Nightly love

Chapter 3





Jumping to her feet she took several steps backwards and stared wide eyed a him.” Who are you?”

“ My name is Thomas,” He continued his approach on her.” I have not stopped thinking about you since I first saw you.”

“ Really?” Stepping back Danika ran into something solid and knew she had backed herself up against the wall.

Placing his hands flat against the wall on either side of her head he trapped her gaze with his.

“ What…. What do you want?’ She asked her voice shaking.

“ You know what I want,” He said huskily.

Danika stiffened.” No, I do not.”

Lowering his head he slanted his lips over hers, pressing her up against the wall, trapping her with his hard body. Sliding his tongue between her lips his tongue touched hers. A warm fire started in the pit of her stomach and spread through her body. Moaning softly she read up and threaded her fingers in his hair, deepening the kiss.

Breaking the kiss he kissed her cheek than her ear softly and whispered in her ear.” I came for you.”

Hearing him but not quite hearing him Danika turned her head towards his mouth and sighed when his lips meet hers.

Steeping back he smiled and took her hand.” I want to show you something.”

Nodding, she entwined her fingers with his and followed him outside.

“ Where are we going?”

“ You will see.”

Danika let Thomas lead her off the property and deep into a forest. Alarmed by the sudden darkness she tightened her hand in his and took bigger steps to stay closer to him. Sensing her fear he glanced back and smiled.” Almost there.”

Concentrating on keeping up with him Danika hadn\'t realized he stopped till she ran into his hard back. Letting go of his hand she quickly wrapped her arms around his waist to regain her balance. Meaning to let go his warmth drew her in and she found herself laying her cheek against his back.

Closing his eyes Thomas laid his arm over her hands and sighed. She had no idea how good she felt pressed up against his back.

“ Is that what you wanted to show me?”

Opening her eyes he glanced down to see Danika’s head sticking out from around his side, her eyes wide with excitement.” Is it?” She asked again.

“ Do you like it?” He asked, letting go of her hands.

Stepping out from behind him Danika stared at the large lagoon before her. The water was so clear that she could almost see to the very bottom. Fireflies danced around the area giving the scene a very romantic feeling.

“ It’s enchanting.”

“ I thought you would like it,” Thomas said grinning like a lovesick puppy.

Before Thomas knew what happen Danika ripped off all her clothes and made a beeline for the water, jumping in. A few seconds later her head reappeared. Spotting Thomas standing where she left him she grinned.

“ Come on it. The water is exquisite.”

Shocked by her sudden boldness Thomas walked over to the edge of the water and kneeled down. He watched her splash and swim around the water, going under a few times. God, she was beautiful. She looked like a water nymph with the moonlight bouncing off the water.

Danika stopped her splashing and looked towards the shore where Thomas was kneeling. “ Are you coming in?”

Thomas sighed.” I don’t think I should.”

“ Why not?” She asked her head titled to the side.

Saying nothing Thomas just smiled.

“ Come on in,” Danika repeated.” I don’t bite.”

A dark eyebrow shot up.” Aye, but I might.”

Ignoring the warning in his voice Danika wadded towards the shore till the water came up to her shoulders.” Please come in.”

Knowing that he shouldn’t but unable to tell her no Thomas nodded.” If you wish.”

Danika watched as he stood and slowly began to unbutton his shirt, his eyes never leaving hers. When the last button was undone he tossed the shirt aside and stood perfectly still as her eyes took in his chest.

His chest was massive and smooth. Danika could see not even one strand of hair. His stomach was flat and when he deliberately lowered his hand to his trouser button Danika could see muscles rippling across his chest and shoulders.

“ Oh my,” She whispered, her cheeks flushed. Looking up he was still watching her intensely as he worked the button free from his trousers and lowered the zipper to his trousers.

Turning her back to him she swam out to the middle of the lagoon and cursed her stupidity. What the hell was she thinking? Hearing a splash Danika knew he was totally nude and in the water with her. Her heart slammed against her chest. Now what?

“ Nervous, Angel?”

Danika stiffened. He was right behind her. So close she could feel his body heat through the water.

“ A little, yes,” She admitted without turning around.

Feeling his hands on her waist she closed her eyes and waited for the worse but to her surprise he only turned her to face him.

“ Open your eyes, Angel,” He said softly.

Opening her eyes Danika met his fiery gaze and fought hard not to look away. She felt his hands move to circle her waist and pull her close.

Lowering his head he kissed her softly.” I won’t make you do anything you aren’t ready to do.”

Relived but disappointed Danika watched him swim away than disappear under the water. Glancing around frantically she scanned the top of the water hoping to catch a glimpse of Thomas swimming under the water.

Seeing nothing she started for the shore when suddenly a hand closed around her ankle and jerked her under water. Coming up coughing her gaze meet Thomas’ smiling ones.

“ That wasn’t very nice,” Danika wheezed.

“ Who says I am nice?”

Swimming towards him Danika wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed herself up against him. “ I know how nice you really are.” Kissing him softly she smiled when he groaned.

“ You’re playing with fire, Lady.”

” No more than you.”

Glimpsing up at the sky Thomas sighed.” We should be heading back.”

Danika shook her head.” Not yet.” Titling her head to the side Danika asked,” How are we to dry off?”

Thomas groaned. He hadn’t thought about that. Seeing her out of the water naked and wet it was almost too much to bare. Taking several slow deep breaths he said his voice trembling,” Time to go.”

Knowing he was right but anxious that she may never see him again Danika nodded and swam for the shore. Walking onto the bank she pulled all her hair off to one side and wrung the water out as best as she could.

“ Sweet Elizabeth,” Danika heard moan behind her.

Thomas stopped dead in the water and watched breathless as Danika walked on shore without some much as a stitch of clothes on. His loins tightened painfully as he watched her pick up her pants and slid them on.

Gods, she was ravishing. Her body was lean and curved just like a woman should. Her stomach was flat with long shapely legs. Her breast aching for his touch was large and firm. He watched as drop of water ran down her chin, through the valley between her breast, down her stomach and disappeared down her legs.

Groaning, he tried to catch his breath as she reached down and picker up her shirt than turned to face him.” Something the matter?”

“ Aye, something is the matter.”

Danika pulled on her shirt and asked,” What?” Before she could so much as move Thomas was out of the water and had her pinned against him, his mouth captured hers in a heated kiss.

“ Gods, how I want you.” He breathed against her ear, his hands every where at once.

Lifting up her shirt he bend down and took a nipple in his mouth, his other hand on the small of her back forcing her to arch against his mouth. The gentle, insistent suction ignited heat between her legs, a soft moan escaped her lips.

Feeling dawn approaching quickly Thomas stepped back and sucked in a couple of lung full of air.” I need to stop before things go to far.”

Dazed and breathless Danika nodded. Fixing her shirt she scanned the forest keeping her eyes from Thomas as he quickly dressed.

“ Ready?”

Looking back at Thomas she smiled and took his extended hand, her body aching for his touch. Once they were back on the property and heading for the front door Danika asked,” Will I see you again?”

Thomas stopped and looked back at her. Raising her hand to his lips he kissed the back of her palm and nodded.” Aye, we will see each other again. That I promise.” Smiling happily Danika gestured towards the door.” I guess I should be going in. Goodnight, Milord. Thank you for a wonderful evening.”

“ Goodnight, Angel.” Thomas watched as Danika wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down. Kissing him gently she turned and fled into the castle before she changed her mind.

Sighing, Thomas stretched his back and dropped his illusion. Spreading his wings he flew up to the top of the castle and resumed his position as the guarding gargoyle just as the first ray of morning peeked over the horizon. His last thought before sleep over took him was Danika.





“ Where have you been?”

Opening the door to her room she froze and looked around the room.” Jamie?”

“ Of course it’s me. Where have you been?” She repeated.” I’ve been worried sick.” She looked Danika over from top to bottom as she closed the door and came in the door.” And why are you wet?”

“ I went for a swim.”

“ A swim?” Jamie gasped not believing her ears.” At this time of night or morning should I say.”

Pulling off her wet riding clothes Danika quickly pulled on her nightgown.” Oh Jamie, it was wonderful.”

Curious, Jamie grabbed the brush from the bathroom and a rubber band. Sitting on the bed Danika sat in front of her picturing her handsome stranger kissing her, touching her.

“ Tell me what happen.”

Danika told Jamie what happen when she left the dining room. Enthralled in the story Jamie braided Danika’s hair and listen intensely. When she was done with Danika’s hair Danika continued her story while she braided Jamie’s chestnut hair.

“ You’re making this up,” Jamie accused when Danika was finished.

“ No I am not.” She turned to look at Jamie.” You saw him. Was he gorgeous or what?’

Jamie snorted.” Gorgeous isn’t the word for what that man is.”

Laughing both of the girls yawned seconds apart.

“ Did you get any sleep?” Danika asked noticing Jamie’s tired brown eyes.

“ Not really. I knew you weren’t in any real danger so I keep myself busy in the library reading.”

Danika was shocked.” You knew I was safe?” When Jamie nodded she asked,” How?”

Jamie shrugged.” I don’t know how to explain it. Just a feeling I got I guess.” She looked confused for a few seconds.

“ What?” Danika asked.

“ I don’t know.”

“ What?’ Danika asked again.

“ It’s just that…” She paused to take a breath.” While you were gone I had this feeling like I was being watched.”

“ Watched? By whom?”

“ I don’t know.” She grinned at Danika.” I am just being silly I guess.” Yawning again she asked.” Do you mind if I crash here? I don’t feel like walking into my room.”

“ Sure, the bed is big enough.” Danika laughed.

“ Hell, you can get lost in these beds.”

Giggling both girls crawled under the covers and was asleep before their heads hit the pillow.



Standing in the shadows a figure watched as both girls talked for a while than crawled in the same bed, swallow breathing indicated they were asleep. Unable to believe his eyes he walked closer to the bed and stared down at Danika. His heart slammed against his chest. Angela was alive but he knew that was impossible for the other girl had called her Danika.

‘ Must be the one Thomas was speaking about.’ He told himself.

Walking over to the opposite side of the bed he stared down at the one called Jamie. She was quite lovely herself. Her hair was a dark chestnut brown that was slightly past her shoulders, her eyes were rich brown that seem to be highly concerned over her friends well being. He wouldn’t mind getting to know her better.

Hearing her moan softly in her sleep he watched her become restless. Without thinking he reached out and ran his knuckles lightly over her cheek. She instantly came still. Shock by what just happen James backed into the shadows and gave Jamie one last look before her materialized into nothing.





Danika sat in the library reading a book. Unable to concentrate on the words she stood up and walked over to the shelves, replacing the book. Scanning the titles she sighed deeply than walked over to the window and looked out hugging herself tightly.

Unable to get Thomas out of her mind she closed her eyes and laid her forehead against the glass.

“ Are you all right, My dear?”

Spinning around so fast she almost feel over Danika placed her hand over her heart and gasped.” You scared me.”

“ I am sorry. I assumed you heard me.”

Danika smiled and watched as Ronnie glided into the room.” No, I was deep in thought.”

“ I noticed.” She crossed her arms over her chest and titled her head to the side.” What has got you so preoccupied?”

She shook her head.” Nothing in particular. I was just thinking.”

“ About what, Dear?” Ronnie asked pushing.

Ducking her head Danika smiled sheepishly.” I am restless.”

“ Ah, I see,” Ronnie smiled. She had a feeling Danika wasn’t telling her the whole truth but she already knew what was on her mind.

Seeing Ronnie’s questionable look Danika sighed again.” It’s just that I been here for a few days and well, there isn’t much to do. I’ve explored and I like horse back riding but I can’t see myself doing that everyday.”

“ You feel a little cooped up.”

‘ Exactly.” Danika smiled feeling better than someone understood.” Don’t get me wrong,” she hurried and said.” I love living here….”

Ronnie smiled and held up a hand.” I understand Danika you do not need to explain yourself. Why don’t you and Jamie go into town and go shopping, meet the local villagers. Get out for a while.” Seeing her questionable look she said,” Do not worry about money. I will get some out of the safe for you and Jamie.”

Danika smiled brightly.” Thanks, Ronnie you’re the best.” Running off she went to find Jamie while Ronnie headed for the safe. They would be gone for a while and when Thomas woke she would not be here. Ronnie smiled at that thought.



They had been walking through town for almost an hour and every time they walked by a window Jamie exclaimed,” Wow, look at that!” Fredrick, the butler had been kind enough to drive them into town. Danika told him that he could leave and to be back around nine to pick them up. He seemed hesitant at first but than nodded and left.

Suddenly it was Danika’s turn to exclaim.” Hey, let’s go in here.”

Before Jamie could do anything let alone blink Danika grabbed her arm and dragged in to a store. Blinking several times she glanced around. It was a garden store.

“ Danny, why are we here?” Jamie asked watching her run around the room excited.

“ Remember that garden in the back? The one that is pretty much dead?”

Jamie hadn’t really seen it but she nodded anyway.

“ I figured we could pass our time and work on the garden. You know, make it beautiful again and plus, it will give us something to do.”

“ That is a good idea, Danny,” Jamie said.” But are you forgetting something?”

Danika stopped going through the flower seeds and turned to look at her.

“ I am going home soon, remember?”

The smile on Danika’s face fell.” Oh, I thought….” Her words trailed off.

“ You thought what?”

“ I just thought that maybe you could live here. With me.”

“ Danny, you know I would love to but my life is back there. My job is back there. I couldn’t just up and leave it.”

“ Why not?’ Danika snapped.” I did.”

Jamie laughed.” That’s because your grandfather left you millions of dollars.”

“ That was not my fault.” Sighing she looked at Jamie.” Will you at least think about it?”

Knowing it was useless to argue with her Jamie nodded.” Yes, I will think about it.”

“ Good, now help me pick out some herbs and flowers.”

For the next four hours the girls shopped until their arms were loaded with packages. Danika had refused to let anyone deliver the packages to her home, insisting that she could carry them.

“ I do not know about you,” Jamie said.” But maybe we should of let them be delivered.”

“ Maybe,” Danika whispered.” Oh look, a restaurant. I am straved. How about you?”

Jamie’s stomach took that moment to growl.” I guess so,” Jamie laughed.

Going into the restaurant both stopped at the door and glanced slowly around. It was like walking into the past. The room was dimly light with small torches on the walls the only source of light that Danika could see. The room was smoky and had a damp smell to it. A huge bar was in front of them and table lined the walls, corners and all around the room.

“ Whoa!” Danika gulped.” It’s almost like stepping into a fantasy novel without the barbarians, elves or the daggers stuck in the table.”

“ Try again.”

Looking over at Jamie she followed her gaze to see a man sitting in the corner hidden in the shadows with a rather large knife stuck into the table. Taking a deep breath she spotted an open table at the far end and shrugged,” Guess we seat ourselves.”

Walking over to the table Danika sat down with her back to the wall and watched as Jamie sat down in front of her. Seconds later a barmaid came over to the table.

“ What can I get you?”

“ What’s going to eat?” Jamie asked playing a part.

“ I hear that the mutton and potatoes are tasty.”

“ Two of those and some ale,” Jamie said.

Nodding the barmaid walked off and returned a few minutes later with two large mugs.

“ I always wanted to say that,” Jamie grinned picking up her mug.

Picking up her mug Danika took a small sip to get taste ale. She had to admit she tasted nothing like it. It was quite strong but had a smooth, sweet taste much like honey.

“ Not bad,” Danika wheezed.” A little strong but not bad.”

Drinking her ale Danika scanned the room. Every pair of eyes seemed to be on them.

“ Have you ever had the feeling you were being watched?” Jamie whispered.

Danika nodded.” I was just about to ask that.”

Suddenly a flash of light caught Danika’s attention. Looking towards the source she flinched to see the guy in the corner slowly turning his knife, still stuck in the table back and forth. She couldn’t see his face but she could feel him staring at her. Chills ran down her back causing her to shiver. She didn’t like the feeling she was getting.

“ Greetings, how are you?”

Jumping in alarm Danika placed her hands on the table to keep her from falling out of the chair as she looked up at the voice. Standing by the table smiling warmly was a tall, skinny guy. He stood about six foot with platinum white hair and warm amber eyes. He was quite attractive and his smile seemed genuine.

“ Hi,” Jamie answered first.

“ Mind if I join you?”

Danika was still staring at the guy so Jamie answered.” Please, sit down.”

After he was seated he said.” I do not mean to interrupt your dinner but I haven’t seen either one of you so I came over to introduce myself. My name is Rick. You passing through town?”

“ I am Jamie and my quiet friend over there is Danika. She just moved in a few days ago. It’s the first chance either one of us had to come into town.”

“ Oh really? Where did you move too?”

Snapping out of trance Danika answered,” I moved into my grandfather’s place. The McDouglas castle.”

Danika and Jamie watched as the blood drained from his face.” The…. McDouglas…. Castle…?” He stuttered.

“ Yes, is something wrong with that?”

“ No, no not really.”

Danika glanced at Jamie who only shrugged.

“ Your grandfather was McDouglas Rivers?”

Danika was becoming annoyed with him.” Yes, that was my grandfather. Why? What was wrong with his home?”

“ Well, nothing expect for it being haunted.”

“ Haunted?” Jamie laughed.” I been there for several days, sir and I can tell you it is not haunted.”

“ Oh yes is it.” He leaned forward.” Late at night people passing by on the road could hear wails coming from inside the castle, wails of a man in pain. Shadowy figures could be seen passing by a window as if looking for something.” He lowered his voice.” It is said that the Hawk brothers haunt the castle to this very day.”

“ The hawk brothers? Who are they?” Jamie asked totally into the story.

“ Thomas and James Hawk. It is said that Thomas killed his brother, his own flesh and blood in a jealous rage.”

“ Really?” Jamie looked over at Danika to see her staring off at the far corner.” Danika, are you listening to this?”

Danika sighed.” Yes, I heard.” She looked at Rick and leaned forward.” The castle is not haunted.”

“ You have your grandfather’s eyes,” He said suddenly.

Sitting back Danika stared at him in surprise. She hadn’t known her grandfather but through pictures and even though had been black and white. Nobody had every told her what color her grandfather’s eyes were.

“ Rick, if you are through bugging these people could you go back to work?”

Bowing his head he mumbled his apologizes and wandered off.

“ I am real sorry about Rick. He is to friendly for his own good.” Setting down the food the waitress smiled warmly.” Anything else I can bring you?”

“ Actually, yeah. Could we have a pitcher of ale?”

She seemed uncertain at first than she smiled and nodded. Disappearing for a few minutes she returned shortly with a pitcher.” Anything else?” She asked setting it down. Seeing them shake their heads she smiled.” Enjoy your food.”

Finishing off her mug Danika poured another glass and began eating her food. Always having this sensation of being watched.

“ This food is great and this ale….” She took a long swig.” Extraordinary. Never tasted anything like it.”

Thirty minutes later Danika and Jamie had finished the pitcher and had ordered another. Taking a big swing Jamie made the mistake of making a face at Rick, who was watching them intensely, which sent Danika into a fit of giggles.

“ What’s so funny?’ Jamie slurred.” I only took a drink?”

“ No you didn’t,” Danika giggled than hiccuped.” You made a face nasty at that man.” She pointed over at Rick and almost toppled out of her chair.

Jamie finished up her mug and was pouring another when she broke into a fit of giggles.

“ What?” Danika slurred.

“ I think you meant to say a nasty face but instead said a face nasty.”

Danika took a drink and looked shocked.” I did?”

Nodding her head vigorously Jamie ended up on the floor.” How come you got taller and I got shorter?”

Grabbing on to the table Danika leaned over to her.” You fell…” she hiccuped.” On the floor.”

“ Oh, so that’s why my ass hurts.” Standing up she swayed slightly and looked at Danika.” I need to go.”

Danika made a sad face.” You can’t go.” She hiccuped.” We haven’t finished our pitcher.”

“ No, goofy. I need to go take a leak.”

Throwing her head back Danika roared in laughter and ended up throwing her head back a little to harder and ended up on the floor on her back.

“ I am going to go…. I’m going to go…” Jamie tried to get her words out as she looked around than stopped.” Where’s the bathroom?”

“ I don’t know,” Came from the floor.” But I know it’s not down here.” Wandering off Jamie went in search for a bathroom.

Sitting up Danika fixed her chair than sat down. Pouring the last of the ale into her mug she drank all of it in one swallow than yelled,” Barmaid!”

The barmaid, looking quite embarrassed glided over.” Yes?”

“ More ale.”

She looked around nervously than said,” I think you have had enough.”

Danika stared at her as her face went in and out of focus.” By golly, I think you are right.” Glancing around the floor she demanded.” Where are my packages?”

“ I had them delivered to your home a few hours ago.”

“ Why thank you your so sweet.” Laying down some money she stood.” Will that be enough?”

The barmaid smiled.” Yes, Milady. That is enough.”

“ Holy shit I feel better!” Came Jamie’s voice from across the room.

“ Be careful on the way home. Strange things come out at night around here.”

Danika grinned and hugged the barmaid.” Thank you.” Stumbling towards the door she yelled.” Come on, Jamie.”

Both stumbled outside glanced around.

“ Which way, McDuff?”

Danika glanced over at her.” I’m not McDuff, I’m Danika and we go….” She paused and glanced around.” That way!”