LallaGatta

EPIC eBook Awards Competition™ 2011
nominated The Sex as a FINALIST in the Category Fantasy Erotic Romance

Genre: GLBT, Gay, Fantasy, Paranormal, Ménage, m/m, m/m/f, f/f, m/m/m, m/f/ff
Publisher: eXtasy Books
ISBN: 978-1-55487-516-0
Release date: March 1st, 2010

Copyright © 2010 Laura Tolomei

If Sendar stood a chance perhaps it would be thanks to the arbitrary twists and turns of a blind destiny. Or maybe someone would discover the truth about the ancient ways and compromise our peaceful existence forever. Either way, people needed a hero to shed new light on the age-old mysteries. And he was just about to answer their prayers.

Her breath caught in her throat as she turned around to answer. Like the first time she had seen him, he gave the impression of being too big for the available space, his magnificent body more attractive than ever with the long black strands dripping tiny streaks of water on a bare chest that displayed an impressive set of muscles before narrowing to the waist, wrapped by the blanket. She also could not help feeling his heat, but even if temptation to touch him seemed irresistible, she knew better. “Much.” Then she turned to face the fire, so she would not have to look at him.

Dropping down on a comfortable carpet, she pretended to stare at the high flames, particularly when he sat right next to her, although she did not need her eyes to feel the powerful energy or the scorching desire trapped in his body, screaming for release. Ironic as it seemed, it was the second time fate had created a sensual opportunity, trapping her in a secluded cabin, alone with a man women dreamed about, and if Sarah Jennings had been in her place, there would have been no trace of a blanket anywhere on her body, Ylianor mused, repressing a giggle.

The prince turned to look at her. “Is there something funny you’d like to share?”
“Well, this whole situation is funny. Here I am with a person I thought I’d never see again for the rest of my life, forced to spend another night together.” The hint of a smile curved her lips. “I guess, when you’re back in a girl’s life, you make sure she notices it…even if she’d rather have nothing to do with you.” She made it sound like an afterthought, though her stomach crunched painfully at the obvious lie.

He regarded her coolly, then called her bluff. “My dear, you’re not a prisoner, you know. You’re free to leave whenever you want.”
“Right!” She quipped hotly. “As if I’d ride out in the middle of a storm.”

He chuckled. “I meant when the weather calms down, but I’d be surprised if you did. It must’ve taken a lot of guts—”
“I’d call it stupidity.”

His eyes flashed in disaccord. “Whatever it was, it mustn’t have been easy to return to Black Rose after how my family treated you, especially considering nothing ties you to the place.”

“Nothing…except the past.” Ruefully, Ylianor let out a deep breath, her thoughts running to Prince Charles and his soothing love.
“Aren’t I a part of that past?” His eyes searched her face before he continued. “Judging from what David told me, you used to like me.” He grinned mischievously. “And people tell me I’m a likable fellow now more than ever.”
“You don’t need to play games with me.” Ylianor scolded annoyed. “You’ve always had my complete attention then and now, even if I’m not sure I want you back in my life.”
“Why not? Was it better without me?” Suddenly, the black eyes clouded. “Or do you perceive me as a threat?”

Gaze still locked on the prince, Ylianor only wanted to drown in him, forgetting about stupid questions, too dizzy by now from hunger and cold. His nearness did not help matters either, the acute awareness of his body pressing at her side making her legs weak with the unbearable need to feel his arms around her and his warm lips pressing—

With an effort, she pulled her gaze and mind away from temptation. “Yes, I do, probably something to do with our childhood.”
He smiled apologetically. “Since I can’t remember, maybe you ought to fill me in.”

Ylianor’s lips curved bitterly. “I’m sure you don’t need my share of bad memories. It’s better if you stick to the pleasant ones in which I don’t appear.”

Duncan’s head bent on his knees as if he were trying hard to resist some impulse or simply taking his mind off whatever was gnawing at him. She had noticed, of course, could not help noticing it as a matter of fact, his energy speaking louder than any word.
“I’m sorry.” Raising his head, he looked at her apologetically. “I don’t know you or what your life has been like. I shouldn’t have asked.”

Ylianor’s heart went out to him. “No, forgive me. I shouldn’t have answered like that. I’m glad for the opportunity to do something with my life, really. I’d have wandered aimlessly in search of…” She shrugged as her voice trailed off. “Something,” she added eventually, before a stray thought hit her, spreading an amused smile on her face. “And it’s not as bad as it seems. We’ve been friends before, so I don’t see why we can’t be again.” She turned to him, but her confidence vanished upon realizing how much she wanted to touch him. Yeah, sure as if I could ever be friends with someone who turns my stomach upside down simply by looking at him! Her heart was racing, her thighs tingled and a strange throb between her legs did not make things any easier.

“I’m not sure I can think of you as a friend,” was his cold reply.
Of course not. What a stupid fool to think even—
“Damn!” Grabbing her shoulders, he cursed again. “I might regret this for the rest of my life, but the gods know I want more, much more.”

Closing his mouth on hers, Prince Caldwell took their conversation to a completely different level, drawing her closer while his tongue carefully explored the warm opening, making her head spin and her body heat out of control.