The Temptation of a Kiss ~ Chapter 4 and 5

 

Chapter 4

 

 

   Grams and Sarah gasped and the men chuckled. Landon then walked away.

   Brook sat on the ground for a moment in disbelief. “That was utterly childish Landon,” she shouted at him.

   Landon made his way to the bar. “We are all children Brook. Is that not what the good book states?”

   Brook rose from the floor and brushed out the silky purple material of her skirts. “I think you read from the bad book. The book called, “An idiot’s guide on how to live without manners”. In fact I think you wrote it.”

   Landon laughed hard. “Well don’t pout Brook. You lost and I won. If you didn’t want-

   “Stuff a map in it already Landon,” Brook snapped.

   Devon nudged Quentin and they both walked over to Landon at the bar. “Perhaps it will be safer in my study for a while. Besides I have to discuss something of importance with you,” Devon said.

   As the men left the room, Brook took a seat in a chair that faced Sarah and Grams. The two women were chit chatting away. Brook found herself lost in her own thoughts.

   What kind of a man does that to a woman? I was not the one to encourage the exchange between us. God he was so close. I wonder if he would have kissed me again if we were alone. His lips were so soft and warm that night. Firm but yet gentle. What would they feel like on my neck? I wanted him to-

   “Brook!” Grams shouted.

   Brook shook her head slightly. She then gazed at the two with a blank stare.

   Quentin started a fire in Devon’s study. Landon took a seat in a club chair next to the fireplace. Devon had excused himself for a moment to retrieve a document.

   “Is it now customary for you to drop beautiful woman on the floor?”

   Landon looked at Quentin. “She’ll be fine once she is done being cross with me.”

   Quentin sat down across from Landon. “I think she is going to hang you on one. That is not a woman I care to mess with.” Quentin paused then said, “She has interest in you. Clearly you can see that can you not.”

   “What gives you that impression?” Landon asked.

   “I see you both sharing an equal awareness with each other shall we say,” Quentin said.

   Devon just then entered the room. “I have a disquiet feeling concerning Lester McMay.” He handed Landon the letter McMay had addressed to Sarah before he escaped prison. “He was seen around town yesterday.”

   Two months ago, Devon never finished reading the letter from McMay.

   Landon began to read the letter aloud.

 

To my brother's child,

 

You have stolen what is rightfully mine by birthright. You should have died that night. Your last breath should have been done and gone like your father's and Devon's father was. They both paid for their mistakes with their lives and so will you Sarah.

I want what is mine. All of you will suffer. I will make you watch me kill everyone whom you dragged into this. And in the end, when you are alone surrounded by your dead friends, I will kill you slowly as I did your father.

He died by my hands and so will you Sarah. I will hunt you, follow you, and seek you until I find you. You will forever as long as breath moves through your body, look over your shoulder.

Upon the birth of your first child, I will take it. You may never close your eyes at night and not see me there Sarah. You, your child, Devon and everyone else are all going to die.

 

   Landon looked towards Devon. “What are we to do with the women while the authorities search for him?”

   Devon ran his hand threw his hair. “It concerns me to be honest with you and I do not know what we are to do. The letter targets everyone. None of the women are safe with McMay at large.”

   “If I may offer a solution,” Quentin said. “I had invited the women earlier this night to visit my country estate. McMay, I assume, has no knowledge of me.”

   Devon and Landon looked to one another and smiled. Landon said, “We accept.”

 © copyright 2012

  

Chapter 5

 

   Grams and Sarah stared at Brook waiting for her answer.

   “My dear child are you alright?” Grams asked.

   Brook’s expression was blank. “I am fine.” She stood quickly and crossed the room to the bar and poured herself a glass of wine.

   Sarah cleared her throat. “We were wondering if you care to have a picnic with us tomorrow in the orchards. We could have some games and contests for the men.”

   “Yes that sounds lovely,” Brook said. A picnic with Landon. I will find an excuse tomorrow not to go. Maybe I could plant the seed I am beginning not to feel well before I leave tonight.

   Richards entered the room and walked over to Sarah. He held out a silver try in front of her with a pill and a small glass of water. “Lady Sarah it is time for your medicine.”

   Sarah gazed up at him with confusion in her eyes. “I feel fine Richards.”

   Richards gazed at her for a brief moment than said, “Very well Lady Sarah.” As he left his gaze locked with Gram’s gaze.

 

 

   Devon grabbed a road map and laid it out across his desk. Landon and Quentin planed out the route to his country estate. Devon walked over to the painting of a ship at sea hanging on the wall behind them. He pulled the painting open like a door. Behind it was a safe set inside the wall. Devon pulled out four guns and set them on top of the map in front of the men.

   Quentin glanced at Devon. “Are these truly necessary?”

Landon picked up one of the smaller guns. “You did not see Sarah when Devon found her in the cellar of McMay’s estate. I have never seen such-

   Landon immediately shut his mouth when he saw Devon’s painful expression in his eyes as he was telling Quentin the story.

   Quentin looked back and forth to Landon and Devon. “Why do we not just hunt him down ourselves? From what you have said he is broke and wanted. It shouldn’t be that hard to find him. We have enough resources between the three of us.”

   Landon said, “It is not that simple Quentin. I wish it were. He has many bad friends and contacts. The women are not safe with anyone but us. This man will stop at nothing to fulfill his goal.”

   A knock at the door drew their attention. Landon pulled the map over the pile of guns.

   “Enter,” Devon shouted.

   Richards opened the door holding a silver tray.

   Devon looked relieved at the sight of him. “I was about to fetch you. We are planning to go for a trip in the country and needed to get organized concerning McMay.”

   “Ah I see Sir.” Richards looked serious. In a low hushed tone he said, “I need a moment alone with you.”

   Devon walked with Richards into the hallway. He glanced down at the tray. “Again?” He looked at Richards after he asked.

   “I’m afraid so Sir.”

   Devon took the tray from Richards’s hands and walked down the hallway to where Sarah was sitting. He left the tray on a side table outside the room.

   “Sarah,” Devon said softly in the doorway to the sitting room.

   She turned and smiled at him. “Yes.”

   “May I have a private minute with you?”

   Sarah stood and walked toward Devon at the doorway. “What is it Lord Price?”

   Devon pinched his lips together at her use of his proper name. Since the attack by her uncle’s assistant, Sarah’s memory was missing large gaps of time, including the fact they fell in love and were now engaged.

   He gently took her hand in his and walked a few steps back into the hallway. He gazed at her with kind sweet eyes and in a soft voice said, “Sarah you have to take your medicine every day.”

   “I-I do not need medicine Lord-

   “Sarah we are engaged and you had an accident. Because you were hurt you now have to take this medicine,” Devon said.

   She stared at him trying to figure out what was going on. And then it sparked. Tears began to whelm up in her eyes. “How could I not remember this Dev? You, us, the accident?”

   Devon took her in his arms and whispered, “You will sweetheart. It is just going to take some time.” He pulled her away from him and smiled. “Now take this before you forget again.”

   “That is not funny Dev,” Sarah said as she rolled her eyes.

   He handed her the pill and water with a smile. “Yes it was and so are you.” He kissed her head.

 

 

   Brook took a seat across from Grams in a chair. She sipped her wine and then downed the rest in her glass. Grams chuckled at her.

   “What seems to be troubling you Brook?”

   “I am fine really,” Brook said with a smile.

   Grams smiled back. “So you have said but your face tells a different story my child.” She leaned forward and continued, “It has been my experience that when a boy is unkind to a girl it is for no other reason than he likes her. And from the way he stares at you my love…I would say very much so at that.”

   Brook looked away from her. “We are merely friends Grams and neither of us care to be anything more.” Brook wished Grams words did not bother her as much as they did. She had no idea what he felt for her. He kissed her and both of them acted like it had never happened. If she was to be truly honest with herself, she wished that kiss had lasted longer. Even worse, she wished he would kiss her again.

   Brook stood up and poured another glass of wine from the bar. Sarah came back into the room. Brook was relieved hearing Grams quickly engage in conversation with Sarah.

  

 

   Quentin handed Landon back the gun. “I have no need for this Landon.”

   “I’m aware you are not fond of guns but it may come to the point where it is necessary to use one. Just hold onto it. No one is saying you should use it,” Landon said.

   Quentin smirked at Landon. “Then I have no need to carry one to begin with my friend.” He slid the gun across the map to Landon. “A simple stick can be just as deadly as a gun…and much quieter.”

   Landon laughed. “This is true Quent. I believe you could make a weapon out of a mushroom.”

   Quentin patted Landon’s back. “Only if it were poisonous.”

   Devon entered the room and walked over to his desk. He pulled out a book and jotted down something in it and put it away quickly. “I was thinking we should pare up into three groups when we go to Quent’s estate. That way if we are followed it may be easier to lose them.”

   Quentin shook his head. “It has been my experience that there is safety in numbers Devon.”

   “I agree,” Landon said. “If we split up there is a danger of only one of the carriages being pursued. Our strength is in our numbers. We must stay together Devon.”

   “I would have to agree as well Sir,” Richards said.

   Devon turned away and walked to the fire place resting his palms on the ledge. After a moment he said, “I want to make it clear to everyone in this room that if I get the chance to kill McMay I will.”

   Landon walked over to Devon and placed his hand on Devon’s shoulder and said, “Do not think for a moment that I will not do the same Devon. We…you nearly lost Sarah at the hands of that man and his assistant.”

   Devon gazed at Landon and the look in his eyes was unsettling to him. He saw pain. A deep pain coming from somewhere in his friend and in that moment he understood that he did not know of the love Devon carried for Sarah. He did respect it though and for that reason alone he would do whatever needed to be done for him.

  

 

   Still standing at the bar top with her back to the women Brook was now on her fourth glass of wine. She had decided she was not going to turn around until it was requested of her to do so. She quietly slid on top of a bar stool.

   Brook closed her eyes tight and drank another full glass without hesitation. An image of Landon’s smile flashed in her mind. The low devilish sound of his words of promised wickedness rang in her head. So vivid and real she shuttered from the sound. Brook squeezed her eyes shut tighter. “Get out of my head,” she mumbled.

   “Who?”

   “You. Now go away already,” Brook answered softly out loud.

   “What is it exactly am I doing in there and I want details Red,” Landon said in a low hushed tone in her ear.

   Brook’s eyes flew open. Oh dear god. Panic began to wash over her.

   Quentin walked over to Landon. “I was wondering where you had run off to. I thought I might find you here.” He glanced over at Brook.

   Landon did not move his gaze from Brook and she remained staring straight forward at the shelves full of bottles lining the wall behind the bar. “Quent I seem to be here there and everywhere at the moment. Would you not agree Brook?”

   “Quentin my boy. Come tell us of your estate. It has been years since my last visit,” Grams asked.

   Quentin walked away leaving Brook and Landon to their acquired moment.

   She took the bottle of wine and emptied the remainder of it into her glass and drank half of it.

   “Thirsty are we Red? Perhaps I shall join you and you can fill me in on what I’m doing inside your pretty little Irish head.” Landon poured himself a splash of scotch. He lifted the glass over to Brook’s and clanged them together.

   She refused to make eye contact with him. Could someone die of embarrassment? She wanted to slither away in a corner and disappear. The room was growing warm and she needed fresh air. Brook picked up her glass of wine. She slid herself off the bar stool but when her feet hit the floor her legs felt like wet noodles. Her body spun around and landed in the arms of Landon.

   He could see she was flush. Brook grabbed his shoulders and her glass went tumbling to the floor.

   “Are you alright?” he asked. His hands were around her waist holding her with a tight grip.

   Brook shook her head as she gazed up into his deep green eyes. She found herself leaning in a little closer to him. The warmth of his breath drew her closer and then closer.

   Landon closed the gap between their lips and kissed her. He did it without thinking. The way she was looking at him captivated his every thought. It was his only thought. Her lips were so close.

   Brook felt the room begin to spin. She squeezed Landon’s shoulders harder. The kiss was brief as Brook pulled away from him. “I don’t feel very well Landon.

  He opened his eyes and she looked of a greenish color. “Brook are you going to be-

   Brook shook her head yes and Landon grabbed the ice bucket and dumped it on the floor with force. As soon as he handed it to Brook she used it right there.

   The loud noise from Brook’s activity caused everyone in the room to turn.

   Brook knelt to the floor and Landon stood by next to her. “Do we have another bucket? This one seems to be filling up quickly,” he asked. He bent down and took up Brook’s hair for her.

   Grams sent Sarah for some water and a few rags. “Oh the poor dear. It sounds painful. Do you think her to be sick with a bug?”

   “I think she was enjoying her wine tonight is all,” Quentin said.

   “Perhaps all of you would like to regather in a different location for the evening,” Landon said over Brook’s vocal activity.

   Grams stood up. “Yes I would agree that is best. If you need us we will not be far my boy.”

   As the group was leaving Richards entered the room with a few supplies and placed them next to Landon. “When you are able to move her Sir I will have a room ready for her in the east wing of the house. It will be the chamber at the end of the hall on the second floor. No one is in that wing so she may have her privacy. Shall I call for a maid Sir?”

   “Yes that will be good Richards,” Landon said.

   “I will have two waiting in her chamber Sir,” Richards said.

   After another minute Brook lifted her head out of the bucket. Landon gently wiped her face with the cool water. She had no color in her face at all.

   “I’m so sorry,” she whispered to him.

   “Do not think anything of it. I myself have had many nights like this very one,” he said.

   Brook closed her eyes and fell backward to the floor. Landon picked her up and carried her to the chamber on the second floor at the end of the hall. He laid her on the bed and the two maids began to remove her shoes.

   “I will be outside the door when you are finished,” Landon said.

   One of them said, “It will be a bit Sir. We have to clean her up.”

   Landon gave the woman a quick nod and shut the door behind him as he left.

   He strolled up and down the long hallway. It was dim with only a single candle on the table next to Brook’s room.

   Landon started to replay the moment in his mind before Brook had kissed him. The way she had gazed into his eyes was no way any other woman had before. He wanted to somehow feel the way she was looking at him. But what was it exactly? Desire to be kissed? A feeling of fascination? No it was something else entirely. He did not understand it; he only knew he had felt it.

   Perhaps it was the wine? She did have a lot. Although she was not laughing as most women do when they were in their drink.  She was staring. She was waiting. She was speaking to me with her eyes. Those gray blue beautiful eyes. She didn’t blink. She had parted her lips slightly as she had leaned in closer.

   “Sir,” the maid said.

   The sudden sound of her voice startled Landon and he whipped around. He walked to the doorway of her room.

   “Will you need us further tonight Sir?”

   Landon said to them both. “No I will handle it from here.” He entered the room and shut the door behind him. She was laid out in the bed with the covers up to her neck.

 © copyright 2012

 

Chapter 1   Chapter 2   Chapter 3


Chapters 4 and 5


Chapter 6   Chapter 7  


Chapters 8 and 9


Chapter 10

Romantica Short Story ~ One Night of Passion ~ chapter 7

Chapter 7

Kate was mortified. She knew who it was without even looking. It was the man who's words she had hung on for the last two years. How could I have let this happen? What am I doing?


"I-I am terribly sorry," he struggled and abruptly turned about. "Had I known I would have never approached."


Bellford rose to his feet and held his hand out to Kate. She stood on her own and turned from both of them. Occupying herself in an attempt to hide her whelming tears she brushed out the mangled dress draping her body. The murmurs of the two men at her back were trailing off. Kate closed her eyes tight with dread. So many things ran through her mind right now. Questions of what she was doing with a man she barely knew ran rampid. The embarrassment of what was witnessed by a man she called a close friend.


Their voices vanished from behind her giving her the courage to turn around. Kate quickly gathered her possessions by the large tree next to her. She gazed down at the blanket where she was just laying in a strangers arm. She imagined it was still warm with a passionate fire that was minutes ago all she wanted.


Kate bit up the corner of her lip for a brief moment then slowly stood straight. As she did her gaze locked with his.


Her wide glassy eyes told him everything. "Are you alright?" Bellford asked softly. A long silence filled the space between them. Nervously his fingertips ever so slightly brushed back and forth against his palms catching Kate's attention. He watched her eyebrows pinch and she studied his hands. He immediately stopped.

The questioning look she gave him caused him to turn from her and begin to pick up the blanket. He could feel her gaze on his back burning into him. Finally he said, "I thought we had the property to ourselves. He has given his word for silence. I have known him my whole life so I can feel secure in the fact he will honor it."

The sound of rain drops made a loud ticking sound on the canopy above his head. The unexpected pouring from the heavens was not welcomed in Bellord's mind. "It would appear we may have to wait out the rain here. I have always loved this big old tree." He gazed up at it from it's base. Idol small talk is not going to bring her any comfort right now. She must be upset because she has not uttered a word yet. I knew how difficult this was going to become from the beginning with her. Bellford's mind drew silent. His heart was pounding with fear and confusion of his truth and what he was going to have to tell her. Damn it! I need to tell her. She deserves to know the truth about me.

Bellford turned to her a he said, "Kate I want to tel-"

She was gone. Letting the basket fall to the ground he took off running down the path. Stomping through puddles that quickly filled back in after his boot exited them he imagined she would be not that far ahead. The earth under his feet was growing soft and slick with every passing second.

Through the haze of rain he saw her up ahead. "Kate!" She did not stop and turn to him. "Kate! Wait!" His voice bellowed in the mist out to find her.

Kate felt hands close in around her upper arms seizing her from moving. Their bodies emerged as one. Bellford did not release his grip from her. He held her back against his chest in the pouring rain on a muddy path among the wild flowers around them. A soft panting escaped past her lips and it caught his breath.

He watched the rain cascade from her sodden hair to her neck. His lips touched her moist chilled skin gently. Against her whispered, "Katie please."

Tears hidden by rain drops fell from her eyes. The warmth of his lips kissing her name to her skin felt so right to her. Torn by the love of her past and the man who held her in the present left her numb. How could she feel so much for a man she had just met? A man who reminded her so very much of the love she had lost.

"Don't run from me, from us Katie."

She turned out of his arms and gazed up to him. "You remind me of him Bellford, but you are not him. I can't let him go. I thought I was ready to. I do not think I will ever be able to." Kate took a few steps back. The look in his eyes was saddening. She could see she hurt him. "I'm sorry," she whispered to him through the roar of rain.

He watched her disappear down the path towards the house. Stunned by her words he stood there letting them repeat them selves in his head.

Kate opened the carriage door and took a seat. The man waiting for her in there was quiet avoiding any eye contact with her. He handed her his coat.

She reached out and took it from him slowly. He felt her hands trembling as they touched. He looked to her and saw a deep despair in her eyes. "Kate, you have every right to move forward."

Kate's lips started to quiver and she felt the tears stream down her face. He moved off the seat from where he was and sat next to her. He pulled her to him.

She let her head rest into his chest and she let out every emotion she kept guarded to herself.

"Jagger, I can't let him go. I don't want to. I miss him every moment of every day I breath," Kate cried the words into his chest.

© copyright 2012

by Pages of Romance Publishing

Chapter 1  Chapter 2   Chapter 3   Chapter 4   Chapter 5   Chapter 6

Chapter 8   Chapter 9   Chapter 10  Chapter 11



Final Chapter

Join In and Also Start Reading

A Forbidden Love

FREE Romance Novel For A Review on Amazon...Interested?

Interested in receiving a FREE Romance Novel?

I am offering a full length copy of

Surrendering from Whispers of Desire Saga

filled with romance, lust, desire, and

a passion so strong it will render you breathless.

I will exchange a free copy for an honest review on Amazon Kindle Story for this blog.

Please email me @

pagesofromance@gmail.com



Romantica Short Story ~ One Night of Passion ~ chapter 6

Chapter 6

Bellford helped Kate down from the carriage. She turned to see a grand stone stair case leading up to a castle. "My goodness Bellford, this is your home?"

He chuckled. "No, it is a close friend of mine. He has graciously allowed he to stay her until I secure more solid residence once I figure everything out."


A warm sensation engulfed her hand. His touch was gentle as he held hers. It caught her breath momentarily. She has not felt a man's touch in this way in two years and she fought the feelings to hide it from him.

Bellford gazes back at Kate following behind him linked with his hand. He chuckled silently to himself. Katie, you are biting up the corner of your lip again. "It is right up ahead," he announced to her.

"What is Bellford?"

He stepped aside to show her and felt Kate give his hand a sight squeeze. "You approve?"

"I'm speechless Bellford. The colors are magnificent." She took in a deep breath. "So fragrant. I can imagine it must be what haven smells like." Kate looked up to him. "How did you know I love gardens?"

"Your spirit says a lot about you Kate," he said softly. "Will you wait here for just a moment?"

"Oh of course," Kate said. His hand released hers and she was suddenly filled with an emptiness. She watched him disappear into the castle. Kate turned her attention out over the stunning gardens. Who is he? Why does he make me feel as if I am the only woman in the world when I am with him? This is moving too fast for me. God, the way he says my name is seductive. He causes me to forget my thoughts.

"Oh good you are still here," Bellford said as he approached her.

Kate gazed at him coming towards her. How am I to stop myself with him? He causes so much desire buried deep within me to surface. Since the moment I met him I've lusted desperately to kiss him, explore him, tease him, seduce him, and now at this very moment...to love him.

"Kate?" Bellford leaned in closer to her. She was still gazing out over the lush gardens. "Kate," he whispered.

She turned abruptly to him. "Yes," she whispered back. His hand found her cheek and Kate closed her eyes. She felt his lips find her other cheek and he ever so softly told her "Time is ours today and only ours. Follow me Katie. His words where so gentle and rhythmic ever one surged through her as slow as they came out of him, leaving her dizzy. He took her hand in his and lead Kate down a path over grown with flourishing greens.

Neither of them spoke the duration of the walk. She noted his steps were paced so she would not struggle to keep up with him. This gave her a smile. He is thoughtful and considerate. His eyes are honest. Why should I not begin a new life with consideration with him in mind. Although I should at least find out if I like his kiss first. Oh what am I saying? I can not kiss him yet. I do not even know him. I feel as if I've known him my entire life. I could not possible kiss him. Ok, if he kisses me I will allow it but I will not encourage it nor kiss him first. Just one kiss or two maybe. Kate gazed at his back and observed his structure. You are so tall and strong. I want to feel his arms around me. I really want to kiss you Bellford.

"What?" Bellford asked as he stopped and turned around. Kate slammed right into him and fell in his arms. He dropped the basket he had grabbed from the castle and caught her.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"Mmm," Kate replied while gazing up into his eyes.

Bellford smiled widely at her. "We are here." She did not remove her eyes from his. Bellford's smile softened to a more serious expression. "Your eyes are searching for something Kate when you gaze at me. What are they looking for?" She didn't move. She didn't answer. He placed his thumb over her bottom lip gently stroking her. "Beautiful," he said. Looking back to her eyes her cleared his throat. "I have brought food and wine with me."

Kate stood up straight rather quickly and took a few steps back. Pushing down the material of her dress seemed like a good task for her hands to hide their obvious tremble. She was not sure yet if it was from his words he so seductively spoke to her or the way she felt in his arms or the fact he was so close and did not kiss her.

Bellford patted a spot next to him on the blanket he had spread out. Kate elegantly took the place next to him. Bellford Chuckled at her. "Suddenly so lady like Kate when just moments ago you had stumbled over your own feet and into my arms."


Kate stopped her lips from curling up as she knew he desired them to do. "I believe it was you who stopped abruptly in my path, thus, causing my stumbling into you Mr. Bellford."


His laugh was deep at her glance she threw to him. "I had only turned to ask what you had said Kate." He raised an eye brow to her.


She let a smile slip as she gave him no attention. Bellford opened the wine and Kate held the glasses for him. "Are you hungry?" she asked.


"I am always hungry." He reached over past Kate brushing her arm as he did into the basket. "I did not pack this. One of the maids did so I am not sure what is in here. He pulled out a cloth pouch of big red strawberries. "Fruit is always good."

Kate reached in and pulled out a ceramic bowl wrapped up tight. "I wonder what this is?" she said. Kate removed the wrapping and saw a glop of brownish red pudding. Her mouth made an awful expression which cause Bellford to look. Kate brought her hand up to her nose attempting to block the stench.


Bellford chuckled, "Liver pudding I think."


Kate shook her head in wonder. "I am not eating this."


He reached in and took out a jar of honey. "Well I'm curious to what this will go with."

"Not the pudding!" Kate stated with a giggle. Kate pulled out a plate and took off the cover. "Oh!" she dropped the plate and jumped over. "Dear God Bellford what is that thing?"

He poked it with his finger. "Honestly I do not have a clue. I see veins though."

Kate's face bunched up. "Why is it I who are pulling all of the uneatable food out of the basket and who packs these items for a pic nik?"

Bellford took another item from the basket. "These are my favorite. I have a wicked sweet tooth for cake."

"I do also," Kate said. She reached in and pulled out a jar. Her eye brows pinched together.

Bellfore grabbed them from her hand. Kate looked at him with surprise. He place them over with the other items Kate pulled out of the basket.

"What on earth did you do that for Bellford?"

"I did not want you dropping them and breaking the jar open once you realized what you were looking at," He said with his hand reaching into the basket again.

"Well, what are they?" Kate asked.

"Cow's eyeballs," he stated calmly.

"Do you have a witch working for you?" Kate asked with disbelief.

Bellford chuckled. "I told you I am just a guest here." His hand emerged from the basket with a hand full of grapes. he gazed over to Kate with a smirk. "Grapes."

Kate shoved her hand into the basket once more. "I will get something worth eating from here." She removed a small dish wrapped in cloth. "Why is this thing oily?"

"Perhaps I should open it Kate." He reached his hand out for it and she pushed it away.

Slowly uncovering the dish she peak in. "Ah see not so bad."

Bellford leaned forward to see. "What is it?"

"Eggs and they do not smell nor look dead."

He chuckled in her ear as he leaned closer. "Are you going to try one?" he asked.

"Yes I think I shall." As she held one up he say the other side she had not seen.

"Kate no don't" He snatched it from her hand. "It is balut and up do not want it. Trust me."

"And why not?" She took it back from him.

"Because," he reached out and laid his hand to hers," It is a half developed duck."

She dropped it in his hand. "No more pic niks with you Bellford."

He reached behind his back and picked up a strawberry. He placed it close to Kate's mouth. "What if I were to just feed you these on our next outing?" He watched Kate smile and then slowly opened her mouth for him. He placed the tip of the strawberry in her mouth and Kate closed her lips around it. She gazed into his eyes and then very slowly bit down. She saw Bellford's mouth open slightly and she shook her head no.

Kate pulled away slightly and said, "Never." He offered the rest of the strawberry to her. Kate again took it into her mouth and as she bit down the juice trailed down her chin. Bellford leaned in and licked it from her neck and ran his tongue up stopping at her chin.

"Mmm. I'm not sure if it's you or the strawberries but I have never tasted such a sweet lushes fruit before." He heard her let out a small mumble of something he could not make out. Reaching behind him he grabbed another one and bit into it. His lips were nearly touching hers. He placed the bitten strawberry to her wet lips. "It is definitely you Katie." She bit into it again in such a way it forced the juices to flow down over her chin past her neck and onto her chest.

Bellford reached up and traced the stream from her lips down to her chest and back up again. He rubbed it over her lips with his thumb. Kate opened for him and took his thumb in sucking rather softly on it. Bellford moaned as he watched her and felt her tongue play with him.

He slipped his thumb out and slid his tongue in and Kate welcomed him passionately. Her hands ran up his chest and around his neck. Bellford turned her under him laying her down. Neither of them broke the kiss.

She drew her knees up further round his hips pulling him closer as she did. He moaned into her mouth. Kate ran her finger threw his thick long dark hair. It was fierce with passion and a longing she had only once felt before.

Bellford broke their kiss moving his eager tongue down Kate's neck. His hand found her buttons on the front for her dress and could not get them undone fast enough. Finally Kate felt a cool breeze skim across her chest.

He gazed down to her bare skin beneath him and paused. The sight of her naked breasts caused his cock to throb harder then it already had been. Placing his mouth over her nipple her took her in with a fierce longing he would not hold back from. Kate's grip on his hair tightened as she gasped with pleasure.

"Be...Bellford," she moaned. She opened her eyes and watched him move from one breast to the other. He pushed them together flicking his tongue between them. Her body began to thrust up towards him with a rhythmic desire as he pushed back on her. She wanted his hard long cock to push it's way deep up inside her.

Bellford moved his body off to the side of Kate. Reaching down he pulled up her dress and tugged away the material from her body.

Kate said in a breathless frenzy, "Hurry." She felt the warm of his hand on her between her legs.

"Kate you are so wet," he said. His lips found hers once again and he kissed her so deeply that his hand paused where it lay.

"Bellford?" They heard a man's voice say.

Bellford quickly removed his hand hidden from the man and turned around the best he could as Kate covered her breasts. She began feverishly buttoning up her dress.

The man caught sight of her. "Kate?" he said a little louder.

© copyright 2012

by Pages of Romance Publishing

Chapter 1   Chapter 2   Chapter 3   Chapter 4 Chapter 5 

Chapter 7    Chapter 8   Chapter 9   Chapter 10   Chapter 11


Final Chapter

Free Online Short Stories Every Monday

He Has Captivated Her In So many Ways.

The Soft Deep Sound Of His Voice Resonates Within Her. This Strangers Gaze Burns Her Cheeks Warm With Desire. His Strong Gentle Touch Forces Her Body To Ignite Leaving Her To Tremble Long After He's Left.

Join The Growing Number of Romance Lovers Who Can't Get Enough of Romantica Short Stories! Every Monday Read A New Chapter From "One Night of Passion", found here at Pages of Romance.



Also Read "A Forbidden Love" found at Pages of Romantica.

This is one of my favorite stories I've written so far. Long lost love, danger, kidnapping, heated desire, creepy castle, hateful evil villains, and two lovers who find themselves in love once more.

Romantica Short Story ~ One Night of Passion ~ chapter 5

Chapter 5

Kate did not sleep much that night. She ran through in her mind about the charming mysterious Mr. Bellford. He reminds her so much of the man she had loved her whole life. The man she was now forced to let go and forget. She tossed and turned in her bed. The covers were now twisted and tangled around her legs.

It's not far. Bellford should not be the one calling for me tomorrow. She closed her eyes and saw his smile peak out from under his over grown beard. Mr. Bellford.

Kate threw back her covers and got out of bed. Shuffling her way over to the double french doors she pushed them open, letting the cool breeze in around her. The balcony over looked the gardens below. Dew covered vegetation bounced the moon light off it's delicate parts. A big brilliant moon flooded over the earth with a cool pale silver light. A twinkle now and then added to the magical feeling of the night.

Is this right? Could this be what I was meant for? Mr. Bellford seems to good to be true. Kate's mind stilled momentarily. What if I fall in love with him and he is taken from me like... She silenced herself from speaking his name. The pain it caused from just thinking it was too much right now. Kate gazed up to the stars and whispered, "I would have waited a life time for you. Please believe me. I have to move on now. I wish so very much it was all different, that it was all what I had always dreamed it to be. But, it isn't and never will be." A large tear dropped from her eye missing her cheek on it's way down, landing on her hand. I want this to be the last time I cry for you. From this point forward I want to think of you, us, and it bring about a smile to my face and fill my heart with happiness.

Kate left and walked back threw the french doors. Turning to close them, she decided at that moment when the doors shut it would be the end of her mourning for him. Tomorrow will be a new beginning. The doors clicked shut and she rested her forehead on the frame. "Ok, this is going to be hard. I can do this. I have to do this."

Within a few hours the sun was beginning to rise. Kate had finally fell asleep and was woken by the birds outside her window. "No. Go away birds. It's not time yet. Let me sleep just five more minutes." Five minutes turned into three hours. Her eyes flew open and she looked at the clock. "Oh no!" She jumped up. It was now nine a.m. Mr. Bellford is set to arrive at ten.

Kate saw her close laid out and a bath already for her. How on earth could Nelly have known I was to got out this morning? Standing there baffled she heard Nelly in the hall. Kate rushed to the door.

"Nelly?"

"Yes my dear?" Nelly turned toward Kate in the hall. "You are still not bathed?" She shook her head at Kate and shooed her hands at her to go back into the room. "On with ya little lady. You will surely be late now."

Kate stopped once in the room and asked, "How did you know I had an appointment this morning Nelly?"

Nelly fussed with the bedding and answered with out looking at her, "Well the note of course my dear. Now get in the tub before it goes-"

"What note?"

"The one sent to my room yesterday evening. What do mean what note child?" Nelly looked at her with confusion.

"I did not send you a note Nelly."

"Well someone did my love. Now get in the tub. It is a quarter past. Time is a wasting." Nelly turned Kate around and removed her nightgown. "I will return in fifteen minutes to dress ya child."

Nelly closed the door and Kate sat down in the tub. Maybe it was Sues who sent it to her. Yes it would have to be. Kate washed her hair quickly and before she could finish with the rest of her Nelly came bursting in.

"Alright my dear up and out with ya. I lost track of the time and it is nearly quarter to ten."

Kate rushed into her close and Nelly fashioned a lose bun on top of her head. "My child you are stunning. I do not know of another woman in all of London that can look as you do with only fifteen minutes to dress." Nelly kissed the top of her head and softly said into her hair, "You look like your mum my love."

She loved it when Nelly told her this. Nelly had loved her mother as much as she did. Kate smiled. "Thank you Nelly."

"Yes, well, alright off with ya now. Go enjoy your day." Kate placed a sweet kiss on her chubby cheek and left the room.

Descending down the grand staircase, Kate saw Mr. Bellford standing with her brother Gary. She paused until she heard Gary laughing with him.

"Good morning," She said cheerfully.

Gary looked at her and smiled. Kate saw the bottle of expensive brandy in his hands. Her gaze flew to Mr. Bellford. He winked at her discreetly which made her smile too much.

"I have not seen you smile like that in a long time Kate," Gary said.

"Yes well it is a beautiful morning," Kate replied. After a moment she stepped forward. "We should be on our way now. Have a wonderful day Gary."

Gary nodded and left to his study.

Bellford escorted her to the carriage. He held out his hand for Kate. She gazed up at him and slid her hand into his which caught her breath unexpectedly. The carriage pulled away from her home and she suddenly felt nervous.

"Kate?"

She glance to him.

"Why are you nervous?" He asked her softly.

"I am not nervous Mr. Bellford,." Her statement was followed by a nervous laugh.

"You are and I know you are because you bit up the corner of your lip." Kate stared at him. "And that laugh was a nervous laugh too."

Kate finally blinked. "Perhaps I am slightly nervous Mr. Bellford."

"Kate. Please stop calling me Mr. Bellford. You can call me just Bellford."

She burst out laughing. "Not much of a difference. Ok then Bellford. So may I ask where you are taking me?"

He flashed her a devilish smile. "You may but that does not mean I will answer." He watched her head fall back as her laughter deepened. "It is a special place that I thought you might enjoy."

Kate composed herself and gaze to him. "What is different about you today?" She studied him a few seconds longer. "It is you beard." She motioned with her hands to her own face. "You have groomed it."

"I did. As beautiful as you are Kate I was embarrassed to stand next to you yesterday looking as I did," He said.

Her cheeks warmed the instant he said it. "I thought you to be handsome either way Bellford." I can not believe I just said that to him. Why am I being so bold?

He smiled at her. "You did. Well I wish I would have known that this morning. I would have left it." He chuckled as he saw Kate's mouth open slightly. "Katie I'm just teasing." She smiled at that.

The rest of the ride was comfortable and their conversation went smooth, easy, too easy for them. Kate noted out loud to him it felt like they were old friends reunited. Kate of course blushed again when Bellford replied he could have never seen her just as a friend.

Kate gazed out the carriage window as it pulled up to a large building. "Where are we Bellford?"

© copyright 2012

To Be Continued Every Monday


by Pages of Romance Publishing

Chapter 1      Chapter 2     Chapter 3     Chapter 4    Chapter 6

Chapter 7  Chapter 8   Chapter 9   Chapter 10   Chapter 11


Final Chapter

Chapter 9 Coming Next Monday Morning Subscribe Now!