The Temptation of a Kiss ~ Chapter 16

 

~ Chapter 16 ~

Brook followed not far behind him in silence the remainder of the walk back. Well now I've done it. The one person I feel the most comfortable with for some odd reason, is not talking to me. When am I ever going to learn to just shut my mouth and listen? I don't blame him for growing so cross with me. I am a Irish redheaded mule.

She gaze up at the back of his shirtless body. Even in the moonlight his muscles bulged with every movement of his arms. Brook reached up and touched the top button of his shirt at her chest. Perhaps if I had been slower to react he would have drew me up into his arms and buttoned his shirt for me. Lingering slow caresses of his fingers along me. Beautiful green eyes gazing into mine as he did it. That rakish smile of his creeping across his handsome face as he worked his way up the front of his shirt on my body.

“Oh,” Brook yelped. His back was as solid as it looked as she found out when running right into him. Her palms rested on him a moment longer then they should have but she was mesmerized by the feel of his naked skin. The sensation she felt instantly surging through her unlike anything she had ever experienced. Ending it was not a thought.

Landon slowly turned to face her. His glare was firm and not at all what she had hoped to see. His normally bright jade eyes seemed dull and dark. His jaw was clenched tight and his posture even more so.

“Pardon me,” she said softly. As soon as their eyes locked Brook's darted away. She couldn't bring herself to hold his gaze. The fear of him seeing what she was feeling is too risky.

Quentin cleared his throat as he approached them. “You can enter in through the back staircase. It leads up to the second floor not far from your chambers.” He looked to Landon. “At this late hour she should be undiscovered I think.” No one responded to his suggestion. Quentin reached out and patted Landon's shoulder.

“You can escort her if you don't mind,” Landon said. He didn't wait to see Brook's reaction and did not care what Quentin's was, although he knew him well enough to agree he was acting ungentlemanly towards Brook at the moment. Making his way up to his own chambers he walked with no regrets. It is for the best. The whole night was going further than I had ever intended in regards to her. I've showed her more of my feelings than I should have ever done. She knows we cannot become involved. I know my boundaries with her and yet both of us seem to wait for the other to say differently. To drop our guards far enough to easily welcome each other to cross. All this has to stop tonight.

He made it into his room. “I've spent so little time in here I don't even know where my clothes are kept.” After fumbling through a few drawers he gave up. Sitting on the edge of the bed Landon removed his footwear and laid back in the dark. Ticking rhythmic sounds kept his mind on nothing but that. Besides the occasional mummers of passerby’s the estate was quiet.

~~

Brook waited at the dressing table for her bath to be filled. Eyes fixed on the scarf she had found in Landon's coat pocket she heard nothing of the three maids behind her talking about the night's events. She felt drained. Empty to the point of ghostly. Just a mere image for others to look at. She was facing the mirror and could not bring herself to look in it. How could everything have gone so wrong so quickly? He kissed me, underwater, he had kissed me. I saw the fear in his eyes, it was there. I sensed it in his hands as his entire body trembled while holding me. Why then the hollow gaze he looked at me with before he left? It makes no sense to me. Brook's attention was draw to movement in the doorway.

“May I come in?”

Brook turned to see Sarah standing there with teary eyes. “Do not fret, Sarah. I am perfectly fine.”

Sarah could not hold in her tears any longer and ran for Brook's embrace. “I do not know what I would have done if you were hurt or worse.” Sarah pulled back from her. “You are the sister I never had.” Taking notice of Brook's condition she bit up her bottom lip. “You are a mess? Has anyone sent for a doctor?”

Brook smiled. “Sarah as you are for me and it will always be this way. Now wipe your tears I do not need a doctor I am alright. Devon, Quentin, and Landon rescued me.”

Sarah took the cloth Brook held out to her. “Who was the man? Did you know him?”

“No,” Brook shook her head.

~~

Landon's finger tapped to the rhythm of the clock on his bare chest. He could still feel the cool water washing around them as they kissed. Her grip on his hand as he held her was chilling. Only because at that moment he did not know whether he would lose her or not.

His eye flew open at the memory of her body as he pulled away his coat from her. Thank god we were not alone. I would have taken she and I know there would have been no turning back. Her taught nipples hidden by a thin layer of torn material and just long enough to cover her where my eyes wanted to see most. I bet she's breathtaking, every inch of her. Landon sat up. “This is ridiculous.” He pushed open the french doors are strode over to the railing. His jaw was clenching again. I'm going mad.

~~

“Devon had said Landon was giving you air underwater,” Sarah said with a slight curl of her lips upward. He was also told by Quentin that Landon turned a pale color that was nearly a gray blue when you disappeared under water.”

Brook's gaze moved to Sarah. She had wondered if he had visibly reacted to what was happening to her. Brook stood up and walked back over to the dressing table. “I honestly have no clue what he was doing or thinking,” she said. Reaching down her took the scarf between her fingertips.

“Are you going to keep denying what you feel for him, Brook?” Sarah asked.

She tried to swallow but couldn't. “You know as well as I do and everyone else for that matter that nothing can ever become of us, Sarah.”

She rose from the bed and walked over to Brook. “That is simply not true. If he loves you or even wants to find out if he might, then nothing should stop him from doing so.”

Brook looked to Sarah's reflection in the mirror. “If means not knowing or maybe and it is not worth the risk he would take. Sarah, he would lose everything and his family would disown him.” Her gaze fell back to the scarf in her hand. “If I had been born to a respectable noble family than maybe things could be different but that is not my reality is it?”

Sarah rested her hand on Brook's arm. “I see the way you both look at one another. Isn't it worth finding out? I mean the possibility that he may want to love you more than needing the approval of his family is not so far fetched, is it?”

“I don't know Sarah. I will not allow my heart to wander there,” Brook said softly. She had almost confessed her thoughts as to having one magical night with him and than never looking back. “I may find love one day like you have with Devon but it will not be with Landon. Somethings are just not meant to be and I'm okay with that.”

“I understand. You know there was a time Devon and I seemed hopeless,” Sarah said.

Brook laughed quietly. “Yes I remember. The poor man was passing out all over London.”

Sarah's head fell back with laughter. “Odd and romantic wouldn't you say?”

Brook placed her arm to her forehead as if to swoon. “Very I would agree.”

A knock sounded at the door. “Yes,” Brook said.

Three maids cracked open the door. “We have the last of your bath water, Lady O’Brien.”

“Oh please come in,” Brook answered.

“I shall let you relax in your bath and see you in the morning,” Sarah said.

“Good night Sarah and please tell Devon thank you again for me,” Brook said.

A few minutes later brook was alone. The warm summer air floated in through the open french doors. Quentin had assured her the estate was going to be guarded on a twenty-four hour watch until her departure, so she had no worries about leaving the doors open.

Brook slipped off her robe and dipped her foot into the steamy bubble bath. Sinking down, hot soothing water engulfed her body. Sore muscles she had not even known were there hurt and ached as she rest motionless. Minutes passed. The strength to lift the sponge to her neck was not even there.

Finally she closed her eyes and said, “I know you're there.” She had wondered but now knew as the breeze carried in his scent in through the doors.

The Temptation of a Kiss ~ Chapter 15

~ Chapter 15 ~

Landon jumped in and rushed to where she had been. Plunging his hands beneath the water he felt for her. Come on damn it Red, I know you are here. He frantically moved every witch way for her. Landon closed his eyes tight. Okay look, you are I have not had many conversations over the years but I am begging you to help me find her. Please do not take her. He waiting for some kind of acknowledgment or sign but there was nothing but the sounds of mumbles of men around him and splashing of water. A bargain. That's usually what people offer up when they need your divine intervention or a miracle, right? Okay then. Pausing for a moment Landon promised the first thing that came to mind that he felt guilty about and swore he would try to never do it again.

A sudden snap as if someone had broken a twig in on the silent forest floor caused his eyes to fly open and he gazed straight ahead of him at the bank.

“Devon,” he yelled. Landon ran over to a large tree laying against the bank half in the water. He reached down and within seconds made contact with her dress. “I have her.” He said to Devon as he came up to him from behind. “We haven't much time.”

“Don't let go of her,” Devon said before he sank into the stream next to him. Ten seconds later he emerged and said, “She is tangled in the branches. I can't free her alone.”

Landon began to rip at her clothing which was not getting him anywhere. “The material is wet and won't give.”

Devon called out for Quentin. “We need a knife quickly.”

Quentin handed Devon one and pulled out another one from his pocket. Both went to work on Brook's dress under the black rushing water.

Landon held onto her hand with both of his. With every passing second it felt like an hour to him. You do know when I asked you to help me find her I meant for her to be alive. He gazed up and narrowed his eyes at the endless night's sky. Is that so much to ask? To take a woman's life who her herself does nothing other than give of herself to others without as much as expecting a thank you in return. What could you possibly gain by depriving this world of her smile, her kindness, her heart for mankind? A slight squeeze griped his hands and his gaze shot down towards the swirling water.

Devon surfaced. “She needs air, Landon.”

He took in a deep breath and went down. His lips made contact with Brook's. Covering his mouth over her mouth he slowly exhaled into her hoping she was getting something without taking in any water. Brook's pale skin shinned like a light in the dim space between them. He stayed down with her as long as he could. Finally he had to surface for air but as soon as he came up he went back down to give Brook more air.

As their lips met again he was glad to feel her other arm now free as she wrapped it around his neck. Just hold on Red you are almost free.

Landon softly touched her cheek with the palm of his hand. Brook closed her big blue eyes. I have never wanted to feel someone's touch more in my life than I do right now. Not just someone's, his. She felt his lips leave her mouth and then he tried to release her hand. No don't let go. Please don't leave me.

He gazed down to see Brook's other hand grasp at his arm. Landon went back down and kissed her lips tenderly with a softness she had never felt before. It was than in that moment she knew he would not let her die under there.

Rubbing her cheek with his thumb he did his best to show her he was not willing to let her go. I'm not going anywhere, Red. I wish I could comfort you with words but as of now that is impossible. Look in my eyes and see what I am trying to say to you.

Brook's grip eased and he stood up and quickly removed his coat hanging it on a branch next to him. Going back under for what he hoped was one last time he gave her another breathe. As he did Brook's body floated up towards him and she took in a deep massive inhale when hitting the surface.

Standing in waist deep water Landon took his coat and covered her nearly naked body. He drew her to him an held her within his arms. She squeezed his shirt in her hands as she struggled to regulate her breathing.

“Take your time,” he whispered.

Brook shook her head no. “Where? Where is he?” she managed to ask.

“Honestly I'm not sure. I was too focused of finding you.” Landon reached you to her face and with his finger pulled away the clinging wet hair from her eyes. “You are safe now and do not need to worry about anything else other than catching your breath, Red.”

She was comforted at the moment by his words. “You saved my life Landon, thank you,” she said. Brook's eyes locked with his. He wasn't smiling anymore. To her he seemed troubled by her gratefulness.

Landon abruptly released her and looked around. “We should head back to the estate and get you into some clothing.” He motioned to Devon to come over to them. As Devon approached he took Brook's hand and placed it on Devon's arm. “Will you aid Brook up the bank?”

“Oh course I will,” Devon replied and then smiled at Brook.

She watched Landon walk away up the bank. What just happened? Why is he suddenly so cold to me? What the hell did I do?

“Are you alright?” Devon asked as he guided her towards a low spot of land. There was no mistaking her tense posture or death grip on his arm. “Brook?”

“Yes I am okay.” She flashed a half smile but did not look to him. “Thank you for helping to save me, Devon.”

He pattered her hand with his other hand. “Ah, just trying to return the many favors you have helped me with these last few months.”

This made Brook giggle softly. “Well I would say that this far exceeds all favors past, present, or future, Devon on your part. I do not recall ever saving your life,” she said.

Devon chuckled. “Brook, you were there for me when I did not even know I needed you. It was you who helped me to realize how much I loved Sarah.”

She looked to Devon then asked, “If I ask you something will you answer honestly?”

“Yes,” he said with suspicion.

“What is going on with Sarah?” Brook asked. “She is not herself at times and it seems to me to be getting worse.”

Devon shook his head slowly as he gazed at the path in front of them. “It is her memory from the head injury. Every week she is losing more of it. The doctors do not know what else to do about it.” He then fell silent.

Brook wasn't sure if she should press the issue any longer. She had no background experience with head injuries other than bumps and knocks she attended to from the locals at the pub. Her father was a kind man but not mild tempered in the least when pushed.

Devon broke the silence. “I fear I will lose her forever,” he whispered.

“Brook paused and turned to him. “Perhaps you should try less conventional treatments.”

Devon shook his head. “No, no way. Sarah could end up worse than she already is. I won't risk it.”

“Yes but you said yourself she is declining every week before your eyes. Something has to be done, Devon. She isn't aware she is losing memory is she?”

“No.” Devon said in a soft voice. “Sarah remembers she forgets things but lately she has no idea when she is regressing or after wards. It is odd because she will all of the sudden be back in the present with me like nothing had ever happened.”

Landon walked at a good fifteen paces behind Brook and Devon. His jacket Brook was wearing barely covered her bottom. The only clothing that wasn't cut away from her was her camisole and even that suffered from the entanglement leaving it with gaping holes. Two men walking behind him spoke in low tones to one another and Landon was positive it was in regards to Brook's long bare legs.

These two better shut it before they are chewing on their own teeth. He watched her creamy skin move in the light of the torches. To him they were almost as alluring as her lips, almost. With bare feet she walked delicately. Every step seemed to whisper to him, “Follow me”. Even through his coat he could see the movement of her hips swaying in the most feminine way. It was clearly not only drawing his attention.

“I wish I could have been one of the lucky chaps to cut away her coverings,” the man said.

The other laughed aloud. “You and me both!” I would've felt my way up to her-

Landon stood face to face with the man. “Oh please do go on because as soon as you finish your last filthy word I'm going to make sure you will never talk again. Do you think it's possible to swallow without a tongue?”

“Let's have a little chat shall we gentleman.” Quentin said as he placed a hand on each of the man’s shoulders. He stood behind the two men and smiled at Landon. “I was quite honestly wondering how long you were going to listen to them.”

Landon's glare did not move from the man in front of him. “Not long enough I suppose.”

The man shrugged. “I could continue,” the man said with a grin.

Quentin slowly closed his eyes and backed up. “I tried to help you two idiots.”

Landon struck the man before he had a chance to blink. He fell backwards and did not get back up.

“I got it from here, my friend.” Quentin said as he held the other man with one firm hand by the back of his collar.

Landon turned and began walking towards Brook and Devon who luckily did not notice the exchange. “Devon,” he said as he came up closer.

They turned to see Landon unbuttoning his shirt. “I will escort her the remainder of the way.

Devon looked behind Landon to Quentin seventy steps back. “Yes, well I shall see if Quentin needs company than.”

“What are you doing?” Brook asked.

He pulled her over off the path behind a huge oak tree. “You need to put this on.”

“Landon your coat in suffice I believe.” She watched him pull his shirt out of his pants while he was looking in every direction. “You are acting odd.”

His gaze flew to her and he just stared at her. The moment grew tense and heavy between them. Brook did not know what had provoked this behavior but she wasn't going to stand for it. Saving my life or not he is not going to order me around.

Brook turned from him to walk away and he took hold of her arm. “Put this on, Brook.”

“Let go of my arm.” She stated and yanked it out of his grip.

“Take off the coat and put this on, Red. We'll stand here all night until you do.”

His tone was low and she was not sure what to make of it. “I do not understand what has come over you but I do not care for it. Now, I am walking back to the estate and if you choose to stand her with your shirt in your hand than do so...alone.”

Brook again turned from him and Landon abruptly yanked her into his arms and at the same time slid the coat off her body wrapping the shirt around her just as fast. He took several steps back with the coat in one hand he pointed to her with the other and said, “You might want to button that up.”

Brook turned away from him without a word. Who does he think he is demanding I do something because he says so.

Bet you didn't see that one coming did you Red? I've never met such a stubborn woman in my life.

After a few moments she started to walk away. Landon smiled at his clever maneuver and the fact that he had out witted her.

Brook glanced over her shoulder at him and then let the white over sized shirt fall from her body to the ground. "I won't be needing this but thank you."

“Are you crazy,” Landon said loudly. She was completely exposed and calmly walking away from him. He picked up the shirt and wrapped it around her waist from behind. Her naked skin was firmly up against him and he felt the sudden throbbing of his erection. Tying the sleeves in a double tight knot he said, “Woman, you are asking for trouble. Do you realize I just knocked a man out not too long ago for talking about your parts that you are so carelessly now showing off to the world?” He placed the coat over her shoulders and released her forward. “I can't fight off twenty or so men because you decide you want to be a little Irish redhead that resembles a mule.”

Brook's mouth dropped open. What did he just call me? She stood there as Landon passed by her. “Well who asked you to anyways, Lord Fields?”

His hands clenched but he kept walking. Foolish woman.

The Temptation of a Kiss ~ Chapter 14

~ Chapter 14 ~

Landon laid in bed with his eyes closed. He could hear the soft wisps of breaths Brook had taken in as his lips settled next to her ear. What was I thinking spewing out all that to her. Why the hell would I tell her what I fantasize about regarding her? Bringing his hand in a ball to his forehead Landon tapped it to his skin. Stupid, stupid ,stupid! I mean seriously what did I think she was going to do? Turn around and fall into my arms. Ha, no that's what I wish her to do and I'm surprised I didn't let that reveal it's self too.

He gazed over to the clock on the gray marble mantel. It is still early. I could go apologize for what I said to her. God what am I saying? It's what I did to her! Foolish idiot. I cannot imagine what she thinks of me now.

Landon's feet hit the floor and he began to walk the perpetrator of the room. “I have made a mess of things now.” His pace was slow and steady as he walked the length of the room in front of the windows. “How could I be so selfish? I mean I am fully aware she is not an innocent but by no means is she experienced enough to handle what I had said to her. Damn it! The only thing I did was seduce her...hell I seduced myself.” Landon chuckled at the thought.

He paused in front of the balcony doors. Pushing them open he walked out to the railing. His hands met the rim of the cooled stone. Is it possible that she saw through my words and felt what I was really saying to her? I have never before been so caught up in a woman. She has this thing about her that I can't turn away from. I wish I knew what it was.

His gaze flew up to a startling sound off in the distance. “What the hell is going on down there?” He leaned over further. The path was lit with torches but the figures were still faint.

His heart seized at the sound of his name. Brook! “Release her now!”

The tone of his voice carried through the dark to Brook like trembling thunder. “Landon!” she cried out again. “Let go of me,” she screamed at the man. His bulky arms encased her whole body leaving her helpless in his grasp.

Landon flew through the hall and down the stairs. Turning the corner into the atrium he could not contain his fear. Landon shouted her name as loud as he could as he barreled towards the back doors.

Devon and Quentin locked eyes and immediately followed Landon's voice.

Brook kicked the man's shin with her heel as hard as she could. It was met with a chuckle in her ear. “You are needed by my Lord. He is waiting for us to return so stop struggling.”

Brook's mind raced. Where is Landon? God please help me. Do not let him take me. As she finished her plea Brook felt a solid pain on her head. The bright stars above seem to grow fuzzy. Keep my eyes open. Ouch my head really hurts. I think he hit... Her words trailed off to nothing as the grip of unconsciousness took hold of her.

Landon reached the spot where he had seen them. “Brook!” His body whipped around every which way of any sign of her. An elegant lavender scarf rest on the edge of the path before him. Landon picked it up and rubbed it between his fingers. Her scent danced through the air on a small breeze to meet him. “Red,” He belted out so loud it hurt his throat.

“What is going on,” Devon asked as he ran up to his side.

“A man. There was a man and he has her now,” Landon answered. “She was here a minute ago. The bastard had his hands on her.”

“What man? Quentin asked.

“The man who was here!” Landon yelled as he went to walk away.

Devon grabbed his arm and Landon snapped it back. “Okay look, we can't help you unless we know who you are talking about, Landon.”

“There was a man and he took Brook. God damn it aren't you listening!” Landon began to walk down the path towards the woods.

“Are you positive?” Devon asked as he followed him.

“Of course I am. He was holding her and she screamed for me to help her. I took too long and now she's gone.” Landon stopped and gazed to Devon. “We have to find her right now.”

“Okay we will,” Devon said.

“No like immediately,” Landon couldn't even think straight. He didn't know where to go or how to move. He was paralyzed with an unspoken fear of losing her.

Devon placed his hand on Landon's shoulder. “We will find her soon. Quentin is gathering every man in the estate to aid us.” Devon stepped in front of Landon. “Hey, look at me. She will be safe and here soon.”

Quentin came up and began giving orders to small groups of men armed with torches and whatever they could use as a weapon. Within minutes twenty five men were walking a line in groups into the woods. As instructed they all paused at thirty paces to listen for a full ten seconds for signs of where she might be.

Devon was leading with three hounds who were given Brook's scarf to smell. He was sure they could not be far behind them. The dogs were pulling hard which meant the trail was hot. All three hounds took a sudden turn towards the stream to the right. Devon was lead into the water along the bank. Quentin ordered for half the men to cross and walk the other side along the bank at twenty paces back. Devon was the only one to walk the cool swift flowing river with the hounds. Although it was not deep it had been raining often over the past few weeks and the current was strong. It did not help he was getting pushed by the water at the back of his knees as he walked the rocky bed of the stream.

Landon although he was watching the stream with his eyes darting back and fourth to the hounds, he was thinking about Brook. If I had only been a minute sooner I probably could have saved her. I should have gone out on the balcony earlier then I would have heard her screaming for me. His heart skipped. Me, she was calling out for me. Of all the people in the house she thought to yell my name and I failed her. After all the rude and disrespectful things I uttered to her I was the one she cried out to help her. Landon's gaze moved from the water to Devon and then back to the hounds. I swear I will kill this filthy bastard. If she is hurt in any way I will choke the life from him myself.

Landon paused a second which caught Quentin's attention. “What is it?” he asked quietly.

“Why is she not screaming for help? We should be able to hear her through the trees because it would echo and hold the sound,” Landon said as he looked to Quentin.

His lips formed a line at Landon's words. The fear that washed over him before his eyes caused him to shutter. “Let's move.” Quentin then shouted. “Men pick up the pace.”

Landon's legs grew numb. His hands and arms surged with a throbbing odd sensation. The swishing of water and the howling of the dogs was not enough to drowned out the sound of his own pulse racing in his ears.

“Up ahead,” one of the men shouted.

Quentin stopped and then yelled, “Release the hounds, Devon.” He ordered the men to run up further along the bank and spread out to stop the man from fleeing.

Landon ran along the bank gaining on the man. Brook's limp body was draped over his shoulder. He could see her bound hands and feet lifelessly moving with the man's body. The faster the man ran the further back Brook's body was slipping on him.

With the hounds moving in on him he let go. Landon watched in horror as Brook's body fell head first into the stream. He wasn't sure where she was as her motionless body sank under the water.

“No,” Landon shouted as he reached out for her still for far away on the bank.

“Everyone in the water now,” Quentin yelled. “Reach in and feel for her.” He pointed to a handful of men. “All of you move downstream just in case she has drifted away.”

Devon looked to Landon who was standing staring at the spot where he had last saw her. “Landon,” Devon said. “Landon damn it!”

 

The Tempation of a Kiss ~ Chapter 13

~ Chapter 13 ~

Brook stared at the broad posture of his back until he disappeared down the path into the foliage. She hadn't realized it but she finally took in the breath she had been holding.

What am I do do with this? Chase him? Beg for his attention like a dog? She paused and gazed up to the glass ceiling. The stars twinkled through the panes. The memory of every one of his words would haunt her now and she dreaded the thought of them creeping into her head, her dreams, and worse yet her heart. No, he wants me to pursue him. I will never again do that. Not for him or any other man. To risk it all for one night with him is madness. I mean it is not as if he even truly cares for me, not in the way I had hoped he would. Just when I think I see it in his eyes the fact that he will never marry outside his circle reminds me that to him I am simply someone to pass his time with. The game...a chase. Brook suddenly stood to her feet gathering up her skirts in her hands. I need some fresh air.

~

Long thin finger warped tightly around his cane before the men in front of him. Black hollow eyes glared at them sending a cold chill straight through them to what was left of there hearts. Every one of them dare not look to the evil before them. Words remained just whispers inside their own heads not tempting the wrath of being heard.

Four men remained one captured from discovery. All five feared failure and what it promised for not only them but their families.

“Drop to your knees,” his voice hissed.

All four heads darted up to see his long yellow nail pointing to the man on the left end.

“Crawl to me,” a low tone echoed in the dim lit cabin. “Now!” He roared with a strike of his cane against the gray wood under his feet.

The man crawled forward daring not to close his eyes yet praying he had the courage to do so.

“Where is the fifth?”

“Here on the property, my Lord,” the man said. The growing sound of his own heartbeat nearly drowned out his words. Terrified he may not have spoke clearly enough he added, “He is reachable if you desire it, my Lord.”

He slid the tip of his cane across the floor to the man and raised it to his chin. Slowly he pulled his face up to meet his eyes. “Will you fail this time?”

The man gave his head a slight shake as he fought the sting of tears peaking in his eyes. The hard strike across his cheek was worth the pain if that was all he was to receive. Again his eyes remained to the ground. His body trembled. His cheek dripped blood but his tears stayed where the belonged, hidden from the sight of him, his master.

He stood with swift anger. “Bring to me the fifth and also one of the younger women close to my dear niece.” Turning from the men he gazed out the window to the faint glow coming from the estate. “We will pick them off one by one until only she remains. The men will be drawn out in search and easier to kill if alone. Save both Price's and Sarah for last. As for the rest, take them to the designated place and send word for me once you have completed your duty.” He spun around to the men. “Is this understood?”

Erotic Short Story ~ The Night's Sinful Secrets

 

 

The Night's Sinful Secrets

Erotic Short Story



 

~ Chapter 1 ~

 

Athena giggled to herself as she ran through the Marquis’s maze. She heard the hushed ramblings of boots pounding the dirt in the far off distance. It has to be him and a few of his men searching for me. They didn't sound close enough to catch up with her yet.

She ran deeper into the maze at a playful pace. The image of shock flashing over him pushed her further to the limits of just plane naughty foolishness and if she was honest with herself, she loved every second of it.

Jase's pulse tore through his veins like a raging river. He stopped at a split in the maze. “Quiet,” he shouted out. “All of you go to the entrance and wait for me there.” Gaze back at his choice before him he stilled his body, listening for any sign of her.

Damn it Athena. If I had known you would take me seriously I would have never dared you to do this.  A vision of Athena hiking up her skirts as she removed her shoes all while gazing at him with playful determination and then dashing away down the stone steps barefoot, crept up in his mind. Floating lavender chiffon whirled behind her as she ran towards the maze.

When Jase called out to her she paused for a brief moment. Wild long waves chestnut hair fell lose as she removed her clip.  Even in the moonlight from a distance he could see her mischievous smile. “Are you too kingly to pursue what is your true desire, Grand Marquis?”

He hated when she teased him with the title.

To the right the trail looped back to the middle leading to the entrance. And to the left the path headed into the secret depths of exotic confusion. If one finds himself lost he may stay lost for days. That was the way it had been designed by his great grandfather. 

Jase strode in the direction he knew she would head, left. To her going right would be pointless. Within minutes he saw what he hoped wouldn’t. Taking up the purple scarf in his hand Jase squeezed it into a ball. Foolish woman. Does she not know there are other people wandering in the maze?  Shaking his head he quickly corrected himself. No, she knows because it was all part of the bet I made her. And she will stop at nothing to prove me wrong.

“Good evening,” she said passing a couple walking by. I guess I am not alone out here. A small laugh emerged. I can’t believe I am doing this. He will without a doubt refuse the marriage now. Father is going to be so cross with me.

Athena traveled further down the trail with little thought as to what tomorrow will bring for her. She had objected to the arranged marriage pleading to her mother she wanted to marry for love and although she truly cared for the Marquis, Athens was positive he did not share her passion.

Tonight will be the night the Marquis changes his mind. His insistence of duty and nobility is not something I will ever base a marriage off of…ever.

Ten minutes later Jase came upon a stocking and then another one twenty paces from that. “Blood hell,” he muttered. He shoved them in his pocket and kept walking.

Not far from there a couple bowed and said their greetings. Jase barely acknowledged them as he mumbled, “Yes you as well.” A firm scowl situated upon him now. He couldn’t help it.

Everything I have been planning is about to be ruined along with my reputation. Love, ha. Passion is for the foolish with unrealistic ideas.  I mean I can be more than passionate but I do not feel the need to show it like a school boy, especial in public.

Athena turned the corner to the left. Beautiful sculpted hedges of loving couples arranged in a circle drew a small crowd. Lit by lanterns they seemed to almost dance in the moonlight.

I’ve never seen such a display.  Her eyes widened as she entered the circle. After a moment she gazed around to the others surrounding her. I am the only one here who is alone.

One particular sculpture reminded her of him. She reached out and grazed her fingers over the form. It’s an amazing liking to him. Closing her eyes Athena saw his face. Strong square jaw with a slight clef on his chin. Perfectly formed lips she was positive would be very kissable. Sensual large deep green eyes that hid within them a devilish fun side he never allowed out. Fashionable longer blond hair that Athena wanted to touch on so many occasions but couldn’t. “You are almost perfect,” she whispered.

She took one last glance and left but not before discreetly making a point to the Marquis. He won’t be able to miss that.  Athena bit up her bottom lip as she continued on.

~ Chapter 2 ~

Ten minutes passed and Jase rounded the same corner Athena had. He walked past the hedge display heading forward with focus. Wait. Jase turned back around and strolled through figures. A few people were lingering about but there was no sign of her in there.

On his way out he passed by a striking piece. He remembered it from his childhood. His sister often sat by it. Jase gazed down and saw Athens’s undergarment that should have been covering her lower half lying at his feet. With a couple now behind him he kicked it under the hedge.

Does the woman not have an ounce of subtlety?  He ran his hand through his hair. I really almost want to walk away from this. I mean look at me. She has me chasing her down in the dark as she throws bits of her attire off her body.

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