Back Cover Copy Love is blind…seriously. Once upon a time, the powerful Lianhan Shee--the Celtic Love Fairy--could capture a mortal man’s heart with a mere glance, trapping him into a life of misery and unrequited love until his death. Nowadays, it is all she can do to get noticed. Bored and wanting to prove her powers aren’t weakening in the modern Irish world, she accepts a dangerous wager, one that could see her kneel at the bidding of a scheming leprechaun. But, the mortal chosen as her target isn’t all he seems… As the battle begins for magic gold, immortality and the soul of a man who sees what others can’t, will love prove to be the most powerful weapon of all?
Highlight Aidan jumped as her fingers touched his chest and went to work on undoing the buttons of his drenched shirt. Hell. His heartbeat raced. What the hell was happening to him? He shouldn’t be here with her. Water hit directly on his neck. God help him if she wasn’t nimble. She pushed his shirt back over his shoulders, let the soaked fabric trail down his arms and fall. It hit the floor with a heavy splat. “There.” Her fingers traced down along his heaving chest to his taut stomach. Triumph laced her tone. “Does that feel better?” The girl had no idea. Fierce heat pumped through him, tempered every muscle in his body into hardened steel, made his manhood ache with appetites long forgotten.
The Lianhan Shee by
Erin Grace
The Lianhan Shee 9781616502546 Copyright © 2011, Erin Grace Edited by Mary A. Murray Book design by Lyrical Press, Inc. Cover Art by Renee Rocco First Lyrical Press, Inc. electronic publication: March, 2011 Lyrical Press, Incorporated 17 Ludlow Street Staten Island, New York 10312 http://www.lyricalpress.com eBooks are not transferable. All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. PUBLISHER'S NOTE: This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party Web sites or their content. Published in the United States of America by Lyrical Press, Incorporated
Dedication To my very dear friend and editor, Mary Murray…
Acknowledgements Thank you to the fabulous Piper Denna for inviting me to contribute The Lianhan Shee as part of the Irish Stories Collection, along with amazing authors: Jasmine Black, Emly Forrest and LK Below.
Chapter 1 Bored. That’s what she was. Below her perch on a rocky outcrop, a procession of drunken men staggered by in the wee hours through the swirling mist blanketing the ground, all casualties of last night’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. During the reveling she could have taken her pick of vulnerable young men, but for the first time in a millennia, had rejected them all. Hell. If word got out that the Lianhan Shee wasn’t interested in enslaving mortal men, the faerie folk would take great pleasure in mocking her. With no conscience, no remorse, she’d enslaved the hearts of countless men, all of whom had never once so much as touched her, but had been willing to give their very lives to please her. Nothing ever did. Millions of flowers, thousands of poems, gifts to befit a queen…the men went to their graves professing love eternal, and in reply she’d simply smiled and assured each of them she would be theirs alone…together forever in Tir-na-nOg--Land of Eternal Youth. Strange. It never seemed to bother any of the poor fools that the only way to get to Tir-nanOg was to die. In fact, the harsher she’d treated her besotted admirers, the more determined they’d become to win her heart. What heart? “Now, why the forlorn face, me lovely?” Fergal. Her shoulders sagged, and a soft groan escaped her throat. He was the last creature she wanted to see. Such fools, mortals, to adorn trinkets and food packages with leprechauns, who were not the cute and cheerful folk they supposed. And Fergal was the biggest exception of all. Even with his hat and boots, he stood barely to her hip. A fine down of red hair covered his pudgy body, and his rubbery looking skin stunk like mold. A bulbous nose sat between his ruddy cheeks, more the result from too much whiskey than from ever being cheerful. In fact, for as long as she’d known Fergal, he seemed to be in a temporal state of hangover, which made his demeanor grumpy at best. Now something akin to mischief glinted in his brilliant emerald eyes--his only redeeming feature. She crossed her arms and continued watching the crowd. “What do you want?” 1
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“Oh, nothin’. Just surprised is all, that you’re not down there seducing some poor soul into giving his life for you.” His sleazy expression repulsed her. “Wouldn’t be losing your touch, now would you?” “Don’t be an imbecile, Fergal. I don’t need your petty provoking this morning. Haven’t you got anything better to do? Besides, I am the Lianhan Shee. I don’t ‘lose my touch’, as you so eloquently put it.” A wry smile curled the edge of his mouth upward. Damn it. He knew he’d riled her. Smug little wretch. “No. No, of course not, lovely.” He took a pipe from his bright green jacket, stuffed some tobacco into it, then struck a match. “But you have to agree these modern folk are very different from folk in the past, aren’t they?” She shrugged off his observation. “I don’t believe so. Men are men. That fact will never change.” “Hmm, you think so, eh?” He puffed on the smoldering pipe, blew out some greenish-gray smoke, then leaned forward and peered at the men below. “Now then, let me see. There’s a big fellow...no, he’s gay.” She let out an exasperated sigh and rolled her eyes. “And those four over there? No. Football fans.” He shook his head and glanced up at her. “They’d already be drunk enough to think they were God’s gift to womankind. Not sure how effective your powers would be on that lot.” Anger welled and raced through her veins like molten lead. Blasted little gnome had some nerve interfering in her work. But, as a scorching reprimand scolded her lips, she knew in some ways he was right. Hell. Folklore magic was growing weaker by the day. She could no longer deny it. Once, a man had only to catch her eye and they were fatally smitten. Was it the times changing? Or had she? Admittedly, the repetition of her task had grown dull after a millennia, but now these modern men presented different problems. What strange and ridiculous creatures they were. Many found affection only in the eyes of their fellow men, whilst others blinded themselves with self-worth every time they opened their mouths. Hair care, fashion, emotions. How could she seduce a man by sight, if she couldn’t move his gaze away from the mirror? She hadn’t seen so much male flamboyance since the Renaissance. “Well?” Perfect. The little toad was still there. She scowled. “Well, what?” “I’ll tell you what, lovely. Just for a lark, what say we make a wager?” She wouldn’t trust Fergal not to cheat on any bet. “Exactly what kind of wager?”
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His smile broadened, revealing his yellow stained and chipped teeth. Charming. He pointed his pipe at the drunken mob. “Let’s say I choose your next suitor…” “And?” “And, if you can make him love you, I will grant you a piece o’ me lucky gold.” What a horrid creature. Yet no leprechaun worth his salt ever parted with his treasure. Lucky gold wasn’t just mere precious metal…each piece was a powerful spell that could grant the owner any one thing they desired. No. What he offered was too valuable--even to faerie folk. He must be up to something. She shrugged and straightened the sleeves on her amber gown. “Come now, Fergal. What would I want with a wish?” He crossed his arms and puffed on his pipe. “Oh, I don’t know. But why not look at it as currency for future use?” Bloody toad. He’d obviously guessed what she’d needed. Not gold. A challenge. Someone who’d give her a bit of sport rather than simply fall for her at first glance. She turned to face him. “And if I fail? Though, I must warn you, Fergal, it has never happened--ever.” “Understood, me lovely. I’m willing to take the chance.” He paced before her, a little jig in his step. “If you lose, you agree to be me companion for…let’s say…one hundred years.” Outraged, she shot him a fiery stare. “Insidious creature. And if I refuse to accept this ludicrous bet?” How she’d love to wipe the smirk from his podgy face. “Well, I’ll not think you the worst for it. I understand how intimidating it must be for you to accept a wager you might lose.” She clenched her hands, pursed her lips. Of all the impertinent… The vile little worm. She was no coward. Lord, he’d regret this. She would take his pathetic wager. And she’d make him pay. “Very well, Fergal. Don’t say you weren’t warned. Choose your target.” To her disgust, a gleam of triumph lit Fergal’s eyes, then he turned his attention to the now dwindling crowd. Minutes dragged by like hours. “Do hurry, Fergal. Before I change my--” “Him.” The leprechaun pointed down to a man staggering a short way behind the others. Obviously very drunk, her suitor tripped over his own foot, dropped to the ground and rolled onto his back. Another man hovered over her target, slapped him on the leg.
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“Careful, Aidan.” The merry voice echoed up and drew her attention. “You’re going to get lost if you don’t stay with me.” “You go on ahead, Garrett.” Her suitor laughed and waved his comrade away, who then stumbled off into the night. Humans were fools. “I know my way from here.” She held back a groan. “You’re kidding.” “No. That’s him, lovely. Oh, and by the way, you have one week.” A smile crept to her lips. A whole week. More than enough time to turn some drunken simpleton into her slave. Why, she’d had mighty kings willing to sacrifice entire empires to her within a single day. “Very well, Fergal. You have your wager.” With a chuckle, he tipped his hat then vanished. She hated when he did that. Arms crossed, she rapped her fingers lightly on her skin, took in a deep breath and studied her newest victim. Time to go to work.
Chapter 2 Fergal must have been joking. With great reluctance, she manifested beside the drunken human, who lay sprawled out on the lush green grass with a lazy grace. She shook her head. This had to be a mistake. Foolish mortal. If he only knew how easy it would be for her to ensnare him with her charms. And, so young too. Twenty-seven, twenty-eight, perhaps. Far too inexperienced to be considered sport. What had that stupid leprechaun been thinking? Surely, he was just having a laugh at her expense. Besides, her target wasn’t even the most handsome man she’d ever had to seduce. His brown shoulder length hair looked tousled, in need of grooming, though his clothes fit well enough. At first glance, he seemed similar to countless others she’d trapped, but…there was something undefined about his sculpted features. Intriguing. Perhaps…no. No. She would tell Fergal the deal was off. Without a sound, she turned to leave. “Is someone there?” Stopped by his deep husky voice, she turned back to the young man and stood behind him. How on earth had he heard her? She stared at him, perplexed. “I know someone is there.” He closed his eyes. A wide smile spread across his face, capturing her attention. “A lady? It is, isn’t it? Don’t be shy, I won’t bite. Besides, I can smell your perfume.” “I’m not wearing any.” Hell. The words had slipped out before she could stop them. “Ah, but you are, miss. In fact, with every breath I inhale you reveal a different scent. Now why is that? One moment rose, then lily, then another. It’s as though…as though Spring itself surrounds you.” Interesting. “Is that so?” His smile dissolved into a broad grin, revealing a dimple in his left cheek. “Oh, yes. I find it quite intoxicating.” She laughed. “Somehow, I don’t think it’s my scent intoxicating you. More likely half a dozen pints of stout and a measure of whiskey, to be sure.” He raised an unsteady hand to his face, stroked his chin and nodded. “Isn’t that the truth? I’m sure as hell going to regret it in the morning. It was all Garrett’s fault, but who cares? I’m drunk and that’s that. So then, tell me, are you real or just part of my inebriated fantasy?” Like pulling teeth. 5
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This task wasn’t off to a great start. She groaned, wishing to the powers that be for a bucket of cold water so she could sober up this foolish man and get matters over and done with. With a deep sigh, she crossed her arms. Fergal sat watching somewhere in the hilltops, laughing at her, the little bastard. Summoning her most alluring smile, she stepped next to her victim and leaned over him. “Why, I’m just part of your dreams, of course.” His eyes remained closed, but one of his eyebrows rose. “The girl of my dreams, huh? Been wondering when you’d come along. So, what is your name?” “Whatever you wish to call me.” She grinned inside. At last. He was obviously curious about her. Wouldn’t take too long now to ensnare him. He let out a breath, folded his hands upon his stomach. His breathing appeared steady, his broad chest rising and falling evenly. “Evelyn.” The smile faded from his face. “What do you think of that?” “Then Evelyn I am, sir.” “Sir? That sounds so old-fashioned. Call me Aidan.” “As you wish…Aidan.” “You have a beautiful voice, Evie. What color are your eyes, your hair?” Why didn’t he just open his bloody eyes? She’d no time for such childish games. Perhaps Fergal suspected this man would prove to be difficult, and that’s why he’d chosen him. Never mind. She would persevere. It would make her victory all the more sweet. “I am your dream, Aidan. How do you see me?” For the longest moment he fell into silence. Surely it had been a simple enough question? Most men she’d encountered over the centuries instantly envisioned her as their ultimate fantasy, each casting her in a mold of perfection as they saw it. To some she had blue eyes, to others brown or green. One moment she was tall and warriorlike, the next petite and demure. Child-bearing hips were generally a must, along with an unrealistic tiny cinched waist. And almost all had endowed her with breasts large enough to be considered unnatural, yet the massive globes were expected to defy gravity. Sighing, she leaned in to him, brows furrowed. He hadn’t passed out, had he? “Blue eyes…no, more blue-gray, like the color of the ocean in winter time.” His sudden comment startled her. At least he hadn’t gone to sleep. That alone would have been an incredible embarrassment. Imagine, the Lianhan Shee boring a man into slumber. She’d never live it down. “And, long hair, thick and black...” As he continued his description in detail, she transformed her being into the image he envisioned.
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Very little had managed to surprise her over time, but the body she created for him appeared to be, if anything, rather ordinary in stature. Had the man no imagination? By modern standards she would be considered average height, curvy build and modest bust. As her ethereal gown of amber gossamer shimmered and became garments of the period--jeans and a lavender sweater-she shrugged at his rather restrained choice. After all, he considered her part of his drunken dream. Why not go all out and picture her as the female his animal instincts craved? In that regard, she doubted any man was different. They may dress a certain way, talk politely or have beautiful manners, but their behavior was nothing but a mask to disguise the primal hunger that drove them. Lust. The fact she was the Lianhan Shee proved it. Men only had to glance at her to fall hopelessly under her spell. Love must be a far more meaningful emotion, going deeper than the surface of beauty and desire, she imagined. In all her time, she’d yet to find one creature to prove her wrong. So, long ago she’d come to a definite conclusion. Out of all the myths and legends since time began, love remained the greatest illusion of all. She sighed at the simple raiment she now wore. They weren’t the impressive, magical gowns men of the past had conjured for her to wear, but she’d take on whatever form necessary to achieve her goal. After all, she need only appeal to him, and him alone. **** Somewhere within the murky depths of Aidan’s shattered brain, a hammer pounded against stone. A thick fuzzy lining akin to fur coated his tongue and travelled part way down his burning dry throat. He had a brilliant hangover. In near agony, he rolled over and attempted to draw the blanket over his head. Only his hands couldn’t locate any covers. In fact, as he felt around him, he soon realized he wasn’t in his bed. Hell. How in God’s name did he get home last night? The fact he was sprawled on his lounge proved he had, though the details were nothing but a blur. The hammering in his ears became louder. Only this time, the sound emanated from his front door. “Aidan! Are you in there, man?” Christ. Garrett. As he rose from the couch, every fiber in his disheveled being warned him not to shout back, but if he didn’t the knocking wouldn’t cease. “Yeah, you bastard. I’m here.” He groaned, raised a hand to his forehead, steadied his legs as he rose from the lounge. Without a single word, his aching body smacked of ‘I told you so’. That was it. No more wild nights with Garrett.
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Though the man had stayed beside him since the accident, there had always been something about his friend that didn’t sit well. Shit. Who was he kidding? Garrett was his only friend. A roar of laughter echoed in the quiet house as he made his way down the hallway. “Come on, me boyo. Let me in and I’ll fix you a fry-up worthy of a king.” His coordination shot, he wrestled with the deadlocks, then opened the front door. “Get that bloody smirk off your face, Garrett. And shut the door behind you.” “Eh?” His friend locked the door and followed him into the kitchen. “How did you know I was smirking? All that alcohol last night cure your blindness?” He filled the kettle and switched it on. “Smartarse. I don’t need to be able to see what you’re doing. I’ve known you long enough.” Since they were ten years old. Throughout school, Garret had copied his homework and gotten him into more scrapes than he cared to admit. Though the adventures themselves had been exciting at the time, often it had been he who’d been made to suffer the fall, and Garrett suddenly nowhere to be found. Loyalty was a double-edged sword sometimes. “Fair call.” His friend’s voice rang with familiar mischief. “Thought perhaps that pretty little piece I saw you with on the green last night might have performed a miracle.” Pretty piece? He did recall a woman near him. He’d fallen over, and Garrett had left him to make his own way home. No. Surely she’d just been part of his drunken imagination. Though, the more he concentrated on the meeting, the more the details sharpened. Evelyn. His body tensed. For some reason, he felt suddenly uncomfortable discussing the woman with his friend. “I remember someone. Think I was too drunk at the time to care.” “Hell, man. I was halfway down the road and even I could see her. Not a bad sort, if I don’t say.” Aidan reached for a mug and fumbled it. The porcelain crashed into the sink. “Shit. I’ve got a headache that would kill a bull at the moment. Don’t ask me to remember stuff from last night.” “Sorry, mate. Just thought you might have gotten lucky, is all. I mean, must be a while since you’ve been laid. I reckon probably not since Trisha…” Anger whirled through him like a hurricane, into his balled fist. He hurled a mug into the darkness around him. The cup smashed against something hard. An awkward silence hung like a specter in the room. Ghosts of the past waiting to feast upon his misery crept from the shadowy corners, faded images of another lifetime flickering in a morbid reminder of everything he’d once had…and lost forever. His chest tightened and breathing grew constricted.
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“Bloody hell. I’m sorry, Aidan. I didn’t mean to bring her up. Shit, I’m such a bastard. It’s just that, well, I thought maybe that’s how you got home, that’s all.” He turned toward the sound of his friend’s voice. How did he get home? The feeling of being lighter than air came rushing back to him, along with the scent of roses. Had the mysterious woman helped him back? His stomach twisted. That was all he needed, to let some girl help him because he was blind and drunk to boot. What a great impression he must have made. It didn’t matter. He doubted he’d ever come across her again, and besides, he didn’t want her pity. He didn’t need anyone.
Chapter 3 Evelyn had watched Aidan’s friend leave his home and decided it was time to pay her wayward suitor a call. After their unorthodox introduction last night, she’d shimmered him back to the confines of his mortal dwelling, unwilling to leave him out where he might fall prey to the thugs who prowled the area at night. Why she cared for the foolish man’s welfare though, was quite beyond her. Perhaps she wasn’t caring at all, simply needed to keep him intact until she’d secured his affection. Yes. That was it. Then, she’d resign him to his fate as he tried, unsuccessfully, to win her non-existent heart. Satisfied with her reasoning, she manifested in Aidan’s darkened hallway. Doors were for mortals. Creeping into the lounge room, she became aware of the soft hum of water splashing. He was bathing? She approached a closed door, the sound became louder, and a sudden curiosity took hold. For the first time, she wondered what he looked like in his natural form. Strange. Such trivialities had never taken her interest in the past. All her suitors had gone to great lengths to show off their hardened bodies, demonstrated their undying loyalty with incredible feats of strength and daring. None of it had mattered. So, why, before this doorway, did trepidation prickle along her skin? A smile crept to her lips. She had to give Fergal some dues. At least this target was proving to be anything less than boring. She passed through the door, into the steamy room, and found her suitor clad only by a pane of frosted glass. Never having to bathe, she had always been fascinated with why mortals felt the need to immerse themselves in water and wash with mixtures of animal fat and perfumed oils. Many of her fated suitors had devoted huge sums of money and time at elaborate bath houses and steam rooms in an effort to cleanse and purify their bodies for approval. But as far as she was concerned, water was a magical element and shouldn’t be polluted with such filth as human waste. Shadowy movement heightened her attention. Last night she hadn’t the time to assess her quarry properly as he lay on the grass, and was thus surprised at his size. Above the edge of the shower screen, his drenched dark brown hair hung in sopping ringlets around the curves of his ears and forehead. His hazy silhouette revealed a broadshouldered frame that tapered down to a taut stomach and solid-looking legs. Any more than that lay disguised within the clouds of relentless steam billowing from the tiny cubicle. The water stopped, the glass slid open and a hand shot out to grab at her. She jumped back, forgetting she wasn’t fully manifested. Idiot. What had she been afraid of? It wasn’t like he could see her, or touch her. 10
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His hand located a white fluffy towel hanging beside her, clutched it and dragged it into the recess. She stepped back as he emerged, towel draped around his waist, and reached for a second cloth that hung on the back of the door. He stood there drying the rest of his body, and she examined him in more detail. What could it hurt to discover as much as she could about her latest victim? Perhaps he might give her some clue as to how she could seduce him. The faster the better, so she could return to her normal routine. Yes, he was the challenge she’d desired, but she could be treading in dangerous territory. Something yet undefined seemed missing from the equation. He dried his hair. Water beaded on his shoulders, then trickled down the length of his back, only to be absorbed by the wet towel clinging to his damp hide like a second skin. Strong, muscular legs extended from beneath the cloth, and he exhibited an athletic physique that surprised her. Although obviously a healthy specimen, he didn’t appear fearsome or mighty at all. Most men she’d seduced were usually of Herculean proportions--kings, nobles, warriors. Not one had ever attracted her physically or otherwise. In fact, she had never once consciously chosen her victims. It was the men’s own extreme lust that drew her to them--and led them ultimately to their demise. His head rose sharply, then turned to the side. “Garrett? Is someone there?” She shrunk back against the steam-drenched wall. No. Impossible. He couldn’t know she was in there…unless. Few mortals she’d come across over the centuries had the ‘gift’. Could he be one of them? He turned around. She froze. At last. She could see his eyes. Two magnificent amber orbs streaked with rich veins of old gold and brown earth seemed to look straight through her. She couldn’t recall ever having seen such a beautiful color. But, as she explored their brilliant depths, something disturbed her. One glance into her victims’ eyes allowed her to see into their soul and know the truth of what lay in their heart. That’s when she’d decide to seduce them. This man’s eyes revealed nothing. Was he so clever he could disguise his true nature from her powers? Such an event had never happened before. She suppressed a sickly sensation rising in her gut she suspected was fear. For the first time since her creation, she wanted to turn and flee from her target. No. To give up now would only satisfy Fergal that she was in danger of her faerie magic fading with modern men, that she was ‘losing her touch’, as he’d put it.
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Impossible. She was the Lianhan Shee. Men were just animals like any other--and this mortal would prove no different. **** Perplexed, Aidan wandered into the lounge room, towel draped around his waist. His skin bristled with the notion someone had been watching him in the bathroom. He sighed, ran a hand through his damp hair. Hell. Maybe he was going crazy. Garrett had warned him that staying home all day, every day, would start to warp his mind. Perhaps his friend had been right. Lately, he’d swear his mind had been playing tricks on him. Memories, once so sharp and clear, had begun to muddle together, resulting in frequent nightmares. What if he couldn’t recall what his parents had looked like? Or his friends? An unwelcome but familiar tremor rippled through his body, making his chest ache. Those fragile images were all he had to hold on to. All that linked him to his real life, not this endless purgatory he endured. Now he feared he was losing his sanity as well. In the bathroom, he thought he’d seen something--and, not for the first time. There were moments, fleeting seconds, when he’d been convinced his sight might have begun to return. Sometimes the fragments were nothing but a wall of gray instead of black, other times he thought he could see faint orbs of light. Each time, he’d return to his doctor to be tested, only to be told the ‘visions’ were nothing but the result of his brain still coming to terms with the lack of sight. He refused to give up hope and had tried many surgical specialists in vain. Not even the experts could predict if his eyesight would ever return. Blunt-force trauma head injuries often remained permanent. But this time…this time, he was positive he had seen what most psychics would call an ‘aura’, standing there before him in the bathroom. Perfect. What if he was seeing ghosts? Garrett would laugh his arse off. He smiled, shook his head, and started toward his bedroom. He was being stupid. Though he might be blind, he wasn’t dead. His crazed, jig-saw puzzle of an imagination had created the aura of a woman. Her curvy silhouette had sparked with iridescent flames of blue and silver fire, and sent his body into an unexpected state of arousal. Shit. It had been two years since he’d last made love to a woman. He was turning into a bloody monk.
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Against his better judgment, he sat down on the edge of the bed, rested his forehead in his hands and tried to conjure up the face of his ex-fiancée, Trisha. Five years they’d been together, had become engaged only days before the accident…before his life changed forever. Tall, leggy and blond, Trisha had been his ideal woman, and every one of his friends had envied him. But now, as he tried to focus on her beautiful features, a different image took their place. Another woman, but he didn’t recognize her as anyone he knew. Her gorgeous warm smile greeted him, paired with two large, misty blue-gray eyes flecked with lashings of silver and ebony. Black wavy hair framed a milky fair complexion and full, dusky pink lips curved into a seductive beacon which captivated his thoughts…and hardened his body. His dream girl? God only knew. He drew in a sharp breath, stood and went in search of his clothes. Still recovering from last night’s binge, he wasn’t in favor of another night out with Garret, but neither was he prepared to lose what was left of his mind to a beautiful figment of his imagination.
Chapter 4 Behind Kelly’s pub, Garrett paced the mouth of the dark alleyway. Foul odors of stale beer, urine and mold crept into his nostrils, threatening to stay there. Just how long he’d been kept waiting, he didn’t know. Little bastard. He rubbed his hands together, his fingers cold from the night air. Five more minutes, then he’d go home. Hell. Who was he kidding? He’d wait as long as it took to get his payment. Smiling, he shook his head. He’d thought he’d been dreaming when he’d first come across the leprechaun, had been certain the creature was nothing but the result of his drunken imagination. Myths and legends, that’s what they were, but when he’d stood face to face with one late one night after a bender at O’Donohue’s tavern, he’d known his luck had changed. He’d been dubious at first, then the strange little man had shown him some faerie magic and proven he was no whiskey induced illusion. This had been the break he’d prayed for after ten years of struggling at acting. The creature offered to make a deal with him. Such a simple task for him to do in exchange too. How could he refuse? All he had to do was introduce his best friend to a beautiful young woman who’d love the poor fool. Nothing bad about that. And besides, he and Aidan would both get what they wanted. Aidan would finally start to get a life and he would get the chance to make it big in the movies. Only catch was, he couldn’t tell his mate anything about the deal or the leprechaun would call it off. At least, he’d thought it was that simple. The heavy, gnawing sensation in his gut told him otherwise, but he brushed the notion away. Didn’t matter. Everything would work out. He’d known his friend a long time. The less Aidan knew, the better. “Well, me boyo. Glad you could make it.” Startled, he turned and peered into the darkness. “Is that you, leprechaun?” The stubby figure emerged from the shadows and stared up at him with piercing green eyes that made his stomach clench. He swallowed, took in a short breath. Gold glinted in the odd fellow’s pudgy hand. Garrett licked his lips, salivating. His future was so close he could taste it. “And, who else might you have been expectin’? The tooth fairy, perhaps?” The leprechaun’s yellowed teeth gleamed in the faint illumination from the street light. 14
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He took a step toward the creature. “Very funny. About time you showed up. I was beginning to think you had reneged on our bargain.” The leprechaun produced a small pipe, placed the end in his mouth and nodded thoughtfully. “I never go back on me word, friend…however, I don’t believe you have finished your task yet.” A heavy weight descended upon his shoulders. Bloody bastard. He just knew the creature would try something. “Now, listen, mate. Don’t go trying any of your little tricks on me. You wanted Aidan and the girl to meet. I arranged it. They met. End of job.” He thrust out his hand, surprised to find it shaky. “So, give me the piece of gold you promised...or else.” An unearthly chill fell upon the alley, sending a shiver up his spine. Silence surrounded them. Perhaps threatening a magical spirit wasn’t the best idea, but damn it, he needed that wish now. If he didn’t find a decent job soon… The creature’s eyes narrowed, almost glowed in the darkness. “You seem to have forgotten me terms, friend.” He averted his gaze, heartbeat racing. “What terms?” “Surely you remember? Now that the pair have been introduced, you must ensure your friend doesn’t fall in love with the girl.” He stared back at the little man. “Aidan’s not to fall for her? But, you said you wanted them to get close.” The leprechaun crossed his arms, a snarled smirk etched across his creepy face. “Ah, now that’s where you’re wrong. I merely said I wanted them to meet. And you are to watch them for one week, making certain he doesn’t fall in love with her…no matter what she does to try and make him.” His brow furrowed. The creature was insane. Had to be. The gold shimmered from the strange man’s hand, held him fixated like some kind of drug. “Look, you know about my friend. I told you about his problems, so I doubt if he’d go for your pretty bait anyway. You’ve got nothing to worry about, okay? Now, give me the gold piece.” “Not until you finish your task.” The leprechaun’s deep voice echoed like thunder down the deserted alleyway. Garrett stepped back, fearful of what might happen next. Shit. This deal was getting worse by the moment. Frustrated, he ran a hand through his hair, gazing at the elusive gold piece. “Fine. Okay. Have it your bloody way. I’ll watch them. I don’t understand why you’re going to so much trouble to have them meet, but not feel for each other. What’s your game?” A broad grin slid across the pudgy creature’s face as he walked back toward the shadows. “Don’t concern yourself, friend. I have my reasons.”
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Garrett looked at his watch. Six o’ clock. Crap. Better get back to Aidan’s in case the girl had showed up. Turning to leave, he paused and watched the leprechaun. “Fine. I mean, I might be able to sway Aidan, but I can’t guarantee what she will do. What if the woman falls for him?” The creature stopped cold, didn’t turn around. “She won’t.” If he wasn’t mistaken, the creature’s voice sounded almost uncertain. “Now, go.” The leprechaun vanished before he could reply, leaving him standing there wondering what the heck to do next. So much for his simple plan. **** Fergal sat down beside a stream and kicked at the thick bed of moss covering a rock next to him. Bloody hell. He’d always been so careful. Always so cautious. No one had ever outsmarted a leprechaun. Thought he’d considered everything, he did. But the words of the foolish mortal rang over and over in his ears--‘What if she falls for him?’ Only now he recalled the ancient lore that bound the Lianhan Shee, the love faerie who drew mortal men to their fate like a siren of the sea. Sure, and she could seduce any man she wished and they would become her slave. They would also die trying to please her and have her for their own, though none ever could. No man could ever resist her. He’d found Aidan and was certain the human might be the only one who could resist her charms. It was a possibility he had been prepared to bet on. Since he’d first laid eyes on her over a thousand years ago, he’d been desperate for a chance to have her, even for just a little while. But he had forgotten a very important point. If, by some miracle of the heavens, she were to fall in love with a human, then it would be she who’d become enslaved to the man forever…and become mortal herself. Damn it. Damn it. Damn it. If she allowed herself to fall for the human, he may win the bet if the mortal didn’t care for her, but he would still end up losing her forever. No. Such a thing was unprecedented. It couldn’t happen. Could it? He needed to think. His plans must change. Perhaps he could concede defeat and end the bet. No. That would mean giving up a piece of his precious gold. No leprechaun had ever parted with even the tiniest amount of their treasure. Frustration coursed through his veins like wildfire, made him clench his fingers into fists.
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He craved the Lianhan Shee for his own, but he wanted his gold more. Surely, there must be a way he could have them both.
Chapter 5 Heaven help Fergal if he’d led her on a merry chase. Fully materialized in human form, Evelyn stood before Aidan’s front door, knocking. Patience was not one of her virtues. Any other man would have been entrapped by her powers by now, lost to their fate. No. Not this mortal. He just had to be difficult. Fergal must be enjoying himself, certain he’d won their bet. But she had a plan. Determined, she knocked again, concentrating all her energies into making herself the epitome of her suitor’s dreams. All she needed was for him to take a look at her. One tiny glance. As she was about to knock, the door opened. Her hand collided with something firm and warm. Aidan’s chest. She froze in disbelief. His large hand clasped her wrist and held her there. Every molecule in her being exploded into flames with his touch. Each violent spark hissed and twisted together to form rivers of molten lava that rushed through her veins without control. She began to quiver, suddenly unable to cope with the forces working on her. The ground beneath her seemed soft, ready to give way. Waves of overwhelming and unprecedented sensations smothered her until she couldn’t breathe. Breathe? Her other hand shot out, and she grasped at thin air. What in hell was happening to her? She didn’t have lungs. But as the thought entered her mind, her throat tightened and she struggled to suck in oxygen. The urge to call out for help took control, but she didn’t have any friends, at least not in the mortal sense. She rarely associated with magic folk. No one would hurry to the aid of the Lianhan Shee. Her hand appeared to mold to his flesh. Flecks of brilliant light crackled and fizzed around it. The touch of his fingers on her skin scorched like fire, sent intense heat to her core. Shaking, she witnessed her skin break out in sheen of moisture she’d never seen before. A sprite? He must be. An evil faerie who’d cast a spell to destroy her. Dizziness clouded her thoughts and she struggled for breath. Eyelids heavy, she glanced up at her attacker, met his empty golden gaze. Oh… **** A knock came at the front door, and Aidan whipped it open. “It’s Garrett,” came from his friend. 18
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“Jeez. Get your arse in here,” Aidan grabbed Garrett by the t-shirt, hoisted his protesting friend into the hallway and led him to the living room. “Steady on, mate. What in heck is going on? It’s so dark in here, I can’t see a thing. You could at least turn on a light. Anyone would think you’ve gone and murdered…someone…” As his friend’s voice faded into silent disbelief, Aidan felt for the edge of the wall, flipped a switch and then crossed his arms. “She’s not dead.” There were some days when he’d wished he’d never gotten out of bed. The day of his accident was one of them, breaking up with Trish, another. Since his weird episode in the shower that morning, followed by the encounter with the stranger at the door, this was shaping up to be another day he’d rather forget. “Um, Aidan. Why is there a girl sprawled out on the couch?” His friend stood next to him, touched his shoulder. “Not that I don’t think you’re a lucky bastard.” He shrugged his mate’s hand off, turned and paced the kitchen. To his dismay, he knew exactly how many steps he could take from one side of the small space to the other before he’d run into a wall or bench. Hell. How often had he been so bored, that he’d memorized the floor plan of his unit? To anyone else, it would seem the sensible thing to do, considering his predicament. To him, it was just another step toward admitting he would never see again. He wasn’t ready to concede defeat just yet. “Shut up, Garrett. I don’t need your smart-alec comments.” “Settle down, settle down. Okay. So, how about you tell me how she got to be on your lounge then?” Aidan stopped, turned toward where the soft fragrance of rose emanating from his ‘guest’. “Happened about an hour ago. I answered a knock on the door and there she was.” “So, the sight of your handsome face just made her faint, huh?” “Garrett…” How he’d love to smack his mate’s mouth--if he could find it. “Okay, okay. Do you have any idea who she is? She looks kind of familiar.” “No.” That was a lie. He suspected she was the same woman who’d helped him home the night before, her soft scent invading his senses like a tidal wave. “I didn’t get to talk to her. She just seemed to collapse, but I managed to grab hold of her.” “You didn’t call an ambulance?” “And say what? The police would be very interested to know why there was an unconscious woman in my house.” A twinge of guilt nudged him. It hadn’t been the only reason. Holding her as he’d carried her into the living room, he’d been aware of the rush of so many strange sensations racing through him. He hadn’t felt so alive, invigorated, in years. An almost animal instinct had crept through him, made him possessive of the woman in his arms.
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Hell. Him. Possessive. He’d never even been that way about Trisha. All he knew was that this mysterious woman had everything to do with it, and he wanted to find out why. “Besides, she was breathing and her skin felt warm.” “At least you got her inside in one piece.” Fists clenched, he took a step toward his friend’s voice. “I’m not a bloody invalid, you know. I can still bench-press double what you can.” “Steady, I didn’t mean anything by it.” “Look, now you’re here, tell me if you think she needs to go to the hospital or not.” “Well…she doesn’t appear to be bleeding anywhere. Just looks like she’s asleep. If you like, I can check her over, see if she has any broken bones.” “Don’t touch her!” The harshness of his own voice startled him. “No problem, Aidan. I won’t. You okay?” He nodded, moved toward his chair and sat down. In all honesty, he wasn’t. At all. Deep inside he suspected it wasn’t merely the sudden appearance of a woman on his doorstep, but the fact he was being made to cope with a situation that would force him out of his comfort zone. Despite his staunch resolutions not to give in to his blindness, maybe he’d become a coward. **** Something was crushing her mind. She raised a shaky hand to her forehead, coughed and let out a soft groan. There were no words to describe what she felt at that moment, only that it was nothing like she’d ever experienced before. At least, she didn’t think she had. Hell. She wasn’t making any sense. “Hey, Aidan. Your little visitor is waking up.” A vaguely familiar voice echoed inside her head, made it thump and pulse. What she wouldn’t give for complete silence. “Miss?” She summoned the strength to pry open her eyelids, but was blinded by glaring light. Wincing, she closed her eyes, then slowly opened them again and tried to focus on the blurry vision before her. A face. A man’s face? “Can you hear me? You had fainted outside my home, but we think you’re not injured.” She blinked, stared into a pair of large deep golden eyes trimmed in long ebony lashes. Brown tousled hair framed a very masculine face set with full lips and a determined chin. A warm, tingling sensation rippled through her frame and settled in her toes. How lovely. A smile curled one corner of her mouth. A second face appeared before her, eyes cool, shallow and searching. Her smile fell away.
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“There. She’s coming round, mate. Told you she’d be all right. Tell you what. I’ll put on the kettle, she can have a cuppa, then I’ll see about helping her to get home.” Uncomfortable in her position, she glanced from one man to the other. “Who are you both? Why am I here?” She eased her body upward, rested against the lounge, and was dizzy from the movement. The man with the golden eyes reached toward her, palm open. “Are you feeling okay? Do you need to see a doctor?” Doctor? “I’m just feeling--” “Looks like she must have a terrific headache, I’d say.” The second man grinned at her, which sent shivers down her back. She didn’t know why, but there was something about the stranger she didn’t like. “Want a couple of aspirin, love?” “I…I don’t know.” “What’s your name?” the man with the golden eyes asked. She faced him and tried to meet his gaze, but he seemed to be looking past her. Her name? “I can’t remember.” “Shit, Aidan. Don’t tell me she’s got amnesia.” “Shut up, Garrett. Don’t frighten her.” A strange beating rhythm within her chest quickened, made her body tremble. Whatever was happening to her, she didn’t like it at all. Nothing around her seemed familiar. Maybe she was lost. Her vision blurred. She reached up and wiped water from her eyes. “What is going on?” The man with the golden eyes reached out, touched her arm, then trailed his fingers down to her hand and held it. The sudden warmth of his touch made the thumping feeling in her body slow, the moisture dripping from her eyes stop. She couldn’t reason why, but she didn’t want him to let go. “Don’t panic, okay? My name is Aidan. This is my friend Garrett.” Garrett. The gangly man grinning at her from across the room. “Wait a minute, Aidan. She’s the girl from the park last night, aren’t you, love?” “Park?” She turned back to Aidan, relieved he hadn’t tried to pull away from her. In his gentle grasp, she felt secure, safe. “I’m sorry. I don’t recall any of it. Do I know you both?” Aidan smiled, scratched his head. “To be honest, I’m not a hundred percent certain myself this morning. We, Garrett and myself, had a bit to drink last night. From what I can recall, I believe your name is Evelyn.” The soothing sound of Aidan’s husky voice stirred something akin to recognition within her. She nodded slowly. “Evie?” “Yes.” Aidan grinned, squeezed her hand. Excitement hurtled through her. She must be remembering. Had to be. “I do remember calling you that. You helped me to get home…which reminds me. Thanks.”
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She glanced down at his hand, which engulfed hers twice over, and touched his skin. Her fingertips tingled with amazing sensations she’d never felt before. “What would I have done to earn your thanks…Aidan?” To her disappointment, he removed his hand, straightened upright and looked down at her, his brow furrowed. Had she said something wrong? Garrett stood next to Aidan, a hand resting on his friend’s shoulder. “Ah, don’t pay Aidan any mind, love. Being blind, it’s not easy for him to accept help from anyone. Even me.”
Chapter 6 The bitch was lying. She had to be. After having spent a fruitless hour trying to persuade his friend not to get any more involved with Evelyn, Garrett paced along the pavement in front of Aidan’s unit. Evelyn? Hah! Well, whatever she chose to call herself, one thing was for certain. The woman had to be some sort of faerie or witch or something. Why else would the strange little leprechaun be so interested in her? There she’d sat in his best mate’s living room, eyes wide, innocent as a lamb. Amnesia! As if. The leprechaun had warned him she might try some sort of trickery to win Aidan over, but he didn’t think she’d resort to something as drastic as faking memory loss. And Aidan had fallen for it. In fact, his mate had felt so guilty about her situation, he’d offered for her to stay in his home until she could remember things. Of all the stupid, idiotic… Shaking his head, he crossed the road and headed toward O’Donohue’s tavern. He needed a drink. More than once, he’d pulled Aidan aside, tried to reason with him that perhaps it wasn’t the best idea to let a stranger stay with him--especially a woman. Even brought up Trisha, in the hope Aidan wouldn’t be interested in getting close to another woman after the way that heartless bitch had dumped him. Aidan had insisted he wasn’t doing anything more than helping the girl out--payback for her helping him home the night before. Aidan hated being in anyone’s debt. Very noble of the silly bastard, but all it did was make the job harder. Gold. The leprechaun’s treasure. The wish. Oh, but, how in the heck was he supposed to keep the two from getting close, when both seemed determined to do otherwise? He stopped on the step of the pub, a hand on the old wooden door. If she had really lost her memory, it would cause complications, surely. The leprechaun would want to know. But then again, she could be just playing a trick. Then the leprechaun would think him an incompetent fool, perhaps use that as another excuse to refuse him the gold. He groaned, rolled his eyes, and pushed hard on the pub door. Where in hell was that bloody drink? ****
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“You can sleep in my room.” Aidan fumbled with the refrigerator door, aware this woman was the first real company he’d been alone with since moving to the tiny town. Well, with the exception of Garrett, of course. He preferred to keep to himself these days. “I mean…I mean, I’ll sleep out here on the lounge.” Damn it. He couldn’t think straight. Her sweet scent clouded his thoughts. “Thank you, Aidan, for your kindness.” The sound of her voice shimmered like silk upon his skin. Soft and sensual…damned hard to ignore. His hardened body had certainly noticed it. Traitor. What he wouldn’t give to gaze upon her face. Get over it, man. Clearing his throat, he found the milk, closed the fridge door and moved toward the kitchen bench. “Hey, it’s not a problem, really.” “Your friend seemed to think it was. I don’t think he likes me very much.” He could hear her move slowly about the room. “Garrett? Don’t worry about him. He just gets a little uptight now and then. Since I became blind he kind of hovers over me, insisting he help me all the time.” “Do you need his help?” Good question. “I guess, sometimes, maybe. Everyone needs a friend, right?” He turned the kettle on. “Coffee?” “Coffee?” “Would like you like some? Or, tea perhaps. I’m sure I still have some somewhere in here.” Christ. He was a terrific conversationalist. Tea. Coffee. Boring. Once, he’d been able to discuss politics, art, sports…since when had he stopped? Or, more so, why? **** Alone, she stood in the strange little blue room, a thick white cloth in her hands. Aidan had suggested she take a shower. Only problem--what was a shower, and where should she take it once she found out? The fact she didn’t know bothered her no end. Unsure of what to do, she surveyed the walls around her, surprised to see the reflection of someone she didn’t recognize staring back at her. She reached out and touched the unfamiliar face with her fingertips. Oh, why couldn’t she remember who she was? She looked down, examined the clothes she was dressed in, and peeking under the blue fabric spied her stomach and torso. So. This is what she looked like. Glimpses of Aidan’s bare chest flashed, sent tingles rippling through her being and brought warmth to her cheeks. Had she ever seen him with no shirt?
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She discarded the rest of her clothing, opened the door and walked out into what Aidan referred to as the ‘living room’. “Aidan?” He was standing where he liked to make coffee, talking into a little black thing in his hand. “About the shower…” He raised his other hand, nodded, stopped talking into the little black thing. “Sorry, Evelyn. Thought you might be hungry, so I ordered some take-away. Hope you like Chinese.” She reflected his brilliant smile. “I also hope I like Chinese.” He walked toward her, laughed, reached out one hand. “Glad you’ve got a sense of humor. You’ll need it around here. Sorry. Right. The shower. Having problems? I should have mentioned that the cold tap gets a bit stuck and you have to…” As he touched her bare shoulder, his fingers traced down her chest. Chills raced along her skin, making her gasp in awe at her body’s reaction. “Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize… Where is your towel?” Disappointment washed over her as he took his hand away. She liked it when he touched her. There was something in the warmth of his skin that made her feel light, happy. Strangely content. A sensation like nothing she could recall, ever, and the only thing she could be sure of. Before she replied, he brushed past her and into the bathroom, as he’d referred to it. For some reason, he seemed unhappy with the fact she had no clothes on. She looked down at her curvy frame. Even though he couldn’t see, perhaps he didn’t like to touch her. Maybe she offended him somehow. She followed him to the room and found him reaching into a small cubicle. “Okay, Evelyn. This should do it.” A sudden hiss echoed and water sprayed into the space from a shiny silver spout near Aidan’s head. Tiny droplets danced across his forearms as he stepped back from the stream. “A shower?” Amazed, she reached forward, allowed the warm misty spray to coat her hand. A smile crept to her face. Beautiful. Tentatively she entered the tiny space. Soft steam billowed all around her. “Oh, heavens.” The sensation of hot water tingling on her body was nothing short of magical. Every nerve and fiber of her being sprang alive, became acutely aware. Her flesh relished each delicious trickle running down her frame only to be lost in the swirling whirlpool at her feet. “I’ll, uh, leave you to it then, Evelyn. Shout if you need anything.” As he turned away, she grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the cubicle. She didn’t want him to miss such a fantastic experience. Surely he’d enjoy the shower as much as she. **** She’d been naked. He was sure of that now. And he’d grabbed hold of her in the living room like some blind idiot.
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Then again, he was some blind idiot. Standing in the bathroom as she showered before him, he felt like the elephant in the room. Didn’t it bother her at all that he was there? It should. Shouldn’t it? Just because he couldn’t see her, the fact he was a man, alone with her, that she barely knew him, should have made all the difference. Now she seemed hell-bent on getting him into the shower with her. For God’s sake, didn’t the woman have any notion of what she was doing? As her wet fingers encircled his wrist, a soft groan escaped him. This wasn’t right. She’d lost her memory. Christ, she might be spoken for. He’d be taking advantage. He reached out with his other hand to free himself, touched her forearm, and marveled at how good she felt beneath his fingertips. So damn hard to let go of her. Soft and womanly. A mosaic image composed of every woman he’d ever met manifested. Then, through it all, his mind’s eye focused on two beautiful blue-gray eyes, misty and wild like a stormy ocean. “Evelyn…” Hot water sprayed along his arm and wet his shirt. “Aidan, thank you so much. This shower is truly wonderful.” He shook his head, unsure what to say. Snap out of it. He should leave her be. “Well, I guess it’s not too bad. I used to have a much better one--” Surprisingly strong, her grip on his arm tightened, pulled him forward and into the stream. “Hey!” A gurgle of excitement came from her as he wiped water from his face. Water pounded on his back, soaked him right through his clothing. “Isn’t it wonderful?” The innocent awe in her voice caught him off guard. Surely the woman had showered before. “Are you enjoying it?” He nodded, wiped his face, tried not to laugh. “It’s different. Though, I don’t usually shower with my clothes on, Evelyn.” A startled gasp came from her. “Yes. Of course. You’re right. It will feel so much better against your skin without those coverings. You have to try it. Here, let me help you.” He jumped as her fingers touched his chest and went to work on undoing the buttons of his drenched shirt. Hell. His heartbeat raced. What was happening to him? He shouldn’t be here with her. God help him if she wasn’t nimble. She pushed his shirt back over his shoulders, let the soaked fabric trail down his arms and fall. It hit the floor with a heavy splat. Water hit directly on his back. “There.” Triumph laced her tone. Her fingers traced down along his heaving chest to his taut stomach. “Does that feel better?” The girl had no idea.
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Fierce heat pumped through him, tempered every muscle in his body into hardened steel, made his manhood ache with appetites long forgotten. With one arm, he reached out and braced himself against the shower wall. He was in trouble. “Are you all right, Aidan?” Her gentle touch on his cheek sent fire flaming along his skin, and the water was no protection from the scorching. Inside, he would bear the scar of her brand forever. A tidal wave of mixed emotions rushed at the blockade he’d set up years ago to protect himself from the pain of being hurt again. Lust. Desire. Loneliness. Each cried out within him, demanded to be heard. Through the heavy steam, he drew in a deep breath and swallowed hard. Control was fast slipping away. For so long he’d craved a woman’s touch, but feared rejection. Holding her wrist, he closed his eyes and pressed his face against her palm. His fingers trailed down along her slender arm, warm trickles of water leading the way to her bare shoulder. He licked his lips, imagined he was gazing into her eyes as he gently clasped the back of her neck, leant in and drew her close. With the slightest hesitation, he brushed his cheek along hers, breathed her in. God in heaven, she smelled good. The soft fragrance of warm summer rain on roses captivated his senses, intoxicated him completely. A vision came of her beckoning smile, warm, full inviting lips, making him shiver despite the hot water that rippled relentlessly across his shoulders and the length of his body. A smile crept to his mouth. She was right. Every tiny droplet hitting his body felt amazing, an endless patter that drummed in sync with his rapidly beating heart. He slid his fingers around her neck to her jaw line and cupped her petite chin. A soft sigh escaped her as he nuzzled his nose next to hers, brushed her mouth with his lips. The water joined them, a warm ribbon of tantalizing nectar, tempting him to drink. Never was there a more thirsty man than he. He took her lips, drinking in her sweetness with an urgency that surprised him, and fast turned to hunger. She seemed awkward under his heated advances, as if unsure of what to do next. Perhaps she was uncertain of him after all. He deepened the kiss, touching his tongue to hers, and she shivered against him. Pushing her body up against the tiles, he reached and found her hip, followed the seductive curve of her body downward over her buttock, then clutched her silken thigh. By God, she was perfect. Too perfect. She had to belong to someone else.
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“Evelyn.” His voice sounded hoarse, almost surreal against the echo of the shower. Pulling away from her lips and touch was akin to torture. His body threatened mutiny for being left hollow at the promise of sensual fulfillment. But the dark shadows of doubt and disillusion had made him see reason. No woman could ever seriously love him, and he’d be a fool to believe otherwise. His heart and soul had been torn from him long ago. He had nothing left to give. “I…I’m sorry. Forgive me. Thank you for the shower.”
Chapter 7 Alone in his bedroom, Aidan stripped off his wet pants and sat on the edge of the bed. He’d just walked away from a gorgeous, naked woman in his shower. Damn. Once, a long time ago, he’d have jumped at such an opportunity. Hell. She’d certainly been willing enough…or had she? Through all the intense physical emotions that’d been hurtling around his aroused body, he’d sensed she wasn’t trying to seduce him, merely wanted to share the experience of the water. Oh God. A heavy, cold weight sunk in his gut. Maybe she’d lost not only the memory of her identity, but the knowledge of everyday life. That couldn’t happen. Could it? The revelation shook him to his core. If it were true, she would be helpless, afraid, uncertain…and very much alone. No wonder she seemed to be acting strange. Losing sight was one thing, but surely it couldn’t compare to forgetting everything. Which was one of his deepest fears. His memories were all he had left. The thought of losing them…it was too much to even contemplate. He buried his head in his hands and sighed. Bloody hell. He’d been such a selfish bastard keeping her here. And worse--he’d come on to her. Evelyn needed help. Real help. Come morning, he’d call the hospital, try to find out who her family was and where she belonged. She’d leave him then. His chest tightened and heartbeat fluttered. What was he afraid of? “Aidan?” Evelyn’s soft, hypnotic voice startled him. Shit. Where did he put his towel? “Just give me a moment, Evie.” He scrambled to find the wretched cloth, but it was nowhere to be found. “I’ll get dressed and be right out.” A floorboard creaked, alerting him to her presence just inside his doorway. Then the soft scent of roses confirmed she must be right behind him. Being unable to know when or how he was being watched never sat well with him. Lord, how he hated not being in control. “Are you all right, Aidan? You looked sad when you left the bathroom. Did I do something wrong?” A deep sigh escaped him, but he didn’t turn around. “No, Evelyn. If anything, I shouldn’t have gone so far just now. Shouldn’t have touched you like that.” 29
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The Lianhan Shee “Why?” “Because you can’t recall anything…or anyone. And it would only be taking advantage of
you.” The sudden touch of her fingers along his arm sent goose bumps scattering across his body. Hell. He felt like he was sixteen again, and fooling around with Mary Kinney in her father’s old boat house. He’d never been so on edge, had been nauseous waiting for the wooden door to burst open and Mr. Kinney to enter with a shovel ready to beat him. He and Mary hadn’t got caught, but the thrill and the fear, he would never forget. Evie’s other hand rested on his shoulder. Tiny sparks flared throughout his being, igniting a fire he prayed to keep under control. He closed his eyes, breathed in deep. “But I like it when you touch me, Aidan. I can’t explain it…you just feel right to me.” He reached up, clasped her hand and turned around. “You like it when I touch you?” “Yes.” He could hear the smile in her reply. “And the warmth in your voice when you say my name.” She took his hand and placed it over her heart. Her damp, warm skin felt incredible. Oh God. “There. Can you feel it? My insides race whenever I’m near you. It’s such a strange feeling, so hard to describe.” Her tone was suddenly tinged with sadness. “But I don’t think it’s a bad thing...do you?” “What’s wrong, Evie?” “I sensed that perhaps my body offends you. That’s why you didn’t wish to be near me.” His every muscle tensed. Was she mad? He reached for her shoulders and held them tight. “Evie. I don’t need eyes to see you’re beautiful. Don’t ever think you’re not.” His breath caught, and his groin tightened as she leaned into him. The feather-soft warmth of her mouth brushed against his. A knot lodged in his throat. “Evie, are you sure this is what you want?” “Yes. I don’t know who I was before this moment, but I know how you make me feel. You make me smile, laugh. I want to be with you.” Her lips pressed firmly against his with an awkward kind of innocence, then pulled away. He touched her cheek, then cradling her chin, grazed her lower lip with his thumb. A wry smile creased his lips. “And I want to be with you…more than you know.” His mouth closed over hers in a searing kiss that threatened his senses. Never had he tasted anything so glorious as the rich, sweet abundance of her lips. With each subtle movement he found her responses became more urgent, demanding. Delicious little feminine moans vibrated from somewhere in her throat. He touched her tongue with his, and his heartbeat leapt at the thrill. “Aidan.” Her husky whisper danced in his ears, sent heated blood racing to his manhood. His body was hard, tensed with desire that now refused to be denied. They wanted each other. Letting her go now seemed impossible. A miracle had happened. He needed her. ****
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Breathing became a challenge as Aidan nibbled at her earlobe, dropped hot little kisses down her neck and onto her bare shoulder. With each tender touch came an aftershock so exhilarating it was all she could do to remain standing. Had she ever felt like this before? She couldn’t get enough of his touch, his embrace. His earthy masculine scent surrounded and ensnared her, making her giddy with desire. She never wanted the feeling to end. As he held her waist and drew her against him, he traced down along her chest, her breasts and the curve of her buttocks with searching caresses that missed nothing. Her heartbeat pounded, and her head spun. She was losing control. Such intense emotions she’d never known before. Could not have. A gasp caught in her throat as he cupped one of her breasts, lowered his head and took her nipple into his mouth. Delicious shudders trembled through her. “Aidan…” Her body called out to his, longed for his embrace. Every spark of excitement made her shiver long after his scorching lips left her skin. What divine torture this was. She craved more. Lost as his mouth consumed hers in a blaze of heated desire, she felt his hands slide down the small of her back, clutch at her thighs, sweep her up against him. Any doubt she’d read earlier in his face was brushed aside. She couldn’t understand why he’d tried to push her away, but whatever his reasons, she refused to let him believe he wasn’t desirable. The euphoria enveloping her more with every moment proved they belonged together. And no matter her real identity, she had never felt this way about any man before. It was impossible. Clutching the back of her hair, he pulled away from her lips, panting, and rested his forehead against hers. “You are so beautiful, Evelyn.” He reached out with his leg, touched the edge of the bed, then sat down on the pale blue covers, pulling her with him. With a smile, she pushed him onto his back, straddled his waist and ran her fingers along his chest. “Oh God, Evie.” She marveled at each sculptured muscle as they flexed under her touch and wondered if he was enjoying the moment as much as she was.
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He clasped her thighs and traced them with his hands up to her waist, then took hold of her breasts. With fascination she watched as he rolled her nipple between his thumb and forefinger, and gasped as she felt an unfamiliar tingling and tightening between her legs. Instincts now alive, her passion for him ignited, she shifted her hips against his with an urgency she didn’t understand, but didn’t need to. The world around her ceased to exist--there was only Aidan. A deep growl rumbled from him. He wrapped his arms around her and turned her onto her back, then rested alongside her. Finding her neck with his mouth, he ran his fingers down the length of her quivering frame. With each long, sensitive stroke her skin erupted in a burning wave of pleasure. Her hips arched upward as she sought some kind of respite from the shattering chaos overwhelming her. The tension within her increased. His kisses travelled to her breasts, and as he took a nipple in his mouth, she cried out. Her throat went dry, and when he reached down, seeking the moist warmth between her thighs, she could barely catch her breath. Through the soft dark hair at the junction of her thighs, he stroked a part of her she swore was the center of every emotion in her being, conjuring a reaction so intense she clutched his shoulders and cried out for him to end the torment. Instead, he seemed to be enjoying her distress. He leaned forward, kissed her belly, then felt inside her in such a way she couldn’t comprehend it. Heartbeat racing, she writhed beneath him. “Aidan…I…I…” “By God, Evie.” His voice sounded strained, and he panted heavily. “I could be wrong, but it doesn’t seem like you’ve been with a man before. I mean…I can stop if you want me to.” The blissful fog around her seemed to be clearing, but she didn’t want it to go away. Something urgent, primitive, demanded to be sated. She reached up and caressed his cheek. “No. Don’t leave me now, Aidan. I want your touch.” Lips pressed together, he nodded slightly, then shifted his weight above her. He parted her thighs, and stroking her sensitive nub, lowered his waist between her legs. “Hold onto me, Evie.” A lump formed in her throat as something large and hot pressed into the channel where his fingers had been only moments before. “Aidan…” “God in heaven.” A deep groan escaped him. His body shook above her, every muscle quivering as he continued to enter her. “So damn tight.”
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As he drew her thigh up against him and thrust hard into her, a fierce burning sensation tore at her loins. Pain mixed with intense pleasure and threatened to make her come undone. She cried out and arched against him, drove her nails into his taut, hot flesh. Face buried in his neck, she fought to breathe. Water appeared in her eyes from nowhere and trickled down the sides of her face. With a strange mix of frustration and relief, she felt his body stop moving, allowing her to catch her breath. He rested his cheek against hers, whispering in her ear, “I know, Evelyn. I’m with you.” She needed to be with him, to trust him. Taking the firm, luscious lips he offered, she kissed him deeply. “Yes,” she whispered, and he joined with her once more, moving back and forth in a slow, sensual rhythm. Between her legs, he coaxed her nub until she became lost in the fog of blissful chaos. With each incredible movement of him within her, she arched her back, took him in even further, gasping with each new depth. He groaned. “Oh yes, Evie.” Claiming her mouth, he demanded her tongue, devoured it with his own, stroking inside her. Faster, more feverish. Wild excitement welled up inside her, thrilling her beyond measure. The nameless urge hidden deep within craved release. She began to move with his rhythm. Forced him onward, harder and faster, riding with him the wave of overwhelming tension threatening to destroy her with its power. As she held onto his shoulders, he surged forward once more and everything around her melted into insignificance. Heat rushed to her head, and the coil within released its devastating effect. Her body rippled with aftershocks. He shuddered above her, muscles drawn taut, crying out as if in pain. Her heartbeat pounded in her chest. Strange silvery speckles danced before her eyes. Closing her eyelids, she breathed in deeply, reveling in the scent of him and their passion. Slowly, he withdrew from her and crumpled alongside her on the bed, panting. A strange smile of immense satisfaction crept to her parched lips. He certainly didn’t seem to object to her body now. Oh, how she wanted to hold him, caress him, kiss him-A cold sensation flooded her body, forcing away the euphoria of moments ago. Fear crept through her as the room seemed to be spin around her, and nothing she did could stop it. What was happening? She wanted to reach out for Aidan, but her hand wouldn’t move. Something seemed to be holding her back. As the world came back into focus, she blinked her eyes, and a sudden wave of realization overcame her. Her lips parted in shock.
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Chapter 8 Evelyn stared at the ceiling. Her body burned like molten fire had penetrated every nerve, and her stomach clenched. A rush of thoughts, memories…and feelings made her dizzy. With grave hesitation, she glanced around the room. Aidan lay next to her, his naked body glistening with a fine sheen of moisture. His eyes were closed, his chest rose and fell with deep breaths. Asleep, perhaps. By the saints, she hoped so. She closed her eyes, heartbeat racing. Images of them together danced before her like some sort of impossible dream. Of being in his arms, his lips upon hers, the exquisite sensation of his weight and her joined with him as one. Her fingers twitched and body tensed. It was all too much. Hell, she’d been mortal. No. It couldn’t be… But she had been. And if the awkward soreness between her thighs was any indication, she still was. **** “I take it you have some good tidings for me?” Fergal fully expected to be told his plan had succeeded, that the Lianhan Shee had failed to seduce the human. Not a week perhaps, but a fast bet was more desirable than waiting it out. An odd feeling of satisfaction settling over him, he lit his pipe and inhaled the thick green smoke. So few things had ever pleased him over the centuries, but the fact that he would have his gold and the love faerie to call his own, at least for a while, filled him with a sense of gratification like no other. One hundred years would pass very quickly, but oh, how he would savor every moment. “No, I don’t.” The mortal’s statement jolted him. Smiling wryly, he removed his pipe. “I believe you’re jesting with me, eh?” In the haze beneath the foggy streetlight, the human squirmed, obviously hiding something. “Your friend, the woman. She isn’t human, is she?” So, the mortal wasn’t quite as stupid as he’d thought him to be. Not that it mattered. Fergal shrugged. “She is flesh and blood, isn’t she?” “Oh yeah, she’s real enough, all right.” The human paced, shook his head. “But we appear to have a problem.” The grin fell away from his face. “What kind of problem?” 35
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“Something happened. I’m not sure what, as I wasn’t there at the time. Whatever it was, it seems to have affected her.” He straightened his posture, raised an eyebrow. “Aye? In what way?” “She…she’s lost her memory.” A smirk returned to his lips. “Ah, that be a trick, is all.” “At first, I thought so as well. But I believe she really has. I can’t describe why I think so. There was something in her eyes, though. She seemed…lost.” A pang of fear rattled through him, but he tried to disguise his growing angst. The idiot had to be wrong. Hell and damnation. He should turn the miserable wretch into something for making him worry. “And why would you believe that? I warned you she was crafty.” “Perhaps. But she seemed afraid to let go of Aidan.” His pipe dropped to the cobblestones, the sound echoing along the alleyway. “Saints among us. She touched him?” “How else could he have carried her to the couch.” Fergal removed his hat and scratched his aching head. Things were not going according to plan. And the stupid human wasn’t making the situation any better. Such a simple task it should have been to split the couple up. Bah! He would need to take matters into his own hands. Placing his hat firmly on his head, he stuffed the pipe into his jacket. He couldn’t let on that there might be something wrong, else the idiot would start demanding his piece of gold. Even though he had absolutely no intention of ever parting with it, he still might require the foolish man’s assistance. He waggled a pudgy finger at the mortal. “I still say she is fooling the both of ye, but just to be sure, I will get you something that will make certain of it.” **** Dressed in one of Aidan’s long shirts, Evelyn sat cross-legged on the couch, trembling. While Aidan slept, she’d crept out of the bedroom, unsure what to do. None of her powers worked and at the notion she might be trapped in her mortal body permanently, fear joined the array of new emotions bombarding her. With a heavy sigh, she dropped her head into her hands, eyes welling with unwelcome tears. This couldn’t be happening. Not to her. She was the Lianhan Shee. Her entire reason for being had been to entrap men who’d held nothing but lust in their souls, make them desire her, want her…love her, then force them to suffer for their foolishness. Never was she meant to show compassion or remorse, let alone affection. And what of love?
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Such emotion wasn’t real. It couldn’t be. She’d witnessed countless times over the centuries the greed and self-centered actions of her fated suitors. Love was just a myth. The fact she’d been touched by a mortal and now felt everything around her was not a good sign. If she had no heart, then why did she ache so much inside? With the return of her memory came recollection of her bet with Fergal. Wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, she sniffed back a sob. For the first time in her existence, the way ahead seemed unclear. Things weren’t supposed to happen this way. All she had to do was seduce the human. Fergal. A surge of heat tingled through her body, and she clenched her jaw. The wretched leprechaun had known the human was blind--an unfair advantage in their wager. Frustration welled within her. How could she have been so careless? Touching him had never been part of the plan. **** Barely waiting for the door to open, Garrett pushed his way into Aidan’s hallway. “Won’t you come in?” The sarcasm in his friend’s tone didn’t go unnoticed, but he didn’t care how Aidan felt. He needed to know what had happened since he last saw them--his very future depended upon it. With some trepidation, he entered the living area and scanned the room. Empty. “So…our lovely friend still here then?” “Of course. She’s in the bathroom. Where else could she go? Besides, I’ve decided to take her to the clinic tomorrow and--” “No need to be hasty.” The urgency in his own voice surprised him, made his friend’s brows furrow. Shit. That’s all he needed. Not only was he arse deep in trouble with the doubletalking leprechaun, but having the authorities discover Evelyn wasn’t human would really take some explaining. He reached into his pocket, clutched a smooth metal object there. A knot formed in his throat. No. There must be another way. “I mean, perhaps she just needs a little more time is all.” “Why the sudden change of heart? From what I recall, you couldn’t wait for me to get rid of her.” Christ. “I’m…I’m just curious to see if she comes round. I know you’re growing fond of the girl, Aidan, but what do you really know about her?” “I know enough.” Aidan crossed his arms. Bloody hell. He knew that look. “I didn’t want to tell you, but the night she found you in the park, she’d also tried to chat me up just moments before--” “Liar!” Aidan grabbed his t-shirt with such force it knocked the wind from his stomach, then shoved him up against the wall.
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“Aidan.” He gasped, choked out the word. What had he done? He’d never seen such a fierce reaction from Aidan before. The burning anger flaring in his friend’s eyes confirmed just how deeply he cared for the woman. Things were getting worse. “It’s the truth. You have to believe me…I’m your friend.” Aidan released him, and he slumped to the floor. He could see the confusion warring with emotion on Aidan’s face. “My friend? You were just hoping she’d remember you instead of me, is that it?” “No. I swear it. I just think she’s pretending. I didn’t want you wasting your time and money on her medical expenses when she’s just playing you.” “She’s not!” “Oh, shit.” He stared at the conviction in his mate’s expression, then slumped against the dining table. “You’ve had her, haven’t you?” “That’s none of your bloody business.” “Maybe. But I’m just trying to look out for you.” “Bullshit. In all the time I’ve known you, Garrett, you’ve only looked out for one person-you.” Never once had Aidan told him off like that. A twinge of guilt washed over him, but he tried to ignore it. “Come on, mate. That’s not true. We’ve always stood together, no matter what.” Aidan turned away, shaking his head, and walked toward his bedroom. “No. I’ve always stood by you, Garrett…even when you deserted me.” “No. Come on, Aidan--” “Get out, Garrett.” As Aidan disappeared from the room, the bathroom door opened and a slight figure emerged from the steam filled room. Evelyn. Reaching into his pocket, Garrett withdrew a shiny gold bottle, held it tight. Glancing at the bedroom doorway for Aidan’s return, he crossed his arms and approached the woman. Damn her. He wanted his wish and no bloody witch was going to stop him. He’d tried to do what the leprechaun wanted, his way. But the time for talk had passed. “Hello, Evelyn. Feeling better, are you?” She glanced at the bottle, then back at him, eyes wide. A smile creased his lips. “Now then, lovely. No need to look so concerned.” He leaned in toward her, whispering, “In fact, I brought you a little present.”
Chapter 9 “I don’t want anything from you, Garrett.” Evelyn, dressed in her jeans and sweater, wrapped her arms around herself and stepped back from the approaching man. So many things were new to her, but one sensation remained the same. She didn’t like him. He stopped and licked his lips, dangling the glittering bottle in front of her. She wasn’t certain what the golden flask contained, but one thing she was sure of--Garret had somehow discovered her true identity. “Come now, I thought you’d be pleased to see me. Especially as now I’ve found someone who knows who you are.” She edged her way around the room, the hair on the back of her neck on end. “I don’t need your help. I recall who I am.” “Yes…so I see.” He sighed, placed the bottle on the table between them. “Look, Evelyn, or whoever you are. I’m not here to make any trouble for you. I know all about your little deal with the leprechaun and the fact is, we just want to help.” Ice ran through her veins. “How kind of you both.” She glanced at the table. He smiled. “Listen, love. I know you’ve lost most of your powers, or whatever it is you have.” He picked up the bottle, placed it down directly in front of her and met her gaze. “All you have to do is drink this and everything will go back to the way it was.” A door creaked opened. “Evelyn?” Aidan’s voice echoed from the bedroom. “Shit.” Garrett glanced at the doorway, then leaned across the table and whispered, “Listen to me. You don’t belong here. We both know it. Your friend told me to tell you he will release you from your agreement if you just drink this.” Fergal must have sent it. Waters from the Misty Lake, no doubt. Legend told that a few drops could bring a soul, mortal or magical, back from near death. But the precious liquid would have come at a price. What had Fergal done? Emotions warred within her as she reached out with a shaky hand and clutched the cool metal flask. There was little point in lying to herself. She had begun to care for the human. A sensation she couldn’t deny, yet all she’d ever known was how to keep men at a distance. Make them suffer for her. Could she make Aidan suffer? In her hands was the way to regain her immortality. If she drank it, she might still be able to win Fergal’s damned bet and wish for Aidan’s sight to return. But the moment he saw her, she would not be able to stop him from looking into her eyes, falling for her. He would be doomed. 39
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Oh God. She held the bottle against her chest, sucking in a deep breath. A strange, hollow pain ached within her. To hell with all these feelings. She hadn’t asked for them and didn’t want them. Was this in some way how the men she’d destroyed over time had felt? “Yes. Drink up.” Garret slipped into the hallway and poked his head around the corner. “One sip, Evelyn, and your life will go back to normal. You’ll never have to worry about Aidan again.” **** Aidan wasn’t certain just how long he’d sat there alone in the living room. Hours, perhaps. He didn’t really care. After coming out from the bedroom earlier, he’d expected to find Evelyn dressed and ready to have a quiet dinner with him. He’d used the time whilst she’d showered to think of what to say to her, to tell her how he felt about them making love. His mind had drawn a blank. The Chinese food he’d ordered sat idle on the dining table, long since turned cold. Where in God’s name was she? He’d searched everywhere around the unit. Checked the bathroom in case she’d had an accident, even stumbled his way around the neighborhood outside in the vague hope she may have decided to get some air. A cold sensation clenched his gut. She was gone. More than once, he’d thought about phoning Garrett to check if perhaps he’d seen her. But every time he dialed, the words he’d last spoken to his friend rang in his ears--‘get out’. In frustration, he dropped the phone and ran a hand through his hair, sucking in a deep breath. Not since the day he lost his sight had he ever felt so alone. He could still see the clear blue waters off the Greek Isles, smell the aroma of the sea, taste the delicious wine he’d chosen to celebrate his engagement to Trisha. Young, successful, in love… he’d thought he held the world in the palm of his hand. That nothing could stop him. Except a truck with no brakes. Ten thousand times, he’d played out in slow motion those last moments as his car drove around the bend and into the path of an out-of-control cattle truck. He flinched as the sound of Trisha’s scream echoed in his mind. Trisha. Though never having openly said the words, she must have blamed him for the accident-and for the scar on her face. She hadn’t been wearing her seatbelt, and her face had collided with the windshield, which left a deep cut down her cheek. Although he’d never been able to see it, his heart ached for her as she described her condition in detail. At the time, he would have given his soul to have saved her such pain. But soon, another man began to fill the void his loss of sight had left.
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A young plastic surgeon in the Greek hospital where they recovered had begun to pay a lot of attention to her, reassured her he could make her as beautiful as before. As for his eyes? No one had any answers. Thinking back now, in some ways he didn’t blame Trisha for leaving him. Once they’d returned to Ireland, he’d increasingly become bitter, withdrawn and difficult to deal with. Friends stopped coming around. He and Trisha began to argue. Once an architect, he hadn’t believed he had any future to offer his fiancée. Besides, he couldn’t understand why she’d want to remain with a hopeless blind man who couldn’t provide for her. God, he’d been such a selfish idiot. The day Trisha left, she’d told him she could no longer stand by and watch as he slowly killed himself inside---and took her with him. And Evelyn? After Trisha, he’d sworn he would never allow any woman to get close to him again. But, from the moment he’d touched Evelyn, he’d begun to feel differently. And couldn’t explain why. So many emotions buried deep inside him had begun to awaken. Everything about her appealed to him. Her scent, her laugh, her voice…like she was some sort of dream girl. The girl of his dreams. **** “You have some nerve involving a human in our business!” Evelyn said from behind Fergal, making him jump. She stood behind him, arms crossed, wishing she could torture the deceitful little wretch with her glare alone. Lord, how she would love to make him suffer. After Garrett had left the unit, she’d stood in the living room, clutching the bottle, confusion filling her mind. She’d had to get away. Needed answers. And there was only one creature who could give them to her. Fergal. The leprechaun’s grubby face paled as he turned and met her gaze. “Why…it’s so good to see you here, lovely.” He had been sitting by a running stream popular with magic folk. Fortunately, even without having drunk the magical lake water, she was able to still see faeries--and bastard little, lying leprechauns that deserved to be kicked from here to Tipperary. “Wipe that smile off your face, Fergal.” She hiked her hands to her hips and leaned down toward the green toad. “Do you have any idea of the trouble you’ve caused?” His brow furrowed, and he grimaced. Flecks of red fire sparked in his eyes. She’d never seen him angry before.
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“Eh? The trouble I’ve caused? Saints among us, I wasn’t the one who went and got herself touched by a mortal.” He began to strut in front of her, and pointed his pipe near her face. “If anything, you should be thanking me for coming to your aid. Not that you seemed to have needed it.” “Don’t lie to me, Fergal. You didn’t enlist the help of Garrett just for me. No. You’ve been up to something. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the blasted human had set up my meeting with Aidan.” He turned away and shrugged. She knew that look. Liar. Bloody coward. He glanced over his shoulder, frowning at her. “Come now, lovely. All’s fair, etcetera. You wouldn’t begrudge me, a mere leprechaun, just a small amount of trickery when he’s dealing with the mighty Lianhan Shee. Especially as you have been playing some tricks of your own. Pretending to lose your memory was a brilliant plan.” She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “It wasn’t a trick.” “Eh?” “I really did lose my memory for a time.” He crossed his arms, stuck his pipe in his mouth and nodded thoughtfully. “I’d feared as much, but didn’t want to believe it.” He looked her up and down. “So, how did you get your memory back? Can’t have been the water I sent you, or you’d have your powers back by now.” Heat rushed to her cheeks. Thoughts of being held in Aidan’s arms flooded her, made her body tremble. She stared at the curious leprechaun. Hell. She couldn’t tell him exactly how her memory had returned. “It just came back of its own accord.” He stepped closer to her, as if inspecting her for any signs of…of…she had no idea what. “But, you haven’t drunk the waters yet? Why?” This was the question she’d been dreading. Not merely to answer Fergal, but to answer herself. Her decision should have been simple, straightforward. If she agreed to drink the water, Fergal would release her from their wager. She could go back to her immortality without being committed to Fergal for a hundred years… and she never need see Aidan again. What was holding her back?
Chapter 10 The little bastard wasn’t coming. In the early morning mist, Garret paced the alleyway where he’d usually meet the leprechaun--only this time, the creature hadn’t shown as promised. Anger hurtled through him and found its release as he kicked over several metal rubbish bins. “You double-crossing bastard!” His voice echoed through the empty lane, then something stirred within a darkened corner. He held his breath, waiting to see the familiar pudgy figure in a green coat and dirty brown boots. He stepped forward, only to discover a mangy alley cat rummaging through the rotting leftovers discarded from the pub. His heart sank, along with his hopes and dreams of ever gaining the magic gold and making it big in the movies. A mocking laugh chortled in his throat as he leaned against the filthy brick wall. The cat purred and wound its way around his legs, looking for attention. All his life he’d been seeking the quick and easy way to get ahead. Cheating in exams. Paying smart kids to do his homework. Stealing other guys’ girlfriends. Letting his best friend take the rap for his pranks during school. “Ah, shit. Aidan was right. I really am a dick.” **** After a millennia spent luring men to their doom, Evelyn lay upon the cool dark earth of a cave and stared in amazement at the insects fluttering about the bright green spring grass just outside. Such simple things she’d never bothered to notice before. Or, perhaps, she was never meant to notice the world around her and everything in it. Water had been an incredible experience. Showering, the most magical time. And Aidan? With her fingertips she drew patterns in the soil, a tiny smile curling the edge of her mouth. Fergal had begged her to drink the lake water, but she’d refused. And just as she had suspected, obtaining the precious liquid had cost the leprechaun dearly--one of his gold pieces. With that discovery, another new emotion had formed inside her--guilt. But even that wasn’t enough to make her change her mind. By connecting with Aidan, somehow, she’d become more than just the Lianhan Shee--she had become Evelyn. A person with feelings, likes and dislikes, experiences and emotions. When she’d tried to put the bottle to her lips, all these new parts of her cried out not to be extinguished forever. Frightening as it was, she liked who she had become. 43
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A deep sigh escaped her. Pain ached within. Not quite human, no longer immortal, her created mortal body couldn’t remain in such a state of limbo forever, and the last traces of her faerie powers were fading. Soon, she suspected, she would be no more. She shook her head and laughed out loud. Perhaps this was just retribution for all the souls she’d condemned to a life of misery. There was nothing more painful then unrequited love. Love? No. Such an emotion was too dangerous. And she understood its power now. If she had drunk the water she would have become the Lianhan Shee once more. She would have gone after Aidan with no reserve. Worse, she couldn’t bear the thought of losing the memory of everything she had experienced, and her affection for Aidan. It wasn’t worth the risk. Who’d have thought? Affection was the one thing Fergal had craved from her all along, but she would never fulfill his desires. Nor did the notion of seducing another man appeal to her. The Lianhan Shee was to be no more. She couldn’t see herself with any other man than Aidan. **** “Come on, Aidan! Answer the bloody door, man. It’s raining out here.” Pulling the collar of his jacket up further around his neck, Garret pounded on the blue wooden door. Come on. Come on. The silly fool had to be in there somewhere. Standing on tiptoe, he tried to look inside the security peep-hole, then sighed. Since leaving the alleyway, he’d repeatedly attempted to phone his friend, but to no avail. Perhaps the wounds from their confrontation a few days ago were still too raw. Nah. He shook his head, rang the doorbell. They were friends, mates. Sure, they’d had their differences, but he needed to speak with Aidan, make things right. The door opened, and he almost toppled inside. “Steady on. Give a guy a fright why don’t you?” Garrett straightened up and winced at Aidan’s expression. “You look like shit.” Aidan sighed and began to close the door on him. “Wait!” Like some dodgy salesman, he thrust his foot in the doorway and grimaced as the door cracked against his boot. “I’m sorry. Really. No bullshit this time.” “I’ve got nothing to say to you, Garrett--” “Listen to me. I have to talk to you.” He paused as two women walked past him, smiled and nodded at them in greeting, then turned back to his friend. “Fine. Talk then.”
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He lowered his voice. “I can’t tell you out here. I know you have no reason to trust me. You were right. I’ve been a real prick most of my life, but now it’s not about me. It’s about Evelyn.” **** Aidan sat on the couch, head lowered, fingers clenched around the tiny bottle in his hand. He always believed Garrett to be full of shit, but the tale of Evelyn, leprechauns and magic wishes was overstepping the line. He raised his head. “You just don’t know when to quit, do you?” “But I’m not kidding this time, Aidan. It’s true, all of it.” He held out the flask. “Sure. And this is supposed to be some kind of magic water? For all I know it could be a beer bottle filled with tap water. Not that it matters.” He sighed and got to his feet. “She’s gone, Garrett. Hell. Maybe your demented tale was meant to make me feel better, but listen closely--it doesn’t.” “For God’s sake, man. You really are a stubborn bastard sometimes. Yeah, maybe I’m full of shit, some of the time, but at least I can admit it. You’re just happy in your little bloody cocoon, hidden from the world, blind to everything around you--and I don’t mean your sight.” His grip tightened so on the bottle, he nearly crushed it. The last thing he wanted was to be preached to from the man who’d set him up for disaster with a girl he’d come to care for. “I don’t need this from you, Garrett.” “I think you do. It’s about time you woke up and rejoined the living. Whether you want to believe me or not, the fact is, your girl is some sort faerie, trapped in mortal form.” “She’s not my girl.” “Oh, I see. Now who’s bullshitting?” Aidan ripped the cap from the bottle, put it to his lips and gulped the cool sweet liquid that flowed into his mouth. “There.” He wiped his mouth. A gasp came from Garrett, but he’d felt nothing. No tingles, no return of his vision. “Here I am. Still standing. Still blind. So much for your magic water.” **** “Shit, Aidan. You drank it all. What about Evelyn…” “We both know she’s not coming back, Garrett. But you’re right. It is about time I got my life back into gear. I’ll catch you around.” “No.” “What?” “No. I’m not going to let you throw away your chance at happiness.” “Hold on. One minute you set me up, then you try to break us up, now you want me to get back together with her.” “Yes. That’s about it.” “Shit, Garrett. You really are a piece of work.”
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“Nobody’s perfect.” He grasped Aidan’s elbow, grabbed a jacket from the hall stand and walked him to the front door. “Okay, Garrett, so where are we going? She’s been missing for three days now. Do you know where to find her?” Opening the front door, he looked up into the rainy gray sky and grinned. Perfect. “I think I do, in fact.” “Where?” “Just come with me, Dorothy…we’re going over the rainbow.”
Chapter 11 “Where are we, Garrett?” Aidan muttered under his breath, his toe stubbing against what felt like a rock. Two hours they’d been walking, Garrett rambling on the entire time about needing to find the end of the rainbow. Shit. His friend had to be tripping out on something. “Shh, Aidan. I know you don’t buy into my story about the leprechaun, but I thought, just maybe, he might be at rainbow’s end. You know…where he’s supposed to have a pot of gold hidden. Come on, we’re here now. Might as well take a look around. There’s a lake, and the colors seem to be disappearing into…” Aidan stopped, shrugged off his friend’s hold and rubbed his temple. He was fast getting a headache. “Okay. I think I’ve played along with all of this long…enough…” Something moved. A chill racing through his blood raised goose bumps across his arms. The hair stood up on his neck. He shook his head. No. He must have imagined it--whatever it was. Another streak of color caught his attention. His head jerked to the side and followed a little blur of light as it disappeared into the darkness. Words formed around the lump in his throat, but they had trouble leaving his lips. Was his mind playing tricks on him? “Garrett, did you see that?” “Eh? See what? Okay. No need to poke fun. There’s nothing here. I just thought…” Bloody hell. “This way.” Without waiting for his friend’s guidance, Aidan stumbled toward what appeared to be a forest. Strange green and silver silhouettes of tall trees appeared before his eyes like sparkling auras. It was as if everything had been trimmed in fairy lights. And he could see them! “Aidan, wait. You can’t see. You don’t know where you’re going.” He resisted Garrett’s touch on his elbow, wanting to move by himself. It had been so long since he’d felt the confidence to go out on his own. And now, in some strange way, he could see. They moved toward the trees, and slowly more figures became visible to him. A rush of excitement mixed with apprehension. Please God, don’t let this be his imagination. He stopped and tried to focus on what appeared to be two people arguing. Though, ‘people’ wouldn’t be the best way to describe them. They were only about a foot tall and had elaborate wings protruding from their backs. One of the odd little creatures crossed his arms, threw him a repugnant glance and continued the heated debate as if he wasn’t there. 47
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He rubbed his eyes, shaking his head. “Garrett. I think there must have been some sort of hallucinogen in that water I drank.” Garrett whispered next to him, “Why? What’s going on?” “Can’t you see them?” “Who? You said before you ran off, you could see--” “Shh. The two little faerie creature things, right there in front of us.” “Sorry, man. I don’t see anything…but what if that water did do something to you, but not as a drug. The leprechaun had said something about it being magical, strong enough to restore Evelyn’s powers. Maybe it has cured your blindness?” “No. I still can’t see you, or anything else normal for that matter. Only these creatures. Look, there’s more of them over there. They’re flying in the sky and paddling in the stream too. Geez, they’re running right by us.” “Okay, listen. What if the water has made you able to see only magic folk?” Hell. This couldn’t be happening. It was impossible. See magical beings. Garrett must be the one on drugs. At the corner of his eye, a pudgy figure dressed in luminescent green walked by, gave Garrett a filthy look, then spat on his friend’s shoes. No. Couldn’t be. “Garrett. This leprechaun of yours, does he wear a funny green hat?” “Yes. And a green suit as well.” “Reddish hair and a bulbous nose? Looks like he’s been hit with the ugly stick?” “Yeah, that’s him to a tee. Hey, how could you know?” “Drugs or no drugs, I think I see him.” He turned and made after the little man, creature, whatever he was. His heartbeat raced. If Garrett was right, the leprechaun could lead them to Evelyn. “Aidan, wait up. You still can’t see where you’re going…wait for me.” **** “There’s no point in arguing with me, Fergal.” Evelyn sat at the mouth of the ancient cave, her back against the cool, moist wall. The leprechaun obviously wasn’t about to give in so easily, and for good reason--her cure had cost him a piece of his precious gold. No doubt he wanted due compensation for his loss, but such favors were no longer hers to give. He shook his head, hands clenched behind his back. “I just don’t understand you. How in heaven’s name could you make such a mistake? And more so, why are sacrificing your very existence?” A sympathetic smile nudged the edge of her mouth. “I’m touched by your concern, Fergal.” “Bah! You shouldn’t be. In fact, you shouldn’t be feeling anything. Since you’ve been contaminated by that human, emotions have corrupted what used to be--” “Used to be what? A cold, remorseless being bent on seducing men to their demise?”
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He stopped and stared at her, his eyes wide. “No. You were perfection. Such a beautiful creature.” A deep sigh escaped her. “Oh, Fergal. I’m afraid you must have been affected by my powers as well…even just a little. I was anything but perfect. You were just enamored by me…in love with the idea of being in love. Trust me, had you fallen for me I would have made your life a living hell. As reward for winning your bet, you’d have spent that hundred years trying to please me, but never able to. I would have been cruel, heartless and unkind, but you would have only tried harder.” She reached out and clasped at the cold soil, entranced by the silky texture as she rubbed it between her fingers. “The only difference between you and the countless others I’ve betrayed would have been the fact you wouldn’t have died….” Tears filled her eyes. “…and believe me, living a life loving someone and never having them return your love is a fate worse than dying. The pain doesn’t go away. No soothing promises of eternity spent in Tirna-nOg. The human is better off forgetting about me.” A familiar shadow darkened the entrance of the cave. “You seem to have made a lot of assumptions on my behalf, Evie.” **** He’d left Garret outside and gone inside. Dark amber sparks twinkled around him, outlining the contours of what appeared to be a cave. He was quickly growing accustomed to this strange way of seeing. Magic or miracle, he’d take the gift as long as he could. Evelyn. The faint blue and silver aura of a woman was before him. Unlike the creatures he’d seen in the forest, her face and detail were hard to distinguish, as if they were fading somehow. Arms crossed, the leprechaun confronted him. “How in all things holy did you find this place? It’s not for the likes of humans.” The creature looked around him and frowned. Must have noticed Garrett standing outside. “I suppose that foolish mortal brought you here. Hah. I guess your friend must have more smarts than I gave him credit for.” A smirk crept to Aidan’s lips. “He did think of looking at the end of the rainbow, but it was I who drank the water Evie left in my house.” The little creature’s jaw dropped. “You drank it! That’s just too bloody much to bear. Not only did I lose my gold and the Lianhan Shee, but a mortal drank our sacred waters. The faerie council will have my hide for this.” Aidan nodded thoughtfully. “I didn’t mean to cause you any grief, friend. In fact, I’m still having trouble believing in all of this. I just came looking for Evie.” A strange look of remorse washed over the leprechaun’s face, the anger flashing in his eyes faded and whatever reprimand was destined for his ears seemed to die on the creature’s lips. “You can’t help her, human.” The little man glanced back at Evie as he began to leave the cave and shook his head. “Nothing can.”
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Taking a deep breath, Aidan approached her, reached out, touched her skin. So cold and clammy. Chills cascaded along his spine. What was wrong with her? “Evelyn?” “You shouldn’t be here, Aidan.” Her voiced sound cold and distant. “What’s wrong with you, Evie?” She got to her feet, her frame visibly trembling with the effort. Her aura flickered and faded like a blue candle flame caught in a breeze. Surely the leprechaun had to be wrong. There must be something he could do to help her, but he didn’t what. He didn’t believe in faerie magic or hocus pocus, but he could see she was ill, needed to be taken to a hospital. “You must leave now, Aidan, before it’s too late,” she said. “Too late for what? You’re sick, and I want to help you, but I need to know the truth. In the last few hours I have been told and experienced things that have made me question my sanity. I know we have only been together a short time, but don’t I deserve some answers? I care about you.” She crossed her arms and through the darkness he could faintly see her blue-gray eyes illuminated, but she looked away. A rush of heat rippled through his body. How he’d longed to gaze into her eyes, to revel in her reactions as they’d made love. “Very well, human, but you will not like what you hear. I am the Lianhan Shee--the love faerie. Yes, I know, you don’t believe in creatures like me, but nevertheless, here I am.” “So it appears.” Trying to take in the news, he ran a hand through his hair and stepped closer to her. Her hand shot out at him. “Don’t come any nearer.” “Or what?” “Come now, human. Are you really that stupid? Do you honestly think I would have wasted my time with you if I hadn’t have done it for my own pleasure? There was a bet. The leprechaun will tell you. We’d made a wager to see if I could seduce you within a week. Obviously I won.” A painful twinge gripped his heart. “Evie--” “I’m not this ‘Evie’, human.” “Will you stop calling me human?” She shrugged and paced before him. The glimmer surrounding her dimmed to a dull gray. “You don’t understand, do you? Well, unlike the thousands of mortal men before you, I will give you the benefit of an explanation. It was you who created Evelyn, not me. Yes, that’s right, that night when I first met you lying there on the grass. How pathetic.” He shook his head, his chest aching. “But, you were real. You are real.” “Foolish mortal. Evelyn never existed…except perhaps in your dreams.” He closed his eyes, mumbled under his breath, “My dream girl.” “Your friend there had been connived by the leprechaun into helping us meet. Or didn’t he tell you?” “Yes, he told me.”
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“There. Do you understand now? You were nothing but a diversion, an entertainment for me.” Frustration welled within him. She had to be lying, but why? “That isn’t true, and you know it.” “What? You think there was something between us, human? I seduce men. I have seduced thousands of men, willingly and heartlessly. Subjected them to a lifetime of heartbreak and torment, then released them to their fates. Sure, you were a challenge for a little while, but why would you think you were any different?” **** A dull, excruciating ache ripped through her heart, made her breath catch in her chest. How could she be so cruel to him? Once, as the Lianhan Shee, she’d have caused her victims as much misery as possible without hesitation, but now she’d become Evelyn--and she would rather cease to exist than entrap Aidan in a loveless existence. No. Better to have him hate her. Despise her. Want to forget that she ever existed. He hung his head, a deep sigh escaping him. “Because, you were different. Before you came along, Evelyn, I had all but thought myself dead to the world. You made me believe that my sight wasn’t important anymore. That you cared for me regardless.” His head rose, and he searched her gaze with an intense look. “It was all an act.” Afraid her powers would still be strong enough to affect him, she couldn’t meet his gaze. “I don’t believe you. Not after this morning. For God’s sake, that had to have meant something to you. I’ve spent enough wasted time running from life…I want to start living again, Evie.” “And that’s why you have to go.” She brushed away a stray tear. Damn these emotions. Couldn’t let him see her weakness. She cleared her throat, summoned the last of her strength. “Now, leave me before my patience wears thin and I force you took look deeply into my eyes.” “And, if I do?” An immense tide of sadness threatened to overwhelm her, and she could barely force the words from her lips. “You will be lost.” He grabbed her waist, pulled her close, held her against him. With his other hand he cupped her chin and forced her gaze to meet his. His amber eyes shone with recognition. Their penetrating reach plummeted down into her icy soul like a warm caress. No! He paused above her quivering lips. “Then let me be lost.” In a heated rush, his mouth engulfed hers in what she feared would be their last real kiss. After all, he’d looked into her eyes, and she hated herself for letting him. But God, he felt so good.
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She raised her arms and twined them around his neck, drawing him deeper into the kiss, one she hoped would never end. His scent, taste, the feel of his skin against hers, these were the pleasures she would take with her to Tir-na-nOg. Much more than the reward she deserved. Her traitorous body clung to his in a show of need from a heart she’d never thought she possessed. A heart that had been breaking. As his heat soaked into her body, fire sparked and tingled from her toes, raced along her veins and exploded into every nerve and fiber of her being. Her mind spun, and the cave seemed to tilt on its side. What little strength she had seemed to fade, as her knees buckled. What was happening to her? He released her mouth. “I’ve got you.” Safe within his arms, she looked up as he rested his forehead against hers. “And, I’m not letting you go. You’re coming home with me, Evie. I love you.” Despondent, she shook her head, felt the sting of tears. “It’s not you talking, Aidan, now. It’s the spell.” “No. It’s not. You have to trust me now.” He stroked her hair, held her tight. “You’re still here with me, and you’re real.” “But, the magic…” He stepped back from her, keeping hold of her hand. “The magic has gone, Evie. I can’t see anymore.” She turned, looked around the cave and into the forest beyond. Disbelief filled her as she tried, but failed, to see any of the faerie folk. “Fergal!” Her cry went unanswered. “Evelyn.” Aidan reached his other hand out for her to take. Shaking, she grasped it and held on to him tight. “I’m frightened, Aidan. I can’t see the magic world anymore. What’s to become of me?” He held her close, kissed the top of her forehead. “Can you see yourself being with me?” The warmth of his body seeped into hers, filling her with a new and exhilarating kind of magic, one she’d yet to fully explore. “After everything I’ve done?” He turned her around, reached up to her jaw, grazed his thumb across her lower lip. A tender, sensual smile curled his lips. “Do you love me, Evie?” Her stomach fluttered. She closed her eyes, stretched up and touched her lips to his. “Always.” The faerie lore had proved true. The Lianhan Shee had fallen for a human and would now remain his forever--not by magic or spell, but because she loved him.
About Erin Grace http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=authors&authors_id=97 Erin Grace’s love of collecting and reproducing antique lace led to a deep connection with the past. She felt every snippet of the precious fabric held a unique story--one Erin longed to tell. But, as no two pieces of lace are the same, neither are Erin’s stories. Escaping from her ‘real world’ of sales and marketing, she immerses herself in unfolding tales of dire circumstance, brave heroines, unscrupulous villains and, of course, passionate hot-blooded men. When not writing, Erin indulges in her love of home-style food by teaching her children to cook. Erin lives with her husband and three sons in the beautiful Blue Mountains of Australia. Erin’s Website: http://www.eringrace.info Reader eMail:
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