An Elloras Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com



Teach Me

ISBN 9781419913518
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Teach Me Copyright 2008 Cindy Spencer Pape

Edited by Helen Woodall.
Cover art by Syneca.

Electronic book Publication March 2008

With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in
part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Elloras Cave Publishing,
Inc. 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502.

Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal
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This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales
is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors imagination and used fictitiously.


TEACH ME
Cindy Spencer Pape


Dedication

This one is for the members of the Greater Detroit Chapter of Romance Writers of
America. Without your knowledge, support, advice and encouragement, Id have never
reached this point. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.





Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the
following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Diet Coke: The Coca-Cola Company
Disney: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Ford: The Ford Motor Company
Snickers: Mars, Inc.


The Hierophant

The Hierophant is sometimes known as the High Priest or the Pope and generally
appears in life in the form of a teacher or mentor. Hes often older, always
knowledgeable and wise but he can run the risk of being too hidebound and dogmatic.
He can be the beloved mentor who is always there with the perfect bit of advice or that
nasty teacher who refuses to adapt to changing times and still tries to teach that the
Earth is flat. He is calm, rational and ready to wade in and solve the problem but he can
also lack balance in life and be stubborn to the point of disaster, especially if his beliefs
or ethics are called into question.
Galen Forsythe takes his job as a history professor very seriously. He believes in the
traditions and tenets of academia and considers the sharing of knowledge to be an
almost sacred trust. So when he is hopelessly attracted to a brilliant young graduate
student, he fights against it for three long years. Finally, on the last day before she
finishes her degree, he gives in to temptation and has a torrid encounter with Lydia
Curry in his office.
Lydia has been in love with Galen, her Hierophant, from day one. But the cards
show a future that is anything but clear. Galen knows he needs to put his illogical
feelings aside and go back to his calm, rational life but Lydia has other ideas. When
shes targeted by an ancient demon determined to escape its prison, Galen must let go
of logic and tradition and trust in the power of love to save her.


Cindy Spencer Pape
Chapter One

You may begin.
Galen Forsythe looked out over the sea of bent heads as his latest crop of graduate
students hunched over their desks, furiously reading through the questions on the
exam he had just passed out. A few began scribbling furiously while others perused the
questions more carefully. One particular walnut-colored head was missing and Galen
couldnt help but worry. Lydia Curry had a perfect attendance record and a damn fine
gradealmost a perfect score in fact. He wondered what could have possibly kept her
from the final exam.
He pulled a wad of message slips and scribbled notes out of the pocket of his tweed
blazer, where hed stuffed them when hed passed by his office mailbox on the way to
class. He piled them onto the podium and sorted through the heap. No. Nothing from
his brightest, yet most exasperating student. He stuffed the jumble of papers back into
his pocket.
And then there she was. She crept through the door as quietly as a mouse but a man
would have to be blind to miss the swirling rush of energy that accompanied her
everywhere she went. She was young and exuberant and so bloody lovely it hurt to
look at her sometimes. She reminded Galen viscerally of every lost moment of his
wasted youth. Why couldnt he have met someone like that when he was young
enough to do something about it?
Im so sorry, Professor. Her whisper was breathless, her fair skin flushed. Strands
of dark brown hair escaped her haphazard ponytail to cling damply to the creamy
white skin of her throat. Her generous bosom bounced as she panted, making Galen
glad he stood behind the lectern. It was terribly bad form, he reminded himself, for a
forty-five-year-old scholar to go rock-hard at the sight of a student. My boss absolutely
refused to let me leave on time.
That explained the too-tight cropped T-shirt she wore emblazoned with the logo of
Bubbas Tavern, a popular student lunch venue as well as nightspot. Her taut nipples
poked through the thin cotton of the shirt and it occurred to him the air-conditioning
might be a bit high for someone wearing a belly shirt and microscopic denim shorts.
Not sure he could speak without openly drooling, Galen just handed her the exam and
waved her to a seat. He had no doubt shed do fine despite the loss of five minutes of
testing time.
But she didnt. His gaze kept drifting back to Lydia as he pretended to watch the
room, proctoring the exam. While her pen usually flew with ease across the pages of her
work, now it was stalled. Her lush lower lip was caught between her teeth and her wide
brown eyes were almost suspiciously bright.
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Teach Me
The two-hour testing time lumbered slowly by as one by one the students turned in
their exams and fled into the bright May sunshine outdoors. Today was the last day of
finals and, this late in the afternoon, was probably the last class of the semester for most
if not all of them. Finally, no one was left except Lydia.
Galen couldnt help himself. He left the safety of the lectern, walked over to the
corner seat and glanced down at her paper. A quick look confirmed his fear. Shed
written a grand total of three lines on the first essay question and only one on the
second. The third was completely blank. He knew she knew the material. Shed argued
one of the questions with him in front of the class just last week. And she hadnt been
wrong, to his chagrin. Her point of view was justdifferent. She forced him to look at
historyat life in generalin ways that differed from the old comfortable norm. He
admired that in her at the same time he knew he had to avoid it for his own sanitys
sake. But he couldnt abandon her right now. Not any more than he could stop
breathing. He sat down on the chair beside her and spoke her name softly. Whats the
matter, Lydia?
Nothing, sir. Lydia blinked hard to fight back the threatening tears. Dr. Forsythe
was her toughest professor but she respected the hell out of his knowledge and
understanding of medieval history. Shed triedand apparently failedall semester,
heck, all through the three years of her PhD program, to earn his respect in return. No
matter how hard she studied or how logically she laid out her arguments, he was still
tougher on her than on anyone else in the class.
Nothing? There it wasthat note of wry disbelief that always made her feel like a
little girl trying to talk among the grown-upswhich was pretty lame considering she
was just six weeks shy of the big three-oh.
No, sir. Nothing. Nothing except today had been the day from hell and it didnt
seem to be getting better anytime soon. She handed him the paper. Since this exam is
only twenty percent of our grade for the class, I should still pass, since I did the extra-
credit paper on the liturgical calendar and its influence on daily life.
He nodded, then opened his mouth to speak just as another faculty member ambled
into the room, probably ready to set up for one last exam. Whatever Dr. Forsythe was
going to say, he turned it into, Follow me to my office, Ms. Curry.
Crap! Being alone with Galen Forsythe in his small, cozy office was something
Lydia had hoped to avoid. Her defenses were so low she wasnt sure she could keep up
the pretense of indifference shed so carefully cultivated. She was humiliated enough
that her brain had flat-lined during the exam. She didnt need him to know that the
mere sight of him made her wet. He was so bloody handsome with his golden brown
hair just starting to go silver at the temples and his piercing blue eyes. He was tall, with
the build of someone whod played football in high school or even college and whod
worked hard to stay in shape ever since.
And oh, gods, his scent! She walked beside him down the hallway and up the stairs
to his office trying not to notice the aroma of male musk and sandalwood. Shed never
figured out if it was soap or shampoo or cologne but the fragrance of sandalwood clung
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Cindy Spencer Pape
to the man more consistently than even his favorite camelhair blazer. And that fit like it
was custom-made.
It didnt surprise Lydia that he was courteous. The few times shed met with him
outside class hed always been unfailingly polite. He stepped ahead to open doors and
when they reached his office, a comfortable space jumbled with books and antiques and
reproductions, he held a chair for her and offered her a bottle of water from a small
fridge near his desk. Lydia accepted, just to give her hands something to do. He took
one for himself, then sat down as well, the broad, cluttered expanse of his desk
providing a welcome barrier between the two of them. It was warmer in here and he
shrugged out of his blazer. Lydia tried not to notice just how perfectly his pale blue
broadcloth shirt hugged his well-muscled chest.
It was so embarrassing to have such a massive crush on her professor, especially
one that had outlasted early hero worship and turned into a raging case of lust that
three years had done nothing to dissipate. He didnt wear a wedding ring but that was
the extent of her knowledge about his personal life. He was such an old-school
gentleman that she knew he would never remotely consider a relationship with a
student, even if he was unattached. So she gritted her teeth and squeezed her thighs
together, hoping she wouldnt leave a damp spot on her chair.
So what happened today, Ms. Curry? I know you have a firm grasp of the material
that was on the exam. Back to last names, she noticed. Today in the classroom had
been the first time hed called her Lydia and it had sounded sinfully good spoken in his
rich deep voice.
Im sorry, Professor, she repeated. I know its no excuse but the last twenty-four
hours have been kind ofdifficult.
Ms. Curry He broke off, slammed his bottle of water down and stood. He
rounded the desk and sat down on the edge right next to where Lydia was sitting.
Lydia. His voice had gentled this time. Is there something I can help you with?
His kindness was the final straw and the tears shed been holding in finally burst
free and started rolling down her cheeks. She spared a moment to be glad she wasnt
wearing any makeup to smear. At this point shed gladly take any small mercies she
was granted.
Please dont. His words were practically a groan. She buried her face in her hands
and tried to stop. She held her breath, forcing the sobs to quiet down, until she couldnt
hold it anymore and the sobs burst through with a noisy gasp. Her mortification only
made things that much worse. Shed spent three years trying to convince this man she
was intelligent and professional and here she went acting like the frivolous twit hed so
obviously thought her from the very beginning.
But then the strangest thing happened. He slid along his desk until his knee was
right alongside the arm of her chair. Then he reached out and awkwardly patted her
shoulder. Tell me whats happened. His other hand rummaged in his pocket,
emerging with a clean oversized handkerchief which he thrust into her lap.
8
Teach Me
Im so-so s-s-sorry, she managed to get out between sobs. Its okay if you j-j-just
give me the-the z-z-zero. R-really.
Im not going to fail you, Lydia. Not unless you dont tell me what has you so
upset. His hand on her shoulder began to rub gently. Is someone ill? Injured? Youre
notsickor anything? Are you? He sounded so horrified by that last possibility that
she had to laugh. Except it came out as a hiccup instead.
N-no, she hastened to assure him. N-n-nothing like that. J-just homeless and
j-j-jobless at the m-moment. Th-thats all. Saying the words induced another round of
sobs and somehow she found herself gathered close to his warm, broad chest.
Dont cry, sweetheart. Jobs can be found and so can apartments. Itll be okay.
Youll see.
She nodded. Her logical self knew that. She wasnt even truly worried about it. It
was just that the shock of being evicted and fired in the same twenty-four-hour period
as her finals had all been a bit more than she could handle. She burrowed into his
shoulder and slid her arms around his waist, grateful for the simple human comfort of
touch. Since her parents had died when she was twelve and her grandmother when she
was twenty, physical comfort had become a very rare luxury in her life.
He held her, stroking her back and murmuring words of comfort until her crying
stopped and her breathing went back to normal. When she settled against his chest with
a sigh, he gave her a brief squeeze then used one long finger to tip her chin up so she
was looking at him. Okay now. Tell me what happened.
She nodded, forcing herself to look away from his intense ice-blue gaze. A girl
could drown in those eyes and smile while she was doing it.
You know I finished my doctorate today. I did my dissertation defense last month.
Your class and one in the English department were my last two hurdles before being
completely done. Ive applied for teaching positions all over the place but nothing has
come through yet. Apparently brand-new English professors are a dime a dozen at the
moment.
Go on. She could feel the puff of his breath by her ear and now that she wasnt
crying anymore, the nearness to all that gorgeous masculinity was making it hard to
focus on talking.
So my lease was up this weekend and I didnt want to commit to another full year.
My landlord had agreed to extending my lease on a month-to-month basis but She
heaved a shuddering sigh.
But what?
But it turned out he expected certainconsiderations in return.
You mean sex. It wasnt a question. Shed never heard Dr. Forsythes voice quite
so harsh and cold before.
She nodded into his chest. Yeah. And hes just a bit too creepy for that to even
have been a possibility. So I loaded all my stuff in my car last night and slept on my
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Cindy Spencer Pape
friend Ginas couch. It will be fine for a couple of days but shes leaving town at the end
of next month, so Ill have to find something pretty fast.
And the job situation?
Well, I guess you can tell Id been waiting tables at Bubbas Tavern. She looked
down at her T-shirt now soaked by her tears.
Yeah, Id sort of figured that out, he told her with that faint trace of dry humor
she adored.
So Bubba decides to pick today to tell me I have to pull a double shift. It was either
stay until after the dinner rush, or quit. She shrugged. So I quit. No way was I
blowing off the final in your class.
You could have called me.
It never even crossed my mind. And it hadnt. She simply couldnt bring herself
to do anything to diminish her stature in Galen Forsythes eyes. Though shed managed
a bang-up job of it anyway. She mopped at her face with his handkerchief.
Do you have enough money to get by on for a little while?
Galen knew even as he asked it that the question was horribly inappropriate. But so
was holding her like this in his arms. He closed his eyes and inhaled the fragrance of
her hair. Grease and cigarette smoke from the tavern, with an underlying scent of
lavender and rose.
Yes. Ive lived pretty carefully the last couple years, knowing there might be a gap
between my assistantship and a real job. She snuggled into his chest like she belonged
there, like she wasnt in any hurry to move. Galen had dreamed of holding her for
nearly three years. Surely the gods wouldnt punish him too harshly for enjoying this
stolen moment. He shifted her slightly, making sure her elbow was nowhere near his
crotch. Wouldnt do to let her know he had a hard-on he could have jousted with. Hed
fought his absurd attraction to her for so long, surely he could manage a few more
minutes without ripping her clothes off and bending her over his desk. That would
make him as big a slimeball as her landlord.
Ill put out some feelers, see if there are any job openings locally. I know your
degree is technically in Middle English literature but youve got a good solid grounding
in history as well. Maybe we can turn up something in that arena. Meanwhile, I have
some friends who own rental properties. It was a popular way of earning a little extra
money in a college town. Surely one of them has something thats vacant for the
summer.
Thank you. She sniffed and wiped her nose one last time, sitting up a little and
pulling back from his embrace. That should have been safer for all concerned except
that now he had a perfect view of her lovely, tearstained face. Im really sorry about
this, Dr. Forsythe. I never meant to unload any of it on you.
Galen gave a chuckle he knew sounded rusty. I know. But you shouldnt have
been afraid to ask, about the job part anyway. Id do the same for any student. But
there had never, not in nearly twenty years of teaching, been another student hed
10
Teach Me
wanted to take care of like this one. She made him forget every professional ethic hed
ever held dear.
Staring into her coffee-colored eyes was a mistake but by the time Galen realized
that it was too late. She blinked up at him as he slowly lowered his face to hers and her
hands clutched at his biceps, pulling him inexorably downward. He wasnt sure if the
groan came from her throat or his own just before their lips met, meshed, clung.
Time hung suspended. She tasted of coffee and peppermint and something else
something indefinably female. Galen splayed his hands across her back and tugged her
up out of her chair and into his lap. She was of fairly average height, which meant she
fit perfectly between his lap and his chin. When he licked the seam of her lips, she made
a hungry little whimper and opened, allowing his tongue to sweep inside, searching,
tasting, exploring.
She didnt stay passive for long. Her lithe young arms wrapped around his neck
and she pulled him closer, arching her back to press those luscious breasts into his
chest. Her tongue curled around his, then she paused to close her lips around his
tongue and suck. Galen nearly came in his trousers at the thought of those plump pink
lips wrapping around his rigid cock and suckling it the same way.
Somewhere along the way his hands had slipped up under her sinfully tiny T-shirt
and found the back catch of her cotton bra. She held herself still while he unclasped it,
then as soon as he was done she shifted, opening up a space between their bodies for
his questing hands. When he palmed one of the ripe globes he could feel her nipple
beaded and hard against his hand. He scissored it between two fingers and squeezed
gently.
Oh! Her soft cry forced her to break the kiss. That was probably a good thing,
Galen thought as he gulped in a breath. Theyd both apparently forgotten to breathe.
Besides, it freed up his mouth for other things. He pushed her scrap of a shirt up out of
the way along with the cotton lace bra and ran his tongue around the rim of one berry
brown areola. Yes!
She arched her back over his arm as he sucked the swollen peak into his mouth. She
tunneled one hand into his hair and held him to her breast while her other busy little
hand slid down the center of his chest to the waistband of his slacks. She managed the
clasp of his belt while he suckled strongly, wallowing in each broken little gasp. He
barely registered the whir of his zipper but he couldnt miss the sensation of Lydias
fingertips gliding across the crown of his cock, which was so hard it was poking above
the waistband of his shorts. She found a droplet of moisture beading at the tip and
swirled it around. His own deep groan was muffled by her plump flesh. He bit softly,
his lips covering his teeth, then switched his attention to her other breast while she
circled his shaft with her smooth, clever fingers.
Assuming turnabout was only fair, Galen used the hand that wasnt supporting her
weight to glide down and unsnap the fastening of her cutoff shorts. She pulsed her hips
against his hand, urging him on as her own hand continued to pump his cock. Galen
could feel his balls draw up tight in preparation for release and he forced his body to
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Cindy Spencer Pape
slow down, to hold the orgasm at bay. He was far too busy pushing Lydias tiny shorts
and thong out of the way and sliding his fingers into her thick, crisp curls.
She was dripping wet, her rich cream coating his hand and easing his way. Her
folds were plump and warm and her gasps turned into fractured little cries as he found
the stiff knot of her clitoris poking out of its protective hood. He circled it gently with
his fingertip, then slid two fingers lower to spear up inside her hot tight pussy.
Galen! Hearing his name on her lips as she convulsed around his hand was the
most beautiful moment he could remember. She came hard, her thighs squeezing tight
on his wrist while her inner muscles gripped his fingers and pulsed around them. Galen
could only begin to imagine how incredible if would feel if her snug channel was
milking his cock instead. She arched her back, driving her nipple farther into the cavern
of his mouth and he obeyed her unspoken request, suckling steadily while the spasms
of climax coursed through her body.
Her hand tightened around his shaft, her sharp tugs increasing their rhythm as her
orgasm continued. When her body started to still, she picked up even more speed, until
Galen felt his eyes roll back in his head.
He released her nipple to drag in a breath and protest. Stop, sweetheart. Im so
close! He didnt want to go off in her hand like a horny teenager.
Good. Before he could react, shed rolled out of his lap and back into her chair
without taking her hand off his penis. Then she added her other hand to the action,
reaching inside his pants to play with the crack of his ass while her mouthoh lord,
that mouth!came down and dropped an openmouthed kiss on the head of his cock.
Lydia! He didnt know if it was a protest or a plea. Her pointed tongue circled the
underside of the head, then traced a line down the thick vein that ridged his shaft.
Before he could fully absorb that feeling, her lips trailed a nibbling line back up to the
tip and her tongue darted into the tiny opening and wiggled.
Come for me. She pulled back just far enough to murmur before slurping him
into her mouth. She suckled hard, then let go again to continue. I want to drink every
drop as you explode down my throat.
He was only human. No man on earth could have resisted those words uttered in
Lydias husky, sexy growl. Especially not when shed already wrapped her lips around
the head and her hand around his shaft. She pumped her hand in time with the strong
action of her mouth, making happy little hums as she sucked him deep into her throat.
Galen gripped the edges of his desk with both hands and held on as the pressure built.
When she shoved her hand down his shorts to press one finger on the sensitive skin of
his anus, fireworks went off behind his eyelids. Seed boiled up from his balls to fill her
hot waiting mouth, jet after jet emptying into her as she swallowed each one, her hand
and lips caressing his cock, milking even more out of him until he was convinced his
body would be nothing but a dry husk when he was done.
When he finally stopped shuddering, Lydia licked him clean, then deposited one
gentle kiss on the tip of his penis before laying her cheek down on his wool-covered
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Teach Me
thigh. Her arms draped loosely around his waist and her long black lashes rested on her
flushed pink cheeks. Galen ran his hand through the silky strands of her hair, carefully
disentangling the now-useless rubber band that had bound it into a tail.
A ponytail. Oh, gods, she was so young. Young enough to be his daughter! What
the hell had he just done?
Youre thinking too much. Her voice was still soft and sweet but the wry humor
hed been so drawn to in class was back, even though her eyes were still closed.
LydiaIthis He had no earthly idea what to say.
Dont. Please dont ruin this. Her voice cracked.
Not the tears again. He could handle anything but those. If she cried again, hed
end up taking her home and locking her up in his house where no one else would ever
have the chance to hurt her again. And he couldnt, just couldnt do that. It wouldnt be
fair to her.
He pulled her to her feet, to stand in the vee between his legs, then he hugged her
close to his chest.
Nothing could ruin this. What just happened will always be one of the most
beautiful memories of my life.
But? He could tell by her sigh that she knew what was coming next and was as
resigned to it as he was.
But you know as well as I do that it can never happen again.
He felt her nod against his shoulder. I understand.
Just so you know He had to fight past the lump in his throat to get the rest of
the words out. What I told you abouthelping you find a job, an apartmentnone of
that had anything at all to do with this.
I know that. Her voice hitched but she soldiered on. And for the record, if I had
thought that, even for a second, then it wouldnt have happened.
Okay then. He patted her back and dropped his hands so she could step away.
Neither of them made any attempt at eye contact as they righted their clothing and
Lydia combed her fingers through her hair.
Right. She nodded her head and squared her shoulders before picking her exam
paper up off his desk. She unzipped her backpack and shoved it inside. Ill have this in
your mailbox by tomorrow morning, if thats all right.
Hell, like it mattered. With one word she could destroy his entire career. Not that he
thought she would. Fine.
She turned to go, pausing with her hand on the door. Can I say one more thing,
Professor?
He tried to laugh but the sound was shaky and hoarse. Go ahead. But I think Id
feel a whole lot better if you called me Galen while you said it.
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Cindy Spencer Pape
Her laugh didnt sound any too steady either. Fair enough. Galen then. I just
wanted you to know that what just happenedit wasnt out of the blue. Im twenty-
nine, not seventeen. Old enough to know what Im doing. Ive been wanting you for a
very long time. Sothank you.
Fuck! Her words hit him harder than a kick to the gut. She fled out the door and
slammed it behind her before he could reply.
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Teach Me
Chapter Two

She couldnt believe shed given Galen Forsythe a blowjob right there in his office.
Even three weeks later Lydia couldnt help replaying every moment of that torrid
encounter over and over in her mind.
The details were etched into her brain. His hands were strong and masculine with a
fine dusting of golden hair. His fingers were thick and long, slightly calloused at the
tips. And theyd known exactly where and how to touch her to rock her world.
His lips had been softer than shed ever imagined but not wet or sloppy, just gentle
and in control. His mouth had tasted like cinnamon and coffee. His cock had carried the
flavors of salt and musk. And shed never forget, as long as she lived, the taste of his
cum as hed spewed down her throat. Hot and sweet and bitter all at the same time.
Tonight was her first night in her new apartment, the apartment Galen had helped
her find. The landlord was a history professor, happy to rent the apartment over her
garage to a recent graduate for the summer. The rent was negligible. All Lydia had to
do in return was keep an eye on the main house and collect the mail while the owner
was on vacation, which would be on and off all summer. Come September shed have
first dibs on leasing the place for the upcoming year if she wanted to. It was a perfect
arrangement.
Shed also found a job. By herself, actually, though she was sure Galens
recommendation had helped, along with those of her mentors in the English
department. But shed applied for the position the day it had been posted and shed
even completed the first interview a month earlierwell before what she now thought
of as the incident.
A retired faculty member had collected an impressive collection of medieval
documents, including several very rare illuminated manuscripts. On his death, Dr.
Kroner had donated them to Southern Michigan University, along with the funds to
hire a full-time curator for the collection. And the curator was to have other duties
besides just maintaining the physical documents. What was really great about the
position was that she was not just allowed but actually required to conduct ongoing
research projects based on the collection and to teach one graduate seminar per year. It
was a dream job for a medieval literature specialist. The chair of the English department
had called only yesterday to offer her the position. Today shed filled out her
employment paperwork, moved in to her new place and celebrated both
accomplishments with Gina and some other friends. Monday she began her new career.
So why wasnt she happy?
Shed kicked her friends out shortly after ten. Now she lay back on her freshly
made bed trying to remember how many bottles of wine theyd killed tonight. She was
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Cindy Spencer Pape
pretty sure it was only two, maybe two and a half at most, which meant she was still
well and truly sober. Damn. She couldnt even blame her melancholy on being drunk.
The one and only excuse she could come up with was that she hadnt laid eyes on Galen
Forsythe since the day of commencement, less than a week after theyd made out in his
office. Hed given her a handshake and a warm smile but had disappeared immediately
after the ceremony, before she could seek him out.
She swore her hand had tingled for the rest of the day. Just like every time she
thought about him, her panties got wet and her nipples turned into rocks. One quickie
with Galen had done absolutely nothing to help get him out of her system. Instead it
was like an addiction. Shed had one taste, now she was helplessly craving another fix.
Just like now.
Shed gotten ready for bed, so she lay on top of the covers in a thin yellow tank top
and a matching pair of boy-cut underwear. It was a cool night but she had a window
cracked just for the fresh air and the gentle breeze tickled her skin. She laid her hand
over her lower abdomen, willing away the ache that thinking of Galen always caused.
She hadnt even had a boyfriend in the last two years, because none of the young men
shed met measured up. It wasnt that she was looking for an older man, either. Shed
met plenty of those too and none of them had done a thing to flip her switches. It was
just him, plain and simple.
And hed made it clear that there wasnt going to be anything else between them.
Ever. Even though hed clearly enjoyed himself as much as she had. Hell, she still didnt
even know if he was marriedor at least involved with someone.
It was time to clear her mind and try to make sense of her future. She had a pleasant
place to live, a fabulous new job and the rest of her life ahead of her. She had to quit
mooning over the man she couldnt have.
Lydia rolled over onto her stomach and rummaged around on the floor beside the
bed for the box of belongings she intended to unpack into the nightstand. She opened
the drawer beside the bed and sorted things into it. She paused for a second with her
favorite pink vibrator in her hand then shook her head and tossed it into the drawer.
The toy had gotten quite a workout in the last three weeks but it wasnt what she
needed right now. Now she needed mental relief.
She kept a silver candleholder out, setting it carefully onto a slate coaster on the
nightstand. The apartment had come furnished, and though it wasnt in perfect
condition, she didnt want to add any new damage to anything that wasnt hers. Then
she lit the candle and inhaled the warm scent of vanilla that almost immediately infused
the air. The last item in the box was a carved wooden jewelry box. She closed the
drawer and sat cross-legged in the center of the bed with the jewelry box in her lap.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to center herself. Any help you want to
send this way, Granny, she murmured, then she opened the box and unwrapped the
silk scarf from around her grandmothers Tarot deck.
16
Teach Me
The cards slid through her fingers easily as she shuffledold familiar friends. Her
grandmother had taught her to use them from the time she could talk. Some of her
earliest memories were of sitting around her grandmothers kitchen table, peering into
teacups and learning from the tea leaves or watching while Granny did palm readings
and Tarot spreads for the neighbors.
Finally she stopped shuffling, cut the deck and eased her breath out through her
nose. She focused on her life and her future. And she willed the cards to show her the
best path for her to take.
She had flipped only one card when she heard the knock on her door. Her hands
stalled and she glanced down at the card, her heart rising into her throat. The
Hierophant. Also known as the High Priest, or the Pope. It was often used to denote a
mentor or teacher. A wise, tradition-bound older man. She could never look at the card
without envisioning Galens golden hair and blue eyes, even though that wasnt what
the picture showed. The knock sounded again and Lydia scooped up the card and sat
the deck on the nightstand as she scrambled off the bed. Then she grabbed an oversized
T-shirt and pulled it over her head before she moved through her tiny living room to
answer the door.
Her breath caught as she peered through the peephole. With her fingers trembling,
she unlocked the door and threw it open. She was just in time. Hed already turned and
was just about to go back down the steps.
Galen? It didnt even occur to her to call him Dr. Forsythe anymore. Since that
day in his office, he would always be Galen. She took one step out onto her second-floor
entry porch. What are you doing here? Its almost midnight.
He turned back to face her, his hand still gripping the wooden stair rail. Im not
sure, really. Agnes Duncan mentioned that you were moving in today. I was driving
home and I saw your car, saw the light on I dont know. Maybe I should just go.
No! She reached out a hand, felt relief flood her when he stepped toward her and
took it. Come in. Please.
He nodded briefly and stepped inside. He looked around the cozy living room and
kitchen area and smiled. I havent been in here in a long time. Im glad its still a
decent place.
It is. And the Duncans seem really nice. Thanks for giving them my name. She
motioned to the couch and moved to the fridge. Have a seat. Can I get you something
to drink?
Uhsurethat would be nice. He sat down on one end of the couch, stretching
his long legs out in front of him. Shed never seen him in jeans before and she spared a
moment to drool over the way his polo shirt hugged his sculpted chest before she
turned away.
I just moved in so there isnt mucha few cans of diet soda, three light beers and
half a bottle of Chablis my friends left behind. She pulled out the wine for herself.
With Galen here she was going to need the fortification.
17
Cindy Spencer Pape
The beer, I guess. His tone was uncertain.
Sure. Bottle or glass? She picked up her own wineglass from earlier and filled it
while she rummaged in the cupboard for another clean glass. She hadnt unpacked
much out here yet.
He must have guessed what she was up to. Bottles fine.
She uncapped the bottle and carried it, along with her glass over to the couch. Their
hands brushed as she handed it to him and she gasped at the spark that traveled
straight to her womb. Legs gone shaky, she sat down on the opposite end of the couch,
facing him and curled her legs up beneath her, tucking the T-shirt carefully around
them. Then she took a slow drink, studying the lines and planes of Galens face as he
sipped his beer.
The other day in my office
Lydia felt her cheeks flush red at the reminder of how quickly and completely shed
given in to her inner slut. Her eyes shifted down to study her glass.
You said some things. Things I wanted to ask you about. He tapped a finger on
his beer bottle. I probably wouldnt have had the courage to stop by if I hadnt already
had a couple of these during my monthly poker game tonight. But only two over the
entire evening, with lots of food. I want you to know Im still sober.
Me too. She raised her glass. This is maybe my fourth since six oclock. The
glass wasnt very big.
I wasnt sure youd be alone. He looked around. She was sure his keen eyes took
in the empty pizza boxes and dirty glasses, clear signs that others had been here
tonight.
I had some friends help me move in. I fed them dinner to say thank you. Then I
sent them home. Theres no onespecial in my life, Galen, if thats what you wanted to
know. Could this conversation get any more awkward? But she knew deep in her soul
that they did need to talk if they had any chance of having anything further happen
between them.
Are you really twenty-nine? He blurted out the question and then winced, as if
hed horrified himself by asking out loud.
Yep. She began to tick off years on her fingers. Graduated at eighteenbarely.
Five years for my undergradI had a double major in history and lit. Then I did a year
of study abroad, at Cambridge, before starting my masters. Finished that in three, then
three more for the doctorate and there you go. Twelve years later, Im finally done.
I know I look younger, she admitted. But Ill be thirty in just a few weeks, so Im
not a child. You didnt do anything immoral or illegal, Galen. You dont need to worry
about that.
You were still my student. She could hear the bitter, self-recrimination in his tone.
For a matter of hours by then. And even if youd failed me, I had enough credits to
finish without that class. She wasnt ready to admit shed only taken the class as an
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Teach Me
excuse to see Galen. So you really had no influence over my future at that point. But
Im sorry. I know how important ethics are to you and I do wish the scene in your office
had happened a week later.
Yeah. He rubbed his forehead. Ive been telling myself that were both only
human and that these things happen. ButChrist, Lydia, I havent been able to get you
out of my mind. For the past three years Ive been forcing myself to look away and I
dont know if I can anymore.
Thank you. You have no idea how stupid Ive been feeling, having the hots for my
professor all this time. Even if nothing more happens, it makes me feel a whole lot
better to know the attraction went both ways. It wasnt all some fantasy in my head.
You could never be stupid. But youre so young, so beautiful. What on earth could
you want with an old fuddy-duddy like me? Ive got a son in college, you know. Hed
be laughing his ass off at the idea of us together if he knew.
A son? She hadnt known that. Which reminded her of another thought, one that
tied her stomach into a knot of dread. Youre notmarriedare you?
He swallowed hard, almost snorting beer out his nose. A second later he laughed.
Hell no! Not for the last nineteen years. Even then I was too boring for anyone to stick
around with very long.
Whew! She allowed herself a sigh of relief. Not involved with anyone then?
Not remotely.
Except for you, she wanted him to say. But she knew they were a long way from that
particular admission.
I heard you got the job, he continued. When do you start?
Monday. Theyre housing the collection in the library, since they have the best
facilities for document preservation, though the English department retains control. So
though Im now officially a member of the English faculty, my office and workspace
will be up in the archives area.
Thats great, he told her. I knew you were the perfect candidate for that position.
You were the best student either department has seen in years, maybe ever.
Thanks. Hed been so hard on her in class, she could hardly believe his words.
Very few students actually give me a challenge, he went on. It was fun to see the
world from your point of view. You were always able to open my eyes to fresh views,
new insights. And you never backed down, no matter how hard I pushed.
Wow! She had no idea how to respond to that. She simply blinked.
I dont know what to do about you, Lydia. He gulped down the last third of his
beer and set the bottle on the scarred coffee table. Im forty-five years old, with a
twenty-one-year-old son. You were my student, so this is totally inappropriate. Ive
tried so hard to tell myself that my attraction to you is nothing but a midlife crisis. But
tonightI just couldnt stay away any longer.
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Cindy Spencer Pape
She set down her glass and reached out, taking both of his hands in hers. Im glad.
Ive missed you, Galen. And I couldnt care less about the age difference. Were both
adults and Im not your student anymore. Would you like to see the bedroom?
I told myself we were just going to talk.
Talking is important, she agreed.
But as soon as I get anywhere near you
She smiled. Your body gets other ideas, doesnt it?
He nodded back. Youre not offended?
She laughed. Relieved. A little flattered. And very horny. She reached down and
pulled the T-shirt over her head. She knew her erect nipples were clearly outlined by
the thin tank top. Look at what you do to me. Ive been dripping wet since the moment
I saw you standing outside my door.
He groaned and pulled her across the couch into his lap. She looked up into his
eyes and saw the raw primal heat building there, gloried in the fact that it was all for
her. Then she quit thinking as his lips crashed down on hers.
The kiss was greedy and raw, no gentleness or restraint this time. She loved it! She
gave back as good as she got, tunneling her fingers into his crisp golden hair and
sucking his tongue deep into her mouth. She straddled his lap and rubbed her wet
panties across the bulge straining against the fly of his jeans.
He wasnt interested in wasting time either apparently. One hand went up inside
her tank top to press her close, the other slid down into her panties to cup her ass. She
groaned against his lips at the heat generated by the contact. This time she wanted to
feel more than just his hands and mouth on her though. This time she wanted full-body
skin on skin. She grabbed the hem of his polo shirt in both hands. He cooperated, lifting
his arms and breaking the kiss long enough for her to tug it over his head.
Oh, yum! She murmured the words as she got her first look at Galens chest.
Shed known it was broad and well muscled but She felt moisture gush from her
pussy as her eyes took in the sharp planes, the light dusting of golden hair and the flat
copper-colored nipples.
I think thats my line. He pulled on her tank top and she raised her arms to let
him remove it. Unbelievable! He buried his face in the valley of her cleavage, filling
his hands with her breasts.
She was so lost in the sensation she barely noticed when he shifted her in his arms
and stood. She was no lightweight, so she was as impressed as hell when he lifted her
without a grunt.
Which ways the bedroom?
There was only one hallway, so she giggled and pointed. Galen strode swiftly down
the short corridor and nudged the bedroom door open with a foot. Then he moved to
the bed and carefully set her down. She sprawled on top of the comforter, leaning back
on her hands. Her splayed legs had to give him a clear view of the soaked scrap of
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Teach Me
cotton between her legs. For her part, she kept her eyes glued to his physique as his
hands settled on his belt buckle.
Youre sure?
Absolutely, she assured him. Come to bed, Galen. She licked her lips as he
began to unbuckle his belt and lower the zipper on his jeans. Shed seen him, felt him,
tasted him before but this time she wanted to savor every inch of that thick, hard cock.
He pushed his jeans and boxers down in one movement and toed off his sneakers
and socks. Lydia just stared. He was even more magnificent than she remembered.
How had she managed to get even the head of that into her mouth? She wasnt entirely
certain it was going to fit in her cunt but she was damned sure going to make him try.
They hadnt turned the bedroom light on, so the flickering candle flame cast a
golden glow over his skin, making him look like a Norse god.
Ive dreamed of this. His words came out as a husky growl. He stepped up to the
bed, between her legs and put one hand on each of her thighs. Dreamed of you naked
and offered up like thiswarm and willing. With one hand he traced the seam
between her hip and thigh, running along the edge of her panties.
Me too. She lifted her hips to allow him to pull the panties down her legs, then
spread herself wide again for his perusal.
Perfect. He traced the lines of her trimmed bush, ran his finger along her weeping
cleft. Abso-fucking-lutely perfect.
He looked up at the wooden posts and rails of the headboard and gave her a
wicked smile. Slide up the bed and hold on.
Another gush of fluid seeped between her legs as she realized what he meant.
Damn, if Galen wasnt into a little light pseudo-bondage. No wonder shed been so
drawn to him. Just the idea made her pussy clench. Eagerly she scooted up and
centered herself on the mattress, grabbing on to one of the sturdy posts with each hand.
Dont let go. He rearranged her legs to his likingspread wide, her feet almost
hanging over the edge of the full-sized bed. Then he knelt between them, his
magnificent erection only inches away from her hungry core. No matter what, dont let
go.
Anything you say, Galen. She forced the words out through a throat that had
gone completely dry.
Ive waited three years to taste you. His long fingers dipped into her cleft and
swirled her juices around, then spread her lips wide so he could look his fill. She lifted
her hips for him, silently begging for more. You got to taste that day in my office but I
didnt. I intend to make up for that tonight. One fingertip played lightly, too lightly,
with her throbbing clit.
O-okay with me. She panted and twisted her pelvis, totally unembarrassed to be
so weak and needy before him.
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Cindy Spencer Pape
Anything you dont like, just tell me, sweetheart. No games, no safe words tonight.
Just say stop and I will.
Please dont stop, Galen. Just fuck me. With your hands, your mouth, your cock,
whatever you want. She had to gasp for breath between the words but she managed to
get them all out. I want you so damned much!
His only answer was a guttural groan as he lowered his face to her muff. He tasted
her slowly, one leisurely lick from anus to clit, his hands holding her thighs wide and
down to the bed. Then he lifted his face and she could see her juices glistening on his
chin. He licked his lips. Ambrosia. Then he lowered his face again and licked a circle
around her clit.
Galen! She couldnt believe how easily he made her come. It was just a warm-up,
a mini-orgasm but she could feel the spasms deep in her womb as he toyed with her
nub, then sucked it between his lips. He suckled gently until shed almost settled down,
then he bit softly and slid his tongue down to circle her vaginal canal.
Keep your eyes open, he ordered. He slipped his hands under her ass, palming
her cheeks to raise her up then speared his tongue up into her pussy. Her eyes about
rolled up into her head but she managed to keep them open, fascinated by the sight of
Galens bright gold head cradled between her legs.
He took his time, eating her with enthusiasm and attention to detail. She was
writhing and whimpering before he moved his mouth back up to her clit and shoved
two fingers into her swollen channel. She screamed his name as she came again, this
time hard, clenching his head between her thighs as the world exploded around her.
Sparks of colored light flashed in front of the eyelids she couldnt help closing.
I cant wait another second. Galen gave her pussy one last slurp of his tongue
then he crawled up over her, pinning her hips to the bed with his own. He claimed her
mouth for one fierce, possessive kiss, making her taste herself on his lips and tongue
before he positioned his cock with one hand, rubbing the head between her labia to wet
it with her cream. Then in one sharp thrust, he pierced inside her waiting channel and
filled her to the brim. He was so big it hurt, just a little but the stretched fullness was so
incredible, she came again, convulsing around his rigid staff.
Fuck! Nothing had prepared Galen for the glory of feeling Lydias tight cunt
gripping and milking his cock. Her inner muscles held him so snugly, it was all he
could do to ease out a little just so he could have the pleasure of shoving back in. She
took him deep, all the way to the balls and he could feel the tip of him pressing against
her cervix. She wrapped her legs around his waist to take him even deeper and nothing
had ever felt better in his life.
He gazed down at her as he pistoned into her hard and fast. He wasnt going to
lastit was too damned good. And to his immense joy, she still hadnt let go of the
headboard. She was bloody perfect! But now he wanted to feel her hands on him as
well. He leaned up just enough that he could bend down and take one of her firm full
breasts in his mouth. Her nipples were big and dark and as hard as diamonds. He
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Teach Me
tickled one with his tongue, then latched on and suckled strongly, loving her moans as
he did.
You can touch me now, sweetheart. Anything you want. Then he returned to
feasting on her gorgeous breasts. It didnt take him long to discover that her nipples
were as sensitive as hell and she liked them suckled hard.
Her hands gripped his shoulders, her short, sharp nails digging into the skin. He
felt the climax start deep in his balls, felt the pressure building to the point of no return.
He bit down on her engorged tip and she screamed his name as she came again, coating
his cock with more fluid and pulling him even deeper into her core. He pressed up
against her womb and let go. He spewed harder than he ever had in his life, filling her
waiting body with pulse after pulse of hot, thick seed as she clenched around him,
milking him of every last drop.
Finally spent, he twisted to fall beside her. She rolled with him, his cock still
snugged up inside her, still half hard despite the fact that he was totally depleted. He
wrapped both arms around her and pulled her tight to his chest.
You okay? He panted the words, fighting the exhaustion that threatened to
swamp his consciousness.
She sobbed a breath against his chest. Wonderful.
Are you crying? Oh, shit, had he hurt her? Had he ruined this before theyd even
really started?
N-no. But she sniffled.
Whats the matter, Lydia? He pulled out of her, moved to lean over her as she lay
back against the pillows. Did I do something wrong?
She shook her head and in the candlelight he could see her smile, so beautiful it
made his stomach hurt. Just overwhelmed. That wasmagnificent. Nothingnothing
has ever come close to that, Galen. She reached up and cupped his cheek in her hand.
Ithat wasthank you.
That hadnt been what she started to say but he let it go, just smiled back. This was
something special, thats for sure. Then he felt his stomach drop. Christ, he hadnt had
unprotected sex since before Jason was bornabout nine months before his son had
been born to be exact!
His shock and fear must have shown on his face. Galen, whats wrong?
He swallowed hard. Sweetheart, tell me youre protected. On the Pill, or
something. Anything. Jesus, Im sorry but we didnt
Use anything. She finished for him. She bit her lip and shook her head. Galen, I
havent been sexually active for almost three years. I gave up the Pill a long time ago. It
gave me awful headaches. But we should be safe. Im due to start any day now.
Part of him rejoiced at her words. She hadnt been with anyonenone of the young
studs who populated this college townsince shed met him. He felt like beating his
chest. But holy shit, he didnt think he was ready to be a father again. Not at his age.
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Cindy Spencer Pape
Let me know, he begged. Either way, dont leave me to worry, okay? Ill leave you
my cell number, you can call anytime day or night.
I promise. As soon as I know anything, Ill call. A yawn followed her words and
she tugged on his arm. Cmere.
He reached down and rearranged the covers, then pulled them up over their
rapidly cooling bodies. Goodnight, Lydia. He dropped a kiss on her forehead and
pulled her up against him as they drifted off to sleep.
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Teach Me
Chapter Three

Lydia stared at the pile of photocopies on her desk, closed her eyes and counted to
ten. When she opened them again, the papers were still there. Damn. One of her first
assignments at this new job was to inventory the collection and compare it to the official
catalog. Seems everyone had known Professor Kroner had gotten a bit dotty in his old
age. There were more books and scrolls in the boxes than could be accounted for on the
list. So lucky her, she had to figure out the provenance and value of all the leftovers
before she could have the fun of really digging into and studying the manuscripts.
Shed dragged the copies in here so she could work in her own office instead of poring
over the originals in one of the conservation labs.
She had a raging stress headache and the cramps werent helping. Her period had
started this morning, much to her relief. And Galens. But damn if she wasnt pissed off
at him as well. Theyd made love again before he left her apartment Saturday morning.
Then hed stopped by again Saturday nightthis time with a big box of jumbo-sized
condoms. Shed seen him every single night and theyd gone at it like rabid minks each
and every time. Theyd also spent hours just talking. She was finally starting to think
they had an actual relationshipdespite the fact that hed yet to be seen with her in
public.
Then todayWednesdayshed woken up spotting. By noon, she was certain
and feeling like crap. But shed dutifully called his cell, like hed asked her to. His sigh
of relief still echoed in her ears. It wasnt like shed wanted to be pregnant but did he
have to be so openly ecstatic about it? Yeesh!
She shoved the papers aside so she could cross her arms on the desk and lay her
head down. Shed taken some ibuprofen a few minutes ago. Surely the world wouldnt
end if she just rested here for a bit until it kicked in. The thought of food made her
nauseous so shed skipped lunch. When a knock sounded on her office door she nearly
jumped out of her skin.
Hey there. One of the student library pages stood in the doorway with a bundle
wrapped in green paper. These came to the front desk for you.
Flowers? For her? Stunned, she reached for the bundle, carefully lifting the glass
vase from the younger womans hand. Her lower lip trembled. They had to be from
Galenno one had ever sent her flowers before in her life. She set the vase on her desk
and tore off the wrapping.
From your boyfriend?
Lydia glanced at the students name badge and smiled. Im not sure, Tiffany.
Starting to look like maybe he is.
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Cindy Spencer Pape
Tiffany returned the grin, admiring the tastefully elegant bouquet of yellow roses in
a smoked glass vase that Lydia revealed. Well, Id say this was a positive step in that
direction. He has taste too. Those long-stems arent cheap and the vase is gorgeous.
With a bouncy little wave, she walked away, leaving Lydia to read the card and ponder
the implications.
Congratulations on the new jobGF. A little late for that sentiment but as good
an excuse as any to send flowers, she supposed. If someone at the desk had read the
card it sure sounded better than Glad youre not knocked up. She inhaled deeply of
the roses sultry perfume and felt better than she had all day. She even hummed a little
as she got back to work on the mystery documents.
* * * * *
By five oclock her headache had returned with a vengeance. One of the documents,
a scroll, had her so confused shed gone back into the lab and put the gloves on to study
the original. It was in a beautiful gem-studded scroll case that had to be worth a
fortune, all on its own. It appeared to be a poem, of sorts, written in an odd dialect of
Middle English that she was having more trouble than usual translating. It almost
looked likethough it couldnt bea spell.
Something about the scroll case caught her eye and she picked it up to examine it
more closely. What the hell? She touched what looked like a tiny imperfection and
the finial on the end of the case shiftedrevealing a tiny secret compartment. There was
a clatter as a small object dropped onto the table.
She picked up the fallen objecta gold ring. That it was ancient was never for a
moment in question. There was something eerily compelling about the serpentine gold
carving and the dull gleam of the large cabochon ruby. On closer examination she saw
that the stone carried an intaglio carving of a coiled serpent deep in its blood-red
depths. The design matched the illuminations on the scroll and the carvings on the case,
telling her that the three pieces were indeed part of a set.
What was she supposed to do with this? All the documents and related artifacts
were technically the property of the university. But this ring was something above and
beyond. It belonged in a museum. One with better security than their little campus
showcase.
It was summer and well after the dinner hour, so she knew it would be hard to
contact anyone in the English department today. Shed call her boss first thing in the
morning and fill him in on the new developments. For now shed lock the ring back up
with the scroll and its case. The library facilities were as secure as anywhere on campus.
Then shed go home and put an icepack on her head and a heating pad on her aching
lower back. Maybe have a glass or two of wine as a muscle relaxant.
* * * * *
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Teach Me
He didnt know if shed want to see him tonight or not. Shed sounded pretty
miserable on the phone, which is why hed thought the flowers might cheer her up.
Hed grown up with two sisters and been married, though briefly and long ago. While
he knew he never stood a chance in hell of understanding the female mind, one thing
hed learned was that when it came to female functions every woman was different.
In the end, the magnetic pull of seeing Lydia proved too strong for Galen to resist.
By seven oclock he found himself standing on her porch. He lifted his hand to knock,
then realized that only the screen was closed and he could see her stretched out on the
couch. Lydia?
Galen? She lifted what looked like a miniature satin pillow off one of her eyes.
Havent you learned just to come in yet?
Are you all right?
Define all right. She dropped the eye pillow on the floor as she sat up. Ill
survive and Im not contagious.
You look like hell. He regretted the words the moment they were out of his
mouth.
But Lydia never failed to surprise him. Instead of chewing him out, she laughed,
sagging back against the arm of the couch. No kidding. Thanks for the flowers, by the
way. Very pretty.
He followed his instincts and sat down in the chair beside the couch. Close enough
to touch but not close enough to crowd. He lifted her hand off her lap and brought it to
his lips. You sounded pretty miserable on the phone. Thought you could use
something to cheer you up.
She stretched, then leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. He tried not to notice
how the movement outlined her breasts beneath the thin little camisole she wore with a
pair of calf-length cotton sleep pants. They did. Also caused endless speculation
among the student staff at the library. Increased my perceived social status immensely.
Have you eaten dinner?
She shook her head. Too much trouble. I had a Diet Coke and some crackers.
Are you sick or just
She chuckled. Just. And stressed. New job and all that. Tired because I havent
been getting too much sleep lately. Ill be fine in a day or two.
Sorry about the tired part.
I wasnt complaining. She proved her point with a jaw-cracking yawn.
Galen wished he understood his bone-deep need to take care of this woman. Well,
tonight you can sleep. But you really should eat something first. I could run out and get
pizza or Chinese.
She considered a moment. I could eat some cashew chicken.
Okay. That was easy. Anything else you need while Im out? Please dont let her
ask me to pick up tampons, he thought in a moment of panic. Hed do it. Hell, hed
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Cindy Spencer Pape
probably fetch her a live human sacrifice if she asked him nicely enough, but he didnt
think he was ready to buy tampons yet.
Chocolate? Her voice was tentative, as if it was an outrageous request. Id kill
for a Snickers bar.
He leaned over and kissed her. I think I can manage that. You need anything
before I go?
He rewarmed her lavender-filled heating pad in the microwave then fetched her
ibuprofen and a fresh soda before he left. It was cute how easily someone as stubbornly
independent as Lydia adapted to being pampered once hed put his mind to doing it.
She was sound asleep when he returned, crashed out on the sofa with one arm
across her face and the other hand trailing on the floor. He set the Chinese takeout on
the table and put the wine hed picked up in the fridge. Then he ducked down to his car
for his laptop. Might as well get some work done while he waited for her to wake up.
It didnt even occur to him to leave. As he read a long chatty email from his
younger sister, he pondered that for a minute. Then he gave a mental shrug. No big
deal, he just liked her company. It didnt have to mean anything. Right?
* * * * *
When she woke it was to the smell of garlic and the sound of a baseball game
playing on her television. As her eyes flickered open, Lydia looked over to see Galen
sprawled in one of her wicker chairs using chopsticks to eat something out of a paper
carton.
Good morning.
Her answering laugh was interrupted by a yawn. What time is it?
You were out for about two hours, he replied. He held up the chopsticks. Hope
you dont mind that I gave up waiting.
Not at all. She shook her head to clear it and sat up. Wow. I feel a whole lot
better. Im even hungry. Is there anything left for me?
Cashew chicken, as requested. Ill go warm it up for you.
Jeez, he was spoiling her rotten. A girl could get used to this kind of treatment.
When she returned from a trip to the bathroom, a steaming carton and a glass of white
wine were waiting for her on the coffee table. Galen was flicking buttons on the remote
control. Baseball game over?
He shook his head. Commercial. He continued to channel-surf while she
unwrapped her chopsticks and dug into her food.
They ate and watched the game in comfortable silence, interrupted by pass the soy
sauce and do you call that a pitch. It was different from other nights because there
was no expectation of sex, no rush to get to the good parts. This was justnice, she
thought. Something else she could get used to all too easily.
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Teach Me
Even when the game was over Galen showed no inclination to rush out the door.
Do you play cards? he asked.
She shrugged. I can but I dont think I have any in the apartment. Except for my
Tarot cards.
Tarot cards? He raised one eyebrow in that skeptical expression she loved.
Youre kidding. When have you had time to get into the New Age stuff?
She laughed. When I was about three. The cards belonged to my grandmother. She
used to do readings for the neighbor ladies over cookies and tea. She scrambled off the
couch. Dont move!
Galen was still watching with indulgent amusement when she returned from the
bedroom carrying her silk-wrapped deck. Let him laugh. She knew that the cards could
work, if the readers mind and spirit were open to them. He might have forgotten more
about history than she would ever know but when it came to this, she could probably
teach him a thing or two.
She sat cross-legged on the couch and cleared a space on the coffee table where she
spread out the scarf to lay the cards on. Then she took a cleansing breath and started
shuffling, letting the energy from the cards flow though her and her own psychic
energy flow through the cards.
She handed the deck to Galen. Cut the deck.
He did and she wasnt in the least surprised when he revealed the Hierophant. She
slid the card out of his hand and laid it in the center of the scarf. Okay, thats your
significatorthe card that represents you. Now think of a question, something open-
ended, not yes or no. And while you think about the question, shuffle the deck.
With a smart-assed roll of his eyes, he followed her directions, then handed her
back the deck. She cut the deck, mentally weighed the piles and then began to lay out a
basic Celtic Cross spread. Her own eyes widened when she saw the Lovers appear in
his recent past. He raised an eyebrow at that one too. That was one card that didnt
need a lot of interpretation. She wasnt as thrilled to find the Hanged Man in his future,
or Death as the conclusion.
This doesnt necessarily mean that someone close to you is going to die, she
hastened to explain. Her stomach knotted back up at the grim vibes she was getting
from this reading but she didnt want to scare him away from her completely by
freaking out. But it does suggest there is some kind of dangermaybe physical, maybe
just the end of an era in your lifea career change for instance.
I somehow doubt that, he scoffed. Im tenured and have no intention of
changing jobs until the day I retire.
Well, whatever your question was, I guess what the cards are telling you is to be
careful. She gathered the cards in a hasty jumble, not even making sure they were all
facing the same way before she slapped the scarf back around them.
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Cindy Spencer Pape
Im leaving for that conference in Milwaukee tomorrow, he reminded her on his
way out a little later. He hadnt spent the night since that very first time. Youve got
my cell number if you need to get in touch with me for any reason.
Boy, all the way to exotic Milwaukee? You history department guys get all the
perks. It felt good to laugh and tease but he was going to be gone for four days and she
was going to miss him. She stood and walked him to the door.
He laughed back, then when she laid a hand against his chest, his expression turned
intense and serious. Ill miss you, sweetheart.
She swallowed the lump in her throat. That was as close as hed come to a
declaration. She gave him the best smile she could muster. Likewise. And Galen
please be careful. I know you think the cards are all silliness but it wouldnt hurt, would
it, to be a little extra cautious for the next few days?
He tapped a finger on her nose. If it will help you sleep easier while Im gone, then
I promise. Ill double check all seat belts, look three times before crossing the street and
even avoid cholesterol.
Thank you.
He sealed his promise with a kiss, one that was long and deep and full of the
frustration hed obviously suppressed all evening. Lydias senses were reeling by the
time he finally tore his lips away and tucked her head beneath his chin for a hug. He
held her until they could both breathe again, then kissed the top of her head and pulled
away.
Goodnight, Lydia. Get some more sleep, okay?
She nodded, her voice too shaky to speak. She watched him walk down the stairs,
gave him a cheerful wave when he turned to look at her one last time. Then she turned
off the porch light, locked the door behind him and crawled into her lonely bed. She
hugged the pillow he used when they lounged between bouts of sex. It smelled of him,
a little at least and it was more comforting than any teddy bear shed ever owned. Still,
it was a long time before she went to sleep.
* * * * *
The conference food was as crappy as usual, the talks were boring and Galen
wished desperately to be home. He grabbed a soda out of the machine to take back up
to his room at the end of the night, just because he was sick of iced tea and bad coffee.
There was a candy machine next to the drink dispenser that made him think of Lydia
and her request for a candy bar when hed presented his open-ended offer. Nobody
could say she was in the relationship for his money. Hed have fetched champagne and
caviar if shed wanted it. She hadnt even asked for it to be king-sized.
He was crabby and out of sorts after two days away from her, three without sex.
Since hed gone more than three years before meeting Lydia, it made no sense at all to
feel deprived after less than a week. But damn it, he did.
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Teach Me
Hey, Galen, how was that panel on the Crusades?
Oh shit, it was his department chair. Rawlings was an American historian who
wouldnt know medieval history if it bit him on the ass but hed gotten invited to speak
on a panel at this meeting about department funding of all things. And as department
chair hed been determined to observe Galen every second of the trip. No wonder
Galen had a blistering headache.
Hi, Barry. You mean the one on the Childrens Crusade? A little clichd, not much
new information but it was well put together. The one on Charlemagne was pretty cool
though. Had slides of a bunch of new archaeological finds.
Good, good anything you can use to liven up the freshman classes. Visual aids are
always good. What? Like he had a copy of those slides? Maybe next year the UCLA
people would release them for sale but not before then. That was their conference meal
ticket for a while. Sometimes he wondered if his boss even knew what words came out
of his mouth. The man was good at getting grants and organizing schedules but he was
mediocre at best as an academician. Galen mentally shrugged. Thats why the
department had elected him chairit kept him handling the administrative bullshit and
let the real scholars teach.
A colleague from another Michigan school walked by and waved at the two men.
Brad Hartman was a reasonable sort, about Galens own age or a few years older. Galen
had done some research with Hartman a couple years ago when the man was a recent
divorc, gloomy and depressed. Tonight Hartman looked anything but. He was
sporting a shiny new wedding band and a twenty-something blonde on his arm.
Disgusting! Rawlings hissed after Hartman passed by. She looks more like his
daughter than his wife.
Id say that makes him a lucky guy. Galen forced himself to chuckle.
Ha! Makes him a horny old idiot. Rawlings went on to rave about the lack of
ethics and integrity in May-December relationships. Galens rubber chicken dinner
turned to lead in his stomach as he remembered that a few years back Rawlings had
been engaged to a younger woman, who had run off with most of his bank account.
If hed had any doubts about his bosss reaction to Galen seeing Lydia, now they
were laid to rest. Galens life in the department would get very awkward indeed if it
ever got out that he was involved with a former student.
When Galen got back to his room he ignored the soda. He opted instead for the ten-
dollar apiece single-shot bottles of whiskey from the mini-barall four of them.
* * * * *
Two more days of study and research had gotten her no closer at all to
understanding the scroll. Shed set it aside and worked on some of the other
uncataloged documents, quickly accounting for some and adding others to the official
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Cindy Spencer Pape
reports. But she couldnt get the scroll out of her mind which explained what she was
doing in her office on a Sunday afternoon.
She had what looked like a reasonable translation. It was mostly Middle English
with some Old French and Latin thrown in, making her think a cleric had had
something to do with it. Or a traveling minstrel maybe. The words almost made sense if
you looked at it as maybe a song or a poem. In some ways it reminded her of the old
folk ballad Scarborough Fair crossed with the Disney ditty Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo.
In fact some of the rhymes began to resonate in her brain, even when she wasnt
reading it. Like a song from the radio you couldnt get out of your head. The one word
she couldnt translate was Alcineath. She was beginning to think it was a name. If you
looked at it right, it might have been a love song about capturing the heart of a maiden
by that name. At least she thought the word was some variant of damoisel for maiden.
The ancient ink was smudged and blurry in a few places and didnt always show up
well at all on the copy she was working with.
And then there was the scroll tube and its secret compartment. She still hadnt
figured out what to do about that. Every time she thought about calling her boss and
letting him know about the find, something distracted her and she forgot. Now the man
was on vacation for the next two weeks. She wished Galen was home to talk to. She
could use his logic and levelheadedness right about now.
She could use something else too. Her period was just about over and her body was
objecting loudly to several days of abstinence. How had she gotten so spoiled in such a
short time? She and Galen had been together for less than a week if you didnt count
that first frantic session in his office. She shouldnt be lying awake at night wondering
where he was and if he was sleeping alone, her pussy aching for him to fill it.
It might have helped if hed called more than once. He had on Thursday, his first
night in Milwaukee, just to let he know hed gotten there and the conference was
underway. Mostly, she thought, hed called to see if she was feeling better. That
knowledge was like a warm hug wrapping around her heart. She knew he cared about
her he just hadnt figured out what to do about it yet. She clung to the hope that he
eventually would. She didnt want to contemplate the possibility of her life without
Galen in it.
She locked up her office and stopped in the lab to return the scroll to its case. She
couldnt resist taking the ring out of its secret compartment and looking at it again. It
was such a beautiful work of art it was a shame that it had been hidden away all these
years. She turned it over and over in her gloved fingers. Who had worn it? Had it been
a gift of love? A wedding ring? The symbol of some office or title? It was definitely
feminine.
If anyone had seen what she did next, Lydias career would have been over as soon
as it had begun. But she just couldnt resist. She slipped the gloves off her hands and
touched the ancient gold carvings on the ring with her bare fingertips. She knew better,
knew she could be damaging a valuable historical artifact but it was as if she were
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Teach Me
compelled, unable to resist. It was almost as if there was a voice in her head urging her
to try it on.
She studied the inside, looking for an inscription. Nothing there, the inner surface
was smooth and worn. She held the ring above the third finger of her left hand, the
blood-red ruby flashing in the fluorescent light.
No. The voice in her head told her that wasnt the correct digit. She shifted it
allowing it to hover above the ring finger on her right hand, then shifted it two fingers
to the left. Right index finger. How did she just somehow know that that was right?
Shed accepted years ago that she had some small aptitude for psychic phenomena, the
Tarot cards had proven that to her in early childhood. But this was a different feeling,
like an oily presence in her brain. It was something totally outside her experience or
understanding.
She had to slide the ring onto her finger. Part of her brain was still screaming at her
not to do it but the compulsion was a powerful force. She had just inserted the tip of her
finger into the golden circle, had the edge of the ring moved up to the base of her nail
when her cell phone rang shattering whatever spell shed been under.
Emitting a shrill squeak, Lydia jumped, dropping the ring to the marble floor,
where it clattered and rolled under the lab table. She dug in the side pocket of her cargo
Capri pants for her phone and answered it while she dropped to her knees to look for
the ring.
Hey, Gina. There it was, right next to the table leg. She remembered to grab a
glove but she didnt put it on, just used it like a tissue to pick the ring up and set it back
on the table.
Hey, were all at the psychic fair in front of Harrison Hall. You were supposed to
be here an hour ago.
Oh crap, she had agreed to meet her friends and wander about the booths set up on
the campuss largest green space, the area in front of the old ivy-covered administration
building. The fair was always fun. There would be food vendors and New Age
musicians as well as booths offering everything from horoscopes to past-life
regressions. In her early days as a grad student here shed even participated, earning
some extra cash with her Tarot readings.
Give me ten minutes to lock up and dash over there. She used her shoulder to
hold the phone to her ear and quickly donned her gloves to put the ring and scroll back
in their case, then she returned the case to the locked cabinet along the wall.
True to her word, ten minutes later she was scurrying down the sidewalk to the
fountain at the center of the main campus square. She smiled at Gina, Tori, James and
Don, all friends and all until recently fellow graduate students. Tori and James had their
arms wrapped around one another, a new development this spring that Lydia hadnt
quite gotten used to seeing. She winced internally as they all hugged and moved off
toward the refreshment stands. Who was she to talk? None of her friends even knew
about Galen, though she knew Gina had suspected something happened on that last
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Cindy Spencer Pape
day of finals. What was going on in her life seemed too private to discuss, even with her
friends. Besides, if she didnt tell them anything to start with she wouldnt have to deal
with awkward explanations if things didnt work out.
They ate hot dogs and listened to music, some good, some bad. Tori and James
went for a couples horoscope reading and came out delighted but Lydia didnt feel the
need to pay anyone for a reading. If she wanted to know her future she could go home
and get out her cards. As things began to close and wrap up, she said her goodbyes and
started to walk back to where shed left her car, over by the library.
The card is the key. The voice was low but clear. Lydia spun to see one of the
psychics, an older woman whose face was totally unfamiliar, breaking down her booth.
What? She tilted her head. This woman wasnt decked out in beads and scarves
she wore white jeans, a navy T-shirt and white canvas tennis shoes. Her gray hair was
in a tidy bob. She didnt look like a Sunday psychic at all. But Lydias eyes widened at
the aura of pure power that emanated from the womans tiny frame.
Very dangerous times are approaching. You must tell him that the card will be the
key.
The womans hands were shaking, Lydia saw. This wasnt a cutesy fun reading, this
was frighteningly real. She didnt waste time arguing. Tell who?
I do not know. Just that when the time comes it will be up to him to save you. And
to find the answers he must look to the card. Im sorry. Thats all I see.
Lydia pulled out her wallet but the woman shook her head.
No. Save your money. And be careful. I wish I could tell you where the danger
comes from but all I see is red. Just remember what I have told you. The card is the
key.
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Teach Me
Chapter Four

The card is the key.
What the hell was that supposed to mean?
Lydia had been able to think about little else all day.
Once again she was working late in her office. No big surprise. The campus library
was still pretty active, even at six oclock on a Monday evening. Plenty of people took
summer classes or used the summer to work on research projects.
All I see is red.
Shed gone home and done a reading for herself but all shed been able to see was
the Hierophant. Yeah, like it took the cards to tell her Galen was a major complicating
factor in her life right now. The weird thing was shed gotten what looked like three
conflicting outcomes. And she didnt know which was scarierDeath, the lonely
sorrowful Queen of Swords, or the visibly pregnant Empress. That one made her
shudder and reminded her to make a doctors appointment. Shed come to the
conclusion that her own internal turmoil was messing with her reading and that she
wouldnt get a straight answer from the cards until she calmed down some.
She forced herself to spend the workday on other things, worried that she was
letting herself get too obsessed with what she was now calling the spell scroll. But now
that five oclock had come and gone, she allowed herself to pull out the copy and study
it. She pulled out the bottom file drawer on her old steel desk and propped her feet up
on the sturdy side of the drawer while she read and reread the copy. The position put
her back to the door and she had ear buds in with a web radio broadcast playing on her
computer, so she didnt see or hear anyone at her door until a pair of hands settled on
her shoulders.
You planning to stay here all night?
Lydia shrieked and spun in her chair. The movement yanked the ear buds out of
her ears. She heard Galens soft laughter at almost the same time she registered his
sandalwood scent.
Youre back!
I am. Can I take this to mean you missed me?
A quick glance to her right told her that her door was shut. Shed covered the
window in it with a poster the first day here so that when she closed it no one could see
in. Originally that had been for security purposes since she worked with valuable
materials but now she could think of another advantage.
You can. Her arms wrapped around his waist and she squeezed, pressing her
face into his stomach. How was the conference?
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Cindy Spencer Pape
The usual. He slipped his hands under her arms and pulled her to her feet for a
long, satisfying kiss. She wound her arms around his throat and opened for him,
pressing her body full-length along his. She could feel his erection prodding into her
stomach and she shimmied against it. She could already feel her panties getting wet
beneath her broomstick-style skirt and her nipples ached where they rubbed against his
solid chest.
Usual what? She gasped for air and smiled at him when their lips finally drew
apart. He sat on the desk and drew her down into his lap.
Usual bad food, boring talks and annoying networking, all for ten minutes worth
of really useful information. He nibbled on the point where her neck met her shoulder
while his hands toyed with the sides of her breasts through her summer-weight sweater
and satin bra.
Which is why we all go to the stupid things. She sighed and tipped her head to
give him greater access while her own hand slid up under his golf shirt.
Umm-hmm. His tongue swirled around her ear. And remind me next time to
make sure I sign up for one my department chair isnt going to.
Oh, that had to be fun. She shifted a little to bring his palm to her swollen nipple,
then whimpered when he found it and pressed down.
Loads. He nipped her earlobe then turned his attention to getting his hand
beneath her bra. Lord, I missed this! His voice dropped so no one could hear them
beyond the thin office walls. He squeezed her breasts gently and chuckled. Missed
these too.
Yeah, they missed you too, she whispered back. He shoved her bra up out of the
way and massaged both tips, making her arch into his hands. Did you lock the damn
door when you came in?
Do I look stupid? One hand left her breast to go questing down past the elastic
waistband of her skirt. Of course I locked the door. Your period over?
Oh yeah! Nothing in the way. She loved that he could discuss such personal
issues so matter-of-factly. His long talented fingers had delved into her wet folds,
testing her readiness. She stood so he could strip the panties off down her legs. I knew
there was a reason I wore a full skirt today.
Galen stood up and turned her so she was facing her desk. Bend over. Brace
yourself on the desk.
Oh wow, she could feel herself creaming even more just from his voice in her ear,
let alone the idea of him taking her from behind while she bent over her desk. She
widened her stance to give him plenty of room between her legs, then did as she was
told and leaned over her desk, resting her elbows on the leather blotter. She moaned as
she heard his belt and zipper open, could only imagine his penis with its fat purple
head jutting free, hard and hungry for her. Her pussy clenched and wept in
anticipation.
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Teach Me
Then his hands slid up the outside of her thighs and shaped her hips and ass cheeks
before one slid around to palm her mound and the other played with the crack of her
ass, sliding up and down with tantalizing slowness.
One of these days Im going to fuck you here. His fingers trailed down and
scooped up her overflowing juices, then spread them around her ass. One finger
pressed down on her anus but didnt poke inside.
Anything you want, Galen. Anything, as long as he didnt make her wait any
longer. If you think it will fit.
He groaned, using one hand to fondle her clit while the other positioned his cock at
the entrance to her channel. She could hear the wet squelch as he rubbed the head
against her mons. It will but not without some work. Well save that for another day.
Right now I just want to get inside that snug little pussy Ive been missing all week. He
shoved deep, holding himself still inside her as if savoring the moment.
Works for me. She ground her pelvis against him taking him as deep as she
could. It was starting to be an effort to murmur to keep her voice down but that only
added to the excitement. Fuck me hard and fast, Galen.
Thats not going to be a problem, sweetheart. He pulled back then thrust in so
hard her elbows were forced a couple inches up the desk. His finger strummed on her
clit, driving her higher and higher while his hips pistoned against her ass. His other
hand slid up inside her sweater and clamped onto a breast. He rolled her nipple
between his thumb and forefinger. Heavens, she couldnt get enough of his touch.
When her orgasm broke, she had to bite down on her lip to keep from screaming.
She lifted her ass high to take him as deeply as possible and then held her hips still as
he pounded her hard while she came around him. He leaned over her and bit down on
her shoulder then slammed into her channel one last time before flooding her with a
wash of scalding heat. She felt her pussy clench as if it was trying to drink down his
seed, soak as much as possible into her womb.
She wished they were at her house, so she could just lie next to him, on top of him,
or beneath him and not move. She wanted to be held but even more she just wanted
some downtime with himskin on skin and no outside world to deal with. But they
were in her office, bent over her desk and sooner or later they were going to have to
move.
Thank you. He nuzzled her ear as he whispered into it. The sensation of his
breath on the sensitive skin sent tingles skittering down to her spine, reigniting her
nerve endings. That should hold me for a couple of hours. Can I see you tonight?
Of course. She felt the loss immediately as he pulled out of her. It was followed
by the sensation of warm liquid dribbling down her thigh. Son of a bitch, theyd
forgotten the condomagain. She grabbed a handful of tissues and dried herself off
while Galen did the same. She pulled her underwear back on and refastened her bra
while he tucked himself back into his boxers and slacks.
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Cindy Spencer Pape
Then he surprised her by sitting down in her chair and pulling her into his lap. He
buried his face in her tousled hair and squeezed his arms around her tight. Im sorry
about that, sweeting. I dont know what it is about you that makes me forget to be
responsible.
Its okay. The timings still safe. Another week, though, and wed be having a
whole different conversation. She smiled at the old-fashioned endearment even while
visions of the Empress card flashed through her head. No thanks! I have a doctors
appointment for next week to see about something morereliable.
I thought you said the Pill gave you headaches.
She couldnt believe hed remembered that. Her heart warmed at the concern in his
tone. She patted his shoulder. Beats morning sickness. Besides, there are other options.
Ill figure something out.
I cant believe Ive been that careless with you twice now. The only time I ever
screwed up like that before, I was twenty-three and married. His fingers trailed
through her hair, trying to ease out the tangles. In all honesty, it was probably half on
purpose that time. The marriage was already falling apart and I think we both believed
that a baby was the way to save it.
But it didnt work, did it?
Not even close. I dont regret Jason for a minute, hes the best part of my life but
having a child while I was still in grad school was an utterly idiotic thing to do. All it
did was exacerbate the problems we were already having and show us just how
incompatible we really were. The marriage lasted another year, then we split. A couple
years later, Nora remarried, moved to Lansing, had a few more kids and I only got to
see Jason on weekends. The love and pride in his voice when he talked about his son
was sweet but she couldnt help feeling the tiniest bit jealous. His tone when he spoke
of his ex-wife reassured her though. He wasnt bitter or still in love with herjust
slightly sad and resigned.
And now?
Jason just finished up his junior year at Michigan. Right now he has a double
major in mechanical and electrical engineering. Hes going to Germany in July on a
study-abroad program, so he isnt working this summer.
Maybe Ill get the chance to meet him sometime. She meant it as an offhand
comment but Galens whole body immediately went stiff. So, he wasnt ready to
introduce her to the family. Fine. She could be patient. She hoped. There was a minute
or so of awkward silence.
So hows the job going after a week?
Great. She leapt at the change of subject both verbally and physically. She slid off
Galens lap and pulled the guest chair, a hard wooden straight chair, over to sit
beside him. Ive accounted for everything that was on the catalog and added a number
of items that werent. The collection is incredible! Ballads, letters, diaries, even things
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Teach Me
like court records and a collection of parablestheres an old French translation of
Plutarch and all kinds of religious texts.
Cant wait to dig into it. When can I get a copy of the catalog?
Dr. Kroner didnt share these with you when he was alive? Id have thought hed
be happy to have the history department owe him favors.
Like so many academics, Kroner was a bit of an odd duck. Didnt you ever meet
him?
Lydia nodded. He came to the department Christmas party one year.
Galen nodded. Well, he liked lording his collection over us. He married a woman
with a ton of inherited money and he used it for his travels and collecting. Most of us
never had that kind of funding. So everyone on campus, history, English, French and
German departments, religionweve all been dying to get our hands on some of this
stuff.
She chuckled. Well, Im releasing it officially as soon as my boss gets back from
vacation to approve it. But I think you might just get a sneak peek. Ill make a
photocopy of what Ive got so far and bring it home tonight. You bring a pizza and Ill
accidentally leave it lying on my desk for you to find.
I can wait. Wouldnt want to get you in any trouble. His blue eyes were so earnest
she couldnt help but laugh.
I was just teasing you, you big goof. Ive already handed out copies to faculty from
three different departments while you were gone. Theres been someone in here almost
every day asking about the collection. I was just trying to scam a pizza.
Shed have sworn he flushed. Sorry. I guess my brain just wasnt changing gears
fast enough. Id blame jet lag but I think it has more to do with you. For some reason
when Im around you all the blood drains out of my brain into my pants.
What a lovely thing to say. Oddly enough, coming from Galen, it was a uniquely
touching compliment. He was so smart, so tuned in to the intellectual side of his nature
that being able to rattle that was a powerful feeling indeed.
Pizza it is then. Is pepperoni okay?
That would be fine. Ill make a salad to go with it.
So the catalog is all done? He started eyeing the scattered photocopies on her
desk. Youve got everything accounted for?
She shook her head, slid the copy of the spell scroll across the blotter. There are a
few I cant figure outlike this one. What do you make of it?
He read the Middle English words easily but stumbled over the French. It was nice
to know there was something in the academic world she was better at than him. She
filled in the missing phrases.
Galen gave a baffled shrug. Could it be a song? A really awful love poem by some
barely literate knight whod gotten his head bashed in one too many times? I mean all
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Cindy Spencer Pape
this stuff about binding the maiden with the power of the ringwhat a really lame
analogy for marriage.
Thats about the best I could come up with too, she admitted. But its such a
beautifully illuminated scroll and the case She kissed the tips of her fingers.
Ah. So it was a rich knight whod gotten his head bashed in, Galen teased.
Probably. Anyway, its after five and Im about done with it for today. Anything
else you need to do on campus before you leave?
No, Ive already been by my office and taken care of everything there. Why dont I
leave now and swing by my house to drop off my stuff and change? Then Ill pick up
the pizza and meet you at your place.
Okay. Just give me a few seconds to put things away here. She leaned over him
and wasnt horribly surprised when he took the opportunity for a quick grope. She
leaned her breast into his hand for just a moment, enjoying the play every bit as much
as he seemed to be.
He stood and kissed her then turned toward the door. Ill just leave now and you
can follow in a few minutes. That way no one will see us walking out together. He
blew her another kiss before he walked out the door and closed it behind him. She
noticed he checked the hallway first.
Lydia slumped back into her good chair and leaned her elbows on the desk, feeling
like shed just been kicked in the gut. He was that ashamed to be seen with her? Shed
thoughthopedtheyd gotten a little past that point. She wasnt a student anymore,
so it wasnt like he could get in trouble for seeing her. Was he that ashamed of their
relationship? It didnt make any sense. She blinked back the tears that had welled up in
her eyes. After all theyd sharedwhat theyd just shared, here on her deskshe found
it hard to believe that she really meant so little to him.
She picked up the scroll copy and stared at it some more.
Shed managed to get two major obsessions in her brain and it was less than a
month into the summer, only a week into the job. That couldnt be good. Between the
stupid scroll and Galen, she was undoubtedly losing her mind.
Shed told Galen about the scroll and the scroll case she realized, but not about the
ring. Shed meant to but somehow once she got talking about the scroll, the ring had
just slipped her mind entirely. Just like what happened every time she thought about
telling anyone else about the scroll at all. Shed never even gotten it listed on the official
catalog documents. Galen would be a good one to ask for advice, she knew. With his
strong set of ethics, hed be able to assure her of doing the right thing.
She carefully tidied her desk, placing all the various papers in their folders and each
folder into the proper file tray. She was a little sloppy at home sometimes but she liked
her workplace organized. By the time she was done, shed managed to get Galens
defection into perspective. It was okay for him to want to wait to go public, she told
herself firmly. There was no guarantee their relationship was going to work out and if it
didnt, she could see where he would lose face among his colleagues. She couldnt
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Teach Me
blame him for wanting to be cautious until they were sure that whatever was between
them was a real and lasting thing. The same went for meeting his son. If their
relationship did turn out serious, then shed meet Jason eventually. If not, there was no
reason for Galen to have to explain things to his son. Lydia had plenty of time. She
could afford to wait for Galen to be sure.
That was the crux of it, though. She was waiting for Galen to be sure. She already
was. Like it or not, shed fallen head over heels in love with Galen Forsythe. She thought
he was getting close to feeling the same for her but there was no way to be sure, of
course. Just because she was in love with him, didnt mean hed fallen in love with her.
All she could do was wait and love him the best she could in the meanwhile.
Once everything on her desk was put away, she printed off a copy of the
incomplete inventory for Galen and put it in her briefcase. The copy of the scroll
translation shed showed him went in as well, though she didnt know why. She really
didnt have any plans to work tonight. She planned to eat pizza and salad with Galen
then show him her collection of silk scarves. She had an urge to let him have his way
with her while she was tied to the bedposts tonight.
With that pleasant thought in mind, she shut down her computer and left, locking
her door behind her.
* * * * *
Youre sure youre into this? Galen wound the silk scarves shed handed him
through his fingers. The though of tying Lydia to her headboard had been running
through his mind since the first night. Having her hand him the scarves while she stood
by the bed in the tiniest nightgown hed ever seen made him hard enough to pound
nails with his cock. Youre not doing it just for me?
Her laugh was deep, throaty and entirely feminine. Thats what I bought those
scarves for. I bought them a long time ago but theyve never been used. The person Id
thought might be interested turned out not to be. And to my own surprise, it turned out
I didnt care. Id just met you, you see, and from then on its only been me and my
trusty vibrator. And though the battery-operated boyfriend does have its advantages,
its absolutely no good at all at tying a girl up.
Galen licked lips that had gone suddenly dry. When you used your vibrator, were
you picturing me?
She reached down and cupped his cock through his khaki shorts. Oh yes. It was
always your face I imagined above me. Your hands on my body, your lips on my
mouth, my nipples, my clit, your cock filling my cunt. Every single time.
Her hand rubbed slowly but he was so damned primed it wouldnt take much for
him to come in his clothes. He stepped back and set the scarves down on the bed.
Show me.
What?
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Cindy Spencer Pape
Hed surprised her with that one. Good. He tossed the scarves onto the bed, then
moved his hand to his belt and slowly started to unbuckle it. Her eyes were riveted to
his movements, so he tipped his head toward the pillows. I want you to take off your
clothes and get out your vibrator. Then I want you to sprawl there on your bed and let
me watch while you fuck yourself with it. I want you to show me exactly what you do
when youre all alone.
Her face flushed and her breathing accelerated, so he could tell the notion turned
her on. And what are you going to do?
He stripped off his shorts and underwear, pulled his shirt over his head. Hed left
his shoes out in the living room so now he faced her totally naked, totally aroused. He
wrapped his own hand around his cock and stroked. Im going to watch. And then
once Ive watched you get yourself off, Im going to fuck you until you dont know
which way is up. Got a problem with that?
None at all. She shook her head and pulled her filmy nightgown off slowly,
revealing her full, puckered breasts. Her dark nipples were taut and flushed. Galen
heard his own gasp as she lifted the two lush mounds together with her hands and
squeezed, her thumbs drawing circles around the rigid nubs. Though these have
missed having your mouth on them for a while. They actually hurt from wanting you
so much. If Im a good girl now, will you suck them for me later?
Hell, yes! He had to force his hand to slow down before he came just from
watching her strip. After one last taunting squeeze to her nipples, she let her hands
slide down her belly to the straps of her matching thong. She turned as she bent to pull
it down, giving him a full-on view of her delectable butt. She stayed bent over to open
the drawer in her nightstand and pull out her pink plastic toy. It was all he could do not
to drive his shaft inside that pink rosebud ass. But hed never fit right now. Not without
a whole bottle of lube and he didnt see any of that in her drawer.
He pulled the sheet down and piled the pillows against the middle of the
headboard. Right there, he told her. He leaned down over her and sucked one nipple
into his mouth, pulling on it hard for just a moment before laving it with his tongue.
Then he gave the other the same treatment before pushing her down gently onto the
bed. I wanted them to be rosy and wet from my mouth while I watch you.
She swallowed hard and nodded, climbing into position. She spread her legs wide
and rubbed her neatly trimmed dark brown curls with her hand.
I usually start with my fingers, she whispered huskily. Make sure Im wet
enough and that the moisture is spread around.
Good. Show me. He climbed onto the bed, kneeling at the foot. Her curls and
pink swollen pussy lips glistened with her juices. Looks to me like youre plenty wet.
She tried to laugh. Yeah, well, being around you does that to me.
Just like being with you, even thinking of you, makes me as hard as a crowbar.
Why do you think I always lectured from behind the podium in your classes? His eyes
followed her pink-tipped fingers as they combed through her curls and slid between
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Teach Me
her labia. She dipped two fingers into her vagina, then swirled them around,
distributing the cream over the surface of her lips and clit. Then very slowly she began
to massage her clit with the tip of one finger. Her other hand held her lips wide for his
viewing pleasure.
Galen rolled on a condom, then pumped himself as slowly and lightly as he could
manage. Now the toy.
She nodded and picked up the vibrator with both hands, turning it on and
adjusting the setting. Then she parted her labia with the first two fingers of her left hand
and lowered the tip of the dildo to her engorged clit. The little red bud was as hard as a
diamond, poking well above its retracted hood. He wondered absently if shed ever
considered getting a clit ring. Shed love the day-in, day-out stimulation but it might
make things awkward for her at work. She was so responsive shed be squirming in her
chair all day long. Galen decided he wasnt going to bring the idea up. He didnt want
her getting that horny when he wasnt around to take care of it.
The vibrator buzzed against Lydias clit and she began to pant, her shoulders falling
back against the pillow and her pelvis rising up off the bed.
So pretty, he murmured, touching just the tip of his finger to her drenched and
open slit. All pink and wet and puffy. He slid the tip of the finger up her channel and
reveled in her broken cry. I want to see you explode, sweetheart. I want to watch you
come all over the sheet and my hand and your own.
Galen! She whimpered his name, her hips bucking now. She pushed against his
hand, held the vibrator down on the side of her clit. He could see her orgasm building,
as the muscles in her pussy tightened and her clit darkened to almost purple. More
cream was leaking from her slit, coating his finger. He popped it in a little deeper and
wiggled.
She screamed, dropping the vibrator and grabbing his hand with her own to force
his finger farther in as her snug walls convulsed around it. Her juices gushed, wetting
both of their hands and he added two more fingers, driving deep. The contractions kept
rolling through her as he fucked her strongly with his hand, then bent over to close his
mouth around her nipple and suck.
She screamed again and he felt another wave crash through her body. He couldnt
wait any longer. Ignoring her bereaved whimper when he withdrew his hand, he
quickly moved into position and skewered her with his aching cock.
Yes! The wet clasp of her quivering muscles milked his shaft, pulled him deep.
He was so turned-on from the show, it didnt take him long. Three long, deep strokes
and his climax roared up out of his balls, just about blowing the top off his head. This
time he was the one that screamed as he held himself embedded in her heat and poured
himself into her, filling the tip of the condom over and over again.
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Cindy Spencer Pape
Chapter Five

They never did get around to the scarves Monday night but they had on Tuesday.
Lydias pussy tingled at the memory of Galen using restraints on her and then licking
and sucking her to orgasm after orgasm until shed been little more than a limp rag.
Then hed untied her and flipped her over on the bed, taking her pussy from behind
while he stuffed his thumb up her anus. Shed come all over again while hed pounded
her, finally calling out her name as hed detonated inside her. At least this time theyd
remembered the condoms. Shed picked up an extra box and had taken to stashing a
supply in her purseas well as her desk, her kitchen drawer and everywhere else she
could think of.
She sat at her desk Friday afternoon trying to concentrate. She was tired and still
being frustrated by the scroll. Shed taken dozens of photos of the scroll, the ring and
the case and now she was hunched over them with a magnifying glass looking for
further clues. The more she studied the thing the more she wantedneededto find
the answers.
The ringing phone startled her to the point that she dropped her magnifying glass
to the desk with a clatter.
Hello?
Do you always sound so startled when you answer the phone?
Galen! It was the first time hed called her at work. She tried to remember she
wasnt happy with him. It was hard when her nipples sat up to attention and her
panties got wet just from hearing his voice over the phone.
I wondered if youd like to actually go out tonightdinner and a movie maybe?
You want to go out? Out? As in public? She did a little happy dance in her chair
at the enormity of the moment.
Unless youd rather stay in
No! She realized shed shrieked, forced herself to lower her voice, even her tone.
Out would be great. Will I have time to go home and change first?
If you leave your office on time for once. I thought we could go for Indian food if
you dont mind.
The nearest Indian restaurant was two towns east of the tiny town of Kilkenny
where Southern Michigan University was locatedabout a twenty-minute drive. She
twisted her lips as she realized that going out of town also meant they would be a lot
more anonymous, so it wasnt quite the statement shed been hoping for. Still, it was a
fairly significant step.
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Teach Me
She actually left the office a few minutes early, taking her lunch break at the end of
the day, she reasoned. Cutting a half-hour off her fifty-hour week wasnt going to hurt
anybody and it would give her time to fix her hair and shave her legs. By the time
Galen knocked on her door she was polished and perfumed from head to toe.
You look incredible. He stood on her doorstep bearing a wrapped bouquet,
looking distinguished and handsome in a pale gray summer suit with a sky blue shirt
that matched his eyes and a red striped tie.
Look whos talking. She accepted the flowers with a brief kiss and hurried to find
a vase in the cupboard. She unwrapped the bouquet of mixed wildflowers with a squeal
of joy. He knew her so well. The sunflowers, Shasta daisies and purple coneflowers
were so bright and cheerful she felt her eyes brimming with tears. Thank heaven for
waterproof mascara.
I thought we might go back to my house tonight, if you want to grab a toothbrush
before we leave. His voice was pure bottled seduction. Maybe some clothes for
morning.
Five minutes. She grabbed his lapels and pulled him down for a fierce quick
smooch, then darted into the bedroom. Three minutes later she was back with a
backpack in her hands. Shed stuffed in shorts, a T-shirt and her all-purpose overnight
kit. And condoms. Lots of condoms.

She was stunning in her slinky yellow wraparound dress. The neckline was low
enough to reveal a generous serving of cleavage and the side slit of the skirt showed off
her long toned thigh every time she moved. Shed bundled her hair up into some sort of
deliberately messy knot held at the back of her neck by a pair of tortoiseshell chopsticks
that tempted a man to pull them out and tumble the silky curls down around her
shoulders. He intended to do just that once he got her back to his house after the movie.
Her legs were bare and bright coral toenails peeked out of her gold high-heeled
sandals. Yeah, he had plans for those toes too. There wasnt an inch of Lydias body he
didnt want to play with. The only problem he could see was that she was so beautiful
she looked even younger than her almost thirty years, making him feel even more like
he was robbing the cradle. At the same time he felt a surge of pride that she was willing
to be seen with him.
He took the backpack while she picked up a tiny gold purse and followed him to
the door. She held his arm as they made their way down the exterior wooden staircase.
He held the passenger door for her and she smiled brilliantly as he handed her in. Nice
car. On the way home tonight can you put the top down?
As my lady desires. He chuckled and walked around before climbing in beside
her. The convertible had been the biggest impulse purchase of his life a year earlier.
Jason called it Dads midlife crisis. If the kid only knew! He had to smile at Lydias
youthful exuberance though. Most of the women hed taken out in the last few decades
wouldnt have been willing to mess up their hair even at the end of a date. And
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Cindy Spencer Pape
something told him that in Lydias case it had a lot less to do with her age and a lot
more to do withher.
He still had no idea what he was doing or where the relationship was going. After
dealing with Barry Rawlings at the conference, hed all but convinced himself to end
things with Lydia when he got back. It would have been the smart, rational thing to do
and he prided himself on being both of those things. But then that unseen magnetic
force had drawn him to her office Monday afternoon and hed known he couldnt stay
away.
So here they were on their first official date. Hopefully by leaving town hed
removed the problem of running into people who knew him but he knew she still saw
the evening as a declaration of intent. He did too, he guessed, though he was nowhere
near ready to put it into words yet. He was still frantically trying to convince himself
that he wasnt falling in love with Lydia Curry.
This place is great, she enthused, settling into her chair and beaming at Galen as
he seated himself across the snowy linen tablecloth. The dcor is gorgeous and the
smell is heavenly. Rather than open her menu she tilted her head. What do you
recommend?
Havent you been here before?
Only once, a couple of years ago. Its a bit out of the average grad students
budget. The tika masala was wonderful but Id like to try something different this time. I
know very little about Indian cuisine and Im always in favor of new experiences.
Ms Curry isnt an expert on curry?
She rolled her eyes at his bad pun. Galen ordered for both of them, including a
bottle of wine. When that had been tasted and poured, he raised his glass to Lydia.
To the most beautiful woman in the room.
He heard her little whimper as her eyes widened. Damn, he hadnt meant to make
her cry. Instead she shook her head and raised her own glass. To the handsomest man
in the place then. And the only man in the world Id want to be here with.
Great, now his throat was the one with a lump in it. He knew he should say
something casual and blithe to tone down the intensity of the moment but he couldnt
bring himself to cheapen the glowing intensity in her chocolate brown eyes. Instead he
just touched the rim of his glass to hers and smiled. He had no idea why someone like
her had any desire to be with him but he was going to thank his lucky stars that she did.
Dinner went beautifully. Even given the amount of time the two of them had spent
together in the past couple of weeks, they never seemed to run out of things to talk
about. They were both avid readers, both enjoyed action adventure movies and classic
rock, had both watched and loved the same special on a cable comedy network a few
weeks earlier.
They also got around to discussing their childhoods. He was saddened to learn that
she was an only child who had been raised by her eccentric grandmother after her
parents died in a car accident when she was twelve. Now that her grandmother was
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Teach Me
gone as well she was completely alone in the world. Galen couldnt even fathom that.
Not only did he have Jason, though less often than he would have liked, but his parents
were still alive and well and kicking up their heels in Florida. Plus there were his two
sisters who still constantly meddled in every aspect of his life and their husbands and
kids. His older sister Martha even had a granddaughter. Although theyd gone their
separate ways, he still saw most of them on every major holiday. It really stunk that
someone as warm and loving as Lydia had no one to share those kinds of times with.
They chatted about work too. She filled him in on more of the treasures shed been
cataloging while he caught her up on the state of his current research project on Robert
the Bruce. Shed even found a few documents in the collection she thought would help
and shed promised to set them aside for him as soon as she was able.
Galen! Well, hello. Didnt think wed see you here.
Galen swallowed hard and turned to cast a polite smile at one of his colleagues.
Helen Morton, an American Civil War scholar, was a nice enough woman but she was
one of the most notorious gossips in the department. No way that the chair wasnt
going to hear about this now. He nodded politely and held out his hand. Helen. Nice
to see you.
Dont you just love this place? Helen shook his hand enthusiastically. My only
problem with Kilkenny is the lack of decent restaurants and shopping. Galen, youve
met my husband Stan, right? Stan, this is Galen Forsythe, our resident medievalist.
Stans an engineer for Ford.
Pleased to meet you again, Stan. Galen shook the other mans hand and tried to
think about how to introduce Lydia. Before he could come up with anything, Helen
beat him to the punch.
And is this your daughter, Galen? Shes lovely. Helen reached out a hand to
Lydia. How do you do dear? Im Dr. MortonI work with your dad.
Lydia shook the other womans hand with a very proper smile. Delighted, Dr.
Morton. And thank you for the compliment. Id love to be young enough to be his
daughter but Im afraid youre mistaken. Im Dr. Lydia Curry, the new curator for the
Kroner collection of medieval documents that was just bequeathed to the English
department. Dr. Forsythe was kind enough to offer me dinner while we discuss some
potential research collaboration between the two departments.
Galen thought he heard Stan Morton stifle a suspicious cough but Helen seemed
completely willing to accept Lydias glib explanation. She professed herself delighted to
meet a new faculty member and went on to gush over the merits of SMU, Kilkenny and
Michigans Irish Hills region without giving Lydia time to admit shed been here for
years as a graduate student. The two men waited silently while Lydia just nodded and
smiled her thanks.
Well, do enjoy your dinner, Helen cooed. Were off to a concert at the old opera
house.
The Mortons finally left and Galen sighed his relief. Lydia rolled her eyes.
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Cindy Spencer Pape
Theres one of those in every department, isnt there? she asked Galen, taking a
long draught of her wine. Thought shed never stop talking.
I dont think she ever does, Galen admitted. But you handled her remarkably
well.
Lydia shrugged. I just told her the truth. I got the impression you didnt want her
to know this was a date, so I may have stretched the collaboration issue a bit. But not
much. We had mentioned the possibility.
The chuckle escaped him before he could stop it. Her quick thinking and easy poise
were as dazzling as her looks. So we had. And thank you. The woman is the biggest
gossip in the department, so if shed thought this was some kind of tryst, shed have
blabbed it all over campus by morning.
And we wouldnt want that.
Ouch. He could tell that comment hadnt sat quite right but he had no idea how to
fix whatever damage hed just done. So he opted for distraction. Are you ready for
dessert?
No thanks. She shook her head. She accepted the change of subject but a flash of
emotion in her eyes let him know she was on to his tactics. Not if were going to a
movie. I absolutely cannot go to the movies and not have popcorn. Its a physical
impossibility. And if I eat dessert here, I wont have room. So you can buy me a big tub
of buttered popcorn and a box of candy for dessert. Deal? She drained the last sip from
her wineglass.
Deal.
* * * * *
The movie had been all right, Lydia guessed. She hadnt been able to focus on it all
that much. Not with Galens big warm body pressed up against hers, his hand warm on
her thigh or around her shoulders. They didnt end up making out in the theater but it
had been a pretty close thing.
Now they were in Galens luxurious convertible with the top down, which made
conversation impossible and she was determined to enjoy the ride with the wind in her
hair even though she was still fretting over the incident at the restaurant.
So Galen still wasnt ready to let his coworkers know they were dating. Shed
known that was an issue for him from the beginning. Sure, she wasnt a student
anymore but she had been not too long ago. And if people knew they were an item, it
wouldnt be long before somebody started wondering just how long the relationship
had been going on. Galen was the most ethical man shed ever met. She could
understand why it would flatten him to have his colleagues look at him sideways about
getting involved with a student.
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Teach Me
But it still hurt. She was in love with the man and she wanted to be with him
openly, not just to be his dirty little secret. And it terrified her that she had no idea how
to make that happen.
Patience, she told herself. That was what she needed here. Patience and
understanding. And it wouldnt hurt that he couldnt keep his hands off her. Sex
couldnt be everything in a relationship but at least it kept him coming around so they
could work on the rest. And tonight had been a big step. Hed actually taken her out in
public. And, she thought, as they pulled into the driveway of a pleasant, colonial-style
house on the outskirts of Kilkenny, at least she was finally getting to see his home.
Its beautiful. She walked into the living room after he unlocked the door and
turned in a slow circle. I love the gargoyles. A large and varied collection of gargoyle
sculptures and paintings decorated the room which was furnished with comfortable off-
white couches and rich mahogany end tables. An antique upright piano stood against
the wall, across from the fireplace, a pair of gargoyle candleholders gracing the top.
Those would be my sons fault. I made one comment when he was in junior high
about liking one we saw on a trip. Theyve appeared for every birthday, Fathers Day
and Christmas since. And once it started to be a collection, everybody else got into the
act.
She rubbed her hand along the head of one that looked sort of like a laughing
bulldog with wings. Well, I think theyre great. Do you play the piano?
Not well. It belonged to my grandmother and she forced lessons on all of us. But
both of my sisters already had their own when my parents moved to Florida, so
Grandmas ended up here. Jason plays a little more than I do but his real talent is the
guitar.
May I? Her hands itched to try out the elegant instrument. She hadnt played
much in years, not since shed lived in the dorms where there was a piano in the rec
room. But she loved music and had been a decent amateur once upon a time.
Of course. Shes never told him that she played and she saw him absorb this new
tidbit of information about her. His prodigious brain soaked up facts like a sponge and
each new mental note he made registered in his expression. No point in having the
thing if nobody plays it. But right now Id like to show you the rest of the house.
She followed him through a formal dining area that was piled with dusty books
and papersclearly he didnt do a lot of entertainingto a family room dominated by
a big-screen TV and surround-sound stereo system. The furniture in here was more
masculinean overstuffed sofa and two recliners in rich brown leatherbut still
pleasant. Medieval art and artifacts graced the walls along with a number of
photographs. She could easily pick out his son, both from the quantity of images and
from his likeness to Galen. Jason Forsythe was a handsome young man with light
brown hair and his fathers eyes. A model ship sat in a place of honor above the
television and shed have bet a weeks pay that Galen and his son had built it together.
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Cindy Spencer Pape
The final rooms on this floor were the comfortable kitchen with a breakfast bar
where Galen clearly ate all his meals and a home office that was an almost exact
duplicate of his workspace on campus. All in all, the house was a warm comfortable
space, masculine but welcoming.
He smiled when she told him that.
Glad you like it, he responded. The bedrooms are upstairs. Would you like a
drink or something before we head up?
They ended up opening a bottle of wine to take upstairs with them. Lydia was
cautious as she climbed the carpeted steps beside him, holding her sandals and evening
bag in one hand and her backpack in the other. Would seeing her here, in his home,
change his opinion of her? She didnt want him to decide she would never blend into
his life.
He pointed to the first door off the stairway into a room she saw was mostly full of
shelves and books with a smaller TV and an old blue sofa. Thats a spare room, we use
it mostly for storage. I dont know why I ever bought a four-bedroom house but I liked
the area and its comfortable. The second one is Jasons when hes here and the third is
kind of a generic guestroom in case one of my sisters or my parents show up.
Bathrooms at the end of the hall.
She peeked in each of the rooms as they passed. The only door that was shut was
Jasons room. So this is the master? From the way the hall was laid out, it appeared
the master suite took up a good third of this story.
He nodded and gestured for her to precede him inside. A soft light glowed from a
bedside lamp and a thick Oriental carpet covered the gleaming hardwood floor,
cushioning her bare feet.
Very nice. She purred her approval of the tasteful room with its dark wood and
jewel-toned fabrics. There were a couple of small gargoyles in here, a few more photos
and on one wall a beautiful painting of a gothic cathedral. Small watercolors of castles
lined either side of a large picture window and an archway led to a dressing area and
probably a private bath. But what really caught her attention was the bed. It was a king-
sized wrought iron masterpiece with an artistic drape of royal blue velvet looped
around the canopy rail. She licked her lips. I should have brought my scarves.
Galen set the wine and a pair of goblets down on the nightstand. The corner of his
mouth quirked into a grin. I dont have scarves but I do have some old ties. Ohand a
pair of handcuffs if youre interested.
She put her backpack and purse on a chair near the window and dropped her shoes
underneath it. Handcuffs?
Galen loosened his tie and walked over to the dressing area where a louvered door
revealed an enormousand mostly emptywalk-in closet. She watched as he hung up
his suit coat and draped his tie over a rack meticulously organized by color. He toed off
his dress shoes and tossed them into the closet. She watched to see if the rest of the suit
was coming off as well but he just unbuttoned the top two buttons on his shirt and
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rolled the sleeves up to his elbows. Then he strode across the room while she stood
transfixed like a small animal in the presence of a predator.
Handcuffs, he assured her. He grasped both of her arms above the elbows and
dropped a kiss on her nose. Never before used but bought once upon a time with the
hope that one day, someone would want to play with me in that big iron bed. What
about it?
Considering her entire nervous system had started singing when he mentioned it,
she wasnt about to say no. But first Is that a bathroom through there?
Come see. He lifted her backpack with one hand and tugged her behind him with
the other. She followed him into a bathroom bigger than the bedroom in her apartment.
One look at the bathtub and she started to have second thoughts about where they
should start. The marble whirlpool tub was easily big enough for two, even when one
of them was as tall and broad as Galen.
Now I see why you bought this house, she murmured. Who cares how many
extra rooms there are if you can have this.
The master bath was definitely a draw, he agreed. He set her backpack down on
one corner of the long marble countertop. Maybe later on we can try out the tubsee
how well it works for two.
Galen, dont tell me youve never done that before. You dont have to pretend Im
the first woman in your life. She unzipped her pack and pulled out a hairbrush. Her
mane had turned into a tangled mess in the convertible.
He paused. I wouldnt do that. Those kinds of lies are pointless. But I only bought
this house eight years ago. And none of the relationships Ive had since then have been
veryadventurous. Or serious. So while yes, there have been one or two other women
in this room, I think I could honestly say there havent been any in the bathtubat least
not in it with me. And I just bought the bed last year. By thenId given up trying to go
out with anyone who wasnt you. It didnt work for me and didnt seem fair to them.
She dropped the hairbrush and flung herself into his arms. After a long, sweet kiss,
she pulled away and looked up at him with only slightly damp eyes. Thank you for
saying that.
Its just the truth. Now you do whatever you need to do in here and Ill go pour
the wine. He turned and fled from the bathroom.
She hadnt brought anything to sleep in, so after she used the facilities, all she did
was step out of her dress and hang it from a hook on the back of the door and finish
brushing out her hair. Then wearing nothing but a lace thong and matching push-up
bra, she walked back into the bedroom to Galen.
Hed gotten undressed too and she licked her lips at the sight of him reclining
against a mound of velvet-covered pillows in nothing but a pair of black silk boxers. As
she approached the bed, he lifted two glasses of ruby-red wine from the nightstand and
gave a low whistle.
You look amazing.
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Cindy Spencer Pape
She felt the blush all the way from her face down to the top of her belly.
The bed was high. She had to use her hands to climb up into it. She settled herself
next to Galen against the pile of pillows. Hed pulled back the covers and the sheets
were silky-smooth cotton in navy, crisp and cool against the warmth of her skin. Galen
handed her a glass, then raised his own.
Once again, to the most beautiful woman in the room.
She laughed. This time Im the only woman in the room. But thank you. She
touched the rim of her glass to his. How about to us? To tonight.
Oh yeah, I can definitely drink to that. They clinked glasses again and drank. The
warm rich taste of the ruby liquid coated her tongue and slid down her throat. I had a
nice time tonight. And Im sorry if meeting the Mortons was uncomfortable.
More for you than me. I dont have to work with the woman on a daily basis. But
Im not young enough to be your daughter, you know. Not unless youd started awfully
early.
He stared at the painting on the wall opposite the bed for a moment, swirling the
wine in his glass before he answered. Intellectually Im aware of that. I guess Ive just
spent way too long laughing at middle-aged guys who go out trolling for younger
women. And it isnt just your age, you know. Imdealing with that. Its everything
about you, Lydia. Youre so beautiful, so dynamic, so full of life. Im well aware of the
fact that Im not the most exciting guy in the world. Boring is usually one of the nicer
things I get calledmy ex-wife could have gone on about that one for hours. Theres a
big part of me that still has no idea what someone like you sees in someone like me.
Lydia laughed. Galen, I can see a mirror right over there on the dresser. Learn to
use it. Youre tall, youre fit, you have gorgeous hair and the most amazing blue eyes
Ive ever seen. Whereas Im medium height, thirty pounds overweight and pretty much
average by almost any standard. Brown hair. Brown eyes. Medium pale skin. If were
talking about physical appearance, youre way out of my league. But when you look at
methen I do feel beautiful. And do I need to point out the absurdity of the words
boring and handcuffs coming out of your mouth in the same five minutes? Aside from
being almost scarily smart, youve got a wicked sense of humor and youre inventive as
hell in bed. What on earth makes you think youre boring?
Well, not too many people know about the handcuffs, he admitted with a
chuckle. It doesnt really go with the scholarly image.
She shrugged. The combination works for me. How many guys Ive dated do you
think can put up with me getting lost in a manuscript or history book for hours on end?
Or understand that being a bit submissive in the bedroom doesnt mean I dont have a
mind of my own?
He took a sip of wine and paused as if to ponder her words. I guess I hadnt
thought about it that way. He lifted her glass out of her hand and set them both down
on the nightstand. Im working on it, I promise. I may not be sure where this is going
52
Teach Me
yet but I know Im not ready to give it up. Can you be patient with me for a while
longer?
Yeah, I think I can manage that. As long as you keep your promise to show me the
handcuffs.
And then she was in his arms and pinned under the weight of his body. Heaven!
His kiss was like a drug and she was completely addicted. His mouth shaped hers,
nibbled softly at the center of her lower lip before he ran his tongue along the seam with
teasing delicacy. When she opened for him delicacy was forgotten as he plunged inside.
He explored every nook and cranny, staking his claim with ruthless certainty and
efficiency.
When they came up for air he shifted to the side, enabling him to reach between
them and unhook the front clasp of her bra. As soon as he peeled back the cups, he
leaned over and took a nipple into his mouth.
Oh yes! Shed been waiting for this all night. After only two weeks he already
knew exactly how to make her scream. She lifted her shoulders off the bed. The motion
did two things, both good. It pushed her breast farther into the hot cavern of Galens
mouth and it also gave her room to slip the bra off her arms, letting it drop to the bed
beneath her. Then she reached up behind her and grabbed on to the wrought iron
bedstead with both hands.
Galen took his time, suckling deeply on each breast until they were flushed and
swollen. She watched, loving the sight of his golden head bent over her skin, the intent
gleam in his eyes as he focused all his attention on her pleasure. When she was twisting
underneath him, her pussy wet and aching, he sat up and reached over to the drawer
beside the bed. He pulled out a pair of handcuffs and a couple of terrycloth athletic
wristbands.
These are the real thing, not fur-lined plastic or anything. You still interested?
She had to swallow twice and squeeze her thighs together before she could speak.
Hell yeah!
Thats my girl. I thought these would protect your skin. He peeled her fingers off
the headboard and slipped one of the wristbands over her hands. I dont want to hurt
you.
Good idea. She let him do the same to the other hand. He planted a kiss on the
palm as he did so. Then she held her arms over her head while he slipped the chain of
the cuffs around the top rail of the headboard and clipped one cuff over each of her
wrists. The soft cotton bands provided more than adequate padding and she tested her
restraints, feeling wetness seep from her pussy as the position heightened her already
powerful arousal. She spread her legs, making sure Galen had a clear view of her core.
Okay? he asked, sitting back on his heels between her legs.
More than. She could feel his heated gaze almost like a touch, stroking her
breasts, her belly and down. He used one finger to trace a line from her bellybutton
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Cindy Spencer Pape
down to her cleft. He added the index finger of his other hand when he reached her
labia, separating them while he continued his perusal.
There are so many things I want to do to you I barely know where to start.
Anywhere you want. When it came to sex she trusted him completely. She knew
he wouldnt do anything to hurt her and if she showed the least bit of discomfort hed
stop. She was utterly safe letting him take control and it was the biggest turn-on of her
life.
How about with this, so we dont forget later? He pulled a condom from his
nightstand and rolled it on. Now He leaned down and gave her pussy a long slow
lick, starting almost at her anus and sliding all the way up to tickle her clit. You taste
like heaven and just your scent is enough to make me hard as a pike.
All she could manage in reply was a whimper and a lift of her hips into his touch.
He leaned down and held her legs with his hands while he paid serious attention to
her pussy with his mouth. He traced the edges of her labia and slit, teased her clit
relentlessly, then finally drove his tongue up inside her sheath. He took her with his
tongue, stabbing in and out with determined rhythm until she was a quivering mass of
overstimulated nerves. Sensation coiled low in her belly, driving her ever higher. She
twisted her wrists so she could grip the chain of the cuffs with both hands as she arched
into Galens mouth.
Time to come, sweetheart. He slid two thick fingers up into her and curled them
forward to hit her sweet spot. At the same time he switched his mouth to her clit and
sucked it between his lips. I want to watch you fall apart.
Yes, Galen! Her voice was a pathetic whimper that gradually rose to a shriek as
the pressure inside her broke and waves of pleasure crashed through her entire body.
He didnt let her climax die away. He ruthlessly tongued her clit and fucked her with
his hand, drawing the pleasure out. When the spasms finally began to subside, he
nipped down on her clit, his teeth sheathed by his lips but hard enough to trigger a
second orgasm, sending her flying all over again.
Before she could even scream his name again hed moved forward, pulling her legs
up over his shoulders. He replaced his hands with his cock, then let out a groan of his
own as he pushed into her pulsing channel. He was like a hot brand spearing into her
and the position allowed him to go deep, until it felt like he filled up every empty space
inside her body leaving no distinction of where one of them ended and the other began.
His hands slid around her thighs to rest on her breasts. He rolled her nipples
between his thumbs and fingers as he thrust, starting with a slow, steady rhythm that
rapidly gained speed and force.
She was coming again. The next, highest peak was right there, just slightly out of
reach as her pussy clenched around his cock and soaked them both with her cream.
When he drove even deeper and cried out her name she reached it, shattering
completely. She sobbed helplessly as he held himself at the mouth of her womb, his
fingers squeezing her nipples almost to the point of pain.
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Teach Me
Son of a bitch, he wheezed several seconds later. He eased out of her and rolled to
his side to remove the condom and wrap it in a wad of tissues. Then he picked up the
handcuff key and heaved himself to his knees to unlock her hands. When he was done,
he pulled her into his arms and kissed her long and hard, chafing her wrists gently with
his hands. Every time we do this I think it cant get better. Every fucking time, Im
wrong. I swear were going to kill each other one of these days. And I cant bring myself
to care.
Mmm. Totally wrecked, she snuggled into his chest. At least well die happy.
Damn straight. His words were barely a whisper against her hair. With one last
burst of energy he dragged the covers up over their sweat-slicked skin. Goodnight,
sweetheart
It had to be her imagination or the beginning of a dream as she drifted off. She
couldnt have possibly heard him add, I love you. Could she?
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Cindy Spencer Pape
Chapter Six

Saturday morning began much the way Friday night had ended. He woke to the
magnificent sensation of Lydia warm and soft and draped across his chest. They
werent in her too-tiny bed either, but in his big comfortable nest. Life was good.
He wondered if shed heard those last words hed murmured as theyd drifted off
to sleep. Hed meant them but he still kind of hoped she hadnt heard. He knew he was
being a coward but he just wasnt ready to go public yet. Not even with only her.
Lydia stirred, her hand brushing against his morning erection. Her fingers wrapped
around him and she made a sound that was almost a purr. Good morning.
He tucked his hands under her arms and pulled her up over him for a kiss. It is a
good morning, isnt it? Are you sore? Theyd woken twice in the night to make love.
Even Galen was feeling a bit of muscle strain this morning, though he didnt mind in
the least.
She stretched, shimmying against him as she did. Somehow it was just the most
natural thing in the world to shift and slip his cock up inside her as she did. She
hummed her approval before she answered him with a kiss, then words. A little. But it
was worth it.
Every time, he agreed. He pulled out just long enough to grab a rubber and put it
on, then he lay back down and pulled her back on top. Where were we?
Mmm, right about here. She wiggled herself into position on his cock, then slid
down and gloved him in her heat.
Yeah, thats it, he agreed. Perfect. He raised his hips to pump inside her sheath.
She was even tighter than usual, probably a little swollen from all their fun the night
before. She leaned her elbows on either side of his chest and matched him movement
for movement. It was a slow and sweet joining, with none of the frantic urgency of the
night before but no less intense for all of that. When they were done they lay curled in
each others arms lazily touching and petting.
Have any plans for the day? he asked later when they finally made it downstairs.
Hed laid in some supplies so he could make her breakfast. Dressed in shorts and a T-
shirt, her feet bare, Lydia sat at the breakfast bar nibbling on strawberries and drinking
orange juice while he stood at the stove and flipped the omelets. Crisp bacon sizzled in
the pan alongside, filling the air with its savory scent.
Well, I was planning on doing my laundry but I could always put that off until
tomorrow if I got a better offer.
How about a picnic? We could pick up some sandwiches and take them out to the
state park. Do a little hiking, maybe even go for a swim.
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That would be great. Wed have to swing by my place for my swimsuit. And some
shoes. She lifted one foot and wiggled her toes. I forgot to pack any. All I have is my
heels from last night.
He chuckled, sure that hed laughed more since hed been with Lydia than in the
last several years put together. With her it was so easy to see the little bits of absurdity
that abounded in everyday life. Her sheer enjoyment of life was contagious. Which
were as sexy as hell but probably not optimal for hiking.
No, probably not.
And skinny-dipping at the public beach is probably frowned on. So I guess I can
make the horrific sacrifice of stopping at your apartment.
She gave a strawberry a seductive lick and wiggled her eyebrows at him. But Ill
make it worth your while when we get back.
Galen instantly went from half aroused to fully erect. He turned and opened the
fridge more for the blast of cold air than because he really needed more juice.
By the way, she continued, ignoring his plight. Wednesday night some of my
friends are having a little get-together for my birthday at McKinnons Pub downtown.
Youre welcome to join us if you want.
Hmm. He busied himself with the food while he pondered that one. Him and a
bunch of her friends. Yeah, that would be comfortable. Like having his teeth pulled out
with rusty pliers. On the other hand, her thirtieth birthday was a big deal and he
wanted to share it with her. He knew shed be hurt if he didnt. I think I can make it,
he equivocated. Ill let you know.
Thanks. I dont think Gina believes youre real. I told her I had a date last night but
I wouldnt tell her with whom. She was trying to find me a blind date for my birthday
party so I had to tell her I was seeing someone.
With a low growl that surprised even him, he laid the spatula down on the counter
and leaned over to kiss her hard on the lips. Its not a deep, dark secret. You can tell
your friends were seeing each other.
She smiled and touched his lips with the tip of one finger. Thanks. I wasnt sure.
And I promise Ill make it to your birthday party. I might have a meeting that
night but if I do Ill come to the pub afterward. That way they can see me for
themselves, live and in person. Whoa, where had that come from? From the idea of her
with a blind date, he answered himself in disgust. Amazing how quickly a little
jealousy could change a mans priorities. Secrecy went right out the window if it meant
letting someone else think she was available.
Thank you. Her smile was blinding. It wouldnt have been much fun without
you.
The phone rang just then, so he plated the omelet and handed it to her before
stepping over to grab the handset from the cordless charger.
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* * * * *
Amazing how one phone call could change everything, Lydia thought grumpily as
she bundled her laundry bag into the backseat of her little compact car. Things had been
going along so well, then kaboom!
It wasnt that she thought Galen was doing anything wrong, not really. She
understood that he couldnt go dashing off on a picnic when his son was about to show
up any minute. Of course he needed to be home when Jason arrived. They hadnt seen
each other in months and Jason had a fairly short time to visit before his summer
program in Europe. And in all honesty, she could understand Galens reluctance to
have her present when Jason arrived. Hed promised to tell his son he was seeing
someone but he didnt want to make it quite so clear that shed just spent the night. So it
appeared she was doing laundry on Saturday after all. So much for their picnic.
This was good, she reminded herself, because shed just remembered that Sunday
was the annual Southern Michigan University Medieval Faire. Shed been so caught up
with Galen that shed almost forgotten she was supposed to be a gypsy reading Tarot
cards at one of the booths. The annual production was held at a large city park and was
a joint effort of the history, language, music, drama and art departments and funded
honors scholarships to students in each. Even the local high school and chamber of
commerce pitched in. There were craft booths, music and skits, roasted turkey legs to
gnaw on and a reenactment group always held a mock tournament. Lydia had
participated every year since she came to SMU and normally she enjoyed the hell out of
it.
Shed enjoy it this year too, she vowed, even if it killed her. Galen had said he
would be there, unless Jason had other plans. As one of the primary medievalists on
campus his presence was more or less expected. Hed promised to bring his son by her
booth. So not only was she dragging her regular clothes to the laundromat but her
chemise, bodice and petticoats as well. Along with price, the ability to choose washable
fabrics was another advantage of having sewn her own costume a few years earlier.
She reminded herself of that while she tossed and turned alone in her bed that night
after spending way to long on the internet researching the spell scroll. He could have at
least called, she thought. Surely his son was old enough to cope with that. She hated the
fact that she was sulking but there was really no other word for it. Shed never even
gotten to try out the damn bathtub.
It was a tired and cranky Lydia who laced on her corset the next morning, put her
hair up with her tortoiseshell picks and hung a rope of amber beads around her neck.
She was going to look good if it killed her. Wait until Galen got a look at her in this! She
tugged the neckline of her chemise a little lower. She hoped hed gotten as little sleep
last night as she had!
* * * * *
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Youre sure you want to go to the Faire? Galen had been half hoping his son
would want to do something else. He hadnt had the courage to tell Jason about Lydia
yet and he wasnt sure he wanted to face her since he hadnt.
I havent been since high school, Jason assured him with a laugh. Come on, itll
be fun. You still have my costume stuff, dont you?
He did. And his own, which was easy since it was a monks robe and sandals.
Jasons was a wrapped great kilt in the Forsyth tartan with blousy linen shirt under it,
so there was no problem with the fact that hed added a couple of inches to both his
height and his chest measurement since the last time hed worn it. Jason had always
been proud of their Scots heritage, even if their branch of the family did use the more
English spelling of their name. Galen looked over his son as they walked from the
parking area to the Faire entrance. The kid was taller than he was now and Galen was
six foot three. He couldnt help the mix of pride and amazement that this incredible
young man had come from Galens fucked-up short-lived marriage. Jasons mom had
been all wrong for Galen but he had to admit that shed done a damn good job raising
his son.
So whats up, Dad?
Galen and Jason made their way past a row of food vendors toward the stage where
the local police pipe band was performing.
What do you mean? He paused and pretended to study a feathered hat.
Jason snickered. Please. Youve been tense as a wet cat since I got here. Something
weird is going on. Youre not worried about my trip, are you? You know Ill be fine.
Damn perceptive kid. No, it isnt that.
Youre notsick or something, are you? Now Jason sounded actually worried
and Galen was touched and amused at the same time.
He couldnt suppress the laugh. Far from it.
Then what?
You like your stepfather, right? You never had a problem with your mother
remarrying, did you?
What? Youre kidding, right? Mom and Chuck have been married since I was
whatsix? I cant really remember her being single and I sure as hell cant remember
you two together. Chuck is a great guy. I never thought my being close to him bothered
you. Is that what this is about?
God, no. Of course hed been jealous from time to time but hed never admit it.
Besides he owed the guy big time and he wasnt ashamed to admit that. Im grateful
every day that your mom found someone who treated you like his own. Id like to give
the guy a medal.
Then what?
Did it ever occur to you that in all the time since your mother and I split, Ive never
really gotten serious about anyone?
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Jason nodded. Yeah. I was never sure if you were just hiding it, or if you really
needed to get out more. He turned to Galen and his eyes narrowed. Is that what this
is about? Youve got a girlfriend finally and youre afraid Im going to be upset? Jeez,
Dad, give me a little credit here. Im happy for you. Really. Whats she like?
Galen squeezed his eyes shut. Had it really been that easy? Why had he thought
this would be awkward or difficult? Shes fantastic. Her name is Lydia, Dr. Lydia
Curry and I think youll really like her.
Cool. Youll have to set up dinner or something, Jason added agreeably. Whoa,
look at the hottie over there at the Tarot booth. Think Ill go have a look at herahem
cards, if you dont mind, Dad. Dont remember her being here before. He adjusted his
kilt and swaggered over to the booth.
Tarot booth? He glanced past Jason and winced. Of course it was Lydia. Fuck! Galen
followed his son, hoping Jason wouldnt make too big an ass of himself. One look at
Lydia and he was glad his monks robe would conceal his erection. He also had to fight
the urge to go buy her a shawl at one of the other booths and cover up her assets. Hed
seen her in that same costume other years but she hadnt been his then and he
discovered that made a big difference.
Hey there, Jason said as Galen walked up behind him. My names Jason, whats
yours?
Lydia gave Jason a brilliant smile and turned an even brighter one at Galen.
Delighted to meet you, Jason. Your dad has told me a lot about you.
My dad? Jason turned to Galen with a confused look. What?
What the hell. He knew if he messed this up hed regret it for the rest of his life.
Galen leaned over the cloth-draped table and gave Lydia a relativelyfor themchaste
kiss on the lips. Jason, Id like you to meet Lydia.
Jason snorted. Oh, please, you have got to be kidding me.
* * * * *
Well, that could have gone better.
What could have? Honey, are you feeling okay? You dont look so good. Lydias
best friend Gina was sitting at the customer chair in Lydias booth wearing a belly
dancer outfit that made the most of her Italian good looks.
Just a headache. Its a whopper though. Lydia closed her eyes against the pain.
Ginas eyes narrowed. Youve been getting those a lot lately. Ever since you
started the new job.
Its not the job. Though the scroll was part of her problem. It was becoming
almost as much of an obsession as Galen. She couldnt get the name Alcineath out of her
headalmost like someone was calling her by that name and she was supposed to
answer to it. Shed even been having nightmares about it. Its Galen. I just met his son
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today and that didnt go at all well. Hes clearly decided Im a gold digger in search of a
sugar daddy and out to con his father.
Galen? Is that the name of this mysterious new boyfriend youve been keeping
secret?
Lydia nodded. Friday night we talked, he said he didnt mind if people knew
about it, then yesterday his son showed up and today it all went to hell.
His son? Like the ex-wife dropped off the kids for the weekend? Thats gotta be
rough. Uh-oh! Hes not still married, is he? Cause if he is I can call my cousin Tino and
have his legs broken.
Lydia forced a laugh, though it only increased the pain she felt behind her eyeballs.
No, hes not married but its a little more complicated than that. And his son showed
up on his own. Galens a little older than me.
O-o-kay. Galen. Why do I know that name? Gina drummed her fingers on the
cloth-covered table and it felt like someone was playing dueling jackhammers on
Lydias skull. Then Gina gasped and looked over at Lydia in shock. Dr. Forsythe? The
biggest stuffed shirt in the history department? The only man on campus who still calls
grad students Mr. and Ms. and demands to be called Professor? Oh, Lyd, you have so
got to be kidding me.
Nope. Thats the one.
And that old fart has a son? Somebody actually slept with him once? I wonder if
he wore a suit and tie to bed.
Gina! It came out as more of a moan that a scold.
Okay, Ill shut up now. You really dont look good. Maybe you should pack up
and go home.
Maybe. She hated to admit it but she felt like hell. This was more than just a
tension headache over Galen. She must have picked up some kind of bug. She stood
and the world swam around her a little. Only Ginas quick reflexes kept her from falling
back down.
Come on, time to take you home. Gina wrapped one arm around Lydias waist
and used her other hand to gather up Lydias cards. Hand over your car keys, babe,
Im not letting you drive like this. Ill take you home then call someone to come pick me
up.
Thanks. She wasnt up to arguing. With Ginas help she made it to the car and
eventually up the stairs to her apartment. She peeled off her costume and left it lying in
a pile on the floor then tugged a sleep shirt over her head.
You want some ibuprofen or anything? Gina returned from the kitchen with a
glass of ice water just as Lydia was crawling into bed.
No, just a nap.
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Okay. Dons on his way to pick me up. Ill stop by later tonight to check on you.
She gave Lydia one last scrutinizing glance, her gaze finally coming to rest on Lydias
right hand. Is that a new ring? It isnt from Galen, is it?
Ring? Lydia looked down at her hand. Holy shit, when had she put on
Alcineaths ring? Somehow thats what it had come to be called in her brain. Shed
better get that back in the safe at the library ASAP. She pulled it off and set it on the
nightstand. No, its just something funky I found at a yard sale. I thought it went well
with the costume.
It is kind of cool. Get some sleep and Ill see you later. Gina let herself out and
Lydia breathed a sigh of relief. Now that she was home her headache was already
getting better but a nap still sounded like a good idea. She hugged a pillow close,
wishing it were Galen, and went to sleep.
* * * * *
Galen wandered through the craft booths at the Faire but his mind was still on
Lydia. And Jason. He couldnt remember ever being quite so pissed off at his son, at
least not since the night when he was fifteen that the cops had brought him home for
trying to light a fire on the beach. Failure to use an approved fire circle was the biggest
trouble the kid had ever gotten in and the ride home in the police car had been the sum
total of his experience with the legal system. Galen was inordinately proud of his son
but right now he wanted to strangle him with his bare hands.
How dare Jason insult Lydia the way he had? Hed literally laughed in her face.
Galen rubbed the bridge of his nose. Then Galen had gone and put his foot in things by
trying to laugh off Jasons bad behavior as if it was a joke. Hed seen the hurt and
disappointment in Lydias big brown eyes before shed politely waved them off so she
could do a reading for a customer.
Hey, Dad, I brought you a turkey leg. Jason caught Galen at the end of a row of
booths and handed him a giant foil-wrapped drumstick.
Galen took the offering but shook his head at his son. Im not sure Im speaking to
you at the moment. How could you call Lydia a trophy wife wannabe to her face?
It was a joke. Buy her something shiny and Im sure shell get over it.
Galen looked at the display in front of himhand-enameled silver pendants. There
were several enameled representations of Tarot cards and he remembered that
Wednesday was Lydias birthday. He wondered which of the cards shed like best. I
suppose it isnt remotely possible that shes honestly interested in me and not my
money? Im not poor or anything but academia isnt all that lucrative either.
Come on, Dad. Shes my age. Youre not a troll or anything but get a grip. He
fingered one of the chains. What are you looking at?
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I thought Lydia would like one of these Tarot card necklaces for her birthday.
Shes not your age, by the way. Shell be thirty on Wednesday. Or did you think her
doctorate was just an honorary degree?
You want to buy your girlfriend a twenty-five-dollar necklace for her birthday?
Are you sure she doesnt expect something a littleshinier? Jasons tone was so
openly skeptical Galen had to wonder when his son had gotten so jaded.
Shell love this, he insisted. He found one featuring the Hierophantthe card
shed said signified him. It was an inexpensive but intensely personal gift. Shed love
that. He knew it. He pulled out his wallet and paid for the trinket. And youre all
wrong about Lydia. Shesdifferent. Shes a wonderful person. You really hurt her
feelings.
Sure. So shes only, whatfifteen years younger than you? Jason shrugged and
rolled his eyes. Fine. Ill go apologize if you want.
Id appreciate it.
They walked back to the booth and found Lydia gone. Galen turned to the palm
reader set up at the next table and discovered that Lydias friend had taken her home.
Apparently shed gotten sick. Tendrils of worry snaked around his gut.
Looks like she dropped one of her cards. Jason pointed to a white cardboard
square poking out from the grass beneath the table cloth.
Damn, those were her grandmothers. Shed be devastated if she lost any of them.
Galen reached down and picked up the card, pleased when Jason dropped to his knees
to check for others under the table.
That was the only one. Good thing we found it then.
Galen nodded, glancing absently at the card. The Hierophant. Of course. Was it
some kind of message to him? Shit, when had he started believing in the Tarot? He
shook his head and tucked the card into the pocket of his monks robe. Ill drop you off
at the house, then Im going to go check on her.
Do what you gotta do, Jason told him. Just be careful, Dad, okay?
Galen shook off the warning, his strides speeding up as they moved away from the
fortune-telling section.
Its you!
The words were hissed as he walked past the last booth on the row leading toward
the exit. He ignored them.
The teacher!
He turned, started by the note of shock and fear in the womans voice.
Did she tell you? Did she tell you that the card would be the key?
A trim woman with neat gray hair and an unusually plain costume reached out and
snagged the sleeve of his robe, so Galen was now certain she was talking to him. He
stopped. Did who tell me what?
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My visionthe brown-haired girl. She is in such danger and you will be her only
hope. But all I can see is red and the card. I know the card is the key to her salvation but
I do not know how. Or even what card. I only know you must use every bond to keep
her with you. All of them matter. The bonds of the flesh, the bonds of intellect, the
bonds of the spirit perhaps most of all.
She paused, clearly trying to compose herself. I do not know you, sir, and I know
you think Im insane. But yours is the face from my vision, the face of the teacher. You
will have a chance to save the girl but you must remember. The bond of the flesh is not
inconsequential, nor is the bond of the heart. The mind must be in balance with the rest.
To avoid the red danger, you will be forced to make choices. And you must remember
that the card will be the key.
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Chapter Seven

Well, now. That was interesting. Jason had laughed the whole way back to the
house.
Uh-huh. Galen wasnt laughing. He might not believe in the supernatural but it
was just a little creepy all the same. And too many of the womans words had rung bells
in his mind. The brown-haired girl. The teacher. The card.
He glanced down at the Tarot card on the seat between him and Jason. The card will
be the key. Hmm. He made a mental note to talk to Lydia about it. Surely shed be able to
put his mind at ease.
Back at the house he quickly changed out of his costume into shorts and a T-shirt
and left Jason to his own devices. He had friends in town, having spent enough
summers here as a child and a twenty-one-year-old could always find entertainment in
a college community anyway.
Jason shooed him out the door with one admonition. Tell her Im sorry, okay? I
promise Ill tell her myself next time I see her but let her know I want to apologize for
being an ass.
Galen promised to do so. When he reached Lydias apartment, he mounted the
stairs with increasing trepidation. He wasnt sure if he was more worried that she was
really sick or that she wasnt. It would also suck if shed just left because of the incident
with him and Jason.
Her car was in her parking space but the apartment was quiet, so he let himself in,
making a mental note to yell at her about locking her door. He heard a small whimper
from the bedroom so he walked back and found her tossing restlessly in her sleep. Her
Tarot deck was piled haphazardly on the dresser and her costume was wadded up in a
corner.
Lydia? Sweetheart? He sat on the edge of the bed and laid a hand on her
forehead, relieved to find it sweaty but not overly hot. She woke at his touch, her
whimpers and wiggles ceasing instantly.
Galen? What are you doing here?
He looked into her eyes and found them reassuringly clear. Checking on you. The
lady at the booth next to yours said youd gone home sick.
Her smile was heartbreakingly warm. Youre so sweet. Thank you. But Im fine. I
think I just needed some sleep.
What happened?
She shook her head and scooted up until she was sitting with her back against the
pillows. Not sure. A migraine maybe. Ive never had those before but the description
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fits. It was just a really bad headache and then I got a little dizzy when I stood up. So
Gina brought me home.
Im glad she was there. How does your head feel now?
She paused as if taking stock, then nodded cautiously. Much better. Like I said,
maybe I was just overtired. Orupset.
Jason. He bit his lower lip then continued. I have no idea why he decided to be
such a jerk to you, honey, but he asked me to tell you that hes sorry.
Its okay. Her eyes told him she was lying. Jasons words had hurt her and his
own inept handling of the situation had made it worse.
No, its not. But hopefully it will be, eventually. Youre both important to me and
Id like it if you two could get along. I think once he figures out that what we have is
real, hell be okay.
She gave him a shaky smile. I hope youre right. I dont want to come between you
and your son, Galen.
You wont. Hes a good kid, for the most part. Hell come around.
He heated up a can of soup and made some sandwiches after installing her on the
couch. She seemed all right but she was still pale and shaky, not at all her normal
exuberant self and he didnt want to leave her alone. Even when her friend Gina had
stopped by, he hadnt wanted to leave so he didnt. He vaguely recognized the other
young woman as someone whod taken one seminar from him a few years earlier.
While shed chatted with Lydia, Galen had sat back and allowed her to size him up. If
he was going to be a part of Lydias life, hed need to be accepted by her friends.
After Gina left, he sat beside Lydia on the couch and pulled her up against him to
watch a movie on television. He absently toyed with her hair and hands, content for the
moment just to enjoy the feel of her next to him.
I never saw you wear this ring before, he told her, playing with the fingers of her
right hand. The ring in question was a ruby, or a decent synthetic and the gold carving
looked old. Very, very old.
Its just a junk piece I picked up at a yard sale, she told him but her eyes turned
away from his, almost as if she were feelingguilty. I wore it as part of my costume
today and must have forgotten to take it off.
Whatever you say. Something was odd but the last thing he wanted to fight about
was a stupid piece of jewelry. Probably shed gotten it from a previous boyfriend and
didnt want to tell him.
When he left her that night he was sexually frustrated but felt more secure about
the relationship than he had earlier in the day. Things were going well, he told himself.
And she appeared to be feeling much better. She even stood on her porch and waved
him off. And he told himself he had to have imagined the red glint hed sworn hed
seen in her eyes in the darkness.
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* * * * *
On Wednesday night, Lydia changed her outfit four different times before deciding
on a black denim mini and silver camisole. Flat black sandals and a pair of silver hoop
earrings completed the outfit. She was thirty now. Not a huge deal in cosmic terms
perhaps but a big enough one for her. It made her relationship with Galen sound a little
better, she thought, if he could just tell people oh, shes in her thirties.
Hed sent flowers to her office again today and her heart had sung when shed seen
the card signed Galen instead of his initials. It was another baby step but he was taking
those with increasing regularity. He did have some sort of committee meeting tonight
but hed promised to meet her at the pub as soon as it was over.
Her headache was still a nagging worry. Most days it just sat there at the back of
her skull, annoying but not debilitating but sometimes especially if she was working, it
came back with a vengeance. She was probably going to have to go to the doctor about
it. That made two appointments she needed to deal with. She still had to get through
the one about birth control on Friday. She wondered absently if she could somehow
manage to combine the two. Doctors were her one major phobia and it would be nice to
have to screw up her courage only once.
A flash of red glinted off her hand as she applied her mascara. When had she put
the ring back on? Her weird fascination with the scroll and ring was almost as
uncomfortable as her recurrent migraine. She pulled the ring off and threw it into her
jewelry box for safekeeping until she could get it back to the library.
She pushed her worries firmly to the back of her mind. Tonight was her birthday
and tomorrow was the summer solstice, a day of rejoicing on almost every ancient
calendar. Shed taken tomorrow morning as a half-day from work, so tonight she
intended to eat junk food, drink a little wine, then bring Galen back to her apartment
and fuck him senseless. It had been far too long since Saturday morning and they
hadnt had an opportunity for sex since. Her pussy ached with wanting him.
She heard the horn of Ginas car in her driveway and took one last look in the
mirror. Oh yeah, she was going to rock his world tonight. Humming happily, she
ignored the twinge in her temples and ran down the stairs.
* * * * *
He was late and he really hoped that Lydia wouldnt be pissed. Hed told the other
members of the curriculum committee he had to be somewhere by nine but theyd kept
right on arguing about minutiae until after ten. At ten fifteen, Galen had simply gotten
up and walked out, leaving his colleagues staring after him with their mouths hanging
open.
So now it was ten thirty and he was pushing his way through the crowd at the pub,
praying that Lydia would still be there.
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He saw a good-sized group gathered near the back corner, where a couple of high-
topped tables had been pushed together. Then the sea of bodies parted just for a second
and he saw Lydias shining dark brown hair. She was dressed in something sparkly and
she froze as she spotted him, a forkful of cake poised halfway to her mouth. Then she
dropped the fork, waved and gave him a smile so wide it lit the whole room.
Galen! Over here!
He heaved a relieved sigh and hurried to her side, barely noticing that a handful of
others moved to get out of his way, clearing a path to Lydia. He did notice, however,
when the stool next to Lydia was vacated.
About time you got here, Dad. I was getting tired of saving your spot for you.
Jason slapped Galen on the back and moved to another table where he immediately
asked some young blonde thing to dance.
Galen shook his head and leaned over to give Lydia a kiss before plopping onto the
stool. He kept hold of her hand and laughed. Was that my son who just ran off?
Lydia grinned and squeezed his hand. Oddly enough it was. He stopped by to
apologize, believe it or not. And to make sure I knew you were on your way. I think
were good, Galen. That may have been the best birthday present of all.
She picked up her fork with her other hand and went back to her cake while Galen
signaled a waitress and ordered a beer. He said hello to Gina, who handed him a slab of
cake, then was introduced to half a dozen others.
Weve met. The husky Kathleen Turner voice went with a blonde bombshell who
did look awfully familiar. She grinned and introduced herself anyway. Wes Iverson,
from the biology department. We both hid in the back corner at the deans Christmas
party last year. This is Ben Montoya. He was a grad student with Lydia but he teaches
at the community college now.
Thats right. How could I forget? Good to see you again. He nodded. Now he
remembered her as the other professor whod tried to avoid the boring speeches and
interdepartmental politics at the Arts and Sciences holiday gathering. Then he shook
the hand of the Hispanic man who sat protectively close. Nice to meet you, Dr.
Montoya.
Ben, the other man said. Galen got the idea he was being sized up. He didnt
mind. Lydia was special. He could understandeven appreciateher friends being a
bit protective. Once all the introductions had been made, he turned and handed Lydia
the small wrapped package from his shirt pocket.
Happy birthday, sweetheart.
Oh thank you! But you shouldnt have. The flowers would have been more than
enough. Her eyes sparkled as she took the tiny box.
Well, its nothing big but I saw this at the Faire last Sunday and it made me think
of you.
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She ripped into the package like a five-year-old at Christmas. When she opened it
and saw the Tarot card necklace she squealed and threw her arms around his neck.
The Hierophant. Its you. You remembered. Oh, Galen, its perfect. Thank you. Thank
you. Thank you. I was wrong before. This is the best birthday present Ive ever had!
She punctuated each sentence with a kiss on his cheek, nose or chin, anywhere she
could reach. Then she spun on her stool to face away from him and handed the box
back over her shoulder. Help me put it on.
Obediently he fastened the chain around her neck, his fingers lingering to caress the
sensitive skin at her nape. When he was done he bent his head and kissed her neck just
below her ear. Damn, he couldnt wait to take her home tonight. Hed already told
Jason not to expect him back. He wasnt about to abandon her on her birthday. Hed
reluctantly accepted the fact that his son was mature enough to handle the idea of his
old man spending the night with a woman.
Would you like to dance? Galen wasnt much of a dancer but they were playing a
slow song, an oldie he remembered dancing to in his own college days. All hed have to
do was hold her close and do a few turns around the floor. He could manage that much.
Id love to. Eyes shining, she took his hand and let him lead her out to the dance
floor.
Galen had spotted a few familiar faces in the crowd. This was a faculty hangout as
much as a student one and there were people from his department here tonighttwo
couples. When word of this hit the grapevine, along with Helen Morton having seen
them at the restaurant last Friday, it would soon be all over campus that he was
involved with a much-younger woman. He searched his heart, trying to decide why he
cared.
He didnt! The realization was so liberating he almost laughed. He did swing Lydia
into an impromptu little spin. He absolutely did not give a damn if the whole world
knew how lucky he was to have this beautiful vivacious woman in his life. He caught a
grin and a thumbs-up from Jason as he whirled past with a different girl this time.
Galen smiled back. Hell, it felt like it was his birthday.
* * * * *
The euphoria of the night hadnt faded a bit by the time Galen drove her home. The
top on his convertible was down again at her request and the warm summer air kissed
her face as he drove the short distance to her apartment.
Are you coming in? Please let him say yes. Hed been so sweet, so openly
attentive tonight that her hopes had been raised to a dangerous level.
Hell yes! His enthusiastic response set her pulse fluttering and had her
dampening her thong even more than it already was after just being close to him for the
last two hours.
So did I pass muster with your friends, do you think? They walked up the stairs
hand in hand and he took her key from her to unlock the door. The little courtesies and
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slightly exaggerated manners were so much a part of Galens personality that she barely
noticed them anymore, except at times like this when it meant a little extra touching.
Every time his skin brushed against hers, fireworks still coursed down her spine.
I think you did. The second the door closed behind him he set down the bag of
gifts hed carried up for her and dropped his gym bag with a change of clothes beside it.
Then she was in his arms. She gazed up at him and gave him the reassurance he was
asking for. She smiled at the uncertainty in those beautiful blue eyes. I think once you
relaxed a little, everyone liked you very much.
Good. I dont want things to be awkward with your friends, just because Im a
little older. He ran his fingers along the skin of her shoulders, toyed with the straps of
her camisole top.
It wont be. Several of them are nontraditional students, people who came back to
school after working for a while or something like that. As you should have noticed, its
a pretty mixed group of people. All ages, races and religions. All they expect is for you
to be honest and friendly, which you are. So stop worrying.
I have, he told her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her off the
ground, spinning her in a circle. I realized tonight that I really dont give a damn what
anybody else thinks. Im not willing to give you up. You mean way too much to me to
mess this up because Im concerned about appearances. Were together, which makes
me a very lucky man. I want everyone to know it.
Her heart almost stopped as she gazed up at him. Really?
He nodded, his gaze steady and sincere.
Oh Galen, thank you. I was wrong earlier. Twice. That is without any doubt the
very best birthday present ever. In her haste to kiss him, she all but climbed up his
body to reach his lips. His hands slid up under her top as their lips fused and she
moaned into his mouth at the glory of feeling his fingers on her skin.
His tongue swept inside and claimed her, plundering every curve and recess of her
mouth and stroking alongside her own. All she could do was melt into his chest and
tunnel her hands through his hair.
He pushed her top with its built-in shelf bra up under her arms to free her breasts
then shaped and cupped them with his big warm hands.
Yes! It felt so good to have his thumbs rubbing her swollen flesh. When she cried
out he moved his lips down to her throat.
Its been days. I need you now, he growled against her skin.
She dropped her hands to his belt. Now, she echoed, fumbling with the fly of his
chinos as he pinched and rolled her nipples in his hands. Oh yeah. Right now.
She got his pants undone and pushed them down, boxers and all, then circled his
erection with her hand. Velvet-covered steel, he was so thick her fingers didnt meet in
back and she dragged her hand up and down the shaft determined to make sure he was
in as much of a frenzy as she.
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Not gonna make it to the bedroom. One hand left her breast and Lydia nearly
cried at the loss until she felt it slide up her bare thigh and under her skirt.
No. She leaned over and licked the head of his cock, tasting the thick drop that
had already beaded up just since shed removed his pants. Here. Now.
He pulled her up by the armpits. Not in your mouth. He fastened his lips to hers
again as his hands tugged her skirt up around her waist and he backed them over to the
sofa. Instead of laying her down though, he spun her and pushed her gently over the
arm so she was leaning on her elbows her ass in the air. Just like before in her office but
without the constraints of silence. She whimpered aloud as her wet, sensitized nipples
were abraded by the rough fabric of the couch.
Lydia. Galen used one hand to pull aside the dripping-wet string of her thong
and the other to thrust two fingers up inside her channel. So fucking wet and tight.
Please, Galen. I cant wait any longer.
Me either, sweeting. He fumbled in his pocket for the condom she was sure he
had in there. Then he was back and in one swift sure move he fit the fat, weeping head
of his cock to her waiting pussy and speared inside. I intend to fuck you until neither
of us can walk. Then well crawl to your bed and Ill fuck you some more.
A loud sob was the only answer she could make as he began to move inside her
cunt, thrusting in hard and deep, then pulling out slowly just to impale himself again.
She could feel the slap of his heavy balls on her ass with each stroke and she knew they
were drawn up firm and tight just for her.
Never, he grunted, one hand coming around her hip to slide between her slick
folds and rub against her throbbing clit. Never felt anything like this before.
Me either. It was the simple truth. What Galen made her feel was light-years
away from anything shed experienced before. And she was absolutely certain that no
one else but Galen could ever send her soaring like this again. Whether she liked it or
not, whether it worked out or not, he was her one and only.
His fingers strummed her clit with just the right rhythm to match his pounding
strokes and it was only seconds before she felt the coils of passion in her belly tighten to
the point of climax. She screamed his name one last time as the fireworks of sensation
exploded behind her eyes and in her womb, sending shocks of pleasure racing from her
core to her skin, fingertips to toes. The pleasure rolled on and on as he continued to
thrust and she sobbed helplessly until another peak stopped her breath.
Galen pushed himself as deep as he could and held her hips tight to his groin while
he came, rivers of hot semen flooding the tip of the rubber. She gasped for air and felt
her inner muscles grip him tight, as if determined to milk him of every last drop.
Finally, when he groaned and sagged against her back, she managed to drag in a
complete breath.
Galen drew in a ragged breath several minutes later. We didnt even get our
clothes off, he murmured against her hair. He was still buried inside her, still mostly
hard and that made it awfully difficult for him to care about anything else. The only
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thing that mattered in the world was still twitching and pulsing around him and lying
in his arms. You okay?
Oh yeah. But her answer was muffled so he eased off her to give her room to
breathe. The shift made him pull his cock out of her warm little box and he immediately
missed the sense of contentment that being inside her always brought.
Bed now? He forced himself to stand on wobbly legs and he stepped out of his
pants so they wouldnt trip them both. He peeled off the condom with one hand and
extended to other to Lydia to help her to her feet.
Maybe a shower? she suggested as they moved toward the hall. My hair still
smells like smoke from the pub.
Her shower would be big enough for twobarely. He nodded his agreement and
allowed her to drag him into the bathroom instead of the bedroom. They slowly and
tenderly removed each others clothes, caressing and kissing each bit of bared skin as
they went.
Youre beautiful, he breathed, pressing a kiss on the soft white skin between her
breasts.
Only to you. She ran her fingers through the hair on his chest and kissed each of
his nipples in turn.
He didnt believe that for a second but didnt want to argue. Does anybody else
count? Her skirt and that ridiculous scrap of cloth and string she called underwear
dropped to the floor.
No.
He tested the water, making sure the ancient water heater had worked before
pulling her with him into the tub and under the warm spray.
He washed her hair, loving the feel of the heavy silk in his hands. Then he
obediently knelt so she could wash his. It wasnt his fault the position put him at eye
level with her nipples, was it? No red-blooded man in the world could have resisted the
urge to taste.
But he wanted to make love to her in a bed this time. So he settled for kisses and
caresses while they washed each other and rinsed off. Then he pushed back the shower
curtain and reached for a terrycloth bath towel so they could dry each other.
Which led to other things
Finally tired of waiting, he lifted her in his arms and carried her to her bedroom,
dropping her to the bed. She raised her arms in invitation and he followed her down to
the mattress.
They were already primed from their play in the bathroom. He was hard enough to
pound nails and she was wet and slick in all the right places. As soon as the protection
was in place, he rolled her to her back and positioned himself between her legs.
Every time we do this, I think it cant get any better. Every single time, you prove
me wrong. He nuzzled her breasts while he tested her with one hand, spreading her
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thick cream around her plump folds. He rubbed the head of his penis against her to wet
it before once again driving into her snug, slippery heat. Then he laced the fingers of
both of his hands through hers and pinned hers to the bed beside her beautiful, beloved
face.
I think Im falling in love with you, Lydia. He raised his pelvis, withdrawing until
just the tip of his cock was inside her pussy. I hope you know that scares the hell out of
me. With excruciating slowness he pushed back in, refusing to stop until he could feel
the mouth of her womb contracting against him.
I know. Youre a man who likes to make all his decisions with his head. Love
doesnt work that way and that bothers you. Its okay, Galen. Im already there. I
promise to catch you when you fall.
He slid out again, enjoying every inch of the delicious friction. There was nothing in
the world that even approached the sensation of her velvety skin gliding along his, the
warm clasp of her muscles wrapped around him.
Tonight is Midsummers Eve. She moved sinuously against him and even her
voice was a gentle caress. Its a magical night.
Any night with you is magic. He didnt have a poetic bone in his body, had never
been good at flowery compliments but that was the simple truth.
They were silent for a few moments as they gazed into each others eyes and hearts.
Galen gradually picked up the pace, driving his cock home with deliberate precision
into her core. She met each movement eagerly, her lush body cradling his and her tight
walls clamping around him. When she cried out and shattered all he could do was hold
her tight and slam himself into her before his own explosion detonated. It felt like the
orgasm blew the top of his skull but it still kept going, as he spurted over and over and
over again.
When his body finally stopped convulsing, he looked down at Lydia and wiped a
tear from her cheek. Her eyes fluttered shut.
Oh hell, hed wiped her out. Not that he minded, since he was pretty much
flattened too. He climbed out of bed, fixed the covers around her, then went back to the
bathroom for a minute to get rid of the condom. Then he padded through the apartment
totally naked, turning off lights and locking the door. When he returned, he turned off
the bedside lamp and climbed in beside Lydia. She stirred and in the moonlight he saw
her eyes open, though she didnt say a word.
He kissed her hard then pulled her down against his chest to sleep and soon she
was breathing deeply and evenly, making the occasional little snuffling soundalmost
but not quite a snorethat hed so quickly come to love.
Only one thing bothered him and it was odd but had to be just a trick of the light.
For just a second there when shed looked up at him in the moonlight, he could have
sworn her eyes were glowing red.
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Chapter Eight

She hadnt expected the headache to be back full force today, not after waking up
this morning in Galens arms. While they hadnt totally resolved every issue of their
relationship, they had made huge strides forward and she was beginning to believe that
they were on the right path. She played with the pendant around her neck, pleased
beyond measure by his choice of birthday present. It felt a bit like being given a boys
class ring or fraternity pin. Galen had known that to her, the Hierophant card signified
him. When hed selected the necklace, he hadnt considered it just an ornament but
something that said he thought of her as his.
The morning had been lazy and sexy and decadent but eventually noon had come
and gone and now she was back to work as normal.
Shed finished cataloging every document in the collection except for the Alcineath
scroll, though she was still hunting through Professor Kroners boxes of receipts and
letters to establish provenance on several. As for the scroll, she had found no records at
allit was as though it had never existed. She could find no record of that name in any
medieval literary archive or index. She knew that she should just catalog it as poem
unknown originwith ruby-tipped ivory scroll tube and move on but something held
her back. For some reason she just never seemed to get around to putting it down on
the list.
She still thought it might be a spellreal or imaginary. She remembered that Ben
Montoya had done some research on spells back when he was still a grad student, so
she put a call in to his office at the community college to see if he could help her shed
any light on the stupid thing. He wasnt there so she left a voice mail and went back to
her computer, still trying to find some reference on-line to any possible variation of the
name, anywhere in literature or history. So far shed come up with a big goose egg.
The one thing she had picked up on rereading the scroll was a connection to
Midsummer, or the summer solstice. She twisted the ruby ring on her index finger and
smiled. Today was apparently a big day for Alcineath. She was at the height of her
beauty or power or whatever. Well, it had certainly been a big day so far for Lydia as
well, so she guessed she could relate. If only she could get past the damn migraine.
Finally in the middle of the afternoon, one of the search engines picked up at hit on the
spelling Elsynaeathe. She blinked, reading the words on her screen.
No. No fucking way! As she read the words demon and exorcised, she could
swear she heard the cackle of maniacal laughter in the back of her head. It hurt, so
badly that her vision began to dim.
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Something was very, very wrong here. She picked up her translation of the scroll
and reread the passage. Was it possible that bound by the ring didnt refer to marriage
at all?
She picked up her cell phone and punched in the speed dial for Galen. She needed
his input on this and she needed it now.
The phone rang once, twice
The ring on her finger began to burn. She tried to pull it off but it wouldnt budge.
Pick up, please. She hit print on her computer, wanting a hard copy of the
information shed just found.
It is time. Now! Lydia heard the words inside her skull as she lost the use of her
fingers and the phone dropped from her hand. The last sounds that registered were
Galens voice mail message and the clattering of her inkjet printer as she watched the
world turn red.
* * * * *
Something was wrong. Galen looked at the display on his cell phone and frowned.
All that came through on the message from Lydia was staticand what sounded like
maniacal laughter but not hers. When he tried to call back, her phone went directly to
voice mail. She didnt answer at her desk, either.
Shed mentioned this morning that shed been having migraines and that worried
him. He had a meeting with a potential graduate student in a few minutes but he really
wanted to pop over to the library and check on her. Aha! He nodded to himself as a
flash of inspiration hit. Jason had said he was going to be on campus today. Might as
well call in a favor. He called his sons cell phone and asked Jason to run over to the
library.
Okay, you realize this is paranoia, right? He could hear chatter and noise coming
from Jasons phone and deduced that Jason was hanging out in the student union
cafeteria, always one of his favorite haunts when he was in town. Im sure shes
absolutely fine.
Probably. But Ive got a weird feeling and Im worried about these migraines shes
been having. Remember when she went home from the Medieval Faire? He was also a
little shaken up about the red glowing eyes but those had to be a figment of his
imaginationprobably some weird manifestation of his well-established commitment
phobia. She looked a little wobbly when she left for work this morning.
Okay, in the interests of my sanity, Im not going to ponder that comment too
deeply. I tell you what. Ive got some things I want to look for over at the library
anyway. Tell me where to find her office in the building and Ill stop by to say hello.
Heck, maybe Ill even invite her to dinner at our house tonight. Hows that sound?
Like Ill owe you, big time. You want to grill some steaks for dinner? Ill pick them
up with some fresh sweet corn on my way home. Might as well pay the kid with his
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favorite foods. Galen disconnected and tried to prepare his notes for the coming
interview. Five minutes later, a knock on his door heralded the arrival of Raymond
Foster, a promising young man who was in the process of deciding between SMU and
another graduate school.
Mr. Foster. Galen held out his hand. Welcome to Southern Michigan.
Dr. Forsythe. The young man shook his hand with a strong, confident grip. Good
for him. Please call me Ray. Ive read your work in Medieval History Review and its
truly a pleasure to meet you. He flipped open a leather portfolio, withdrew some
papers which he handed to Galen.
Galen shuffled through the pages and glanced at the rsum and research summary
in his hands. Just as he started to ask about the research project, his phone rang, playing
the series of notes that signified the caller was Jason.
Can you excuse me a minute, Mr. Foster? I need to take this call.
The young man smiled easily. No problem at all. Would you like me to step
outside?
Galen shook his head and flipped the phone open. Jason?
Dad, you need to get over here. Now.
Galen felt all the blood drain from his face and his hands started to shake as he
stood and fumbled for his keys with the hand that wasnt holding the phone. Shit! On
my way. Do you need to call nine-one-one?
I dont think that would be a good idea. Hed never heard such raw terror in
Jasons voice. Know any good exorcists?
Not funny, Jay. His fear must have communicated itself to Raymond Foster. The
younger man had stood and opened the door. What the hell is going on?
I wasnt joking. Just get the hell over here, Dad. Please!
Galen followed Foster into the hallway and closed his door behind him. Two
minutes, he barked into the phone. He was already striding down the hall when he
spoke to Foster. Im sorry about this but an emergency has cropped up. Can we
reschedule?
Foster nodded. No problem. Actually, Im a bit reassured about your priorities. Id
heard you were a no-excuses kind of guy who didnt believe anything, even families,
should ever come before studies. I have a two-year-old daughter so you can see where
that might have been a problem. Do what you need to do. Well talk again later. He
followed Galen down the stairs. I hope whatever it is comes out all right. Now go.
Thanks! Galen called over his shoulder as he ran out of the building toward the
library.
Did he really have that much of a hard-ass reputation? He spared a thought for that
just so he could keep from hyperventilating as he literally dashed across the quad and
up the librarys wide marble steps. The elevator was too slow, so he ran up the three
flights to Lydias office as well.
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The door was locked. He pounded on it and heard Jason call, Who is it?
Its me, damn it. Let me in.
He heard the lock snick and then the door opened just a little way. In. Quick.
Jason grabbed Galens arm and pulled him in the door, then slammed it behind him.
What the hell?
Vividly glowing red eyes glowered up at him from Lydias face. Lydia was seated
in her office chair with her hands bound behind her back by what looked suspiciously
like Jasons webbed belt. Her feet were tied by the silk scarf shed had around her neck
that morning. Shed laughed as she put it on and promised Galen he could tie her up
with it later. She was gagged with the sweater she kept in her office.
Jason what the hell is this? Weve got to get her untied. Now. He moved up
behind her and untied the sleeves of the sweater from behind her head. Im so sorry
about this, sweetheart. I have no idea whats gotten into him
Dad, wait!
Jason, shut up.
You dont understand
As soon as her lips were free of the sweater Lydia began to laugh. The sound was so
horribly wrong that Galen felt a chill all the way to his toes. The glowing red eyes gazed
at him with mocking humor.
The poor distraught loverfool!
And then there was a spate of words in some language Galen didnt understand.
Dad, duck! Jason gave Galen a shove just as a heavy metal bookend came flying
off the desk, narrowly missing his head. Cover her mouth.
Galen might be in love but he wasnt a fool. He covered her mouth with the
sweater, ignoring the sounds that had to be oaths and the blazing fury in the eyes that
werent Lydias anymore. He turned to Jason and demanded, What the hell is going
on?
Jason shook his head and leaned back against the door, well away from Lydias
furiously struggling form in the chair. How the hell am I supposed to know? When I
got here she was slumped over her desk, looked like she was unconscious. Shed
already tied her feet. Then she lifted her head and the eyes went red. She started
speaking in that weird voice and she leaned down to untie her feet. I grabbed her hands
and after one scream, the eyes went back to normal. She begged me to tie her up and
call you. So I did. After the first book sailed at my head, I gagged her too. He pointed
to a red mark on his forehead that would probably be a bruise tomorrow.
Galen leaned against the desk and ran his hand through his hair. The eyes, he
whispered. A couple nights ago I thought I saw them glow red. Then again last night.
But I told myself it was just my imagination.
Dad, I know you believe that magic is just so much fiction but do you think there
might be somethingsupernatural going on here?
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I have no idea what to think. Did she say anything while she was lucid?
Jason shook his head. Other than tie my hands, please? She said something about
a demon. Not damseldemon. Thats it.
Damsel. That rang a bell in Galens memory. When had he been talking to Lydia
about a damsel? Damoiselle? Shit. That scroll shes been so hung up on. He turned to
rummage though the now-jumbled pile of papers and books on her desk. Were
looking for a medieval scroll. She wouldnt have the original in here but there should be
a copy.
Ill hunt. You try to see if you can get her to go lucid for a few minutes. Touch
seems to help and I figure yours might be morepotent.
Not a bad idea. Galen knelt and clasped both of her bound hands in his own, then
gathered up his courage and gazed into the vivid crimson eyes. I know youre in there,
Lydia, and I want to talk to you. Whatever this is, we can beat it but I need you to help.
I need you to fight your way back to me.
The red light dimmed and for just a second the eyes flashed brown and started to
fill up with tears. Then the red was back.
Come on, sweetheart. You can do it. Come back to me, Lydia. Ive just found you
and Im not giving you up. Last night you said you were in love with me. I love you
too. Fight her off, Lydia.
Her eyelashes flashed shut and when she opened them again, it was Lydia looking
out at him instead of the demon. Galen hurried to undo the gag. When he moved to her
hands she shook her head. No time. Strongest at Midsummer. Worse near sunset.
Printout on desk. Scroll and case in bottom drawer. Get the ring off if you can.
Her face tightened with some internal struggle. Fading again. I love you, Galen.
The psychic said the card would be the key And then Lydia was gone and the
vicious guttural cursing began again.
Jason was ready with the gag, saving them from more flying objects. The
psychicthe one at the Faire! Dad, do you remember?
The card will be the key. Saving the brown-haired girl. Hell yes, I remember. What
else did she say? Something about the color red. Glancing down at her hand, he saw
the ruby ring, the one hed noticed the day of the Faire. Not just a yard-sale trinket then.
Especially considering the serpent carved in the stone was glowing. He tried to pull it
off her finger but the ring wouldnt budge. Apparently Lydia had tried too. The skin
around the ring was red and swollen.
Get the scroll from the drawer. While Jason did that, Galen pulled the document
from her printer tray. Sure enough, it was something about demonic possession.
Got it. He carefully lifted the delicate ivory tube capped with bronze or gold and
gems. Meanwhile, Galen sorted through the papers on her desk, gathering up anything
that looked relevant and shoving the rest to the side.
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They both started frantically reading through the documents, looking for anything
that might give them a clue.
Alcineath appears to be the name of the damsel in the poem, the one being trapped
by the love spell. Jason was reading through Lydias translation attempt. Substitute
demon for damsel and you get a binding spell.
The card will be the key, Galen muttered. But what card and how can it help?
The demons crimson eyes glared out at him from Lydias beloved face.
When she accosted you at the Faire, werent you carrying one of Lydias Tarot
cards?
Galen nodded. The Hierophant. Lydia said that it often represents a teacher and
its the one she says she uses for me. The same one is on the necklace I bought her. The
one you said shed hate.
Yeah, gotta admit I blew that call. She went apeshit over that present. Guess
calling her a gold digger was way off base.
Galen pinched the bridge of his nose trying to ward off his own headache. It was
but she isnt holding a grudge. She was really happy that you showed up at her party
last night. It would mean a lot to me if you two could get along.
Im cool with thatassuming her eyes go back to normal. Right now shes a little
too much the stepmother from hell, if you get my drift. Jason winced at his own
gallows humor then started typing something on Lydias computer.
The ringing of the phone on her desk startled them both. Galen banged his elbow
on a file cabinet as he spun around. Jason looked at him from the keyboard with
questioning eyes. Galen shook his head but they both turned to stare at the answering
machine when a voice Galen recognized from the night before came on the line.
Hi, Lydia, this is Ben. Im in Chicago today at a conference but I might be able to
help with that spell research you needed. Ill call you back tom
Galen grabbed the phone and pushed the button to connect. Ben. This is Galen
Forsythe. Did Lydia say anything about the spell she wanted to ask you about?
Why? Whats going on?
Nothing youd believe if I told you.
There was silence for a minute on the other end of the line. Finally Montoya spoke
slowly and thoughtfully. You might be surprised at just how much Im willing to
believe. Is Lydia there?
Sort of. A huge sigh shuddered out of Galens chest. You by any chance know
anything about demonic possession?
There was a flurry of Spanish that Galen could only assume included words not
allowed on television. Youre in her office?
Yeah. Havent figured out how to get her out of here without someone calling the
cops. Two guys carrying a tied-up woman might look a wee bit suspicious.
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Montoya cursed some more. You have her bound?
Yeah. And gagged. When she speaks, heavy objects tend to fly around the room.
Mierda! Okay, you should probably get her out if you can. According to everything
Ive read, exorcisms are noisy. You dont want to try one of them in the campus
library.
Any suggestions on accomplishing that?
Know a dentist with a portable nitrous setup?
Dad, I have an idea, Jason interrupted.
Just a second, he said to Montoya. Then he turned to his son. What?
I saw a big recycling bin down the hall. It would be easily hold Lydia. Shes kind
of small.
Okay, Galen told Montoya. Weve got a plan for getting her out.
Good.
Do you think we should call a priest or anything? Galen wasnt religious in the
least but he was willing to do whatever it took to save Lydia.
From what little she told me, Im guessing not. Many people believe demons are
really beings from another dimension and have no connection with what we tend to
think of as heaven or hell.
Okay, well shelve that idea for now, Galen conceded. Im taking her to my
house. Let me give you my cell number so you can reach us if you think of anything.
Fine. Ill leave mine on during my meetings. Just leave a voice mail and Ill step
out and call back right away. Meanwhile, Im going to IM my friend Drake and see if he
knows anything that could help. Hes something of an expert in supernatural matters.
Thanks. Im willing to follow any lead at this point.
Galen gathered every paper that could conceivably be of interest, including a flash
drive from Lydias computer while Jason went out into the hall and returned with the
large wheeled recycling bin. It didnt have a lid, which meant theyd have to make sure
no one looked in as they wheeled it out to the parking lot.
Jason ran down to bring a car around to the loading dock. Parking enforcement
wouldnt tow it in the five minutes theyd be there and Galen couldnt have cared less
about an illegal parking fine. While Jason was gone, Galen untied Lydias legs from the
chair, ignoring the sharp kicks the demon tried to emasculate him with. Bless Lydia for
having taken off her shoes first. Then he retied her ankles so they were simply bound
together. Okay lets see if we can get Lydia back for a minute.
He took both hands and looked the demon in the eyes. I want to talk to Lydia.
Then he leaned his forehead against hers. Come on, sweetheart. I need you to come out
and talk to me.
He felt her nod, then he looked into the eyes he loved. You know what were
doing?
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She shook her head so he quickly explained.
Ready?
She smiled and nodded again.
Then lets go. He lifted her and she went into the huge plastic bin without a
struggle. Before he lowered her down, Galen pulled down the gag and kissed her lips.
Remember, Lydia. I love you. Im not going to give you up.
I love you, Galen. Be quick. Canthold it offlong. She burrowed into the piles
of office paper at the bottom of the bin. She didnt struggle at all when Galen added her
briefcase and Jasons backpack to the bin, then dumped Lydias recycling box in on top.
He cautiously checked the hallway before opening the door and wheeling the bin
out of the office. The elevator would be the trickiest place but he discovered that when
he stared haughtily enough, no one really wanted to climb in with him. There were a
few advantages to be known around campus as a hard-ass, he guessed.
* * * * *
Lydia felt the cart moving down the hallway as she fought with all of her strength
to retain control of her body. She wasnt going down without a fight. Not when she had
a ringside seat into Alcineaths mind and knew the demonor whatever you called an
evil extradimensional beingplanned to start her killing spree with Galen and his son.
Hed told her he loved her and she was holding on to that knowledge and using it
for strength. As the sunset of Midsummer approached, she knew she was losing
ground, though. Alcineath was getting stronger by the minute. Without Galens help,
without his touch, Lydias consciousness would already have been completely
consumed.
The recycling cart bumped as they entered the elevator and she felt a weird sort of
antigravity sensation as they moved down toward the first floor. Please dont let us get
caught, she mentally chanted.
Her hold on her movements and senses gradually faded, though, until she could
feel herself kicking against the plastic cart and trying to squirm out of the confining
bonds. The elevator door dinged. Please, please hurry, my love, she cried silently. I love
you, Galen. Please dont let me go!
* * * * *
Jason met him at the base of the elevator and they hurried through the first floor to
the service entrance at the back of the building. Galen was relieved to see no one else
using the loading dock, since their cargo had started to kick and squirm. He noted
absently that Jason had brought his pickup instead of Galens car.
I figured you could ride with Lydia in the topper, Jason told Galen as they
wheeled the bin out onto the loading dock. The tailgate of the pickup was already
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opened to the loading area. The windows back there are tinted, no one will see in
unless theyre really making an effort.
Perfect. Galen lifted Lydia out of the bin while Jason kept watch. Then he climbed
into the bed of the pickup and held the snarling squirming mass of woman in his lap.
After a few moments, she seemed to register his touch and her struggles quieted.
Jason collected his backpack and Lydias briefcase then pushed the cart into a
shadowy corner of the loading area. Okay? he asked Galen. At Galens nod, Jason
slammed the tailgate and topper cover shut, then seconds later Galen heard the engine
start and felt the movement of the truck.
The ride seemed to take forever though it could really only have been a few
minutes. Galen lived a mere eight miles from campus. The truck stopped and Galen
heard the grind of the automatic garage door closing behind them. Then Jason came
around and opened the topper.
Where do you want to put her? Jason ran ahead to open the door between the
garage and the kitchen.
My room, Galen grunted. Ive got handcuffs in there we can use to hold her.
Jason turned to give him a truly uncomfortable look. Okay, now thats way too
much information, Dad.
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Chapter Nine

They did set up their headquarters in the master suite, Jasons discomfort over the
handcuffs not withstanding.
Hold her, Galen told Jason, setting the struggling bundle down on the bed. One
thing he wasnt going to make his son do was dig through the nightstand where he kept
his sex toys. He drew out the handcuffs and wristbands, then made sure both cuffs
were securely latched before he untied the belt from around her wrists.
I dont even want to know why that looks like you know what youre doing,
Jason muttered. Im going down to get the backpack and briefcase. Maybe some soda. I
could sure use a hit of caffeine.
Galen stroked his fingers through Lydias snarled hair, much as hed done in the
truck the whole way home. I know youre still in there, sweeting. Anything you know
that can help would be useful here. Fight the bitch. Dont you dare leave me.
Her eyes flickered brown but only for a moment, then the red came back, more
vivid than ever.
Red. The psychic said the danger was red. Red eyes, ruby ring. Jason, he called as
his son came back into the room. Get out the scroll tube. But be careful with it, its
hundreds of years old.
Jason plopped into the easy chair by the window and started pulling things out of
her briefcase. Yeah, yeah, dont damage the artifacts. Heard that one my whole life,
Dad. But right now, I think our priority has to be Lydia, dont you?
Of course. I care about history but not as much as I care about her. Or you. Could
you possibly not know that? Galen paced back and forth across the room. Did his son
really believe he cared more for things than for people? Is that what hed become?
No. Jasons voice was steady, sure and more mature than Galen had ever
imagined he would sound. I would never believe that of you. But youd be surprised
how many people do. Even my mom. Every time I came up here, she always felt the
need to give me a pep talk about how I shouldnt expect too much from you. She
always thought she had to remind me that some people just werent equipped for love.
He held up the scroll case. One scroll. What do you want me to do with it?
Hand me the scroll while you check out the case. Those look like real rubies. And
the carvings look just like the ones on the ring. Im guessing the ring fits into the case
somewhere. He strode over and took the delicate parchment scroll from his son and
then spread it flat on his dresser, anchoring the corners with a bottle of cologne, his
wallet, his cell phone and a hairbrush. And Jaythanks. I know Im not very good at
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showing it but I do love you. I always have. And today I cant think of anyone Id rather
have by my side in a crisis. Youve grown up into a damn fine man.
Jason shrugged. I had a good teacher. Moms great but shes no good at reading
subtext. If it isnt there in front of her in living color, she doesnt see it. Your style is
more subtle. I can respect that. He nodded toward Lydia writhing on the bed. And it
seems like shes got you figured out. Shes good for you. Dont blow it.
It wont bother you to have a stepmother whos only a few years older than you?
Jason shook his head. When youre my age nine years seems like a lot. No
problem.
Galen continued, even as he studied the scroll, looking for something, anything that
could be a clue. I cant lose her, Jason. Its taken me too fucking long to find her. It
didnt even occur to him that tonight was the first time hed allowed himself to swear in
front of his son. In a way this was their first true man-to-man conversation.
Okay, I found the secret compartment in the scroll tube. Jason held up the tube,
showing a hollow space beneath one of the ruby finials. Just the right size for a ring.
So the demon was trapped in the ring. And somehow, Lydia found it and couldnt
resist putting it on. Lydia would never touch an artifact with her bare hands. She had to
be under some sort of compulsion.
She said Midsummer was the height of its power, Jason pointed out.
True. So she put the ring on and the closer it got to the solstice, the more power the
demon gained. Galen tested the theory, decided it was a likely one. And today it
finally took over completely.
So what have we got to work with? Jason asked, pulling out a blank notepad and
a pencil. We know the psychic told us the card would be the key.
We dont have her cards here, Galen muttered. But we do have the internet. Run
downstairs and grab my laptop. Its time to go hunting for information.
While Jason was gone, Galen paced back over to the bed and straddled the bucking
form of his lover, holding her thrashing legs still with his weight. I know youre still in
there, Lydia. Im not letting you go.
He undid her gag for a second and cupped her cheeks with his hands. Then he
pressed a forceful kiss on her lips, even while she tried to bite and curse. After a second,
though, her lips softened and he looked into the wide, terrified eyes of Lydia. Now he
kissed her in earnest, pouring all of his love and fear and hope into his lips.
Hi there. You okay? He pulled his face back to ask.
She shook her head. Not for long. Shes getting stronger. But love is a powerful
magic. Youre pissing her off because she expected it to be all over by now. Shes going
to kill you if she can, Galen. You and Jason. Her voice was weak and thready, her
breathing shallow.
She isnt going to get the chance.
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Before he could say anything else the eyes changed again and she gave a vile, oily
laugh. Tied to a bed, hmm? We could have some fun with this. You, me and the boy.
This body has two holes, no waiting. I bet the girl would love being fucked by two
strong men at once. Unchain me and Ill show you both more pleasure than youve ever
dreamed of.
I never thought Id use this word but eeeewww. Jason walked in with the laptop
in his hand. A threesome with my father is so-oo not on my list of things to do before I
die. Jeez, Dad, put the gag back on, why dont you? He dropped to sit cross-legged on
the carpet and fired up the laptop. Talk about scarred for life. Yeesh!
Galen shuddered. Yeah, have to agree with you on that one. Time for the gag
again. He retied the soft sweater around her face. Then he turned back to Jason. So
have you found anything about the card?
Im looking. He slid the notepad across the carpet to Galen. While Im doing
this, you can write down everything you remember that might be useful. Start with the
psychic. She mentioned the card being the key. Repeatedly. She also said the danger
would be red, or something to that effect. Didnt she also say something about bonds?
Galen picked up the pencil and tapped it on the notepad. Bonds. He wrote down
the word. Bonds of the spirit, bonds of the intellect, bonds of the flesh. I think she said
not to discount any of them, that each was important.
That sort of ties in with what Im getting about the card. Listen to this. The
Hierophant generally appears in the form of a teacher or mentor. He is knowledgeable,
wise and willing to act but can run the risk of being too hidebound and dogmatic. This
card can warn the querent against being stubborn to the point of disaster and act as a
reminder of the need to balance intellect and spirit. Gee, Dad, sound like anyone you
know?
Ouch. Yeah, that hit home a bit. So we know I think too much and need to
balance reason with emotion. The question is how does that information help?
Jason scrolled down and continued reading. There are keys in the picture on the
cardone gold and one silver. Supposedly they represent male and female energy.
Maybe that has to do with the card being the key.
Galen shook his head. Interesting but again, how could we use it?
Okay, how about the bonds? The old woman said something about using the
bonds to keep her with you. So you two have bonds between youmental, emotional
and physical, right?
Right. Mental came firstwe can actually talk about work and not bore each other
silly.
Thats good. For you, I believe that would be important. Maybe the most
important thing. But you also click on a physical level. Thats kind of obvious. He
glanced with distaste at the handcuffs. Though Im not even going to ask if she knows
about those.
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Good. His fondness for bondage games was not something he ever wanted to
discuss with his son, though if he thought it would help save Lydia, hed manage
somehow. He ran his hands through his hair then squeezed his eyes shut. But, yeah,
the physical bond is definitely there. The best Ive ever had, on so many different
levels.
Jason looked over at him with one eyebrow cocked in an expression that was as
familiar to Galen as his own noseit was something else he often saw in the mirror. I
see. So whens the wedding?
We hadnt gotten around to dates yet. Okay, so he hadnt even proposed but he
wasnt going to do it while they were trying to exorcise a demon. Although Bonds.
An engagement ring is a bond, right? Maybe we can trade rings with the demon or
something. He ran to the safe in his walk-in closet and returned with a small box.
At least you bought her a ring, Jason snickered. I thought the necklace was a
little on the cheesy side.
This was my grandmothers. Galen opened the box and removed a gold and
platinum ring set with a large sapphire flanked by diamonds. She was still wearing it
herself when I married your mother. When she died, my parents passed it to me, even
though I didnt think Id marry again. I told myself I was saving it for you. I guess I was
wrong.
Jason smiled and rolled his eyes. Ill cope with the disappointment. Come on, Dad.
Put it on her hand already.
Go away. Galen moved toward the bed.
What?
Go make coffee, or go to the bathroom, or order a pizzawhatever. Just get the
hell out of this room for five minutes, okay?
Fine. Just get on with it. Jason strode from the room, still shaking his head, then
slammed the door behind him.
Hey there, demon. I need to talk to Lydia for a minute. He glared down into the
crimson eyes. Fine. Well do this the hard way again. I have to say, youve ruined me
of enjoying handcuffs for life. When I get around to it Im going to be really pissed off
about that.
He straddled her body again and removed the gag to force a kiss on her lips. It
nearly killed him to do this to Lydia but under the circumstances he was pretty sure
shed forgive him. When he felt her lips soften under his, he looked into her brown
eyes.
I love you. We have an idea. Will you marry me, Lydia?
What? Because of this? No! She turned her face into the pillow away from him.
Galen took her face between her hands and turned it to his. No. Not because of
this. Because I love you. Because Im terrified of the idea of spending the rest of my life
without you.
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I love you, Galen. Of course Ill marry you. But can you ask me again when Im not
chained to the bed?
He kissed her. Its a deal. As long as its soon. Right now I want to put this on your
hand. He held up the ring. It was my grandmothers. But if youd prefer, we can buy
you a new one. Later.
Her eyes filled up with tears. Its the most beautiful ring Ive ever seen. Dont you
dare buy me a different one. She wiggled the fingers of her left hand at him.
Okay then. He slid the engagement ring on her finger and kissed her hand. Did
you hear what Jason and I were talking about?
No. I can hear her but not you. Shes angry right now. Thisyoulove seems to
weaken her hold.
She did sound stronger, he noticed. A small ray of hope seeped through the terror
that gripped his heart. Maybe there was hope. Maybe they were on the right track.
Okay, the psychic at the Faire said
What psychic? she interrupted.
He shook his head. That wasnt important. Just this gray-haired woman who
pretty much accosted us on the way out. I thought she was crazy. But she said the card
will be the key. She called me the teacher and said Id have to save the brown-haired
girl. So in retrospect, I guess she wasnt crazy at all.
He could see the struggle going on behind her gaze, knew the demon was trying to
wrench back control of Lydias body. So he did the only thing he could think of to keep
her with him. He kissed her again. When they came up for air this time, she chuckled.
Keep doing that. It seems to work.
I would but we have other things to talk about first.
Yeah. She nodded. Like I think I saw the same woman. She said the same thing.
She told me to tell the teacher that the card would be the key. And the danger would be
red.
Your eyes turn red when the demon
Alcineath, Lydia interrupted. She doesnt like it when you say her name, so do it
a lot.
When Alcineath takes you over. They also glow.
Gross. Need really killer eyedrops for that one.
Anyway, the psychic also told me that I needed to remember that every bond was
important if I wanted to keep you with me. The mind, the body and the spirit.
Thats why you gave me the ring, she deduced. She must have seen the hurt in
his expression because she forged ahead quickly. Now as opposed to later, over
champagne and candlelight. Its a bond.
A symbol of lovea bond of the spirit.
Or of the mind since its a symbol of the ritual of marriage. Maybe both.
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So since Alcineath is still here, are we missing one of the bonds, or is that just part
of it? We still dont know how the card figures in.
He lifted the necklace off her chest and studied the enameled copy of the
Hierophant card. I was assuming that the card was a message to me. That I needed to
unbend and let myself decide with my heart and not just my head. But if that were the
case, it would be over by now.
If were talking about the same card.
I wish we had your Tarot deck here. Maybe that could tell us something.
Jason knocked on the door at that point and came in carrying two mugs of coffee.
Oh. Hi, Lydia. Welcome to the family, by the way. Any progress?
Her laugh was shaky. Well, hes figured out how to keep me conscious. For now at
any rate.
Jason held up a hand and shook his head. Dont want to know.
Can you read the scroll to me, Galen? Lydia asked. Not the translation but the
original. Maybe thats where we should be looking.
Sure, no problem. Jason, hand me one of the copies. Dont want to get the original
within kicking distance in case we miscalculate.
His Middle English was good but she corrected a couple of his French
pronunciations. Jason shook his head. You two have got to be the biggest geeks ever.
This has to be a match made in heaven. He picked up the scroll tube and started
inspecting the carvings and gems on the ends.
About halfway through the reading, Galen saw Lydias body start to stiffen and felt
her begin to twist beneath him. He immediately stopped reading and leaned down to
kiss her instead. Stick with me, my love.
She doesnt like that, Galen. The wordsthey hurt her. The scroll must be part of
the process for imprisoning her in the ring.
Galen smacked himself in the forehead. Of course. Its not telling us about
entrapping the demon in the ring. Its the spell for trapping the demon in the ring. It
seemed glaringly obvious now that theyd thought of it.
Galens cell phone rang. Jason moved to the dresser, looking at the original scroll as
he lifted the phone off the lower left corner.
Dad, its Dr. Montoya.
Ask him if he has any further ideas.
Jason conversed with Ben for a few minutes, then clicked the phone shut.
His friend Drakewhoever that issays that were definitely talking about a
being from another dimension, so religious symbols wont do squat.
Okay. Anything else?
Yeah. He said sometimes in cases like this there might be a physical talisman
required. Jason set the phone down.
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Weve got that.
The ring.
Galen and Lydia spoke at once.
Jason shook his head, picked up the scroll tube again. He said sometimes you need
another one. I think it might be kind of like a circuit. You need an input and an output
for the energy to work. The rings the output. But you need something to power the
magic into her system.
He fidgeted with the tube a little more and managed to trigger a mechanism in the
far end that mirrored the one that had released the ring. This end opened to reveal a
ruby that was an almost perfect match to the ones on the finials of the case. A half globe,
roughly the diameter of a nickel, the smooth cabochon surface gleamed like blood.
Galen lifted the gem from his sons hand.
Brilliant. Now where do we put it?
I dont think were done quite yet. Jason tried to slide his nail into one end of the
tube and failed. He glanced down at Lydia lying on the bed and began to laugh.
What? Again, Lydia and Galen spoke at once.
Jason shook his head. Jeez, Ive been paying way too much attention to you
humanities types with all your symbolism. Sometimes a banana is just a banana. Lydia,
do you mind if I borrow your necklace for a minute?
Her eyes flew up toward Jason and her cuffed hand jerked toward her throat before
being pulled up short. Dont hurt it!
Galen knew how his sons mechanical mind worked and was beginning to get a
clue. Let him use it, sweetheart. If it gets damaged I can always buy you another one.
She slanted him a vicious only a man would say something so stupid kind of
glance. It wouldnt be the same.
Ill be careful. But remember. The card is the key. Which card do we have with us
here and now? Jason tapped his foot impatiently.
Take it, Lydia ordered Galen. He carefully removed the pendant from her neck
and handed it to Jason. Then he bent and kissed her lips, just to ensure a few more
minutes of her presence.
Got you, you bastard, Jason muttered as he slid the thin sheet of silver under the
ruby on the end of the tube.
Galen almost scolded him about swearing but caught himself in time. Not something
worth worrying about now, he reminded himself. Besides, hes a grown man.
There was a satisfying snick and the ruby fell off onto the bedspread. Galen picked
it up while Jason flipped the case over and repeated the process on the other end. Soon
the third ruby was in Galens hand with the others.
The card was literally the key, Jason crowed. Not figuratively.
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Damn, I guess all that money Ive been spending on engineering school is worth
it, Galen joked. He saw the flash of pride in Jasons eyes, knew that Jason recognized
that for the compliment it had been. That sort of simple mechanical solution would
have never occurred to Galen.
The drawing around the first letter of the scroll Jason began.
Illumination, both Galen and Lydia chimed in.
Will you two stop that? Now listen. The drawing shows a woman sort of
superimposed on a snake, or maybe the other way around. She has one red jewel on her
foreheadsort of Asian for a medieval European art, dont you think? She has another
on her chestlike over her heartand another on her stomach. What do you want to
bet thats an instruction manual?
Sort of like chakras, Lydia murmured. The three bonds. Mind, heart and body.
The magic has to go in through those points.
Of course! Galen kissed her again, just out of excitement this time.
Would you two get a room?
Galen actually managed a chuckle as he pulled away from Lydias lips. So we lay
these on the appropriate spots. Then what?
Then we read the spell, Lydia finished.
We? Jason asked with raised eyebrows. I did my part. The spell reading is up to
you two.
Three. Everything about this suggests three is an important factor. We all read it
together, Lydia corrected. Just sound out the words as best you can.
Well, its not too far off from German, Jason muttered. I can give it a shot.
They had a plan. It was the most hope Galen had felt in hours. Carefully, he laid the
first gem on Lydias forehead.
Ow! Lydia screamed and shook her head, sending the stone flying. Immediately
Alcineaths red eyes were back. No! I will not go. Not again! Human, you have signed
your death warrant!
Galen shook his head and leaned over to kiss Lydias mouth.
Here we go again, Jason grumbled.
The demon fought harder this time but Galen was determined. He got a bloody lip
out of it but eventually Lydia was back, sweaty and panting with the exertion of
fighting the monster.
Okay, mechanical genius. Galen looked at Jason. How should we attach the
gems? I dont really want to glue them to her skin.
Well, theres always honey or pine sap. Those would have been available. Lydias
brain was as quick as ever. Dont be an idiot, Galen. Use the damn glue! Like I care
about a little bit of skin.
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Right back. Jason darted out of the room. There was a clatter of footsteps as he
ran down the stairs, then another as he ran back up a few seconds later. As he came
back in, he held up a jar of rubber cement. Dries quickly, rubs off. Should be perfect.
Remind me to increase your allowance, Galen joked. He took the jar and applied
a dot of the glue to Lydias forehead. Can you stand the burn, honey?
Lydia nodded. Just make sure youre touching me when you put the ruby on to
help anchor my consciousness. And if I can squeeze your hand it might distract me
from the pain.
Anything you want. He lifted one hand to hers and clasped her fingers though
his. Then with his other hand he placed one of the rubies into the dollop of glue.
She screamed and squeezed his hand but this time, she maintained control. He
kissed her gently, being careful not to disturb the glue.
Next one, he told her, unbuttoning her blouse.
I really dont need to see this, Jason grumbled. He stared hard at the scroll copy.
Galen saw his lips move as he practiced the words.
Galen painted a dot of glue on Lydias breastbone, right above the center point of
her bra. He took her hand again. Ready?
Do it. She squeezed and whimpered but again, she remained Lydia.
Last spot. He undid the rest of her blouse and touched the glue brush to her
navel.
Lower. She was straining for control again, so he paused for another kiss. When
he lifted his head she smiled. The third bond. The physical one. Lower.
Ah. Nodding his understanding, he undid the button and zipper on her blue
jean-style skirt. He wiggled the skirt down her hips a few inches, then pressed his lips
to the soft skin of her abdomen. There, right?
Right. She nodded and gave him a heartbreakingly lovely smile. He tenderly
applied the glue to the skin over her womb. He knelt beside her and maintained eye
contact as he held her hand and adhered the final stone to her skin.
Galen! She thrashed and screamed but quieted to whimpers when he kissed her.
You okay?
She nodded. Youll have to hold up a copy of the scroll.
Ill hold the original. I like Jasons idea of a circuit. I think we should all be
touching each other and contact with the original scroll might help. Jason, you can take
one of her hands and read from the copy. Sound right?
They all agreed. The men sat on the mattress on either side of Lydia and each
grasped one of her hands, which were still chained to the bed above her head.
Ready? Jason asked.
Lydia nodded and tightened her grip on Galens hand.
One last thing. The kiss was long slow and sweet.
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Jason coughed and kept his eyes focused on the photocopy he held.
If this doesnt work, were not giving up, Galen told Lydia.
Her wide brown eyes glowed with trust and love even as lines of strain radiated
from the corners. It will work. Alcineath is very, very pissed right now. Very scared.
Lets go, guys.
Galens strong voice led the reading. As the three of them spoke the words Lydia
could feel the violent and alien anger inside her swirling and growing to boiling point.
She forced herself to focus on the spell, enunciating each and every word. She also kept
a firm grip on Galens hand and on Jasons as well. Shed just been given the
opportunity to become a part of this small but precious family. No bloody demon was
going to steal that from her now. Whatever the hell Alcineath was didnt stand a chance
against a pissed-off woman in love.
The three stones burned like branding irons but the physical pain was minimal
compared to the metaphysical claws Alcineath was using to cling to Lydias psyche. As
the last words of the spell were spoken, Lydias ears rang with screams and curses she
knew no one else could hear. She mentally repeated the last line of the spell, adding a
final push in modern English. Get the hell out, bitch!
And then she felt a whooshlike a gust of wind or a burst of running waterrush
from the points where three gems touched her skin through her body to concentrate in
her right hand.
Galen yelped as the ring flared with heat but he never let go.
Lydia held her breath. Her consciousness tentatively probed the corners of her
mind. Tears began to run down her cheeks and she couldnt stop the sobs that racked
her body.
Lydia, sweetheart, whats wrong? Galen leaned over her, taking her face between
her hands. She opened her eyes. The color would reassure him somewhat. He dropped
a row of kisses down her nose.
Is she gone?
Lydia couldnt speak but she nodded hard.
Let me get the cuffs off, sweeting. Galen scrambled for the key.
Lydia shook her head violently.
What? Galen froze.
She tried to tell him but still couldnt get any words past her throat, only great
heaving sobs.
UmmDad? Jason had stood and now hovered near the bed.
What? Galen barked.
Ill bet she wants the ring off her hand first.
Lydia nodded, shooting her future stepson a grateful look.
Of course.
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Teach Me
Lydia held her breath while Galen twisted the ring gently off her finger. It was tight
and the skin was sore but she truly didnt care. As soon as the thing was off her hand he
threw it to the carpet.
Cuffs now?
She nodded. The sobs began to abate and by the time he threw the handcuffs after
the ring and gathered her into his arms, they were down to a hiccupping sniffle.
Okay, then. Jason used a piece of paper to scoop up the ring and dump it into the
scroll tube, then he picked up everything else off the floorscroll, copies and the bottle
of glueand set them on the dresser. The handcuffs he tossed in the trash. Im going
to call your friend Ben back and let him know everything is all right. Then Im outta
here for the night. If you need me, call my cell but Im going to go grab some food and
maybe a drink.
Thats fine but if you drink, call me for a ride home.
Lydia chuckled through her tears. Galen was such a wonderful father.
Jason laughed back, his wry chuckle an echo of his fathers. No problem. I have no
intention of becoming a statistic. I think this family has had enough drama for one
night. I was going to call my friend Steve and make him give me a ride. Its his turn to
be the designated driver.
She lifted her face from Galens shoulder and smiled at his son. Th-thank you,
J-Jason.
He shook his head. No problem. Just promise me I never have to see you two and
handcuffs in the same picture ever again. Do we have a deal?
They all laughed. Galen waved Jason off and bent his head to Lydia. The kiss this
time was everything a kiss should be. Neither of them even heard Jason leave the
house.
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Chapter Ten

That night Lydia finally got to try out Galens whirlpool bathtub.
For a long time after Jason left they simply lay on the bed and held each other while
they cried. Both of them, to Lydias amazement. Galen had engulfed her in his arms and
buried his face in her hair. When her sobs had finally abated, shed looked up at him to
see a river of tears pouring down his face.
I thought Id lost you, he murmured, kissing the tear tracks on her cheeks. Ive
never been so scared in my life.
Me either. She tried to chuckle but it came out as a sniffle instead. You are my
hero, you know. You suspended your disbelief, you never gave up. I love you so much,
Galen.
I love you too, Lydia. Then his lips came down on hers and there was no more
time for words. There was just a frantic need to reassure one another that they were
both alive and still together. His hands slid under her open blouse to glide along the
skin of her waist and up to cup the sides of her breasts as their mouths fused and
tongues dueled.
Ouch!
She broke the seal of the kiss to cry out in pain. Hed leaned his forehead against
hers, pressing on the gem still cemented to her skin.
Sorry, sweetheart. We need to get those off you, dont we?
She nodded against his shoulder. And the scarf off my ankles if you dont mind.
Hmm. Might have made it hard to go much further, dont you think? His attempt
at humor was tentative at best but she rewarded him with the best grin she could
manage.
He peeled himself away from her and rubbed her cheek with his thumb. After all
youve just been through, you probably need to rest.
Later. She used her hands to scoot herself up into a sitting position then peeled
the gem off her breastbone and handed it to him. Put these somewhere safe but Id
really like never to lay eyes on them again.
Ditto. He took the other two as she tugged them off as well. She started to untie
her ankles but her hands were shaking. Her arm and shoulder muscles were screaming
in pain from the restraints and her whole body felt drained and weak. Gently Galen
brushed her hands aside and undid the knotted scarf. He lifted each foot and kissed the
red welts around her ankles. It kills me to see these marks on your skin.
Her eyes filled up with tears again but happy ones this time. How could she not be
totally in love with this man? Theres no major damage. Ill be fine.
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I know. He picked up her hands and pulled off the terry wristbands that had
protected her skin from the cuffs. There were still bruises underneath from when
Alcineath had fought but they were much smaller than they could have been. He kissed
each one tenderly. But you have to be sore. And hows your migraine?
Better than its been all week, she told him. A little bit of a tension headache is
all thats left. And yeah, Im a bit stiff and sore but again, its no big deal.
Anything that hurts you is a big deal to me. Galen climbed off the bed and Lydia
almost wept at the desertion. Why dont I go start you a bath? That should help with
the muscle strain and tension.
What a sweetheart! That would be nice. She let herself flop back against the
pillows for a moment while she heard him moving around the bathroom, then the
sound of running water.
She had almost dozed off when Galen returned to the bedroom but she lifted her
arms and he obediently bent down to give her a hug.
Okay, lets get you out of these clothes. He helped her sit up and then tugged the
sleeves of her cotton blouse down her arms.
You have a fireplace downstairs, right?
Uh-huh. Why? He deftly unsnapped her bra, then pulled the straps off her arms
as well. She sighed as he took a moment to softly suckle each nipple before moving on
to his next task.
Because I need to burn this outfit. She dropped back to the mattress and wiggled
the skirt and her underwear down her hips. I could never, ever wear any of this
again.
No problem. After your bath, well go have a bonfire in the hearth.
Thanks.
He pulled her to her feet, then lifted her in his arms and carried her to the
bathroom. The big tub was almost full. There were a few weak bubbles being swirled
about by the jets and the water had a pale green cast. She tipped her head and looked at
him in question as he set her on her feet beside the tub. A faint herbal scent drifted up.
I didnt have any bath salts or anything but I had a sample of some herbal
shampoo that came in the mail. I figured that might work as bubble bath.
Very creative. She grinned and kissed his chest, the easiest place she could reach.
Then she took his hand and allowed him to help her climb into the steaming bath. Oh,
this is wonderful!
She sat in front of one of the jets, allowing the whirlpool to soothe her sore
shoulders, arms and back. Galen took a washcloth and removed the traces of glue from
her skin, then gently washed the rest of her. When he was done, he just stood beside the
tub and watched her, his gaze hooded and hungry. After a few minutes of soaking, she
smiled up at him. Are you going to get out of those clothes and join me?
He made a noise low in his throat. I thought you were sore.
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I am but Id rather have you with me. Right now, I need the contact more than
anything else. Youre way too far away.
Anything you want. He stripped out of his shirt, trousers and boxers in record
time, then kicked his shoes and socks into the hallway. Then the smart man grabbed a
condom from a drawer and rolled it on before he finally stepped into the tub and settled
across from her, his long muscular legs resting against her own.
Still too far away. She shifted onto her knees then crawled over him to straddle
his lap. Then she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his lips, long and hard.
Mmm. Much better, dont you think?
Infinitely better. He gripped her waist between his hands and pulled her against
his chest. His lips came down and claimed hers for another deep, drugging kiss.
She opened for him, eagerly sucking his tongue into the hot recesses of her mouth.
His erection prodded her ass and she wiggled against it, teasing them both. Then she
moaned into his mouth when he gathered a few shampoo bubbles his hands and wiped
them onto her breasts, drawing circles around her crinkled nipples.
I want you but I dont want to hurt you, he murmured as he trailed his lips down
to the sensitive skin of her throat.
You wont. She reached behind her back to grasp his cock. Just holding the hard
thickness of it in her hand made her pussy muscles clench and her nipples throb. I
need you. Inside me, around me, holding me. I need to feel safe and loved and alive.
You are so fucking loved. He bent his head and took a nipple into his mouth, the
intensity of the pleasure making her cry out. She rose up on her knees and let his hand
slide between her legs. He rubbed softly on the aching flesh of her mound, slowly
parting her cleft to find the tender skin inside.
Please, Galen. She felt her hips bucking against his hand, trying to get the
delicious pressure onto her clit at the same time she arched her back, thrusting her
nipple deeper into the cavern of his mouth. Hurry!
He let go of her nipple and blew a puff of air on the wet and reddened flesh. Come
for me first. Then he drew the other taut peak inside and suckled.
At the same time his thumb found her clit and rubbed, while the tips of two fingers
toyed with her vaginal entrance. Lydia screamed his name and shattered, her hands
tunneled in his hair holding his head to her breast. Galen moved his hand to grasp his
cock, positioning the head at her spasming pussy. She cried out again as he pushed it
up inside.
The bathwater diluted her lubrication a little, so she felt every bit of the motion as
he brought her body down to sheathe him. His lips and tongue still worked her nipple
and the rippling contractions of her first orgasm only increased the sensations that
flooded her, body and soul. Galen moved his hands to her hips, guiding her motions as
she rode his cock. He filled her to the brim, as if hed been made specifically for her.
After a minute, Galen stopped. He was breathing hard when pulled his head away
from her breast.
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I just want you to know that none of this He lifted her hand and kissed the
finger that held his grandmothers ring. None of it was an act, or just for the sake of the
spell. I meant every word. I love you more than I ever thought I could love another
human being. I just wanted to make sure you werent trapped into anything. That you
really wanted to marry me.
She stared directly into his beloved blue eyes and laid her hands on his shoulders.
Then she lifted up on her knees before sliding her hips back down, taking his penis
deep into her channel. I do. She didnt waver, didnt let her voice shake. I love you,
Galen, with my mind and heart and body. I would love to be your wife more than
anything else in the world. As long as thats what you want too.
It is. I promised you another proposal. Here it is. Will you marry me, Lydia? Will
you put up with my stuffiness and stubborn streak? Will you live with me and love me
for the rest of our lives?
Yes. She kissed him to seal her bargain. It was a while later when he spoke again
and his breath was ragged.
You still want that ring?
Yes. I love that it was your grandmothers. Although Im really, really glad its not
a ruby. Dont think Ill ever be able to wear those again in this lifetime.
He laughed and pulsed his hips beneath her. She began to ride him again with slow
even strokes that he met enthusiastically. Her pussy clenched around the steel piston of
his cock and she had to force her eyes open as the pleasure threatened to overwhelm
her again. She gritted out one more sentence. And I think we should have the wedding
very, very soon before we shock your entire department by living in sin.
Hell yes! Galens fingers dug into her hips as he began to thrust harder, pumping
upward as she ground her mound down onto his pelvis. Her eyelids fluttered shut
again as they moved against each other, heedless of the hard marble of the bathtub
beneath them. Seconds later she cried out her pleasure and convulsed around him, as he
spewed into the condom.
She was barely awake as she let him help her from the tub. She lifted her arms and
such while he toweled her off, then snuggled against his chest as he carried her to the
bed. All night long they clung to each other and when the bright light of morning filled
the room, Galen opened the drapes and made love to her again, this time in the
sunshine.
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Epilogue

Two days later, a small group of individuals gathered in Galens backyard. Lydia
had spent most of the previous day in bed, recovering from the soreness and fatigue but
today she felt fine and everyone wanted to get this last chore over with.
Jason used a hand trowel to stir the mixture of water and cement in the plastic
bucket one last time.
Were sure we shouldnt just destroy the ring? Galen asked Ben Montoya, who
had shown up to help.
We went over all that on the phone yesterday, Ben reminded them. Breaking the
ring could set the demon free. And nobody wants that.
Right. Galen and Lydia spoke as one.
Jason laughed and shook his head at Ben. They do that all the time.
So were ready? Galen asked the others.
Jason nodded. Weve added the additional instructions inside the scroll case. And
I jammed the mechanism where the ring is to make it that much more difficult for
anyone to ever find it.
And we sealed the whole thing in a thick layer of wax, Lydia added.
Galen gave a grim smile and a crisp nod. So here we go. Lets do it.
Jason poured a foot or so of concrete mixture into the six-foot-deep posthole he and
Galen had dug in the shady far corner of the yard.
Yep. Lydia dropped the wax-encased scroll on top, then Jason added the rest of
the concrete over the scroll. She was glad now that shed never gotten it listed in the
inventory.
Galen and Ben picked up shovels and filled up the hole almost to the top. Finally
Lydia took a small potted fern and set it in. Ferns protect against evil, she told the
others. And in this shady spot, it should flourish and spread.
Galen helped her fill in the soil around the plant then helped her to her feet. Jason
rinsed out the bucket while the others put the tools into the shed. When it was done,
Ben stood in the driveway ready to take his leave.
Thanks for the help. Galen shook the other mans hand. Hope you and Wesley
will be able to come to the wedding.
Glad to be of use. And well be there. Just let us know when.
End of August, Lydia told him. Jasons leaving next week for Germany, so were
holding the ceremony as soon as he gets back.
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Well have just enough time for a short honeymoon before classes start, Galen
added, giving her a heated look that made her toes curl.
They stood in the driveway with their arms around each other for a minute
watching as Ben drove away.
Hey, you two. If you want to use the truck to get some of Lydias stuff moved, you
need to snap out of it. Im leaving for my moms first thing in the morning, remember?
They smiled at each other then split up. Lydia ducked into the house to get her
purse while Galen closed up the garage. Then she climbed into the front seat of the
pickup between the two men. Galen had brought her clothes yesterday but shed
wanted to pack the rest of her belongings herself.
You dont need to run off, Galen reminded Jason one last time. I hope you know
this will always be your home.
Jason laughed. Not worried about that but I know you two could use some
privacy and I cant wait to see Moms face when I tell her about the wedding.
Lydia shivered. She still had a few qualms about meeting Galens first wife.
Shell be happy for us, Galen assured her. Its taken me a long time to find what
she found years ago. The right person at the right time.
Yep. Jason nodded his agreement. He started the truck but gave Lydia a little grin
as they pulled out of the driveway. You dont have to wait on me for the wedding, you
know.
We want to, Lydia assured him. Youre part of our family and its important to
both of us that youre able to be there.
Back at her apartment a little later Galen found her in the bedroom while Jason
carried a load of boxes out to the truck. She held up her Tarot deck, the Hierophant card
on top. Now do you believe the cards can tell us things?
He tipped his head and grinned. I dont know. Didnt you say that one is the
teacher and its supposed to represent me?
She nodded. Why, whats wrong with that?
He took the cards from her hands and set them carefully aside, then pulled her
close for a kiss. Because youre the one who taught me, he murmured. Youve taught
me the most important lessons of all. How to laugh. How to love. How to live.

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About the Author

Cindy Spencer Pape has been, among other things, a banker, a teacher, and an
elected politician, though she swears she got better. Her degrees are in zoology, and she
currently works in environmental education, when she can fit it in around writing. She
lives in southern Michigan with her husband, two teenage sons, a dog, a lizard, and
various other small creatures, all of which are easier to clean up after than the three
male humans.

Cindy welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email
address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.




Tell Us What You Think
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Also by Cindy Spencer Pape

Between a Rock and a Hard-On
Djinni and the Geek
Stone and Earth

By Cindy Spencer Pape & Lacey Thorn

One Good Man





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