What She Craves by Lacy Danes Page A

Emma’s eyes sparkled with…glee?
    Hannah watched her, unsure what to expect during this event. A twinge hit her stomach, and she bit her lip. Not again, please. Her hand pressed into her slick, oiled stomach.
    â€œThe ceremony is intense. You should relieve yourself if you have to.” Emma waved to a door down the wall. “Jennifer can assist you. I know Kenneth does not want you to be alone.”
    â€œYes, thank you.”
    Hannah walked into the room with the tall, elegant Jennifer. Her legs alone came up to Hannah’s stomach. Those legs had been around Kenny. She was sure of it. Just as she was sure Emma’s had.
    You ninny. Does the fact that he futtered many women matter?
    No. She didn’t care. Kenny focused only on her. For now. That was enough.
    The skin on her arms pricked, and a giggle caught in her throat. She wanted to cross her arm about her nipples. This woman caressed her stomach only a moment ago, yet an embarrassed heat caressed her skin at her stare. She could not piddle with the way Jennifer watched her. She needed a distraction.
    â€œTell me about this ceremony. What is the declaration?”
    Jennifer stepped forward and pulled Hannah’s hair away from her body as she squatted over the pot.
    â€œI’d hoped to be in your place.” Anger poured from each word. Her fist clenched Hannah’s tresses tighter, and pins spread through Hannah’s scalp.
    Ouch. Hannah stilled, leaning her body in the direction of Jennifer’s hands. Why was she angry? And what place did she want to be in?
    â€œYou’re hurting me.” Tingles touched Hannah’s neck as a chill swept her.
    â€œThe pain is worth what you will have with that man.” A jealous lover was the last thing she needed tonight. But Jennifer didn’t say Kenny’s name. Did she want the ceremony?
    â€œTell me, Jennifer, what is it that I will have with him? This is my first time at this event. I have no idea what this group does.” She would never trade Kenny but…She turned her face to see Jennifer’s; her lips formed a deep tight frown, and her eyes narrowed in smoldering heat. A growing unease slid through Hannah’s veins, and her hands began to shake. She truly intended to harm her.
    Jennifer’s hand jerked her hair, and pain shot through her scalp. Blast. What did she think she was about? Kenny stood right outside this room waiting for her. She was daft in the attic. She needed to find a way to calm her.
    â€œW-what would please you, Jennifer? Do you wish to trade places with me?” Her voice firmed and her teeth clenched. For twelve years she had wanted a man to touch her the way Kenny had. Her frustration made her blood boil. No way would she let this act push her to flee.
    â€œOh yes. I would be delighted to. But you have exchanged blood. You have tasted each other. Even if I wanted to, I could not step into your place.”
    Thank God. Hannah wouldn’t let her anyway.
    â€œI never thought he would declare himself for you. I risked a lot in drugging him. I don’t understand how he can know he wants to forsake everyone for a woman he just met.”
    She drugged him? That was why he arrived late. Hannah’s heart sped. How could Jennifer do something…something so devious? She was through being polite. Hannah reached up, placed her hand on her hair between Jennifer’s fist and her scalp, and pulled. Catching Jennifer off guard, her hair came free of her clutch and she turned quickly away from her.
    â€œAh, that is where you are wrong.” She stared at Jennifer. “Kenny and I have known each other for years. He was my first love.” Yes, that was true. She had mourned when he left his aunt’s so hastily. She never told him of her regard, but her heart had ached for months.
    Jennifer stared at her hand that had been in Hannah’s hair. Her lip trembled. “I will help you no more.” She spun around and left