What She Craves by Lacy Danes Page B

the room before Hannah could say another word.
    Hannah leaned against the wall, the pain in her womb increasing. Good Lord, this night…what madness.
    Jennifer had said Kenny wanted to forsake everyone for her. Like a wife? Her heart lurched and her lip quirked. How odd, wonderful, and utterly terrifying!
    Could she keep him?
    She wanted to cuddle with Kenny in her bed with his arms wrapped about her, to awake in the morning with no more pain and the knowledge that she had pleased a man enough to make him stay.
    Â 
    Where was Hannah? Jennifer left the door to the retiring room, but Hannah was not in her wake. He stepped forward and strong fingers wrapped about his arm.
    â€œDon’t, Kenneth. Give her a moment. She needs time. Tonight has been too much.”
    He jerked from Rupert’s hold. “How would you know? I need to make sure she is well.”
    He stepped away from Rupert. Rupert stepped with him.
    â€œGive her the moment she needs,” Rupert said firmly. “Are you ready for this commitment, chap?”
    â€œRupert.” His friend didn’t understand what Hannah meant to him. But how could he explain?
    Rupert’s eyes softened. “I know she is the one, chap. The one whose name you call out at night. The one who makes you rush out to find cunt after you dream about her.”
    Good God. He knew that? “Rupert—”
    Rupert held up his hand. “I know you won’t let her go. All I’m saying is this is a big step. She is in pain. I could see the effects coming back as she entered the retiring room.”
    Bloody hell. He knew about Hannah. All these years and Rupert knew. He stepped forward and gripped Rupert’s shoulders. The familiar scent of sandalwood caressed his nose. “Damn, Rupert. Why didn’t you talk to me about this?”
    â€œNothing to discuss. Our group has never been exclusive.” He pulled back with a soft smile on his lips. “We have enjoyed our follies, but you and I both prefer cunt. This was not intended to last.” Rupert patted him on the shoulder. “You have a second chance. If you don’t think you’re up to this, let Emma give her the dose. She will sleep through the rest and you won’t have to commit yet.” He squeezed his shoulder once more and left.
    Bloody hell. He closed his eyes. He had shared women with Rupert off and on for the past four years, and he never once told him he knew about Hannah.
    Hannah.
    Without a doubt, he was ready for this. More ready than he would have guessed yesterday. He wanted Hannah more than he wanted any other person.
    But did she want him with the same ardor?

8
Worshipping
    H annah exited the room and pitch-blackness met her. She only hesitated an extra moment. Had the ceremony begun?
    Her breath caught as shuffles of feet and heavy breaths sounded all around. The door closed behind her, extinguishing the only light. She couldn’t see. A warm breeze blew her hair back from her body and she shivered, gooseflesh rising on her skin. The breeze was faintly familiar…Oh. The woman from the painting in the hall. Hannah smiled warmly as the breeze blew her hair.
    â€œSo enchanting.” Kenny’s voice seemed to come from all about her. “Beautiful. Passionate. Wanton.” Light touches feathered her body, making her tremble. “The best combination.”
    She reached out in the direction of where the voice came from, in the direction of the touch, but clutched nothing but air.
    â€œWhere are you?” she whispered.
    â€œAll about you. In you. A part of you.”
    Light cool silkiness dragged down her stomach. “Stay absolutely still.” Warm moist air dragged past her ear. Her body trembled at the desire washing through her skin. Nipples peaked hard, her skin tingled everywhere.
    â€œKenny.” The light caresses—a feather—trailed down her back. Her chest swelled, and her bum cheeks clenched. “The ache is