Colin and Anna went out to dinner. It was Colin's idea. They usually didn’t go out in public together except when they met at the café now and then. Those at the café knew them. When Colin suggested he collect her in his trap, she was surprised. They usually met at the café.
"We’re not going to the café tonight," he explained as they turned onto a dark road that led out of town. In a few minutes, they could see the light of a small inn in the distance. It was here they shared a simple meal. It was simple, yet romantic. There was a table in a dark corner. The violinist was gifted and spent some time at their table. It was wonderful.
The drippy candles' dim light and the song of the violin created the perfect atmosphere to be with Colin. He was her gypsy with dark eyes and thick, wavy hair, not to mention his wild ways. He was not her brother on this night. He was often seen at her estate but he had only two servants, and it would start rumors if they didn't have proper chaperones. So they found themselves enjoying the warm fire and the closeness of each other in the privacy of Anna's parlor. Colin and Anna sat together on the sofa. Chase had been gone for more than two months. He informed Anna he would not come back until she left, which she had no intention of doing.
As she shared this information with Colin, they drew closer. The fire crackled in the grate, the room was warm, and his company was very welcome. They had known each other for so many years; it would be hard for her to think of not having him near at hand.
They understood each other. She wanted to enjoy his company in the same manner as before they had both made so many mistakes. Now they could talk for hours in the warmth of her home or the café instead of in the chilly night air near the Channel. Although in the night air, he would have folded her into his coat where she could be physically close to him. Anna didn't know what was on his mind, but she knew exactly what was on hers. She only had to find the right way to induce her plans.
Michelle placed the service on the table before she retreated from the room, and closed the door. Anna poured as she spoke. "That was a wonderful place. How did you find it?"
Colin removed his jacket, and tossed it on the chair. He moved closer as she served him. "Believe it or not, that is where Elaine and I used to go. We kept a room upstairs. It was her idea."
Anna raised an eyebrow, and gave him a sideways glance. "Her idea?"
He smirked. "Well, you know."
"Yes." Anna returned the carafe to the tray. "Yes, I know. You really are a gypsy, aren't you?"
"I've wondered for years. Why do you say that?" He set his cup on the table. As he did, his hair fell across his forehead. Anna moved closer to push it back from his face.
He caught her hand and placed a kiss on her wrist. He pulled her hand to his chest where she could feel his heart beat. The longing in his eyes revealed his thoughts. So many years before, she had felt his heart beat as it did now.
"The way you act is what I'm talking about and your wild ways. You should not take such liberties." Anna tried to pull her hand gently from his grasp. He held it firmly.
"Liberties such as this?" he whispered. In an instant, he reeled her forward until his mouth met hers. Tenderly. Lovingly. Anna willingly surrendered to him. When he released her, she sat lightheaded, and her whole being thrummed with excitement.
"Yes," she finally found her voice, "exactly what I mean." It was unbearably hot beneath the high collar of her gown. She tried to move away from him to allow her heart to calm before anything more happened but he reached for her again. She couldn't fight him and didn't want to. Anna had waited a very long time for this opportunity.
Her mind leapt between Chase and the man who now held her. Chase left months ago. He promised divorce. Anna had nothing to lose. It was pure desire, not revenge which made her want Colin to take her now. If only Chase could see me as I see him. It would tear his heart out. She swept Chase from her mind as Colin pulled her closer.
He took the combs from her hair to let her fiery tresses fall free. "That's better," he whispered, and tossed the combs on the table. "I've dreamt of seeing your hair tumbling around your bare shoulders since we were sixteen. Would you like to know what else I’ve dreamt of?"
She gave a slow nod, and parted her lips to facilitate breathing. His eyes drew her attention from what his hands were doing. He stroked her hair several times before he proceeded to unfasten the buttons down her back. One by one, until the collar fell loose to her shoulders. His face buried in her hair, her fingers opened the buttons of his vest and shirt. She could feel his warm breath on her neck, the fiery heat from his body on her hands. He wrapped an arm around her and lifted her as they reclined on the sofa in one fluid motion. Closing her eyes, Anna offered no resistance as her fingers worked through his hair; his mouth explored her neck, his body pressed to hers.
Passion drowned out what happened around her until the sound was very close. There came a commotion from the entry hall. When she opened her eyes, she saw shadows beneath the door. Michelle's voice sounded frantic and insistent.
By the time Anna recovered her senses, the door flung open and Chase stared at her lying on her back with Colin over her. Colin stood and stepped in front of her to block Chase's view. Anna stood. Her hand clutched the bodice of her gown as Chase entered the room.
Chase only stared, his jaw muscles working. Anna proudly threw back her shoulders. She could not stop an evil smile that crept across her lips. She had displeased him again, and reveled in the thought.
Pulling her hair around one shoulder, she fastened the top button of her bodice to keep it from falling. "Chase, what do you want? What are you doing here?"
"It looks like I'm interrupting." There was a mixture of hurt and anger on his face as his eyes darted from Anna to Colin and back before he crossed the room to the writing table. He pulled drawers open and slammed them closed as he searched through the table for who knew what.
"Is there something I can find for you?" Anna offered.
"Do you want me to wait in the hall?" Colin moved toward the door.
"If you care to, darling," she answered.
"Yes, coward," Chase turned from the table. "Slip out to the safety of the hall."
Colin narrowed his eyes at the remark. He pushed his hair roughly from his face as he took a step. Anna blocked his advance toward Chase.
"Colin, no." She pressed her palms to his chest. "This is not your fight."
Chase folded his arms across his chest. "You are a thief —a wife stealer." He pushed for a fight.
"I have stolen nothing. I have only claimed what you have abandoned." Colin answered, and tried to step forward again. Anna held him back as Chase came toward him. Anna couldn't stop Colin so she turned to push against Chase. He grasped her by the shoulders and threw her against the wall. She hit the bookcase, dislodging several volumes from their shelves. The impact stunned her. She couldn't believe he had done it. As she tried to get up, Colin moved to help her. As he knelt, Chase gave a warning.
"Don't touch her. Don't even try."
Chase stepped toward Colin. Anna got to her feet as fast as she could, and slipped around Chase to try to stop him. Colin held his ground and Anna tried to hold Chase back. He grabbed her shoulders again, this time driving her backward past Colin to the chair by the door. He rammed her into the chair, pinned her by the shoulders, and hit her head against the wall.
He screamed in her face. "What are you doing, Anna? Don't you know that I love you?"
Love? Is this the way to show love? It made no sense at all, but her head buzzed. She pushed him away and ran. Anna fell on the sofa as she tried to get away from Chase. He clutched at her, and tried to pull her to her feet as he continued to profess his love for her.
Anna struck him several times. "You don't love me. You love to hurt me," Anna told him when her head began to clear. "Go away, Chase. Just go away." She jerked away from his grasp, and turned away.
"Fine," he said, "I'm going." He walked silently out the door of the parlor.
Anna dashed to the door, and slammed it after him, locking it. He banged on the door. Next thing she knew, he kicked the door in, splintering the frame and sending the door slamming into the wall behind it.
"Don't try to keep me out. You can't. I’ll come in any time I want!" His eyes were glazed.
Anna narrowed her eyes. She found it difficult to talk through clenched teeth.
"What do you want?" she hissed.
"I came to take you out, spend time with you. I see you don't need my company."
"Not any more than I need your lies, Chase. You made your choice. Go back to her. Spend time with her, unless you're afraid to be seen in public with her." Anna's chest burned as she faced him. The backs of her legs ached where they had struck the chair.
Anna swept the scene beyond the parlor door. Poor Michelle cringed in the corner behind the open front door. Mrs. Weathers was halfway up the stairs, her face partly hidden in her apron. Shaw stood on the porch, his hat in his hand, a menacing frown on his face. Anna faced him. "So, Chase, what are you going to do now?"
A flicker of pain appeared in his eyes. He scanned the witnesses to his behavior and stormed out of the house. Anna waited beside Shaw until he drove away. Shaw closed the front door as Anna turned to Michelle.
"Go to bed, dear. I’ll not be needing you this evening." Michelle nodded, but trembled, scared to move. Anna put an arm around her shoulders and walked her to the stairs. "Mrs. Weathers, get her some hot tea and put her to bed."
When the elder woman took Michelle by the shoulders and led her to the kitchen, Anna returned to Colin. He picked up the books, and replaced them on the shelf. She saw pity in his eyes when he faced her. She closed the parlor door as best she could, considering its shattered condition. She leaned against it, taking a moment to steady her emotions. After replacing the books, Colin came to her. He led her to the sofa, sat her down, and took a place beside her.
"You were wonderful," he spoke softly. "Don't you have enough sense to know you can’t fight a man twice your weight?" He brushed her hair from her face.
Anna winced when he stroked the back of her head. He kissed her forehead.
"Like I said, it’s my fight, not yours. I'm not going to let him hurt you or anyone else on my account." She stretched her legs, and rubbed the back of both calves. There were knots in the muscles.
Colin noticed, knelt down, and reached beneath the hem of her gown to massage her legs. The warmth of his hands was comforting. "Is there anything I can get for you? Anything I can do for you?"
"Yes," Anna breathed the word as the tension fled. "Take me home with you."
His eyes grew wide. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. Take me out of this house—if only for tonight. " She bit her quivering lip.
"Yes, ma'am." He buttoned his shirt and pulled on his jacket. He helped her to her feet and put his arm around her waist to help her to the door. It partially fell from its hinges as he opened it. They crossed the hall as Mrs. Weathers returned from the kitchen.
"Mrs. Weathers," Anna leaned against Colin. "I have to leave this house. I will be back tomorrow. I can't stay here tonight. Do you understand?" She felt she was pleading the housekeeper's permission.
"Madam, you have every right to leave. Go and rest, I'll tell the others you needed medical attention and Mr. Marsec took you to his physician." She retrieved Anna's cloak and Colin's overcoat as she spoke. She hurried them out the door to Colin's trap. Anna leaned her head on Colin's shoulder as they drove away.
Anna could not feel secure in her own house. Chase might return in the middle of the night. He was a wounded animal and wounded animals attack. She feared him and what he might do now. He had seen her with Colin and he was furious. Had she not just thought about Chase seeing her with Colin? Wished for it?
* * * *
She spent an uneasy night in Elaine's abandoned room, in a sleeping gown that Colin's ex-wife had left behind. After Anna changed and slipped beneath the comforter, Colin knocked on the door. At her call, he entered the room, and closed the door securely behind him. He had removed his coat and vest. The neck of his shirt hung open to reveal a dark mat of hair. He looked quite tempting.
"I hope you'll be all right in here." He sat gently on the side of the bed.
"I would be more comfortable in your room," Anna stated boldly. He raised his brows. "Only to be near you," she added before he had a chance to speak.
"Only to be near me." Colin stroked her face. "Do you think I could keep my hands off of you if you were in my bed?" He searched her face, but avoided her eyes.
"Do you think I want you to keep your hands off of me?" Anna took his hand, and kissed his palm. "I thought things were going rather well before he showed up."
"Yes, they were," he grinned. "He has once again spoiled my plans."
"Why?" She released his hand as he sat back.
"Do you want me, or do you want revenge?" It was a fair question.
"I want you, Colin. I wanted you before Chase showed up, from the moment I felt your heart beat." Anna knew what he felt and she couldn't blame him for asking.
"When I make love with you, I want it to be just the two of us; no one else on your mind. Do you understand what I mean?" He caressed her face once more, and trailed his touch down her neck as far as the gown would permit.
"I understand." She closed her eyes to enjoy the sensation. "I would have made love with you tonight. It was on my mind before dinner."
He smiled, and tilted his head. "You would have?"
"Yes," she said, emphatically. "In a heartbeat."
"I thought I was seducing you." He leaned down for a deep kiss that fanned the flames Anna felt engulf her entire being. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled him closer. She wanted to feel his body against hers. He gently pulled her arms away to reluctantly end the kiss. "You need to rest."
"I don't want to rest," Anna protested. He grinned.
"If I stay here much longer, neither of us will get any sleep."
"That's all right." She grinned in return.
He threw back the comforter that separated them. In full surrender, he stretched out beside her and wrapped her in his arms. The barrier of material between them did not stop her feeling the heat that radiated from his body. Their lips met once more with no intention of parting any time soon. Desire, years of wanting, drove them as their bodies entwined.
Anna wanted to claw the clothing from his body, to feel his skin touch hers. She gasped as he firmly bit down on her neck just below her ear. He gave a sharp jerk that sent shivers racing through her. She was amazed how this simple act made her feel so vulnerable. She buried her fingers in his thick hair, and held tight.
He made a trail of fire down her neck with the tip of his tongue. His path moved from her collarbone, halted at the edge of the gown as he closed his teeth on the ribbon that held the bodice closed. He pulled slowly; the ribbon slid.
A knock sounded across the hall at Colin's bedroom door. Colin and Anna froze.
"Sir, your brandy," Ryan's voice called out.
Colin dropped his head onto Anna's chest as a deep moan of annoyance escaped his lips. She caressed his shoulders when she felt his silent laugh.
Colin grimaced as he looked up at her. "I asked him to bring me a brandy," he whispered. It was all Anna could do to keep from laughing. Colin just smirked in resignation. "What are we to do now? He'll know where I am."
"I'm sure he holds many of your secrets. Give him a raise in salary," Anna offhandedly suggested.
"You're very amusing, Miss Anna." He pushed himself to his feet. He went to the door, straightening his clothing and raking his fingers through his hair as he went. When he felt he was presentable, he tugged the door open and turned to face her. "I am glad you are comfortable, Mrs. Trent. Sleep well," he said in a strong voice. He winked as she narrowed her eyes at him in disappointment. He pulled the door closed, and left Anna alone and extremely frustrated.
* * * *
Anna could see that Chase spent a sleepless night as well. He vented his anger on a poor hired harlot. He was drunk and abusive. It was no wonder he did not return to his mistress. She tended to fight back when he was this way. Anna thought of other things to block out the visions in her mind. She hated to witness his evils.
The next morning, after she’d washed and dressed, Anna made her way down to the dining room. She was informed Colin left early to attend to business and Shaw had been sent for. Colin would be engaged most of the day so there was no reason for her to remain at his home. Shaw came to collect her. The repairs were already being made on the parlor door when she arrived.
Mrs. Weathers informed her Mr. Trent had not returned though she already knew that fact.
To Be Continued...
________________________________________________
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This book may not be reproduced in whole, or in part, by any means, without the expressed written consent of the author.
Any unauthorized reproduction of this book, other than by written authorization or contract by and with the author, is a violation of Federal Law and will be prosecuted to the full extent of that law.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination, or are fictitiously used. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Any trademarks referred to within this publication are the property of their respective trademark holders.
© 2008 Jena Galifany/Marge Conrad
No comments:
Post a Comment