Strands of Love

Chapter Seven

When Sam woke, the room was filled with light and she was alone in bed. She pushed herself up until she was in a seated position, grabbing the thick fur covering when it fell to her waist. She was naked and yesterday really had happened. Two gorgeous men had kidnapped her. Either that, or she’d been whisked away to an alternate world where it was okay for a woman to have two or more men as lovers. In fact, it was expected.

She was getting a headache just thinking about it.

“Two more days,” she muttered. If they were telling her the truth, then she’d be free to go in a little more than two more days. She shoved aside the tiny voice in the back of her head that whispered that staying here with Jace and Darian wasn’t such a bad thing. She had a life to get back to and a farm to save.

Sam slid off the mattress and grabbed the thick robe lying across the trunk at the end of the bed. One of the men must have put it there for her. She felt her cheeks heating as she remembered last night. She’d really had sex with both brothers.

She shoved her arms into the sleeves and belted the robe. It felt heavy against her sensitive skin. Her nipples were puckered and not because of the slight chill in the air. Her stomach growled, reminding her she hadn’t eaten in quite some time. “Shower and clothes first, then food.”

The stone floor was cold beneath her feet as she padded to the door in the corner, listening for a moment to make sure it wasn’t occupied before she pushed it open. The wooden tub was filled with steaming water. She frowned, wondering how someone had managed that without waking her.

Sam walked around the room and found a hidden door on the far end. What she’d thought was a decorative panel on the wall was really a door. There was no handle, but there was a slot built into the design that acted as one. She curled her fingers into the opening and pulled. The door opened easily. She looked out into the corridor but saw no one. She shut the door again.

It seemed likely that the water elves had come that way. Still, she wasn’t about to cut off her nose to spite her face. But she wasn’t getting into a tub of water without finding some way to secure the door. No way did she want some stranger walking in on her when she was naked.

The washstand wasn’t overly large, but it was sturdy. She put her hands on it and shoved. It slid easily over the floor and she kept going until it was in front of the hidden door. It wouldn’t stop anyone from getting in, but it would hinder them. More importantly, it would give her enough warning to jump out of the tub and grab the robe if someone tried.

Satisfied the door was as secure as she could make it, Sam padded back to the tub and stuck her hand into the water. She nearly moaned aloud when the heat permeated her chilled skin. She was sweaty and sticky after everything that happened yesterday and dearly wanted to get clean. And since there was no shower, the bath would have to do.

She slipped off the robe and draped it over a small stool that stood beside the tub. A washcloth, bar of soap and a towel sat on a ledge on the opposite side. Gripping the wooden sides for stability, Sam stepped into the tub and lowered herself into the steaming hot water.

“Oh, this is wonderful.” Working on the farm left her little time for relaxing. A quick shower in the morning and another one before supper was what she was used to. This was sheer decadence.

The tub was large, probably because it had to be big enough to fit Darian. No, scratch that thought. She didn’t want to imagine a naked Darian, all the prime male flesh and muscles wet and aroused as he relaxed in the water.

Sam groaned and slid entirely beneath the water, letting it flow over her. No worries about it cooling off, not with the hot fantasizes her mind was weaving. She pushed up to a seated position, shoved her slick, wet hair away from her face and reached for the soap.

She examined the large bar first, sniffing it. A light floral scent tickled her nostrils. It smelled a lot like lavender and seemed to be infused with bits of herb or flower. She normally used a cheap brand of soap—the same kind her brother had used—so this was a luxury. She rubbed it over her arms and legs, enjoying the way it lightly bubbled.

Closing her eyes, she inhaled the light fragrance. Immediately, her mind conjured an image of a bubble-covered Jace reclining in the tub. She groaned and covered her face with her hands. “Stop it.” She had to quit thinking about the brothers in such a way. In two days they’d go their separate ways and probably never see one another again.

She opened her eyes, ignoring the tight feeling in her chest when she thought about never seeing either man again. Looking around, she didn’t notice anything resembling shampoo so she used the soap on her hair, scrubbing her scalp and lathering her tresses. When she was ready, she slid down in the tub again, using her hands to try to rinse it. What she’d really like was a bucket of clean water, but this would have to do.

Sam sat upright in the tub, swiping the water away from her eyes. A towel appeared before her. She jerked around, sending water sloshing over the rim of the tub and cascading onto the floor.

Jace crouched next to her, calmly holding the towel. He was dressed as he’d been yesterday with leather pants, boots and vest, along with those metal arm- and wristbands. Once again, he had two skinny braids on either side of his rugged face. He was even better looking than she remembered. Or maybe she only felt that way because she was coming to know him better. None of which mattered. What mattered was he was in the bathroom with her.

“How did you get in here?” The secret door was still barred by the washstand. She almost smacked herself in the head at her stupidity. She hadn’t blocked the bedroom entrance. She’d assumed the closed bathroom door would be enough to keep someone from coming in unannounced. Obviously, she’d been wrong to believe that. She pulled her legs up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, feeling very exposed and vulnerable.

Jace sighed and wiped the water from her face. “Do you want me to rinse your hair for you?”

“There’s no clean water.”

Jace reached around to the bottom of the tub and pulled out a bucket. Somehow when she was pushing the washstand against the door, she’d missed seeing it.

She chewed on her bottom lip. It would be stupid not to use the water. “I can do it,” she began.

He shook his head and lifted the bucket, holding it expectantly.

Sam sighed, recognizing the stubborn glint in his eyes. She knelt, careful to keep as much of herself covered as possible. Maybe it was stupid. No, scratch that, it was totally stupid. He’d already seen all there was to see of her last night. But she’d never been one to flaunt herself and wasn’t comfortable having him here while she was naked in her bath.

Lowering her head, she waited.

Jace slowly poured the clean water over her hair. Strong fingers combed through the strands, making certain all the soap was gone. Sam sighed, enjoying the feeling of being pampered and cared for. Moments like these had been far and few in her life, especially coming from a man.

When he was done, he lowered the bucket and squeezed the excess water from her hair. “Sit back.”

Sam maneuvered into a seated position, all the while keeping her legs bent to her chest. Thankfully the soapy water helped to hide her.

Jace sighed and cupped her face in his hands. He leaned down and kissed her, the quick movement startling her. He deepened the kiss until their tongues were tangling together and Sam forgot why it wasn’t a good reason to be kissing him.

Before she knew it, her traitorous body was responding to his nearness. Her hands crept over his firmly muscled chest to his broad shoulders, clinging to him while she lost herself in their heated kiss. Oh, he tasted good, like apples, tart and sweet at the same time.

By the time he pulled back, she was gasping for breath, but she wasn’t alone. Jace was just as affected by the kiss as she was. “Why?” he asked her. “Why hide yourself from me. I told you to be sure last night. I will not leave you now.”

She remembered him telling her that last night, but she’d been too far gone with passion to care. “I’m not used to having a man see me naked in the bathtub in the middle of the morning.” Or at any other time of the day for that matter. She’d only ever gotten naked with a man in bed. This was a new experience for her.

Jace smiled. “I am glad.”

Oh, yeah. No mistaking the satisfied male smile. But, surprisingly, it didn’t piss her off. Instead, she found herself smiling.

“I will dry you.” Jace stood and grabbed the towel. Shaking it out, he held it and waited. Sam sat in the cooling water, trying to decide what to do. Should she let him dry her or should she send him away? In spite of everything, she felt in her heart he’d leave her if she truly wanted him to. The question was what did she want?

Sam took a deep breath, grabbed the sides of the tub and stood.

Every muscle in his body was tense as Jace waited to see what Sam would do. He’d risen early, as was his habit, and after breaking his fast went to the stables to check on his new stallion. But he hadn’t been able to stay away. The picture of Sam, soft and warm in his brother’s bed haunted him. He’d held her through part of the long night, marveling at how well she’d fit in his arms.

Pride and self-preservation had driven him from her side, but curiosity, need and, yes, a small sliver of hope had driven him back to her side.

When he’d entered the room and found the bed empty, he’d panicked for a moment, wondering if the tapestry had already appeared and taken her home. The magic seemed to be working to new rules this time around. Ones he didn’t understand.

His heart had skipped a beat and then started racing when he heard the water splashing in the other room. Sam was taking a bath. The temptation to see her wet and naked was too much to resist. He’d stood for several long minutes in the doorway, watching her scrub her hair. She’d been humming a tune he didn’t recognize and he’d been totally enthralled by the sensual picture she made.

Her back was narrow, her neck slender. In his opinion, she was a tad too thin. There were muscles under her skin though, proving that whatever she did in her world she worked hard. He knew there were calluses on her hands. Once again, he wondered where the men were—father or brothers, uncles or cousins.

When Sam stood, every other thought fled. The water rolled down her supple body. A bead dripped from the tip of one pert breast and Jace had the sudden urge to lick the remaining water from her body. His cock was hard and ready, but he restrained his urges. Today was all about Sam. About showing her how good it could be between them if she stayed.

He took a step toward her and she nibbled on her bottom lip again. It was a gesture he’d noticed she made when she was nervous or uncertain. Another bead of water gathered on her nipple. Unable to resist this time, he leaned forward and sipped the drop from her breast.

Sam sucked in a breath. “Jace?”

He straightened and licked his lips. She shuddered and both her nipples tightened beneath his gaze. He was glad she was as affected by the sensual pull between them as he was.

Jace reached for her hand and helped her climb out of the tub. When she was steady, he wrapped the drying cloth around her and rubbed. He dried her arms and back before turning to her full, pert breasts.

He paid careful attention to each mound, rubbing the cloth over the tips. Sam moaned, but didn’t stop him. Her blue eyes seemed even darker than normal, filled with a sensual hunger he longed to sate.

He worked the towel lower, over her torso and her stomach, caressing more than he was actually drying her. Not that she seemed to mind. Her body swayed closer and he almost shouted his pleasure. She’d allowed Darian to touch her yesterday. Now it was his turn.

Jace dropped to his knees in front of her, ignoring the ache in his balls and the throbbing in his cock. “Open your legs for me.”

Sam hesitated for a moment before doing as he asked. He ran the cloth up and down her thighs, moving closer to her pussy with each stroke. She was already damp, but he didn’t know if it was because of the bathwater or if she was aroused or both.

Determined to discover the truth, he nuzzled her curly pubic hair before delving deeper into her slick folds. She moaned and dug her fingers into his shoulders for balance. He loved the slight sting from her short nails where they dug in just past the edge of his leather vest.

“Jace.” Her name fell from her lips like a lover’s caress and he shuddered with growing need. He wanted to fuck her. Desperately wanted to slide his cock into her pussy. She’d be so tight around him and would milk his cock until he came, just as she’d done last evening.

Jace used his iron will to clamp down on his lust and push it aside. He wanted to pleasure Sam, feed her and show her around his home. He wanted her to truly understand what kind of life she would have if she stayed at Hunter Keep.

Using his thumbs, he pushed her slick folds of her pussy wide, determined to make her come.

Sam hung onto Jace’s shoulders, knowing if she let go she’d end up in a heap on the cold stone floor. She gazed down on his broad, leather-clad shoulders. His blond hair fell over his back and shoulders and stroked her thighs in a sensual caress every time he moved.

Jace was aroused. There was no hiding the large bulge in the front of his pants, but he didn’t seem to be in any hurry to fuck her. She was naked and obviously willing.

His tongue lapped and sucked at her pussy and she threw back her head and cried out. Oh God, was she ever willing. There was something about Jace and his brother that pushed all her sexual buttons.

Wherever he touched her, he left her skin feeling hot and sensitive and aroused. It was almost frightening how easily she responded to him, but it was mesmerizing too. Her earlier awkwardness and shyness vanished the moment he’d touched her to be replaced by an intense longing for something she didn’t want to put a name to.

Instead of wanting things she couldn’t have, she concentrated on enjoying what she did have—Jace on his knees in front of her with his face buried between her thighs.

His tongue circled her clit before he captured it between his lips and sucked. Sam cried out his name and burrowed her fingers into his hair, pulling him closer. No way did she want him to stop now, not when she was on the verge of an orgasm.

Strong, thick fingers trailed up her inner thighs before delving between them. Sam knew what was coming and could hardly wait. He pushed one inside her sheath and withdrew it. She gasped and tugged on his hair. “More,” she demanded.

This time two fingers filled her, pushing deep before withdrawing. Her entire focus was centered on what was happening between her legs. Never in her life had reaching orgasm seemed so vitally important.

“Jace.” She didn’t know what to say, how to convey what she needed.

It didn’t matter. He understood. He worked a third finger inside her and sucked hard on her clit. A series of mini explosions seemed to detonate within her, setting off a major one. Her entire body shook and she cried out his name as she came. Her inner muscles clamped down hard on his fingers. He curled them inward and found a spot that triggered another round of spasms.

Sam fell forward but she didn’t fall. Strong arms caught her and held her while she rode out the most amazing climax. A heavy heartbeat drummed against her ear and a thick cock pressed against her side. Yet all Jace did was rub his hand over her back and arm as he held her.

She swallowed back the lump in her throat and willed the tears back. She had no idea why she was so emotional. It was just sex and she’d had sex before. Granted, none quite this intense, but still.

Problem was it felt like much more than just sex. Sam was starting to have feelings for Jace and his brother. How could she not? In spite of everything, they treated her better than any men ever had, which was a sad commentary on her life.

Determined not to be sad and to enjoy the moment, Sam turned her face into his chest and kissed it. She could return the favor and bring Jace some pleasure. But the moment she slid her hand toward his dick, he stood and placed her on her feet.

Bewildered by his actions, she looked at him and cocked one eyebrow, silently questioning him.

“This is all about you, Sam. Or should I call you Samantha?”

She shook her head. “Sam is fine.” She hesitated before asking the obvious question. “Don’t you want me?” George had always been trying to change her, encouraging her to wear the occasional dress and makeup. Even though she thought it hadn’t, it had obviously left her with some insecurities.

He grabbed her hand and placed it over his erection. Even though the leather of his pants she could feel his cock throbbing with need.

Jace removed her hand and carefully hooked a strand of damp hair behind her ear. It was only then she wondered what she must look like. Probably a slightly drowned rat. She hadn’t even combed her hair and it was still mostly wet.

“This time is about you, about your pleasure.” Her stomach chose that moment to growl and embarrass her. Jace grinned. It was so quick she almost missed it and it made him seem younger and much more approachable than usual. “And it is time to feed you.

“You still have almost two days here and I plan to make the most of them.”

Sam didn’t know if that was a promise or a threat. Before she could decide, Jace retrieved the towel and wrapped it around her.

“When you dry off there are clean clothes on the trunk in the bedroom. I’ll be waiting in the hallway and when you’re done I’ll escort you down to break your fast.”

He spun on his heel and stalked from the room, closing the door behind him. Sam sagged against the wall and took a deep breath. Her toes were curled, her skin tingled and her breasts felt swollen and tender. Not to mention the throbbing aftershocks still echoing between her thighs.

Her stomach growled again and there was no ignoring it. She grabbed the wet cloth from the tub and gently washed between her thighs. When she was done, she found the comb and untangled her hair, quickly braiding it. Thankfully, the elastic was still sitting on the edge of the vanity where she’d left it last night, and she used it to secure her hair. Taking a deep breath, she left the bathroom and entered the bedroom.

True to his word, Jace wasn’t there and there was a bundle of clothing on the trunk. Excitement and hunger warred inside her as she hurried to get dressed and join Jace.