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  FAMILY AND PROMISES

  An Ellora’s Cave, Inc. electronic publication in association with author:

  Mlyn Hurn

  MS Reader (LIT) ISBN # 1-84360-194-X

  Mobipocket (PRC) ISBN # 1-84360-195-8

  Other formats (no ISBNs): Rocketbook, HTML, Adobe

  All Rights Reserved. http://www.ellorascave.com

  © Copyright Mlyn Hurn, 2002.

  Ellora’s Cave

  USA & U.K.

  This book/e-book may not be reproduced in whole or in part by email forwarding, copying, fax, or any other mode of communication without author and publisher permission.

  Edited by Cris Brashear.

  Artwork by Darrell King.

  Chapter 1

  Phaedra looked into the large mirror above the lavatory sinks. She didn't focus on her face, makeup, or even her hair. She only saw the determination that filled her eyes. In less than a minute she would have to return to the party.

  She finally forced herself to assess her hair and makeup. Her makeup was flawlessly and artfully applied, to appear as if she had on none at all. It had been done at the hair salon where she also had her hair done with equal skill and precision. The long and lustrous auburn locks had been arranged to cascade from the top of her head to the middle of her back in a waterfall of curls. She shrugged knowing this wasn't the "real" Phaedra, but a well-dressed package.

  She turned to go and caught a glimpse of the back of her dress. It should have had a sign attached when she bought it…seduction.

  >From the front it appeared to be the typical black dress that suited so many functions of this type. The bodice of the dress came all the way up, to the base of her throat. From a distance it appeared solid black. But up close you could see it was black stretchy lace, and looked as if that was all the wearer had on. But in reality, the lace had a lining of the very thinnest flesh colored fabric, in certain places.

  The dress fit like a second skin, from its long sleeves down to where it flared just past the knees to allow for easier movement. It was the back of the dress that was the eye-opener. There was no back until the eyes traveled to below her waist. In fact, the dress ended just above the cleft of her ass. For the longest time she was sure that if she bent over, just like a workman in his too tight jeans, you would see much more than what was politically correct.

  And right where her bottom curved into firm and luscious rounded cheeks was a red bow, about six inches across. And even though it had no function in keeping the dress on, Phaedra was sure she would hear nothing but jokes and offers to untie it.

  Phaedra left the protection of the ladies room reluctantly. She knew her Aunt Alicia and Uncle Preston would be waiting for her. They had hated asking her to plead on her uncle's behalf. But it was a family-held company that was four generations old and the family was desperate to try and maintain control.

  Phaedra was almost unbelievably beautiful, and it was hoped that if she pleaded with the corporate raider, she might persuade him to give them more time. She had argued that it would be a futile effort, but her uncle and her cousin Carter were convinced that she could make the difference.

  Phaedra glanced around the large lobby of the hotel where the party was being held. The party was in celebration of the new wing of the hospital being opened. For a moment, she considered lying to her family and telling them that she had talked with Scott-Thomas and he had laughed in her face. But she knew she was a lousy liar. They would guess the truth, if she didn't break down first and confess.

  Phaedra spun around, suddenly deciding to leave and tell her family later that she had gotten sick to her stomach. Her departure was halted as she walked right into a man who had come to stand behind her.

  The first thing she saw other than his elegant tuxedo, was that he was holding two tall flutes of champagne. She flushed and mumbled an apology. The man smiled and offered her one of the champagne flutes.

  Phaedra shook her head, insisting that he had obviously intended the drink for someone else. Rand smiled. ''Actually, I was hoping to use it to gain an introduction to you.'' He inclined his head, "Rand Thomas."

  Phaedra paused a moment before accepting the glass. ''Thanks.'' She extended her hand to him. ''Phaedra Astor.''

  Phaedra's breath caught in her chest as Rand enfolded her hand within his. In fact, she was so distracted by his touch that she missed the surprised look on his face as he heard her name. Phaedra looked up into his rough-hewn face, her attention held by the fact that he wore a plain black eye patch, concealing his left eye.

  Rand had recognized her name immediately and took a sip of his champagne, thinking what a joke fate was playing.

  He had seen this beautiful woman across the room and felt an immediate attraction to her. As soon as he saw her come out of the restroom, Rand had gone for the champagne. It wasn't until he was a foot or so away that the crowd parted enough for him to have clear access to her.

  He had still been dealing with the shock the vision of her backless dress had caused, when she had unexpectedly turned and bumped into him. He thought she looked amazingly hot from the front in the form fitting dress, but from the rear, the view was a down right cock teaser.

  He was curious because a woman usually dressed like this for one of two reasons. She had a man she was dressing for; or there was a man she wanted to entice. Rand was sure he had heard she was unattached, so he wondered just who was her victim for seduction tonight?

  Phaedra sipped the cool drink and tried to calm the hectic feelings this stranger had aroused in her. She took a deep breath before speaking.

  "What brings you to this dedication?"

  Rand gave her a slight smile. "I'm a contributor to the building fund. And you?"

  Phaedra felt the start of emotion at his sexy, slightly crooked smile. "I'm a volunteer and sit on a few committees. I couldn't get out of it, and my aunt and uncle really wanted me to come." She paused, looking into the attractive stranger's single blue eye. "I'm tempted to find the nearest exit and make a run for it."

  Rand laughed. "Now that would be a terrible waste."

  Phaedra couldn't resist and asked him with a small smile, "Now why would you say that?"

  Rand wondered if she were kidding or perhaps she really was unaware of her unusual, but captivating beauty. He cleared his throat before he answered.

  "That's a knockout dress, and if ever I've seen a woman meant for dancing, you are it."

  Phaedra felt a flush creep up her neck and smiled again. "Actually, dancing sounds like a great idea. Are they having music tonight?"

  Rand nodded his head and gestured towards the far end of the open foyer. "I can hear the music through there. Care to try a few steps? I'll try not to tread on your feet every other step."

  Phaedra laughed. "All right. Let's trip the light fantastic, and hopefully I can avoid the unpleasant task I was assigned to do tonight."

  Rand disposed of their empty champagne flutes with a passing waiter. Phaedra curled her hand around Rand's arm, and started walking toward the lounge where soft strains of music could be heard. Once inside, after a moment of letting their eyes adjust to dimmer light, Rand turned her into his arms .

  Phaedra let her muscles relax and Rand pull her close to his muscular chest. His hand pressed against the bare skin of her back, and she felt her full breasts press against his hard muscles beneath t
he expensive tuxedo. She settled her head into the curve of his neck, not questioning the comfortable and relaxed feelings she was experiencing with this stranger. As the first song blended into the next, she felt Rand's hand slide down her back until it rested at the curve of her back, just above the red bow.

  "What's the unpleasant task you must perform before leaving this evening?" He asked softly once he felt her melt in his arms and become pliant and relaxed. "What could be so bad that you're willing to run away from it?"

  Phaedra ignored the warning voice in her head telling her to keep quiet. Perhaps it was the rumbling of his voice through his chest to her ear. "Some corporate raider-type wants to take over our family's business." She sighed deeply and then went on. "For some reason, my uncle wants me to talk with him and see if he'll back off. Uncle Preston is desperate not to lose the family business. He sees it as a personal failure, and that he's letting down his father and grandfather."

  Phaedra lifted her head to meet Rand's gaze. "I don't know why my uncle thinks I might be able to convince a total stranger to change his plans just because I ask. I mean, honestly, I wouldn't change my business plans because someone I had just met asked me to."

  Rand looked away from Phaedra for a moment. He suspected the old guy would try something like this, although he had to admit that he had not expected the attack to come in the shape and form of such a beautiful adversary.

  When he looked back he found that Phaedra was still watching his face. He smiled a little. "Perhaps if there was something else involved, such as an incentive, or even a 'perk' as they say, I might reconsider."

  Phaedra frowned. She had never considered herself naïve, but the tone of the conversation seemed to be setting alarm bells off inside of her. "What kind of incentive?" She finally asked Rand quietly, holding his gaze.

  "Well, you are a very beautiful woman, and I'm sure if you offered something tangible in return, this corporate raider might reconsider."

  Phaedra shook her head, causing the waterfall of curls down her back to dance. "What do you mean? Something tangible? The family is tapped out financially, trying to buy back stock and rearrange things. I've got some private funds from my grandmother, but I doubt this man would consider such a pittance worthy of his attention."

  Rand paused before answering. What he would like to have with this beautiful woman would probably never occur now. Once she knew who he was, she wouldn't trust him, and probably resent him for not revealing himself sooner. But if he didn't tell her who he was, and let the evening progress, she would probably be even more angry and resentful.

  He took a deep breath and pressed her lower body against his more intimately. He saw in her eyes the instant she became aware of his arousal pressed firmly to her soft belly. He half expected her to fight and pull away, but she didn't.

  As he held her gaze, he saw desire flare deep in her eyes. He felt her breath quicken and watched her tongue dart out to nervously lick her lusciously full lower lip. There was no mistaking the subtle move of her lower body against him in response.

  Rand paused for a second, reconsidering honesty versus a night of what promised to be some pretty passionate sex. However, he had always been an honest and straightforward man in his dealings with people, even if he was somewhat cutthroat when it came to business. Deceit and deception never came to any good. He had to take a deep breath to regain some control over his body. He hadn't felt this aroused and randy since he'd been in college.

  "You could offer yourself instead of something financial."

  His words hung in the air between them. Phaedra felt a roaring in her ears. She wasn't sure she had heard him correctly, but she also had to swallow hard because the intense desire she felt had closed her throat. In fact, it was a struggle to keep from flinging herself at the handsome man who had so obviously revealed his attraction to her a moment earlier.

  It was impossible to keep the image of him rising above her and holding her eyes as he thrust his hardness into her soft, wet pussy. The next instant, as if her thoughts controlled her body, she jerked against him, as she had truly experienced him coming into her body. Suddenly, it was hard to breathe. She surprised herself even more when she gently wiggled her lower body back and forth, feeling his hard cock pressed so eagerly against her.

  Rand groaned and it reverberated deep in his chest, tingling against her taut nipples. He lowered his mouth to lightly kiss the side of her neck. He whispered to her softly, "I'm surprised your uncle didn't suggest it."

  Phaedra was too aroused to be insulted. Damn it! She was too aroused to think! She shook her head no, looking up to meet his gaze once again. "It would be a workable solution…" She stopped suddenly as she felt him pull her even closer. "If it were you that I was trying to bribe."

  Phaedra was shocked by her brazen words. For a moment, she wondered if she'd just made the worst faux pas possible? Rand abruptly pulled back from her. Phaedra was sure that she had just committed the single woman's greatest blunder, and appeared too eager. But Rand grabbed her wrist in his hand, and led them quickly through the crowd to a back entrance.

  He didn't stop until they were halfway down a deserted hallway. As Phaedra heard the heavy door thud shut, Rand spun her around and pressed her flat to the wall. His hands captured hers, and held them on either side of her head. Allowing her only an instant to catch her breath, he was kissing her.

  Phaedra had no time to think. She didn't want to think! She kissed him back, wiggling her hands free and sliding her arms up and around his neck. She gasped when he finally released her swollen lips and slid his mouth down her neck.

  One hand was easing her dress off the shoulder and in the next instant, his mouth closed over the exposed, taut nipple. Phaedra cried out, feeling her legs buckle beneath her. She didn't fall because Rand had pressed a leg between her own. Her dress slid, or was pulled, up and suddenly her wet pussy was pressed against his hard, muscular thigh.

  Phaedra tried to tell her body to push him away. He was a stranger, but her hands didn't listen. Her mouth pressed kisses to the side of his face and down his neck. She even sucked the skin between her teeth, and gave him a love bite that would be visible above his shirt. She didn't care. Especially since she felt his other hand drag her skirt even higher, caressing her thigh as he did so. His hand slid around to cup one full, round cheek and pressed her more intimately to him.

  Rand paused as his hand caressed her firm, full bottom. He hadn't realized she wasn't wearing any panties until that moment, and it made his head swim with desire. For a moment he considered telling her who he was, but then Phaedra rubbed back and forth over his thigh. He no longer gave a damn and slid his hand around to her thigh, pulling her dress the last necessary inches upwards.

  As he slid his leg back, his hand moved between her upper thighs; Rand wouldn't have thought it possible, but he almost lost control as he felt a completely smooth pussy, wet with arousal.

  Rand lifted his head from her succulent breast and returned to her mouth. His tongue met hers eagerly as he slipped his fingers between her wet lips. His voice was husky and jerky as he spoke. "My God woman! You may drive me crazy…"

  Phaedra couldn't help the laugh that spilled forth. She felt sexy and wanton. In fact, she'd never in her life felt this aroused. She heard herself reply, but couldn't believe the sexy, husky voice, let alone the daring words, were hers. "If they let us share a padded room, I don't think I'd mind going along with you." Her legs eased further apart and he slid two fingers up inside her hot, wet channel even as his thumb zeroed in on her clit. "Oh God!"

  Rand's mouth swallowed her cries of passion as he worked her body with precision and skill. He seemed to know just where to touch her, when to touch her and how to touch her sensitive flesh. It was as if he had touched her before, but it was all so new and fresh.

  Phaedra clung to his shoulders, his neck, whatever she grab hold of as he mastered her passionate responses. It happened so quickly. His fingers worked so skillfully inside her, massa
ging, his thumb never releasing her clit. She climaxed hard the very next moment, her body spasmed, and began jerking and thrashing in his arms.

  Rand watched her face as her orgasm took control of her body. His voice was low as he spoke to her. "Let go, sweetheart! Don't hold back! Give it to me… Cum all over to me!"

  He felt her pussy contracting and drenching his fingers with her passion juice. He saw her swollen lips, red and free of any lipstick. He glanced down and watched as her breast jiggled and bounced from her motions. And most of all, he felt her aftermath as his hand still cupped and caressed her smooth pussy.

  Rand watched and waited until finally Phaedra opened her eyelids and saw him staring down at her.

  She blushed hotly as she realized how intimately they were still standing. She was intently aware of his hand, pressed so intimately against her pussy, even while she could still feel gentle spasms rippling through her womanly organs. Before she could react though, Rand lightly rubbed his hand over her slick flesh. It was almost as if he were petting her, soothing the quivering wild beast he had just captured.

  He withdrew his hand reluctantly, and then wiped his fingers on his pristine handkerchief. He surprised her when he lifted her skirt once again, and this time used the cloth to wipe her moisture from her pussy. She had never experienced anything as intimate with a man before. She'd had sex before, but it sure didn't compare to this encounter, with a stranger. Although, she couldn't really consider him a stranger now, she argued silently.

  She looked down and saw he was hard within his expensive trousers. She didn't think about consequences as she reached out and cupped her hand over his arousal.

  Rand groaned loudly and braced both hands flat against the wall on either side of her. He told himself he would stop her in a few seconds, and then he heard his zipper being lowered.

  Two soft hands were freeing his cock from the confinement of his trousers, only to confine it once again in her grasp. She curled her hands around him, caressing, pulling and tugging. She stared at his cock filling her hands as it oozed drops of pre-cum. She wanted to caress him and please him, something she had never felt the desire to do before.