Strands of Love

Chapter Four

Jace did his best to hide his disappointment and anger at Sam and his brother. Maybe he was being too hard on her, but he’d hoped in his heart she’d give his world a chance. He wasn’t sure she even believed either him or Darian when they’d explained about the tapestry and Javara.

And who could really blame her? It would seem a lie, nothing more than a story to her. To him, it was all the hope he had of ever having a family with his brother.

At least Darian had managed to kiss Sam. It was more than he’d done. He longed to know her taste, to feel the softness of her lips beneath his. But he’d given his promise he would not force himself on her. She would have to come to him and that was as likely as the sun rising at night and the moon at dawn.

He watched Sam as they rode toward the stables. She hadn’t been lying when she’d said she could ride. She sat on the back of the horse with an ease that told him she’d been doing so for years. And Morning Star eagerly responded to her easy commands. Sam had a light hand on the reins, which came only from years of experience and a confidence in her own skills.

Rex, the stable master, hurried out to greet them. Whatever he’d planned to say died on his lips when he caught sight of Sam. He glanced at the brothers before nodding to her. “Welcome to Hunter Keep.”

Sam nodded. “Thank you.” She looked around. “Where’s the phone? I need to call Tim.”

The sound of another man’s name on her lips angered Jace. “Who is this Tim?” He swung down off the back of the new stallion and handed the reins to Rex.

Sam dismounted before either brother could help her. “He’s my father’s best friend and the closest thing I have left to family.”

Jace frowned and wondered what had happened to her family. Once again, he was reminded of just how alone she’d been when they’d found her. “He will worry about you?”

She shrugged. “Both he and his wife Mary will. I’m supposed to go to dinner at their place tonight. If I don’t show, yeah, they’ll be worried.”

There was nothing they could do about that now. When she returned home in three days they would discover Sam was fine. Putting the matter from his mind, he turned to his brother. “Take her to meet Mother.”

“Where are you going?” Darian asked him.

“To work.” Anything to get his mind off Sam’s soft skin, her full lips and distressed blue eyes. He wanted to scoop her into her arms, carry her to his room and spend the next three days with her in his bed. And if he did that, she’d hate him. And, while she might not be planning to stay, he couldn’t bear the idea of her thinking of him with fear and possibly hate in her heart. He’d told her he wouldn’t force himself or his company on her and the only way to keep that promise was for him to stay far away from her.

Otherwise, he might compromise his honor and love her until she screamed his name. He turned his back on all of them and walked away, heading toward the fields.

It was a first for him. Jace had been born responsible. A good thing since his sire and uncles were anything but. It had been Jace and his mother, and later Darian, who’d kept their people fed, sheltered and clothed, who’d kept the storage rooms filled with food and goods for consumption and trade.

But, for the first time in his life, he didn’t care about responsibility or about Hunter Keep. All he cared about was Sam and the fact she didn’t want him, didn’t want to stay and didn’t even seem willing to give them a chance.

His chest ached and he looked ahead to all the lonely years that loomed ahead. He knew in his heart this was their one and only chance for a bride.

“Where is he going?” Sam felt as though she’d driven him away. She also felt abandoned, which was stupid. He didn’t owe her anything. Nor would she see him again once she was home. Why then did she feel as though something special was slipping through her fingers?

Darian shrugged. “The fields. Come inside. I want you to meet our mother.”

Their mother. They really had been telling the truth about that. Sam pulled her phone out and tried again. It was still dead.

“Sam.” Darian’s voice was soft and gentle. “Whatever that device is, it won’t work here.”

“Right. Because we’re in this other world called Javara.” How long would they keep this up?

He put his arm around her waist and guided her toward the small castle. She glanced over her shoulder, wanting to catch another glimpse of Jace. He seemed so alone. She knew what that felt like. But he wasn’t alone. He was home and had his brother and mother, and a whole lot more people. She couldn’t afford to empathize with him.

She faced forward and squared her shoulders. “Let’s go inside.”

Sam followed Darian up the wide stone stairs to a massive wooden door. This place was truly amazing. He held the door open and she stepped inside, stopping for a moment to allow her vision to adjust from the brightness of outside to the more muted lighting inside. They were in a foyer of sorts with stairs off to her right and left and an open archway before her.

“This way.” Darian pressed his hand against the small of her back and urged her forward. The warmth from his palm sank through her T-shirt, warming her. It was chillier here than it was at home. Just how far had they brought her?

“I really need to use your phone.” If her cell phone wouldn’t work here that had to mean they had a landline she could use.

When Darian said nothing, she glanced back at him. His jaw was tight, a muscle twitching in the side of his face.

“Welcome home.” The deep female voice gave her a start. She’d thought they were alone. A woman rose from a high-backed chair that sat in front of a cold fireplace. She was probably in her early fifties with long white hair that had tinges of blonde in it. Her figure was well rounded and a smile wreathed her face. Her familiar pale-blue eyes told her this woman was related to them. She was wearing a dark-green dress that fell to her ankles.

“Mother.” Darian strode toward the woman and embraced her.

Sam watched them, jealous of their obvious closeness. She was very conscious of her old jeans and scuffed boots. She started to brush them and stopped. Anger flooded through her. Why should she care what she looked like? What they thought of her? She was the one who was kidnapped.

“Excuse me, but I need to use your phone.” She really should tell the woman her sons had kidnapped her. But maybe that wouldn’t surprise her. Maybe they did this all the time.

That thought was depressing.

She felt like banging her head against a wall. Why should she care if they kidnapped women all the time? Because, in spite of it all, she wanted to be special to them, to feel as if it was her they wanted and not just some random woman.

She really needed therapy. She’d obviously been alone for way too long.

Darian released the older woman. “Mother, this is Sam Calloway. Sam, this is my mother Edwina.”

“Samantha,” she corrected as she stepped forward and offered her hand. “But everyone calls me Sam.” The older woman took her proffered hand, but held it rather than shake it. Edwina studied her, taking in Sam’s appearance.

“You’re not from here, are you?” She looked at her son for confirmation.

Darian shook his head. “The tapestry brought her here.”

Sam noted he didn’t tell his mother that the tapestry had brought him and Jace to her ranch first. At least, that was the story they told her. She didn’t know what to believe any longer.

Edwina paled and her grip on Sam’s hand tightened. “Oh, my dear, I’m so thrilled you’re here. Welcome to Javara.”

While the woman really did appear to be happy, Sam had had enough. “Look, I really don’t know what kind of con you and your sons are running.” She slowly disengaged her hand and took a step back from mother and son. “But enough is enough. I need to get home.”

Edwina glanced at her son for an explanation. Darian shrugged. “She doesn’t believe what we told her.”

The older woman waved her toward a second chair before the empty hearth. “Sit, Samantha, please. I’ll answer any questions you have.”

“I don’t want any questions answered. I just want to go home.” Sam was suddenly tired. Tired of the lies and tired of the pressures of her life. She didn’t need this whole kidnapping thing on top of everything else.

Sadness suffused Edwina’s face. “And you shall go home, if that is still your wish in three days when the tapestry reappears.”

“More like two and a half now.” Darian didn’t sound the least bit pleased.

“So, your sticking to the whole three-day thing, are you?” Sam went to the chair, sank down onto it and closed her eyes. God, she was so tired.

Large hands enfolded hers. She opened her eyes to find Darian kneeling at her feet, concerned etched on his handsome face. Behind him, his mother stood, one hand on his shoulder. She looked worried as well. You couldn’t fake that kind of emotion.

“I think Samantha could use a rest and some food.” Edwina gave her son’s shoulder a squeeze and released it. “Take her upstairs and I’ll have a tray sent up.” The older woman gave Sam a forced smile. “Please remember, if you have any questions at all, I’m here.”

“Thank you.” Sam didn’t quite know what else to say. She should be railing at her kidnappers, demanding to be set free. Instead, she felt as though she should be on her best behavior, as though she were a guest in their home.

Darian held out his hand. “Come.”

Sam rose without taking his hand. She was already getting in way too deep with the Hunter family.

Darian didn’t know whether to curse or fall into the depths of despair. It was obvious Sam still didn’t believe she was in another world. She believed they’d brought her somewhere else in her world.

How could she deny the magic of the tapestry?

Neither of them spoke as he guided her up the winding stone staircase. He thought about taking her to the guest room, but detoured instead, taking her to his room. He ushered her inside and closed the door behind him.

Sam’s eyes widened as she took in the space, and he tried to see it through her eyes. The hearth was cold, but there was wood and kindling waiting to be lit. Two large wood chairs with embroidered cushions sat before it with a small table in between. A fur rug lay in front of the chairs. There were two windows, both tall and thin, allowing in light. Two big storage chests sat along one wall and another at the foot of the bed. He noted it was his bed she was staring at. He wasn’t a small man so his bed had been crafted with his size in mind. A carved head and footboard kept it from being too plain.

Some clothing was hung from pegs on the wall by the bed and several swords and daggers were mounted above the hearth. Darian noted someone had brought up his baggage from his trip. His sword and his satchel of clothing sat on the trunk at the base of the bed.

Sam looked at him and swallowed hard. “This is your room, isn’t it?”

He nodded and slowly walked to her. “You will be safe here.”

Her gaze went to the bundle at the end of the bed. “You own a sword?”

He inclined his head. “Our world is different from yours, Sam. We protect ourselves with our swords. I’m also a fair archer and am skilled with a knife.” He wanted her to understand he could and would protect her.

Darian went to the trunk and picked up his sword. He drew the four-foot blade from its scabbard and brandished it in front of him. Sam made a squeaking sound and took a step back. He ignored the fear in her eyes and did something he hadn’t planned on doing, something he knew he shouldn’t do without discussing it with Jace.

The pledge was one every young man learned from his father from the time he was old enough to understand he might never have the opportunity to use it. It was a sacred oath, the foundation of their very civilization. Darian took a deep breath and repeated the words that he prayed would change his life forever, would make her understand his depth of commitment to her.

He went down on one knee before her and held his sword in his two hands, offering both it and himself to Sam.

“You are the heart that beats in this chest and in this home and if you would take me for husband I will give you my love, loyalty and devotion for as long as I live. With me, you gain the love, loyalty and devotion of my brother as well, who will be lover to you, and would also be your husband should I die before you. In return, I ask for your love, loyalty and devotion and any children that the gods see fit to gift us with.”

Sam felt lightheaded. This couldn’t be happening. Darian couldn’t be proposing marriage to her. He’d only known her a few hours. This was insane. “Why?” The word came out of her as a croak, but it was the best she could do. Her throat was dry, her knees weak. “I won’t give you my land.” That was the only reason she could think of for this elaborate ruse.

Darian raised his head. “I want nothing from you but your love, Sam, and I’m willing to wait for that to grow.”

“You don’t even know me,” she countered, trying to ignore the rapid beat of her heart. No man had ever proposed to her before. His words struck a chord in her heart, especially when he spoke of children. But she wasn’t sure about the whole “having his brother as her lover as well” deal. Although, there was no denying she was as attracted to Jace as she was Darian. And what kind of a woman did that make her?

He stood and set his sword aside before coming to stand before her. “I know you are alone in your world.” He took her hands in his and rubbed his thumbs over the hard calluses on her palms. “I know you are a hard worker and a compassionate woman. Courageous too. And I know the tapestry brought us together and that is pure magic. We are meant to be together.”

She swallowed hard when he released her hands and cupped her face. “And I know, Samantha Calloway, that you are very, very beautiful.”

She closed her eyes, not wanting to admit how much she loved the sound of her name on his lips. He grazed her cheekbones with his thumbs and she felt his breath on her face a scant moment before his mouth touched hers.

Tender but thorough, was the only way to describe the kiss that followed. His tongue traced her lips before dipping inside to taste her. And she didn’t object. Maybe she was tired of fighting, of being alone, but she knew she couldn’t fight the attraction between them any longer. Nor did she want to.

She truly believed they’d let her go home in three days and, after that, she’d probably never see him or Jace again. Why shouldn’t she get something out of this? Something that made her feel good and gave her some memories to hold close on the long, winter Texas nights ahead. She had no idea what would happen with the farm. She could still lose it. But she was here now and could enjoy this minute.

Maybe it was crazy. No, scratch that, it was crazy. Darian was basically a stranger who’d kidnapped her. Yet, she didn’t feel threatened in any way. If anything, she felt protected. It was a strange feeling. Sure, her father and brother had loved her, but she’d always been expected to stand on her own two feet and handle whatever came at her. She was a Calloway.

Darian deepened the kiss, his tongue sweeping over the inside of her mouth, stroking hers and encouraging her to play. Sam threw caution to the wind and embraced the moment.

She slid her hands over his broad chest, loving the way the firm muscles hardened beneath her palms. He groaned, low and deep when she sucked on his tongue and angled his head to deepen their kiss.

Large hands cupped her bottom and then she was lifted right off her feet. He rubbed her against his erection, wringing a moan from both of them. She instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist, wanting to get closer.

He pulled his lips from hers and dropped heated kisses along her cheek, down her jawline and around to her ear. “Let me have you.” His deep, erotic plea made her cream her underwear.

She couldn’t speak so she simply nodded. He carried her, not to the bed, but to the soft fur rug in front of the hearth. He knelt on the floor with her still in his arms. He held her easily even though she was five eight and no lightweight. Darian made her feel feminine and desirable in a way she’d never felt before.

He captured her earlobe between his teeth and tugged lightly. Rivers of pleasure shot through her body, making her breasts tingle and her pussy spasm.

“So beautiful,” he crooned as he laid her on the rug in front of him and tugged at her top. She raised her hands, allowing him to draw it away. His breath caught as he stared down at her breasts. She might be a tomboy, but she loved nice lingerie. The bra she was wearing was white, but it was made of stretchy lace that enticed more than it really covered.

He thumbed her distended nipples through the thin fabric and she shivered. He smiled and pinched them lightly and she gave a small cry of pleasure. Darian tugged at the straps, pulling them down her arms until her breasts popped free.

He gave a low growl of pleasure before dipping his head to taste them. His tongue was wet and warm as he swiped it over one hard tip and then the other. She moved her hips as a growing need began to consume her. She was hot, her skin sensitive wherever he touched her.

“Samantha, such a beautiful name.” He nuzzled one firm mound before capturing the nipple and sucking it into his mouth.

Her fingers tunneled into his hair, holding him to her. His hair was longer than hers, falling to his mid back while hers was just past her shoulders. Somehow it suited his masculine face, enhancing the features.

Sam was suddenly self-conscious. She knew she smelled of horse and sweat, not exactly feminine or inviting. Darian must have felt her tense because he released her breast and sat back on his heels. “What is it?”

She tried to shrug it off, but he sat there, patiently waiting. “It was a long ride,” she began.

“Are you sore?” Concern made his eyes darken.

She shook her head. “It’s not that.”

Darian leaned down and kissed her, his lips tender, his voice soft and seductive. “Then what is wrong?”

“I smell like a horse,” she blurted out.

He frowned. “I don’t understand.”

Really, was the guy obtuse? “Maybe I should get a shower or a bath or something.” Okay, her cheeks had to be blazing red. They certainly felt hot. The sensual mood from moments ago was quickly slipping away and she crossed her arms across her chest, suddenly very aware of being half naked.

“Sam,” he began and shook his head. “You smell earthy, like sunshine on a hot day.” He leaned down and sniffed her neck. “Spicy and slightly sweet.”

“Really?”

“Do you think I smell bad? That I should bathe?” he countered.

She shook his head. “No, you smell earthy and male, like leather and horse and the forest.” And it was true. His scent was intoxicating.

He nodded. “It is the same with me. I love how you smell.” He took her hands and moved them away from her body, spreading her arms wide and exposing her breasts to his view once again. “And how you look.”

She smiled at him and he smiled back. Beneath his gaze, her breasts seemed to swell and the tips puckered even tighter. His smile grew wider.

Darian reached for her bra. “How do I remove this?”

She thought it was a strange question, but answered. “Back closure.”

He reached behind her and struggled for a moment or two. It was as if he’d never removed a woman’s bra before. And maybe he hadn’t. He was so damn sexy and good-looking, women probably got naked the second he showed any interest in them.

She shoved that thought out of her head when her bra came free and he set it aside. He cupped the full mounds before sliding his hands down her torso. “You are incredible.”

And for the first time in her life, she truly felt that way.