His Whispers of Desire

His deep sultry voice whispers, "You are a desire I can't run from Hanna."

He reaches his hand up and gently burshes a lock of her hair from her cheek. As his finger trails across her he leaves her skin burning with a deep wanting for him. Leaning in closer with his body craddling her from behind he sofly says, "Nor will I try to run from."

She suddenly felt alive. The sound of his voice sends sensations to places inside her she has not yet felt and her body quivers against him.

He touches her arm waiting for her responce. She draws in a quick breath and holds it. "Hanna," he whispers. Her eyes close as she feels the tips of his fingers glidding down her arm. He gazes down and watches his hand engulf her's. Slowly and gently as if in a suppended state he locks his fingers with her. She trembles in his hand and alondside his body. He knows she has never been touched in this way before. It excites him to think he is the first and he knows in his heart, he will be the last.

Hanna feels her head fall back and rest where his neck meets his strong shoulder. His other hand finds her waist and she lets out a quiet soft whimper of suprise. He draws her closer to him.

"Quinten," She Cries Out In A Moment of Pleasure. It Is A Torturous Fantasy That Plays With Her Nightly Ever Since That Night He Whispered Those Things To Her.

3rd Novel coming this fall

Free Online Short Passionate Stories of Love

 

 

Short Erotica Stories 

 

 

 

 

Slip back to a time

 

when all

 

regency romantic

 

passion

 

was alive

 

with feverish desire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erotic Pages of Romance

 

 

 

 

 

New Pages of Romance Novels Coming In Spring 2012

Click on any of the titles to preview

~ The Temptation Of A Kiss (Whispers of Desire Series)


~ Whispers In The Night (Whispers of Desire Series)


~ Untouched

Romantica Short Story ~ One Night of Passion ~ chapter 3

Chapter 3

Kate raised both fists in the air ready to strike at what she could hit on him. Gary grabbed her by the wrists and held them tight.

"You are a foolish woman Kate. He is not coming back for you," Gary said.

"Let go of me Gary," Kate snapped at him.

"You will marry Beckum and you will be agreeable on the matter," he said.

"Release me now Gary or I'll scream," Kate said.

Gary tightened his grip on Kate. "He never loved you Kate and you were stupid for giving yourself to him. Everyone knows you are ruined. Who else will take a used woman like you? No one that's who. We are lucky Beckum has waited this long for you."

Kate let out a loud scream of frustration that filled the room. "He did love me! And you are right; he is not coming back for me because he is dead!" With all Kate's might she pushed out of her brother's grasp. "It does not change anything Gary. I hate Beckum." Not waiting for his response, Kate turned and went up to the third floor to her bed chamber. By the time she made it to the door she was crying.

She threw her body to the bed face first and sobbed until she fell asleep. Kate dreamt of him on the ship. Men were shouting and jumping over board. It was night with no moon to give any light. It scared her. She awoke screaming for him just before dawn broke.

Later that morning Kate hid away from her brother and the rest of the house in her drawing room in the back. She gazed out the window over the garden. With fall rushing in faster than normal the garden was wilting more every day.

She could not get her mind away from her dream last night. The thought of him drowning or worse at sea was killing her. The memory of the last time she saw him was all she had now. The passionate way he had kissed her caused Kate's body to shiver. When she closed her eyes she was able to still feel his hands on her body. The way he held her tight kissing her neck as his finger slid inside her. The words that he whispered to her as he did it. She remembered how needy it had caused her to get, asking him for more, more of him. "Why did you have to leave me?" she mumbled.

The door burst open and Kate's cousin Susana stood in the doorway with her hands over her chest. Kate immediately spun around from the commotion her cousin caused.

"My dear dear Kate. I heard of the dreadful news." Susana walked with a brisk step to her side at the window seat. "Do you know he was to be the earl of White Wood? Could you imagine him an earl? Such a pity that he is gone."

Kate rolled her eyes. "I'm not up for company Sues. And yes, not even yours." She let her head rest against the chilled pane glass of the window.

Susana looked her up and down. "You look simple horrid Kate. I insist we get out for a stroll in the park." Susana stood. "Come on Kate I insist."

Kate did not move. "I need to be alone right now Sues. Please leave me be I beg you."

Susana grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to her feet. She gave her a closer inspection and winced at her appearance. Placing her bonnet on Kate's head she stated, "This will have to do. As for your puffy eyes," Susana wrinkled her nose at Kate, "Just squint if you see anyone we know."

"Sues you know the entire ton," Kate said.

"Yes, well, we can walk on the east side where not a lot of people go. Alright then let us put on your coat." Susana snapped her finger at the maid outside the door. The young girl rushed in and handed it to her and then bowed quickly. Susana obviously frightened her and just waved her away.

Kate took in a deep breath of the fresh air. It did feel good to get outside and stand in the cool autumn breeze.

Once in the park Susana did not waste any time with small talk. It just wasn't her style.

"You are going to give Beckum real consideration aren't you Kate?"

"I have no intentions on spending the rest of my life with a man I do not love nor can stand to be in the same room with Sues," Kate said without looking at her turning her attention to what was left of the summer flowers that lined the pathway.

"Lots of people marry with no love at first. Besides he is not that bad Kate. I've spoken with him on occasion and he-"

Kate stopped and looked at her. "For God's sake Sues, the man knocked me down yesterday, insulted me as I sat at his feet, and then proceeded to step over me as if I was no more than horse droppings!"

Susana said, "Yes well, I believe he must not have recognized you otherwise he would have assisted you in getting up, but that is besides my point."

"That is exactly the point Susana. He is an arrogant pig who speaks of nothing but himself," Kate said.

Susana let out a long dramatic sigh. "I believe it to be in your best interest to think about it Kate."

"You mean my brother's interest Sues," Kate replied sharply.

"Yes and you know why Kate? Because what effects him also effects you and your future. If he is penniless then so are you." Susana sighed again.

After a moment Kate asked her, "How much was he paid for me?"

"I do not see how that matters Kate," Susana said.

"It does to me Sues. What is my happiness worth to him?"

Susana stopped and sat down on a park bench. "Fifty thousand pounds."

"What!" Kate shouted.

Susana took her arm and pulled her down on the bench next to her. "There is no need to make a scene Kate." She glanced around her quickly.

"Has Beckum asked for it back?" Kate asked.

Susana fiddled with her gloves make certain the fingers were just right. "Yes and Gary no longer has all of it. He paid off a few debits I believe and the rest I am not sure of."

Kate sat back and said, "I know where it went and so do you Sues. His Madam Sasha received a big portion of it I bet."

"Kate you do not know that to be true and do not start accusing blindly. Our family's name has been dragged through the mud enough the last couple years."

Kate knew she was referring to the night her brother and half the ton caught her naked in the conservatory. Kate blushed slightly.

Susana gazed at her briefly. "It was obviously worth it from the way you are turning pink Kate." She turned to her and said with a straight face. "Now that you know he is not coming back for you I think you owe it to us, your family, to consider Beckum, otherwise we will lose everything Kate."

Kate pinched her eyebrows together. "Your country estate too Sues?"

"Yes almost everything Kate. Please promise me you will think about it," Susana said.

Kate looked away and then shook her head yes.

Susana hugged her. "I will inform your brother." She patted Kate's leg and said with a cheerful tone, "I am in the mood for some sweets."

Kate felt sick like she had just been kicked in the stomach by a donkey. She knew Gary had put Susana up to this, although, she is just as snobby as Gary so she was sure it took Susana little persuading to do so.

"I would much rather walk a bit longer if you do not mind Sues," Kate said.

"Well, I cannot very well leave you alone out here," Susana replied with a wave of her hand through the air.

Kate started to walk towards the shops on the other side of the park. Susana caught up to her. "Will you please slow down Kate? Ladies are not suppose to walk this fast," Susana stated.

"Well Sues according to my brother no one views me as a lady anymore as of two years ago," Kate said.

"I'm sure he was merely upset when he said it," Susana replied growing short of breath.

"Yes and I could give two pigs and a chicken what all of the ton thinks of me," Kate said. Her anger was beginning to show now.

"Will you please? Slow down Kate," Susana said. "Stop...please!"

Kate halted and Susana slammed into her side. Susana took in a long deep breath. "Now then." She said in a stern mothering tone. She continued as she brushed down the fabric of her attire. "If you insist on carrying on this way you may walk by yourself Kate. I will not be seen galloping through the park like a pony. I am a lady and I would like very much to be viewed as such." With that being said, Susana walked past Kate with her nose held high.

Kate rolled her eyes at her cousin's snobbery and followed slowly behind her. Susana was exactly like Gary and it mad Kate crazy. She was seven years younger than both of them and they always made it a point to remind her of that fact often. Both Gary and Susana were welcomed babies and Kate was an accident that had caused her Mother's death at birth. The doctor had said she was too old to bare children at forty six. Another thing Gary also held over Kate's head.

Susana greeted some friends outside the bakery and Kate took a seat on a bench under a tree within eye sight of Susana. She was far enough away to afford herself peace and quiet and close enough to appease Susana.

A gust of wind blew some of Kate's hair across her cheek. She picked up her bonnet sitting on the bench next to her. Kate was startled as she caught sight of the man's hand on the back of the bench next to her shoulder.

"You are far more stunning without your bonnet Katie." The man's voice was deep and soft and slow. She knew that voice well. She realized she was holding her breath. Kate slowly stood up.

© copyright 2011

 

by Pages of Romance Publishing

Chapter 1       Chapter 2       Chapter 4    Chapter 5   Chapter 6

Chapter 7   Chapter 8   Chapter 9   Chapter 10   Chapter 11


Final Chapter

Chapter 11 Coming Monday Morning Subscribe Now!

Romantica Short Story ~ One Night of Passion ~ chapter 2

Chapter 2

 Kate's eyes fluttered open she gazed up to see Jagger starring out the window of the carriage. His expression told her everything he had not yet spoken to her. He was gone. He was truly never coming back for her. She would never hear his voice again. Never experience again the way his neck smelled as she buried her noise in it. Feel his strong arms wrap around her pulling her close to him.

Tears began to blur her vision and she closed them tight. She felt as though she was choking, suffocating, being buried alive inside a box of her own pain.

Kate pushed her face into the soft red velvet cushion and let out the cries that she held in for two long years. The sudden outburst startled Jagger and he leaped forward to Kate's side.

"Kate, I'm so very sorry."

"I never told him how I truly feel and now I will never be able to Jagger," Kate said.

"Kate look at me," Jagger said. "He was never going to let you marry Beckum. He was coming back for you."

She wrapped her arms around Jagger's neck and thanked him. They spent the next three hours riding through the country talking. Jagger encouraged Kate to look towards the future. Kate had asked if Jagger would attend her party for moral support. She expressed he was the only other one who had cared for him as she does. Jagger accepted the invitation.

Jagger dropped Kate off in front of her London townhouse. After waving her good-byes she stood facing the townhouse. She didn't want to go in and face her brother who would certainly demand answers for where she has been all afternoon. Within moments she found herself walking away down the street.

She was positive she looked simply dreadful, but she didn't care. Her heart was breaking and if she had to at this moment step one foot inside her brother's house, she would lose it. Knowing how happy the news of his death would make her brother was too much to bear.

Kate turned the corner as she was staring off across the street at a happy couple arm in arm and she ran into a tall solid man.

"Oh!" She screamed right before her bottom found the ground.

The tall man stood over her. "Foolish chit! Next time do watch where you are going and not in another direction." He stepped over her and proceeded across the street.

Kate began to giggle out loud when she realized it was Beckum. "Perfect." She said in between her laughter to herself. Then she suddenly stopped. Out of nowhere came the question in her mind. How was she going to get out of bed tomorrow knowing he is gone forever? What was the rest of her life going to be like?

She remained sitting on the corner of Eastwood and Summers Set, just starring down at her lap.

"May I offer you some assistance my Lady?"

Kate gazed up to see a man holding out his hand to her. With the sun now almost disappearing into the horizon for the day, Kate could not get a good look at him. She noted his long untrimmed beard and well fitting clothes, fit for a gentleman.

She slowly raised her hand and slid it in his hand. The man carefully pulled Kate to her feet.

"I was in fear you were seriously injured. On my way into the cigar shop I saw you bump into a man and I assumed he was going to aid you. I was in the shop for quite some time and when I emerge you were still in the same spot I had last saw you in," he said.

Kate glance across the street to the cigar shop and said, "Well thank you for your concern and kindness."

"I shall like to escort you home mam," he offered.

Kate looked around her and then let out a sigh. She thought for a moment on how she would explain this to her brother and then said, "I accept your kind offer Sir..."

"You can call me Bellford," he said.

"I live down a few blocks this way." Kate pointed.

He held out his arm for her and they began walking. The first half a block neither of them spoke.

"I was surprised the man you bumped into did not offer you help. Any reasonable gentlemen would," Bellford said.

Kate shook her head slightly in agreement. "That is to be my future husband if my brother has his way." Kate said then laughed at the thought of it and his actions.

The man remain quiet for a second then said, "You could refuse him. I mean after all he did step over you and left you sitting on brick paves."

Kate stopped and looked at the man. "I don't love him. I don't want him. I despise him." After a moment Kate continued walking. "I'm sorry. I-I am not myself today and should not be in the company of others."

He chuckled softly. "I'm told that about myself often the last few years."

Kate looked to him. "You seem to me to be a pleasant fellow."

"Yes well people are not always who they seem to be at times. I did something dishonorable a few years back and have had to live with the regret of it." He said.

"Is it something you can set right," Kate asked.

"I fear it may be too late." He said.

After a second Kate asked, "May I ask what it was that you did?"

He remained quiet then said, "I ran away from the woman I love, the only woman I have ever loved. I nearly took her innocence and then left. I was scared and foolish in thinking she would always be waiting for me and now," he paused, "And now, she is to marry another man."

Kate squeezed his arm as she stopped him. "Do not give up Bellford. I am nearly certain she awaits you somewhere. If she truly loves you then she waits for you."

Bellford smiled at her. "Perhaps there is hope."

"Kate! Where the devil have you been?" Gary shouted from a few houses down.

"I'm sorry that is my brother," Kate said.

Bellford looked at him then at Kate. "I shall escort you the remainder of the way and introduce myself."

"Oh no that is not-"

"Do not worry Katie, it will be ok," Bellford said.

Kate starred at him. No one called her Katie but-

"Kate, I have sent out men looking for you all over London," Gary shouted at her.

"And here she is safe and sound at your door." Bellford said as he extended out his arm to shake hands with Gary. "I found your Kate on the ground a few blocks down. Apparently, her to be husband knocked her over and then proceeded to step right over her on the street with everyone watching. Quit a charming man was my first impression of him I have to say." Bellford looked to Kate. "Would you not agree Lady Kate?"

Kate tried to stop herself from smiling.

Gray took Kate's arm and said, "Thank you for seeing her home sir."

Bellford bowed to Gary. "It was my pleasure sir." He then winked at Kate as Gary turned to go inside with Kate on his arm.

Gary took Kate to the sitting room off to the left of the entrance. "Good God Kate! Why did you take off all day and then show up with that-that strange looking man?"

Kate sat down on the sofa. "I had many things to do and ran around all day and then I happened upon an old friend and received some news. He is not strange looking Gary."

Gary picked up the poker and jabbed it into the fire sending embers popping into the room. He took his shoe and pushed them back towards the fireplace. Gary turned to Kate and said, "You cannot run about London as you please. I will not allow it!"

Kate pinched her lips together. Then after a moment said, "I am a grown woman Gary and refuse to be treated like a girl in finishing school. You-"

"I, dear sister, am in charge of this house and everything in it, including...you! No more running about London with strange men." Gary shouted.

Kate stood up. "I will not be held up in this house. I will not be used to pay your debit and I am not marring Beckum!"

Gary strode towards the sofa and slapped Kate across the cheek. Kate gasped and cupped her burning skin.

© copyright 2011



by Pages of Romance Publishing

    Chapter 1      Chapter 3     Chapter 4     Chapter 5    Chapter 6

Chapter 7   Chapter 8   Chapter 9   Chapter 10   Chapter 11



Final Chapter

Join In and Also Start Reading

A Forbidden Love

Whispers In The Night ~ 3rd Novel in the series "Whispers of Desire"

Novel 3 in the "Whispers of Desire Series"

Sneak Peak at Chapter 1

Quinten stands in the large picture window thinking of her. His gaze falls down to a book left on the window seat before him. The leather is a pale lavender. Quinten picks it up and opens to the place that has been marked with a pink ribbon.


May 11, 1822

His deep sultry voice whispers to me, "You are a desire I can't run from Hanna."

He reaches his hand up and gently brushes a lock of my hair from my cheek. As his finger trails across me he leaves my skin burning with a deep wanting for him. Leaning in closer with his body cradling me with the strength of him, he softly says, "Nor will I try to run from."

I wanted nothing more then for him to take me. His gaze burns through me and finds the core of my heart and ignites it into an inferno. Am I his desire? How could those big brown eyes do so much to my body in a matter of seconds from across a room? It scares me to think what might happen if our lips were to ever touch.

When I close my eyes I can't help but think about his body pushing up against me. The power of his presence behind me makes my body tremble. He knows it too. I felt it. His breath deepened in my ear and left me in a poised state of waiting. Waiting for his words. Waiting for his touch. Waiting for his kiss. Is this what happens to lovers? All the confusion. The desperate longing. The need to feel something for him...anything. I want to scream stop and at the same time cry out for him to touch more of me.

"Hanna, you have never been kissed before have you?" Was I foolish for shaking my head no. Should I have tried to convince him of a false? Does he care if I have not?

"Quinten I-"

"Sshh," he whispers.

His lips graze my neck so very softly. It causes me to wonder what his warm moist tongue feels like elsewhere on me. He then trails them up to my ear and whispers, "Now you have." A rush from the cool night air fills the space where his body just was. I should have called out to him to come back but I was confused. I have never felt this way before. The smell of him when he draws near paralyzes my words. The very though of catching his eye thrills and terrifies in the same moment. How can I possibly want something so desperately and be frighted by what he may deliver onto me. My mind races to make sense of the moment while my body screams for him to touch all of me. My heart cries for him to embrace me tighter.

The notion of never being able to feel this way for another second in time causes distress within me. He has captivated my soul with his words, his gaze, his touch. How am I to turn away from this? Is it real? Is what I see in him real?

My fantasies of him are growing more intense. The added reality of what I now know has mixed with the desire of the unknown.

"Quinten," I cry out in a moment of pleasure. It is a torturous fantasy that plays with me nightly. Last night I awoke heated and wet. He does the most wicked things to me in my dreams. He whispers sensual desires he carries for me.

I can no longer face him without my cheeks burning. All the sinful fantasies from the night before play in my mind as he gazes at me. I feel so foolish thinking naughty things of him in his presence. I must leave soon. Tomorrow I will spend the day avoiding him and then I will take my leave. There is simply no other way. For if I do not...I will give into this lust I hold for him. I feel, no, I'm scared I will only be left with a broken heart. Desire and lust are not love.

Hanna lay in her bed thinking of what she shall say in the morning as a reason to leave. She suddenly sits up and says, "My journal." Jumping the four feet down to the floor, she takes of swiftly walking towards the stairs. Panic is welling up within her. She knows she had left it on the window seat earlier and curses herself for doing so.

Making it down the two flights of stairs to the main floor, her walk now turns into a run. The room is all the way in the back of the estate where no one ever visits. The halls are dark with only spots of silver moonlight to illuminate her way.

She stops dead in her bare feet on the wood floors as she sees the glow of candle light from the crack under the doorway. "Oh God...no," she managed to pant out. She reaches out and turns the door knob.

Quinten turns towards her with the journal in his hands. She stands before him in her pale pink night gown breathless. Strands of her thick long black hair blow from her face with every exhale. The deep pink color of her cheeks warm her creamy soft skin.

Hanna backs up from the doorway realizing he has read it all. He sees the embarrassment flood her eyes open wider. She turns and begins to run towards the way she came.

"Wait Hanna, wait!" Quinten tosses the book onto a chair and takes off after her. She has a good head start but not good enough. Quinten soon catches up to her and grabs her by the arm spinning her body towards him. "Hanna please stop." He sees the tears glisiling in her beautiful blue eyes.

She pushes against him. "Do not do this Quinten. Let go and let me be."

"I can't!" She pauses in his grasp. "I won't." Quinten lossenes his grip. "Not ever Hanna. Not in this lifetime."

Hanna awoke with tears streaming down her face. A nightmare of a fantasy that had almost been real...was real once upon a time. She lay her head back to the soft comfort of the pillow turning her head towards the window. She gazes up at the stars and whispers, "Where are you Quinten?"

© copyright 2011

Coming To You Spring 2012 

Monday's Escape Into Romance Is..."Surrendering"

Surrendering

Chapter 30

“Was that an oh no you can not believe how fetching I am from behind or was that an oh no, that had to do with the snap I heard?” Landon asked.

“Oh no the second.” Brook remained working on the cuffs. “I have broken off the pin inside the lock.”

“Well, what ever are we to do now Red?”

Brook popped her head out from the side of him and looked up at Landon. “I can fix this.”

“How are you going to manage that Brook?” Landon started to chuckle.

“Do not wander away. I will be but a moment,” Brook said as she left the room. After a few minutes, Brook entered the room to find it was empty. “Where did he go?” she mumbled out loud.

“I am here,” Landon said from behind the bar top.

“What are you doing? We have to remove you from those cuffs.”

“I was hoping you might have had something else in mind with the butter you are holding Brook.” Landon walked over to her and whispered, “Lock the door Red. I promise I won't utter a word.”

Brook stuck her foot out and tripped him as he was walking away from her. Landon let out a loud groan as he hit the floor face first. Brook knelt down next to him and began to smear butter all over his wrists and hands.

“Red have you ever done this before or are you simply a natural at it? I feel like you are taking advantage of my situation. I kind of like feeling violated by you.”

“Landon, say one more word and you are never getting these cuffs off you...ever.” Brook moved to the bottom of his body and began to pull on the cuffs slowly that held his hands behind his back. “Landon I almost have them off.”

“Good because it will be your turn to wear them next.” Landon started to chuckle at the thought of her in them. Amusement soon turned to arousal.

“Mr fields, I will leave you here in these cuffs. Do not undermine me. I am a woman of my word.” Brook pulled one last time and they came free. As Landon stood up he grabbed Brook on the shoulders. Brook glared down at his butter covered hands on her dress sleeves. Her mouth formed a straight line as she glared at him with clear irritation. Landon smiled down at her. Brook felt his fingers moving around on the fabric of her dress.

Brook said, “Do you mind?”

“I do not one bit, but thank you for considering me though.” Brook then walked away mummbling to herself.

  

Devon sat with Sarah on the chaise lounge. He was hesitant to touch her given all her injuries. The doctor had not wanted anyone to move her so she was covered by a thin sheet. Devon went to get a blanket for her. As he gently placed it over her, the sudden realization of what had happened to her began to surface. Devon began to feel the fury build up inside him again.

How could I have allowed this to happen? Some husband you will make. I can't believe she will never remember our night together. God...if I had just sent for the documents instead of leaving her alone.

Devon looked down at Sarah and saw her staring up at him. “I did not mean to wake you. I'm sorry." Sarah shook her head in protest. “Would you like some tea or water?” Sarah shook her head yes at him. “Water?”

   "Yes.” Her voice was weak and scratchy sounding. “Brook?” Sarah said.

“Would you like to see Brook? I will fetch her for you.”

Sarah smiled slightly at him and Devon left. Sarah picked up the empty silver tray from the coffee table and gazed at her reflection in horror. Sarah tossed the tray to the floor and began to cry.

Brook came up to Sarah's side with Devon. Sarah turned away as best she could from both of them. Brook quickly looked to Devon.

“Sarah listen to me, the doctor said you will make a full recovery. Are you in pain again?”

She did not answer her. Sarah's hand was covering her face. Devon moved towards her and stepped on the tray lying on the floor. He realized Sarah must have saw her reflection. He walked over and touched Brook on the shoulder. Brook stood up and made her way to the door.

Devon sat down next to Sarah. “I had the most amazing night of my life last night Sarah. I can't begin to describe how I felt and still feel right now. I had asked you this once already Sarah. And after last night...well honestly after these last few weeks, I would ask you every night if it brought you happiness.”

Devon put his hand over her hand and eased it away from her bruised face. Devon got up and move to sit in front of the direction she was faced. She would not look at him. So Devon sat on the floor in front of her so they were now face to face.

“Sarah,” he whispered. “Please look at me sweetheart?”

Her gaze flew to his. Devon could see the confusion in her eyes. He slowly leaned in and kissed her so very gently. Then he whispered, “Sarah you told me last night you would be my wife and now I pray you will remember. I cannot live without you in my life Sarah. I have never loved someone so much before. Please share your life with me?”

Sarah took his hand in her hand. Tears streamed down her cheeks and she did her best to form a smile. “I love you Dev,” she said softly. “I am sorry I cannot.”

“What?” Devon searched her eyes as to why she would say that. “You just said you love me Sarah...so why will you not be my wife?”

“Please leave me Dev. I do not want your pity. You are no longer bound to your promise to my father.” Sarah turned her head away from him.

“Sarah I do not ask you out of pity...I love you with everything I am inside me. How can I convince you? Is it proof you require, is that it?” Devon stood up and left the room.

Why is he doing this? I want someone who truly loves me not a husband who married me because he feels sorry for me. Does he not know how much this hurts me? I would do anything for him, he has to know that.

Sarah heard the door open. Brook entered the room and then Landon, Grams, as well as Richards, followed by Devon. She looked at all of them.

“My dear child he tells you the truth,” Grams said.

Brook stepped forward. “Sarah you are my dearest friend and you know I would never convince you of false truths.” She handed Sarah the note that came to Sarah with the dress from Devon. “I watched you open your gift in the new room you share with him now.”

Landon said, “I am usually the last to know when it comes to matters of the heart. Earlier this day you were a smitten woman in love.” Landon stood over her and added, “Devon is the most honest man I have ever known Sarah.” Landon bent down and kissed her softly on her forehead.

Devon sat beside her and pulled out the marriage license. “The date on this was dated for yesterday Sarah. Not today's date.” Devon leaned over her and said, “I have struggled the last few weeks since I laid eyes upon you to deny myself the love I feel for you. I shoved all the fear I have about loving you this much and saw how foolish I was acting.” Sarah still wouldn't look to him. “Sarah please look into my eyes.”

After a moment she turned and faced him.

Grams grabbed Brook's hand and squeezed it tightly.

Devon said, “I sit her now before you surrendering my heart to you to hold. I am asking you to love me the way you said you had...please.”

Sarah saw a tear roll down his cheek. “You are my Sarah.” Devon gazed at her with longing for her to say something.

“Dev” Sarah swallowed slowly then said, “I promise I will never leave you. I love you from the deepest part of me.”

Devon put his forehead to her forehead. “You do remember,” he said softly.

Sarah smiled and said, “When you said that, it came flashing in to my memory. The way you gazed into my eyes is the same gaze you look upon me now with.”

"I will forever look at you this way Sarah. I love you." Devon said. Never again will I shut you out of my heart...Sarah, you are my heart and have been for some time. I-I am a foolish man and do not deserve-"

Sarah placed her hand to his check. "You are perfect in every way Lord Devon Price and I love you."

Devon remained with Sarah for as long as it took her to get back up on her feet. He had a bed brought down to his study along with a soaking tub. After a few weeks Sarah was up walking around. Devon never left her for longer then ten minutes at a time. He cared for her. Read to her and of course told her grand stories from his past with her father.

The doctor came every other day because Grams insisted upon it. His final evaluation was at the end of a long month. Behind closed doors with no one but Sarah and the kind doctor he told her the news.

Afterward he updated Devon outside the door with all the general of progress but Devon noticed something was being held back from him.

The doctor turned to leave and Devon reached out and placed his hand on the doctor's shoulder. "I need to know what you are hiding from me Doctor. Sarah is to be my-"

"Sarah is my patient and she will share with you what she wants to." He gazed down for a moment and then back up to Devon. "It is not my place to delivery news that may change lives Lord Price. Sarah will tell you if and when she chooses to. I am truely sorry Sir." He turned and left.

Devon approached the door to his study. It was left cracked open and he saw Sarah wiping tears from her eyes. His heart sank and he wanted so much to leave for a while to get some air or honestly just to run from any possible hurt.

Sarah's gaze flew up at the door opening and saw Devon's smile. She did her best to compose herself, but she knew he knew her too well to hide anything from him now.

Devon stood in front of her. He said nothing and Sarah could not bring herself to look up to him. He noticed her hands trembling in her lap. He slowly reached down and covered them with his as he got on his knees.

"Sarah, what is it?" He barely got the words out fearing the answer to follow.

It took her a long few seconds to answer. Sarah looked him in the eyes. "The doctor believes I will never be able to have children Dev."

He closed his eyes and released the breath he was holding. Devon shook his head. "Thank God Sarah."

"What?"

Devon looked to her. "I thought you were going to die or something. We can adopt children Sarah. You are what I care about right now. We will worry about kids later."

Sarah was relieved by his words but still upset. "You are not upset about the news Dev?"

"It is nothing compared to lossing you Sarah. That I could not live with."

Sarah reached up and wrapped her arms around Devon's neck and he held her tight, but not too tight.

Nearly a month after that dreadful night, Sarah is almost completely recovered. She sat on the sofa in the sitting room with Brook, Grams, Richards, Landon, and Devon. The ladies were making wedding plans and the men were playing cards.

Marvin, the new butler entered the room. “Sir there is a Captain Morris who wishes to speak with you.”

Devon looked to Richards and Landon then back at Marvin. “I will receive him here, thank you.

Captain Morris came in as Devon walked to greet him. “May I offer you a drink Captain?”

Morris frowned slightly. “I really should not, duty you know. Well I suppose one small snip would not hurt.”

Devon smiled and said, “It will help shake off the winter chill.”

“Ah, that it would I dear say Lord Price.” Captain Morris glanced about the room and saw everyone's glare on him. He gave all of them a swift half smile and drew his attention back to Devon.

“So what do we who this pleasure for Captain? Devon asked.

Morris looked at Devon and then gulped down his whiskey. After setting his glass down he said, “I felt it was my personal duty to inform you that Lord Mcmay has escaped and is on the run.” Captain Morris ignored the gasps coming from the rest of the room.

Devon remained calm. “Do you know of where he may be headed?”

“Not at this time Sir. My sincere regrets on the matter Lord Price. I felt it was only right all of you be notified in person Sir.”

Devon patted him on the back and said, “You are a thoughtful man and I thank you captain.”

Morris held out a note to Devon. “This was written to Lady Sarah, but I felt it better that you handle it seeing that you are engaged.”

He took the note and captain Morris left. Devon stood against the bar and opened it. Everyone was watching him. Waiting to be told what the note said to Sarah.

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 payed 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, seek you until I find you.

Devon did not finish the note. He folded it up and placed it into his pocket. He walked over to Sarah and said, “I will never allow him to come near you again.”

Sarah stood up and hugged him tightly and whispered, “I know Dev. I know.”

The End