Time to Learn to Love: Love Through Time, #2

By Lavinia Glen

A man and a woman on a mission to understand love.

Dariux couldn't wait to leave Victorian England. He was from the future, where he had his carefully engineered life to suit his needs. This expedition to the past was scrambling his senses. Nothing was going right. First, they had accidentally dragged an innocent bystander into the past with them. And now he had an even bigger problem. He couldn't stop thinking about his maddening, alluring colleague. They were here to study love and human relations, not to experience them. Or so he thought.

 

An expedition to the past.

For Kalli, the attraction between her and her handsome colleague is the perfect opportunity to further her investigation. A chance to conclude a decade-long study and find the answers to the biggest issue facing humanity in her century; the lack of love and human relations. So what if she experiences unprecedented pleasure in the arms of Dariux? It is just a simple, convenient arrangement for the sake of science and research, right?

 

And a love for all time.

But once they succumb to passion, nothing is as easy or clear-cut as they thought. Relationships don't fit into a predetermined structure. And when their convenient arrangement turns into so much more, they will realize the stakes are much higher than they thought. And the only way to understand love is to experience it.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lavinia Glen
• Release date: Apr 19, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224976751

Book preview

PROLOGUE

England

November 2172

The enormous hangar-like structure was brightly lit and empty of everything but a glass pod in the middle. Dr. Kalli Brooks had to step out of the way multiple times as technicians, scientists, and engineers rushed about. Their gazes glued to the different instruments or notes they held in their hands, they spoke in curt tones as they made the final preparations for their mission.

She pressed a hand to her stomach and took a deep breath. Now that the day had arrived for this time-travel mission to the past, nervousness was setting in. Oh, she was eager and excited. She wouldn’t want to miss this opportunity for the world. Even so, a frisson of uneasiness wove its way through her. It was only normal. They were venturing into the unknown. In more ways than one.

She instinctively sought Dariux, her partner on this adventure. During the long weeks of training, she had come to trust and like him. Not only was he the chief engineer who had developed the time-travel technology, but he was confident and capable. Talking to him would help ease her mind.

Glancing around, her eyes almost rolled out of their sockets when she spotted him. Tucked into one of the offices that fronted the takeoff room, he was practically dry humping a tall, buxom blond.

He had her pinned against a wall as he ravaged her mouth. One of her long legs, encased in a tight pair of pants, was curled around his waist. Her hands weaved into his longish brown locks, pulling his hair while holding his head in place for the kiss.

He broke the kiss, then one of his hands rose to her oversized breasts and squeezed softly. Kalli’s own breasts perked up in jealousy, and a tingle of reluctant arousal weaved through her. This was ridiculous! Couldn’t the man say goodbye to his parbot at home, as she had done? Such a spectacle in plain sight of everyone was unseemly.

She strode up to him, relishing the opportunity to interrupt this little tryst. She dared not examine the reasons behind her actions too closely. What did she care about his preference in partners? He was not her type at all, either. Her own parbot, which she had left at home as was decent, did not resemble Dariux at all.

Dariux, so glad to find you, she intoned, as she knocked on the open door of the office. I was looking for you to go over some last-minute details about our mission.

He slowly, almost reluctantly, untangled himself from the blond’s limbs and raised an eyebrow sardonically.

Really? I thought everything was ready to go. I gave my instructions to the techs, and they are doing the last preparations.

Yes, well... I have some questions. And everyone else is busy. I wouldn’t want to bother them.

Yet you had no trouble bothering me. I’m kind of busy, too, in case it wasn’t obvious.

She pinned him with a stare. Not with anything important or related to the mission.

With a deep sigh, he murmured something to the blond and, with a smile and a nod, she left.

All right, Kalli. I’m all yours. What questions do you have?

Now that he put her on the spot, and she was the focus of his complete attention, self-consciousness swamped her. She really didn’t have questions. Just general concerns. About the success of their mission. About their investigation.

Kalli? he prodded, his eyebrows rising.

Yes, well... They are not specific questions per se. I just... I guess I am a little nervous.

His eyes crinkled and a smile threatened to stretch his lips while he studied her. Having second thoughts, Kalli? There’s still time to back out.

No! That’s out of the question. The information I could gather on this trip might be the pinnacle of my research. I guess I just need some reassurance. I need you to tell me that everything is going to be all right. That we’ll be successful.

He leaned back against the desk and crossed his arms. The muscles of his biceps and chest strained against the fine linen of the nineteenth century-style shirt he wore in preparation for this mission. He looked relaxed and confident. The very picture of nonchalance.

I guess that depends on how you define success. Are we going to be able to travel in time and arrive safely at our destination? I’m confident that we will. Now, are we going to find what you are looking for? That I don’t know.

I suppose that’s fair. No one can know that.

He nodded, assessing her. What are your worries, exactly?

She gave up the battle to appear as stoic as he. Throwing her arms up, her words came tumbling out.

So many! Are we going to make it there safely and in one piece? I know. She put her palm out when his mouth opened. You told me you are confident about the safety of the technology, but there must be some unpredictable risks. And what if we can’t blend in? What if we make a mistake and are discovered? What would—

Kalli. His commanding voice cut through her outburst. He had not raised his voice. Nor was the tone harsh, and yet there was a world of authority in that simple word.

We have assessed every scenario and calculated all risks and variables. The safety and reliability of the technology is 99.97 percent. We have also trained for this extensively. Everything has been covered and thought of. Now relax.

His words partially reassured her. They calmed her. Quieted her whirling mind. She would have liked a comforting hug, even a handshake. But of course, that was simply not done. Not anymore.

C’mon he said, uncoiling himself from his comfortable pose against the desk. They are calling us. It’s time to go. Let the adventure begin.

CHAPTER 1 

England,

November 1872

About three weeks into their mission.

He had gone too long without sex, Dariux reflected morosely while tapping his fingers on the table. It was just a normal physiological response. His conscience scoffed, unimpressed, pointing out that three weeks did not qualify as too long, and that he had gone without it for much longer than that without feeling this prickling, uncomfortable awareness that now plagued him.

Or maybe it was this accursed mission, all the probing into feelings and emotions, that had him so out of sorts. How was a man supposed to stay unmoved while studying and scanning people for feelings of love and arousal all day, and then spending all night analyzing them with his attractive colleague?

Attractive? Of course not! She was not his type at all. She was too short, her breasts were too small, and her hips too slim. Her hair was red. He liked his partners generously endowed, tall, and blond. The mere fact that he was objectifying her by cataloging her features was proof of his unbalanced state.

Yes, it was all this mission’s fault. There. He dared his conscience to refute that. This time, his conscience remained gratifyingly silent, and he relaxed a little.

But only a little. The sounds of splashing water coming from behind the screen reminded him all too well that she was taking a bath, naked. Her body glistening and wet... Hell and damnation! He had to stop these lurid imaginings. That’s what had got him into this awkward state of arousal.

It was not as if he had not seen her naked before. He had. Many times. During the weeks of preparation before this mission, they had trained together every day. After those intense sessions, they had retired to the lockers and taken showers together while discussing many high-minded topics as the scientists they were, without ever feeling self-aware of their nakedness.

It was not as if the human body was an object of morbid titillation in their time. Humans had moved beyond animalistic desire and disorderly passion. If she only knew where his mind had wandered, she would look down on him. Think of him as an unevolved barbarian. She was a respected colleague and his investigation partner, and he would do well to keep that in mind.

Just then, his esteemed colleague stepped out from behind the screen, wearing a bathrobe and a towel wrapped around her head.

You bathed already? That was fast, she remarked, noticing his wet hair.

He had had to make it fast, to make sure he got dressed before she caught him naked and sporting a rampant erection. That would have been embarrassing.

He only grunted his assent, then pointed to the table. They delivered the food while you were in the bath. Looks edible enough. I already analyzed it for microbes. It’s safe to eat.

Good. I must admit, I’m famished. The meal bars we ate during the day were not satisfying.

Just like the masturbation he had just indulged in while bathing had not satisfied him. Crap! He was in a fine estate. This night was going to be uncomfortable. Until now, they had kept their own private rooms, but this inn was full, and they had only been able to book one bedroom. Thank goodness they would be moving on tomorrow. With any luck, the next inn would have plenty of room.

Blissfully unaware of the direction of his thoughts, she took her place at the table and started heaping food onto her plate. It always amazed him how someone so small and slim could consume so much food.

He sat down across from her and filled his plate, too. The simple country fare comprised lamb, potatoes, bread, cheese, and some apple tarts for dessert, all accompanied by a decent wine. Not bad for such primitive environments. He was accustomed to more sophisticated meals, full of complex, multilayered flavors. His parbot, Elena, was an excellent cook, with advanced programming in over one hundred types of cuisines. It surprised him to realize he was enjoying this simple meal as much, if not more, than the elaborate feasts Elena prepared.

Maybe it had something to do with the energetic sprite sitting across from him, demolishing almost as much food as he was. He had never realized how erotic watching a woman eat with gusto could be. The little hums and sighs that escaped her mouth as she tasted the food. The quick darts of her pink tongue over her plump bottom lip. The delicate ripple of her neck as she swallowed. His lurid mind noted and cataloged every small nuance.

How had he never noticed those details before? Elena never ate, of course. His parbot sat at the table with him and entertained him with excellent conversation while handing him plates of food and refilling his cup. It was her job to please him, and she performed it well. She was the latest generation and boasted the most advanced technology, designed to satisfy in every regard. He had believed her to be human-like in every sense. Now he was discovering all the ways she was lacking.

Maybe an update, or a complete redesign, was in order. No, he was being ridiculous. What did it matter, anyway? She made his life easier, and he couldn’t wait to finish this mission and return home to his comfortable lifestyle.

So what do you think of the duke and the girl from the twenty-first? Kalli asked, referring to the woman they had accidentally transported back in time during their time travel, and who had been taken in by the Duke of Avondale.

He shrugged. They seem to get along well.

More than well. According to the readings we took yesterday, they are falling in love.

How do you figure?

Heightened body temperature, faster heartbeat. Hormonal activity—

I know, I know. But how do we know it is the real deal and not simply desire? The readings are similar.

Yeah, you are right. But there’s something more. Something intangible that we haven’t been able to measure yet, but I can sense.

That is not very scientific, Doctor. We can’t put that in the investigation findings.

We need to get more readings. I’m just saying I think we are on the right path. We should continue to monitor them. So far, they are the best prospects we’ve got.

I’m not sure I like that. She is not from here any more than we are. It was an unfortunate accident that she got dragged along. Who knows what consequences that could have on the timeline? We were supposed to observe and interfere as little as possible. Remember the goal? Phantom footprint.

Her chuckle was husky and sensual. It curled through his lower belly and sent another shot of lust to his cock. Fuck.

Yeah, well... I think that goal went out to space the moment we dragged a woman from another century back with us. We are leaving a footprint the size of a dinosaur’s.

He laughed at that. By the stars, but he liked her. She could always make him laugh.

I guess we could continue to monitor them. But from afar. We have to be careful not to let them see us. They are looking for answers. I believe they have a person investigating around and asking questions. I wouldn’t want to mess with the duke. He already knows too much, and he is powerful. If he finds us before we are ready to depart, he could create obstacles that would force us to abort the mission. We must be very stealthy.

Agreed. Are you going to eat that last tart? She pointed at the morsel.

You can have it, he said, pushing the plate towards her.

Her smile was wide and innocent, like a child, as she grabbed the sweet and bit into it. Her dainty pink tongue darted out to lick some fruit from her lips, and his insides did a somersault at the sight. What on earth was happening to him? Never had he experienced such an involuntary response. He could control his lust, couldn’t he?

CHAPTER 2

Kalli turned and tried to find a comfortable position for the umpteenth time that night. Not that the mattress was uncomfortable. The simple fact was that she was too aware of Dariux, who lay a few inches away from her on the bed. Even through their sleeping bags, which effectively cocooned and separated them, she could feel a sort of energy emanating from him. It called to something deeply feminine inside her.

She had never felt such restlessness before. Her couplings with Martin, her parbot, were uncomplicated and pleasurable. They never made her feel like a piano string stretched too tight and left to twang plaintively in time with the merest pluck.

As a neurobiologist engaged in the study of human psychology, she knew exactly what she was feeling. Desire. As the pearly light of dawn peeked through the windows, she analyzed the emotion objectively.

She was no stranger to desire. But it was different this time. It wasn’t a simple physical urge to find release. It was more complex and deeper. She wondered what her hormone levels and brain activity would be at this moment. If she had been alone in the room, she would have scanned herself. But then, if she were alone, she probably wouldn’t be feeling these sensations.

What would it be like to engage in sex with a real man? Before this mission, she had not given the notion any thought for years. After the rejection and heartbreak that seeking a human relationship had caused her, she had given up on trying to find love.

Martin suited her very well. He was sweet and fulfilled her needs for companionship and pleasure without the messiness of human interactions. But she had always wondered if there was something missing from the human-parbot relationship. Well, of course there was. That was the whole point of this mission, wasn’t it?

Dariux wasn’t sweet. She studied him in the dim light of the room. He was hard. Handsome, yes. Without a doubt. The angles of his face seemed carved from rock by an expert sculptor. There was no softness in his lean jawline, strong brow, and straight nose. Even his lips, although plush, were shapely and defined. The texture of his face, with his morning stubble, seemed abrasive. His body was hidden from view inside the sleeping bag, but her memory supplied the image of wide shoulders, bulging biceps, rock-hard abs, muscular legs, and at the apex of those legs...

Her face was burning, and so was she. Would it aid their investigation if they got physically involved? There were baseline scan records for both. They were healthy adults in their prime. The perfect study subjects. It would be an interesting experiment to see if, after involvement, their levels would change to resemble that of the people in these times.

No. She was just trying to rationalize it, to find a justification to indulge her curiosity. Her desire. The naked truth was, she would like to have sex with him, scientific investigation or not. But it was also the truth that it could help their mission.

She would have to observe him for signs that he was as affected as she was. If he wasn’t interested in her, it could become very awkward, not to mention inappropriate. She wouldn’t want him to feel like she was accosting him. Nor would she want to feel the humiliation of rejection.

At that moment, he opened his eyes and his gaze locked on hers. The impact of his gray eyes at close range was like a ball to the chest. Her heartbeat picked up, and she struggled for breath.

Good morning, he said in a deep voice, raspy from sleep. She found that little detail oddly endearing. He seemed unaware of the tumultuous drumming of her heartbeat. Couldn’t he feel it through the mattress? She could swear it was strong enough to shake the entire building.

Good morning, she croaked in response, opening her sleeping bag to get up. Now that he was awake, the intimacy of lying in a bed together was unbearable. He seemed relaxed and well rested, in no hurry to get up. Maybe she should scrap her experiment idea...he didn’t seem to be the least affected by her.

Hurrying over to the screen, she slipped behind it and started washing and getting ready for the day. Her clothes were designed to look period-appropriate but had a lot more practical uses too. For example, her skirts, while wide like the women of this time wore, could be turned into a tent. The inside was lined with a special camouflaging fabric that would allow them to set up an observation post without being seen.

Her top was a normal garment, however, and she needed help to button it in the back. With the garment open, she stepped from behind the screen and approached Dariux, who was still in his modern sleeping clothes. He stretched, and she took a moment to admire his muscular body lovingly hugged by the stretchy material of his pajamas. She went to stand in front of him and turned her back. He had performed this service countless times, so she didn’t even need to ask him to button her up.

Before, she had thought nothing of his fingers lightly brushing her back. Now every feather touch felt like electricity skittering along her nerves. What was happening to her? It was as if the rational, civilized woman she had groomed herself to be had vanished after just one night of sleeping next to him. Insane.

What is the plan for today? His low voice coming from so close behind her gave her a guilty start.

Going back to the duke’s estate to collect some more data on the couple.

Couldn’t we have found easier subjects? It is simpler to collect information from the inns in the towns we visit. Plenty of people close together and paper-thin walls.

Yes, but people don’t stay long at any inn, which makes any longer-term study difficult. We can hardly follow them. And besides, the duke and the girl from the twenty-first are the best case studies we have encountered. Their metrics have been all we could hope for.

But they shouldn’t be together. She is not even supposed to be here. I worry about the consequences. For them, as well as the time continuum.

Yes, I know. That is a concern. But since he took her in, there was nothing we could do until after the mission.

Maybe. Or maybe we didn’t try hard enough. Anyhow, their case is fraught with complications. There aren’t many opportunities to get close enough to the manor to get a good reading. And it is dangerous.

I know. You have told me this a million times already. I think it will be easier in a couple of days, when they move to London. The buildings are closer there. And they must go out sometime. With more people on the streets, we will be able to get closer without standing out. We don’t need to collect much more data to have a complete dossier on them. We just have to be ready for the next opportunity.

And do we have to wear these ridiculous clothes? He had finished buttoning her up and was efficiently donning his own gentleman attire. Our own clothing would be much more practical to trample around and crawl through the forest, he said with disgust as he tied his neckwear.

She laughed at his grouchy tone. Small scandal we would cause if we were to walk around in our clothing.

He smiled reluctantly. I know, but a guy can dream.

Stop complaining. I get the worse of it, she said, kicking her skirts. At least they are useful.

And they look pretty on you, he said with a twinkle in his eyes that did something to her insides. Ready? Let’s go then. I have a feeling today will be the day we luck out.

CHAPTER 3

When they