N. Walters - Strands of Love

Darian went to the trunk and picked up his sword. He drew the four-foot blade from its scabbard and brandished it in front of him. Sam made a squeaking sound and took a step back. He ignored the fear in her eyes and did something he hadn’t planned on doing, something he knew he shouldn’t do without discussing it with Jace.

The pledge was one every young man learned from his father from the time he was old enough to understand he might never have the opportunity to use it. It was a sacred oath, the foundation of their very civilization. Darian took a deep breath and repeated the words that he prayed would change his life forever, would make her understand his depth of commitment to her.

He went down on one knee before her and held his sword in his two hands, offering both it and himself to Sam.

“You are the heart that beats in this chest and in this home and if you would take me for husband I will give you my love, loyalty and devotion for as long as I live. With me, you gain the love, loyalty and devotion of my brother as well, who will be lover to you, and would also be your husband should I die before you. In return, I ask for your love, loyalty and devotion and any children that the gods see fit to gift us with.”

Sam felt lightheaded. This couldn’t be happening. Darian couldn’t be proposing marriage to her. He’d only known her a few hours. This was insane. “Why?” The word came out of her as a croak, but it was the best she could do. Her throat was dry, her knees weak. “I won’t give you my land.” That was the only reason she could think of for this elaborate ruse.

Darian raised his head. “I want nothing from you but your love, Sam, and I’m willing to wait for that to grow.”

“You don’t even know me,” she countered, trying to ignore the rapid beat of her heart. No man had ever proposed to her before. His words struck a chord in her heart, especially when he spoke of children. But she wasn’t sure about the whole “having his brother as her lover as well” deal. Although, there was no denying she was as attracted to Jace as she was Darian. And what kind of a woman did that make her?

He stood and set his sword aside before coming to stand before her. “I know you are alone in your world.” He took her hands in his and rubbed his thumbs over the hard calluses on her palms. “I know you are a hard worker and a compassionate woman. Courageous too. And I know the tapestry brought us together and that is pure magic. We are meant to be together.”

She swallowed hard when he released her hands and cupped her face. “And I know, Samantha Calloway, that you are very, very beautiful.”

She closed her eyes, not wanting to admit how much she loved the sound of her name on his lips. He grazed her cheekbones with his thumbs and she felt his breath on her face a scant moment before his mouth touched hers.

Tender but thorough, was the only way to describe the kiss that followed. His tongue traced her lips before dipping inside to taste her. And she didn’t object. Maybe she was tired of fighting, of being alone, but she knew she couldn’t fight the attraction between them any longer. Nor did she want to.

She truly believed they’d let her go home in three days and, after that, she’d probably never see him or Jace again. Why shouldn’t she get something out of this? Something that made her feel good and gave her some memories to hold close on the long, winter Texas nights ahead. She had no idea what would happen with the farm. She could still lose it. But she was here now and could enjoy this minute.

Maybe it was crazy. No, scratch that, it was crazy . Darian was basically a stranger who’d kidnapped her. Yet, she didn’t feel threatened in any way. If anything, she felt protected. It was a strange feeling. Sure, her father and brother had loved her, but she’d always been expected to stand on her own two feet and handle whatever came at her. She was a Calloway.

Darian deepened the kiss, his tongue sweeping over the inside of her mouth, stroking hers and encouraging her to play. Sam threw caution to the wind and embraced the moment.

She slid her hands over his broad chest, loving the way the firm muscles hardened beneath her palms. He groaned, low and deep when she sucked on his tongue and angled his head to deepen their kiss.

Large hands cupped her bottom and then she was lifted right off her feet. He rubbed her against his erection, wringing a moan from both of them. She instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist, wanting to get closer.

He pulled his lips from hers and dropped heated kisses along her cheek, down her jawline and around to her ear. “Let me have you.” His deep, erotic plea made her cream her underwear.

She couldn’t speak so she simply nodded. He carried her, not to the bed, but to the soft fur rug in front of the hearth. He knelt on the floor with her still in his arms. He held her easily even though she was five eight and no lightweight. Darian made her feel feminine and desirable in a way she’d never felt before.

He captured her earlobe between his teeth and tugged lightly. Rivers of pleasure shot through her body, making her breasts tingle and her pussy spasm.

“So beautiful,” he crooned as he laid her on the rug in front of him and tugged at her top. She raised her hands, allowing him to draw it away. His breath caught as he stared down at her breasts. She might be a tomboy, but she loved nice lingerie. The bra she was wearing was white, but it was made of stretchy lace that enticed more than it really covered.

He thumbed her distended nipples through the thin fabric and she shivered. He smiled and pinched them lightly and she gave a small cry of pleasure. Darian tugged at the straps, pulling them down her arms until her breasts popped free.

He gave a low growl of pleasure before dipping his head to taste them. His tongue was wet and warm as he swiped it over one hard tip and then the other. She moved her hips as a growing need began to consume her. She was hot, her skin sensitive wherever he touched her.

“Samantha, such a beautiful name.” He nuzzled one firm mound before capturing the nipple and sucking it into his mouth.

Her fingers tunneled into his hair, holding him to her. His hair was longer than hers, falling to his mid back while hers was just past her shoulders. Somehow it suited his masculine face, enhancing the features.

Sam was suddenly self-conscious. She knew she smelled of horse and sweat, not exactly feminine or inviting. Darian must have felt her tense because he released her breast and sat back on his heels. “What is it?”

She tried to shrug it off, but he sat there, patiently waiting. “It was a long ride,” she began.

“Are you sore?” Concern made his eyes darken.

She shook her head. “It’s not that.”

Darian leaned down and kissed her, his lips tender, his voice soft and seductive. “Then what is wrong?”

“I smell like a horse,” she blurted out.

He frowned. “I don’t understand.”

Really, was the guy obtuse? “Maybe I should get a shower or a bath or something.” Okay, her cheeks had to be blazing red. They certainly felt hot. The sensual mood from moments ago was quickly slipping away and she crossed her arms across her chest, suddenly very aware of being half naked.

“Sam,” he began and shook his head. “You smell earthy, like sunshine on a hot day.” He leaned down and sniffed her neck. “Spicy and slightly sweet.”

“Really?”

“Do you think I smell bad? That I should bathe?” he countered.

She shook his head. “No, you smell earthy and male, like leather and horse and the forest.” And it was true. His scent was intoxicating.

He nodded. “It is the same with me. I love how you smell.” He took her hands and moved them away from her body, spreading her arms wide and exposing her breasts to his view once again. “And how you look.”