Can't Get Enough

Can't Get Enough

by

Eva Rayne

I was surprised when I heard movement in the bedroom; foot steps and then my boyfriend calling out my name. I had just gotten out of the shower and, wrapping a towel around myself, I opened the door from the bathroom into our room.

“Danny? What are you doing home? Is everything alright?” I asked when he didn't answer. The next thing I knew I was back stepping into the bathroom, Danny's body pinning me against the counter as his lips came crashing down on mine. 

“Danny, what's going on?” I asked, gasping for air when he finally pulled away, one hand on his chest, the other clutching the towel to my own to keep it up. Instead of answering, Danny just pulled the towel from my chest and pushed me against the now closed bathroom door, moving his hot, urgent kisses to my neck as one hand found its way up my side to my left breast. As surprised, and somewhat concerned about his behavior, as I was, my body began to respond. My nipples hardened under his fingers and I could feel the my arousal growing and it wasn't long before a soft moan escaped my lips as his teeth nipped at my neck. 

“Baby,” I moaned softly as he pressed against me, pushing me harder against the door and I could feel the cold of the doorknob against my side. This was unlike Danny; he was never rough with me, instead he was normally quite the opposite – gentle and soft – so when he spun me around, pressing me face first against the door I let out a small cry. He didn't acknowledge my surprise as he pressed his hips into my exposed backside, his hands reaching around and grabbing my breasts, squeezing as his fingers brushed roughly against my hardening nipples and his teeth found my neck once more.

After several long moments his hands traveled down, his touch rough and demanding as he pulled me closer to his as one of his hands danced over my opening. I moaned, squirming against him as his fingers found my clit. I could feel his name on my lips as my nails tried to find any part of him that I could get my hands on – his arms, hips, back – I couldn't keep still, not as two of his fingers pushed roughly into me. 

Bringing his hands back up to my hips he spun me around so that I was facing him once again. Before I could more the lose of his hot touch against me he curled his fingers in my hair and brought my mouth to kiss. His kisses were hot and urgent, all teeth and lust as he bit my bottom lip sharply. I was so caught up in the attack on my mouth I hadn't noticed that Danny had reopened the bathroom door until he was carefully leading me backwards into out room, not ceasing his attack on my lips. 

The next thing I knew the back of my thighs were bumping up against the bed and my fingers automatically found the button on his jeans. No sooner had I unfastened the button and tugged the zipper down I was being spun around again and he pushed me down so that I was on my knees and forearms. 

I let out a surprised gasp as I hit the soft mattress, hearing the sounds of denim falling to the floor as he kicked off his jeans. I couldn't help but jump as his hands grasped my hips, his erection pressing hard against my skin. And then he repositioned himself, thrusting into me deep and hard with no warning. I couldn't help but cry out and I could hear him let out a moan of his own as my muscles tightened around him. 

This wasn't like any other time we had made love, or ever any of the other quickies we had had on other days when he had come home on his lunch break. This was hard and fast, a different kind of urgency propelling him as not so gently massaged my breasts from behind, tangled his fingers in my long hair and pulled or pulled my hips toward him, meeting him in a thrust and pushing him even deeper. 

By the change in his breathing, and his grip on my sides I knew he was close, and I couldn't ignore the beginnings of my own orgasm. As the pitch of my moans grew higher, Danny's grip on my hips tightened, I was almost certain they'd be covered in light bruises by the next day. The thought was quickly wiped from my mind as my orgasm rippled through my body. As I tightened around him again I felt Danny finally giving in to his own orgasm, holding my hips close and leaning into me, his breathing heavy. 

As I began to finally catch my breath, I felt Danny's large hands resting softly on my back as he got his own breathing under control. Once his breathing had returned to normal to pulled out, causing a surprised mew to escape my lips. Hearing the sounds of rustling denim I rolled over and sat up facing him.

I looked up at him, my eyes wide in confusion as he pulled his pants up, fastening the button. Without a word he leaned down, kissing my forehead softly before walking out of the room, leaving me sitting on the bed, my fingers lightly brushing my sore, red lips. I sighed as I heard the front door open, and then close again seconds later. What exactly had just happened?

Storytime is Moving II

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As the Ball Drops

As the Ball Drops

by 

Eva Rayne

I had told McKenna what felt like a dozen times that I didn't want to do anything this new years eve. My love life, hell my life in general, had been pretty dull since Braden, my boyfriend of two years, and I had broken up several weeks ago and the last thing I wanted to do tonight was go to a party, let alone our law firm's stupid annual new years eve masquerade ball.

But here I was, holding my breath as McKenna pulled up the zipper of the deep blue ball gown she had brought over for me.

"You look beautiful!" she cried, spinning me around to face her. "Wait, hang on," she adjusted one of my curls, "There, now you're perfect!"

I felt like I had been her Barbie all afternoon. It had started with "Let's just add a little wave to your hair," which ended up being completely curled. She had also insisted on doing my make up herself. I still didn't understand the point of spending almost half an hour perfecting my make up when I'd be wearing a mask for the majority of the night, but apparently McKenna did, and it was important to her at least, so that's what we did. 

"Now you just need your mask." Careful not to muss my carefully placed curls, McKenna place the mask over my eyes, pulling the thin black elastic strap around my head. "I thought it would go perfectly with the dress and it does! Go look in the mirror," she demanded before going back into the bathroom to change into her own dress. 

Following orders, just as I had all night I stood in front of my full length mirror. I had to admit, she had done a fantastic job, I almost didn't recognize myself. The deep blue dress hugged the curves of my upper body before it turned into a full skirt. I normally wouldn't have picked something out for myself with this much glitter - the skirt was covered in thin layer of it and my chest was decorated with an intricate pattern of tiny, sparkling beads - but I actually loved it. I couldn't help but think I looked like a princess. 

As much as I loved the dress, the mask was my favorite part of the costume. It was a simple black mask covering my eyes and part of my forehead. The black seemed to sparkle, but wasn't choked in glitter the way some of the masks I had seen at these parties were. There was a handful of white beads sewn into the mask, bright, shining, against the black. They looked like stars in a dark night sky.

"Are you ready?" McKenna asked, reappearing in my room. Her dress was a light purple, her mask was the same color and covered in sparkles. She looked young and flirty in all the ways I looked older, more mysterious. 

"Yeah, I'm ready."

It was only ten thirty and I was wondering yet again why I had let McKenna talk me into this. She had sworn up and down that it would be good for me, that I needed to get out there again, and that she wouldn't leave my side all night if I didn't want her to. But, in true McKenna fashion, the second we were in the door to the ballroom she had disappeared. She may be the world's best assistant, and a wonderful friend - for the most part - but she was still a little naive. She was still under the impression that no one knew she had started seeing the new intern up in legal, but I had known for weeks and I was pretty sure that's where she had disappeared to.

The expansive ball room was filled with our entire company, as well as what seemed like half the community. Our firm had been throwing this party every new years eve for as long as I had worked for them and all the proceeds from the tickets went to charity and every year the turn out seemed bigger than the last. 

I stood off to the side, sipping a martini that the very nice bartender had been kind enough to refill...again. It would have been easy to pretend that I was in a movie, some of the dresses and masks were definitely elaborate enough to be right out of a movie. It was almost eleven and I had started to wonder if anyone would notice if I slipped out a side door and took a cab home.

I had almost made up my mind to go when I felt someone step up next to me. I turned and looked and was suddenly very glad I stayed. The man standing next to me was wearing a well tailored black suit with thin gold trim around his jacket that matched the golden mask on his face. 

"What are you doing over here all by yourself?" he asked, not looking at me but out over the crowd just as I had been moments before.

"No date," I said shrugging, "I didn't think I was coming until the very last minute." At this the mystery man turned to face me and raised an eyebrow.

"Six hundred dollar tickets and you didn't know if you were going to come or not?"

I shook my head, "I work for the company, it's kind of expected of us to be here,"

"So you're a lawyer?" he asked, sounding genuinely interested.

"For a couple years now, I love it," I said nodding before bringing my glass up to me lips.

"Let me get you another of those," he nodded at my now empty martini glass, "And then I have a proposition for you." His mysterious tone had caught my attention and I handed him my glass, "Don't move." His bright blue eye sparkled behind his mask and I smiled. 

"I'll be right here,"

When my mystery man reappeared he handed me my glass, sipping on a tumbler of his own, filled with something amber colored.

"So, what is this proposition you have for me," I asked after a moment of silence, running my finger around the lip of my martini glass. 

"How would you feel about ringing in the new year with a bang?" he asked, turning to face me. His tone was mysterious but the excited twinkle in his eye made me feel bold.

"Let's do it." I couldn't help the smile playing on my lips. Setting his tumbler on a near by table he grabbed my hand. I had barely enough time to set my own glass down before he was pulling me after him. We slid through a small side door which led down a carpeted hallway. I couldn't help but laugh as we ran down the hallway, headed who knows where. 

After a minute though I had to pull on his hand, "Hey, slow down," I said through breathless giggles, leaning against the wall. 

"Are you okay?" he asked, coming to stand in front of me, looking slightly worried. 

"I'm fine," I said shaking me head, "The combination of vodka and heels and running though, recipe for disaster," he chuckled, shaking his head. 

"Yeah, I know, I'm adorable," I said, poking his chest, feeling bold.

"Have you seen yourself tonight?" he asked, raising an eyebrow again and I looked up at him confused. "That dress? You're gorgeous," as his eyes flickered over my body the excited sparkle turned dark with lust. 

"Thank you," I said softly, my hand now resting lightly against his chest. He was so close now, his scent invading my senses.

"You're very welcome," his voice was low and husky, his hands hovering lightly against my hips. Feeling bold I pushed myself off from the wall and his arm quickly found its way around my waist, holding me against him. His other hand gently tipped my chin up and before I could think of anything remotely witty to say his lips were finding mine.

What was that old saying, that one about doing on new years day what you wanted to do all year? If how I felt now - the butterflies in my stomach, the electricity racing along my skin where he touched me, the heat running through my veins, spreading through out my body - was any indicator, I was going to be in for a very good year.

'Tis the Season for Seduction - Conclusion

Lucas finally got his woman, but will he catch the art thief?



Part One
Part Two
Part Three

'Tis the Season for Seduction

by

Fiona Summerville

"Lucas, it’s too small in here for both of us."

Caitlyn’s protest dissolved into giggles as Lucas drew back the shower curtain and squeezed into the tiny stall beside her. He towered over her, his massive form overwhelming the small space and her. Dipping his head to capture her lips, he pinned her against the cool tile.

"Mmmm…not too small. Cozy," he chuckled, as his hands drifted downward and grabbed her bottom, sliding her up the wall. The cool tiles at her back did little to dampen the heat her body was radiating. She wrapped her legs around his waist and moaned softly as he reached between their bodies, dipping two fingers into her core.

“God, Caitlyn. You’re already so wet.”

“You do seem to have that effect on me,” she gasped as he withdrew his fingers, sliding them leisurely up over her clit. A shudder ran through her and she dropped her head, resting her forehead on his. She wasn’t so much surprised at the effect he had on her body, as much as she was about her unslakable need for him.

“Lucas, I need to feel you inside me…now…please.”

A soft growl rumbled deep in his chest as he nipped and laved her perk, pink nipple. When he lifted his head, he wore a wolfish grin.

“Well, since you said, please,” he murmured, sliding her up the wall a little further before bringing her down, impaling her hard and deep on his cock.

***

When they finally emerged from the shower stall, the water had run tepid, the bathroom floor was flooded and Caitlyn’s cheeks bore the mark of his five o’clock shadow.

"You’re looking a bit scruffy there, my handsome man," she grinned up at him, running her hand along his cheek. “Why don’t you have a shave and while you do, I’ll cook breakfast."

Clean shaven and dressed, Lucas walked into the tiny kitchen and wrapped his arms around Caitlyn’s waist as she was filling two plates.

“Mmm… smells wonderful. And the food looks great too.”

“Och, go on with ye,” she giggled. “Sit yourself down. Can’t ye see I’m in the midst of creating a masterpiece?”

Planting a kiss on her cheek, Lucas obeyed and plopped into one of the chairs at her dining table. As she served up two plates filled with fried tomatoes, bacon, sausage, cold-boiled potatoes, beans, black pudding and fried eggs, she couldn’t help but note how Lucas dwarfed the table, and the room, for that matter. The man was larger than life. Thankfully, in more ways than one, she thought wickedly as she walked over to the table.

"Do you eat like this every morning?" he asked with a look of delight as she set a plate down in front of him.

"Pretty much. Oh, and I made coffee, too. Unless you prefer tea."

"Coffee, please" he said enthusiastically, as he forked and bit into a sausage.

Caitlyn fell a little in love with him in that moment. Maybe it was his boyish smile and the way he attacked his breakfast. Or the snow drifting down outside the window. Or maybe it was the way his every touch made her feel safe, secure and cherished.

Whatever the reason, she decided right then and there to stop over-analyzing and simply relish every moment of their remaining time together.

 ***

Caitlyn felt herself slowly being seduced. Not only by the intelligent, articulate, hunk of a man sharing her company, but by the spirit of Christmas. For the first time, since her gran’s death, Caitlyn reveled in the joys of the season. She delighted in the bright and cheerful Christmas lights strung across the streets, the holly boughs and wreaths on every door, and the warm cheerful greetings from strangers in the street.

They spent the days leading up to Christmas wandering through the narrow, cobblestone streets of Dublin, arm in arm, soaking up the festive holiday atmosphere while Caitlyn shared the history of her beloved, adopted city. In the evenings, while she worked, Lucas became a fixture at the O’Brien’s. Winning over the regulars as easily as he’d won her heart. And oh, had he won her heart.

Each time the realization that their relationship was only temporary crept in, threatening to put a damper on her joy, Caitlyn forced the thought back into the “things to be ignored for as long as possible” corner of her mind. Logically she knew it wasn’t meant to last, but that didn’t keep her from falling. All it took was a smile or kiss and her heart melted for him a little more every day…and night.

And her nights with Lucas were epic. He was an amazing lover who ravaged her, mind, body and soul. Giving and tender at times. Hard, greedy and relentless at others. Caitlyn had fallen for him after their first night together. By Christmas Eve, she knew she’d tumbled the rest of the way.

Her mind was busy making plans for New Year’s Eve as they crunched through the snow to Dublin’s medieval Christ Church Cathedral for the annual Christmas Eve concert. She smiled as they rounded the corner, her breath catching at the scene of the majestic cathedral bathed in light, its tower and turrets dusted with new fallen snow.

"You know, Henry II attended the Christmas service here in 1171," Caitlyn told Lucas, tucking herself into his side for warmth.

His eyes crinkled with mirth as he smiled down at her. "You don’t suppose we’ll see old Henry floating around, do you?"

She giggled and swatted at his arm with a gloved hand. "Tonight’s concert will be wonderful, but we definitely need to come back on New Year’s Eve at midnight to hear the change ringers do their thing."

"Change ringers? Who or what are change ringers?" He asked, staring down at her wearing a befuddled look.

"The change ringers are a four-hundred-year-old society of bell ringers who ring the bells in mathematical patterns called ‘changes’. Christ Church Cathedral has a total of nineteen bells used for change ringing—that’s the most bells in any one tower worldwide. New Year’s Eve is the only time all nineteen are rung together. It’s an magical way to literally ring in the –“

She broke off and came to a dead stop.

"Lucas! That hat! The man that hit me at Newgrange was wearing that hat!"

His chin jerked up as he followed her pointing finger and zeroed in on the figure of a statuesque woman wearing a round-brimmed hat about a dozen or so yards ahead, milling her way through the crowd.

"Sweetheart, that’s probably a popular unisex-style of hat," he said, following Caitlyn as she forged a path toward the woman.

“No,” Caitlyn said, shaking her head vehemently. “I only caught a glimpse before I was attacked, but I remember thinking how distinctive that herringbone pattern was. It's not Irish. I’ve never seen it in any store in Dublin."

Willing to chase down any possible lead, Lucas shoved his way through the crowd, planting himself in front of the woman as he reached into his breast pocket for his credentials.

"Excuse me, ma’am, Special Agent Lucas Conner with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. I’d like to ask you a couple of que— Hey!"

The woman spun on her heel and ran. She careened through the crowd, knocking down concert goers indiscriminately before breaking left and heading straight toward Caitlyn.

When their glances met, a flash of surprised recognition leapt into the redhead’s eyes. She sneered at Caitlyn. Och, sneer at me will ye? Ye brazen wench. We’ll see about that. Caitlyn stuck her foot out and leaned her shoulder toward the woman as she passed, sending the assumed art thief face first into the snow.

Lucas wore a look of amused appreciation as he approached, giving Caitlyn a wink before kneeling down to cuff the snow-sputtering woman.

“Good job, partner.”

“’Tis all in a day’s work, doncha know?” Caitlyn joked before stepping back as the constables swarmed the scene.

Caitlyn watched as Lucas and the local authorities bustled the woman away taking with them her dream of a cozy Christmas Eve snuggled in front of a fire with the man of her dreams.

As Caitlyn presumed, the next forty-eight hours passed in a disappointing blur. She spent the remainder of Christmas Eve at the police station, and most of Christmas day alone while Lucas and Inspector O’Malley worked the case. Their search of the woman’s hotel room yielded not only the Newgrange stone, but a Bronze Age dagger reported stolen some weeks prior from a museum in Cobh. Lucas had been correct in his assumption that she had been waiting for the heat to die down before attempting to smuggle the treasures out of Ireland.

Faced with mounds of evidence, Jewel Banks, one of her many aliases, admitted to a long history of well-planned art heists throughout Europe and the United States. She also agreed to provide the FBI with information about her wealthy Miami-based client in exchange for protection and immunity from prosecution. As a result, Lucas pushed through the extradition paperwork, and made arrangements to leave for the States late Christmas afternoon.

"I need to get her back and into interrogation before Saldana hears she’s been arrested," he told Caitlyn during a rushed farewell at her flat. "If nothing else, we’ll get the bastard on at least four felony counts of commissioning and financing the trafficking of stolen goods. I want more, though." He growled. "Much more."

Caitlyn watched Lucas pace around her tiny flat. If she needed any further proof of how much he loved his job, she had it. Edgy impatience poured off of him. She knew that in his mind he was already on that plane and headed across the Atlantic…away from her. Knowing there was no way she could ever compete with his profession stung.

"There was a reward for information leading to the recovery of the dagger," he told her. "It’s not much, only a few hundred euros, but Inspector O’Malley promised to make sure it came to you."

She nodded her thanks, her throat too tight to speak.

"Oh, and before I forget…" He walked over to the bag he’d set by the door when he’d entered and returned with it. "I thought I was going to have time to wrap it, but…well. Merry Christmas, Caitlyn."

Her heart aching, she dug through the tissue in the bag and pulled out a soft pashmina scarf in the most vibrant shade of emerald green she’d ever seen. She looked down at the scarf, not willing to meet Lucas’ gaze until the tears that threatened were well in check.

"It reminded me of your eyes," he whispered softly, tucking a finger under her chin and tilting her head back until their eyes met. He saw the tears, but said nothing. He simply pulled her into a tight embrace.

Caitlyn snaked her arms around his waist and held on for dear life. In her heart she knew this was all she’d have of him. The memories of the last few days and a scarf, both of which she would cherish for a lifetime.

"I got you something, too. Nothing grand, but…"

Extracting herself from his embrace, she walked over to the table near the tree, returning with a small box wrapped in cheerful Christmas paper. She smiled watching as he tore off the paper. She could almost imagine what he’d been like as a child on Christmas morning. The thought made the tears well again.

He grinned up at her as he pulled out the keychain. It was made of braided black leather with a silver ring at one end and a weighted Celtic knot at the other. She didn’t tell him it was a love knot. She couldn’t. Not with him leaving, no doubt never to return.

"It’s beautiful, Caitlyn. Thank you." He curled a knuckle under her chin and tipped her face to his. "I’ll be back."

"Och, will ye now?" Swallowing the lump in her throat, she dredged up a saucy tone. "And when might that be, me boyo?"

"As soon as I possibly can. I swear.”

***

Once again Caitlyn was alone. Only this time the loneliness was almost too much to bear.  

In the week that led up to New Year’s she kept up appearances. Moving through each day in a haze of half-hearted smiles and feigned holiday cheer, but inside she was miserable. The colored lights on the street mocked her. Her footsteps echoing in the empty quad at Trinity College, reflected the lonely ache in her heart. Even the pub was quiet. Most of the students were gone for the holidays and only a scant number of tourists were hardy enough to brave the weather. Leaving her to wallow and mourn a love that was never meant to be.

Lucas had emailed her the morning after his return to the States. He’d written that Banks was stumbling over herself to provide information knowing the FBI was the only thing standing between her and any death warrant Saldana might issue.

The following day he emailed again. This time to say he wouldn’t be able to communicate for a while. Caitlyn interpreted that to mean he was going undercover and worried nonstop the rest of the week for his safety.

The fear and worry were still with her on New Year’s Eve, when the entire pub emptied as everyone headed to Christ Church for the ringing of the bells. Mick, the pub’s owner, tried to cajole Caitlyn into joining them.

"Aren’t ye going to hear the bells, love?"

"Nah, Mick. You go on. I’ll mind the pub."

"Are ye sure? I'll be happy tae stay behind."

"I’m sure. Go. Enjoy yourself."

As the chimes began to sound, faint and clear in the distance, Caitlyn tried to numb the empty ache around her heart by keeping busy. She wiped down the counter and then set up rows of glasses for the patrons who would return ready to toast the New Year.

"Och, I’m nothin’ but a bloody fool," she muttered as the pub door opened and a late customer entered on a blast of cold air and the pealing of bells. "What was I thinking? How could I fall in love with a great glom I’ll probably never see again."

She heaved a heavy sigh and turned to tend to the customer, only to find him grinning at her.

"So I’m a great glom, huh?"

Lucas! She gasped. If they’d passed each other on the street, she wouldn’t have recognized him. He looked battle worn. Exhausted. His eyes were blood shot, and a vicious bruise mottled one side of his face, but he radiated triumph.

"We got him, Caitlyn. Saldana’s done."

She smiled through the tears that filled her eyes.

“Oh, Lucas. I'm so happy for you. Congratulations!”

A twinkle of mirth danced in his eyes. "Not only that, my superiors were so impressed with my knowledge of prehistoric art that I’ve been assigned to a special Interpol task force based here in Dublin."

"Really? For how long?" Her heart swelled with hope, but at the same time feared his response. She couldn't do temporary. Not with him.

"For at least as long as it takes for you to finish your doctorate. Forever, if you want. I'll make sure of it, sweetheart."

“I…I...you…”

“Save it woman,” he chuckled, holding his arms open to her. “By my estimation you’ve got about ten seconds to get out from behind that bar so we can kiss in the New Year. Now move it!"

“Yes, sir!”

Laughing, Caitlyn ducked under the counter and rushed into his arms, the thunderous pounding of her heart drowning out the cacophony of bells ringing in the New Year. And as his lips crushed down on hers, she melted against him, basking not only in his warmth, but in the knowledge that she'd never spend another Christmas alone.

THE END

'Tis the Season for Seduction

In our previous installment, Lucas and Caitlyn had made their way to Newgrange on toe morning of Winter Solstice in hopes of catching an art thief connected to an American drug lord. Lucas assumed the art thief would be one of the fifty people selected to witness solstice from inside the tomb. He was wrong. 

In the midst of her reverie, Caitlyn stumbles upon a person wearing a very distinctive hat chipping away at the exterior of the tomb but before she can sound the alarm, she is attacked by the would-be thief. 

Does Lucas arrive in time to save Caitlyn and will he catch his thief?


Part One

Part Two

'Tis the Season for Seduction

by

Fiona Summerville

Part Three

"Caitlyn. Sweetheart."

A deep, reassuring voice penetrated the pain. Caitlyn struggled to sit up, but gentle hands pushed her back onto the icy ground. Which was just as well, her head was spinning.

"Don’t move, baby. The paramedics are on their way."

Caitlyn opened her eyes, blinking rapidly as her eyes struggled to focus, when they did, they met Lucas’ worried gaze.

She reached up, touching her temple with tentative fingers only to have his gloved hands cup her hand and bring it to his chest.

"Shhh…just lay still. You must have slipped and hit one of the stones going down. You’ve got a nasty bump on your temple. You may very well have a concussion."

Her temple throbbed, but Lucas’ words pierced through the fog and Caitlyn gasped with sudden recollection.

"I didn’t slip! He hit me with his cane."

"He who?"

"It had to be the art thief! He was prying loose one of the quartz stones. Everyone was focused on the sunrise… Oh, no!"

At her cry, alarm leaped into his amber eyes. "It’s okay, baby. Shhh, you’re going to be fine." Lucas snarled at a uniformed officer standing off to the side. "Where the hell are those paramedics?"

"Lucas, I’m fine. Really.” Using the resistance of his grip on her hand, she pulled herself up to a seated position and leaned her head against his chest. “It’s just that…I missed the sunrise.” Her voice tapered off into another soft cry.

"Oh sweetheart, there’ll be more sunrises." His voice was rough with concern as he gently stroked her hair. "Do you think you can give us a description of the man who attacked you?"

"I only caught a glimpse of him." She closed her eyes, searching her pain addled brain for anything that might help. "I think he was older, but that might have been because of the cane. I didn’t see his face. His scarf was pulled up and he was wearing a big bulky overcoat and a hat.”

The police constable nearest to them, turned away and barked into his radio. "All units! Be on the lookout for a gentleman with a cane, wearing an overcoat, muffler and hat. Hold him for questioning concerning an assault."

"And for defacing an antiquity," Caitlyn muttered, pointing to the small hole in the tomb’s upper ring. Indiscernible to most, but to her the jagged, empty hole made a mockery of everything she held dear.

"There was a design there," she said softly. "A triple spiral. I showed you a picture of it last night at the library, remember? How dare some greedy bastard defile something that has withstood time and the elements for over five thousand years!"

Caitlyn winced, pain shooting through her head as she raised her voice in anger. Lucas pulled her close, hoping to sooth not only the pain in her head but also her heart. In the short time he’d been with Caitlyn, he’d learned how deeply she revered the megaliths she studied. It was one of the many things he’d grown to love about her. Love? Aw hell no.

He stared down into her face. Even etched with pain, her beauty and fiery temper shone through. She was a bright and gifted scholar with so much knowledge to offer the world. He should never have involved her in this op. But he’d been so certain his target would be inside the tomb, not outside with Caitlyn. Dammit. She could have been killed.

Lucas stood stock-still, cursing himself silently as the paramedics arrived and guided her from his arms to start their examination. He let out an audible sigh of relief when they confirmed her pupils were refracting normally and that her pulse and blood pressure were strong and steady. Still, it was decided that she should have a doctor look her over at the hospital.

Lucas helped her onto the gurney and walked along side to the waiting ambulance. He was about to climb in when Inspector O’Malley stopped him.

"We’re searching everyone on the site. Purses. Pockets. Thermoses. So far we’ve come up empty."

"I have a feeling you’ll find the cane under a bush somewhere," Lucas said grimly. "It’s served its purpose, both as a tool and a weapon. No doubt part of the disguise, too."

“You’re probably right, but we’ll keep at it anyway.”

***

Two hours later, the attending physician declared Caitlyn well enough to go home.

"You’ve a sizable lump on your head, so just take it easy until the pain and swelling subsides, alright?"

"I will."

"Watch her closely for the next twenty-four hours," he warned Lucas. "If her headache worsens, her speech slurs or she seems confused, bring her right back, do y’hear?"

“Yes, doctor and thank you."

Caitlyn shot Lucas a glance, but held her tongue until the doctor left the room.

"Oh for goodness sake, there’s no need for you to watch over me for the next twenty-four hours."

"Doctor’s orders. Unless there’s someone else available," he added casually. "A roommate, maybe?

"She’s gone home for the holidays. But I’m working this evening. They’ll watch out for me there."

Lucas snorted softly. “You’re supposed to take it easy. There’s no way you’re going to work tonight.  You’d best call to let them know you won’t be in."

"But…"

"No buts, Caitlyn." He placed a hand under each arm and lifted her off the exam table. "I should never have involved you. It’s my fault you got hurt. It’s my responsibility to make sure you get better.”

***

Lucas’ cell phone rang as he and Caitlyn walked across the parking lot to his rental car. He listened for a moment and gave a terse response before ending the call.

"That was Inspector O’Malley. They found the cane, but no trace of your attacker or the stone. They’re widening the search, but something tells me our guy has gone to ground."

“Lucas, we have to find him before he gets the stone out of the country. We can’t let him get away with this.”

Lucas nodded as he loaded her into the passenger seat and then made his way around to the driver’s side.

"You know, I’ve got vacation built up. I was thinking I might stay here in Dublin over the holidays. Would you like to spend them with me? I mean, that is if you don’t have any other plans."

Caitlyn’s heart soared at the thought of spending Christmas cuddled in front of a fire with Lucas. She was already envisioning New Year’s Eve wrapped in his arms listening to the bells ring through the night when he sent her crashing back to reality.

"The target may have gone to ground, but the way I see it, he’ll want to get the stone to Saldana within the next week or so, and I want to be here when he does."

She stared over at Lucas in the driver’s seat. Despite knowing his only real interest in staying over was to nab the art thief. Caitlyn resolved to make the best of his offer. Girls like her didn’t meet men like him on a regular basis. Why not enjoy the time while it’s afforded to her? She smiled brightly at him.

“That’s a great idea, Lucas. I’d be happy to spend time with you while you’re here.”

***

Once home, Caitlyn reveled in the distraction named Lucas Connor. She watched in amused wonder as he tucked a blanket around her before making his way into the kitchen. She heard cupboards opening and closing and the click of the stove’s pilot light catching. Before long Lucas emerged with a tray piled high with sandwiches and a fairly decent pot of tea. As the afternoon wore on, Lucas entertained her with what she suspected were highly embellished tales of some of his more memorable adventures as an FBI agent.

In turn, Caitlyn opened up a little more about her life in Dublin and about her grandmother. It was more than she’d ever shared with anyone before and despite her best efforts, the ever-present loneliness and pain crept into her voice.

Lucas ran a lazy finger down her forearm. "It must be hard being alone this time of year."

"It is, a bit. But I’ve got a good group of friends and school and work to keep me plenty busy."

His astute, beautiful eyes searched her face, but probed no further. "How’s your head feel?" he asked instead.

"Great. The headache faded hours ago."

"You sure?"

"Absolutely."

“How about some dinner then? I’m starved and you don’t have much in the way of food in that kitchen.” He said with a wink before bundling up against the weather and heading down the row to O’Brien’s.

He returned with snow dusting his brown waves and the tantalizing scent of fish and chips wafting from a brown paper bag. They ate in front of the fire. Lucas crunched down on his deep-fried haddock while Caitlyn sprinkled vinegar over her fish and chips before digging in. She was midway through her portion when she felt him watching her. When she looked up, giving him a quizzical look, he smiled.

"How can you eat fries without ketchup?"

"They’re better with vinegar."

At his dubious look, she help up a fry.

"Och, at least try one before ye go hatin’ on it."

Caitlyn’s heart fluttered when he dipped his head and ate it from her hand. Her breath hitched as he licked the salt and vinegar from her fingers. And when he raised his head, and pinned her with his gaze, she forgot how to breathe altogether.

Knotting a hand in her hair, Lucas pulled her to him as he shoved their half-eaten meal aside with the other. His mouth molded onto hers and Caitlyn locked her arms around his neck, straining against him, reveling his warmth.

His lips sent electric charges surging through her body as he trailed kisses along her jawline and down her neck. It had been so long… Oh, who was she kidding? She’d never felt like this with another man, ever. Lucas Connor made her blood boil and every nerve ending sing.

Unadulterated need and hunger raged through her body like a wildfire, unchecked and uncontainable. His teeth scraped and nipped their way along her collar bone, and Caitlyn dropped her head to the side allowing him better access, crying out when he bit down on her shoulder before dragging his lips up to claim hers again. Greedy mouths fed off one another as impatient hands stripped away layers of clothing and before long, Caitlyn was stretched out beneath Lucas, arching into every caress.

"God, Caitlyn, you’re beautiful,” he whispered, raking her with hot, hungry eyes.

She moaned softly as he leaned over and captured her breast with his lips, flicking and swiping his tongue over her pebbled nipple. She writhed beneath him, her hands threading their way through his waves, as she pulled him closer.

“Patience, sweetheart. I’ll give you what you need.”

Moaning her assent, Caitlyn bucked against his hips as he spread her legs and wedged himself between them. His hands took the place of his lips, kneading and pinching her breasts as his lips traveled down along her belly, nipping at her hip bone and coming to a halt hovering just above her mound.

A small shudder coursed through her body as his breath tickled her sensitized bud of nerves. He nuzzled her inner thighs. Licked and teased her smooth inner folds. Circling but never landing on her clit. She cried out her frustration, rocking her hips, straining to reach his lips as he broke off his torture and grinned up at her.

“Hush, baby. I’ll let you come soon. Just relax and enjoy it. I know I am.”

“Please, Lucas. Stop teasing. I need…need…Oh my God!”

Lucas spread her wide, lashing her with his tongue. Caitlyn arched toward him, his name tumbling from her lips on moan. She fisted his hair with both hands, holding him in place. Now that he was there, she wasn’t going to let him wander off.

His tongue laved and dipped in her weeping core. She spread her legs further, her heels digging furrows in the carpet.

“More,” she heard herself cry and Lucas obliged.

Spearing her with two fingers, Lucas thrust deep, finding and stroking the so oft times elusive spot deep within her core as he suckled her clit. Caitlyn flexed toward him, clamping down on his fingers. Through the haze she heard and felt Lucas growl against her mound, the vibrations sending her screaming over the edge and into an untamed climax. She bucked hard against his mouth, screaming his name over and over. He held her tight, forcing her through it until the last of her shudders subsided. Only then did he move up alongside her, enveloping her in a possessive embrace. His rock hard presence pressing into the small of her back.

“I guess I did good?” He murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple.

“Och, aye,” she quipped softly in an exaggerated brogue. “I’d say ye took top honor.”

She turned in his arms to face him, reaching her hand down to stroke his cock.

“What do ye say, boyo? Are ye ready tae claim your prize?”