Yesterday

YESTERDAY by Lora Leigh www.loraleigh.com © Copyright Lora Leigh, 2004. All Rights Reserved.

He had caused her to break the heel on her brand new white heels. He had ripped the strap of her sundress, left scratches on her leg and he had made her cry. Anna ran her fingers through her long tangled hair, grimacing at the shape the once neat locks had been brushed into. Her hair fell down her shoulders to the middle of her back now, the clip that had once held it at the nape of her neck long gone. The sundress was held on one side by the snug fit over her breasts, but the midnight blue linen dress would never be the same again. Her feet were scratched and sore, and she hated the dark. She had always hated the dark. She sniffed as more tears fell from her eyes, and she hated herself for being so frightened that they fell. Anna prided herself on never crying. But here she was, walking down a deserted country road, barefoot, pissed and crying. Why she wasn t certain. It wasn t as though she really liked the little jerk. She had only gone out with him to satisfy her father who was becoming increasingly worried that his little girl didn t like guys at all. She sniffed miserably. She did like guys. Well, one guy. Besides, she had standards, and that pip squeak Charlie Austin didn t hardly measure up. She limped down the country road cursing Charlie, her parents and men in general as she made her way home. Of course, no one would be home when she got there. Her parents had left that day for another long weekend in the mountains, leaving the house silent and lonely. She shivered. What if he did as he threatened and went to get his friends to help him? What if they got her before she could call the Sheriff? A cold knot of fear bloomed in her stomach then. She had no place else to go. She rubbed at the chill that chased over her arms despite the heat of the night and fought the hysteria she could feel blooming inside her. As vivid images of just how cruel Charlie Austin could be, chased through her mind the sound of a vehicle coming around the curves behind her had her stilling in terror. Was it Charlie? She whimpered, her eyes casting around in the dark as she fought for a place to hide. As lights swung toward she moved desperately off the side of the road, stumbling into the small culvert and scraping her legs further as she crouched amid the rough rocks and prayed she hadn t been seen. The night was damned near moonless, the country laying under a weight of dark heat and restless weather. There was a storm coming and Blake had a feeling it wasn t just the weather. It was his last night of freedom before heading out on another mission. The orders had come in that morning and rather than looking forward to the action to come, he felt a hollow regret instead. He was only twenty-five, but the last seven years had been spent training, fighting, with very little living in between. He thought perhaps this would be the last mission. He was getting tired and he was smart enough to know that would dull the edge of his reflexes, make him careless. He had a nice little house here, a life he could live, if he was willing to step into it. And a pretty little thing he had his eye on for the past few months. She was young, maybe too damned young for his experience. But he couldn t seem to shake the image of her from her his mind or his cock.

He frowned as he thought about her. He had seen her out with that cocky little Austin boy tonight. Dressed in a little sundress that begged to be peeled from her body, her long red hair flowing down her back, her big green eyes watching Blake with innocent hunger. And he had decided then and there that it was his last mission. His last war-torn country. He sighed bleakly. There was no out of this last mission and he knew it. But he d be damned if he was looking forward to it. As he rounded one of the sharper curves of the small country road, a flash of color ahead had his eyes widening in shock then narrowing in surprise as it suddenly disappeared. It wasn t possible. The fates didn t work this way. When the flash of blue and red disappeared over the side of the road, the movement furtive, his instincts clicked into overdrive. He slowed as he neared the spot, pulling up just before it, watching the area cautiously as he cut the lights of his car. He pulled his revolver from beneath the seat, the flashlight from the back floorboard and eased out of the car. There was a small culvert beside the road, deep enough for someone to hide in the rocky ravine. He edged closer, using the darkness for cover though some inner instinct warned him that the danger to come would be more emotional than physical. But more damaging than an enemy s bullet. As he moved into position, he saw the flash of pale features in the darkness, a shuffle of movement as a small form moved carefully among the rocks. Fury split inside him as he flicked the flashlight on, shining it directly into the small, terrified face below him.

Chapter Two She didn t scream, she ran. Stumbling clumsily in the rocks, her feet bare, her dress torn as she made a dash to escape. Blake didn t bother calling out to her. He moved just as quickly as he sprinted after her, jumping into the ravine as he pushed the revolver into the back of his jeans and catching her within feet of her original position. She cried out then. Her hand flew back, fingers curling as her nails sought his face. She was crying, terror raking the night with the harsh sobs escaping her throat. Anna, dammit. Hold up. He jerked her arms down, nearly losing his balance and his hold on her as she kicked back at him. Dammit it s Blake, Anna. Honey stop fighting me. Her nails raked his wrists, digging in deep a second before his voice finally penetrated the fear driving her. She stilled, her breathing rough, rapid as he turned her gently in his arms. The flashlight had fallen on its flat back, shining up, reflecting off her damp face as she stared up at him in dazed surprise. A bruise marred her cheek, a scratch along her neck that ran to her chest. One full, tempting breast was revealed from the loose bodice of her dress and her desperate struggles. Anna, honey what happened? He reach down, pulling the side up the dress over the pale curve that her struggles had bared. Blake? Her voice was rough, thick with fear and the tears that dampened her face.

Baby, what happened to you? He pushed her long hair back from her face as he stared down at her, fighting the knowledge he could feel burning in his gut. Did Austin do this to you, babe? He would kill him. Blake kept his fury carefully banked with that silent promise to himself. I got away, she whispered, her voice faint. I broke my shoe when I hit him. But he was going to get his friends. He said they would help him. He could see her fighting for control, for dignity. Her large green eyes were dilated until little color remained, her body trembling in reaction to whatever had happened. Did he rape you, Anna? He had to know. Don t lie to me honey. I promise, I can keep anyone from knowing, but you have to tell me so I can help you. His fingers touched her cheek, one arm wrapped steady around her waist as he held her upright. She frowned as she shook her head tightly. No, she cried out desperately. I told you. I hit him and broke my shoe. When I ran away he said he was getting his friends to help. Her voice broke. No ones home, Blake. What if he s there waiting on me? Come on. He jerked the light from the ground then swung her up in his arms. Her breath caught at her arms went instinctively around his neck, holding tight to him as he carried her out of the ravine to his car. Lifting her over the door he sat her carefully into the seat of the convertible sixty-five mustang before moving quickly to his own side. He jumped in and started the ignition quickly as he glanced at her. She was shivering, almost shuddering from shock. Come here. He pushed the seat back the last notch before pulling her slight body into his lap. She stiffened at first, but then buried her face in his neck as he put the vehicle in gear and headed for his house. The stick shift made holding her and driving a bit of a complication at first, but there was no way in hell he was letting go of her. She fit against him perfectly, her body turned into him, her knees bent and pressing against his side. He was a big man. Nearly six two and all heavy muscle, and she felt like a damned kid in his arms. Her long red hair whipped against his chest, the sweet female scent of her rocking his senses. I can t go home. Her voice shook as she whispered the words against his neck. Please Blake. Sh, he soothed her as rubbed his cheek against the side of her head. I m not taking you home, Anna. I m taking you to my place. Don t worry, Austin won t touch you ever again. Blake would make sure of it. His house was only a short distance away. A small two story ranch tucked into one of the prettiest valleys on the face of the Earth. Eastern Kentucky was his home, and the little town of Grayson, despite its small town problems, soothed his soul after the missions shredded it. He took the turn onto the graveled road that led to the house, more than thankful that the drive was so short. His cock was a length of iron in his pants torturing him. Besides, he didn t want to frighten her with the desire he felt for her after the earlier attack.

Pressing the remote that lay between the seats he pulled into the dimly lit garage and cut the ignition. Anna lay against him comfortably now, her arms looped around his neck, her breathing, though rapid, having lost that frightened edge. We re here, he whispered, his hands smoothing up her back as she shivered in his arms. He clenched his teeth. That shudder wasn t one of fear and that little whimpering moan wasn t one of distress. He closed his eyes fighting for his sanity then. She was too soft, too warm in his arms, and he had wanted her too damned long. Anna, we re in trouble here. He tried to chuckle but the sound was rougher than her breathing. Her head lifted from his shoulder as he stared down at her. The small bruise along her cheek hadn t swollen terribly so it was easy to see the sensuality that flushed her face. The delicate features looked almost sleepy, but the moist, full curves of her lips were heavy with desire, her green eyes dark with it. Her hand moved from his neck. It was delicate, the slender fingers graceful as they touched his lips. He couldn t resist licking at the tips, desperate to taste her. She trembled in his arms, her breath catching he drew one tip into his mouth, holding it still with his teeth as he laved it once again. She bit her lower lip, watching him slumberously. Regretfully he caught her hand moving the finger from his mouth as he watched her intently. His cock was throbbing beneath his jeans, the blood pounding in his veins as he drew in a hard breath. Anna, I don t want to frighten you I went out with Charlie because Daddy accused me of being a lesbian, she tried to laugh away her hurt. I don t date, because I was waiting, she revealed. I knew you wouldn t touch me until I turned eighteen, Blake. And I just didn t want anyone else. The words should have sounded immature. She was so damned young it made his back teeth ache. Instead she sounded intent, sure of what she wanted and unwilling to accept less. He d had the same problem since the day he met her two years before. I have to leave tomorrow, he told her softly. I ll be gone for a few weeks, Anna. But when I come back I don t want to leave you tonight. Her emotions were plain on her face and she broke his heart. It wasn t fear. It was need. Stark. Blinding. His hands clenched at her waist. Heaven help him, he could feel himself drowning. Anna, he groaned as he leaned his forehead against hers, staring into her dark gaze. I want you. You don t know how much, or for how long I have wanted you. But I want you to be sure. She smiled, her lips trembling. Sure enough that I went on the pill three months ago. Sure enough that when I saw you were back tonight I demanded Charlie take me home. And that s why he got so pissed. So sure, Drake, that if you don t touch me I might go crazy from the need. They were sitting in his car, in his garage, and his hands were shaking with need. He knew he should take her into the house, put her in a room and run as far and as from her as he could. He should wait. Wait until he made it home to her again. The pill? He whispered. Hell, he had never taken a woman without the protection of a condom. Had never trusted them or the chance that another lover had left a reminder he didn t want to share. But he knew to the bottom of his soul that Anna had never had another lover.

Yeah, her cheeks flushed further, a delicate, blooming color so enchanting his cock jerked in response. He moved to push back the hair along her cheek, tucking it behind her ear as his fingers fanned out to cup the side of her head. Just a taste he thought, then he would be strong. Then he would find his good sense once again. Sensuality wrapped around them as his head lowered, his gaze locked with hers as he touched her lips with his. They trembled, heated as her hips shifted against him, her long legs clenching together his lips smoothed over hers. They parted slowly, naturally, her breath catching as he paused. Their breathing was ragged. His control was chancy and her innocence reflected in every line of her expression. Blake knew he was anything but innocent, and hers terrified him. Terrified him and drew him. He fought to rein in his hunger. The last thing he wanted to do was frighten her. But her lips were soft, sweet and hot. He groaned against them, opening his own to take the kiss his senses demanded. Her lips opened shyly, causing his body to clench with the pure sexuality of tasting such innocence. Her hands kneaded hesitantly at his shoulders, her tongue touching his tentatively as she whimpered with rising heat. Hunger bunched in his loins as he sipped rather than gorging on the taste of her silken lips, her shy tongue as it finally tangled with his. He tilted his head, slanting his lips over hers as fought the desperation of his need. She was too soft. Too delicate. And God help him he needed her more than he needed his next breath to live.

Chapter Three Anna was awash in sensation. Her body trembled as she fought to hold back her desperation for the kiss. He was going to slow, tasting her when she wanted nothing more than to be devoured. Her experience was nil, but it didn t stop the clawing, heart stopping need that poured from her and dampened her clenching vagina. She may know next to nothing about actually being with a man. But her imagination and her fingers had made up for that lack over the years. She knew he wanted her just as bad. His body was tight, his muscles tense with the effort of holding back. His chest was rising and falling with hard breaths as his lips moved over hers, his tongue stroking into her mouth with controlled, mind destroying strokes. And she needed more. She moaned against the kiss as she moved, lifting her body as his hands gripped her hips as though to still her, his head pulling back as he stared at her. His eyes, usually a brilliant, gorgeous blue, were darker now, heavy with desire as he watched her silently. She moved until she straddled his hips, her cunt clenching at the thought of pressing it against the hard ridge of flesh contained beneath his jeans. Anna, his voice was rough, hot. She nearly climaxed from the sound of the deep baritone alone.

She settled against his lap, her pussy pressing against the thick erection beneath her. His hips jerked, driving the hard wedge against her pillowy cunt as her back arched in reaction. This is dangerous, he bit out, thought his hands were bunching the material of her dress, pulling it up her thighs as he watched her carefully. I m a virgin, Blake. Not ignorant, she assured him. I know you re used to more experience, but you can teach me what you like. She was incredibly, tormentingly jealous of the women she knew he had been with. She wanted his touch, all of it, forever. You ll be the death of me. His hands moved beneath the skirt, curving over the outside of her thighs. I m wet for you, Blake, she whispered. I get so wet thinking of you that I feel as though I m going to drown from the need. Shit. He exhaled roughly his face flushing as his hands clenched, inches from her cunt. Teach me, Blake. She touched his lips with her own. Show me what you like. He didn t need a second invitation, and though Anna was prepared for the hunger in his kiss, she wasn t prepared for her own response. When his lips slanted over hers, his tongue plunging past her lips, taking her mouth with a barely controlled sexuality that took her breath. One hand moved from her thighs, smoothed up her waist, then curved into the loose bodice of her dress. She cried out. She couldn t still the sound as his large hand cupped her, his thumb raking over her nipple as his tongue drew hers into a sexual duel of pleasure. His hips pressed upward against the barrier of her panties, grinding against her sensitive pussy as her system rocked with the pleasure. She could feel sensual flames shooting through her vagina, rocking her womb as the heat of his cock pressed into her. She pressed back, her hips moving, undulating against him as he captured her hard nipple between his thumb and forefinger. She was gasping for breath when he tore his mouth from hers, his lips smoothing over her jaw, her throat, arching her in his arms as his mouth suddenly covered the tormented peak of her breast. Blake, she cried out his name, she couldn t help it. Sensation sizzled through her nipple, tightening it further, sensitizing it more as his tongue washed over it, his mouth drawing on her with a suckling heat that had her shuddering in his grip. She rocked against the heat of his jeans covered cock, her head thrown back, sensations piling one atop the other until she threatened to explode from the pressure of her own need. Blake s hot mouth was an instrument of torturous pleasure on her tightened nipple, his teeth a rough rasp of threatened pressure as he nibbled at the hard little peak. And his weren t still. They clenched at the elastic band of her panties, his rumbling moan her only warning before a hard tug snapped the fragile fabric. His hand cupped her pussy. His fingers delving between the swollen folds to find the thick, hot honey that poured from her vagina. Anna couldn t breathe. He hands gripped his shoulders, her body stilled, tightening at the pending explosion as Blake held her close, feeding from her nipple as his fingers carefully explored her untried cunt.

Anna. His lifted his mouth from her breast, his lips whispering over her flesh. God baby. You don t know what you re asking for. She shuddered in his arms as two fingers probed at the tight entrance to her pussy. Blake, I ve dreamed of this, she whimpered. For so long. For too long. His forehead lay against her chest as he panted for breath, his fingers working slowly inside her soaked vagina, stretching the sensitive tissue, as a coil of fire seemed to tighten in her womb. He was fighting for control. She could feel the battle in his quivering muscles as he tested her pussy with slow strokes of his fingers. The burning fullness stretching her vagina was driving her crazy. He was working them inside her slowly, thrusting in and out with slow, controlled movements, stroking the nerve endings, setting them ablaze with her need for more. Stay still, he warned her roughly as twisted against him, needing more. I can t Blake. She was whimpering as her thighs clenched, her hips moving against the rasp of his upper palm to her clit. I need more. Please. I can t stand it. The sensual pain was unlike anything she had ever known before. It whipped through her body, made her flesh ache for his hard body, needing him to cover her, to drive his cock hard and deep inside her. He moaned, a low broken sound as his fingers retreated from the hot grip of her cunt. Blake. Fear that he would never touch her again flooded her body. She pressed down when he moved have moved, driving his fingers deeper inside her, clenching the muscles of her pussy around the invaders as she whimpered in longing. She could feel the pressure, the spiraling pleasure that promised so much with just the right stroke. Damn you, he cursed her then, the arm behind her back tightening around her as his fingers seemed to spread inside her narrow channel. He was stretching her. She choked out a cry at the sensuous pain as his fingers screwed shallowly inside her one again before widening, pressing her apart, driving fiery stakes of pleasure through her fresh. Blake. Oh God. Her back arched, her muscles tightening at the pleasure wound tighter. You re so close aren t you baby? He whispered against her breast as his fingers retreated then fucked slow and easy inside her once again. Feel how tight you are around my fingers, Anna. My cock is harder, thicker. So damned much thicker. And I don t know if I have enough control to take you easy. Then take me hard, she cried out desperately. I don t care how you take me Blake. Just please, please take me .No. Her body jerked as he moved suddenly. He lifted her, pulling his fingers from the hot grip of her pussy as he threw the door to the car opened. With one arm wrapped around her he climbed from the car, then groaned weakly as she wrapped her legs around his hips, a moan tearing from her throat as the ridge of his cock rasped her swollen clit.

Chapter Four Anna felt Blake s hands clasp her buttocks as he leaned against the car as though weak. He held her close, his hips flexing, grinding his erection into the pad of her cunt.

His fingers spread the taut cheeks of her rear, creating a sensuous, forbidden little pinch of need at her anus. Anna was mindless now with the pleasure, the blood pumping hot and fast through her veins as so many sensations, so many spiraling needs attacked her body. Damn, I have a bed, he groaned as her lips went to his neck, the strong column, so male and dark, drawing the heat of her hunger. Her tongue stroked sensually along the roughened skin as his hands kneaded her ass, his fingers clenching in the firm muscle as she moved against him. Who needs a bed, she whispered, her legs tightening around hips as the greedy demands of her body left her breathless with her rising lusts. She could feel the hard ridge of his cock through his jeans, pressing against her soaked sex. Her vagina spasmed, ached to be filled by him. She knew she wanted him. Had known it for years. But now that she was in his arms she couldn t get enough of his taste, his touch to still the hunger driving her. His groan was a rough, husky growl that had her womb clenching in anticipation as his lowered, his lips moving over her cheek until he could capture her lips once again. Fire rioted through her body as his tongue stroked inside her mouth, driving her insane with the need for more. We need a bed, he growled, breathing roughly, but he made no effort to move away from the car. Rather, he turned slowly, his tongue still delving into her mouth as he set her atop the trunk of the car. He was wild for her and Anna had no hope of hiding her own hunger for his kiss, his touch. He tore his lips from hers, staring down at her, his expression savage, his eyes blazing with his lust. You re killing me. His voice was a strangled growl as his hands pushed her dress to her hips, his fingers hooking into the waistband of her panties as he tore them free of her body. Anna cried out at the sheer eroticism of the act. The sound of the fabric tears, his hoarse groan and the feel of his hands parting her thighs had her juices surging from her pussy. Blake was wild now. His hands rougher, but still innately caring as he pressed her back until she reclined against the trunk of the car. She heard the zipper of his jeans release and whimpered in longing. Her wildest fantasies were coming true, her most desperate desires were finally within reach. Anna, I wanted to go slower, he groaned as he spread her thighs wider, moving until the head of his cock was poised at the entrance of her vagina. Anna stared up at him, her body tight, burning with need as the thick width of his shaft butted against the narrow opening. Blake, she whispered his name, her thighs tightening within the grip of his hands as she fought to press closer. Sweet Anna. He leaned forward, holding her steady then as his hips began to work the head of his cock inside the small opening. Anna trembled as she felt her flesh stretching, her vagina tightening around the intrusion as he worked his erection inside her. The slow entrance was killing her with her need for more. Anna. His hands tightened on her hips as she stared up at him, dazed, confused by the sensations overwhelming her now.

Blake, please She fought to breath as the world rocked around her. Please take me. Now. His fingers flexed, tightened again as his cock nudged deeper. But it wasn t enough. Never enough. She needed him deep inside her, filling her, relieving the desperate hunger filling her body. She tightened around him, allowing her vagina to caress and hug him further as she thrilled in the small, fiery bite of the pain the action elicited. His ragged groan caused her womb to clench in reaction, her chest to tighten in emotion. Finally, after so many dreams, so many prayers, Blake was loving her. I can t wait. His breathing roughened, his voice thrilling her with the dark edge that filled it. I m sorry Anna She felt him move. He pulled back slowly, then before she could guess his next action he thrust into her, hard, deep, ripping past the shield of her virginity as he buried his shaft into the furthest depths of her body. Anna arched, her breath locking in her throat at the searing pleasure/pain the action induced. Her hands tightened on his wrists as he held her hips still, a strangled whimper issuing from her throat as she fought to accept the invasion. He was so big, so thick. The muscles of her vagina burned as they fought to accommodate him, her clit swelled, throbbed as the sensations began to build inside her. Oh God, Blake. There were no words to describe the sensations, the pleasure streaking through her like white hot bands of ecstasy. Easy. He griped her hips harder as she moved against him. For God s sake Anna. Be still. There wasn t a chance. She had to move. She had to feel him stroking inside her, relieving the brutal ache echoing through her body before it destroyed her. Anna. Baby. He leaned forward, his hands gathering her close and then began to move. Fireworks exploded through her body. Arcs of lightening, shattering and intense ricocheted through her veins. Blake held her tight against him as he began to thrust heavily inside her, fucking her with a slow, steady rhythm that had her panting, begging for more. It was too good. Too hot. Too intense. The feel of his cock working inside her, stretching her, stroking her slick flesh was making her insane. She could feel the pleasure building, tightening in her womb as she fought for balance, only to find there was no balance. She was teetering on the edge destruction with no way to pull herself back. So good, Blake muttered against her neck as his lips trailed down, over her collar bone to the rise of her breasts as she fought to breath. His tongue licked, tasted even as his cock pistoned between her tense thighs. So tight, Anna. You re so sweet and tight, it s all I can do to keep from devouring you. The words were no sooner out of his mouth then he was devouring her breasts instead. With teeth, tongue and the wet suckling motion of his mouth he began to torment the spike hard, over sensitized nipples. It was too much. Anna tried to scream but she couldn t find the breath as she began to explode. Rippling electricity washed over her body, electrifying her, destroying her as sensations began to burst inside her pussy. She tightened further, fighting the gathering violence of the sensations rocking through her. She couldn t escape, he wouldn t let her.

Yes, Blake cried out softly as his hands gripped her hips, holding her still, his strokes increasing, his cock plunging inside her in ever destructive thrusts. Her womb clenched, rocked a second before the storm overtook her. Anna heard her own keening cry as her orgasm ripped through her with the force of a hurricane. She arched into him, tightened on his cock as she felt jerk, shudder, then deep hot pulses of semen began to sear her vagina, throwing her deeper into her own vortex of pleasure. Long minutes later the spasming pleasure eased leaving her exhausted, weak as she lay in his arms. Blake moved back from her slowly, his eyes flaring with pleasure his cock, only semi-hard now, slid from the snug grip of her pussy. A bed, he whispered then, a small smile of satisfaction edging his mouth. And don t expect to sleep much tonight, Anna. Not much at all.

Chapter Five She was as beautiful as a dream. Dawn was slowly creeping in as Blake continued to hold Anna s delicate body in his arms. He had left the bed for only a while. Long enough to wake his lawyer and have some changes made in his will. He would drive by the office on his way out of town to sign those papers. No matter what happened, he would make certain Anna was provided for from here on out. But he definitely intended to be back. He stroked his hand long the gentle curve of her back as a smile tilted his lips. Oh yeah, he d be back. He had staked is claim, no way in hell was he going to let it go. He glanced at the clock in the bedside and sighed deeply. He had lain there as long as he could. If he didn t get up now, he would be late arriving at the airfield for his pickup. If he was late, his commander would chew his ass up and spit it out good. And the commander chewed painfully. Blake moved carefully, trying to slide from the warmth of Anna s body, wanting to watch her sleep, content, sated, for the time being. Blake? Her voice was a husky question of desire as he slid to the edge of the bed. Glancing over his shoulder, his chest clenched. Son of a bitch, he had to leave. Yet there she was, all slumberous and warm, watching him with such adoring innocence it was all he could do to leave the bed. I want you to stay here. He knelt at the side of the bed as she rolled over to him. I ll be back soon Anna. Promise me you ll stay here until I get back. She frowned, perfect white teething nibbling at her lip. What do I tell everyone? That you re my wife, he said softly. Tell them that, Anna. He turned, pulling the small drawer from the bedtable and lifting the velvet box from the interior. The rings had been his mothers. He had been saving them, knowing that one day he would give them to Anna. He opened the box as he turned back to her, watching her eyes widen as astonishment at the sight of the perfect wedding set. A wide gold band with it s matching marquis cut diamond for her. A wider band for him. When I come back, we ll plan the wedding, he whispered, suddenly feeling more vulnerable than he ever had in his life. I know this isn t exactly traditional, but I want you here Anna. I want this to be our home, if that s what you want.

He didn t question his sudden belief that this was right. Didn t question the overwhelming imperative need that he do this. That he make certain she was taken care of, provided for. He had lived by his wits for too many years to question the sudden tingle in his gut. You mean this? She watched him, as thought terrified he was going to take it back. Black slid the rings from their resting place, ignoring the constriction in his throat, and slid the wedding set over her ring finger. I love you Anna. This is all I ve wanted since you were seventeen years old. It s what I need now. Will you wait for me? Her lips parted in astonishment, her eyes glistening with emotion. She slid the other ring from the box, picked up his hand, and slid the ring over his finger. The fit was perfect. Comforting. Swear you ll come back to me, she whispered. And I swear I ll wait. His hand cupped her cheek, his lips lowering to hers. I swear it to Anna. No matter what. I ll be back. The kiss seared his soul. Her lips parted beneath his, her tongue shyly mating with his as her hands speared into his hair. His muscles tightened with the effort to hold back. To pull away from her loving grip until he could stare into the passion rich depths of her eyes. Our home, our bed, he whispered. keep them warm for me baby. Because I ll need you when I get back. More than you know. The missions were destructive, to both soul and mind. Blood and death, betrayal and deceit. Each job held an immeasurable amount of each. Forever, she swore. Forever. His lips touched hers once before he forced himself away from her. Forever began with yesterday, and it would continue tomorrow, he told himself as he prepared to leave. He felt her eyes on him as he showered and dressed, knew she would be thinking of him. Waiting on him. He had a reason now to return. Chapter Six Middle Eastern Desert Terrorist Munitions Warehouse Blake had never known such pain. It was horrendous, agonizing. He couldn t move, his bones, muscles, every cell in his body felt paralyzed as the gut wrenching pain tore through him. Heat seared him, waves of it rolling over his body as the screams and shouted orders faded into the distance. They had been ambushed. A mission that was supposed to have went so smoothly had somehow went horribly wrong and he knew he would pay for it with his life. He fought for breath, for strength. Just a little strength. Enough to claw his way out of the burning wreckage and fight to find safety. He couldn t die like this. He couldn t let it all end here in this hellhole, at the mercy of the enemy who was known for a lack of mercy. He couldn t allow all the dreams he had fought so hard for, be taken from him like this.

Anna s face shimmered in his mind. Innocent. Her eyes sparkling with hope, with love. He had taken her before he left. Had loved her well into the night, given her his heart and his soul. He had to get home to Anna. He had promised her. He couldn t break his promise to Anna. His fingers dug into the sand, a strangled groan tearing from his throat as he began to pull himself away from the burning vehicle. He could hear the others shouting, guns blazing. The unit wouldn t go down easy. They would have to kill them all first. If just one man could still hold a gun, then they were all fighting. His eyes were useless. He couldn t see for the blood and grit covering them. The more he tried to wipe away, the more that flowed into them. Piercing shards of needles bit into them as he fought to make sense of the blurring outline of the area. Where those the men of his unit or the enemy running around like twisting shadows? He struggled to make sense of the confusion around him. The explosions, the blasts of automatic weapons, the screams of the dead and dying and prayed for a miracle. He wanted to return home Anna. He wanted to lie beside her, feel the silk of her flesh, know she was his. A man with no family except a missing brother, an orphan, a man who invented his own name, his own life. He wanted his woman. He couldn t ignore the pain raging through his body, the weakness of blood loss and the shock he could feel overtaking him, but he would be damned if he would give into it. He had fought too long. Too hard. Those fucking dreams were his! He deserved them. His growl was one of feral intent, distantly surprising him with the strength of it as he pulled himself across the desert sand toward the direction he prayed was one of safety. He would get out of this, he told himself fiercely, refusing to believe anything less. He would get out, heal and go home to Anna. Where he belonged.

United States One Week Later

Nerves trembled through Anna s body as she finished the preparations for the coming home dinner she had planned for Blake. She glanced at the small brass clock hanging over the sink, marveling once again at the delicate rose pattern of the ceramic tile between the top of the sink cabinet and the oak paneled cabinets above. The effect of hardwoods, and carefully blended areas of softer themes played out through the rest of the house as well. As though Blake had carefully coordinated his home to be filled with warmth and laughter. There were no family pictures, no photos of the family she still knew nothing of. There were pictures of him though. Pictures of the men he fought with and the different areas of the world he had been in. And through it all, Anna had detected a vein of sadness. As though something significant was missing in Blake s life. Something she wanted, needed to fill. Filling his home while he was gone this week hadn t been free of problems though. Her parents were furious with her. Her mother had cried. Her father had stared at her as though she had wounded him to his soul.

If I wanted a homeless waif for a son I would have adopted one, Anna, he had snapped when she informed him that she would be marrying Blake when he returned. The boy has no family. No kin. Nothing. But I do, daddy, she had whispered solemnly. I know you re angry, but I love you. And I love Blake. Can t you just try to love him? In the end, she had worn them down. They didn t like her living at Blake s until his return, but she had promised him. And it was where she wanted to be. She slipped two delicate roses, cut from the wild rose bushes growing along the fence row outside when she heard the door bell ring. She glanced at the clock again. Blake was late, but surely he wouldn t be ringing his own doorbell? She smoothed her hands down the slim skirt of her linen dress as she moved quickly from the kitchen along the short hall that led to the entry way. Her slender heels clicked on the hardwood floor, the scent of roses and pine following her. She swung the door open, frowning at the tall, distinguished gentleman on her doorstop. He was dressed in a white military uniform. Medals hanging from his chest, his expression somber. I m sorry, Blake isn t home yet. She shook her head, wondering why the Army would be looking for him. Surely they knew where he was. Behind him, two other s could be seen, dressed in white as well, their expressions drawn. She ignored the tightening in her chest then, a sense of premonition that flowed over her, sucking the oxygen from the air around her. Miss Danvers. The older man nodded his head solemnly. I m Commander Tyler Ridgeway, Major Morgan s superior officer He s not here right now. She shook her head desperately, hating the pitying look in his eyes. He promised he would be home tonight. She took a hard, deep breath. I m sure he ll be tired. You should come back tomorrow. Ms. Danvers. May we come in? We need to talk to you. Anna looked beyond them. It was summer. The sun was gentling into the shadows of early evening, casting delicate shadows over the front lawn. The grass needed cut. Blake would do that after he was home a day or two. She had imagined watching him on that big riding mower he had in the garage, shirtless, a grin on his face, the smell of fresh grass in the air. Butterflies weaved delicately among the wildflowers growing at the edge of the woods as a rabbit zipped among the underbrush. He s not coming home. Is he? She felt something break apart inside her chest. A piercing pain she had never known before streaking through her body. I m sorry, Ms. Danvers. Commander Ridgeway said gently. Major Morgan Blake. She swallowed tightly. His name is Blake. There was a tense silence following her words. Blake, was killed in action three days ago. I m sorry. He won t be back. She wouldn t look at them. She could feel the three men watching her expectantly. His last wishes to me, were if anything happened to him, that I make certain you were provided for until you marry or decide to leave the house on your own. An allowance, the farm Go away. She stepped back to close the door. Ms. Danvers. There was no stopping his entrance into the house. I understand this is all very shocking to you. When you re ready to talk He handed her a card.

Anna accepted the stiff piece of paper automatically, staring down at the printed name and number. The house is yours, unless you decide to leave or to marry. Those were Blake s wishes, written out and witnessed by me before the mission. I ll contact his lawyer and when you re ready to talk. Please call me. She nodded. Ready to talk? She didn t want to talk. She wanted to scream, to rage. She wanted to know why fate had ripped her dreams apart so cruelly. She wanted to know why Blake couldn t come home They left. Three men dressed in angels white, leaving the small porch in slow steps, heads lowered as Anna stared down at the paper. Blake was gone. Three Days Later Bethesda Naval Hospital She ll be okay. She signed the papers, but it wasn t the house she wanted. She s a pretty little girl. Commander Ridgeway sighed heavily as he stared at the bed-ridden patient. Blake s face was still heavily bandaged, the facial scars from the shattering of the transports windows and yesterdays surgery would take a while to heal. He would never look the same. Even the young woman who had been waiting for him wouldn t recognize him when the reconstructive surgeries were complete. But all in all, that would be a blessing. His enemies knew what he looked like. Knew his face and his name. His protection and any one he cared about, lay in the lie that he had died in the hell hole they had barely rescued him from. You didn t make her cry? The voice was hoarse, tight with pain. We didn t make her cry, Blake. She was very strong. A real lady, son. You would have been proud of her. She had cried. Endlessly. Brokenly. The papers she had signed were strained with her tears. Her parents had stood behind her, her mother fighting her own tears, her father watching helplessly. She s strong. Blake whispered. She is at that. Ridgeway shifted uncomfortably in his chair. Docs say six months and you ll be free. We ll have the specifics on all this by then. The rest of the unit is healing, hiding. You re all presumed dead in that blast until we capture Demorga. A year tops, and you should be home again. Silence met his words. Blake had been the most heavily wounded. The forceful impact of the explosion into the window of his transport vehicle had sliced his face to ribbons.. Even with reconstructive surgery, there would be scars. And changes. The face he had always known as his own would never be his again. Blake was silent. Blake. Is there anything you need? Ridgeway could barely stand the silence. He could only imagine the pain, the doubts going through the boys mind. Hell, his discharge had been approved right before the mission. Rather than leaving them a man short, or working with an unfamiliar replacement, he had agreed to go in to help capture the gun running bastard supplying terrorists with weapons. It was supposed to be easy. But Demorga had been waiting on them. I m fine Commander. Blake s voice was rough, but controlled.

Ridgeway sighed heavily. I ll let you rest now son. You get better. We ll keep an eye on your girl, just like I promised. You just get better. He had to get better. Demorga may know exactly who the men of the small unit were, but what Blake knew was even more important. He had seen Demorga himself. No one else had. Intelligence on the bastard was scarce, and pictures, as far as they knew, were nonexistent. But Blake had seen him. Could identify him. For that, the Military would make certain Blake Morgan had anything he wanted. Even the woman who believed he was dead. Chapter Seven Four Years Later I said, the property is not up for sale. Anna locked gazes with Charlie Austin. He wasn t any nicer now than he had been three years before. He was convinced he was God s gift to women and thought the world revolved around him and his wants and needs. He wasn t much taller than her, a few inches at most. With a bulldog expression and watery gray eyes with a wiry strength she knew was concealed well in his skinny looking body. He was confrontational and a bully, and he kept enough of his much larger friends around him that he usually got what he wanted. He wasn t getting what he wanted here. Anna, you re being awful stubborn about something that was given to you. He was leering at her. The expression on his hang dog face suggested it was little more than payment for services rendered. Anna narrowed her eyes on him. Behind him, Beau Edwards was staring at her darkly, his wide, rawboned face creased with his own anger. Charlie was supposed to get what he wanted. Anna had already thwarted him once, three years ago, and now she was doing it again. Doesn t matter how I got it Charlie, she told him softly. It s still mine. Every inch of it. And you aren t getting it. Blake had arranged for her to receive everything he owned if something had happened to him on that mission. Why, she didn t know. It was one night, that was all. One incredible amazing night she still couldn t forget. She owned the farm, over two hundred acres of land and a house that could have made her rich twenty times over if she had agreed to sell. There was no way she would ever sell. Especially not to Charlie Austin. Unfortunately, Charlie was getting more and more insistent. He wanted the farm and he didn t like taking no for an answer. You know, he finally said slowly. Lots of things can happen to a girl living out here all by herself. Bad things Anna. Your safety is important you know. She heard the threat in his voice. Then they better be wearing damned good armor, she snapped. Blake left me more than the house and property Charlie. He left me a damned good gun too. And I know how to use it. His face flushed. She could see fury washing through his expression. Don t be a fool, Anna. Beau growled then. Be nice about this. Beau, I m not a very nice person anymore, remember? She wanted to snarl in fury. Now get off my land..

You little bitch Charlie stepped closer. Evidently, you don t hear so good. Anna didn t know who was more amazed, her, Charlie or Beau when the big stranger stepped from the shadows at the side of the house. She, personally, nearly had a stroke. For a moment, for one exalted, ecstatic moment, she saw Blake. Blake stepping between her and Charlie, his broad back a shield, his body tense, ready to battle. A gun was clipped to his belt in the small of his back. A large, black pistol that she thought resembled the one she kept in her bedroom. In Blake s bedroom. He turned to her then. The outside light cast his sharp, hawkish features in clear relief, destroying the image forever. This wasn t Blake. Who the hell are you? Charlie and Beau had both stepped back quickly, their eyes narrowed the air filling with fury. The boogie man, he drawled. Your worse fucking nightmare if you don t pile your asses back in your car and get the hell out of here. Your choice. Make it now. They left. Cursing, muttered threat, and Anna stood there silently. Staring at his back, fighting the pain and fury that overwhelmed her when she realized it wasn t Blake. The eyes were the same. God, the same dark, sexy eyes and long lashes. His eyes were the same brilliant, intense blue. But it wasn t Blake. He turned back to her slowly and Anna couldn t help but letting here eyes go over him with greedy hope. His body was leaner, but no less as strong and muscular. His face more angular. His nose had been broken at sometime. His features were rougher, more savage. Her lips trembled. I m Devon Morgan, Miss Andrew. Blake s brother She felt as though she were going to faint. The brother he had searched so hard for. Anna had found several journals Blake had once kept in some boxes in the attic. She had greedily consumed them, read of his battle to find the brother he had been separated from, to regain a part of the family he had lost as a child. Devon Morgan had been that brother s name. She felt her throat tighten in pain. So many dreams Blake had harbored inside his soul. Only to allow death to cheat him of them. Blake She swallowed again. She didn t know if she could say the words. I know. He drew in a hard, deep breath. I found out when I hit town yesterday. I wanted to come by. He lowered his head, his shoulders tightening further. I wanted to see if you needed anything. Maybe talk for a while. Anna shook her head and stepped back. Please, come in. She tried to smile, but was afraid her face would crumble from the pain. Blake s home is always open to you Devon. He stared into the interior of the house in shock. Seeming to pale, his throat working tightly. Anna turned and glanced back, her chest loosening marginally as the little boy stared back at them from the entrance into the living room. Can I have cookies now, Momma? Bright blue eyes, sun dark skin and devil s black hair. Devon Micheal Morgan was the image of the father he had never known. She turned back to Devon Morgan. Come in Mr. Morgan and meet your namesake, she said gently. Blake s son.

Blake s son. His son. Blake didn t know if he could speak. Didn t know if he could function. He moved slowly into the house, his throat tight, his chest filled with fire as he fought everything inside him pleading to tell Anna the truth. Dying inside to halt the charade now and take his life back. His woman. His child. And he hadn t known. But, if he had, would he have finished the mission? And now that it was over, what had it gained him? The house had changed little since he had last been in it. New carpeting, but the same soft creamy shade he had originally chose. The walls were freshly painted, a few borders stretching beneath the ceilings. A delicate embroidery pattern of rich green vines. The house smelled of flowers, and woman. And the livingroom was strung with toys. He likes playing with all of his toys at once. She smiled as they stepped into the room and she picked the little boy up. He was dressed in soft t shirt. Shorts. His little legs wrapped around his mother s waist as he stared back at Blake almost fearfully. His names Devon Micheal, she said softly then. I call him Mike. Blake had written in a journal that if he ever had son he wanted to name him after his brother and father. She smoothed her hand over the little boys head. Pain filled her eyes as she finally glanced back up at him. Blake couldn t shake the shock. He would kill Ridgeway. He knew the other man was aware of the boy and he hadn t even warned him. His son. He s beautiful, he whispered. And he was. He was perfect. Blue eyes and black hair like the Morgan men. But his features were softened by baby fat and his mother s looks. He was a tiny, perfect little picture of all the dreams Blake thought had been destroyed. Yes, he is, she agreed, a mother s pride echoing through her voice. I was about to give him cookies when the two goons showed up. Would you like something eat? I made Chilli for dinner and there s plenty left. He nodded. Damn. He couldn t make himself speak. Couldn t make himself find a way to put in effect the plan had carefully made. All he could do was stare at the child. Then at Anna. His child. His woman. Something inside his soul was shattering. She had been alone. Pregnant. She was raising a child he knew she hadn t planned and without a father. How had she done it? How had she overcome all the problems he knew she must have faced? He followed her into the kitchen. His eyes stayed locked with those of the child until she sat him on one of the high backed stools and moved to the refridgerator. He ll fall. He stepped quickly to the bar stool, his hands almost shaking at the little boy wiggled around on it. Anna turned back at him in surprise. He ll be fine. He sits there all the time. Blake eased himself slowly into the stool beside the child. He still couldn t take his eyes off him. How old is he? I m three, the little boy piped up. My name is Mike. He answers pretty good for himself. Her laughter was warm, if a bit strained. I m sorry about that thing outside. She pushed a bowl of chilli into the microwave. That was Charlie Austin. He decided Blake s farm would make a nice addition to his. He bought the property beside it.

Austin. He was going to have to kill that bastard, Blake thought. Should have done so before he ever went on that last mission. Are you my daddy? Little Mike s childish voice sent pain and anger flooding Blake s system. Rage. So much fury he wanted to scream out with it. No Mike. Anna s voice was soft. This is Uncle Devon. Remember? Momma told you about Uncle Devon. This is daddy s brother. He looked at her, barely comprehending her words. He knows who his daddy is. She met his gaze directly. I didn t have pictures of you. She shrugged. You resemble his daddy. He was his daddy. Blake wanted to scream the words. Wanted to shout them to the rooftops. But he couldn t. Especially not now. The danger was too great. Son of a bitch, why hadn t Ridgeway at least warned him. You re welcome to stay while you re here, her voice was as soft and sweet as summer rain. There s a guest room. Major Ridgeway called yesterday and told me he had met you. He likes you. He doesn t like many people. I just didn t expect you so soon. At least Ridgeway had warned someone. Blake ate the chilli, but he barely tasted it. He ate chocolate cookies and milk with the boy, but he couldn t tell if they were even any good. He watched his son. His son. The little boy wasn t neat, but Anna was patient and filled with smiles as she cleaned the toddler up and then sent him back to his toys. Silence filled the room then as she cleaned up the dishes. Once again, she patient, waiting. Giving him time to come to grips with his thoughts. I didn t know about the boy, he finally told her, his voice rough. I d like to stay a while. He couldn t go through with the earlier plan. Visit her when he could. Seduce her. Stay at his motel. Become her friend then her lover. Not now. He couldn t do that. He had to be here. Had to protect her. Protect their child. She turned back to him. She was gripping the dishtowel she held with desperate hands, but her expression was understanding. Gentle. She nodded slowly. I ll make up the guest room for you, Devon. Blake would have wanted you to stay. The name pierced his skull. Her careful impersonal expression seared his soul. He stood slowly to his feet, hunger beating a hard tempest through his blood, rage eating at his guts. I ll get my things. I ll see you soon Anna. Touch you soon. Love you soon. I ll reclaim it all. But before he returned, he d teach Austin a thing or two about manners.

CHAPTER EIGHT

He had a child. A child he hadn t known about. A child Anna had borne and raised along in the nearly five years he had been gone. He bet little Mike was close to four. Couldn t be more than a few months from it. And he was a strong, healthy little boy.

His chubby little face was as innocent as anything Black had ever seen. Thick black lashes laying along his cheeks, his mouth pursed, fist clenched against Blake s chest as he slept soundly. You could have lain him on the couch. Anna stood at the doorway of the living room watching them, her lush body leaning against the wide doorframe as she dried her hands on a dishrag. Cleaning up after Mike s evening snack sometimes took her a few minutes. Her long fiery red hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, her green eyes a quiet as she watched him. I wanted to hold him. He shifted the little boy in his arms and rose to his feet. I ll carry him up to the bedroom if you like. Anna had carried him in the night before. She often held the boy, lifting him in her arms and cuddling him close, despite the fact that he was a heavy little tyke. She nodded slowly before moving through the room and into the hallway that led to Mike s bedroom. It was a little boys dream room. A racing car bed, low to the floor to keep the little boy from rolling out of bed. A small game station and television. Leggo creations that showed more imagination than building skill. On the wall beside the head board of his bed was a picture taken years before. Blake with a few of his buddies, in fatigues and laughing at the camera. It had been taken on the Army base right before he came home that final time. Other pictures, Blake as a child, solemn and often scruffy lined the wall. Small momentoes he had saved over the years were placed in positions of prominence through out the room. Anna was doing everything to insure his child knew who he was. His heart swelled in his chest, nearly bursting as he laid the boy in the neatly turned down bed and stepped back. Anna tucked the blankets around the pajama clad child, kissed his cheek softly then stood back up and glanced at him. He looked just like Blake, she whispered sadly then. All the pictures of when he was a little boy. Like a miniature of him. There was a wealth of love and aching loss in her voice. Yeah. Blake forced himself to agree. He does. A smile edged her lips then. You look a lot like him yourself. The resemblance is uncanny. Blake swallowed tightly. Yeah. I do.

Damn. He didn t know what to say to her, didn t know how to bridge the pain of being who he was and yet unable to tell her. To stare in her eyes and tell her the truth, to see recognition, maybe arousal. Maybe love. She breathed in deeply as she led the way from the room, pausing to turn on the small bedlamp and flip off the bright overhead lamp. He noticed she never took chances with the baby. Always a light on in case he needed to get up. The hall was set with small lights on each end, they stayed lit through the night. She kept a light on in her room all night. Small, dim. Just enough light for Mike to see by he came looking for her. She led the way back to the living room where she began picking up toys and stacking them in a tote that sat along one wall. She moved gracefully, sensually. There was nothing he loved more than watching her move. I was wondering around while you were gone shopping this afternoon, he finally said to fill in the silence. I found the equipment shed and the barn. I thought I d start clearing the pasture, fixing things up a bit. She turned to him in surprise. I don t expect you to work to stay here, Devon. He shrugged his shoulders lightly. Work needs to be done and I can do it. You have some good farm land here, Anna. A few cattle would bring you a healthy profit over the year. A garden maybe. He saw her lights light up for a second, then dim as she smiled wryly. I can t ask you to do that Devon. Besides, when you leave, there s no way I can care for it. After Mike goes to school I can get a job that would be a lot easier on us. Blake frowned. There was no reason she would have to work. Blake didn t leave you provided for? He knew he had. Anna smiled softly. Very much so. But it s Mike s inheritance, Devon. Not mine. I wasn t she glanced away. Blake and I weren t together for very long. I She shrugged. It s Mike s future. Blake shifted restlessly, stilling the protest rising to his lips. Damn her, he had left her well provided for. He had made his own money, provided for himself, and he expected no less from his son after he came of age. He cleared his throat. He could argue with her later. No sense in upsetting her now when he needed her to agree to what he wanted. Won t hurt to clean the pastures out, fix up the barns and sheds. It will look nice anyway. She tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with humor. You re bored.

I m not used to being lazy. He shrugged as he tried to match her amusement. I d like to hang around a while, get to know you and Mike. Since you won t let me pay bills or buy the groceries, I can at least do this. It had been their first argument. She had won by default. Her eyes had glistened with tears, her expression had been crestfallen, as though he had somehow offended her. Fine. She finally sighed. I just hate to see you working so hard when there s no need. Regret shimmered in her eyes. Lost dreams. Frustration. He could see it very clearly. And he saw something more. The betraying flicker of her gaze. His cock surged as her gaze lingered for no more than half a second before she turned away. Anna. I actually like working, he assured her as he moved closer to her, feeling the heat of her body as he laid his hands on her shoulders, turning her to face him. God. He was going to go up in smoke. Before she could hide it. Before she could away the need in her eyes, he saw it. Blistering hot, confused, a rioting hunger that made him so damned hot it was all he could do not to push her to the couch and take her then. He wanted her beneath him, hot and wet and crying out his name. He wanted to fuck her until the horror and pain of the past years was erased from his mind and there was nothing but the two of them exploding. Her lips parted, a light blush stealing over her cheeks. Okay. Yeah. Fine. You can do that. She moved away from him, trembling, but not before he saw the tight peaks of her nipples pressing against the fabric of her shirt. I m heading on to bed now, Devon. Make yourself at home. Goodnight. She was running from him. Devon restrained his smile of victory. He would let her run, for now. She didn t know him, not really, and he wanted more than hot sex, more than just the warmth of her in his bed. He wanted it all. His home, his life, his child, but even more, he wanted his woman. All of her. CHAPTER NINE

Blake had thought he would beat Anna from bed a week after arriving at the house. Each morning she was awake and moving about the house well before he had managed to get out of bed. He was an early riser and rarely slept well. He hadn t expected to sleep as deep as he had since arriving, though he had expected the intensely erotic dreams that plagued that sleep. Dreams of Anna, hot and wet, her sweet little pussy gripping his cock as he plunged heatedly inside her. Her moans whispering around him as he pumped inside her tight cunt, desperate to spill his seed inside her and yet terrified that if he did the vision of her would recede as it always had before.

He didn t wake up until nine though, when he heard her soft voice call out something to little Mike. Laughter shimmered through the house. The babies soft giggles and Anna s gentle voice. He lay there for long minutes listening to it, drawing the sounds of it in as he fought to convince himself that he could win her back. Win her back as Devon rather than Blake. Blake opened his eyes and stared up at the ceiling of the guest room. Damn, he should have put a more comfortable bed in here. He could feel the soft sag of the mattress, the irritating bulge or two of worn springs. His thinking at the time would be to insure that any one who was given this room wouldn t stay long. He snorted at the thought of how well that one was backfiring on him. His buddies had always warned him that his gift of inhospitality would kick his ass one day. This was the day. The thought of the men he had fought with for over ten years had a smile edging his mouth. Hard, tough men. They had been there when he needed them in this battle though. Taking out Demorga hadn t been easy. If it hadn t been for the unit he had managed to reassemble, it would have been impossible. But it was over. The dirty bastard was dead and Blake should have been able to assure the safety of his family with that death. Which left him to assume his brother s identity in a desperate bid to quickly insinuate himself back into Anna s life. An hour later, showered and dressed and after sitting on the bed and calling himself ten different types of a coward, he rose to his feet and moved to the door. Finding the living room was easy enough. Anna, are you sure it s safe? He paused just before the living room door as he heard the new voice. Margaret Lawrence, Anna s mother. Her voice was soft, filled with warning as she questioned her daughter. He s Blake s brother. I won t turn him away, Anna said firmly, thought without heat. Anna, you re holding onto Blake too hard, Margaret said with less than loving emphasis. You barely knew him and you act like you were married to him for years. Mother, please. Anna s voice was cool, firm. Not while Mike s in the room. Why not? Her mother s voice was confrontational. Do you think he won t know? When he gets older Anna, there s no way to hide how easy you were. You barely knew him. You need to go home, Mother. Anna s voice was cool, but Blake heard the lingering pain in her tone. Devon should be up soon and I m sure he wants to spend some time with Mike.

Anna, he shouldn t be staying here. Margaret had lost any attempt at kindness. We both know you played poor Blake somehow and if I suspect you re behaving lewdly with his brother I ll have Mike taken out of this house. Silence filled the air now. Blake clenched his fists in fury. He had heard of the less than loving atmosphere Anna had lived in as a young woman but hadn t completely understood the depths it went to. You can try again mother, Anna said softly. You can try anything you want to, but I promise you, you won t get Mike. Now I want to you leave and I would prefer not to see you again for a while. Oh, I ll be back, Margaret huffed. And don t think I won t be keeping an eye on things Mother, leave now. Were those tears he heard in her voice? Fury swept through Blake in that instant. Maybe I ll just wait Blake moved into the room. He didn t bother to hide the fact that he had been listening to the conversation, nor did he hide his anger. Margaret came swiftly to her feet, her eyes widening in alarm as Blake stared down at her mercilessly. No one will take that child out of this house, he kept his voice low, more than aware of the little boy playing silently on the other side of the room. Anna s not alone anymore Mrs. Lawrence, perhaps you think about that before making threats you can t carry through. Her eyes narrowed as she came to her feet. Cold green ice in a perfectly sculptured face any Ice Queen would have envied. She was a desolate shell of a woman with no mercy, no warmth for the child she had borne. Blake glanced at Anna. He could see the pain in her eyes, but also the strength it had taken for her to stand up to her mother all these years. How it must have infuriated the older woman to know she could no longer control her daughter. Devon. Please Anna glanced at Mike. Mother is just leaving. Weren t you mother? Margaret sniffed angrily. To think how I comforted you when poor Blake died. How I helped you with the lawyer and stood by you. You have no loyalty Anna. I have all I need, Anna sighed. Tell daddy I said hello when you see him, but I think it best you stay away for a while.

Blake s eyes narrowed. A while? The witch would be better off never step across the threshold again. He was about to voice that thought when Anna quickly shook her head, as though well aware of what he would say. For now. Margaret drew herself stiffly erect. But you remember what I said Anna. I won t give in to you next time. She stomped from the room and seconds later the door slammed behind her. Do you want to explain that? Blake asked Anna carefully. She sighed wearily, pushing her fingers through her long fall of hair as she checked on Mike before moving to the kitchen. I have coffee ready. Coffee isn t what I asked for, he reminded her. What s going on, Anna? She shrugged stiffly. Blake left a lot of money, as well as this farm and some very lucrative stocks. My mother things she can take care of Mike s inheritance better than I can. Her or Charlie Austin. Disgust filled her voice. Are you kidding me? He caught her arm, swinging her around as she stared up at him in surprise. That little pip squeak I saw outside last night? She actually wants to see him with you? That little pip squeak is the son of her best friend. She shrugged as she pulled from his grip. She s been pushing this since I was a teenager. She was furious when she found out Blake had married me and brought me here after Charlie attacked me one night. I thought she would have a heart attack when I told her I intended to marry him. The lie wasn t easily voiced he could tell. It was the lie he had told her to give. The same one he had made certain his lawyer would draw papers up for and get signed by the local Justice of the Peace, who just happened to be his brother. Blake had been terrified something would happen to him and it would leave Anna unprotected. She made coffee as she talked, trying to hide the tremor in her hands, but there was no hiding the grounds of coffee that scattered on the marble countertop. Then? Blake pushed her for more. When news came that Blake she was ecstatic. She knew I was on the pill and thought she could run right over me to get what Blake had. She shrugged. Her voice was cold, clinical. When I found out I was pregnant she nearly had a stroke. She couldn t believe Blake would have made plans to take care of me, let alone a child. I don t think she s ever forgiven him for it.

So briefly stated, yet Blake heard so much more. He made a mental note to call the lawyer later and see just exactly how things stood with the Lawrence s and their daughter. When did she try to take Mike? He tried to keep from sounding harsh, but she wasn t answering the questions to suit him. Anna shrugged. She s tried twice. I was very ill after Mike was born. The lawyer stepped in and hired a nurse to help me but Mother still filed the motion to gain custody. It was denied. About a year ago she found out what I had published several books. Based on the content of those books, she tried again. Anna kept her back to him thankfully. Blake was staring at her in shock and he knew it. Anna. A writer? What was wrong with the content? He couldn t imagine her writing anything that would constitute her mother trying to take her child away from her. Her shoulders tensed as she mumbled something. I didn t hear you. He watched her carefully as she turned back to him. Her green eyes glittered almost angrily within the flushed features of her face. I write erotic romance, she stated clearly then. Very explicit, often very controversial erotic romance. She decided if I wrote it then I was doing it and tried to take Mike from me based on that. If she said she was an axe murderer she couldn t have surprised him more. He stared at that innocent face, her dark green eyes and remembered the virgin he had deflowered on the back of his mustang and nearly came in his jeans. He cleared his throat. Can I read it? Hell, he didn t know what else to say. The thought of reading her erotic fantasies had his dick so hard he had to hide behind the bar to keep her from seeing it straining against his jeans. Her face flushed blood red, matching her hair and looking so fucking innocent he couldn t imagine she was writing anything that could possibly make anyone thing she was an indecent mother. She shrugged nervously. I can t stop you. He waited expectantly as she turned around, getting down coffee cups, sugar for her own, spoons. She was barely stilling the tremors that wanted to work over her body he could tell.

So what s your penname? Had laptop would find it, he thought with a sense of wild anticipation. She cleared her throat. Anna Dane. So your writing has your mother up in arms? He sat down at the bar as she turned and set his cup of coffee on it. She shrugged again. Her and several other people. He could tell it hurt and embarrassed her. And she had faced it alone. He knew that for a fact. He had made certain Anna hadn t gone on to find another lover before he crashed into her life again. He didn t want her hurt anymore than he wanted her to lose anything more than she had already because of him. But he hadn t known about the attempts to take Michael away from her. He was going to have to have a long talk with Major Ridgeway and the lawyer. He watched her as she sipped at her coffee, her head lowered, refusing to meet his eyes, as though she were awaiting his condemnation. You re a beautiful woman, Anna, he told her softly then. The most beautiful woman he had ever known. What you write or what you do, no matter how you do it isn t a reflection upon you as a mother. Mike is happy and healthy and I can t see you having orgies in the house, so what makes her think she can use it to take Mike? She took a deep breath and lifted her gaze then. Because, she has the connections and the money to make it happen if I mess up just once. That s how. I could lose Mike and everything Blake sacrificed his life to make sure we had. But I won t pretend to be dead for her, or anyone else. Not for Blake s memory and not for my mothers greed. And if you expect anything different, then staying here might not be a good idea. You can find the books the last room down the hall in the library. Read to your hearts content. Anna. He stopped her as she made to leave the kitchen. His hand on her arm, her soft skin heating beneath his fingers. I don t need to read the books. I don t need to know what you write or why. And it s a damned good thing you didn t die with Blake, because this hard on sure as hell isn t for a dead woman. And it s not for a writer. Its for a beautiful, too damned innocent young woman that made me catch my breath with first sight of her. And I ll make good and damned sure that anyone else that comes to take what s yours thinks twice about it. That I promise you. CHAPTER TEN He had a hard on for her. Anna had escaped the kitchen as fast as humanly possibly, picked up Mike and headed out back where she could hopefully make sense of the conflicting emotions whipping through her body.

And he hadn t been lying. She had glanced down, seen the hard, long ridge of flesh rising beneath his jeans and barely stilled her hunger. She hadn t been touched since Blake. Her sexuality, her hormones had been in hibernation other than the erotic fantasies she allowed to come to life on her laptop. Fantasies that often made her blush to write them, but made her throb with longing. Unfortunately, she hadn t met anyone she would even consider allowing those fantasies free with. Until Devon. In the dark lonliness of her bed her dream lover had finally formed a face. And it had been Devon s. Devon holding her down, moving between her thighs, plunging hard and fast inside her pussy as she begged for a release he refused to allow her. She fought to still her trembling heart as she watched Mike play in the sheltered sandbox and on the swing set her father had put up that summer. He was such a good baby. Playful and filled with laughter and yet willing to play on his own when he had to. He didn t fuss, and rarely cried. And he was everything in her world. She would have given up the writing if she thought it would seriously hurt her chances of keeping her baby, but the lawyer had assured her there was nothing that could be done. Despite the fact that the judge was her mother s cousin and the county she lived in frowned heavily on what she wrote, so far, his advice had held true. Each attempt had been dismissed. Anna shook her head. Why she tolerated it, she wasn t certain. She made enough money herself that she could have moved away from Grayson. She could have made a new start somewhere else and saved the farm for Mike when he grew older. But she couldn t do it. Blake had built the house and cared for the land for the family he had hoped to hope. For the children he had dreamed of. She couldn t walk away from that. Couldn t walk away from her memories of him and the comfort she found. God, she had loved him. She wrapped her arms across her chest as her heart clenched in pain. She had waited so long to be able to come to him. Had waited and feared each day he would find someone else, love someone else before she reach eighteen. That night had been a dream come true. Each touch, each sigh, each masculine groan had been a treasure. His death had nearly destroyed her. And now here was Devon. He didn t look a lot like Blake. His face was too harshly carved, his bone structure more savage. There was a resemblance, but it stopped there. Devon was harder, colder somehow, though there had been nothing cold about him when he stated his desire for her. Anna, I m going down to the barn to check it out. Anna jumped as his voice sounded behind her. I was wondering if it would be okay to take Mike with me? I m just going to look around, see how everything looks. She jumped from the lounge chair staring at him with wide eyes.

Why? She hadn t been down to the barn in years. It s all grown up and weedy. There could be snakes. His lips tilted into a small humorous quirk. I ll take my jeep. I just want to look around. No problem. She licked her lips nervously. Dev

Mike ran for him.

Anna watched his face soften as he caught the little body in his arms. Suddenly, his expression transformed, softened, something intent and possessive flared in his eyes as he stared down at the child. Play, Mike demanded as he waved his small plastic shovel at Devon. I have sand. Yes you do little man, Devon agreed solemnly. All over you. Mike laughed and laid his head against Devon s shoulder, staring back at Anna with a smile. How long will you be gone? A few minutes alone could come in handy. Devon shrugged. No more than an hour. I have my cell phone on me and left the number laying by the phone in the kitchen. You can call me if you get worried. She shifted uncertainly. Don t you trust me, Anna? He asked her softly. I trust you fine, she sighed. But the barn is old Not that old. Take a nap, or a swim. He glanced at the pool behind Mike s play area. We ll be back in a bit. Anna nodded then. When Devon turned she throttled her groan. Dear God, he had an ass to die for. Tough and hard and curved like a dream. She could watch him walk all day. Her fingers clenched at the sudden urge to sink them into the taunt male flesh and test the flexing muscle. Be careful, she said as they disappeared around the side of the house. Always, he called back, glancing over his shoulder a gleam of wicked laughter glinting in his eyes. See you in a bit, darlin.

Anna licked her lips before glancing back at the door into the cool interior of the house. A pocket rocket moment? Defintely. Chapter Eleven

How much longer could he stay away from her? Blake watched that evening as she puttered around the kitchen, her slender body graceful, sensuous. God, how many times had he fantasized about just this? Watching her move about their home, doing the little things that women do to make life paradise. She was too much a part of him. He couldn t shake the bonds she had placed on him so long ago. The ones that wrapped around his heart and soul and left him awake and aching, tormented beyond belief as he fought to find a way to take out DeMorga. Every minute had been a temptation to call her, to go to her. Each second was a reminder of the danger he would place her in if he did so. And now? He watched as she sipped at a cup a coffee before returning to the kitchen table and the laptop set up there. Mike played quietly with a small truck beside him, occasionally watching one of the few cartoons Anna allowed him. She was writing. He swallowed tightly. He had made the mistake of choosing one of the books earlier and flipping through it. His cock hadn t softened since. It was fully erect, engorged and dangerously aroused. His To Take had been the title of the story. The sexual intensity of the tale had been explosive. An innocent young woman and an alien determined to have her. Blake swallowed tightly. The hero had taken her too. In ways that had Blake s teeth gritting now in hunger. Were those his Anna s fantasies? Had fate somehow given him a woman years ago, who would fit his every sexual fantasy as he grew older. A woman who could and would meet his desires. He glanced at her again. Her face was a bit flushed, her eyes narrowed as she typed. Was she aroused? He shook his head, unable to watch her, slowly dying of the hunger eating him alive. Glancing down at his son, a smile tipped his lips. Mike was fast asleep, cuddled close to Blake s side, the toy truck gripped firmly in his little hands. Shaking his head he picked the little boy up and moved from the hallway. He was aware of Anna glancing at him in surprise, the click of the computer keys stilling. Turning back to her he nodded at the laptop. Finish what you re doing. I ll tuck him for you. A frown had settled on her brow, as though she were somehow uncertain about allowing him to do so. Did she sense what he was up to? Blake turned from her and headed for the little boys room. It didn t matter if she did. He was home. This was his family. His woman and his child and he would be damned if he would give either up now. Long minutes later, with Mike tucked in and the television turned off, Blake wandered out to the back yard. The silence of the night here had always soothed him. The stars glittering in the black velvet sky seemed close enough to reach out and grab. The woods around them echoed with nightlife and stilled a restlessness inside him that he hadn t known existed until he returned.

This was his home. His world. He had settled here with a hunger for peace and found so much more than he had ever expected. And now Sighing deeply, he lowered himself on the cushioned porch swing and stared into the night. He had returned to claim his woman and found his child as well. His hunger for Anna was eating him alive, but no more than his guilt was. He should tell her the truth he thought. He should tell her what had happened, why he had been away, and the dangers he had feared would follow him if he revealed his identity. This was his family. How do you hide the truth from your family, from the woman you love more than life itself? Devon? Anna s softly voice question had his head turning slowly to the French doors. She was framed by the low light within the house, her slender body outlined with a halo of gold. The memory of the first time he took her slammed into his brain. In the garage, her body braced on the side of the car as he slammed inside her tight pussy. He barely contained the shudder of remembered pleasure. She had been wet, so damned wet it had been like sliding through warm syrup and ultra tight silk. Sorry. He breathed in deeply. I was just enjoying the night. You seemed preoccupied. She sat in the chair across from him. Tempting him. Blake wondered what she would do if he went to his knees before her and ripped the shirt from her back before making a meal of her hard little nipples? Damn, his mouth was watering for the taste of her. Devon? She questioned him again He cleared his throat, realizing he had perhaps been staring a little too hard at her breasts. Yeah? Is everything okay? You ve been acting strange this evening. Are you tired of hanging around here? Tired of what? He shook his head in confusion then. What the hell would make you think that Anna? Well I don t know, Devon, she suddenly snapped back. It could be the way you re prowling the house like a caged animal the last two nights. I m sorry I asked. She stood quickly to her feet. She was going to leave. Leave him alone in the night with a hard on that was killing him and the scent of her in his head. He didn t think so. Don t leave. He surged to his feet then. He only meant to delay her. He didn t mean to back her against the side of the house, he was certain. And he really didn t mean to press his hips into hers. But he did, and the hint of softness between the layers of clothes was making him crazy. I m going crazy, he whispered into her surprised expression. Feel how hard I am Anna. I ve been like this the first day I showed up here. I m so desperate to fuck you I can barely breathe for it. Her indrawn breath had her breasts lifting, grazing his chest, causing his gaze to drop. I m going to touch you if you don t run like hell right now, he growled. He couldn t restrain himself. God help him, he was a desperate man. And once I start, Anna, I might not stop. Devon She stared up at him, surprised, almost dazed, her pale face luminous in the light spilling from the house.

Her hands gripped his arms as his hands settled on her hips, holding her close to him. Her small movements, whether to move from him or closer to him, was making him crazy. Anna, let me kiss you. She stilled as he lowered his head and whispered the words at her ear. Let me taste you, before I go crazy with the need. CHAPTER TWELVE

Anna felt Devon s lips at the shell of her ear, whispering a need that thundered so hard and hot through her bloodstream that fighting it was becoming impossible. She wanted his lips on hers, wanted to feel the kiss that tempted her dreams since the first night had slept within her house. And it terrified her. She hadn t known an arousal like this since Blake. She closed her eyes, seeing his smiling face, his eyes, so like Blake s. But had his touch been this determined? Had she ever known a hunger like the one wrapping between her and Devon now. She was almost panting with her need to be kissed by him. Her desire to feel his body hard and hot, tense with desire as he took her. Anna couldn t still the whimper of longing that escaped her throat as his fingers threaded through her hair, holding her still, his head raising. Look how pretty you are? He crooned, his voice dark and rough. That s how I dream of you, Anna. Staring up at me just like this, your lips damp and parted for my kiss. Let me taste you baby, before the need kills me. Oh God, he was just talking to her. His voice low but throbbing with lust and her pussy was burning for him. I want you Anna. She shuddered when his lips touched hers, the words throbbing against them. Open Oh God. She couldn t breath, couldn t draw in enough air as her lips parted further for him. There baby. Shhh now. He soothed her gently as his tongue painted her lips with the lightest caress. I m here. Blake. His voice was Blake s but his kiss was pure carnal heat and lustful intent. His lips covered hers, his tongue pressing into her mouth as she moaned into the possession. As though that fragile sound was all he awaited, his hand slid beneath her top, one going to her back, the other shocking her as he cupped the weight of her breast. All the while, his lips moved on hers, stroking flames she didn t know existed inside her, sending waves of heat and shocking sensation to spear into the aching emptiness of her cunt. Her head fell back as he dragged her closer, never releasing his possession of her lips as his fingers closed on one hard nipple. Electricity raced through her system, sensitizing her nerve endings and overloading her body with such pleasure she could feel herself weakening, humming her hunger into his kiss as she released the fragile threads of her control. God yes! Devon tore his lips from hers, moving back only enough to strip her shirt from her body and toss it carelessly to the porch below.

Time seemed to stop. He stared down at the pale mounds, his hands cupping them reverently, his tongue moistening his lips as Anna watched, dazed, dumbfounded by the lust building so high, so hot between them. I won t be able to stop, he whispered then, his gaze rising to hers, the dark depths somber and regretful. Do you hear me Anna? If it goes any further, I won t be able to. If you want me to stop, say so now, baby. Please. Stop? If he stopped now she would die from the need whipping through her system. Her hands lowered, going to the snap of his snug jeans, her gaze holding his as she loosened them slowly. I want you, Devon, she whispered then, unable to deny the desperation clawing through her body. Please, don t stop. His jeans came free, the zipper lowered over the thick erection pulsing beneath it. Devon stood stone still, his expression tormented, lustful as he watched her in silent question. Her lips trembled within the steadily building lust and emotion she could feel rising inside them both. I haven t She swallowed tightly. Not since Blake Shh. He lay his finger over her hips, his throat working desperately as her fingers smoothed over the cotton boxer briefs that hugged his cock lovingly. No past, he whispered. Just us. Just this, Anna. Let me give you this. The bed? He asked her then. Anna wondered if she could bear waiting that long. Here, she whispered then. Beneath the stars Devon. I ve never been taken beneath the stars before. It was one of her greatest fantasies. In the open, wild and free with the night whispering around them. And Devon wasn t giving her a chance to change her mind. Before she could do more than gasp he had her jeans released and over her hips, bending before her, lifting first one leg then the other to get them off her. She expected him to draw her down to the porch. To lay her back on the smooth wood and come between her thighs, she didn t expect what he did next. He spread her legs slowly, his gaze level with the smooth, bare flesh of her pussy. You re wet for me, he whispered, his breath blowing across the heated skin in a caress that had her gasping. So wet, and so soft. Nothings ever looked so pretty as this Anna. She cried out as his fingers eased slowly through the narrow slit, parting the folds of flesh, stroking heated sensations through her womb as he caressed her. Devon, her hands gripped his shoulders desperately. I don t think I can stand Hold onto me tighter baby, he whispered again. I want you just like this. Just like this Anna while I have desert. I missed that tonight. Remember? Her cry shattered the night. One hand held her steady as he delivered a kiss so mind shattering Anna wondered if she would survive it. His tongue circled her clit, the swollen bit of flesh there sent arcs of pleasure so destructive through her body that she trembled beneath it. He licked and stroked, humming against the slick curves as he took his fill of her need. Sucking her clit into his mouth, he had her crying out his name in shameless yearning, her hips tilting, encouraging him in the lustful feast he was partaking.

God. Devon. Devon please, she was chanting his name as he moved lower, his diabolical tongue creating havoc through her nervous system as he drew steadily closer to the weeping center of her body. It had been too long. Toys, no matter how advanced, how perfectly designed could ever make up for a man who knew his way around a woman s body, When his lips covered the entrance to her vagina and his tongue slowly, too damned slowly, penetrated the aching flesh, Anna lost all control. She exploded in a orgasm that shocked her, terrified her and left her jerking in his grasp as he began to plunge his tongue inside her, riding her through the explosion, drawing in the heat and moisture that spilled to his lips. The stars came down from the sky and exploded around her. Bright, thunderous, their power roaring through her veins as the keening cry of completion shattered the night. Heat and magic surrounded her, her body throbbed with the exploding bursts of sensations and trembled in his grip as he drew yet more of her wet heat into his mouth. Fuck. Anna. He drew back, only to reach behind him and jerk the cushion from the swing to the floor of the porch before pushing her to her knees upon it and bending her over in a position that left her vulnerable, open to him in a way she had never imagined. I don t want to hurt you. He came behind her, raising her hips for him as she felt the broad head of his cock nudge against the folds of her pussy. He was breathing hard, heavy, his hands clenching on the curves of her hips as he positioned himself firmly. Anna. Baby Anna s breath caught in her chest as he began to stretch her flesh. Searing hot, branding her with his arousal as his cock worked slowly at loosening the tightened muscles he was possessing slowly. Devon, she cried out his name in wonder, in heat as the head of his erection filled her. You re so fucking tight, Anna. He came over her, his thighs bracing hers as his hips worked the hard length of flesh deeper inside her. So hot and tight, baby. Yeah, oh fuck yeah baby, take me. His voice was rough, the words course, but they only fueled her own lust higher, drove her to thrust back, to moan in increasing pleasure as her body accepted him. This was what she needed. A pleasure and pain that that burned clear to her soul as Devon buried his rock hard cock to the very depths of her hungry pussy. Yes, she moaned as she felt the length of him impaled within her, throbbing against vulnerable tissue and sensitive nerve endings as they both fought for control. Now Devon. She could wait. She was on fire. The need to climax was howling through her system, clawing at her womb. Fuck me now, she cried out, bucking against him as she heard him groan roughly at her ear. Now, Devon She didn t expect what came next, but she wasn t about to protest either. Hard, long strokes that build in tempo. His cock plunging inside her, the sound of wet heat and hard flesh echoing around her as he fucked her with powerful, hard strokes. His voice was broken, hoarse, praise for the snug fit, the heat, desperate words that poured from his throat as he gave her everything she had begged for and more. Anna s fingers clawed at the cushion beneath her, her hips tilting back, taking him deeper has his fingers tightened on her hips and each thrust stroked the intensity of her pleasure ever higher. She was soaring, flying, exploding

Devon She tried to scream his name but she could do no more than whimper as her orgasm ripped her through her. She was flying, flung into a strange new world of pleasure and exacting sensation every nerve ending in her body began to echo in release. Distantly, she heard his groan, felt him come over her, his body jerking, the feel of hot semen jetting inside her, spiking her release, prolonging it as they collapsed together, weak and trembling in its aftermath. CHAPTER THIRTEEN How had it happened? Anna stared up at the ceiling above her bed, frowning confusion as she contemplated the situation she now found herself in. Devon was sleeping beside her. His large, muscled body was relaxed, his breath deep and hard. His arm thrown over her waist as though to anchor her in place. This wasn t what she had expected. It was more than she could have ever imagined, but more confusing than she had anticipated. He was Blake s brother. She bit her lip at that thought, wondering at the strange emotions that filled her at that thought. There was no guilt. Shouldn t she feel guilt? Shouldn t it at least bother her that she was falling in love with Blake s brother? The brother he had searched so long for and never found? She turned her head slowly, careful not to disturb him, and stared at the shadowed planes of his face. His dark hair fell over his brow and it should have softened the harsh angles, given his expression a more relaxed appearance. Instead, it made him appear darker, more dangerous. She turned away from him, fighting the sudden tightening in her chest. She wasn t going to. She would not let that thought intrude. He looked so much like Blake. She flinched. Her emotions warred with her then, ripping through her like a sharp edged knife and laying bare the confusion boiling inside her soul. He wasn t Blake. Talons of pain struck at her heart. Blake was gone and he was never coming back. He was dead and buried and she had thought her heart had died with him. But now she could feel it awakening, feel it burning and she feared herself and her emotions now more than ever. Stop. His voice had her jerking, turning back to him before she could hide the tear that fell slowly down her cheek. She cleared her throat, turning her head to the pillow to try the betraying moisture as she fought to find some semblance of control. What? Her voice was husky and she prayed he attributed it to drowsiness rather than tears. Stop beating yourself up like this, Anna, he said gently as he rose on his elbow, rising above her as his arm held her in place. You have nothing to feel guilty for baby. Didn t she? She could see the guilt on his face. See it in his eyes as he stared down at her. Even in the darkness she could see the glimmer of his emotions. And she knew he felt the guilt as well. He s gone. She shook her head, attempting to rise from the bed, to get far enough from him that she could make sense of the emotions tormenting her now. I know he s gone. I don t feel guilty.

Her feelings for Devon were like nothing she had known before, but they were so intertwined with her love for Blake that she couldn t separate the two. And that was tearing her apart. Anna. It was Blake s voice. Blake s gentle crooning of her name. God, this was such a mistake. She tried to push against him, to ignore the tenderness in his face, the erection prodding against her thigh. I m sorry Devon. I m so sorry. I thought I could do this Baby don t. he held her still, one hand cupping her hip as his head lowered, his lips smoothing over the tears that were starting to fall from her eyes. Don t do this to yourself. Please Anna, don t cry. He was warm and hard against her, his shoulders broad, strong as she gripped them, her nails biting into his skin. He s gone, Devon, she whispered again. I thought I was over it. I thought I could go on, love again Please Anna I can t. She shoved against him, fighting the sobs building in her throat as she heard Blake s voice, felt his hands on her flesh. Tremors of hunger tore through her. That was Blake s touch. The sound of his beloved voice as he crooned her name, whispering promises, attempting to ease the pain. Anna baby. He laid his forehead against hers, staring down at her in the dim light of the room, his gaze filled with pain as well. It s okay. Whatever you re feeling, its all right. As long as you re here, as long as you re a part of me, I don t care. Blake s voice. She shook her head, her breath hitching as he moved, his lips caressing her jaw, his tongue catching her tears. The contradictory feelings that welled inside her had her whimpering, praying for answers even as her body began to clamor for his touch. Calloused hands, strong and sure held her to him as his lips settled on hers, rubbing against the damp curves with silken softness as he drank in the fragmented whimpers escaping her. How soft you are, he whispered. How sweet and responsive. I swear Anna, you make me yearn, make me ache, make me want things I ve never wanted with another woman in my life. Devon Shh. He nipped at her lips, the small burn only adding to the pleasure building in her body. She jerked in his arms, her body arching closer to him as surprise shot through her. Quiet, he growled. She shivered at the sound. Damn, you make me so hard I feel like my cock is going to burst into flames waiting to get inside your hot little pussy. Do you how tight you are? How wet and wild you are as I fuck you, Anna? It makes me crazy. Makes me forget the world exists. His hand cupped a breast as he moved further over her, his legs parting her thighs as he settled against her, his erection, thick and hot, nudging at the slick folds of her cunt. His explicit words had her breathing quickening, her body heating. She was being ripped apart by her own guilt, but the explosive arousal building within her left no room to deny him or his touch. She was lost beneath him, her hands gripping his shoulders, watching

him with ever heightening anticipation as his thumb and forefinger gripped her nipple, tugging at it experimentally. Heat seared the hard point. Gasping, Anna stared back at him, her eyes widening as he increased the pressure. Oh yeah, he murmured. Feel it burn baby. Feel how much better it can get than anything you ve ever imagined. He licked at her lips, refusing to enter as she parted them and moaned in hunger. She needed his kiss. Needed to forget, to push aside the emotions ripping her apart. Dev Shush. Or I ll gag you. Her eyes widened at the underlying steel in his voice. She tried to tell herself she should be angry, should fight his sudden dominance, but she shuddered in arousal instead. He moved lower, his gaze going to her breasts, the hard rise and fall, the reddened nipple he was tormenting erotically. I m going to fuck you so damned hard you ll never forget what its like to have me inside you, he growled as his head lowered, his tongue then licking at the hard point his fingers held. I want you to scream, Anna. To beg for my cock. To beg me to take you every way a man can take a woman. Before she could protest, before she could gauge his intent, the wide head of his cock pressed into her, a surge of his hips sending him deep inside the snug depths of her vagina. Her legs parted further, her knees bending as she arched to him, desperate to take every inch, to hold back the dawn, the reality that she knew would soon pierce even this intense lust. God, you re tight. He held still, buried deep within her, his head lifting, his gaze spearing into hers as his hips flexed, pressing his erection deeper inside her. So hot and tight. It makes me wonder Anna. He pulled back slowly, watching her, his eyes narrowed. How tight would that hot little ass be? Before she could answer he surged inside her again, stroking deep inside her pussy as a fractured scream tore from her throat. Her anus clenched as he came over her more fully, one elbow bracing his weight as his other hand smoothed down her body. Waist, hip, buttock. His fingers found the narrow cleft and followed it until they reach the tightly puckered entrance to her anus. Dev Don t talk. His voice hardened as his cock stroked inside her again, sending her system rioting with pleasure as she cried out with the hard pressure filling her. She bit her lip, hips arching, her fingers biting into his shoulders she strained for release. Not yet, baby, he whispered with a smile as his tormenting fingers gathered the juices spilling from her pussy and drew them back to the tight little hole beyond. Each stroke lubricated the entrance further. Each hard stroke of his cock was followed by a greater pressure at her anus as he began ease the tip of his finger past the sensitive muscles that protected it. She writhed beneath him, hips lifting, her pussy clenching on his cock as he pulled back, gathered more of her juices with his fingers then pressed again.

Her scream echoed around them as he thrust inside her pussy then hard and deep at the same time his finger pierced the narrow tunnel of her entrance, scalding her with a forbidden, unknown pleasure and sending her senses careening. Devon groaned forcibly as he began to fuck her then with ever increasing strength. Anna cried out, holding his close, feeling the dual penetration of finger and cock as he ignited a fire inside her body that she feared would reduce them both to cinders. But denial was impossible. Her head twisted on the pillow beneath her as she clenched on the invading finger as his erection stretched her pussy, filling her with thrust and pushing her closer to the brink of insanity. Yes, baby, he groaned at her ear then. Take me, Anna. Everything sweetheart. Everything I have to give. Everything. Her hips rose and fell to each thrust as she whimpered in shattered longing, feeling the heat building in her womb as it was stroked by every driving thrust in her pussy. Her legs rose, wrapping around his hips, opening her further, taking him deeper, harder, feeling the fire consume her. She lost the ability to breath. His finger was suddenly replaced by another in her anus, stretching her, sending arcs of fire through her anus as her orgasm began to explode through her body. Hard, brilliant shards of light and color burst in front of her eyes as she came apart in his arms. She shuddered, violent waves of pleasure tearing through her as she screamed his name. Blake CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Blake Anna sat alone on the back porch the next afternoon, her head lowered, her hands clenching in her hair as her elbows rested on her knees. Hadn t Devon realized whose name she had screamed out as she came apart in his arms? Hadn t he heard the lapse her heart had made? He had shown no sign that he had. Breathing heavy, his hard body straining above her in his own release, his semen spurting inside her convulsing pussy, he had whispered her name like a prayer. My Anna. My Anna. He had fallen asleep not long after rolling from her, his arms wrapped tight around her, her head tucked against his chest as she stared into the dark. She had loved Blake for so damned long. Since she was little more than a child and he had first made his presence in the small town known. He had been a stranger to the close knit community. That uppity city boy who couldn t seem to stay at the house he had built for more than a few months at a time. But while he was there he hadn t hid. Smiling, filled with laughter and life he had slowly become a part of her hometown. At sixteen, Anna had been entranced by him. Every time he spoke to her, her heart would race, her awakening hormones going into over drive. Those two years had been spent immersed in the pits of despair when he was gone and the heights of joy when she knew he was home.

Her attachment to him hadn t been normal, her friends had warned her. There wasn t a chance, she had been told, that when she reach eighteen that her dreams could ever become reality. But they had. On a dark, deserted road, during one of the most frightening nights of her life he had been there. He had rescued her. He had loved her. He had made her who she was today. And her heart had never let go. In five years, so many lonely nights, so many tears, pleas, and curses, her heart had never let him go. Even now. What do I do, Blake? She whispered longingly, her hands tightening in her hair as she fought her tears. How do I let you go? There was no answer. Blake was gone. She came to her feet with a surge of violent, agonizing fury. She raised her eyes to the clear, brilliant blue sky, tears gathering in her eyes. Why did you leave me? She screamed out desperately, her fists clenching at her side, her insides rocked with such despair she didn t know how to fight it any longer. She had been strong. For five long, lonely years, she had been strong for him, for Mike. She had taken care of his home, held onto all he worked for despite her mother s machinations to destroy the last of the dream she had built around him. Why won t you leave me alone? She finally demanded of the heavens and the man who now resided in that paradise free of the pain and the regrets that tormented her heart. Her soul. Why Blake? Why did you leave me? She wrapped her arms around her chest, fighting to hold back the misery that seared her soul. Fate hadn t been satisfied in taking the man who held even her soul. That hadn t been enough to hurt her. It wasn t enough that even her femininity had been lost in his death. That her hormones had died with him. It wasn t enough that her life had revolved around only his memory and the child he left her. No. It had to up the ante. It had to bring Devon to her doorstop. It had to re-awaken her body, make her remember what it was like to do more than dream of a man s touch. Do more than merely write about the needs she had so desperately prayed Blake would return and still. Not, Fate had make it worse. It had to also re-awaken the desperate, soul-driving devotion she had known for only one man. She let her tears flow then. Alyssa, her dearest friend from school had taken Mike that morning for a day with her two children. There was no danger of her son seeing her lapse of control, or the pain that tore past her chest in hard, desperate sobs. She paced to the edge of the deck, her head lowered as she leaned against the side of the house. Blake s house. His home. Blake s land. Blake s child and Blake s woman. But Blake was dead. Everywhere but in her soul. And where did that leave her with Devon? Her body pulsed at the thought of his touch. She ached, burned. She could feel the emptiness in her cunt, like a gnawing hunger to have him fill her with the steely strength of his cock. Her breasts were swollen, her nipples hard, the remembered feel of his mouth enveloping them, his hot tongue stroking them was enough to drive her insane with the need to push him to her bed and force her flesh into his mouth as she forced his cock up her pussy. And she would see Blake. When he grimaced in arousal, his lips drawing back from his teeth on a muted snarl of lust she would see Blake. When he whispered her name, when

his hands held her, when her release tore through her, it would always be Blake. Just Blake. Blake Blake fought his need to go to her. Her sobs, her pleas, they were more than he could bear. She was beating herself up for loving him, for needing him, for fucking knowing him, and his hands were tied. He moved away from the door that led to the deck and paced back through the silent house. He couldn t do it any longer. He thought he could come back, pick up the remains of his life and the woman he loved and go on. But he hadn t counted on the strength of Anna s love for him, or the misery it would bring her. It humbled him. It broke his heart. He couldn t continue the charade. He hadn t expected this, to be honest. He hadn t expected that her celibate life had been for him. That her love for him had been so deep, so strong in such a short amount of time. While his had been there, he believed, from the first day he had met her. Barely sixteen, staring up at him as though he held the sun and the moon in his hands. He shook his head as he returned to the garden he had been plowing. It would be a late one, but in time to enjoy the harvest and to put it up as needed. Besides, the physical work would him figure out how to tell her the truth. He trusted her with his very soul. The truth was something he knew she would never tell. But would she ever forgive him? Chapter Fifteen

Like Pandora s box, once the locks to her passions and her needs had been opened, Anna found them impossible to hide from. They were a plague, a building disease inside her mind and body that tormented her day and night. Had Devon pushed her, had he made demands or insisted on continuing the relationship, she felt she could have fought it, could have made a strong stand against it. But he did neither. He was as patient as the long summer days and just as damned hot. He filled her daydreams and all her dark fantasies and made her pussy throb with the need to be filled. But it wasn t Devon s face she saw in those dreams, it was Blake s. It was Blakes voice she heard, Blake s hands that touched her, it was always Blake. And it was destroying her. The garden s planted. It was late in the evening, three days later when he returned to the house, dusty, wary, watching her with those blue eyes that reminded her so much of his brother. You didn t have to do that, she reminded him. I don t anything about garden s, Devon. It will wither away once you leave. He lowered his head, pulling his leather gloves patiently from his hands as stood in the middle of the kitchen floor. I m not leaving, Anna, he said gently as his head raised, his blue eyes cool and determined. The softness of his voice didn t fool her. She could hear the steel beneath it.

You can t stay here forever. She paced over to the counter, leaning against it as she fought to find the strength to do what she knew had to be done. This won t work, Devon. You know it won t. What happened was a mistake Anna, you re treading on ground neither of us is willing to face right now, honey, he warned her softly, staring back at her somberly as she faced him. Let s wait until we can both handle the discussion. She crossed her arms over her breasts, frowning. This isn t your decision, Devon. He grimaced at her words, a pained look that sent her pulse racing in fear for some reason. Anna, please. He shook his head firmly. Not yet. Not right now. Let s give this a few days before we go any further. There s no reason to wait The ringing of the doorbell cut off her words and had her breathing out in frustration. Damn. She turned, aware of him following her as she stalked to the front door and threw it opened. She stared back in disbelief. The stranger stared back at her with eyes the color of Devon s, though he was stockier, his face not as rough or savagely lined, an easy smile tilting his lips. Hello Ma am. I m looking for Anna Morgan. His soft drawl was pleasant, husky. For some reason, fear began to bloom inside her chest, causing her to draw in a harsh, strengthening breath. I m Anna She heard Devon curse behind her. I m Devon Morgan ma am, Blake s brother. I heard about his death She turned slowly, ignoring the explanation coming from the other man as she faced the man she had believed was Devon, the hallway separating them, the agony in his eyes matching the pain spreading through her body. Took me forever to find him, just to realize he was already gone The words seemed to come at her from a distance as she stared back at the man she had believed was Blake s brother. Ma am? The man behind her questioned her in concern as the stranger she had slept with walked slowly forward then. It was then she noticed things she had ignored before. The way he carried his shoulders, the smooth confident walk, his eyes narrowing on her, the long silky lashes, but there was also that undefined something that had always drawn her to Blake. A toughness, an aura of determination and power that other men didn t have. Oh God. She could feel her legs weakening, her head spinning as both fury and thankfulness filled her. He was alive. He was alive and he had stayed away from her for five long years. He had deserted her and the child he had helped create and thought he could just waltz right back in with a new face and a new name and wipe it all away. She felt the tears building in her chest, in her throat. Felt the rage and the agonizing pain of all the years she had lived without him building in her chest as he drew close to her. Anna, baby He reach out for her, his gaze regretful. I was going to tell you. You bastard. There was no heat in the words, the fury and ripping heat of emotion was locked inside her chest, the shock of realizing who he was held her in suspension.

Blake. The name screamed through her mind as she fought the emotions bombarding her. He was alive. Her Blake. She was only distantly aware of the tears as they began to fall, the shame, the pain, the utter thankfulness that he was alive swirling in a morass of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. Should I come back later? Devon Morgan, the real Devon Morgan, watched them, confused. She turned back to him, aware she was making a fool of herself, that her tears were soaking her face, the complete horror of knowledge was sweeping through her, destroying her. Excuse me, her voice broke, sobs ripping through her chest as she turned away. I can t do this. I just can t. She rushed away from both men then. She didn t know why Blake had lied to her. Why he had a new face, a new name, why he was pretending to be the brother he wasn t, but the implications were terrifying. Anna wait, Blake called out behind her. Dammit it, Anna. Should I come back? The real Devon Morgan was more confused than she was now, Anna thought almost hysterically as she rushed for room. Blake would have to deal with it. She couldn t. Not now, and maybe not ever Chapter Sixteen He was alive. Blake was alive. He had lied to her. He had left her alone for five years for only God knew what reason. She had sustained herself with only the few memories he left her and the child that had filled her life. Until now Now Blake was home and the emotions that tore through her now was no less intense, no less painful than they were when she had been told he was dead. Anna escaped in the same way she had when she had first heard of Blake s death . The barn held the essence of the man she loved so desperately. The wood working tools, the half finished pieces of shelves, tables, the faded drawings he had made of projects he had wanted to start. It was there she found herself when she ran from the lies of the past five years. And it was there she saw the truth her unconscious had already accepted. Several of the pieces were finished. The intricately designed coffee table that had been no more than a drawing before his return. The two selves that had only been halfway completed. There were more drawings, but this time, it wasn t of individual pieces, but drawings of the house, the rooms that would soon be graced with the beautiful works of art he was creating. The final piece unlocked the ragged sobs that clawed in her chest. Beneath a soft white cloth was a carving, exact in detail and precision. The female features stared back at her, seductive, becoming. The expression on her face filled with love and laughter. It was a carving of her and it had been created by a loving, gentle hand. I never forgot, Anna. His voice was broken, husky as he spoke behind her. Even half dead, locked in my own unconsciousness, I saw you. I loved you. When I woke up, nothing mattered but coming back to you, Anna. She shook her head, her vision blurred by her tears, by the grief that had lived within her like a dark shadow she could never escape.

You lied to me. Her fists clenched at her side as anger washed over her in blinding waves. You came back, and you lied to me. She turned on him then, seeing the differences and yet the familiarity of his face. His eyes were bright with pain, regret, and though he stood straight and tall she could see the weariness dragging at his shoulders. Yes, I lied to you, he said softly. Day by day, night by night, And when I finally had you back in my arms I had to live with the guilt that was tearing you apart afterwards. I had to know you thought you were making love to another man. But added to that Anna, I had the added weight of knowing if my existence is made official, then both and you and Mike were in danger. Danger I might not be able to protect you from. I couldn t take that chance. I couldn t risk your and Mike s life. The torment that racked his voice was heartbreaking. I couldn t come back to you Anna. His face twisted into lines of pain as he watched her, his arm raising, his hand cupping her cheek as his thumb smoothed across her tear drenched face. I couldn t risk you. She shuddered with the emotions bombarding her. Anger and fear and a thankfulness she couldn t turn away from. He was alive. After all the long, empty years and the pain that had laid waste to her heart, he was here, and he was alive. I loved you, she cried hoarsely, her hands reaching out for him. I couldn t let you go. I couldn t stop dreaming, needing you. The warmth of his body surrounded her as he pulled her against him, his arms contracting around her as her hands gripped his shirt in her fists and she fought the screams rising inside her. You left me. If he hadn t been holding her then, she would have fallen. All the bottled rage, fear and grief welled inside her, ripping her soul apart. You left me and you didn t tell me you were coming back. She was screaming, sobbing, holding onto him with a desperation she couldn t release. Anna please, baby. He held her tighter, rocking her, holding her just as she had always dreamed he would hold her. I m sorry. Ah God baby, please She couldn t stop the sobs from tearing through her body. But it wasn t the anger, or the pain, it was the realization he was alive. He was alive, in her arms, holding her. Her Blake. The dreams that had haunted her, that had tormented her since the day they told her he was dead was coming true. Blake was alive and he was holding her, taking quick hard kisses from her, his hands smoothing down her back over her arms before pulling her tight to his chest, leaning over her, his body shuddering with the emotion ripping through them both again. I love you, he whispered the words over and over again. I love you Anna. Forever, for always, I love love you. But she needed more. She needed to be certain the man holding her was her Blake. Her lover. Her heart. CHAPTER SEVENTEEN Anna tore at his shirt, passion and fear converging in her need to be certain. To know this was Blake.

Anna, his moan was rife was pleasure as her hands ripped the shirt apart, sending buttons scattering to the floor as her lips attacked his chest. This was no time for gentleness. No time to savor or to relish the gentler emotions of love. This was a renewal. It was a cauldron of lust and need, desire and promise that couldn t be contained. Anna, baby... His hands bunched in her hair as her lips trailed lower, her hands gripping his waist as her tongue stroked over his upper stomach. Show me you re alive, she cried out as his hands gripped her arms, pulling her up as he backed her into the table behind her. Prove it, Blake, prove you re alive. She couldn t touch him enough. She couldn t get close enough. She could feel the warmth of his flesh, feel the beat of his heart, but it wasn t enough. She needed the hunger, the fierceness of his lust. She needed the driving, incredible heat of body, his thighs parting hers, his hands touching her. Following her earlier example with his shirt, he ripped hers from her back, throwing the useless shreds to the floor as his lips lowered to one plump, swollen nipple. He took it into his mouth, drawing on it strongly, sending a flash of pleasure/pain whipping through her breast and tingles of electric ecstasy streaking to her vagina. She was a flame burning in his arms, heat building in her body as his hands tore at the snap and zipper of her jeans before jerking them over her hips. Fuck, you re hot. His hand covered the mound of her pussy as she jerked in his arms, her breath catching at the incredible pleasure of his touch. She could feel every nerve ending in the area reaching out to him as the soft slick essence of her need spilled from her pussy. Take me. Her hands tore at the waistband of his jeans as he spread stinging little kisses over her collarbone and her upper breasts. Now, Blake. Take me now. He growled low in his throat as her fingers stroked his denim-covered cock, her palm flattening against it as she felt the hard pulse of life beating just for her. All for her. She jerked at the closure to his pants, pulling back as she pushed the material over his hips, moaning as his hand gripped the shaft of his cock, holding it steady as she uncovered him. Then the hand in her hair was holding her head still as he pushed the thick head of his cock to her lips. She was ready for him. Her lips opened, wrapping around the flared crest, her tongue licking over it as she sucked it in. She loved the taste of him. Wild and fierce, with the salty tang of the pre-come that spilled from the tip. She moaned at the erotic taste, following the guidance of his hand at the back of her head as she began to stoke him wetly, suckling hungrily at the steel hard flesh. She needed him, craved the taste of him. You re killing me. The guttural sound of his voice was followed by a hard shudder, then a tightening in his thighs. Anna could feel the need for release growing in him, making his cock harder, stronger as she stroked it with the wet heat of her mouth. Enough He pulled her up his body then, a second before his release, ignoring her protesting cry at he lifted her to the table. Her sneakers were jerked from her feet. Her jeans followed quickly and within seconds he was moving between her thighs, lifting her legs to his hips as he bent to her. I m alive, Anna, he growled fiercely. Feel baby. Feel all of me.

Her scream echoed around them as he pushed deep inside her pussy, parting the slick muscles and filling her with the throbbing proof of life. There baby. He stilled then, breathing deep as he came over her, sweat glistening on his darkly tanned face as his deep blue eyes seared into her soul. God, how pretty you look, Anna, so flushed and hot and wet for me. He flexed his hips, grinding his cock deeper inside her as she whimpered at the explosive sensations tearing through her. Her orgasm was only seconds away, and Anna knew it. She could feel it building in her womb, burning through her body. Don t leave me, Blake. She held tight to his shoulders, tears falling from her eyes again as she stared up at him, seeing his pain, his love, his need. Never Blake. Please, never leave me again. His lips lowered to hers as his hips drew back, the length of his erection stroking the tight grip of her vagina until he paused once again at the entrance. His hands framed her face as he stared down at her, his eyes moist with emotion, his face flushed with passion. Never Anna, he whispered longingly then. I ll never leave you again, baby. Ever. His cock thrust hard and deep inside her once again, and without pause he began a strong, driving rhythm that sent her sense rocketing with ecstasy. Her legs gripped his hips, her fingers dug into his shoulders and her lips opened to his. Like a flower to the sun, she opened her heart and her soul and in that moment the fears of the past years washed away. She was no longer cold, no longer alone. The desperate, aching pain that had been a part of her for five long, lonely years became filled with the love, the dreams and the passion she thought she had lost. It wasn t just his touch, or his kiss, though both were more pleasure than anything she had known before him. It was an ethereal shimmering heat, a binding she knew she would never know with any other man. Each stroke of his cock inside the clenching depths of her pussy pushed her higher, stole more of her breath as the pleasure bloomed to a conflagration she wondered if she would survive. Now. Now Anna. Come for me baby. Come for me now. His voice was hoarse, strained with his effort to hold back, to push her past the boundaries of sanity. She could have told him there was no need, if she had the breath to speak. Cascading explosion began erupting through her womb, her cunt, every cell of her being echoing the hard, powerful release. She was crying his name, her body arching to him as she felt him drive deep one last time before his cock throbbed, jerking reflexively inside her as he filled her with hard, hot jets of his own release. They were shuddering, fighting for breath now as they lay weakly on the table, the shuddering aftershocks quaking through them. Loving you saved me, he whispered then. It brought me back, gave me a reason to fight, Anna. It gave me a reason to live. Anna opened her eyes, feeling weak now, satiated, for the first time in five years she was whole again. I lived for you. She touched his face, awed, amazed he was actually there. But if you ever do this to me again, Blake, I ll kill you myself. I swear it. If she managed to live through it.

Never again, he swore, giving her a quick kiss before easing away from her. Devon s still waiting in the living room. He grinned then. I haven t seen the bastard since we were kids and I didn t give him a second thought when I went after you. She blushed, aware now that there would be no way of hiding what they were doing in the barn from the other man in the house. You have a lot of explanations to make, she said then, her expression sobering. Many of them, Blake. I won t be lied to further. She had to know why. He grimaced painfully, drawing a deep breath as he picked his shirt up from the floor and handed it to her. And I ll explain. He nodded. It s not pretty, but I ll explain Anna. All of it. She watched him dress, seeing for the first time all the reasons why she had known it was Blake. His hands, his strong body, the beauty of his eyes, the feel of his hair. Her heart had known. And why didn t matter. All that mattered was that Blake was home. He was home, and if he tried to leave her again she was going to handcuff his ass to the bed and make certain he didn t move anymore than it took to fuck her silly three or ten times a day. Ten times a day sounded real good to her. I don t like that smirk, Anna. She glanced at him beneath her lashes, realizing she was smirking. She smiled slowly then. Just wait till you see why I m smirking, she laughed softly, her arms twining around his neck as he lifted her from the table, watching her with gentle eyes, with an expression so filled with love her heart beat faster. My brother, he reminding her, his voice lowering, becoming husky with passion again. Five more minutes. She smiled, her arms twining around his neck against as his lips lowered to hers. Five more minutes. Hmm, forever, he growled. Forever Anna