerves inside of Gabby, causing flags to shoot up. “Were you a professional?” “Nothing that went as far as your art has, but I’d always wanted to do something with it.” Gabby barely choked out the next question. “Why didn’t you?” Finally getting her direction turned around she merged onto the highway heading back the way she had come. As she listened to Erik’s reply, a sinking feeling began settling in. “I tried at first, but the break never came.” Erik paused. “Hey, maybe you and I could do some portraits together? You could give me some pointers. Maybe we could sell something together? I have a lot of ideas.” “Sure, I’d like that,” Gabby answered quietly. A sickening feeling was careening in her stomach at the alternate reality Erik had dumped on her. “Listen, sweetheart. I have to go, but I’ll email you from work later.”

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“Okay.” Gabby’s heart went numb. “Please keep writing to me and do not get scared away by me. I am honestly happier than I’ve ever been in my life right now with you. I’ve got to see you in person. I will see you in person, and you can’t tell me ‘no’ because I won’t listen.” “Okay.” She’d just said that. “I’ll talk to you later.” “Okay.” Her vocabulary apparently had gone numb, too. “Okay,” Erik repeated. “Have a nice day, sweetheart.” “I will,” Gabby answered. The line went silent. And Gabby blinked several times before her anger reared. I am honestly happier than I’ve ever been in my life right now with you .… “I’ll bet you are, you bastard!”

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Chapter Ten He was conning her! “I’m so stupid!” Gabby paced her studio. She’d tossed and turned all night thinking about it. And then this morning she received a whopper of an email from Erik talking sexually and telling her about all of the things he’d like to do with her in bed. You were right about my reaction to the description of how you played with your breasts. When you were talking about pulling on your nipples, I was getting horny, very horny. In fact, I got so hard, my laptop actually rose off my lap a little until I pushed it to the side. I don’t want to damage the little man before you get a chance to explore him, which I hope you do someday. Gabby had to chuckle as she pictured that scenario. But it also made her itch to touch him, stroke him. Her mouth watered to lick his cock. I would love to feel your orgasm gushing down my thighs or on my chest, Erik continued. I bet you’re going to be one hot little lady in bed. Well, she was certainly smoldering hot in her chair. His words stirred up her arousal to tidal proportions muddling the thoughts she was having about his possible negative intentions. As always, he had to add a romantic touch to his letter, which once again also took possession of her heart. I’ve been down and not feeling that great about myself lately, Gabby. You have lit a spark inside me and now it’s a roaring flame. Please keep emailing me. It makes me feel so complete when I hear from you. It was all so confusing and was certainly putting Gabby into some major mood swings. All morning she alternated between being in lust and in love with Erik. By midafternoon, she was feeling gullible and used again. And now, she was back to being angry. Thankful Matt took his girls to the park, Gabby pressed her palms to her face and shook her head woefully. She thought about all the sexual things she had talked about with Erik--the things she had done. “Oh god.” Dropping her arms, she balled her hands into fists, squeezed her eyes shut, her expression a tight grimace. She screamed as she threw back her head. It made perfect sense now! He didn’t care whether or not she was married because he had ulterior motives for getting to know her. He was seducing her—her mind and body, all for the sake of furthering his career. As a photographer! “I’m such a fucking fool!” Gabby yelled at no one. If she did meet him, how far would he actually go with her? That was it. She was ending this. Her name was up and coming in the world of artistic photography and Erik had seen the opportunity to ride her coattails. “The shithead!” “What the fuck!” Gabby’s vagina clenched. “Now why is that making me horny?

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What the … am I into bad boys now?” She stared at herself in the mirror. Denial set in. “There’s no way.” Taking a deep breath, Gabby pivoted and stomped to her bed. She sat on the edge of it. “Think about this.” When he had bought her portrait, he had no idea it was coming directly from her, the photographer. Their meeting was by chance. He hadn’t planned it. “Maybe he came up with the idea afterward,” Gabby thought out loud. “And then decided to run with it.” She slumped, her head drooping. “No, it can’t be true.” Erik didn’t need to seduce her to get her to help his career. All he had to do was ask, after they’d gotten to know each other better. After all, in the beginning, it was he who suggested a friendship. The sex stuff just started happening because the two of them discovered they had a powerful connection and a huge physical attraction. And if she was going to be honest with herself, it was she who instigated the carnal exchanges between them. Erik was just trying to be a gentleman. She was the one who had decided to jump his virtual bones. “Unless that’s how he operates,” she said. Erik’s gentle words, his easy-going nature, and the attention he showered on a woman would be more than enough to attract her to him. Did Erik Coledane have a talent for getting women to fall in love with him for the sake of his own agenda?” Slipping from the bed, Gabby stalked back to her studio. “I’m not that gullible!” In the same vein, Gabby admitted that she could be that gullible. What kind of person would use someone’s love for them? A lot of jerks would. Swinging to face her computer, Gabby thought about all the stories she’d heard about internet predators. Was Erik Coledane a con artist? Had she fallen in love with a smooth talker, a cad? “Oh my god!” Gabby’s mouth dropped open at the stinging, terrifying truth. “I’m in love with him.” She swayed. She suddenly felt weak and vulnerable. Yet, unbelievably, the stirrings of renewed arousal teased her again. “Oh, I am in so much trouble.” The chime of her inbox signaled, and Gabby nearly tripped over herself to get to the computer. Anger momentarily forgotten, she downloaded the email. It was a joke from a friend. Her eyes flicked to the clock. Erik’s shift had started a half hour ago. Every day he always emailed her at the beginning of his shift. Where was he? “I agreed to help you with your photography career and now you don’t need to pay as much attention to me.” Gabby wrapped her arms around her middle as if she’d been struck in the stomach. She remained in that position for several seconds not knowing whether to laugh or cry at the absurdity of how she was feeling. She loved Erik, but her head was filled with suspicion. Humiliation set in at all the sexual things she’d shared with him, but when she imagined his voice, his face, all the heart to hearts, all his romantic words, her anxieties disintegrated. No one could be that good at seducing someone. Could they? Sitting in her chair, Gabby decided to email a friendly letter, though she was gritting her teeth with renewed anger when she sent it. He was brainwashing her. The

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man knew exactly what he was doing. It had her wondering if there were other women he was wooing for some self-serving gain. Denial crept its way back into her head again. Erik was a well-respected, decorated, military man. Yet memories of news articles and the gauntlets that plagued the armed services, the deviant behaviors that were brought to light several years ago taunted her--sexual harassment, prejudice ... rape. After a half hour of attempting to deal with her mixed emotions, Gabby realized she’d received no response from Erik. Was he ignoring her? An incredible pang struck her square in the chest and then panic set in. She sent another email. Are you okay? I’m worried. “Something happened to him.” Fear … tremendous, awful fear Settled in her. Gabby couldn’t function. She couldn’t even look at the photographs that needed editing, and she absolutely was in no frame of mind to schedule the models for appointments. She didn’t want to talk to anyone save Erik. As a matter of fact, every neuronal transmitter in her system had bottlenecked all of her senses into focusing only on her Iraqi soldier. Nothing inside of her physically and mentally could move on in a normal fashion until she heard from him. It was almost as if she was paralyzed. “He’s injured, oh lord, he’s dead.” An anguished moan spilled through her lips, and Gabby slipped from her chair and sank to the floor next to her desk. The grief was horrendous. “My god, this hurts. This can’t be happening to me again.” Remembering the letter Erik had left for his buddies, Gabby scrambled back into her chair. She checked and double-checked every email addy she owned. No one contacted her to say Erik was injured or gone. It relieved her deepest fears only by marginal degrees, however. If you’re there, please answer. I’m so worried, so scared. Nothing came back. “Why won’t you answer me, damn it!” Gabby slammed a fist against her desk top. Erik’s lack of response prompted her to investigate the online, daily and late breaking news headlines. But there was zero about any bombings or attacks or any American military personnel being killed in Iraq around or near or inside of the base Erik was stationed at. There was a bombing in Baghdad that killed twenty-six people including four soldiers from the United States, but Erik was miles from there, and she couldn’t think of a single reason why he’d be off base and near that city. Knowing all of this it still didn’t ease the anxiety that teemed in Gabby’s chest, however. His silence was killing her. God almighty, she’d smash her best camera just to hear his voice on the other side of the phone line or to get an email from him. Yet, subtly, in the back of her mind, reason warned her that she was also becoming obsessed with him. “I need to calm down.” The sound of a car pulling up into the driveway forced Gabby to shift her thoughts. She listened to the girl’s giggles and Matt saying something to them as the vehicle doors slammed shut. Gabby rose from her chair. Mustering every bit of energy to concentrate on her demeanor and her expression, she left the studio, forcing a casual gait and passive smile as she greeted them at the front door. It was a struggle.

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“Aunt Gabby!” Ariela flung herself at Gabby, who crouched just in time to receive the child’s big hug. The child’s enthusiasm drew a genuine chuckle from her. “I’m glad to see you, too.” “Training wheels are off.” Gabby looked at her brother. He was beaming from ear to ear. Her attention returned to Ariela. “You learned to ride your two-wheeler?” “Yah, finally.” Rolling her eyes Briel walked away. “I wanted to tell her!” Ariela furled an angry brow. “Sweetie!” Gabby hugged her tighter. Up until now her youngest niece had been too terrified to even try riding her bike without the training wheels. “I’m so proud of you.” “Hey dinner’s on you tonight.” Matt tossed his keys in a small basket on a stand next to the door. “I know. I’ve been a bit preoccupied lately and a bit neglectful.” “Just a bit.” With a guilty expression, Gabby released Ariela and stood. “Spaghetti and meatballs?” “My favorite,” Ariela commented, and then said, “I’m going to go play in the backyard.” Gabby watched her skip away and then headed toward the kitchen. Matt followed behind her. “Hey Gabs, Jewel and Randy are having a get together for the fourth. I’m taking the girls up there. You’re coming with me.” “Master Randy.” Gabby snorted. She opened a bottom cupboard door in the kitchen and took out three pots and set the two smaller ones on the counter. Taking the largest to the sink she filled it with water. “How is the old slave driver? Haven’t seen him for awhile. And no, I’m not up to it.” “There’s going to be some available men there.” “Available as in single or available as in I want to share you with my girlfriend?” After putting the pot on the stove, Gabby turned on the gas and then went to the pantry to get a box of spaghetti and a jar of sauce. Matt followed behind like the happy little puppy he was, stopping to lean against the door frame. She gave Matt stern look. “Don’t think so.” “Jewel said a friend of Randy’s, uh Big Ben, I think that’s what he calls himself, is going to be there.” Matt stepped aside to let Gabby exit the pantry. With her brows lifted Gabby questioned, “Oh yah? Why is he called Big Ben?” A leisurely, roguish smile creased Matt’s lips, and for a moment Gabby was perplexed. But then it dawned on her what Matt was implying. “Oh god! No!” She pushed by him and set the pasta next to the pots. Holding the jar of sauce she twisted the top. Matt chortled at her reaction. “When’s the last time you got laid?” “Matt!” Gabby swatted at her brother and then struggled with the lid on the sauce jar again. “I’m not answering that.”

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“I don’t know, sis. You might not want to pass on this one. Aside from his, uh, supposed physical attribute .…” He took the jar from her and, with a forceful turn, the lid popped. He handed it back to her. “Supposedly he’s a good catch.” “Okay, tell me why.” Gabby’s eyes lifted to the ceiling, her tone sarcastic. She just wished everyone would stop trying to fix her up. “Good looks, I guess, good income, military guy from Irmo Air Base.” Matt’s voice became teasing. “And I know how much you love a guy in uniform.” Gabby went stock still. Her expression fell. Matt instantly regretted the comment, becoming apologetic. “Oh, Gabs I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to .…” “Forget it, Matt.” Her hand went up in a halting manner. “Just shut up.” Her brother had misunderstood her reaction, but she wouldn’t correct him. It was thoughts of Erik that had dropped back into her head, not of Patrick. Immense anxiety began tormenting her gut again, mixed with the fear that something terrible had happened to her Iraqi soldier. Matt remained silent as he gave Gabby a hand preparing the meal. When he left the kitchen to call the girls for dinner, she released several panicky breaths of air while straining the spaghetti. The stress she was encountering spilled over into her physical coordination, along with the boiling water that rushed over the side of the colander, over the side of the sink and through her shirt, burning her stomach. She was so preoccupied with worry, she unwittingly had poured the water from that pot too fast. Dropping the colander, Gabby bit back a cry and ignored the blistering pain because the girls came rushing into the kitchen, followed by Matt. If she reacted to the burn her distress over Erik might also escape, and Gabby was hell bent on keeping her emotions hidden. In addition to that Matt already felt bad enough and she didn’t want to make him feel any worse by letting him think his comment brought back grief over Elizabeth and Patrick. After all, his intentions were well-meant. Plus she didn’t want to alert the girls, causing them any concern either. During supper, Gabby managed small talk, forcing smiles and feigning interest, and taking small bites of food that resisted going down. All the while Erik was never far from her mind. When dinner was over and the girls had gone off to play, Matt, feeling guilty, stayed behind to help her clean the kitchen. “I’m really sorry, Gabby,” he said. “I wasn’t trying to be insensitive. I just thought when you handed me the box of pictures it was a declaration that you’re ready to move on at last.” Gabby finished wiping the table and then hung the dish rag over the faucet to dry. “I am, Matt. I just need to take it slowly.” That was a good one. What was happening between her and Erik was occurring as slowly as a runaway train. Was their relationship heading toward derailment? Matt gave her a brotherly hug and kissed the top of her head. “Again, Gabs, it’s another step in the right direction.” Returning to her studio, Gabby released a quivering sob after checking her email. Nothing. Time ticked on, running into his dinner hour and then late into his shift. Gabby dabbled with playing a couple of computer games to pass the hours, helplessness keeping

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her company and she fully realizing that she was completely dysfunctional at the moment. It felt as though she would go out of her mind if word from him didn’t come soon. “I have to end this relationship with him.” He was going to ruin her life. Pausing, Gabby mumbled to herself. “What fucking life?” Other than some of the joys she experienced helping raise her nieces, very little in Gabby’s lackluster life over the past several years had been fulfilling. Mostly, she existed, managing her daily routines numbly. Even the satisfaction she found in her photography served more as a distraction at times from the unforgotten tragedy. Whether negative or positive, there was one thing Gabby couldn’t deny, Erik had reawakened the woman she was inside. He was making her feel alive again. Except at this moment, she was barely breathing, barely holding herself together. And her chest was so tight Gabby swore she heard a rib crack. It felt as though a wrecking ball was tearing around inside of her. Sending off another email, she begged him to respond, and then wondered if he really was ignoring her. Thinking about his suggestions that they work together and wondering once again if that was his real motive, her anger returned, but it didn’t contain nearly the steam that her fret possessed. She loved him. Somewhere around eleven o’clock in the evening an email from Erik came through. Hi there sexy lady. I hope you slept well last night. My day was hectic and communications went down. That’s why I couldn’t write very much. Gabby nearly collapsed in relief. I thought something had happened to you! She typed back. Everything is fine. Did you get the letter I sent this morning? I hope you liked it. Are you kidding? She answered. I was so aroused by your steamy words I felt like a cat in heat sitting on the fence, meowing wildly to get fucked. She hit send. “Lord almighty,” Gabby rubbed her forehead. “I must be emotionally strung out right now. That was a raw thing to say.” Erik replied right away. So how long did you meow once you got on the fence? Did the neighbors wonder what was wrong with you? Gabby laughed. Though her nerves were still frayed, his humor was easing the strain she’d been dealing with all day. She continued to read his response. What I wish, is that I could have been that fence post you sat on. You will meow, that’s for sure. But know that I am a lover, honey. I’m not one to manhandle, although I do enjoy getting hot and wild on a lady from time to time. I’m still smiling over the phone thing. You sounded absolutely like the wild angel I love and adore. Gabby’s face flushed, part from embarrassment but mostly because he was doing it to her again, taunting her libido, fueling the yearning for him that never seemed to subside except for a few brief moments. I’ve never done that before, but I figured what the heck, you’re the one putting me in this condition you might as well be a part of it. Can I call you right now? I really need to hear your voice. YES! Gabby screamed back, internet style. She was ready to burst into tears from

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being so on edge all day. His voice was something she desperately needed to hear, as well. Call now! Her phone rang and Gabby snatched up the receiver, barely able to summon a sound. “Hello.” “Hey baby,” Erik said. Gabby sucked in a strangled breath. Never had she been so elated to hear from someone. “I’m so glad you’re okay.” Erik continued, speaking calmly almost nonchalantly. “We had six mortar attacks within the last ten hours which basically meant being woken up and diving for the floor or taking cover somewhere.” “I thought something had happened to you,” she uttered, her tone revealing just how shaken she was. “No, baby, I told you that I would be okay. They weren’t very close but they still shake the earth and rattle our rooms. Nothing ever really lands inside. I just don’t understand why we don’t take out the insurgents. It’s almost like we want to leave some of them alive so they can lead us to others at the top of the food chain. Oh well, enough of that mess. How was your day?” Still feeling the upset, Gabby choked on her words. “I thought you were dead,” Erik softened his voice further. “Sweetheart, calm down. There’s no need to be upset.” “My chest hurts so badly,” she gasped. “I was so scared.” “You really are having trouble breathing, aren’t you? Take a deep breath, angel,” he encouraged. “Go on.” Gabby inhaled and exhaled several times. “That’s it sweetheart, breathe for me.” With him murmuring sounds of comfort, she began relaxing. Erik’s voice was like a gentle caress that washed her worries away. “Oh my heart,” she said pressing a palm to her sternum. The breathing was actually making her feel dizzy, but the muscles that were tightened inside of her chest now that Erik was talking to her, began to slacken. “It hurt so much.” “Remember that feeling,” The intonation in his voice deepened as if he was warning her. “Because that’s how you’ll feel if you ever try to leave me.

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Chapter Eleven Erik cleared his throat and then went quiet, almost as if he was letting his words sink in, which they did … quite solidly. He began talking again, things that were incoherent to Gabby’s ears because she was still focusing on his comment. Those simple words were embedding inside of her, resonating in her brain, taking hold in her mind. Remember that feeling .… A hundred million flags should’ve been spiking skyward so rapidly they’d be piercing the sound barrier, but they weren’t. Instead, the only boom Gabby could hear and feel was the hard thumping inside her ribcage. Erik Coledane had taken up residence in her head and her heart, and there was no way she was going to be able to evict him. Gabby was firmly attached and committed. “I guess I’m never leaving you,” Gabby mumbled. There was no way in hell she ever wanted to feel that way again. Erik abruptly stopped talking. “What’d you say?” “Nothing.” “Oh, I thought you said something.” “No.” “Well, as I was telling you,” Erik continued. “Before all of that shit with the mortars happened we had a bird come in with it’s blower on fire.” “A what?” Gabby asked. “A plane, sweetheart, with it’s afterburner in flames. I was woken out of a sound sleep and then the Colonel wanted all the information gathered from my investigation in a written report before morning. Plus with the Fourth of July coming, things are a bit intense, but that’s all I can tell you.” Fret seized Gabby anew. “Are they afraid of another attack?” “Let’s just say we’re taking precautions, but, hey, we’re always taking precautions. No worry, baby,” Erik explained. “Anyway, that took me the better half of six hours, and when I got ready to check my email, I discovered that all communications had gone down. We couldn’t use the phones, email, or any type of outside connections.” “Thank God, that’s all it was.” Closing her eyes, Gabby savored the relaxed breathing she’d been seeking all day. “I read the letter you sent this morning just before I emailed you. That was hot, baby. I’m so glad you’re opening up to me now and trusting me enough to be comfortable saying those things to me.” “I can’t help it with you.” Gabby moaned out a restful exhale. “You make me feel that way.” I don’t remember ever driving a woman this crazy,” Erik said. “It’s difficult for me to believe. “Well believe it. I think if you said ‘boo’ I’d be aroused.”

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A few seconds later her email chimed. It was from Erik. With curiosity she opened it. Boo! Gabby threw her head back and laughed. She loved his sense of humor. “Got my email?” Erik asked. “Yah,” she answered, still laughing. “Oh, what you do to me Erik Coledane. If we ever meet, I should be wary. You might tie me up and have your way with me, and I’d let you.” “I like that thought, angel.” “You are a wicked man, soldier.” “Do you really think I’m that wicked or maybe we’re just crazy for each other? I’ll tie you up someday, but I promise to be gentle with you. You’re going to feel good when I’m on top of you and inside of you, baby.” He paused for a moment. “I’m as hard as a rock right now, sweetheart, imagining that.” Gabby groaned. She had never even realized that her clit had the ability to swell with arousal, but it most certainly was. With little thought she undid the button and zipper on her shorts, removing them along with her underwear. She began to play with herself. “Maybe I’ll also blindfold you to see if I can drive you wild someday, spread your legs and lick that little pussy of yours over and over again. How would you like that, Gabby?” A breathless sigh passed between Gabby’s lips. “You’re so dominant.” Erik laughed in response. “I can’t wait to get my fingers inside of you. It’s going to feel great. Yah, I’ll drive you wild because I’ll be licking it passionately while I’m fingering you.” “Oh my god,” Gabby shuddered. “I can’t stand it.” “Are you touching it, baby?” Erik asked. “Touch it for me.” “I am.” Erik groaned. “Once I’m back in the states, we’re going to do this together.” “I can’t wait,” Gabby panted. “That’s it, baby make it happen. Play with that pretty little thing for me.” She came … hard. On a shudder she nearly screamed as Erik murmured his pleasure at listening to her. Taking a few moments to catch her breath, Gabby was awed at how amazing phone sex was with him. How fantastic would it be live? “So.” Gabby chuckled. Forgetting the shorts she pulled only her underwear on and drew her legs up to sit crisscross on her chair. She continued to skim her fingertips over the cloth covering her at the crotch enjoying the climatic remnants still stirring there. “So,” Erik repeated. “That was very nice, Gabby. It’ll be even nicer when we see each other in person. “Have you ever been with a virgin, Erik?” Gabby really didn’t know where the question came from. It was sort of out of the blue, but there was so much she still didn’t know about him. Besides, Erik had told her she could ask him anything. “As a matter of fact, I have,” he answered “More than once, three times actually.

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Why do you ask?” “I just want to learn more about you,” Gabby returned. “It must be something to be trusted like that.” “I don’t take advantage of people’s vulnerabilities, sweetheart. I have respect for all women. I respect people in general. It probably shows in my attitude.” “Have you ever cried?” Gabby thought about the last time she had cried her heart out. It was when her life had come crashing down, but later as well, though not as deeply when Caroline, Matt’s wife died. “As an adult I mean.” “I have, several times.” Lord he was amazing, strong and sexy, yet sensitive at the same time. “What did you cry over?” “What else, failed marriages, sad events when things didn’t go well, death of a relative or friend.” “When you cried, were you alone or was someone with you?” Oh God, Gabby felt the sob rise to her throat. She wanted to talk about it with Erik, tell him what happened to Patrick … and Elizabeth. “With people and alone.” Erik paused after he answered. “Are you crying, Gabby?” She cleared her throat. This was it. “I … Have you ever seen anyone die? I mean being sent to places where there’s war and things like that, I was wondering.” “Yes,” Erik’s voice turned sullen. “Do you know what blood smells like Erik?” Gabby felt terrified. It was so damn difficult to talk about it, but she had to. “I do.” “Being military and deployed to foreign locations, I’ve actually seen lots of it. Yes, I know the smell.” Erik’s voice became more animated. “Why do you want to know? When we meet, you’re not going to be bleeding are you?” The off-handed comment caused Gabby to burst out laughing again. It quelled the thoughts of sorrow in her head. Still, now was as good time as any. But before she could begin, Erik began speaking to someone who apparently had come into the room. Their conversation was short, though Gabby couldn’t quite make out what was being said other than Erik thanking whoever it was. “Guess what sweetheart.” Erik started talking to her again. “I just received my walking papers. I’m out of here in three days.” Gabby’s heart leapt. “You are?” Erik sighed. “After I came over here, I intended to stay for another three to six months, but now that I’ve met you, I told them I wanted to leave. I just want to come home.” A low cry hitched in Gabby’s throat. She couldn’t believe it. “You’re leaving Iraq for me?” “I love you more than I can possibly explain to you. Hell, I can’t explain it to myself,” Erik admitted. “I’m so impatient to have you in my arms. We’re going to be so lost in passion it will be like we’re in a different world.” “That sounds wonderful.” Gabby felt a swoon and struggled to ignore the pounding in her heart that seemed to interfere with normal breathing. If this kept up she

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was going to need an oxygen tank soon. “Your eyes are what I want to see close up. I look at your pictures every day, and I see more than an angel. I see the most beautiful lady I’ve ever known.” Wow, could he have said anything more romantic that that? Elation grabbed at Gabby, mixed with a sudden urge to cry happy tears. She was already trembling in monumental anticipation at the thought of finally being able to touch him, to be touched by him. “You’re coming home.” “I have to, baby, if for no other reason than to finally meet you face to face. I want to be there for you when you get knocked down and I want to feel your ecstasy when no one else can give it to you the way I could. Honey you know if I had the world to give to you I would, because I honestly think you deserve it.” “What if I’m a big disappointment to you, Erik?” Gabby furled a worried brow. “What if I tell you things about me that might change what’s between us?” “Sweetheart for the last time, I will never be upset with you or get angry with you. Trust me. Tell me anything and everything, no secrets between us. I’m here for you, sweetheart, and soon I’ll be there for you, back in the good old USA.” “I believe you.” “You better, girl or I’ll be kicking your butt before I kiss it.” That had Gabby smiling. “Listen, baby, I have to go for now so I can tie up some loose ends before my replacement gets here. Just know that my heart yearns for you daily.” They said their goodbyes and then Gabby sat quietly for a few minutes, unsure of what she should be thinking and feeling—fright, nervousness, joy? Did she really want to meet him? “Oh god yes! I want to meet you, touch your face, make love to you more than anything, Erik.” Anticipation and eagerness burst through all of Gabby’s doubts. He was coming home. It sank in slowly, and then it hit bottom very hard. He was coming home? “Oh my lord!” Gabby panicked. She ran to her room and threw open the door to her closet. “I need new clothes!” Spinning, she studied the crap she’d put on her face only occasionally over the past several years. “I need new make-up.” She rushed to her dresser and started rummaging through her drawer, becoming thoroughly disgusted with her intimates. “I need new fucking underwear!” That made her laugh. “Fucking underwear … ha! That’s exactly what I need them for.” Crotchless and thong came to mind. Did she dare? Her amusement faded rapidly when she placed herself in front of the full length mirror in her room. How the hell would she look naked? “Oh shit.” Gabby yanked off all of her clothes and stared at her unclad self. “I’m freakin’ fat! I need a new body!” She started doing jumping jacks, realizing how ridiculous her boobs looked bouncing up and down as she performed the exercise. “I’m disgusting. He’s going to gag when he sees me.” No one, but no one had seen her naked in over a decade except for Patrick.

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Gabby froze. A sickening feeling sank into the pit of her stomach. “I have to tell him Patrick’s dead and that I’m a widow.” That meant she would have to suffer through the memories. But Erik wouldn’t push the issue. It was one of the things she loved about him. He quietly listened without interruption when she needed to talk about things, and he wouldn’t try to force her into saying anything she didn’t want to say. Gabby rubbed her forehead. She had had no idea the relationship would go this far with Erik and had never meant to deceive him, but there it was. She’d done the exact thing he would despise. “You said you couldn’t deal with another liar.” Gabby frowned. Her confession was going to hurt him profoundly. The trust, the closeness that had grown between them might be destroyed. It would be destroyed, and then Erik would be gone from her life. Anguish squeezed her chest. If only she could go back and change time, but she couldn’t. Whatever would be was meant to be, and she would just have to deal with the consequences. It was wrong he didn’t know the truth. Gabby was resigned. There would be no making love with him until she confessed that she was really a widowed woman. Her thoughts shifted. Insecurities resurfaced forcing her to question why he so badly wanted to be in her life as a lover especially thinking she was married. What if he was only doing this for the sake of promoting his own photography work? He might be using her. It made her ill, but she had to keep that in the back of her mind—or in the front. Either way it was something to consider. Her email chimed, and Gabby grabbed a robe, donning it as she rushed back to her studio and toward her computer. It was Erik. He’d sent her another picture. This is me with my parents. Now you know I love you, baby or you wouldn’t be getting this one. Her bones nearly turned to jelly. That simple statement negated any doubts Gabby had about Erik’s motives. The timing of it was eerie, though, almost as if he’d known what she was thinking. Gabby studied the professionally done portrait and then replied to Erik. Your parents look like a lovely, happy couple, people I would enjoy knowing. I almost forgot to tell you that you’re not going to hear from me for about three or four days. Erik continued in his email. I’m shipping my laptop home and I’m disabling my email address here soon. My mail will still be up for the next couple of hours. Write a sexy letter for me to read on the plane, okay? Okay, Gabby answered. When my feet touch American soil, my first call will be to you. Just know I love you. I love you too, Erik. Do you just love me, Gabby or are you truly in love with me? Do you desire me to bed you? Would you spend eternity with me and let me spoil you like the princess you are? Yes, yes, and yes, if you want to … spoil me that is. I don’t think anyone ever has. I am in love with you. After Gabby sent the email she sat pensively in front of her computer. It was the first time she had actually said those words to him. It felt good—right.

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I’m so relieved that you’re opening up your heart and letting me all the way in, Gabby. You are made for me, sweetheart, and I don’t think I could be more in love with anyone. It’s so weird but very nice and needed. I have been treated pretty poorly in the past. I’m not placing all of the blame on the women I’ve had relationships with. I’m also at fault for some of the problems, but sometimes I feel so drained. I’ve always tried to give my fullest, but hardly ever received. I’ll never take more than I can give back to you Erik. In fact you’ll probably grow tired of all the attention I want to shower you with. If she ever got the chance to shower him with affection and love, that is. Gabby’s expression wrenched as did her heart. Erik was going to dump her once she confessed. She read his next email. When I get to the hotel in Baltimore I’m going to call you, sweetheart. You’ll have to figure out how to be alone because I would like to stroke my manhood while you finger yourself so we can feel like we’re together until we actually are. I’m smiling right now remembering one of you letters. You said that your mouth watered to suck me. When we meet, you can suck me all night long if you want. You know what I enjoy? I love holding the back of a lady’s head while she relieves my balls. To me it’s a big turn on especially if she likes to have her head held. It’s as if I’m forcing her to do it. Does my thinking like that bother you? I hope not. Not one bit. Gabby mewed and her breath caught. The sensations between her thighs intensified. She licked her lips, imagining them around Erik’s cock. I’m glad to hear that, Gabby. Erik replied. It seems we’re very compatible and enjoy the same things. The two of us will be inseparable once we are together doing the wild thing, and once we have more time to talk openly. I’m think I’m going to die a thousand ‘little deaths’ when you’re finally against me and whispering in my ear, Erik. La petite mort that’s what the French call it. Je t’aime, my angel. I would love to fly with you to Paris to walk the streets and under the bridges lining the Seine River. Somewhere along the way I would move you out of the light so I could bend you over and lift your skirt. Of course you wouldn’t be wearing any panties because you’ll have mailed all of them to me when I was in the desert or something. “You’re too much, soldier.” Gabby smiled as she spoke the words aloud. “And relentless.” She continued to read. I’d stroke my finger in and out of you over and over until you needed me to enter you. While easing down the zipper on my pants I would continue massaging your insides, waiting until you begged me for it and became so wet I could slide into you from behind We’d make love while looking at the Eiffel Tower. Gabby nearly fell off her chair. Hot damn that was sexy! Her juices were certainly flowing now. Maybe we’ll have Paris together someday, soldier. For now let’s just get you home. It’s going to be a long week not being able to talk to you, angel, but I do have to wrap things up here and start packing. I can’t wait to see you. You are the only thing in and on my mind right now. I love you more than I could ever begin to explain. Don’t take yourself away from me, okay … EVER. How could I Erik? Gabby wrote back. It’s as if negative and positive charges

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are flying between us, bonding for stability, binding you and me. And you know how strong that kind of bond can be. You’ve captured me fully, and I am completely yours. I don’t think I could leave you if I tried. You can’t imagine how happy that makes me. Good night sweetheart. Keep me in all of your dreams. Keep breathing for me, baby.

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Chapter Twelve “I’m in Baltimore, sweetheart.” “Thank God,” Gabby exclaimed from the other end of the phone. “Not being able to talk to you at all for the last four days has been pure hell.” “Well, now that I’m home you’ll be able to talk to me all you want.” “How long are you there for?” “I fly out tomorrow morning,” Erik replied. “You should see the inner harbor here. It’s beautiful. I’ll have to bring you here someday.” “I wish I was with you now.” “It won’t be long, angel. I’m planning on driving up to Charlotte the week after next so we’ll finally be able to meet and discuss face to face where this relationship of ours is going.” “I’m nervous,” Gabby told him. “There’s so much I want to talk to you about.” “So talk to me now, baby.” Other than Gabby’s subtle breathing, there was silence on the other end of the phone. Patiently Erik waited, but knew the longer she hesitated the less likely Gabby would be able to talk about it. “Are you there, sweetheart.” “Yah, I’m here.” “What’s on your mind? Tell me your thoughts.” Gabby sighed heavily, hesitated and then responded. “When I see you face to face, we’ll talk.” The moment had passed. He’d given Gabby the opportunity, but she couldn’t open herself up emotionally to him. Perhaps it would be better if she waited until they were together. Erik would be patient and grant her that much. Besides, he wanted to be there to hold her together if she began to fall apart. “Are you alone, sweetheart?” Erik asked. “Are you somewhere private?” “Yes, I’m in the bedroom connected to my studio. Why? Are you planning a tactical maneuver soldier?” “I so want to taste your juices flowing from your body.” Erik wrapped his fingers around is already stiff cock. “I’m naked baby and stroking it.” “Oh,” Gabby moaned. “A direct hit, I’m doomed.” “Get your dildo, baby.” “I already have it.” “Rub it over your clit but don’t put it in.” Erik listened to her quiet, sexy murmurs as she stimulated herself. “Feel good, baby?” “Yes.” “I’m feeling pretty good myself,” Erik returned. “I am so nuts about you and the thought of being able to rub my hands down your back while kissing you makes me

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absolutely tingle.” Gabby’s breathing deepened. “I want to lay you on my bed, take your shirt off, and massage your back while kissing the back of your neck.” Erik’s hand moved up and down his shaft in even, rhythmic motions as he spoke to Gabby. “Your skin looks soft in the pictures you sent me. I’m going to touch you all over, move my hands along the length of you and down to massage your sweet little ass. But I wouldn’t be able to stop there, angel.” “You’re making me crazy, Erik,” Gabby groaned out. “Get it wet baby, put that thing inside of you and pretend it’s my cock taking that tender pussy of yours.” Gabby murmured a sound of relief that told Erik she was thrusting her toy into her vagina. Her breathing grew heavy. “I would roll you over and rub your front side not touching your breasts just yet, but teasing you, massaging around them and then down to your tummy. I would start kissing your neck again and then those beautiful, luscious lips. I really can’t wait to kiss your lips, Gabby. I bet we’ll kiss really well together because there is so much desire and passion for each other locked up inside of us.” “I’m going faster.” Gabby described what she was doing with her dildo. “I’m so wet.” Erik’s hand increased its tempo, milking his throbbing shaft. “I’m going to lick you around your nipples, baby, all over the areola. I love nipples, so I’ll spend a lot of time sucking on them.” A shaky exhale from Gabby’s mouth drifted through the phone line. She began to pant. Cocking his hips, Erik stroked harder. “The scent of your love canal will be calling me so I’ll slowly lick all the way down to your sweet entrance. I’ll find your clit and flick my tongue back and forth on it. I love giving oral, baby. I want you to orgasm and pour all over my face after I eat you out.” “Oh god!” Gabby cried out. “Come on, baby.” That was it, Erik was starting to spew. “Erik!” The sound of Gabby calling his name when her orgasm hit was all that it took to have Erik doing the same. He was coming simultaneously with Gabby, and he was so lost in the explosive sensation he was barely aware of the phone that separated them. He could feel her, smell her, taste her as if she was there with him. He craved the heat of her body, wanted to hold her, enjoy the trembles of her post-orgasmic release, but for now he’d have to settle for her quite gasps on the other end as she attempted to calm her breathing. He melded in the mattress, completely spent and blindsided by how powerful the orgasm was. And he hadn’t even physically touched her yet. Damn, his heart was in big, big trouble. All of the sexual chaos that consumed him was happening because he loved Gabby so very, very much. “You are such a beautiful lady, and I mean a true Lady. I have never met anyone that drives me this wild. I can’t imagine how good my penis will really feel inside of you, my angel. You just seem to be so perfect for me in every way. We’ll soon find out,

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won't we?” **** Sandra was gorgeous. Erik was mesmerized by how beautiful she was during the entire trip from Iraq to Qatar to Germany and then onward to the United States. As it turned out, she was older than he thought, thirty-one and available, divorced once, one kid. He had no idea she was leaving Iraq at the same time he was. It was a pleasant surprise. Sitting next to her and having her for company during the trip had been a treat. She had a great sense of humor and kept him laughing during most of their journey. Sandra was stationed at Irmo AFB, just as he was, but she worked on the opposite side of the base, so he rarely saw here. Besides that, Erik never considered mixing work and personal relationships. Until now. And then there was Gabby. She’d stayed up with him the entire night on the fourth of July, worried that something was going to happen to him. No matter how hard he tried, Erik was unable to convince her to go to bed. Her concern about his safety was different than that of a good friend or even a casual girlfriend. Her worry was filled with immense love. Even though thousands of miles separated them, Gabby, whether by phone or email, seemed to always be at his side. As much as the distance would allow, she was at his beck and call. Her sense of humor was infectious, and sexually, he couldn’t imagine it being any hotter, and her tastes in bed were on the same level of intensity that Erik liked. Most of all it was the love she had for him. Erik could feel the magnitude of its warmth and sincerity, even through the phone line. Gabby was everything Erik wanted in a woman. In return, he was rapidly becoming filled with immense love for her, too. All of those feelings deepened when he called her from Baltimore. Knowing he was getting closer to being able to take her in his arms was filling him with enormous anticipation. It had been pure anguish to say goodnight to her last evening. He actually felt a bit choked up when he heard her sweet voice on the other end saying goodbye. But he was also perturbed. She had yet to tell him about her husband. And the fact that she continued to allow him to think he was getting himself involved with a married woman, well, it hammered at his pride and dignity. She would tell him, Erik decided, once they were face to face or their relationship was over. “There they are!” Sandra waved at the family members who came to greet her. The excitement in her voice yanked Erik from his thoughts. He spotted two people waving back at her and heading toward them. Sandra suddenly swiveled. “Hey little girl!” Erik stepped back on one foot to brace himself. Sandra had just thrown herself at him, her arms reaching to wrap around his neck. She planted a kiss on his cheek before leaning back to look him. Sandra smiled broadly, a sparkle in her gaze. “It’s great to be home!” “Yah it is,” Erik replied with a returned smile. He really liked her a lot. In Baltimore, just after he had talked to Gabby, Sandra showed up at his hotel room door holding a large pizza. They enjoyed the food and the soda she’d brought and then Sandra asked him if they could get together outside of work just for fun. Erik was a bit flattered when she asked for his number. So they exchanged them. She lived nearby

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so he invited her to have coffee with him at the coffee shop. Why not? If Gabby didn’t fess up soon, Erik would be exiting the relationship faster than a pilot’s egress from a spiraling plane. It would be nice to have someone as sweet as Sandra to keep him company through the emotional fall. Perhaps something would come of it, as well. But for now, Erik was still investing all of his hope in Gabby. “See ya ‘round, Cole.” Sandra winked as she spoke. She was looking over her shoulder at Erik and walking away. “Yah, see you around,” Erik repeated and then added. “Soon.” An unexpected sense of depression rose within him. Rarely was there anyone to greet him when he came home. With his first wife it was probably because she was busy screwing some jackass she’d picked up in a bar, and Corinne, well she couldn’t be bothered. Something else was always too important. Erik’s cell phone rang. “Hello?” It was Gabby. “I’m on my way to baggage claim soldier.” “What?” Erik’s heart leapt. Gabby knew his flight number, but had she actually flown in to meet him? “You’re here, where?” “I’m coming down the escalator.” “Incredible.” Erik’s head whipped so quickly in that direction he could’ve given himself a whiplash. There would be none of that! He needed all of his body parts intact, especially his head and neck, if he intended to kiss her all over. “I can’t believe you did this.” “Someone had to welcome you home, soldier.” “You are one fantastic lady, Gabby.” “It’s easy when you’re with one fantastic guy,” she answered. With his heart racing, Erik glued his sight to where Gabby would be descending to baggage claim. The first thing that caught his eyes was the white flip flops. His eyes traveled upward. She was in a light, gauzy, tea length dress—sea foam green with a number of buttons running up the front. Just a hint of ankle and calf were showing, but Erik already knew she had great legs. His sight meandered further, to the curve of her hips and the indent of her waist. He groaned at how nicely the garment fell loosely over her feminine body. His dick hardened as his eyes moved upward to the swell of her breasts, slightly but sensually visible in the modestly low cut garment. There was just enough showing to be tantalizing. They were beautiful. And she had a beautiful neck. He was going to kiss her there. He was going to come up behind her, wrap his arm around her body and press her against him with his palm flat on her abdomen. And then he was going to kiss her neck. His gaze lifted further, to her face. Gabby was looking around, searching. Gabby reached the bottom of the escalator and their gazes met. “There you are,” Erik said into his phone. This was amazing and completely arousing. It was as if she was a stranger that had snagged his eye after a passing glance, a sensual woman he didn’t know, mysterious and intriguing. She was the sexiest woman he’d ever seen. “I see you.” Gabby cleared her throat. “I’m really thirsty.”

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“Go get your baggage and we’ll get something after we leave the terminal.” There was a hitching in Erik’s chest as she came toward him and then brushed right by him, her eyes forward as if she didn’t notice him, but she had smile on her luscious lips. She kept the cell phone to her ear, as if talking to someone who wasn’t nearby, and then scooted toward the conveyor when she spied her luggage. “I’m impressed,” she said. Her back was toward him because she was facing the conveyor. She reached and grabbed her bag. “At home I’d be standing here twenty minutes waiting for my suitcase.” She had a great ass. Erik couldn’t wait to rub his hands all over it. “Follow me outside and to my car. I don’t want to risk us being seen together for your sake.” “I need to use the bathroom first.” “Okay, then turn around.” Erik waited until she complied. “Do you see the concession straight ahead?” “Yes.” “Walk toward it. There’s a ladies room to the left just before you reach it.” Erik had moved, blended a bit into the crowd around him and watched Gabby pass him. His lips curved in a licentious smile as he strolled behind her. “Where’d you go?” Gabby asked. “Oh, I’m here,” Erik answered. Damn this is hot. There really was no need for discretion and hence the cell phones, but this whole thing was turning him on. “I’m right behind you watching that pretty, little bottom of yours swaying while you walk.” With a chuckle Gabby’s head began to turn. “No,” Erik ordered. “Don’t turn around. Just feel my eyes on you.” She chuckled one more time and then disappeared from his sight as she entered the bathroom. “I’m going to hang up now, Erik. I really don’t want you to hear me pee.” “Okay, baby. Meet me outside at the curb when you’re ready.” “You got it, soldier.” Erik released a long breath. He was hot and bothered beyond belief, but had already decided not to make love to her until she gave over her vulnerabilities and talked to him about what had happened to her husband and child. He was sure that it had to be extremely difficult to talk about, and the reason she’d kept it secret for so long, but it was time, and he’d forgive her, because he loved her that much. But she had to trust him to take care of that fragile part of her heart. Still, happiness filled Erik. What a nice surprise she had given him, coming to meet him as he arrived home. No woman had ever put herself out there for him as much as Gabby. He never wanted to give that up. “Water,” Erik told the salesperson behind the concession. Gabby emerged from the ladies room and instead of doing what they agreed, he walked directly toward her, handing her the bottle of spring water. It was her favorite brand. He took her bag from her and they exited the airport, walking side by side. He looked directly at her. “Your eyes are a beautiful green.” Erik paused, glad she had kept her attention directly on him so he could gaze at them. “And they’re big too … pretty.” His car was parked in a lot designated for military personal and when they

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reached it, Erik unlocked the trunk, putting both their bags inside. Gabby stood by the passenger door. Erik unlocked and opened it for her. He loved it when a lady allowed him to be a gentleman. Too many women these days took offense at chivalry, but it was refreshing that Gabby didn’t seem to be that way. Erik closed the door and then crossed around to the driver’s side, getting in. After pushing his sunglasses on his face, he started the engine and drove off, occasionally glancing at Gabby. She continued to stare at him as if mesmerized. He liked it. “Are you okay?” he asked. Her lips parted slightly. She exhaled a mellow breath and whispered. “I’m fine.” “Disappointed?” Erik looked at Gabby and then toward the road ahead and back at her again. God he hoped not. “No.” she shook her head, her voice barely audible. “Not at all.” “So how are you feeling?” Erik paused. “Horny?” He adjusted his rearview mirror without looking at her and then mumbled. “I hope.” Now why had he just blurted that out after telling himself nothing physical would happen until after they talked? But much to his pleasure, Gabby nodded almost timidly. Erik liked that, too, and the way she kept her eyes attentively on him as if he was all there was in the world right now. And Erik too had his attention on her when he wasn’t dividing it between Gabby and the road. She was incredible, her looks, her body, everything about Gabby was making him wild. Still, he had to resist her, at least until she talked openly to him—confessed. Several seconds passed with Erik alternating between looking at Gabby and the road. He finally broke the silence. “You are one hot looking woman.” Gabby smiled, her demeanor appearing relaxed. She seemed almost docile from where she sat in the passenger seat next to him, and Erik thought she had to be nervous. Gabby enjoyed talking as much as he did and he was concerned because she wasn’t saying much. “Are you sure you’re okay?” “Yes,” Gabby whispered. Silence followed with Erik continuing to exchange glances between Gabby and looking ahead, his attention often dropping to admire her breasts. She sat at an angle, more of her weight on her left thigh so she was facing him. He could see straight down the front of the dress with her in that position and the site of those full, rounded mounds was driving him nuts. The hem of the dress was hiked to just above her knees, exposing her fabulous calves. Occasionally she would slide one against the other as if yearning to part them. Erik’s cock pulsated at the thought. His hand gripped the steering wheel more tightly, aching to touch her, to skim his palm along the inside of her thigh, massaging it gently in upward, circular motions until his fingers reached her muff. He was going to thrust his fingers inside, urging her juices to flow, readying her for his entrance. The image sent a shudder scurrying up his spine, and he was really becoming uncomfortable in his shorts. “You are so hot.” Erik shifted his sight away from her again, looking forward. He blinked in an exaggerated motion, slowly, as if to cast off some foggy spell that had taken over his brain. “I can’t even look at you. I’m getting hard.” “I can’t believe I flew here.”

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“I think it’s wonderful, baby. But how did you get away?” “I have methods.” Pulling into his driveway, Erik parked the car and got out. Gabby didn’t move. He took their bags out of the trunk and set them by his back door. She watched him. Erik was nervous. It felt like he was back in high school about to make love for the very first time. It didn’t matter to him if she was nervous, though. He would take care of her, prove to her that with him, all of her fears and insecurities would subside. Erik unlocked the door and pushed it open, placing their suitcases just inside. He then returned to the car and opened the door for Gabby, offering her his hand as she swung her legs to the side. She placed a hand in his. It was their first touch and it was electrifying, jolting Erik to his core. “Thank you,” Gabby said quietly. Erik released her and indicated for Gabby to move ahead of him, ladies before gentlemen, yes, but he wanted another look at that ass, now covered but soon to be unwrapped by him. “Jesus,” he mumbled. His member was throbbing. He followed Gabby through the door, watching as she stopped in the center of his kitchen before turning to face him. Her gaze meandered all over his body. She was smiling, and the sight of her in front of him, knowing how much she wanted him, had his insides curling with carnal need. Erik hung his keys on a hook by the door. The house smelled musty from being shut up for so long and he hoped it didn’t offend her. Crossing to the other side of the room, he headed down the hall to his living room. Gabby was just behind him. He sighed. Erik could live the rest of his life with Gabby following him everywhere. “Your house is nice,” she said, looking around. Drawing aside a drape panel, Erik unlatched the window there. “I’ll let some fresh air in. And then you can have a look because it’s such a great view.” Erik rolled his eyes and Gabby laughed when she saw the brick wall of the house next door on the other side of the pane. She slid her carry-on bag off of her shoulder and set it on his coffee table. Gabby began sauntering toward him. He was too impatient to wait for her, however, and closed the distance between them in three long strides. They nearly fell into each other’s arms, their bodies molding. Gabby tipped her face as he bent. Their lips locked, their breathing accelerated. His tongue slipped through her lips almost immediately and she took it, gave her own, pressed her mouth tighter against his while releasing a harsh breath through her nostrils. Erik felt more of her weight as she sank into him. His arms were first around her back as he held her but then slipped downward to grasp her bottom. His cock, fully erect was on full speed ahead, and he had no qualms about letting her know it, grinding it against her belly. “I could kiss you all night and until the sun came up, my angel,” Erik whispered against her lips. Gabby moaned as he moved from her mouth and sipped her earlobe before nipping it gently. Her head fell back when he kissed her neck, while his hand impulsively sought and found her bra hook. With near expertise he had it undone.

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Turning her away from him to face the opposite direction, he ran his hands leisurely over her shoulders and down the length of her arms. At the same time he pushed his growth against her backside, letting her feel his desire for her. “I’m so horny for you right now, baby.” Gabby responded with uneven breathing, and a low, vocal mew. Moving one arm around her, Erik splayed a palm on her abdomen, the weight of one breast resting on his forearm. Gabby arched and ground her bottom against his hardness, her breathing erratic, her passionate utterances pushing his need for her to a nearly volatile level. The hand around her waist moved upward to cup a breast. He caressed it until her nipple stiffened and poked delectably through the top of her dress. Gabby’s breathing hitched when he pinched it gently. “Breathe baby,” Erik muttered low. Gabby exhaled harshly as Erik’s other hand was hiking her skirt, bunching it until he could slip his hand beneath it. He found his way into her panties and without any contemplation, stroked a finger to explore her clit and then tested her wetness by inserting it inside of her. Holy damn, she clamped right down on it. She was tight and wet—very, very wet. And hot. He was going to love entering that slick, little pussy of hers with his cock. “Come with me,” Erik murmured in her ear. He meant it both literally and suggestively. Stepping away from her, he took her by the wrist and without a word or objection, she let him lead her to his bedroom. Once inside he picked up where he had left off, behind her, stroking her until he felt her knees weaken. Leaning forward, Gabby braced her hands on his dresser. She arched at his ministrations and he could see her expression in his mirror. Her lids kept drifting open and closed, her lips were parted, and she exhaled sensual, rhythmic breaths. There was no doubt by what Erik was feeling and what he was seeing that she was incredibly aroused. Again he released her, and she turned to watch him as he undressed. Erik kept his eyes on Gabby, too, watching hungrily as one by one she undid the buttons of her dress, top to bottom in a torturously slow but incredibly erotic manner. Standing there completely naked, Erik waited with anticipation, shuddering when the dress dropped off of her to pool at the floor. Gabby fixated on his cock, which only caused it to throb further, that and looking at her firm but luscious female body. Covered by a white, lacey bra and panties, her breasts and her muff were the only things left to uncover, and there was no way Erik was going to hesitate to make that happen. Turning, he grasped the comforter and sheets, peeling them off of the mattress. He looked at Gabby one last time, allowing his eyes to feast on her body before directing her to his bed. “Get in.” Gabby complied, and Erik climbed in after her. She turned to her back and as she moved, he pulled the bra from her. The panties came off next. The site of her naked body sent a fire leaping through Erik’s groin. As he settled down on top of her, something struck him, something he was supposed to remember to do—or avoid. But what the hell was it?

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Chapter Thirteen She tasted sweet, her mouth, her skin, and she smelled good, too. Her hair was freshly scented, clean and silky smooth. And she was wearing a scent that smelled like it was from one of those popular bath stores. It was amber, one of Erik’s favorite fragrances, at least in candle form, and now absolutely, on Gabby. It was amazing, how much she was suited to him so far, in every way, shape and form. She was so caring and loving and sexy. And no matter how much attention she showered on him, which was actually quite a lot, Erik had a feeling he was never going to have enough of her. He was always going to want more, and at the moment he was taking more of her. Lifting off of her, Erik knelt. He reached to fondle her breasts and Gabby moaned. Erik grinned down at her. “Big boobies.” That brought a smile to her face, but the expression quickly faded when he rolled a nipple between his finger and thumb. Gabby gazed up at him, the lust apparent in her eyes, her breathing coming in shallow pants. And when Erik leaned and began flicking first one and then the other nipple with his tongue, a low, sensual cry escaped through her lips. Arching slightly into his mouth, she shuddered as Erik began moving, kissing her body all over, the tops of her breasts, down her belly, her mons and back up again. Gabby went limp, and Erik sat back on his haunches. Her eyes drifted shut, and there was no doubt in Erik’s mind that if she was standing at the moment she’d need him to hold her up. Pressing his body on top of hers, he held her head in his hands and then angled his mouth over hers. The passion in his kiss, the abandoned quiver in his breathing exposed his enigmatic desire for her. Raising his head, Erik gazed down at her. “I can’t move,” Gabby gasped out. “Why not?” Erik asked, “I’m overwhelmed.” “You don’t have to move, baby.” A tremor rippled down Erik’s spine, culminating in a heightened pressure in the head of his cock. “I’ll do it all.” Gabby murmured in reply, and Erik gulped when she bent her knees and her legs fell apart. She had an incredible spread, wide and begging. For a moment he could only stare at her pussy and her tantalizing labia now blossomed apart, inviting him to penetrate her. Erik shifted, kissing lower and lower. He licked her once, lifting the hood of her clit with the tip of his tongue. She yelped and her hips convulsed. He licked it again and Gabby cried out, but Erik’s arousal had already escalated to a feverish pitch. He climbed over her. “I have to have you, Gabby … now.” She managed a nod, her eyes still closed, her body writhing subtly as Erik positioned himself between her outspread legs. His palms slid up her arms, drawing them over her head, his fingers curling around her wrists to firmly pin them to bed. Gabby’s breathing deepened as the head of his dick poked at her opening.

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Erik gazed at her face, pausing long enough to make her wonder what he was doing, and just as he hoped her lids lifted. Her eyes, crystal, clear green were enchanting. His dick grew even harder, enough to allow him to push right in, but Erik hesitated. “Do you love me, baby?” he asked. “I love you,” Gabby whispered breathlessly. “I love you, too.” As he spoke the words, Erik sank into her. And as he did, Gabby released a cry. “Jesus!” Erik grunted. She clamped with almost impossible strength, clutching like a vise on his cock, forcing Erik to clench his teeth as he strained to keep from spewing. “Damn, you’re tight.” Gabby’s hips moved, finding a rhythm. He could feel her clit swelling, her juices flowing. She had to orgasm soon before he lost it completely, and then much to his relief, she began the croon he’d heard on the phone so many times before, telling him she was close to coming. Erik hammered into her when she shrieked, the feeling of her breasts smashed against his chest, the stiff nipples, her body becoming rigid in orgasm, and her moans of ecstasy triggering a cascade of ejaculating juices from his pulsating shaft as he cocked his hips in rapid, piston motions. Damn, after months of abstinence and the tormenting anguish of his desire for Gabby week after week, it was inconceivably staggering to finally be climaxing inside of her. She was his, and Erik was never letting her go. **** What the hell just happened here? Gabby lay there beneath Erik listening to his heavy breathing, half in a daze, well mostly in a daze, enjoying the weight of him on her, but trying to think. Her last comprehensible thought was seeing him at the airport. After that every image was foggy. The only thing that still dwelled sharply in her mind was the memory of her g-spot throbbing and an incredible ache to have Erik’s cock hard and inside of her. Apparently a stiff clit had no conscience. When Gabby walked to the center of his living room, she was keenly aware of his presence, her flesh tingling and craving to be touched by him so she began a slow stride toward him. All she meant to do was give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Well, okay, on the mouth, maybe press her body against his while they kissed. And then she would stop him and they would talk. His stride was much quicker however, and the sight of the fabulously sexy man, who had been arousing her for weeks upon weeks, coming toward her, sent all of Gabby’s good intentions flying out the hole that was apparently in her head. It didn’t help that she was horny on the plane, at the airport and in the car. Son of bitch, Gabby was so sexually overcome by him she could barely speak. Yet, that’s all she intended to do, initially at least, was talk to him, come clean, tell him everything about her husband and baby, no matter how painful it would be, and then hopefully convince Erik how much he really did mean to her. Something in her plans had backfired. Once Erik put his arms around her, kissed her, there was absolutely no hope for Gabby’s willpower. Her body began screaming, take me, take me … No that was an understatement. It was screaming fuck me, fuck me now! If he hadn’t demanded she get into the bed, Gabby was sure she would’ve fallen over. His skin was fantastic,

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firm but smooth beneath her touch. His flesh was hot--implausibly and sensually hot. She wasn’t even aware of where his hand had roamed until it his finger was sliding in and out of her vagina. He moved it perfectly, tormenting her g-spot, stimulating her insides. And his kiss, oh lordy! What a kiss. Erik had a wonderful mouth, and tongue, and he knew exactly how to use them. And his hands--expertly he set his hands in just the right places on her body, touching her exactly where she needed and then using his fingers … Oh, stirrings of arousal began again. This was incredible and insane, but mostly incredible. And it wasn’t her fault they’d made love! It was his. Her brain had withered into a mindless heap of sexual arousal as soon as she’d seen him at the airport. A man that sexy should be against the law. “Unbelievable,” Erik lifted his chin from where it nestled on her shoulder. He gave her a lingering kiss before rolling to his back. “You’re really with me.” Gabby turned to her side facing him and Erik wrapped his arm around her back pulling her closer to him. It felt as if she belonged there, molded to his body. The fit was natural and comfortable. “I couldn’t stay away.” “I’m so happy you didn’t.” Erik hugged her tighter. “But what if I wasn’t able to make love to you?” Erik seemed to think about that before answering. “It would’ve been both of our losses not to experience each other this way.” Turning his head toward her, Erik made eye contact. “But Gabby you have to know I would’ve still been delighted to have met you, maybe kissed you, and smelled your sweet skin. I wouldn’t have minded by any means if nothing happened sexually. What we share is pure, and it’s better than any kind of love I’ve ever had.” “When you say those romantic things, it only deepens the love I feel for you.” Gabby lifted her fingers and caressed his cheek. The warmth in her heart for him radiated through every muscle, through every bone in her body. “Being romantic with you comes naturally, sweetheart.” Erik tightened his hug and turned his head, staring at the ceiling. “When I was in the desert, I enjoyed reading your letters so much. They really made my day fly by. The thoughts of what I’d like to do to you put me in a state of anticipation, but thinking about holding you kept me relaxed for a long while.” “It was a lot of fun.” Gabby stared at Erik’s profile as he talked. He was so handsome. “I would get so excited every time I saw an email from you.” “My heart raced and actually skipped a beat when your name popped up under sender,” Erik returned. “I couldn’t open my emails fast enough.” “I felt the same way.” Gabby’s heart sank as she spoke. She needed to tell him. But where did she start? Erik turned his head and gazed at her once more. “You are the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me, and I am so glad you are in my life. Please be in it always, Gabby.” She saw the sincerity in his eyes that had been unseen in emails and with phone calls, feelings she could only sense through his words and the sound of his voice until now. “You’re all I ever think about.” “We’re going to be friends for life, baby.”

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Shifting her head to find a more comfortable position on his shoulder, Gabby skimmed her palm all over his wonderful chest and tight abdomen. She took a deep breath. It was now or never. She had to tell him. “Before you came into my life I was living numbly.” Trying to ignore the tightening in her chest Gabby opened her mouth to continue but nothing came out. Thoughts of losing him over her deceit caused a lump to form in her throat. In an attempt to control emotions that were quickly becoming frenzied, she rolled away from Erik, putting her back to him. She cleared her throat. “I had no idea what I was depriving myself of.” “You have me in your life now, honey.” Erik rolled with her, wrapping his arms around her and spooning his body against hers. “I’ll be all the spice you need, and I want nothing more than to always make you happy.” But for how long? Gabby questioned inwardly. Erik’s renewed arousal began poking her bottom. His hand slipped upward and he began playing with her breast. It took no more effort than that and Gabby was stimulated again, her body bursting to life. She allowed Erik to roll over her, tucking her beneath him, pinning her thighs between his, his arms caging her, his palms on top of her hands, restraining them. Her chest was on the mattress, her cheek resting on a pillow, and she was on her knees with her ass up in the air. How he had maneuvered her into the position with such ease, Gabby was clueless. She could only compare it to a sixth sense, understanding his body language and how he wanted her. It just felt natural. And primitively carnal. Gabby attempted to shift beneath him, but because Erik was so much stronger, so much bigger than she was, the position he held her in hampered all movement. Being trapped immobile by him and in such a submissive position was carnally inflaming to her. It sparked an uninhibited desire inside that had Gabby fighting with all her might to push back on his cock when she felt it poking at her opening. “That’s it, baby.” Erik nipped gently at her ear. Easing the grip in his thighs muscles, Erik allowed her just enough movement in her hips to seek his erection. She was aware that he was motionless, instead staying still to allow only her movement to take him inside. Still he held her legs together firmly enough to keep her vagina tightened. Wriggling, Gabby sought the right position, moving until finally aligning her opening with his penis. She pushed back. The head of his cock popped right in, forcing her clenching vaginal muscles apart. “Oh.” Gabby breathed out erratically.” “You knew what I wanted,” Erik whispered and then did the rest, plunging the rest of the way in. It felt sensational. Erik’s muscles were flexing, pinning her immobile beneath his body and between his limbs once again. He pumped, the fit of him perfect, his upward thrusting causing Gabby’s eyes to roll back in her head. His balls, large and heavy kept slapping against her clit driving her excitement higher. She’d never come in this position, but it was happening now. Pressure from his body gave her leverage everywhere, the feeling of him humping at her driving an ecstasy inside of her that was almost too much to bear.

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His thrusts increased in tempo, his balls slapped her clit harder, her wet pussy squeezed and Erik grunted. Gabby felt the surge and his cock got harder. If he hadn’t had such a firm hold on her Gabby was sure he would’ve driven her into the headboard, but instead he kept her firmly beneath him, wrapped in his body. Gabby bucked, her orgasm imminent but the sudden urge to spread her legs became imperative to find that completion. And somehow Erik sensed what she needed. He released her, moving one leg to the inside of hers and pushing her thighs apart. His other leg moved in, spreading her further and Gabby arched back, gaining deeper penetration. That was all it took, and she was moaning out at the tingling that built and then ruptured into rushing jolts of sensation that coursed through her clit and vagina before radiating down her legs, up her spine and through her belly. Erik continued to pump, his thrusts becoming shorter and fast until she felt the throb of his own climax bursting through. He was silent when he came, nothing audible but his heavy breathing mixing with the sounds of Gabby’s quick breaths. When Erik pulled out of her, Gabby straightened her legs, groaning at the ache caused by remaining in that one position for such a long time. She was drained and just wanted to sleep, but Erik’s lips kissing all over her back, atop her shoulders and down her spine to the cheeks of her butt had her smiling and wondering if she was capable of more. Not this time. Her body was spent at least for now. Crawling up alongside her, Erik reclined on his back. He didn’t say anything for a while, appearing to be lost in thought. Gabby inhaled and propped on her elbows. It was time. “I told you I wanted to talk to you when we met.” Erik didn’t look at her. “Then talk to me.” Jesus this is hard. But Gabby had to force herself. After a momentary pause she began to speak, slowly and softly, her voice nearly a whisper. “When I married my husband I knew he would be it. There was a connection between us, and an understanding. We had a solid commitment.” “Yah, go on,” Erik said. Gabby’s throat felt hoarse and she attempted to clear it. “I made sacrifices to be with him. He didn’t like to travel much, and he was more of a logical thinker than emotionally passionate. Flowers were never his thing.” “Okay,” Erik replied. “And?” “But I knew we had what it took to make a marriage work.” A cough escaped Gabby and she attempted to clear her throat again. She was losing her voice and suspected it was the beginning of an impending emotional reaction. Every time she tried to talk about it, or even thought about it, she started to relive it. Sometimes it was something unrelated such as a loud bang or a bouncing ball like the one that a kid had been dribbling just before the tragedy had occurred. “I adored him, and he was good to me. I knew he loved me to death.” Gabby winced at those last words. “I figured that I would learn to love him, and I did. Despite that, so much was missing.” Erik nodded but still didn’t look at her. All the while Gabby did look in his direction. This time however, her head dropped. She felt the tears well and her nose

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itched. “I wanted passion .…” Gabby’s face wrenched, but she continued. “I wanted romance .…” After hesitating she turned her attention to Erik. He still didn’t look at her, but seemed to be absorbing what she was saying. “I … I wanted Paris .…” Rolling toward her Erik ran the back of his hand down her arm, but he remained silent. Gabby bit her lip, her brows wrinkled into a deep frown. “Instead, I settled for the sure thing.” Erik still kept stroking her arm allowing for a quiet moment before finally commenting. “Sometimes a sure thing isn’t a bad thing.” “It was more than that, though, Erik. He promised to always protect me, keep me safe. You have no idea how much I needed that.” Closing her eyes, images of Patrick and Elizabeth came to mind. Suddenly Gabby was dizzy and a headache began hitting her hard. Post traumatic stress, the psychologist called it. And the feeling of it sent up a tall, thick wall. Gabby changed the subject. “Have you ever been to the Louvre in Paris?” she asked Erik. For a moment Erik stared at her, a frown creasing his brow. But his expression altered as if something in his head had been resolved. “I love the museum in Paris. I’ve been there many times and each time I go there I discover something I’d never seen before.” “So what’s your favorite piece?” Folding her arms above her head, Gabby rested the side of her face on them, her focus on Erik. “Liberty Leading the People is one of my favorites.” “I’ve seen pictures of that one. It’s beautiful. I’m a little offbeat with my artistic tastes.” Gabby paused. “I guess that’s obvious in my photography. Anyway, I’m a Dali fan. In fact I recently rented a movie about him.” “I love movies about artists,” Erik told her. “One of my favorites was the Pearl Earring.” Gabby perked up. Shifting, she propped on her elbows. “That was a great movie!” “We do have a lot in common, Gabby.” Erik grinned. “It’s almost eerie,” she returned, her voice quieting again. “Soul mates, baby,” he said to her. “Between us there should be no fear and nothing to hide.” Guilt besieged Gabby, forcing her to attempt a way to organize her thoughts and tell Erik all. There was fear, but she was certain Erik would protect her if she had another emotional breakdown, so she took a deep breath, preparing to speak. But before she could say anything further, Erik said the wrong thing, something that dumped doubt on her confidence. “We both have a passion for art it seems, especially with the photography,” he said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun working with you on that.” Son of a bitch. The nearly forgotten worries reared with a vengeance. Nausea seized her stomach. Rolling, Gabby sat up. At the same time her cell phone rang, the

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silence that had descended on Erik’s bedroom allowing her to hear it even though it was in the bag she left on his coffee table. Gabby glanced at Erik. “I need to get that.” “Of course.” Erik rolled to the edge of the bed and located his under shorts, slipping them on. “Stay there. I’ll get it for you.” Gabby noticed that the tone in Erik’s voice had changed. It seemed less gentle becoming more indifferent. She pulled her panties on and was hooking her bra when Erik returned. He set her bag on the bed next to her and offered her a bottle of spring water. “I apologize that it’s warm. My fridge is empty and not plugged in.” “It’s fine, thanks.” Gabby accepted the water and began fishing in her carry-on for the phone. It had stopped ringing, but she would at least check the caller’s number. For a moment Erik stood in front of her before commenting. “I’ll give you some privacy. Gabby nodded and looked at the phone’s screen, concern spreading across her face. That’s weird. “It’s my niece, Briel. She doesn’t usually call me when I’m out of town. I hope nothing’s wrong.” Pressing redial, Gabby listened as the phone on the other end rang. Instead of leaving, Erik stayed put, sitting next to her on the bed. He took the bottle of water he’d brought her, opened it for her and handed it back. Gabby smiled softly at him and took a sip. “I go out of town to do showings at art galleries, fairs, whatever,” she explained to Erik. “They think … hello?” Briel was on the other end. Gabby tensed while listening to her niece talk, and felt the color drain from her face. “It’s okay sweetie pie, I’m on the next flight out. No, no don’t worry. I’m on my way. I love you.” With a push of her thumb, Gabby disconnected the call. She stared at the phone. “Are you alright, Gabby?” Erik pressed his palm to her back. She wasn’t. Gabby’s entire body began to tremble. She started to hyperventilate. Panic was setting in. “Ariela … oh God.” Erik rubbed her back gently. “Sweetheart, calm down and talk to me.” Lifting her head, Gabby looked at him with unblinking eyes. Her mouth dropped open and she released an anguished breath. “Ariela lost control of her bike. She … she just learned to ride a two-wheeler and forgot to break. She rode it into the street. She got hit by a car.” Pursing his lips together, Erik wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. “How is she?” Gabby leaned into him, accepting his comfort. “I don’t know. Briel was crying. She said that her dad was with Ariela in one of the examining rooms, but that she had to stay in the waiting area. She’s sitting there alone.” Releasing her Erik retrieved his own cell phone from the pocket of his shorts. He opened the drawer in the bedside stand, removing an address book. “What airline are you on?”

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Chapter Fourteen Erik stirred his coffee, enjoying the freshly brewed aroma permeating the air. He took a sip as he pondered his situation. Gabby had called him immediately once she had news of her niece’s condition. Luckily the child had suffered a broken arm and nothing more serious, but Gabby was so shaken when she left him, and was still in the same condition when she called to give him an update, his heart ached to be with her, to make her feel safe. That had been over two weeks ago and for the most part, the incident was put behind them other than to pamper the injured child with tender, loving care and ice cream. Since Gabby was needed at home to take care of Ariela, they hadn’t been able to see each other. And he missed touching her. She was still giving him the pretense that her husband was around, though, admittedly, they’d had little time to speak since she’d left Columbia. Still, the secret baffled him. And it annoyed him. Erik frowned. It was a damn shame. The decision was made, however. He was working the next ten days straight and then he was off to Fort Walton Beach for training exercises, but after that, he was taking a couple of days off and driving straight to Charlotte to confront Gabby. The fact remained. He couldn’t be fully committed and definitely not married to a woman who didn’t trust him enough to surrender all of her vulnerabilities to him. He would try to be gentle with his words because if nothing else he wanted to keep in touch with her and remain friends. Erik rubbed his palm along his cheek. “Typical ending to a break-up. It’s not going to work out, but we can still be friends.” He wouldn’t mind making love to her again, though. She smelled, good. She tasted good. His cock felt perfect inside of her, like a lock and key. Gabby was a hot little number in bed even if she didn’t trust him. “Hi there, Cole.” Erik stood and pulled out the chair next him. “Hey girl, have a seat.” “Fancy meeting you here,” Sandra said. She was being facetious since they’d planned to meet. In fact he’d met her for coffee three times in the past couple of weeks and, although, since their arrival back in the states they’d talked every now and then, recently their relationship was becoming much friendlier. After pushing in her chair for her, Erik purposely touched her shoulder and then leaned to give her a kiss on the cheek, but Sandra turned her head quickly, catching him on the mouth. Surprised, Erik froze, his lips lingering on hers for a brief second before he realized their surroundings and pulled back. “You did that on purpose.” It wasn’t a question. Erik was just stating a fact but kept his sight directly on Sandra’s face to see her reaction.

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Her eyes gleamed and she smiled seductively. It gave Erik a little rise. He sat down and took a sip of his coffee. “Did you mind?” Sandra asked. “Not at all, sweetheart,” Erik answered. He pulled the plastic lid from the coffee he’d just bought for her and fixed it the way she liked it, one sugar, one cream. After stirring it, he set it in front of her. “A kiss from a pretty lady is always a pleasure.” “Maybe,” Sandra ran her index finger around the rim of the coffee cup, her eyes watching the movement. “Just maybe I’d like to do more?” Her gaze shifted catching his, her brows lifting inquisitively. Damn, she was gorgeous. Blonde, blonde, and all blonde with beautiful, blue eyes. Erik loved eyes. His heart thumped. He loved Gabby’s eyes. Shaking the thought, Erik rested one arm along the back length of her chair. “Why don’t you come over to my place tonight for dinner and we’ll talk more about it?” “I’d love to.” Sandra leaned in closer, pressing her breast into the side of his chest. There was no doubt in Erik’s mind she was trying to seduce him. He didn’t mind, though he hoped she wasn’t too aggressive. That just wasn’t a thing he enjoyed in a woman. Leaning back in her chair, Sandra studied him for a moment before speaking. “I heard a rumor at work that you were called by a different nickname a long time ago.” Erik released a low chuckle. “You’ve been asking around about me?” He didn’t find it humorous, however. “A couple of people who’ve been around for awhile.” “So what did they tell you?” It piqued him that Sandra would make inquiries about him behind his back at work. At least he could trust some of the old timers. “Well, Jack Bennett said I should ask you anything I wanted to know.” Erik smirked. Good old Jack. Always the true friend. “It’s true. You should come to me before you listen to any rumors you might hear. It might be a large base Sandra, but there are a lot of people who think they know things, but really know nothing at all.” “Somebody said you were called something else before they called you Cole.” Now Erik was getting really annoyed. That old nickname was only used in certain social circles these days and the last thing Erik wanted was his private life being discussed on the base. Another reason to proceed with caution in regard to dating someone from work. “Look Sandra, people pick up various nicknames for various reasons. They evolve over time. It’s nothing you need to be concerned about.” Erik downed the rest of his coffee and checked his watch. “Finish up. It’s time to go.” After they left the coffee shop, Sandra followed behind Erik as they drove to the base. Inside, they separated with a wave, each driving to their own locations. She would probably email him during the day. Lately their online contact had become more frequent, as well. Erik really liked her, but keeping things discreet at work appeared to be a problem. Reaching his office, Erik booted up his computer. He smiled when three emails

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from Gabby popped up, one of them containing three pictures from her latest shoot— more sexy angels, bound or blindfolded or both. Damn he wanted to tie Gabby up. He wanted to have his way with her, blindfold her, let her tactile senses alone stimulate her until she climaxed. Of course he would coax that by licking her from bottom to top, stopping to linger at the juncture of her sex, licking her until she begged for mercy, which he might or might not give to her. “I really hope we can remain friends, sweetheart,” Erik spoke aloud. “I really don’t want to give you up completely.” Jack Bennett wrapped on his door frame just then. “Hey Jack, come on in.” “Hey Coledane, how’s it going?” Jack strolled into the room, taking a seat on the chair in front of Erik’s desk. He propped one booted foot atop the opposite knee, folded his arms and leaned back. The snort that came next told Erik something was up. “Same old same old. What about you?” Erik returned. “Just thought I’d warn you that rumors are flying.” Erik sighed harshly. He, too, leaned back in his chair, mirroring Jack’s position. He rubbed a palm along his cheek. “Oh yah? Give it to me straight, buddy.” “I always do,” Jack answered. “You and Sergeant Christianson are becoming a topic.” “Whatever.” Erik scratched the top of his head. The word of the day seemed to be annoyance. “Let them talk. There isn’t much going on, yet.” “Yet?” The smirk on Jack’s face grew wider. “So what’s happening with the little lady you met while you were in the sandbox?” Erik pressed his lips together. Jack was one hundred percent trustworthy and at the moment, his issues with Gabby lay heavily on his mind. He proceeded to tell his friend the entire story. When he was finished, Jack became forthcoming with his opinion. “It might be wise to end it then.” “I’m not sure how ready I am to do that, Jack.” Dropping his propped foot to the floor, Jack stretched his legs out in front of him. “I’ve known you for years, Coledane. If you can’t get a lady to open up to you then no one can.” Shrugging in response, Erik picked up a pen. He began drumming it on his desk top. “Except for me probably.” Erik abruptly halted. He glared at his friend. “What the hell are you getting at?” “Randy and Jewel are having a little get together at the end of the month. Thought you might be interested in going.” Now those names brought up memories. Erik snickered. “Master Randy. I haven’t seen him for more than a year. How is the old slave driver?” “Happy with his new slave,” Jack answered. The smug look he returned alerted Erik that something was being held back from him. “Give, Bennett. You’re beating around the bush.” “That’s an interesting way to phrase it.” Jack laughed. “I might be beating around

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a particular bush.” “You know I’m a patient man, Jack, but right now you’re pushing it.” Erik smirked. His threat intended only as friendly banter. “Okay.” Jack held up his hands in surrender. “Here it is. Jewel wants me to meet a friend of hers, sweet girl I guess, very pretty. Of course I thought about you immediately. Thought you might like to share?” The smile on Erik’s face faded. He and Jack had shared a woman or two or three that one of them was dating. It was a blast and because there was a tremendous strength in their trust, one never felt threatened that either would try to steal the other’s girl away. But something here was different. Jack seemed to be asking him for permission, not offering it. “Tell me more about this, girl.” Erik eyed his friend suspiciously. He had a feeling Jack was about to tell him something that would increase his annoyance tenfold. “Widow, pining away for years now.” “Jesus,” Erik mumbled as he dragged his fingers through his hair. “You need to make a decision, buddy.” Jack grinned. “You’re complicating my life, Bennett.” “Based on what you just told me about your desert sand lady, I guess I am. But you know I’d never claim your territory without your permission, pal. Keep her, give her up, or share her.” Share her. The thought had Erik’s cock stiffening. It was a fantasy he’d discussed with her many times. Would she go for it? If he really gave her up could he stand to see her faithful only to Jack? When Erik didn’t respond, Jack continued his harassing. “If you give her up, I’ll share her with you on occasion, if she’s into it.” “You’re trying to piss me off, Jack.” Erik returned a flat affect. “You know I don’t get angry.” “Hey, I’ve known you for years, buddy. I get the understanding between us when it comes to women, and I’m just being honorable and honest with you as always.” Jack stood and pressed his palms on Erik’s desktop. He leaned in. “I want her, Coledane, with a passion. I want Gabby Hunter. If don’t keep her, I’m going after her.” **** “Dinner was awesome.” Sandra stacked her salad bowl on top of her plate and stood. “You’re a fabulous cook, Cole.” “Just one of my many hobbies, sweetheart.” Erik approached her and took the dinnerware from her hands, placing them in the sink. His cell rang several times during dinner. Gabby was calling him, but he didn’t answer. The phone was on mute because he didn’t want anything to disturb his evening with Sandra. At the moment, Erik was so unsure of the direction he wanted to go in with Gabby, but he also wasn’t going to deprive himself of possibly developing a nice relationship with Sandra since his future with Gabby was on shaky ground. “I’ll take care of the dishes later,” Erik said. “Let’s see if there’s an old movie on TV we might both enjoy.” “Sure,” Sandra agreed and followed Erik to his living room.

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Television turned out to be the last thing they ended up doing. Before Erik even realized it, he and Sandra were on the couch lip-locked. She kissed well-enough to stimulate him, and there was no hesitation from her to recline on the cushion when he touched her breast through her shirt. Erik stretched out on top of her. She thrust beneath him and then opened her legs, allowing Erik to settle between her thighs. Her hands squeezed his ass before attempting to push between their bodies and Erik lifted, ready to let her free his cock. She had his zipper undone and as soon as Sandra reached into his pants, all of his arousal died. “What’s wrong?” Sandra asked, drawing up her legs and shifting to a sitting position as Erik pulled away from her. As he sat back on the couch, Erik arched his hips upward to redo his pants. “Honey, let’s take this more slowly.” The offended expression Sandra responded with bothered him, but also convinced Erik he was doing the right thing. Gabby was the only woman he sexually desired at the moment, and if he allowed this to go further with Sandra he might hurt her in the end. “I … shit.” Sandra straightened her clothing and then combed her fingers through her mussed up hair. “Well .…” “I’m not trying to hurt you, Sandra,” Erik explained. “In fact I’m trying to keep either of us from getting hurt. You’re not in love with me are you?” “Uh .…” Sandra furled her brow. Her mouth twisted to one side and then she looked him directly in the eye. “Not yet.” “Listen sweetheart. You’re a great girl. You’re fun, and you’re beautiful. But we work together. Things could get sticky, ugly even. Let’s see where we’re going with this emotionally before we take it to the next level.” Sandra rolled her eyes. “You make too much sense, Sergeant. I really would like to resent that, but I see your point.” Erik nodded. “Good. I’m glad you see it my way. Friends?” “Yah, sure,” Sandra answered. “Friends. I have to tell you, though, it’s the first time I’ve ever been shot down in flames.” “Then I’m glad to be the unique man in your life.” Erik kissed her on the cheek. He picked up the remote. “Now let’s see if we can find a different form of entertainment.” “Sure.” Sandra chuckled. “Find a horror movie, or suspense thriller. I need something to kill my libido.” “Meeting for coffee tomorrow?” Erik asked. He propped his feet on the coffee table and began channel surfing. “Maybe, maybe not. I guess you’ll just have to wait and see.” “Don’t play hard to get Sandra. That’s not the way to attract me.”

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Chapter Fifteen “Listen Gabby, the reason I didn’t call you last night is because I was having dinner with a woman.” “What?” Gabby’s heart was sinking. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “I think you would approve of her. She’s very sweet. I can tell she really cares about me and wants more. We haven’t, I mean we hugged and kissed but decided to hold back.” Erik went on to explain his relationship with Sandra. “This woman is so easy to love.” “Do you love her, Erik?” Everything inside of Gabby felt as if it were crumbling. “No, not yet.” “Great,” Gabby replied sullenly. Not yet. He was being honest, but it stunk. “When did you meet her?” “I’ve known her for awhile. But it was on the plane coming home from the desert that we sat next to each other and I realized how much I liked her.” Gabby felt like throwing up. She wanted to take the excitement she heard in Erik’s voice and strangle the living daylights out of it. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “Because I wasn’t really seeing her seriously, just on and off, but when we realized it might go somewhere that’s when I decided to tell you. We’re taking it slow.” The sob that rose in her throat escaped. “You said I knew everything about you. You said you wanted me to help you find that special person. You said if you did I’d be the first to know. How could you not tell me?” “You are the first to know, Gabby.” Erik replied. “And since we both agree there’s no future between us because of your situation, I felt that it wasn’t fair to either of us to go on pretending there was.” “I didn’t know we were pretending.” Gabby wept quietly. She didn’t bother to swipe at the tears streaming from her eyes. How could everything she had with Erik crumble overnight? Within twenty-four hours she’d become shit to him. He was dumping her as fast as he’d scooped her up. “Come on, Gabby. You’re not being fair. You’re married. I love you, but I can’t go on like this. I can’t allow myself to dissolve in you. I have to protect my own heart too.” Oh god! Gabby stifled her next sob. This was her fault. Why hadn’t she been up front and truthful with him from the beginning? Why had she felt that she needed to be face to face with him to reveal her darkest woes when it would have been better—wiser to tell him right away, even if it had to be by email. The problem was that everything had snowballed between her and Erik faster than she was able to reason. Gabby had been blindsided by it. In a way she still was. And then there were issues about his motives to consider. And even though the deception existed, there were many, many moments she didn’t think about it at all. What a mess

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her life had turned out to be, and now because of the fear of losing her mind again, she’d lost the best thing that ever happened to her. It was over. Things between them were over. Erik was trying to move on and even if she came clean now, he might forgive her but their relationship would never be the same. She’d be lucky if he kept her as a friend. “Hey honey, did you get the pictures I sent?” Again and characteristically, Erik abruptly switched the topic. He was referring to the portfolio he’d sent her with the many photographs he’d taken over the years. “Yah,” Gabby said, the weepy sound remaining in her voice as she spoke. “They’re really good. You’re talented.” It was the truth. Erik was an exceptional photographer and she really would love to partner with him on some projects. Her career was so close to exploding into the realm of the well known. Erik’s work and ideas just might launch her over the top. “I’m so glad you liked them, Gabby,” Erik said. “We’ll have to talk more about our working intentions soon.” “Sure, whatever.” “Gabby, stop sounding so down in the dumps about all of this. We’re still the best of friends and always will be, right?” “I guess, yah.” “You’d better guess, yah, girl. Because I’m not giving you up.” After saying goodbye, Gabby tucked her cell phone into her pocket. Confusion set in. How the hell was she supposed to revert from being in love to being just friends? Gabby looked out of the living room window and into the backyard, checking to make sure the girls were alright. Her chest tightened further. The aloofness in how Erik talked to her was immediately apparent. He didn’t call her sweetheart, baby, my angel, none of that. She was suddenly just, Gabby. And he hadn’t said he loved her, either, like he very often did before ending their conversations or emails. Gabby closed her eyes. Her body shook and tears fell. For the next ten minutes Gabby wept. After a fitful night filled with bouts of crying, Gabby stared at her inbox for a full half hour even before getting her coffee. She’d emailed him to say good morning and he always responded immediately, but this time, she got nothing. “Seems things have already changed,” Gabby spoke dejectedly. “Will you stop saying goodnight to me before leaving work, too?” Rarely did Erik leave the base before telling her so. How would she get used to his absence in her life? Rising from her chair, Gabby made her way to the kitchen. Matt was already dressed in his pilot uniform ready to leave for work. He had the daily commuter runs from Charlotte to Birmingham. He studied her for a few seconds while buttering a piece of toast. “You look like shit.” Gabby thanked him in her usual manner when the girls weren’t around. She gave him the finger. “I love you, too, Gabs.” Matt kissed her on the forehead. “Home at the usual time. The girls are going next door in about an hour so you’ll be free for whatever today.” “I’ll get some work done, do some laundry.” God her life sucked. Well it had

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until a several weeks ago anyway, and then it got great, and then yesterday it starting sucking again. Everything just plain old sucked. “I guess I’ll do some vacuuming, too.” “The vacuum is broken,” Matt said as he stuffed the toast in his mouth and headed for the door. “What’s wrong with the vacuum?” “It’s not sucking” “Figures … At least something in my life doesn’t.” Gabby’s gloomy comment went unheard. Matt was already out the door. As the day wore on, Gabby did manage to get some work and chores done. Erik finally did email her later in the day. He was working the later shift, which was why she hadn’t heard from him. Their conversation was casual at best, his words though affable were also sterile and unexpressive, and Gabby held back with much difficulty in an attempt to keep her place as a friend in his life. It wasn’t helpful that her libido was still a raging inferno for him, and after so much time being open about her feelings for Erik, it was almost torture not to be able to express them. But Gabby was resigned that she’d done this to herself and now had to pay the piper. Four days passed and they emailed several times, purely platonic and nothing but small talk. It was killing Gabby inside, so she was rather happy when her cell rang and she saw it was Erik calling for the first time in days. “Hey, how are you, Gabby?” “I’m okay. How are you doing?” “Alright I guess. I just want to get your opinion on something.” “Sure, go ahead.” “I’m not sure what to think of Sandra.” Gabby groaned inwardly. It was the last thing she wanted to talk about. “Why, what’s up?” “Well, she invited herself over tonight, but then cancelled, deciding to go to a friend’s house instead. Her reasons were rather vague.” “Hey, I know how fast you move, honey. You can be a bit overwhelming. Maybe she’s trying to take it slow. There’s nothing wrong with that and you did say it’s what you wanted to do anyway.” “But you know how I am, Gabby. If something’s on your mind just tell me. It bothers me that she just withdrew.” “I wouldn’t take it so hard. I’m sure her feelings for you haven’t changed. She probably just needs time to think.” Lord almighty, why was Gabby trying to help him with this relationship? Shit, it was because she was trying to be a good friend. What a dope she was. “I suppose. Sometimes I think about how you are, though, and I know you wouldn’t have done that. You would’ve kept our plans or asked me to go with you.” Erik sighed. “Well, whatever. So what’s going on with you?” This was it. He’d given her an opening. Gabby was going to tell Erik the truth. She’d already written him a letter, but was hesitant to send it. By phone would be much better. Maybe the sincerity in her voice would be enough for him to forgive her. “Well actually,” Gabby began. “I’m glad I have this chance to talk to you.

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There’s so much I’ve wanted to tell .…” “Hang on,” Erik interrupted. There was a brief pause and then he returned. “Gabby, Sandra’s on my other line I have to answer this, bye.” Erik hung up so fast Gabby couldn’t even get a goodbye out. She stared at the phone opened mouth, completely stunned he’d cut her off so abruptly. Their entire conversation lasted, what, all of forty seconds? “Well that was fucking rude,” Gabby finally muttered. “What an asshole.” She was starting to hate him. A few days later, Gabby had another infuriating and hurtful incident occur. She tried to call Erik again to talk to him about Elizabeth and Patrick. He didn’t answer his cell phone. She made another attempt a half hour later, and still nothing. It was so rare for Erik not to answer or return her calls. Gabby sent him a text message, and he did respond to that. He told her he was shutting off his phone because Sandra was there and he didn’t want to blow it with her. “Fuck you, Erik Coledane,” Gabby said through the pain. She’d been swearing quite a bit in the last several days. Gabby didn’t attempt to contact him for two days and wondered if he even noticed. By the end of one, long hell of a week, Erik emailed at the start of his shift. It was Friday afternoon. I’m going to be bustin’ my tail all evening so I might not be able to write much. That’s okay. I have work to do. Gabby typed. She gritted her teeth. How’s Sandra? “A real bitch that gets bloated when she has her period, I hope,” Gabby said, and then chastised herself. “Be mature about this, Gabby. It’s your own damn fault you’re in this situation.” I’m having a lot of fun with her, Gabby. She’s really sweet. That’s nice. I’m happy for you, sad for me, but happy for you. Gabby felt like such a phony for saying it because she didn’t want Erik to be happy when she was so miserable without him. You’re a sweetheart, Gabby. That’s why I love you so much. You’re so understanding and always supporting me no matter what I’m going through. I was really worried you were going to tell me to get lost from fear of falling deeper in love with me. Thanks for being a good friend. That’s what this was supposed to be from the beginning, right? I’ll write to you today when I can. “Shit,” Gabby said. The angry fire inside of her cooled. Her love for him resurfaced. “You always know the right thing to say and exactly when to say it. How am I ever going to get you out of my head?” Gabby responded back. I’m trying. This was an unexpected blow. I do still want our friendship, and we do still need to talk. There’s so much I have to tell you. Anyway, thanks for letting me know that you can’t write much today. It's hard getting through the day without you. It really is. I should've been a puppy. I’d love for you to be my puppy. Erik wrote back. Want to play? We’ll have to make things happen next time I see you. Gabby wrinkled her brow. “What are you up to, Erik? I thought we were ending the physical part of our relationship.” She couldn’t understand why he would taunt her

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with sex, knowing how much desire she had for him. Maybe he was testing her loyalty as a friend. Not sure how to reply, Gabby sent another email, partly innocuous, but also partly suggestive. Can I lick your face? Something else, too! Erik returned. Staring at the email, Gabby wondered how she might be misinterpreting what he was saying. After all, the last thing she wanted to do was make a fool out of herself. That's a very suggestive comment. Are you just teasing me, Erik or are you really going to let me? We‘ll have to see now won’t we …? “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Gabby really didn’t know what to think at this point. All she knew was that her heart was hurting like hell, and here Erik was tormenting her with ambiguous answers. Should she try and tamp her arousal for him, or continue to enjoy it freely? What did he want from her? It was getting to the point that Gabby was ruing the day she had ever met him, and right about now she just wanted him out of her life. Yet, this week, when trying to break free of him, even minimally, her desire for Erik only got worse. Additionally, being separated from him was causing a tremendous amount of anxiety. She was terribly missing his constant presence in her life. In response to his last comment, Gabby decided to take a direct approach. Yah, I'd like to see .... I'd like to see you ramming yourself inside of me until we both scream. Erik never responded. In fact lately, there had been a number of emails he hadn’t responded to—ignored as if he had never gotten them. He had never done that before. It hurt. Gabby didn’t hear anything from him for the rest of the evening until the last hour of his ten hour shift. It was just past eleven o’clock at night. She debated on whether to send the letter or not, but for now decided against it. At the moment she wasn’t trusting him very much. What a day. I can’t wait to get out of here. Sandra told me I could call her late and I’m looking forward to chatting with her. I can’t tell you how much I like her, Gabby. That’s nice, Erik. And it was the last thing Gabby wanted to hear. And it was also all she could manage to write in response to his email. Her mixed emotions were so strained at the moment, words evaded her. If she attempted to express more than a couple of words at a time, Gabby was afraid she’d snap, saying things that would be regretted later. Her heart hurt so badly, and she’d been weepy the entire day. Anger mixed with depression and then there were moments of numbness. It reminded her of the weeks of grieving she had gone through for Elizabeth and Patrick. She hated Erik for making her feel this way. Contrary and undeniably, Gabby was still in love with him, too. But how could she open up to him now when her trust had done a one-eighty and again she was afraid of being vulnerable? The letter wouldn’t be sent, not quite yet, anyway. The next thing Erik wrote sent Gabby over the edge. Hey Gabby, what do you think about me giving Sandra a key to my house? “You said I could have the key to your house,” Gabby whispered to herself. Staring at the screen, ire suddenly became her best friend. A blind anger began consuming her. She reacted impulsively. I’d think you’d be a stupid asshole for rushing

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into this so fast fuckhead! Jesus he was going to be pissed at her for that. Well, I guess you told me. Erik returned, not even a hint of anger detectable. “Ah, Christ,” Gabby said aloud. Why had she reacted that way? He had every right, considering he still thought she was married. She sent an apology. I’m sorry, Erik. I didn’t mean to sound so angry. I’m still devastated that you were seeing someone and didn’t tell me. You treated me like a girlfriend you planned to dump and wanted to spare me the pain. Come on, honey. Let’s get past this. Just hang on, sweetheart. Everything will be okay. We’re going to have fun working together, Gabby. But Gabby wasn’t finished telling him her feelings yet. I didn’t even want to get out of bed this week, Erik. I’d like to see you naked and in my bed. Gabby sat there dumbfounded by Erik’s email. She read it three times to make sure she wasn’t hallucinating. He still wanted her? Gabby’s libido cried out, yes! Her head said, huh? You’re arousing me, Erik. She wrote back. Good, my angel because my cock is so hard right now thinking of being inside of you. Okay Erik, I don’t understand. You’ve got me very aroused now. Gabby sat there after she sent her comment. It amazed her how easily she became turned on by him, especially considering how upsetting the week had been. She would’ve thought all of that would’ve been enough to kill any desire she had for Erik, but apparently not. I’m glad to hear you say that, Gabby, because I want to hold you in my arms and gradually press my enlarged member against the lips of your pussy and gently open it up. Are you wet and wanting me sweetheart? I’m always going to want you, Erik. You are truly a special woman, Gabby, so sexy and sensual. I think often about the fantasies we talked about sharing. It’s difficult to put them out of my mind. Especially the one about having someone join us eventually. It gets rock hard imagining that body of yours being stimulated by me and another guy. I think you’d really love it, sweetheart, and I so want to give that to you. Erik, you know the thought turns me on, but I’m really not sure I’d be able to do it. Having two men at the same time was a deep, dark secret Gabby kept. It amazed her Erik had coaxed that out of her. At first she thought maybe he was testing her faithfulness to him, but it occurred to rather quickly that the idea of it really did turn him on in a big way. It would be so much fun baby. I would love watching you get off like that. Don’t get me started, Erik. Why? Is it too much to think about? What if there was someone that we’re both comfortable with? We could invite him to our place and have a few more drinks, maybe some laughs. And then we could heat things up a bit, and I could undress you in front of him. It would be erotic watching his reaction to seeing that beautiful body of yours. I think you would really like that. “Oh god yah,” Gabby murmured as she read Erik’s provocative email.

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Then I could kiss your neck and play with your breast while he gently massaged your legs and perhaps your private areas. We’d change places, though, and I’d signal him to ease you to your back while I spread your legs so I could eat you first. There would be nothing that would make me happier than to see you enjoying passion to the fullest. Gabby’s clit absolutely began throbbing. Is there anyone you know like that, Erik, someone you trust? I think I know a guy or two I’d let peck in you, someone I’m confident would never try and steal you from me afterward. I’m sure they’ll want to once they’ve had a taste of how wonderfully sexy you are. But then again you won’t ever leave me for anyone else. Will you Gabby? No. Good girl. I know how faithful you can be and I believe that. There was no way Gabby could deny it. It seemed she could only get away from Erik emotionally and physically for short periods of time. All he had to do was cast the hook and reel her back in. It didn’t even matter to her if he was seeing anyone else, which brought up her next question. What about Sandra, Erik? Where do I fit in? Hum … Sandra … I’m so horny. I haven’t had it for a few weeks now … I just might have to bed Sandra soon. Fury bubbled inside of Gabby. That wasn’t exactly an answer to her question. She saw red and nothing could stop her from charging, though she was trying to keep her cool. Her attempt was a miserable failure and before Gabby could stop her fingers she returned an email that stated simply, FUCK YOU! That does it, Erik returned almost immediately. I’m blocking you. “What?” Gabby wondered if he was joking, but when her next two emails came back as undeliverable, angst set in. He wasn’t kidding. She attempted a couple more emails apologizing and then a couple more not knowing if they were getting through or not. All she knew was there was silence on the other end. What happened next became obscure. All Gabby knew was that panic set in.

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Chapter Sixteen “I need your help.” Jewel scrutinized Gabby with grave concern. She was pale, her hair was a mess, her eyes were puffy, and she looked as if she were in shock. Even worse, she’d driven the twenty-seven miles from Charlotte to Rock Hill in her pajamas. Well at least she was alert enough to wear shoes … er … slippers. Gabby had called her this morning and asked to come over right away, and Jewel could tell by the distress in her friend’s voice that something was terribly wrong. And now looking at her, the first thought that entered Jewel’s mind was that Gabby had been raped. “Do you need a doctor?” Jewel put her arm around Gabby’s shoulders and led her to the living room couch. “Sit down.” “No, I don’t need a doctor.” Gabby looked around the room. Lacey Dayton was sitting in an oversized chair, one of her thigh high, vinyl, booted legs dangling over the arm. She gave Gabby a casual wave. Gabby also saw the back of a man she didn’t recognize walking from the room. “I just need to talk.” “Are you hurt?” Jewel asked worriedly. For moment Gabby only frowned, but then shook her head. “Not physically.” Jewel tipped her head in query. “Maybe you better explain.” Gabby began her story. In the middle of it a bottle of water appeared in front of her being held out by the man she’d seen earlier. It reminded her of Erik’s thoughtfulness at the airport, and Gabby’s sadness increased tenfold. “Gabby, this is Master Ben,” Jewel began introducing them. “Uh, Big Ben, and this is my friend Gabby Hunter.” “Gabby,” Big Ben replied. He handed her the bottle of water, keeping his eyes on her almost admiringly as he sat on the side of her opposite Jewel. “Very nice to meet you.” “I hope you don’t expect me to call you, master.” Gabby eyed him sternly, following his movements as he sat. Big Ben chuckled. “Sparky. I like that. Think that’ll be my nickname for you.” Gabby responded by lifting a brow. “Whatever floats your boat.” “Alrighty then, Sparky.” Big Ben paused. “So this is the widow Randy told me about?” “Yah,” Jewel answered. “Gabby’s a good friend of mine.” Big Ben crooked a finger under her chin, tipping her face slightly and more directly toward him. He lowered his hand. “You’re too young to be a widow. What happened?” Every muscle in Gabby’s body tensed. The warning that filled her eyes was acutely comprehensible. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

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“Fare enough, maybe some day when you’re comfortable enough with me.” Big Ben relaxed into the back cushions of the couch, spreading his arms along the back. His casual demeanor and even voice was far from threatening and Gabby began to relax. Why couldn’t she have done that with Erik in the beginning—told him the truth, but that she didn’t want to discuss it? She wouldn’t be in this mess right now. Gabby studied Big Ben for moment. He was a nice looking man. Not as much as Erik but still attractive. That’s right, he worked on the same base as Erik. Gabby was dying to ask if Ben knew him, but that would be impossible. Erik couldn’t find out about her being a widow before she had a chance to tell him and could only hope at this point Ben wouldn’t mention meeting her to anyone at the base. “Finish telling me what happened, hon.” Jewel stroked an awry lock of Gabby’s hair, tucking behind an ear. Shifting back on the sofa, Gabby pulled up her legs to sit cross-legged. She took a sip of the water and turned to look at Big Ben. “Thank you, by the way.” “Any time,” Big Ben returned. “Oh, and I’m not that young.” “Honey, I’m forty-one. Anyone below the age of thirty-one is young to me.” Gabby stared at him for a bit and then harrumphed. “Smooth talker.” Ben’s returned a roguish smile that Gabby found rather sexy. She kept her expression blank however. Taking a deep breath, Gabby tipped her head back, looking at the ceiling. She then rubbed her brow and dropped her gaze to her lap while relating the rest of the story. A tight grimace crossed her face when she finished and Gabby shook her head in dismay. “I have no idea how many emails I sent, how many times I tried to call his cell when he left work or how many text messages I sent. It was pathetic and I don’t even want to know.” “Subdrop,” Jewel said. “Withdrawal of attention and you had no idea when or if he was coming back. So you panicked.” Gabby nodded timidly. It was true. “The funny thing about it is that he never emails from home that late, but this time he did. He told me he wasn’t angry with me and that he’d talk to me in the morning.” “Uh huh, he was soothing you.” Jewel said knowingly. “Anything else happen?” “Yah, that didn’t completely satisfy me so I sent another voice message asking him to talk to me. No … I didn’t ask, I begged him to talk to me. I’m sure I sounded desperate.” Gabby winced. “He sent a text message saying it was late and he was tired. He told me to go to sleep and called me sweetheart.” “He told you to go to sleep?” Jewel asked. “Yah, it was really weird because I was so exhausted and just his saying that gave me relief. It was if he knew exactly what to say, what I needed.” “He probably did,” Jewel returned. “Sounds like a master to me,” Lacey commented. Gabby didn’t respond to her. “I suddenly wanted to go to bed. His calling me sweetheart calmed me and all of the anxiety drained away. So I went to my bed and fell into a deep sleep. I woke up this morning feeling like a train wreck. There was another email waiting. He asked me if I was feeling better and told me he’d call me later. He’s

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working this weekend, and never emails before work. I’m just in a daze right now, Jewel. I behaved so irrationally and you know how much that scares me?” “I think you just got punished, honey,” Jewel answered. “Something you did angered him, and I don’t think it was the swearing. It may have been something you did last week, or even last month.” “He’s training her,” Lacey intervened. Jewel and Gabby both turned their attention to her. With a shrug, Lacey continued, “That’s how I would train a newbie sub who didn’t know how to behave.” “I’m not submissive,” Gabby protested. “Oh really?” Lacey lifted a brow. Her eyes drifted to the portrait hanging above the mantle. It was a thirty-six by twenty-four inch portrait from Gabby’s nature collection, an angel, of course, leaning against a tree in a forest at dawn, her body bound by one long vine of baby’s breath that wrapped around her body, revealing only her innocent face and her naked breasts. After staring at the portrait for several, long seconds, Gabby slumped. Her head dropped. “Oh god, I’m submissive.” Next to her, Big Ben chuckled. “Nothing wrong with that as long as the right man is taking care of you.” Gabby turned her head and glared at Ben. She wondered if he knew Erik. “It felt like I had an addiction and was being deprived of my fix. There’s something very wrong and very unhealthy about that.” Ben smiled gently. “I’d never make you go through something like that.” After a couple of blinks, Gabby snorted. “Bull shit.” At the same time Lacey laughed loudly. It was obvious she agreed with Gabby. “So tell me, Sparky what did you do to this guy?” Big Ben asked. As far as Gabby could think of, nothing other than getting upset with him and swearing and calling him names. Okay maybe that was enough, but it would make better sense that he would punish her if he knew about her deception, which he didn’t so .… “Nothing he’s aware of,” Gabby mumbled so low her words were incomprehensible. “Sorry, didn’t get that.” Ben attempted to catch Gabby’s eye, but she evaded him, looking instead at the bottle of water. “Frankly, I’m worried about this guy, Gabby,” Jewel said. “I think he’s a predator and knows exactly what he’s doing.” “What?” Gabby’s head snapped up. “He’s behaving like a classic, textbook, dominant using every trick in the book. He probably understands the scene and uses the knowledge to prey on submissive women.” Gabby wondered if it was possible. Had that been his motive from the beginning, use dominant methods to get her attached to him, to fall in love with him for the very reasons she worried about? His photography career—it wouldn’t be too difficult to figure her out if he examined all of her photos. They were after all, bound angels. But not all of them were in submissive situations. Once he started talking to her, was she that easy to read?

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“He’s not a predator,” Gabby decided. “Did he ever use the words safe, sane and consensual?” Jewel asked. Gabby talked to Matt and Jewel quite a bit about their lifestyle. Those words were first and foremost the most important rule to anyone practicing BDSM. Protecting a person’s physical and mental health was critical and no one should ever be forced to do anything they didn’t want to do. She shook her head in response to the question. “Sounds like a predator to me,” Lacey commented. Big Ben laughed. Lacey sneered at him. “You find that funny, Ben?” “Who me?” He gave her an innocent look. “I don’t find anything funny about predators.” Gabby studied him. She caught his eye and he fixated on her, as well, except his expression was much more cordial than hers. She wanted to ask him about Erik, but she also wanted to be discreet. It was better to wait for a time when no one else was around. “Gabby, sweetie,” Jewel said. “You have to cut this guy out of your life now. Block his emails and phone calls. I’m afraid for you.” “Why are you afraid for her?” Master Randy walked into the room and went directly to where Jewel sat. She slid on the floor, taking a position at his feet as he took the seat where she’d been sitting on the couch. Jewel lowered her eyes. Gabby shook her head. There was no way on God’s green earth she’d ever behave like that. “Gabby has gone and gotten herself attached to a predator,” Lacey answered Randy’s question. “And it sounds like he’s mind fucking her.” “He’s not a predator,” Gabby protested. “He talked about boundaries and promised not to cross them.” Ben laughed again and she eyed him inquisitively. He patted her knee before speaking to her. “I’ll help you detach from him Gabby Hunter. I don’t mind being your rebound guy. Would you like to have lunch with me this afternoon?” For a moment Gabby was taken aback by his forwardness. But it was a good opportunity to talk to him alone, maybe find out who he knew on base without revealing too much. “Sure, why not.” “Really?” Jewel said with surprise in her voice. “Yah,” Gabby answered. “There’s just one problem. It’s almost lunch time now and I’m not exactly dressed to go anywhere.” Ben’s mouth twisted to one side as he considered that. “You’re about the same size as Jewel. I’m sure she’ll have something you can wear.” Gabby turned to look at Jewel. She wore nothing but a pink satin thong and a collar of ice pink gems. Well at least the color went well with her dark skin. “I’m not sure she owns any clothes.” “Are you fucking kidding me?” Jewel balked. “Me not own clothes? And shoes .…” Randy wagged a scolding finger. “I don’t like it when you swear, Jewel.” Again she lowered her eyes. “Take Gabby upstairs and find her something to wear,” Randy instructed. “And

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for god’s sake comb her hair.” **** “Well if it isn’t the Great Dane,” Master Randy said. “Where the hell have you been?” Dane closed his flip phone and glanced up. “Here, there, everywhere.” His gaze dropped to the woman sitting on the floor next to the kitchen chair Randy was sitting on. She had a decent set of knockers. “How’s your wife? Still trying to tame her?” Randy smiled affectionately at his slave and then patted the top of her head. She kissed his knee. Dane stifled a snort. He wasn’t much in to slaves. In fact, he didn’t favor even being called master. What he did enjoy was a woman who had some spice to her personality but would still come to heel at his order. “There’s no taming a bitch who bites the hand that feeds her. We’re divorced.” Randy’s woman smiled almost devilishly, a sparkle in her eye aimed directly at him. Shifting in his seat, Dane ignored her, flipped open his phone and dialed a number. His expression became pensive when he closed the phone again. “Still no answer?” Big Ben came into the kitchen, the mocking grin on his face a mile wide. He leaned against the counter and took a sip of the beer he was holding. “Looks like someone’s finally topping you at your own game, buddy.” Dane disputed his answer. “That’ll never happen.” “Stop ogling, Jewel,” Randy scolded when he noticed her attention kept shifting back and forth between both men. “May I speak freely, Master Randy?” she asked. “You have my permission.” Jewel directed her question to Big Ben’s friend. “Why are you called the Great Dane?” Ben answered for him. “Actually the name started at work years ago. Dane is in charge of certain things there.” “Sit on the chair, Jewel.” Randy patted the empty seat next to him. When she rose and took the empty chair, he said, “Eat if you’re hungry.” Jewel nodded but didn’t move to get herself something to eat. She merely waited for Big Ben to finish. “He’s very demanding at work,” Big Ben continued. “Aren’t you, Dane?” “What?” Dane looked up from the cell phone he seemed preoccupied with. “Just telling Jewel how you got your name,” Ben answered. “Oh, yah, that.” Dane reached toward the carafe in the center of the table and refilled his coffee mug. “I’m very serious about finishing tasks that need to be done.” “Anal retentive is more like it.” Ben chuckled. Dane shrugged indifferently. “But everyone loves and respects him, because despite his demands, he doesn’t mark too much of his territory by raising his leg all over the place.” “Oh,” Jewel responded. “And here I thought it was because he liked it doggy style.” Dane chuckled. “That, too.” “I should introduce you to my friend, Gabby.” Jewel commented, but then shifted

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her attention to Big Ben. “How’d your date go with her?” Big Ben and the Great Dane exchanged glances, a subtle expression of communication passing between. “It went well. She’s a nice gal and said I could call on her again.” “Maybe you won’t mind sharing her?” Jewel grinned. “What?” The Great Dane and Big Ben spoke together. Their gazes shifted from Jewel to each other. She couldn’t possibly have meant that the way it sounded. “Gabby’s been pretty much reclusive since her husband died. She needs to play the field for awhile.” “I don’t mind sharing as long as she knows her place, wherever that may be.” Ben smirked at Dane who merely shook his head and snorted. “Would you like to meet her, Master Dane?” Jewel asked. She furled her brow at the private joke that seemed to be passing between the two men. “I’m always into meeting a lovely lady,” Dane answered. “Let me have her number and I’ll give her a call.” “Sure.” Jewel rose from her chair and snatched a pen from a cup on the counter. She jotted down Gabby’s phone number and email before handing it to Dane. She then opened the fridge and pulled out a plate of left-over barbecued ribs. Before biting into one of them, she commented, “This is going to be fun. She’s coming to the party and there’s going to be a lot of available men here. I emailed her picture to three of them and they all seemed interested.” Ben busted a gut when Dane almost choked on his coffee. “You hate crowded parties don’t you, Dane? Guess you won’t be here.” “I might make an exception this time.”

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Chapter Seventeen “Gabby, I’ve been trying to get a hold of you. You’re not answering your phone. Could you give me a clue as to what’s going on here if you get this?” Gabby listened to the voice message and considered how to react. She wanted to talk to Erik badly, but her heart couldn’t take it if he was cozying up to Sandra, dreading that he was falling in love with her. While grappling with her willpower about returning his call, the decision was made for her. A distraction arrived. She watched the car pulling up in the driveway and recognized the driver. It was Ben. Lunch with him was enjoyable, and Gabby thought he was a rather sexy man. He had an affect on her libido, but not nearly as much as Erik did. There was a charisma and a charm about Ben that she liked, and of course the fact that he wore a uniform gave quite a boost to her physical interest in him. It was a superficial thing, but still a turn-on, enhanced by the few pictures he showed her during lunch of him and a few co-workers on base. Erik was in none of them. Though she might consider having more with Ben, there was something, or rather someone, blocking the way. It was Erik. She was in love with him and getting past those emotions were monumental. Gabby finally gave in and asked Ben outright. He said he knew Erik Coledane well, but didn’t say much of anything else other than he believed that Erik wasn’t a threat to her. That gave Gabby some relief, even if it only meant they would go on as friends. At least she didn’t need to be wary anymore. She also asked Ben not to mention he knew her and Ben reassured her he wouldn’t say a word to Erik about her unless Gabby said it was okay. “Hey there, Sparky.” Ben waved when he saw Gabby come through the front door. Tipping his head skyward, he inhaled before leveling his gaze again. “Great day for a walk in the park. Do you like picnics?” “Do you like little kids?” “Huh?” Ben gave her a confused look until Ariela and Briel bounded around the corner of the house “You have kids?” “My nieces.” “Aunt Gabby.” Ariela skipped up to her. “Can we go swimming now?” After scrutinizing the plastic bag taped around her niece’s cast, Gabby said. “You can’t get that wet.” “I’ll be careful, I promise.” Gabby gave Ben an apologetic look. He glanced around the area. “Hey, a picnic is a picnic anywhere you spread your blanket. Here will be fine. I’ll just go get the lunch I brought from the car.” “Why not?” Gabby smiled. “The pond is around back. I’ll go make sandwiches for the girls and meet you there.”

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After making two cheese sandwiches for her nieces, Gabby grabbed the bowl of fruit on the table and headed toward the pond. Ben sat on the blanket with lunch and a bottle of wine. “Can we go in now?” Briel yelled from the dock. She was already halfway down the ladder. “Go on,” Gabby yelled back and then sat down on the blanket next to Ben. She picked up the bottle and read the label. “Poulet Fouse, very nice.” “You know about wines?” Ben pulled a corkscrew from the canvas bag he’d brought. Gabby watched him open the wine. “Just a little.” “I wouldn’t know a grape from a bath bead. The girl in the store pointed me in the right direction,” Ben admitted. He produced two disposable cups and filled them. “I won’t fake you out here, Gabby. I don’t own a single wine glass. Hope you don’t mind plastic.” “That’s fine.” Gabby smiled. “So what did you bring to eat? I shouldn’t drink on an empty stomach.” Ben pulled out a wrapped, foil bundle from the bag. He uncovered it, revealing bruschetta, and stuffed mushrooms. He also produced a bowl containing a fresh garden salad. “So what if I didn’t like any of these?” Gabby asked light-heartedly, teasingly. Reaching into the bag, Ben pulled out three sandwiches, one bologna, one tuna fish and a peanut butter and jelly. “Surely one of these would suffice then.” They shared the meal that Ben had brought. The girls ate their sandwiches and also enjoyed some of the fruit. After they’d finished and while Ben was packing things away, Gabby’s cell phone rang. She listened for a moment and then called out to her nieces. “Hey, girls, Shannon’s mom is making smores. Are you interested?” “Yay!” Briel clapped her hands excitedly. Ariela, who’d been hanging on to the deck’s ladder, careful to keep her cast dry, also gave a little cheer. Briel reached down and helped her sister climb up. They grabbed their towels, slipped into their flip flops and headed down a path leading from the pond area. “Be home by five!” Gabby yelled and then said to Ben. “They’re going to my next door neighbors’.” “Mmm, so we’re alone, then?” Ben reclined to his side, propping up on one elbow. He smiled at Gabby. “It’s a shame you’ve had no one for all of these years.” Gabby shrugged. “Maybe I like it that way.” “You’re an awesome woman, Sparky. You need someone to appreciate you.” Gabby sat cross-legged facing him. She didn’t respond to his comment, but when Ben reached toward her and slipped his hand to the back of her neck, she didn’t resist either. He pulled her toward him, bringing her lips to his, and kissed her gently. She returned the kiss timidly. Withdrawing, Ben sat up and studied her for a moment. “Do I not turn you on, Gabby?” His hand caressed the length of her arm before moving to her leg. He skimmed

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his hand along the top of her thigh, allowing it to come to a rest there. Gabby didn’t protest. There was no denying Ben did stimulate her somewhat, but Gabby didn’t want to give him the wrong idea. Starting an intimate relationship with him would be impossible as long as Erik was still residing in her heart. “You do turn me, Ben, more than I thought you could, but .…” “Something’s missing.” Ben withdrew his hand. “Or should I say someone?” “Yes …” As if on cue, her phone rang and Gabby checked the number. “… Erik.” She stared at the phone. “You need to answer that, Sparky,” Ben said. “Unless you want him to give up trying.” Gabby drew her brows together, hesitated and then answered the call. “Hello?” “Did you fall off my earth?” Erik asked. “Damn!” Gabby replied with sarcastic emphasis in her tone. “I almost made the last shuttle to Mars.” “What are you doing, Gabby? Are trying to leave me, forget all about me, that I ever existed?” “Uh, well …” Should she lie? No. “Uh … yah, I am.” “You little shit,” Erik groused. “I knew you were going to try and pull something like that.” Did he just call me a little shit? Taken aback by his choice of words, Gabby chuckled. Though derogatory, the way he said it was ironically warming. “Well, at least you’re honest.” Erik then went silent. “Are you still there?” Straining to listen, Gabby wondered if they’d been disconnected. “I can’t stand it anymore,” Erik said. “When can I see you?” “Just tell me the time and place, soldier.” Gabby glanced at Ben, his eyes were on her, but there was no other reaction. “I have training next week in Fort Walton Beach. I’ll be there until the following Tuesday, but my weekend is free. Meet me there.” “I’ll see what I can do,” Gabby answered. Damn, why couldn’t she resist him? “So what are doing?” Erik asked. “Sitting outside having lunch.” Gabby said. She watched Ben pull his cell from his pocket, apparently uninterested in her conversation. He pressed a few buttons as if sending a text. “Gabby, hang on a second,” Erik said and then went silent. Ben coughed several times and Gabby darted a warning look at him, attempting to cover the receiver. Was he letting his presence be known? “Who’s that?” Erik asked. “Are you with someone?” “Uh,” Cripe, she wasn’t about to lie. “Uh, yah, a friend … Ben.” “Ben who?” Gabby frowned. She didn’t even know Ben’s last name. In fact, she didn’t even know if Ben was his real name. “Um .…” Shit. The last thing Gabby wanted to do was start another round of

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deceit with Erik. “Actually he works at Irmo. I met him when I was at Jewel’s and Randy’s house. He stopped by today to say hello. He stayed for lunch.” “Really,” Erik answered. “Let me talk to him.” Gabby’s brows rose. Why did he want to talk to Ben? With a shrug, she held the phone out. “He wants to talk to you.” Ben took it from her. “Hey there, buddy.” Gabby sat and listened. She was dying to know what Erik was saying on the other end, but Ben was giving very little away. “She is … quite … sounds good to me … uh-huh. If that’s the way you want it, Coledane.” As Ben talked his eyes wandered all over Gabby’s body. His smile was amorous, revealing his thoughts were less than platonic, and Gabby didn’t mind at all. In fact it heated her slightly inside. Of course, hearing Erik’s voice again was whetting her sexual appetite, as well. Ben handed the phone back to her. “Erik?” Gabby said. What the hell were they talking about? “Ben’s a good guy, sweetheart. I trust him,” Erik told her. “That’s good.” Questions formulated in Gabby’s brain, causing her to wonder if Erik was giving his approval or telling her Ben would stay clear. “I had a dream about you last night.” Erik, true to his own character started a new topic. “I was at the airport, and you were picking me up. You were wearing a very short, black skirt with little slits on the side.” Gabby laughed. “I never wear short skirts.” “It’s my dream, sweetheart,” Erik reminded her. “And on your feet you wore black, strappy sandals with a three inch wedged heel. The combination emphasized and showed off your gorgeous legs.” Again Gabby chuckled. “I can believe you know what those shoes are called.” “Honey, I’ve been married twice and dated more than my share of women. I make it my business to learn everything I can about a woman’s pleasures, in and out of bed.” Gabby’s smile faded, her thoughts moving in a carnal direction. Amazing how easily Erik could get her all hot and bothered. Glancing at Ben, she saw he was watching her, and listening. He didn’t appear annoyed that she was on the phone with Erik. “So what happened next?” “You sauntered toward me and began hugging me and kissing me,” Erik continued. “You grabbed my hand and rushed me out of the airport, forgetting my luggage. We walked out of the airport skipping like kids. Do you like to skip or something?” Again he drew a laugh from her. “Sometimes, with the girls.” “I bet your boobs bounce up and down when you do,” Erik murmured a sensual sound. “Anyway, when we got to the parking lot you stopped in front of a brand new, black, five twenty-five BMW. It still had the sticker on it.” “Oh, yah,” Gabby responded. “Like I can afford that.” “It was loaded to the max. You tossed me the keys and told me to drive and as I started the engine—damn it purred—and headed toward the exit, you unzipped my pants

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and started giving me a blowjob.” Swallowing, Gabby couldn’t stop the arousal that began to pique. Why was he doing this, especially knowing she was with another man? But Erik didn’t stop there. “I reached and rubbed my hand all the way down and over your ass and then beneath your skirt to that tight, little slit of yours. You were so wet.” Gabby squirmed. She was wet alright. “Uh, so this is about sex?” Good lord! Had she just said sex in front of Ben? Glancing at him Gabby discovered he was still eyeing her, and in a very amorous way. “Hell no, it’s all about the car,” Erik answered with a low chuckle. Trying to keep her cool, because she was certainly heating up, Gabby said, “I don’t like BMWs. Only cocky people drive them.” “I suppose,” Erik said. There was silence, and Gabby became aware that Ben was rubbing her back. She liked his hands on her. “Actually,” Gabby returned. Damn, Ben had nice hands. “I prefer American made.” “Oh yah?” Ben kissed Gabby’s neck, and she gasped out. “Yah, they’re less showy.” Her voice became almost sultry. “And besides … there’s more room under the steering wheel.” A low rumbling laugh escaped both men, the sound sending a carnal shudder through Gabby. Though Ben hadn’t heard the entire conversation, her last comment gave him the general idea. “Is Ben touching you, baby?” Erik asked. “Um,” Gabby wasn’t sure if she should tell him. “Yes.” Ben’s hand cupped her breast through the material of her top, skimming his hand over it. Gabby closed her eyes, her head dropping back as a tingling sensation rushed to her nipples, causing them to peak. “Where, my angel. Where is he touching you?” Gabby’s breathing accelerated, her voice becoming raspy. “He’s touching my breast, and kissing my neck.” “I trust him implicitly, baby.” “Okay,” Gabby moaned out as Ben coaxed her body into lying down. He kissed her mouth this time slipping in his tongue. “My cock is hard right now thinking about him touching you,” Erik said to her. “I’m stroking it.” Gabby murmured. Ben withdrew from her and Gabby released a long breath. When Ben took his cell phone from his pocket, Gabby tried to shake off her arousal, perplexed as to why he chose that very moment to make a call. “Hang on, Gabby,” Erik said, and then. “Everyone there?” Gabby heard Ben’s voice through her cell phone. “Shall we continue?” Ben asked. He had dialed Erik and they were now on three way calling. Ben reached around

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Gabby and picked up a cordless head piece she’d set on the blanket earlier. He placed it on Gabby’s head and turned it on. He did the same with his own headpiece and then took both phones, setting them aside. Gabby gulped at what suddenly came to her mind. “Do you like it when Ben touches you, Gabby?” Erik asked. Ben began unbuttoning her blouse and when he reached the last one he pushed it open, exposing her bra. He bent to kiss the swell of her breasts and then stretched to a side lying position next to her. “Yes,” Gabby whispered. Ben took her hand and placed it on the bulge in his pants. “She has beautiful breasts, buddy. Very sexy.” “Imagine if I were there now, Gabby, stroking your clit while Ben was sucking your nipple, our hands touching you everywhere.” At the same time Ben drew her nipple through the material of her bra. His hand meandered down her body and he slid his fingers between her legs, rubbing her pussy through her shorts. Gabby pushed against him and murmured. Her eyes drifted shut. “Damn she’s hot.” Ben undid the button of her shorts. “And I’m so hard to be in you, sweetheart,” Erik said. “Wouldn’t it feel great with us taking turns sliding into you?” “Yes,” Gabby moaned again. Her body shuddered with the pleasure she was receiving from the combined effort of both men. “What’s Ben doing, baby?” “He’s unzipping my shorts.” “Is he putting his hand inside of your panties?” “Yes.” “Is he playing with your clit?” “Yes.” “I need to kiss those delectable lips of hers,” Ben said and lowered his head, the kiss immediately passionate. He continued to stroke her between the legs. “Do you want him, Gabby?” Mmm, was the only sound she could manage, her mouth being otherwise occupied. “You need to wait for me, baby.” Erik said. “Tell him to stop.” Ben raised his head, but his finger didn’t stop moving. Gabby’s eyes fluttered open. The arousal was keen in Ben’s gaze as he looked down at her, furthering her own lust. “Gabby,” Erik worked to get her attention on his words. “Be faithful to me sweetheart. I’m not there with you. Tell him to stop.” “Stop,” Gabby whispered half-heartedly. “That’s not going to do it,” Ben returned. With his other hand he reached into his bag and pulled out a blue, silk scarf. “I’m going to love tying you up. She does enjoy getting tied up doesn’t she, buddy?” “Tell him to stop, baby.” Erik said again, his tone gentle and smooth. “Stop,” Gabby murmured, unable to do more than that because she was close to climaxing.

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“I’m not stopping.” With one hand Ben drew Gabby’s arms over her head and began to weave the scarf in a figure eight pattern around her wrists. “Be faithful to me, sweetheart. I gave you the words when I was in the desert,” Erik reminded. “Use the words.” “Uh,” Gabby tried to think. She was about to orgasm, but then she remembered and choked out the words. “Red shoe.” “Damn it,” Ben muttered withdrawing both hands completely and sitting back on his haunches. He pulled the scarf from her wrists and then raked his fingers through his hair. Erik burst out laughing. “Good girl,” he said and then added. “Well isn’t this torture?” “Guess I’m trained to heel, but don’t expect me bark, pal.” Ben disconnected the call leaving Erik and Gabby on the line. Gabby redid her shorts while Ben was gentlemanly enough to button her blouse. Sitting up, Gabby took several deep breaths attempting to shake away the lust. “Are you alright, Gabby?” Erik asked. “Yah, I’m fine.” Gabby replied. “You’ve just taken cock teasing to new heights, soldier.” “Hey, baby,” Erik returned. “You never need to fear either of us. Do you understand?” “Yes.” Gabby glanced at Ben her eyes dropping to his crotch, the long, thick bulge revealing he was still affected. “Ben will be there to protect you if ever I’m deployed or not nearby. Can you accept that?” Again Gabby replied to Erik, “Yes.” “You’re a sweetheart, Gabby,” Erik said. “And I’m so horny for you, baby. I can’t wait to see you.” “I’m a bit in the same predicament.” “Don’t let Ben touch your private areas unless I say so.” Look but don’t touch, hmm, hardly seemed fair. Her gaze lifted and Ben winked at her. An impish grin spread across Gabby’s lips. “So he can hug me?” “Casually.” “Put his arm around me?” “If you’re cold.” “Kiss me on the lips?” “Only a peck.” “What if he wants to use his tongue?” “Negative, Gabby. That would be an absolute no.” “Unless you say so?” “Unless I say so.”

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Chapter Eighteen Gabby’s body tingled from head to toe. She moaned as Erik hooked his fingers inside her vagina, expertly finding the bundle of nerves that had her hips thrusting upward with a yearning throb that only Erik’s hard erection could satiate. Stretching along her side, Erik slid his fingers from her body, his palm gliding upward to caress her breasts, his mouth drawing on first one and then the other. He bit gently on each nipple before rotating and flicking his tongue around them. They stiffened and Gabby shuddered. Turning her head to toward him, Erik gazed into her eyes. He could see the fire and passion in them that he’d dreamed about night and day while he was in the desert. To have her again, to be allowed to touch her again was a cherished gift he would never lock away in the recesses of his brain, even if she left his life forever. Erik kissed her, long and hard, tasting her, taking her, coaxing her body to come alive. Her hands roamed the length of his body, stimulating every part of his flesh, the feel of her beneath him the press of his weight on top of her had Gabby writhing, moaning. She was hot, wet and ready to have him inside of her. Instead he broke the kiss, his lips moving to her neck, then kissing her shoulders. He stopped at her breasts again, cupping them, licking them before moving lower. Parting her legs, his mouth took her, fully, unrelenting, sucking her clit until she was quivering with the pure pleasure of it. “You’re the first,” Gabby gasped out. Her hips thrust increasing the pressure. Erik froze. “What?” he rasped out. “No one,” Gabby panted. “Before you.” Her words struck him in the heart, heightening his desire for her, encouraging him to unlock the treasure of her passion in a way that no one had before. He lapped at her pussy in rhythmic swipes, her scent, her taste, the sound of her sexual murmurs embedding in his brain, marking him with her essence. Never had he yearned for a woman more than he did Gabby, and no matter how hard he tried to put her out of his mind he knew that she would be part of him for eternity. Erik sucked. He sank one and then two fingers inside of her again, the cadence of her passionate sounds telling him he was doing exactly what she wanted, needed. “Erik,” Gabby whispered. He didn’t respond, but kept sucking and licking her until he felt her pelvis tilt and her low hum, telling him her orgasm was on the rise. Her moans mixed with her pants, her voice growing louder with every breath, and she pushed against his mouth, her inner muscles throbbing around his fingers, and Erik pumped faster. Gabby’s hips rose from the bed. Hot liquid seeped, soaking his hand, and she stiffened, arched and cried out as her climax jolted her body, triggering tight tremors that rippled from her core. Erik kept

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his mouth sealed to her pussy, letting every fiber of pleasure Gabby felt to fully peak inside of her. He slowed his fingers, his tongue pressed against her, and when she collapsed to the mattress, he didn’t finish but pushed his fingers deep, suctioning her clit with his lips. Gabby convulsed and screeched. Her arms slammed to the bed and she clawed the sheets, her moaning cry sustaining as sensation after sensation rattled her from her toes to her brain and everywhere else in between. Erik lifted his head when he felt the tension in her ease. He watched the subtle expressions she made as he used only his fingers withdrawing them and then pushing inward again in slow, calming strokes, soothing Gabby’s sensitized body until one by one her muscles relaxed and she became motionless except for her exhausted breathing. As Erik moved, Gabby straightened her legs. He straddled her thighs his erect penis jutting, growing harder at the contentment on her face. It was gratifying that he’d given her such pleasure. Wrapping his hand around his shaft, Erik stroked, his gaze fixed on her, waiting for her to recover because he wasn’t finished with her yet. Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled, her hand reaching to stroke his cock in just the way Erik had been doing it. He exhaled quietly, watched the movement of her hand, hardening even further, his own arousal now taunting him, pulsating from his groin to the tip of his cock just because she was touching him there. “Stroke it baby,” Erik said and Gabby, still in a post climatic stupor, smiled softly. Her other hand wrapped around his balls and she massaged them gently for awhile. Shimmying from beneath him, Gabby sat, tucking her legs to one side. With her hand still wrapped around Erik’s hard-on she bent and sucked him inside of her mouth, her tongue swirling around his swollen head. Erik groaned, allowing her to stimulate him until he became too restless and wanted to be inside of her. “Come here,” he said to her as he backed off the bed. At the same time he took Gabby’s hands pulling her toward him until she was standing. He led her to the bathroom vanity and then lifted her to sit on top of it. The height perfectly aligned them. Drawing up her legs, Erik rested them over his shoulders, forcing Gabby to lean back on her hands for support. He pressed the head of his penis against the entrance of her vagina and in a deliberate glide began opening her up with his hardness. Grasping her hips, Erik steadied her. He looked her in the eyes, groaned at the wetness between her thighs now coating the head of his cock. He penetrated her, throbbing harder as he pushed through, feeling her inner muscles relax briefly before tightening around him once more. Leaning, Erik sealed his mouth with hers. At the same time he thrust his cock inward. Gabby sighed with pleasure when Erik flexed his cock, savoring the incredible feel of her fiery flesh and how she molded him like a well-fitted glove. “You feel so good,” Gabby broke the kiss, taking short wispy breaths as she shifted and tightened up against his groin, bringing his erection deeply inside of her. “I’m going to come again.” Erik pushed until he could go no further. She was so tight and tiny, it didn’t take much until he hit bottom and felt the pressure against the head of his cock from reaching

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the limits of her channel. Gabby squeezed again, impossibly tighter, moaned when Erik’s shaft swelled further. “Jesus, sweetheart, hold still.” The tingling in the head of Erik’s cock forewarned that any sudden movement would have him spurting his juices with little effort, and he was far from wanting that yet. “Damn girl, what you do to me. I’m having trouble holding on here, baby.” Gabby smiled mischievously and without warning bared down on him as hard as she could. “Christ!” Erik humped at her, and she squeezed, her wetness letting him glide. He could swear all the blood was being held captive in the head of his dick, her muscles grabbed him so tightly. When she eased, Erik drew back. When he slid forward she squeezed again. Her juices flowed, leaving her slick for him and Erik thrust at her, pumped his hips, becoming wild as Gabby muttered sounds of desperation and ground her hips in circular motions against him. Her legs slipped from his shoulders and flew wide open, and that was all Erik could handle. He slammed her. “Oh!” Gabby cried. “I don’t want to hurt you,” Erik replied, his tone guttural, wildly primal. “You know the words.” “Yes!” Gabby replied. “Harder.” Erik slammed again and Gabby cried out, almost a scream, becoming louder and louder as Erik pounded her harder, hitting erogenous zones deep inside her that were rarely ever reached. And then she did scream. Something carnal exploded, pulling Gabby from a plain of reality and sending her to an erotic place where nothing but the astonishing sensations of his faster and shorter thrusts took her to a heightened ledge she’d never reached before. Gabby heard the noise she was making, knew it was loud and didn’t care. She couldn’t help but shriek even as her climax ripped through her. “That’s it, baby,” Erik hoarsely whispered. The relief was immeasurable when he felt Gabby let go, her cries like voices from within her soul beckoning him to be one with her. He had little awareness of how hard he was pounding her other than she could take more from him than he ever could imagine. It was phenomenally fantastic to know he could release all of his passion with a woman capable of handling what he needed to give in order to be fully satisfied. Erik felt the surge, so powerful the stream of his juices jetted inside of her before he even realized he was coming. Light burst behind his eyes the pleasure was so nearly unbearable, intensified by Gabby’s loud scream as he slammed one more time. It had to hurt, yet she didn’t stop him and she didn’t cry like a woman in pain as much as she did a woman in the throes of passion. She would be sore in the morning. Maybe even bruised, but at the moment neither of them cared. It felt too good to control it. They rested for moment, both breathing hard, and when Erik felt he had the strength, he scooped Gabby into his arms. Still buried inside of her he hugged her close.

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Gabby’s legs came together wrapping around his hips and he lifted her, walking with her body clinging to his, returning to the bed. He lowered her, coming down on top of her, their bodies anchored together, landing as one and still breathing heavily, both coming down from the climaxes. Withdrawing from her, Erik rolled to his back. Gabby moved snug to his side, kissing his chest all over as he stared at the ceiling. For several minutes they enjoyed a comfortable silence. Gabby became resolved then. While she kissed him, her brain worked to find the right words to tell Erik everything. She meant to confess before anything happened. As it always seemed to be with them, however, one look at each other and the arousal became torturously unbearable. Conversation became an incapable thing as their desire for each other took a powerful lead, rendering them helpless for anything else except seeking each other’s passion. “Sweetheart, you know I love you, but I can’t go on like this.” Erik opened the conversation. His words drew Gabby’s attention immediately. She listened silently. “I want it all from you, your love, your passion, but mostly your trust. This thing with Sandra .…” Erik pushed up to his elbows, and upon hearing the name Sandra, Gabby’s ears perked up. Her heart went on high alert. “Hell, Gabby,” Erik continued. “I’m helplessly in love.” “What?” Gabby gasped out before Erik could say anything further. He didn’t make eye contact but stared straight ahead. It pierced her heart painfully that he couldn’t even face her, look at her while telling her this. “Oh my god!” Erik’s head snapped toward her and he furled his brow. Gabby glared at him. She understood their relationship had changed and meant to deal with it, but hearing something like that after just making love tore at her sanity. She opened her mouth and the angry words began spilling out. “You told me I was your number one girl—your only girl. You never really meant that did you? Sandra was always there. You hid her from me like I was some transition in your life, a girlfriend you were planning on dumping when you were finished with me.” “Gabby, you are still my number one girl,” Erik returned. “Bullshit!” Gabby drew back from him. Grasping the sheet to cover her body she sat up in the bed. “You’re throwing me in the back seat. Sandra is up front now.” “Gabby you need to listen.” “Oh, I’m listening and understanding, Erik. It’s becoming clearer and clearer that I’m just your safety net.” “You’re no safety net for me, Gabby. You’re very dear to me and will remain that way.” Erik sat up, his expression filled with sincerity. “You are in my front seat and steering pretty damn recklessly right now I might add. I better buckle up.” “This isn’t funny.” Gabby became further inflamed by his calmness and lame attempt at humor. She slipped from the bed and frantically searched for her clothes. “Calm down Gabby and let me talk.” Gabby pulled on her underwear and bra, followed by her shorts and top. “Go to

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hell, Erik!” Rubbing his cheek, Erik went silent. He’d learned early on that when Gabby was storming it was better to ride it out silently and then reason with her later. He watched her stalk around the hotel room, tossing her personal belongings into her bags. Abruptly she stopped. Tears filled her eyes and the sight of them burned Erik’s heart like droplets of acid. “You'll have to excuse me while I take a nice little, emotional spiral downward, Erik. Right about now, I really wish I was dead.” “Gabby,” Erik began to slip from the bed. “No.” She held up her hand. “Don’t come near me.” Her body shook as she picked up her bags. She turned to him. “You could’ve at least had the decency to wait until I had my clothes on before telling me you were in love with another woman.” Gabby quickly but awkwardly slipped into her shoes. She stormed from the room, the door slamming once she was through it, the sound echoing painfully in Erik’s brain. For a moment he sat there trying to sort what had just happened. He rubbed his jaw and took a deep breath. It was a total misunderstanding. When he said he was in love .… “I meant with you Gabby.” **** It couldn’t have hurt more if Erik had stuck a knife in her and ripped it through her chest. His birthday was the day before she flew to see him, and he had told her that coming to Fort Walton Beach was going to be the best birthday gift he’d ever received. Gabby blinked sadly as she turned to gape out the passenger window. What a liar. I’m such a fool. In the same vein Gabby knew it was her fault. How much had she allowed Erik to grapple with letting him think he was falling in love with a married woman? I was still married in my heart when I met you, Erik. How did I screw things up so badly? Guilt snatched Gabby like a vise. She couldn’t even imagine the internal conflict he must have mentally and emotionally struggled with as their relationship began to deepen. Gabby couldn’t blame him for turning to Sandra. It was going to drive her insane, but Gabby was breaking all ties with him. She was never speaking to Erik Coledane again, even if he was insane enough to still want her as a friend. She had to let him go. He would forget all about her in due time. Her cell phone rang and Gabby ignored it. “Aren’t you going to answer that?” “What?” Gabby turned to look at Matt where he sat in the driver’s seat. Her phone rang again and Gabby stared at her purse. “Oh .…” Reaching for her cell, she prayed to God it wasn’t Erik. At the same time she wished is was. Disappointment mixed with relief when she saw it was Jewel. Gabby answered. “How far away are you?” Jewel asked. “Uh,” Gabby looked out the window, reading the road sign they were just passing. “About ten minutes away.” “Well, you’re going to draw a lot of interest,” Jewel told her. “There’s a few

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eligible men here.” Gabby shook her head. She was beginning to regret letting Matt and Jewel talk her into this party. “Is Ben there?” “Yep.” Would he still be her protector now that she and Erik were finished, Gabby had to wonder. And then there was the up close and personal thing, too. At this point Gabby wasn’t even sure she could have anything with Ben because Erik telling her not to let him touch her would always be in her mind. “Wait until you meet the Great Dane.” “The what?” “He’s very cool, very cute, very charming. I think he’s interested in you, wanted your number so I gave it to him. Did he ever call?” “You did what? I’m going to throttle your naked little ass, Jewel!” “I’d like that.” Jewel laughed. At the same time Matt laughed and said. “She’d like that.” “Listen, don’t expect me to be the social butterfly,” Gabby returned. “The last thing I need is another male trying to hump my leg.” “Oh honey, when you get a look at him, it won’t be your leg you’ll want him to hump.” “Goodbye, Jewel.” Gabby didn’t wait for Jewel to speak. She disconnected the call. “Jewel’s trying to fix you up?” Matt asked. Gabby shook her head and scratched the top of her head. “Matt, what do you know about the Great Dane?” “He’s a legend,” Matt answered. “Loves many, commits to few.” “Sounds like someone to avoid.” “Can’t say for myself, Gabs, but from what I understand he left the scene after getting married. I never met the man.”

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Chapter Nineteen “Hey Sparky.” Ben was at Gabby’s side as soon as she walked through the door. He kissed her on the cheek. “Glad you could make it.” Gabby nodded and looked around the living room. There about ten people there, but she could also see several people on the patio outside, including Matt, and her voices in the kitchen. She probably knew at least half of the people there, but this was her first scene party, and Gabby was nervous. But now that she had a look around, everything appeared pretty tame—no whips being snapped or naked woman crawling around on the floor. Well, okay Jewel was completely naked except for her collar and the hoop earring she wore to accessorize absolutely nothing. “The action’s in the basement,” Jewel answered Gabby’s unspoken question. She handed her a glass of wine. “Then I guess I know which sections of the house to avoid,” Gabby commented with a smile. “Oh, he’s here.” Jewel’s attention went past her and to the door. “Show time,” Big Ben murmured and stepped between Jewel and Gabby. He placed his hands on Gabby’s shoulders and looked at her intensely. “I just want you to know that I had nothing to do with this, Sparky.” “To do with wh .…” Gabby stopped mid-sentence. “Hey, the Great Dane’s back in town,” someone in the room said. For some reason Gabby sensed impending doom. It felt as if negative vibes were charging the air. She could almost feel his eyes on her and tensed when she felt his presence behind her. Whoever the Great Dane was, he was far too aggressive for her tastes. “Dane,” Ben reached around her and shook the man’s hand, much to Gabby’s relief. Apparently this Dane person had approached because he knew the person she was with. But then a hand slipped beneath her chin, cupping it, tipping her head slightly and the Great Dane leaned in, his breath hot on skin. “What a surprise seeing you here, Gabby.” He nipped her ear. Gabby froze. Her eyes widened, and she swore her heart stopped beating. Ohmy-god. He knew. There was no doubt in her mind he knew, and when she sheepishly turned to face him the cold expression on his face confirmed it. “You two have already met?” Jewel asked looking at them both with confusion. “We’ve met,” Gabby answered. “Okay … well.” Jewel furled her brown as her attention shifted back and forth between them. She spoke hesitantly. “I guess I’ll make myself scarce.” “I’ll talk to you in a bit,” Gabby said to Jewel, but her eyes were fixed on the

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Dane. Her expression was timid and her stomach was flipping all over the place. She wished she could just fade away. “Hi Erik,” Gabby said softly, shakily. “Did you set me up, Ben?” “I only did the background check, Sparky.” Background check? Gabby gulped. “How long ago?” “When I was in Iraq, sweetheart,” Erik answered. “Only a few days after we met, I called my good friend Jack to do me the favor.” It dawned on Gabby rather quickly. She looked over her shoulder. “You’re Jack … Jack Bennett.” It made sense. Why she hadn’t figured that out was her own stupidity. “Had no idea where this was leading,” Ben responded. “But it’s time to take your medicine.” Shit. Gabby attempted to walk away, hoping Erik would follow her to a more private place, but he grabbed her upper arm, stopping her from leaving. “You’re not going anywhere, baby.” “Let me go.” Gabby’s voice was firm and insistent. Unfortunately it also drew the attention of several people in the room. Crap, she knew the drill. This was a BDSM party and everyone would think they were playing. An idea came to Gabby when Erik didn’t let go. She glared at him. “Red shoe.” Erik shook his head. “I’m not fooling around, baby.” Should she call for Matt? Gabby gave Ben a pleading glance and, by his expression, Gabby could see he wasn’t going to be of any help. Technically, Erik wasn’t doing anything to hurt her. He most certainly wasn’t endangering her. What she understood for as much as she knew about the lifestyle, Erik was about to punish her. Well, she most certainly wasn’t going to stand there and just take it. Gabby tried to struggle free, her actions catching Lacey’s eye as she walked from the kitchen. Approaching them, Lacey sized up Erik. “Let her go, Dane.” “You have no idea what this about.” Erik’s voice was cool, but if he was angry, he certainly wasn’t showing it. Lacey nodded and before moving away she said, “I’ll be watching.” Gabby’s irritation surfaced, but she spoke low, not wanting anyone close by to hear. “Erik, Cole, Dane, how many more names to you go by?” “I think that’s it.” Dane seemed to ponder her question for a moment. He lifted a brow at Big Ben. “Isn’t it?” “I don’t recall any others, unless .…” Jack scratched his head and then grinned. “What’s your middle name?” “This isn’t a fucking joke!” Gabby’s voice raised an octave. Oh god, she was going to snap. Jerking back, Gabby tried to free herself. The smirk on Erik’s face faded. Reaching, he shackled her wrists one in each hand and squeezed firmly. Gabby balled her own hands into fists as he brought them up to his chest and tugged her toward him. Angrily she glared into his eyes. “You know what isn’t a fucking joke my angel?” His voice rumbled low, yet it was loud enough for all in the room to hear, and much to Gabby’s embarrassment they were listening. “Lying to me about being married.” “Shit.” Her eyes dropped, and she murmured. “I have to beg you, Erik you’ll be

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stepping way over my boundaries if you try to force me to talk about it here.” “She’s married?” Master Bates, someone Gabby had met only once, spoke from the corner of the room. His real name was Nick Bateman and he had an odd sense of humor. “Naughty girl. You shouldn’t lie to your master, hiding husbands, tsk, tsk.” “She isn’t married.” Erik watched the humiliation spread across Gabby’s face. He felt a twinge of guilt, but it had to be done. He never wanted her to lie to him again. If she was going to belong to him, she had to trust him. “Now let me get this straight,” Master Bates spoke again. His sub lifted a glass of cola to his lips and he took a sip from the straw before continuing. “She said she was married, but she’s not. I don’t get it.” Gabby looked at Erik pleadingly. “You’re humiliating me, Erik.” “Then it’s working, sweetheart.” Erik’s flat affect almost broke. Gabby saw a twinge of regret for only a split of a second, but returning to his emotionless state he added, “You’re not even going to resist this are you?” Biting back the tears, Gabby shook her head from side to side. “No.” “Why?” “Because I deserve it,” Gabby answered. “And because I love you.” Erik released her. Turning his back to her he walked into the kitchen. Conversation had resumed in the room with no one paying any regard to her except Jewel who came immediately and hugged her. “You stinker.” Jewel laughed quietly. “Here I thought you needed help meeting men and you snag the heart of one of the most desirable around from what I hear.” “Don’t think he’s quite snagged,” Gabby returned. She looked over Jewel’s shoulder to where Ben sat. “You should’ve told me he knew, Ben.” He gave her a friendly smile. “It wasn’t my place, Gabby.” She couldn’t argue. After all Erik and Jack were not only co-workers, but good friends. She and Jack had just met. It was implausible to believe Ben would take her side over Erik’s. “Okay, Jewel, I don’t think I want to keep hugging while you’re naked.” Gabby dropped her arms and smiled meekly at her friend. “I’m going to the kitchen.” Erik was in the middle of a conversation when Gabby walked in. He didn’t acknowledge her presence, didn’t even look at her. Helping herself to a bottle of water from the fridge, Gabby took an empty chair next to Erik and sat quietly. She was a bit relieved he didn’t move away from her or ask her to leave, but then again he wasn’t about to say anything to her anyway. Not once the entire time she was there did he say a word to her. He was giving her the silent treatment. It should’ve made her angry, but if there was one thing Gabby knew, Erik didn’t respond to her anger and at this point it was of no use. She would make a bigger fool out of herself than she already had. Besides, none of it really mattered. After tonight she was never going to see him again. **** “Do you want to talk about it?” Ben sat on the front stoop next to Gabby. “Your husband that is.” “If I wanted to, it would be first with, Erik. He, at the least, deserves that much from me.”

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“Then why haven’t you?” “He doesn’t want to talk to me.” “Who says he has to do any of the talking?” Gabby blew out a hard breath. “I’m not driving all the way to his house just to stare at his front door.” “He’ll let you in Gabby.” “How do you know that?” “Because I’ve known Erik for a long time and he’ll let you in,” Ben repeated. “Did you drive all the way up here to tell me I should go talk to him?” Gabby gave Jack a hard stare. “Sure did, Sparky, and maybe have a couple of beers with your brother.” “Is Erik aware that you’re here?” “Hell no.” “You’re a good friend, Jack.” “To both of you.” Jack stood. “Matt inside?” “Go on in.” Gabby nodded. “Oh, and don’t drink and drive.” “Can I sleep it off in your bed?” Jack smirked. “Only if Erik is there with us.” “Then here’s to the two of you working it out.” “Ah, so that’s why you’re here.” Gabby snorted. “Self-serving motives?” “Always.” Jack’s expression became amorous. Turning, he walked into the house, closing the door behind him. Gabby considered what he had said. Erik deserved someone better to love, and she would be the first to admit she had issues about her emotional stability and her past. Standing, Gabby went to the back of the house and entered through her studio door. She grabbed her purse and keys. The drive to Erik’s house would be over two hours. If he was willing to listen she would tell him the whole story. If he wasn’t home, she’d wait. **** Erik opened his door immediately, giving Gabby a quick glance before turning away and walking inside. He’d left the door open so she assumed she was welcome to go in. She found him in the kitchen slicing a tomato on a cutting board. He didn’t look in her direction or say a word. Gabby took a deep breath. Wasting no time she began. “Vick was thirty years old when I started dating him. I was twenty-two. At first I didn’t know, but later I found out he was a member of local forty-three, a union for construction workers out of Philadelphia. It was mob run.” Erik went still. “Yes, they still exist, or at least back then they did.” Remaining silent, Erik walked to his refrigerator, removing mustard and other food items. He returned to the counter and continued his food preparation. “I’d heard things when I was with Victor, things I probably shouldn’t have been hearing. I guess they figured I was harmless or maybe too afraid to repeat anything, and I guess I was especially after Vick warned me there would be consequences if I did.” Gabby swallowed the lump in her throat. “Patrick was a Philadelphia detective

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.…” Her throat went dry and she coughed several times. Erik opened his cupboard, took out a glass and filled it with water. He held it out to her, and Gabby stared at it for moment. Guess she didn’t deserve the bottled kind. Taking the glass from him she sipped at it and tipped her head, gazing at Erik’s face. His expression was bland, but at least he looked directly into her eyes before again turning his back. Still he said nothing, but instead returned to the counter and began tearing at a head of lettuce. “Patrick and his partner, David Spears tried to pump me for information.” Staring at Erik’s back, she momentarily contemplated if he would ever speak to her again before going on with her story. “There was no way in hell I was volunteering any information. It didn’t matter. Victor found out I was talking to the cops and to make a long story short, I got slapped around a bit.” Erik stiffened and Gabby thought he might say something, but he didn’t. “It didn’t really hurt,” Gabby said. “No bruises or anything. I think he just wanted to scare me.” Within a few moments Erik’s demeanor became relaxed again. He continued to prepare his meal. Feeling a bit weak, Gabby sat at his kitchen chair and took another sip of water. Her hard swallow was audible. “I didn’t know where to turn, Erik, and I was really frightened. I kept getting phone calls and often I was followed when I went out. So I looked up Patrick Hunter and told him I needed help. Unfortunately there really wasn’t any useful information I could offer, and because of that the witness protection program wasn’t an option. The threats continued and one thing led to another with Patrick calling often to see if I was alright. The long of the short, I ended it with Victor, started dating Patrick and we married.” Gabby dragged her fingers through her hair and took a moment to collect herself. She wasn’t going to cry until she got through this. “I thought Victor and his cronies might break my legs, maybe rape me, set me on fire. All kinds of horrible things went through my mind, and in the end when they were done torturing me, I pretty much figured they’d kill me. But that’s not the way it happened.” Carrying two bowls of salad, Erik placed one in front of Gabby and one on the table at the opposite end. Returning to the counter, he grabbed two plates, setting one next to Gabby’s salad bowl. On it was a dagwood sandwich. Erik sat at the other end of the table and began to eat. “Funny thing about revenge, it works best when the target is made to suffer.” Gabby lowered her head and stared at the floor. “Victor intended that I was to suffer for the rest of my life. You see, it wasn’t really the information I could offer. Victor was jealous … jealous to the point of violence, and when I married Patrick he was furious. I guess his ego couldn’t take it. But he waited silently and unseen, until I finally relaxed and stopped watching my back. Until I’d nearly forgotten he was ever a threat.” Gabby sniffed, her nose began to itch and she closed her eyes. She heard Erik moving and when she opened them there was a box of tissues in front of her. Gabby glanced up, fixing her attention across the table to where Erik returned to sit. “I was eight months pregnant. We were walking to the movies.” A pained cry slipped from her. “I saw him first, Victor rapidly stalking toward us. By the time I

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warned Patrick, Victor was too close. He came right up to me as if there was nothing unusual about it and I felt something poking my stomach.” Erik froze just as he about to take another bite of his salad. Gabby cleared her throat. “There was a loud bang, and pain. I fell to the ground. I saw Patrick pull his gun. There was another shot, and Patrick was down next to me.” Erik dropped his salad fork, and it clanked to the table. Sighing heavily he leaned back in his chair and just gazed at her. The softness had returned to his expression, but he remained silent. “There was blood everywhere,” Gabby maintained eye contact with Erik. A tear escaped from one, but she was emotionally holding it together. “It was in my hair and soaking my clothes. It was warm, and it smelled like metal. I guess it was splattered on my face because it tasted like metal, too, unless it was my own blood coming up. I don’t know. Patrick died there, and I knew he was dead because there was a vacancy in his eyes that I’ll never forget.” A sob finally let loose. Gabby propped an elbow on the table and dropped her head to her palm. She rubbed her forehead with her fingers and groaned a painful sound. “Did you know that when a baby dies at a later stage of gestation you have to have a funeral and you have to give it a name?” Gabby lifted her head and gazed at Erik, the strain on her face, in her voice acute. “Did you know that, Erik? Her name was Elizabeth and I don’t even know what she looked like. All I know is that she took a bullet for me and that’s why I’m alive.” Biting her lip, Gabby was unsure if she could go on with her story. Erik broke his silence. “Breathe, Gabby.” The sound of his voice flooded her with relief and she released the breath she’d been holding. “After I got out of the hospital I was physically healed, but mentally I just wasn’t in the right place. They tell me I followed women with baby strollers for nearly two weeks asking if they had my baby. Someone called the police and luckily David Spears was able to pull some strings and kept it out of the papers. After finishing all of my visits with the shrink, I packed up my belongings and moved to Charlotte.” Gabby stood. She hooked her purse on her shoulder, shoved her sunglasses on her face and started to turn away, but stopped. She spoke heavily, tearfully. “You’re the only one of my family and friends I’ve ever talked to about it. I tried several times to tell you all of this Erik, but something always got in the way. Mostly it was my fear that I would lose my mind again. But I guess that fear was unfounded, because right now, I don’t feel like I’m going to lose my mind. I just feel very sad.” Gabby left Erik’s house quietly. On the way home her cell phone rang. It was Erik, but she didn’t answer.

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Chapter Twenty “She’s not here, Dane.” “Where is she?” “Look, she’s my sister, I love her, and she’s been through a lot of trauma.” “I’m not going to hurt her.” “You know what, dog?” Matt responded. “From what I’ve heard, you don’t tolerate a woman who isn’t completely open and honest with you. I realize if Gabby had been anyone else you would’ve dropped her like a hot potato. I don’t doubt you love her, but I will not see her hurt, and frankly she seems to be suffering a great deal where you’re concerned. Just leave her alone.” Erik nodded. Saying nothing he turned away, headed back toward his car and drove off. For more than a week he’d tried to contact her, but Gabby was ignoring his phone calls, ignoring his emails. He couldn’t take anymore of the heartache or the anxiety he felt at being separated from her. And now that she’d given him a taste of his own medicine, he fully understood the pain of being ignored by someone he loved. Her silence was making him crazy, and frankly he couldn’t remember a time when a woman he wanted had purposely stayed away from him. All he usually had to do was call and she’d be there. For a while it had been like that with Gabby, but now Erik worried he’d pushed her too far. How had he made such a mess of things when he wanted her more than life itself, more than the air he breathed? And after breathing in the desert month after month, Erik really liked air a lot. His cell rang. It was Jack. “Hey, what’s up?” “I know where she’s at.” “Where?” Erik strained to hear above the rowdy noise in the background. “Maybe I’ll pay her a visit first before I tell you that.” “Jack, have I ever called you a fucking bastard?” “Don’t think so.” “Well now seems like a good time to start.” “Look, pal. I’m with Randy at the pub. It seems Jewel has a house guest staying at her summer cottage in Myrtle beach.” “Jesus,” Erik grumbled. “Am I that much of a danger to her that she had to hide away that far?” “Truthfully, Coledane as a friend, from what Randy tells me, Gabby is trying her best to clear you from her head, hoping you’ll move on because as Jewel supposedly told him she doesn’t think she’s good enough for you.” “Give me the address.” **** “Open the door, Jewel.” “Shit.” Jewel pressed her forehead against the door. “You need to go away.”

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“I’m not going to hurt her. I never meant to hurt her.” “Uh, I promised Gabby I’d keep you away.” Erik grinned. He had her. Jewel would crumble at the first sign of dominance, but he’d be gentle with her. Psychology first. “Jewel, listen. My unit’s been activated. I’m going back to Iraq for a few weeks. I want the opportunity to talk to her before I leave. Suppose I don’t come back? Gabby will never forgive you if she finds I came to her before I deployed and you kept her from me.” “Shit.” Jewel’s heart was pounding. Gabby had to be kept from him or she would never detach. But what if he got himself killed in the Middle East? As she released a breath and shook her head, Jewel unlocked the door. Erik stepped inside and without hesitation, kissed Jewel on the cheek. “Thanks sweetheart.” He looked her over noticing she was wearing jeans and a tank top—pink. “I don’t think I ever seen you wearing so much. You look very pretty.” Jewel lowered her lids, but Erik pinched her jaw between his thumb and index finger, tipping her face upward. “Look me in the eyes, Jewel so you know I’m telling the truth.” Erik was pleased when she complied because every time he’d seen her, Jewel always had difficulty looking a master in the eyes, even when it was requested. “I love her, and I’m not going to hurt her,” Erik stated simply. Releasing Jewel, he glanced at the stairs. “Is she up there?” “First door on the left.” Jewel threw up her hands. “Damn me! Why did I tell you that? Let me go get her and bring her down.” “Stay here.” Erik pointed a finger in warning and then made for the stairs, climbing them at an easy stroll. He was humming a soft tune by the time he reached the top. “Shit.” As she watched him turn the corner on the second floor, Jewel hoped it wasn’t a mistake to let them be alone. She also wondered if Dane meant for her to stay on the very spot where she was standing or if he meant for her to stay downstairs. Either way, she wasn’t moving. He’d tell Master Randy and then she could be punished. It would be okay really. Not too difficult to endure. She only wished she didn’t have take piss so badly. **** Erik entered the room quietly. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness he could see that Gabby was on her stomach sound asleep. She wore a light blue spaghetti strap top. The blanket covering her ended just below the cheeks of her bottom, revealing a sexy matching thong. She murmured in her sleep and shifted slightly, the sound and sight of her causing Erik’s cock to instantly harden. He had only wanted to talk, but instead stripped off his clothes until he was completely naked. Grabbing the covers he threw them off. Her head popped up as he positioned himself over her. “It’s me, baby. I’m here.” She attempted to rise from the bed, but Erik pressed a palm between her shoulder blades. “Stay down.” He grasped the thong and stripped it off of her. At the same time she started to

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look back and again Erik ordered. “No, don’t look back at me. Keep your eyes forward.” Scooping an arm beneath her hips, Erik lifted them. He planted his knees between her thighs, spreading them wide. Her bottom was in the air, her pussy completely exposed to him and the dim of the night he could still see it glisten. It was tantalizingly incredible. He covered her with his body, his stiff cock poking at her until he found his way in and Erik thrust forward. Gabby moaned as he entered her and with barely any control Erik began pounding away at her. Gabby gasped out. “That’s it.” Erik slapped her bottom. “Again!” Gabby cried. “You like that, baby?” He slapped her again. “Fuck me,” she panted. “You want me to fuck you?” Erik pounded deeper, harder. “I’ll fuck you.” On a sudden escalating cry, Gabby came quickly, and Erik wasn’t far behind, the feel of her so amazing, so perfect, so meant for his length, his size, his hardness, he couldn’t sustain himself any longer and he spewed his hot semen inside of her. They remained locked together, Erik holding her beneath him, wondering how he had ever thought of letting her go or how he ever thought he could live without her. “I’ve never felt love like this before, and I’ve never had anyone desire me as much as you do, Gabby. I’ve never desired anyone as much as I do you.” She began to say something. “Don’t speak, just listen,” Erik said and she went quiet. “I broke it off with Sandra a few weeks ago. In Florida when I was telling you I was helplessly in love, I meant with you. Are you hearing me?” Gabby nodded. She was hearing him. “I want you to know,” Erik continued. “No one can ever predict how much time we have left on this earth. I just want to share as much time with you as I can. If I die tomorrow, I’ll die the richest and happiest man in the world because of you. There is no finer treasure than you, Gabby. You’re a miracle in my life, and I love you with all of my heart. No woman will ever come before you.” Erik shifted off of her, but she didn’t move from the position he put her in. She could hear the sound of clothing shuffling and within a few seconds he lifted her ankle and placed something around it. Leaning over her once more, Erik kissed her shoulder and then her cheek. “I don’t do collars, Gabby, but I’ve just given you something unique, something I’ve never given a woman before. I cherish you.” “I’m so sorry …,” Gabby began to say, but Erik hushed her. “S-h-h-h, no apologies, baby. I want nothing but pleasant memories to take with me.” “Take where?” Gabby whispered. “My department has been deployed again, and I’m going back to Iraq for a month. I’ve been called to conduct an investigation. I can’t tell you more than that. There’s a good chance I’m not going to be able to contact you while I’m gone.”

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Gabby’s heart sank and fear reared. Her body shook. “I’m scared, Erik. I see thirty days of black silence in front of me. I’m going to go out of my mind wondering if you’re safe.” “Don’t be afraid, baby. Just be faithful only to me.” He lifted off of her again, and Gabby heard him dressing. She didn’t move. He left the bedroom without another word, and Gabby was still for several moments before rolling to sit on her bottom. Reaching, she turned on the light and examined her ankle. He’d place a gold chain around it, the clasp held together with a tiny, gold lock. It appeared that the only way to remove it was to break it apart. The anklet was embellished with several sparkling, clear crystals. A tiny golden tag clasped to one of the links was engraved with the word Swarovski. He once told her he’d treat her like the finest crystal from Prague. Gabby swallowed the sob that threatened to spill from her. Erik would return. No higher power could be so cruel as to deny Gabby her soul mate, her kindred spirit, not after so many years of being without him. She would wait for him with an open heart, for as long as it would take.

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Conclusion He was wearing his dress blues. Gabby’s breath caught when she saw him. She’d carried a heavy heart for twenty-seven days, four hours and twenty-two and a half minutes. Ben, or rather Jack, stood just to her side. Gabby was able to time her arrival to coordinate with Erik’s, and Jack had come directly from the base following his shift to meet them both. Jack wore his camouflage fatigues and Gabby’s body was heating quickly to a very aroused state. She was in uniform heaven. “Tell me sweetheart,” Erik questioned once he reached her, “Why do you keep flying to greet me when I’m arriving from overseas though driving doesn’t take that much more time?” “There’s something symbolic and sentimental to me in doing that. I once told you, soldier that I’d fly to the ends of the earth to meet you. I meant that.” Drawing slightly away from her, Erik smiled amorously as his gaze meandered all over her body. She was wearing a black mini skirt and a red spaghetti strap tank top. “The skirt sends a big message, sweetheart.” He tipped his head downward toward her feet. “But the shoes are a contradiction to what the outfit communicates.” He was looking at the red shoes she wore on her feet. “She’s been wearing them since the day you left,” Jack commented. “Every time I tried to touch her she stepped on my foot. Isn’t that right, Sparky?” Erik chuckled before taking Gabby into his arms to hug her. He then pressed his lips to hers, giving her a tender kiss. He was pleased she still had the anklet on. “I owe you a nice present for being faithful to me. **** Jack watched as Gabby approached him. She slipped her hand into his and walked the length of the hall, smiling lovingly and a bit wantonly at Erik who leaned against the bedroom’s door frame. He followed them inside. Gabby released Jack’s hand and turned to face him. She pressed her hands to his hips and stretched up to kiss his lips. Erik came up behind her. Gently he massaged her shoulders before slipping the straps of her top down her arms. Jack watched as Erik slid a hand beneath the material, touching her breast. Slipping his arms around her hips, Jack grasped her bottom and then pulled her tight against his groin. Gabby gasped, her head dropping back to Erik’s shoulder and he kissed along her jaw line and down along the side of her neck, withdrawing as Jack leaned in to suckle gently at her throat and then take her mouth for a passionate kiss. Erik slipped both hands beneath her top to play with both breasts at the same time. Reaching around behind Gabby, Jack slid down the zipper on her skirt and it fell to the floor. He stepped back as Erik drew Gabby’s top over her head and took a long, admiring look at her body. His dick stiffened to its fullest thickness and length and

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Gabby gulped when she tipped her head forward, opening her eyes to catch sight of the bulging member covered at the moment by his pants. She remembered keenly how he had gotten his nickname and trembled at the truth of it. Moisture seeped between her legs. From behind, Erik ground his erection into the crease of her bottom and Gabby nearly fainted, her knees weakening, but two hot-blooded soldiers kept her from falling. Erik led her to the bed and she sat on the edge. Jack unhooked her bra and removed it. He knelt on the floor between her legs, unbuttoned and pulled off his uniform shirt off. Erik was undressing behind her. Jack ran his hand along her inner thighs and then upward, caressing her body. He stopped to roll her nipples between his thumb and finger before drawing one into his mouth. Gabby moaned and settled onto her back while Jack stripped off her panties. Erik reclined naked beside her. He sealed his mouth over Gabby’s lips kissing her, his tongue delving and tangling with hers and then Gabby’s hips jerked wildly when she felt the press of Jack’s tongue as he licked along her crease. “Your scent is incredible, Gabby, and your taste .…” Jack groaned and opened her up, spreading her legs and planting her feet on the edge of the bed exposing her completely to his exploration. He brushed his fingers over her pussy, spreading her inner lips before bending to stick his tongue inside her there, dipping it in and out of her. Gabby’s entire body began to quiver uncontrollably as carnal fire ripped up her spine, intensifying when Jack sucked on her clit. Shifting, Erik pressed the head of his cock to Gabby’s mouth. She drew him in and sucked eagerly, his hardened member pulsating harder with every swipe of her tongue. He watched Jack’s mouth working at her pussy and the way Gabby’s hips moved against his face, the sight exciting him, intensifying the sensations in his groin, his shaft growing harder and extending further into Gabby’s hot mouth. It didn’t surprise him that his orgasm hit so quickly. He attempted to withdraw, but Gabby clenched his hips drawing him deeper, groaning when he shot his load into her throat. She mewed softly, keeping him inside as he throbbed through his climax, his heart pounding, blood rushing in heated surges through his entire body. When her grip on him loosened, he eased out of her, and then shifted downward to the edge of the bed, watching hungrily as Jack licked her more quickly. Gabby’s hips began to writhe. Erik inserted a finger into her vagina, and he felt her tighten. He pressed the heel of his other hand to the area above her pubic bone, stimulating the nerves of her g-spot with a gentle massage from the outside as he rotated the tip of his fingers, exciting her on the inside. Gabby opened her eyes, locking her gaze to Erik’s, her body on the rise, her mind slipping away as Jack’s mouth and Erik’s fingers played at her pussy, edging the somatic sensations, expertly working and driving her higher, forcing a surge of carnal fire to rip so powerfully through her she lost all coherent thought. Her eyes drifted shut. “That’s it, baby. Let it go.” The sound of Erik’s voice rumbled through her, grasping her and exciting her as much as Jack’s mouth. And when Erik bent and nipped her nipple, sucked it into mouth and then licked between her breasts, finding and nipping the other one, Gabby thrust, driving her pelvis upward as tumultuous shockwaves shot

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from her breast, taking aim directly at her crotch. She shrieked. Her body exploded, but the men were relentless, holding her tightly, giving her no escape from the near unbearable pleasure that was taking claim. Jack’s mouth remained firmly latched while Erik continued to drive his fingers, coating her opening with her come. When the climactic tension in her muscles settled, they finally released her. Removing his fingers, Erik dragged Gabby to the center of the bed, positioning her along his length. Jack followed them up. Gabby watched, her body still aching as Erik drew up one leg while Jack held the other, and they opened her up. “Damn.” Jack stared at the spread of her thighs for a moment, seemingly mesmerized. His eyes flickered to her face and he smiled at her. “You’re a beautiful woman, Gabby.” He shifted, took hold of his own cock, poising it at Gabby’s entrance. Gabby gulped and tried to retreat, but Erik held her. “You can take it sweetheart. It’s going to feel great. Relax.” Her body eased and Erik nodded to Jack. Gabby’s eyes squeezed shut, and she yelped when Jack pushed his cock in. He waited, gritted his teeth as she clamped down on him. “Christ almighty, that’s incredible.” Erik smiled as Gabby gasped and panted. “Is he all the way in?” Simultaneously, they both said, “No.” “Shit.” Gabby’s body began to convulse. “Stop.” Exhaling harshly, Jack pushed in further, spreading her vagina wider. “Oh god, stop!” Gabby screeched. She arched and tossed her head back. Erik caught her lips and sealed his mouth against them. “Give me the words little girl,” Jack grunted. “And I’ll pull back.” Erik released her, allowing her to speak. Gabby looked into his eyes desperately, passionately, but instead of tensing her entire body went limp. A smile creased her lips and in near hysterics she began to laugh. “Easy baby,” Erik whispered. “Say the words, he won’t hurt you. I won’t let him.” “Put it in!” She gasped. “Now!” Jack didn’t hesitate. He drove forward. Gabby shrieked. Erik began kissing her all over, her mouth, her breasts, her neck, everywhere he could reach without interfering, allowing Jack to pace his strokes, long but slow and easy. Gabby was crooning, her body on alert, but unmoving as Jack pushed in and out of her. The orgasm that hit without warning had Gabby screaming. She grabbed at Erik, digging her nails into the arm that held her and he grunted at the sharp bite of pain. Jack mumbled. His cock thickened further and every muscle in his body tensed as he resisted the unbearable craving to ram her. He let it go, exhaling in relief as his load pumped into her. Jack held still for a few seconds when he finished. He was pleased when saw the gentle smile on Gabby’s face as she looked at him. She was still breathing rapidly from her own release and he was immensely satisfied to give her such pleasure. Easing from her, he reclined to her the side opposite from Erik who smiled smugly at him as he nuzzled against Gabby’s body. Jack skimmed his palm along Gabby’s length. He bent

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and kissed her lips and then withdrew from the bed to dress. There was a glimmer in his eyes as he pulled on his clothes and he grinned broadly, nodding. “Sparky,” he said. Gabby laughed. “You were amazing.” “I’ll leave you two alone.” Jack headed for the door, stopping as he reached it. He looked back. “Dinner tomorrow at seven, my treat?” “You bet,” Erik said. Jack took a step and stopped once more. His attention fell on Gabby. “Fantastic.” He walked through the bedroom door, disappearing down the hall. Erik hugged Gabby tightly. “You’re all mine for the rest of the evening now.” “I think I’m going to need a nap first.” Gabby chuckled. But instead she abruptly sat up straight. “I have a present for you.” She slipped from the bed and went to her suitcase. After opening it she withdrew a carefully wrapped package, took it to the bed, and set it down in front of Erik. He gazed at her questioningly before tearing the brown paper from it and then removed it from the bubble wrap. It was an eighteen by twenty framed portrait of Gabby. She was side-sitting and leaning, supported by a straightened arm. A field of red, poppies surrounded her and there were snowcapped mountains as the backdrop. A soft, green cape, similar in color to the draping she wore in the portrait Erik had purchased from her on the internet, was wrapped around her, discreetly molding the curves of her hips and waist. It was bunched at her thighs however, revealing her long, beautiful legs. Her feet were bare, but she wore the anklet he’d given her, the crystals on it casting a brilliant sparkle caused by an unseen sun. Feathery, white angel wings folded at her back. The expression on her face could only be described as contentment. There were no bonds of any kind in the photograph. “It’s breathtaking, sweetheart.” Erik admired the work. He looked up at her and tipped his head inquisitively. “But no chains?” Gabby knelt beside him on the bed. Her eyes glistened with moisture, but she smiled with ease. “I lived with chains around my body and my heart for years. That is until I met a soldier who set my soul free. I existed on a plain of pain and despair. And sometimes I was so numb I wasn’t even aware of the air I was breathing.” Erik molded his palm around the back of her neck and gently brought her mouth to his. He kissed her with all of the passion he could give and then whispered against her lips. “I’ll love you until the day I die and beyond that into eternity.” Gabby trembled subtly, and inhaled a shaky, but deep breath. She pressed her cheek against his caressingly and sighed as she exhaled. “Thank you for helping me breathe again.” **** A Perfect Love I think I would want someone who eases his way into my life and just kind of melds with my soul. He would feel like a spring day with a gentle breeze,

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sort of lazy in my heart, just being there with me, Our bodies would mold perfectly together like two puzzle pieces. He would be the person who brings a gentle smile to my face when I think of him. And of course he would be able to make love to me with just the sound of his voice. **** The End

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