Beyond Temptation

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CHAPTER TEN



Avery walked away from her host, putting much-needed distance between herself and him. She strolled around the outer perimeter to lean over the wall and gaze up at the nearly-full moon. Only in research had she ‘explored’ places such as Prayer Park. Her limited life did not allow for travel and luxury before this carefully arranged escape. The three-sided enclosure repelled the wind. It made her comfortable in the English winter night.



As she gazed over the grounds, she saw a large stable. Golden light spilled out around closed shutters. What a surreal idea, really. An entire structure devoted to equine inhabitants. “I would love to see your horses.”



From her periphery, Avery saw Malec walk closer. She turned, wary of his predatory manner. His eyes seemed to gleam even more in the torchlight. The dark black-brown irises streaked with gold struck her as … unnatural. She suffered the uncomfortable certainty he sensed her response to him.



In a hushed, too sensual tone, he replied, “First give me something. I starve for you.”



Terrified and feeling trapped, she whispered, “Perhaps you should have eaten more at dinner.”



He chuckled and the masculine menace radiated in waves. “Nothing will satisfy except your sweetness.”



Avery abandoned pride and attempted to bolt. He caught her in a wink, held her in his arms as her heart threatened to burst from behind her ribs. “Malec, please.”



“Do not fear me,” he murmured, “I can’t bear it.”



His deep voice vibrated in her chest. She looked up at him and his almost preternatural beauty made her shake. Avery slid her hands from where they had settled on his shoulders, up to his strong neck and encircled it. His hair slid over her hands like living silk, cool and heavy. “A kiss,” she breathed. Reality seemed far removed.



His mouth came down over hers and sexual lightning wracked her body. His hands moved over her back and bottom. Hungry, savoring. She pressed herself to him, lost in pleasure as his strong, silky tongue mated with hers. “I want you,” he growled low in his throat. “I want you.”



Avery averted her face. Almost limp in his supporting embrace, she sagged. She felt him in a part of her she had never known, her soul, she feared. How could this happen so fast? Did the Fitz Gerald blood flow so strongly in her? “Not tonight.”



“You’ve accepted what’s between us. Good.” Malec released her by degrees. “But, know tonight I will seek release with another woman.” She watched as he appeared to compose himself. He offered his hand. “Come with me.”



She stood, conflicted and angry. “I won’t let jealousy force me to give into you.”



Malec met her gaze, his glowing eyes more potent than ever. “It warms me you use the term. Although, I wished only to speak honestly with you.”



“Don’t.” The moment the word emerged she regretted the weakness. Still, she could find no way to fortify herself against the vulnerability.



“Why should I deny myself because you do?” He gazed at her, tall, powerful and still a mystery.



More naked than ever in her life, she replied, “This is too fast, too confusing for me.” From somewhere down deep, a curious, fledgling sense of self emerged. “If it’s sex you want, then go to bed with another woman. If you want me, then wait for me.”



Something dark moved under his words as he responded. “I have never had to go unsatisfied.”



Avery realized in her current situation she truly had no right to take offense. “The choice’s yours.”



He seemed to study her with intense thoroughness. “Let us visit the stable.”



Avery’s knees and hips felt quite wobbly from the kissing and the exchange in the gallery as she descended to the ground floor. Her belly fluttered and her heart kept jerking. She allowed Malec to escort her to the stable, wondering what he would do, fearing what she would do in the following weeks.



Multiple horses hung their heads over the stalls. Despite the darkness of winter evening, lights illuminated the bright, clean stalls. The presence of friendly beings without agenda dispelled the cloud of worry for the moment.



Smiling as she approached the first stall on the right, Avery stroked the velveteen muzzle of the dapple gray Arab. “I’ve done enough research to know their breeds.”



Malec reached over to touch her jaw. “Tell me.”



His gentleness surprised her. She glanced at his carnal, yet cruel mouth and wondered if she mistook seduction for tenderness. Then, thought attraction should come with a tutorial.



“Arabian,” she told him of the first. Crossing to the other side, she noted the animal’s large head and strong, tall stature. “This big fellow is a Cleveland Bay. Pretty rare.”



Malec held out his hand, indicating the next stall across the way. “Very good. Next.”



Avery walked over, taking inventory of the buckskin colored mare. “Peruvian Paso.” She rubbed the horse’s cheeks and smiled as the mare rumbled like a stallion. “She’s a pistol.”



“You impress me.”



Avery noticed the rest of the stable’s occupants swung their heads toward the end of the structure. Ears perked, stance tense, they stood. At the back of the structure, a lone stall had bars over all entries. Darkness reigned inside the space. “What’s in that last box?”



Malec replied, “A rather aggressive stallion.”



A sharp thrill lanced her. “Show me.” Several unoccupied stalls stood on both sides between the friendly stable occupants and the stall appeared more like a cell.



Her host put his arm around her waist and steered her back to the readily available horses. “You have not concluded your identifications.”



Avery shot a glance over her shoulder at the unlit stall. She had the distinct impression of one predator saving her from another. It proved more than she could endure in one night. “Actually, I need to go.”



Her host acquiesced, “Very well, Avery. Taylor will meet us out front with your purse and coat.”



She took a step, then halted. “How will he know to do that?”



Smoothly, her host explained away her suspiciousness. “Good staff become so adept at anticipating needs and desires they are for all intents and purposes telepathic.”





Malec escorted Avery from the stable with a certain relief. The horse he had enjoyed for over a thousand years possessed qualities that would intimidate most humans. In her innocent curiosity, Avery wished to see the source of the danger she sensed.



As they walked through the garden, Malec said, “You might move into a guest suite here to conduct your research more easily.”



She glanced at him, moved farther away. “I appreciate the offer. For now, I decline.”



They passed through the gardens to her rather dilapidated little car. Taylor stood waiting with her things. The majordomo handed her the items, bowed and departed.



Opening the door with one hand, Malec caught her upper arm with his other. Her eyes widened and he heard her swift intake of breath. “Do something for me, Avery.”



Her gaze dipped to his mouth, then met his own. “What?”



“Dream of me.”