“Rene!” Jordan yelled as she stomped down the stairs, Nina on her heels.
Every jarring step sent a sharp pain through her forehead, but she ignored it. She needed to find out what the hell was going on. “Rene, where are you, damn it?”
“I’m here, Miss Jordan.” He stepped from the dining room into the foyer, his face drawn into a frown. “Is there a problem?”
“Who is he?” she demanded.
“Who is who, Miss Jordan?”
She stopped in front of him, her hands on her hips. What kind of joke had they been playing on her?
Brushing her hair aside, she pointed to her neck. “The man who did this. That’s who.”
“Oh, dear,” Kimberly said from beside her.
Jordan jumped and stared at Kimberly in surprise, a shiver of apprehension running up her spine.
“Where the hell did you come from?” Nina asked. Her voice quivered and Jordan knew the same smattering of fear was beginning to take over Nina as well. Something wasn’t right here. She could feel it deep in her gut.
Kimberly stammered. The blush on her face deepened. “Well, I’ve … um … been right here, Miss Nina.”
Nina shook her head. “Okay, something weird is going on here.”
“I agree,” Jordan sighed. “I want some answers. Now.”
“And you deserve those answers.”
Jordan stiffened.
Surely not.
Turning, she stared in shock at the man standing just outside the parlor doorway. Drake. The man she’d been dreaming about. Her heart hammered in her chest and she flexed her fingers, clenching and unclenching in a mix of panic, anger, and desire.
He looked so gorgeous with his dark hair a mass of unruly waves, his white shirt partially open, showing off a chest she’d memorized the feel of. His tan breeches clung to his thighs and molded to his perfectly formed firm hips. Even his knee-high boots looked sexy.
“Holy crap,” Nina sighed.
My thoughts exactly. “So you’re not a dream after all,” Jordan said.
She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. Every beat of her heart in her chest had become a searing pain in her head. Nausea rolled in her stomach but she refused to move from the spot until she had some answers.
He grinned sheepishly, his cheeks showing a hint of a blush. “No. I’m not a dream.”
“Who are you?”
“I’m who I said I was. Drake Montgomery.”
Anger beat a hard rhythm through her chest as she clenched her hands at her side. “Who are you really, and why the hell did you do it?”
Drake sighed and moved toward her. “Let’s go to the kitchen and have some tea. We’ll talk there.”
Jordan narrowed her eyes in distrust. She’d spent the last several days giving herself to this man, and she had no idea who he was. Not really.
He came to a stop in front of her. She felt his heat, his masculine presence affecting her like a drug, a drug she had become to. Her hands shook with the realization she’d slept with this man. Not just slept with, but fucked. She’d screamed his name, begged for more. He’d made her feel things she never dreamed she could feel with anyone. And she didn’t even know who he was.
“Please, Jordan,” he whispered.
There was something in his eyes. Pleading? Regret? She swallowed and nodded her head in agreement. Stepping aside, she allowed him to lead the way to the kitchen.
Nina grabbed her elbow, slowing her down. “Is this the guy you dreamed about?”
“Yes, but apparently they weren’t dreams. I’m dying to know how the hell he pulled this off.”
“You and me both. But I want to know more than anything is why.”
Jordan nodded. “Me, too. Have you felt anything?”
Nina shook her head. Sometimes, her friend could pick up on things. Vibes of some sort that told her if there was impending danger. “Apparently my powers have deserted me this time. We’ll just have to hear him out.”
Drake pushed the swinging kitchen door open and held it for the women to pass through, Rene and Kimberly following behind.
“I’ll fix some tea,” Kimberly mumbled, and headed toward the counter.
Drake pulled out a chair. “Have a seat.”
Jordan eyed him and took the chair he offered. Nina sat next to her, offering a small smile in support. Whatever he was about to tell her, at least she wouldn’t have to hear it alone. She was glad Nina was here.
Drake took the seat across from her. His sapphire gaze was questioning, uncertain.
“Well?” Jordan said.
“Well.” Drake repeated. “I’m not sure where to begin.”
“The beginning would be nice.”
His lips quirked. “Okay. About four hundred years ago I was imprisoned…”
“Oh, please,” Jordan sighed. “The truth, damn it. Not some ridiculous story.”
He met her eyes squarely, never wavering. Intense heat shot from their depths, scorching her very flesh and Jordan shivered.
“Hold up your hand,” he commanded.
“What?” she asked, surprised. What did he want her to hold up her hand for?
“Just do it.”
Pursing her lips, she thought about it for a second, and then held her hand up, palm out. Without breaking his gaze from hers, their fingers touched. At first there was warmth, and then it changed, becoming cold. She watched in surprise as his hand passed through hers. The cold traveled up her arm as he continued to wave his hand through the skin and bones of her hand. As he did so, his skin became transparent, blending with hers.
With a startled gasp, she jerked away. She rubbed at her fingers, trying to replace the warmth he’d just stolen from her flesh.
“What the hell did you just do?” Jordan yelled.
“Are you a ghost?” Nina asked.
Kimberly set teacups in front of each of them. Jordan cupped it with her cold palm, letting the warmth from the fluid seep into her skin, but she didn’t dare lift it from the table. She feared her hands trembled too badly and would drop it.
“No, Nina. I’m not a ghost. Not exactly.”
“Then what are you?”
“I’m trapped.”
“Why? How?” Nina asked.
Jordan glanced at her. Nina’s eyes were shining with excitement; her body leaned forward in interest. The Wiccan in Nina would understand this better than she would, that was for certain.
“At one time, I was a rake—a scoundrel,” he began.
“Can’t imagine that,” Jordan replied dryly.
“Jordan,” Nina admonished. “Hear him out.”
“I can’t believe you’re on his side. The man seduced me. Led me to believe I was dreaming.”
Nina leaned close and whispered, “Need I remind you … you enjoyed those dreams?”
“That’s not the point!” Jordan snapped.
“Just hear me out, Jordan. Let me explain what happened. Then maybe you’ll understand why I did what I did.”
She glanced around at the faces staring at her expectantly, Kimberly and Rene in particular. “Did the two of you know about this?”
Kimberly looked to the floor, her head bowed in shame. “Yes, Miss Jordan.”
A sudden thought occurred to her, and she felt sick at her stomach. “You said my grandfather dreamed of him.” She turned her attention to Drake. “Did you have sex with my grandfather?”
“No!” Drake replied, with a firm shake of his head.
Kimberly stepped forward, her hands clasping her apron. “I’m sorry, Miss Jordan. I told you so you wouldn’t think your dreams were quite so odd. His lordship just appeared to your grandfather.”
“And he accepted you?”
“After a little convincing.”
“All right. So you’re the original Viscount Blackthorn. How did you end up trapped?” She had to admit; now even her curiosity was piqued.
“As I said, although I am ashamed to admit it, I was a womanizer. I seduced a young woman, and for a while, we had an affair. I told her in the beginning an affair was all it would be, but she fell in love with me anyway. When I didn’t return those feelings, she cast a spell, entrapping me within the castle walls indefinitely.”
Jordan frowned. “So you’re here forever?”
“More or less.”
“What about them?” Nina asked, pointing to Rene and Kimberly.
“They entered my chamber at the same time she spoke the spell, trapping them as well.”
“So this woman was a witch,” Nina replied, her fingers tapping her chin.
Jordan knew that look. An idea was hatching.
“What are you thinking?” Jordan asked.
“That maybe, if you can remember the exact words of the spell, I may be able to invoke a counter-spell.”
Kimberly gasped and they turned to gaze at her in surprise. Her eyes were wide as saucers, her face ashen.
“Kimberly, what’s wrong?” Jordan asked.
“She’s a witch?”
Jordan smiled. “It’s okay, honey. She’s a good witch.”
Nina sighed, throwing her a disgusted look. “I’m not a witch. I’m a Wiccan. There’s a difference.”
“Pardon me, Miss Nina,” Jordan teased. She knew Nina hated to be called a witch. “I just thought it would be the easiest explanation for Kimberly.”
Nina nodded. “Oh, well, that’s okay then.”
Drake shook his head. “I appreciate the offer, Nina, but her grandfather already tried to have it reversed. It didn’t work.”
“They obviously didn’t know what they were doing. Most any spell or curse can be reversed.”
Jordan snickered. “She’s a poet and doesn’t know it.”
“What?” Nina asked.
Jordan raised an eyebrow. “Most any spell or curse can be reversed?”
Nina frowned. “You’re still drunk, aren’t you?”
Jordan shook her head with a smile. “No. I’m sorry.” She rubbed at her aching forehead. “I’m just too damn hung over to look at this seriously.”
“We have to look at this seriously.”
“There’s more,” Drake said, and a feeling of ominous dread swept over her.
“What?” Jordan asked, not sure she even wanted to know.
“The woman who imprisoned me is trapped as well.”
“So she’s here too?” Jordan sighed.
“Yes and no. For some reason, she can come and go as she pleases.”
Nina scowled and pointed a finger at him “Is there anything else? No matter how small, Drake. We need to hear it all.”
Drake nodded with a tired sigh. “Yes.”
“Then we should hear all of it.” Jordan demanded.
“There is a catch to the spell, one I’d rather not elaborate on at the moment. But suffice it to say, Jordan could be in danger.”
“You have to fall in love, don’t you?” Nina asked, with a slight quirk to her lips. “And the woman sees Jordan as a threat because of that. She’s sensed you’ve already developed feelings for her.”
“Nina,” Jordan hissed.
Kimberly stepped forward, her slim fingers gripping the back of a chair. “Yes, but she also must fall in love with him.”
“Kimberly!” Drake snapped.
“Why wouldn’t you want her to know?” Kimberly snapped back, and then paled at Drake’s scowl. “I’m sorry, my lord, but be realistic. She could help you.”
Jordan glanced from Drake’s murderous scowl to Nina’s pleased grin. Is that what all the sex had been about? Had he been trying to make her fall in love with him in her dreams? It would make sense, she supposed. Maybe he thought if he told her up front what he was, she would have been terrified and fled. Would she have been?
She didn’t know for sure. But knowing what she did, how hard would it be to deliberately fall in love with someone? And what would happen once the spell was broken? Would she be setting herself up for a massive broken heart when he disappeared forever?
Bringing her hands up, she massaged her pounding temples.
Oh, God, I have such a damn headache.
“Are you all right, Miss Jordan?” Kimberly asked, concern lacing her soft voice. “Would you like some aspirin?”
“How about the remedy you gave me, Kimberly?” Nina suggested. “It works wonders.”
“Of course. In all the excitement, I completely forgot.”
Jordan sat silent, thinking as Kimberly prepared the drink. As she set it before her the awful smell made her wince. It reeked of garlic and something else horrid which she couldn’t quite name. “Oh, God, what’s in this?”
“Trust me,” Drake mumbled. “You don’t want to know.”
“Oh, now that’s encouraging,” Jordan replied dryly.
Nina chuckled. “Just hold your nose and swallow it down. Don’t stop, because if you do, you’ll not want to continue.”
Jordan stared at her in disbelief. “Is it that bad?”
“No,” Nina said with a shake of her head.
Jordan scowled.
“Okay, it is,” Nina acknowledged. “But it works and that’s the important thing.”
Eyeing the glass, she picked it up and pinched her nose. Taking a deep breath, she downed the beige liquid. It tasted rank, like tepid swamp water which had been sitting for months. She set the glass down on the table with a thump, nausea rolling through her stomach. Putting her hand over her mouth, she gagged, trying to keep it down.
“Hold it down, sweetie.” Nina patted her shoulder. “It’s got to stay down or it won’t work.”
Jordan shook her head, unsure whether she could. She closed her eyes, trying not to think about the taste, the smell.
Kimberly set a steaming cup before her. “Try this. It’s peppermint tea. It should get rid of the taste.”
Picking up the cup, she gingerly took a sip. She could taste the peppermint with a hint of sweet sugar. She took another, and then another, the morbid taste of fetid water slowly disappearing. “Thank you.” She threw Kimberly a small smile.
“Feeling better?”
She frowned, surprised to discover the headache was now gone. “Yes. Actually I am.”
Kimberly’s face lit up in satisfaction. “Good.”
Setting the dainty china cup back down on the table, she eyed Drake with serious intent. “Okay, Drake. Let’s get back to this ‘having to fall in love’ stuff and the other witch. What exactly can she do to me?”
Drake reached out and touched the back of her hand. Jordan’s first impulse was to pull away, but something in his gaze stopped her.
“Well,” Kimberly began. “She’s already killed once.”
“What?” Jordan yelled.
“Kimberly!” Drake bellowed.
Rene remained in the shadows, quiet, sullen, watching. Kimberly stood her ground, jutting her chin out in determination. “I may pay for this later, but I want this finished. She’s perfect for you and I know you already have feelings for her. I’ve seen how you watch her.”
“Excuse me?” Just where the hell had he been watching her?
Kimberly took a deep breath, forging on. “We can make ourselves invisible. Drake watches you all the time.”
Jordan glared at him as realization dawned. All the times she’d felt someone’s presence. His presence. She’d thought she was imagining things. “The night in the library when I felt as though I was being watched. And the afternoon in the gallery. That was you.”
“Yes.” He nodded, but wouldn’t look at her. In a gesture of impatience, he brushed his hair from his forehead. “If the rest of you don’t mind, I’d like to speak to Jordan alone.”
Nina stood, pushing her chair back, scraping the legs loudly against the antique tile floor. “I think that sounds like a perfect idea.”
“Nice of you to consult me,” Jordan grumbled.
Nina pointed a finger at her, giving Jordan her best ‘I’ve had it’ stare. “Look, chickie. I cut you some slack because of the hangover, but it’s time to get over it and go talk to the man. I’ve got things I need to do. I’ve got a protection spell I need to cast. Kimberly, I’ll need a few things.”
“Of course, Miss Nina. What do you need?”
“I’ll need some black candles, some rowan—and some sage.”
“Well,” Kimberly glanced toward Rene, and he nodded his head. Kimberly returned the gesture and took a deep breath. “I believe I have all those things. They’ll be in the pantry.”
“Perfect.” Nina patted Jordan on the back. “Now. You two go somewhere and talk.”
“Not my bedroom,” Jordan said, her eyes narrowing.
Drake grinned. “It is possible to have sex in the parlor, or the dining room.”
Jordan stood and placed her palms on the table. Leaning forward, she stared him squarely in the eyes. “You’re already in enough trouble with me as it is. Don’t push it.”
With that, she walked from the room, not even bothering to see if he followed her.