Sorry for such a short chapter.

I realized it would be better to split the next part into its own separate chapter,

so went ahead and posted this little one. Thank you, thank you, thank you

to all of you for reading and reviewing!

You're awesome! :) :)

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Chapter 38 –Claire's POV– Vodka & Felonies

Claire let her head lean back again, relaxing with her eyes closed. A small smiled played on her lips as she enjoyed the rest of the drive, occasionally taking sips from their shared vodka bottle. Myrnin's hand never left her leg. Flickers of electricity trickled down her spine, whenever he moved his fingers to stroke her thigh or tightened his grip.

She looked up as the Jeep slowed and came to a stop. They were in a small clearing with tall grasses. The trees swayed gently in the night air.

"We're here," he told her, regretfully removing his hand from her leg, to open the door, and got out.

Claire snatched the vodka bottle and jumped out of the car, eager to begin their testing. She swayed slightly when her feet hit the ground and caught herself with her free hand, to regain her balance. She saw Myrnin try to hide a smile at her inebriated reaction.

"Shut up," she told him.

He laughed as he unbuttoned his shirt and let it slip off, tossing it in the back seat. "Let me just set up the equipment, so that it is recording properly, and then we can go locate the lake."

Claire gripped the car mirror to steady herself again as her eyes roamed over the chiseled planes of his chest. He noticed her silence and looked up at her. He smirked at her expression. "Do you like what you see…?" he purred smoothly.

Claire felt the muscles of her pelvic floor jump.

His eyebrow twitched in recognition.

"You know I do…," Claire murmured, trying to keep the tremor of anticipation out of her voice.

"Hmmm…maybe you need to slow down on the vodka…" he took a small step toward her, reaching for the bottle.

Claire spun out of his reach, shocked as hell that she didn't land on her butt, given her current lack of balance. "No," she told him sternly, a small pout on her lips as she tightened her grip on the bottle.

"Okay," he spoke softly, a smile playing along his lips, "but don't say I didn't warn you."

Claire lifted her chin and climbed back into the car. They headed back through the woods, supposedly toward a small hidden body of water. "How do you know we are going in the right direction?" she inquired.

"I can smell the water. I am just hoping I can get this 'monstrosity of a vehicle', through whatever terrain that crosses our path.

"Uh huh." Claire reclined her head back, letting her eyes drift shut again. "Does that mean you will need both hands to drive?" she murmured.

Myrnin's breath caught, "Most definitely not." He reached his hand to slide it along her leg again, before letting it rest high on her thigh.

Goosebumps revealed themselves along the path of his touch. Claire shivered and then sighed contentedly.

The Jeep bumped and tilted as it crested a few more hills, before smoothing out on what appeared to be a road.

"Oh…," Myrnin murmured.

Claire looked up. She didn't see anything but the glare of the headlights against the night sky. "What is it? She asked nervously.

He rubbed her leg gently in reassurance, "It's okay. It's just a building."

"Out here?" Claire whispered, not calming down as they potentially approached strangers. She could see the outline of a small cabin now. There were no lights on. She reached to hold his hand tightly.

He squeezed gently and whispered, "It's okay; there are no other scents of humans here."

"Oh," she breathed. "I wonder if they have running water. I would kill for a hot shower right now. Hurry; break in…," she instructed him impatiently.

He laughed, "Look who's no longer concerned with felonies..."

She rolled her eyes, ignoring his comment; eager to get the mud out of her hair. He grasped the door handle and twisted slightly. It clicked open; the lock incapable of resisting his strength.

Claire made her way past him, in search of the bathroom. "Yes," she hissed when she found both the electricity and water to be in working order.

She slipped out of her underwear and called, "Myrnin, do you see anything I can dry off with?" She stepped into the warm water, leaving the door open so he could bring her whatever towel or garment he found. The hot water felt fantastic against her skin, which was tingling from the vodka.

Cutting the water off, she glanced out to find a large white towel on the counter. She pulled it quickly around her and staggered for a moment; her head was feeling a little fuzzy. When she looked up, she spotted Myrnin across the room. Evidently, someone male must own this place, because he was wearing clean shorts; he hadn't bothered to steal a shirt to accompany the shorts. He glanced up, appraising her in the towel. "You know it's not fair. You have a definite advantage on me…"

She tilted her head to the side, "Okay…I'll bite…what is my advantage?"

"You've seen me naked and yet I've only seen glimpses of you. Why don't you make it even and drop the towel…?" He purred.

"Glimpses?!" she giggled. "I think a full body view…from every angle I assume?"—He nodded affirmatively.—"Yes, well…of me in underwear and a bra counts as more than just a glimpse."

He grinned as he walked over to her. "Here, I found you something, somewhat suitable." He handed her a man's button down shirt.

A heady rush flowed through her as she remembered the night she met him. The curve of his biceps under her fingertips as he effortlessly twirled her in a slow dance…the taste of his lips. Claire knew she was playing a dangerous game, one she hoped she didn't regret later, but couldn't seem to stop herself. Her inhibition had been stripped away by the haze of the vodka. She dropped the towel and took the shirt from him, "Thank you," she said as she slipped it on and buttoned it up the front.

Myrnin stood completely still and watched her hungrily. "Damn vodka…" he whispered.

Claire laughed provocatively, "Are you feeling guilty for all of the dirty little ideas you are having right now?"

He stared at her with a seductive smile, and then leaned down to whisper in her ear, "I know I could have you. I can feel the heat coming off of you. You have no idea how much I am enjoying this little game and if the vodka were not involved, I would be inside of you right now…" He spoke confidently.

Claire couldn't deny it. She had never been able to resist him in that way. "But, why then…"

"Why don't I do this...?" He moved his head so that his lips were almost touching her mouth.

"And why don't I do this...?" His fingertips gently brushed over her breast on the way down to settle on her hip.

Claire trembled.

Myrnin stopped and pulled away, smiling gently. "Because you are hopelessly inebriated, to start. And I want more..."

Claire's breath caught in her throat.

He answered the unspoken question in her eyes, "I want all of you…all to myself…heart, mind and body. I know you are willing to give me your body; but it is what I don't have, that I crave…your heart."

"Myrnin..." Claire struggled to find words around her alcohol soaked brain.

"Shhh...We don't need to talk about it. I will know when you are ready."

She contemplated his earlier words and challenged him. "Is my promise to watch, still good?" Claire slurred her words slightly.

His eyes widen at what she was asking him to do and he growled low, "Damn, you play this game well…" He studied her and for a moment Claire thought he would agree. Her belly clenched again in anticipation. The haze in her mind was increasing; she fought to keep her eyes open, so she could stare at his chest.

He smiled wryly. "If I thought you could remain conscious during it, yes. But alas, that doesn't appear to be the outcome we are going to have tonight."

He leaned down and gathered her in his arms, to carry her to the bed, as her eyes drifted shut and didn't reopen.

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Don't miss the next few chapters! Everything is not always as it seems...wink... :) :)

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