Netherworld: Drop Dead Sexy(77)

He wrapped an arm around me and transported us back outside. We stood atop the Indian Mound, looking out over the water. A sailboat wafted down the current, and I caught the sound of laughter. A horse pulling a romantic open carriage clomped by, and I watched with real envy as a young couple held hands and pointed out the sights to each





other while the top hatted driver clucked gently to the horse. The tourists spilled out of Sanderson Cottage and crowded back onto the fire-engine red trolley, chattering happily as they trundled off to the next point of interest.

Mundane people living their mundane lives, unaware of how bright and beautiful their simple pleasures really were. To Dan I said, “They have no idea how fortunate they are.”

He held me close and kissed the top of my head. “We took it all for granted, didn’t we?” I hate crying. I hate being weak. But sometimes, you have no choice but to do what you despise because it won’t be denied. Leaning my forehead on Dan’s shoulder, I finally gave in and let the tears flow, let all the grief of my unrealized, too-short life spend itself. He said nothing, just held me.

I drowned in sorrow as I put to rest the dreams that had gotten me out of bed each and every morning. My life was done, and all the wishing in the world wouldn’t give me a second chance. Now all I had left was the hope I could put an even greater end to the monster who’d taken it all away.





Chapter Sixteen





At some point during my emotional storm, I became aware that Dan had sat down on Indian Mound, settling me on his lap. My face burrowed into his neck as he gently rocked me like a baby. One hand stroked my hair, and he murmured wordless noises of comfort.

I let him soothe me. The ratcheting sobs petered into shuddering hiccups. I didn’t feel better really. Emptied. A husk of who I’d been. So much for the healing power of tears.

As I quieted, Dan spoke. “Shh, Brandilynn. It’s going to be okay, baby.”

Pain welled anew. He meant well, but platitudes weren’t going to cut it. I pushed against him. “How can it be okay? We’re dead!”

He nodded sadly, looking remarkably similar to a depressed basset hound. “I know, but at least we don’t have to pay taxes anymore.”

I gaped at him, my tears ending like someone had switched off a faucet. Anger warred with angst for a brief moment before shocked hilarity bubbled past both. I shrieked with laughter at my gorgeous jackass. It made me mad that he’d interrupted my pity party, and for some reason that only made his stupid observation even funnier. I laughed and slugged his chest all at the same time. He bore it with a big, goofy grin.

“You are such an idiot!” I yelled, jumping upwards to straddle his hips so I’d have a better angle from which to punch him.

Chuckling, Dan grabbed my shoulders and yanked me close to deliver a lip-smacking smooch. I stopped pounding on him and wrapped my arms around his neck, deepening the kiss until we both gasped.

I tugged at his collar. “Clothes off, you big jerk. I’m getting me some payback for that one.”

Dan fell back naked on the grassy mound, his arms splayed wide. Sotto voice, he called,

“Oh, help. I’m being ravished. Oh, won’t someone save me?”

My clothes melted away just as fast. “Shut up and take it like a man,” I growled, positioning myself over his ready length.

I slid over him, moaning unselfconsciously as he parted my folds. Once I’d fully enclosed him, I sat still for a few moments, enjoying how he felt inside me.

I only now acknowledged where we were. Outdoors on the front lawn of Sanderson Cottage, with tourists and cyclists all around. Naked and making love. I had to laugh at the blatant spectacle we would have been making had anyone else been able to see us.

“Are you just going to sit there?” Dan asked, the twinkle in his eyes telling me he only teased.





“You be quiet and accept what you’re given. Let’s see how you like being dominated for a change.”

“What’s my safeword?”

I grinned evilly at him. “You don’t get one.”

I ground my hips in slow circles, eliciting a delighted groan from him. Propping my hands on his chest, feeling the crinkle of his light sprinkling of hair, I moved up and down, around and around on his eager length. Dan sighed, his eyes glazing over. His big hands found my breasts, which fit his palms perfectly. He rubbed the pebbled tips with his calloused thumbs, sending shivers down to my clit.

I rode him slowly so I could feel every luscious inch filling then drawing out of my clutching sheath. Watching Dan’s face soften with pleasure let me know he enjoyed it too. When I flexed inner muscles, tightening my flesh all around his, he groaned.