Rated R for Content
Chapter 3
“Shit! That’s just my fucking luck! The only saloon and whorehouse in this whole God damned backwater town…and it’s shut down tighter than a virgin! Where the hell do people go around here for fun? Dammit to hell! Leave it to Robbie to suggest such a boring hole in the road to settle of all places! Why not New Orleans or Baton Rouge? I can’t believe Father went along with this shit!” Richard Hockley sourly cursed as he whipped his dapple-gray Thoroughbred around in disgust, cantering away from the once seedy establishment withering on the river front in Jefferson. Diamond Bessie’s Saloon and Brothel with her peeling, weathered, and faded paint now stood as a decaying symbol to the populace of a bygone era when life was embellished with cheap thrills and bawdy games. But that was before the South had lost the war…and with it the carefree lust for life and zealous frivolity. Even the local Madame had seemingly settled down…married and with kids no less. Sadly and regrettably, the winds of war had changed the quaint, rustic village that lay nestled from the rest of the world in the deep, east Texas forests…high on the banks of the Big Cypress River and Caddo Lake. The War Between the States had branded its’ cruel mark even in the most remote corners of the former Confederacy! And it was a bloody, damn rotten shame.
“Sir, could you direct me to the nearest saloon?” Richard amicably asked an older gent calmly strolling along the upraised boardwalk, while hoping against all odds that he had just inadvertently missed the newer replacement for the ancient relic solemnly boarded up in all its’ gloom.
“Sure, son. About a half a day’s ride along the river road into Marshall. Just follow it about five miles out and you’ll pass Rosedale Plantation on the left. It’s a sprawling, white pillared house with a long alleyway of huge oak trees out front. Can’t miss it! You can stop and water your horse there. I’m sure the Daltons will be more than happy to have some company. Marshall is about two hours past there if you ride hard.”
“Half a day’s ride you say?” Richard incredulously scoffed. “Uh…thank you anyway, Sir.” Richard tipped his hat as he kicked the horse into a fast gallop while savagely swearing under his breath. Nearly a month aboard a ship and he had fully intended to let out some steam before making his presence known at his family’s newly constructed estate, Beau Ridge. For they knew he was coming eventually…just not exactly when. Hell, he hadn’t really known himself…being delayed in his homebound journey by first one thing and then another. For truthfully, he hated making definite plans…just as he currently begrudged the forced celibate state he had been trapped in for the last tortuous month! The vagabond lifestyle…like a tumbleweed blowing in the wind…that was Richard incarnate! Although he never slept under bridges like some down on their luck drifters, he wholeheartedly enjoyed waking up to a brand new day and meeting new people…especially warm and willing pretty women.
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“Mamma…I’m taking Lilly to call on Madame India. I promised her I’d bring the baby over for a visit today. We’ll be back before dark.” Sarah hollered from the high ceiling foyer as she swooped up the tiny girl, intent on her destination to the hut in the former slave quarters where her great-grandmother now resided in her old age. But secretly, Sarah’s heart was pounding like a distant drum. The nomadic band of gypsies had returned for their fall pilgrimage and there would be a night filled with partying and dancing in the woods down by the lagoon for the next week. Of course, her parents probably already knew this but…what they might not know, couldn’t hurt them, she supposed.
“Sarah, you’re wearing one of my old dresses!” Rose Dalton surprisingly exclaimed in approval at the special garment that held such a torrid yet poignant memory of yesteryear. It was of a pure white gauzy material that whispered of the style of gypsies. That same unconventionally short dress that had tempted Jack into a raging albeit rutting fit when she had gotten soaked by some overhanging buckets of water from a tree limb all those years ago. The cherished memory unexpectedly made Rose blush…for what had happened afterwards in the garconierre as he had dragged her behind him. Sacre Bleu, such a man!
“You don’t mind, Mamma? I found it in one of the attic trunks and it was so pretty…and so very comfortable! As you know, I positively despise this new style of clothes. The designers obviously never lived in the South. Those suffocating high collars with dozens of tiny buttons…they choke the life out of me! And they’re so hot, Mamma! And I refuse to wear one of those insufferable corsets!” Sarah derisively complained then twirled around causing the full skirts to flare straight out and Lilly to squeal in delight.
“I know, sweetie…I know. You don’t see me wearing them at home, do you…only in public.” Rose understandably allowed as she brushed Sarah’s long honey blonde hair behind her shoulders and smiled at her eldest daughter’s playful antics.
Bending down, Rose placed a motherly kiss on Lilly’s curly copper head.
“Be careful, Sarah. And be home early or I’ll send Rafe or Will after you. And give India our regards and love. Oh and Sarah…bring Lilly back home before you go down to the camp tonight to kick up your heels! We don’t want to be a bad influence on the little ones, do we? Besides, your Pappa might not be so understanding.” Rose impishly grinned.
“How did you know, Mamma? Not to worry though, I don’t want to make Pappa in the least angry with me considering the trip I intend to take in the spring. I’ve decided to try my best to stay on his good side and keep out of trouble!” Sarah giggled but as emerald and sapphire eyes merged, no more words were necessary.
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Silhouetted upon the crest of a nearby knoll, a curious Richard Hockley silently watched the young gypsy girl with her small child disappear inside a decrepit old shack. He couldn’t make out much…but by the shape of that voluptuous body, the low cut of her amply filled out, very thin blouse and the swing of those curvaceous hips…yeah, he might not have to go into Marshall tonight after all. Finally, a streak of good luck. Impulsively deciding to just shuck his leather buckskins and wash up a bit for the little vixen for he’d be waiting down by the pond when she came out…primed and cocked! He’d been with plenty of her type before. Loose women like her, with a silver coin in their purse, just might grant him some much needed release in the arts of the erotica, he sighed in great expectation. Because…damned he was as horny as a stag in rut!
After Richard washed off the trail’s dust, he lethargically reclined on a huge boulder in the middle of the peaceful lagoon, bronzed, naked and magnificent in all his glory. Closing turquoise green eyes to soak up some of the sun’s relaxing rays, he began to fantasize of the mystery woman and the carnal pleasures he was confident that was just within his reach. Muscles finely honed from an outdoor active life of exercise…overly long, dark blonde hair that hung past his collar, bleached out from the sun…and a roguish beard that made him appear a notorious riverboat gambler or an infamous pirate. Although his own mother never cared for his rugged appearance, there was some things a man just didn’t mess with even for his Mother’s sake. By being his own person, he felt truly free and independent. For he was a man full grown and with a sizeable fortune of his own; therefore, capable of making his own decisions whether they pleased anyone else or not. Even though Anne Hockley might still hold the reigns on that wimp, Robbie… not him. No woman did…or ever would tell him what to do! Not even Mother!
Dusk was threatening when Sarah Dalton stood paralyzed in an awed type of trance on the fern covered banks of the pond…totally mesmerized by the completely nude, beautiful male body shamelessly laid out for her covert perusal. He was everything she had ever imagined the perfect man to look like without his clothes. Sculpted like one of those magnificent Greek statues in her history books but so much more dangerous in the flesh. And as she stared at the dark line of hair that started at his hard, taunt belly and disappeared into a thicker thatch of sandy hair at the juncture of his long legs…a tiny appreciative gasp escaped her lips.
Richard heard the unintelligible sound but instead of modestly covering himself, he slightly opened one eye to secretly ogle the gypsy girl without her knowing that he was indeed awake and waiting.
“Awwww!” He inwardly mused. “She’s back…and by the wanton look in those desirous eyes, she’s as hot to fuck as I am! But don’t move, darling, the waning sun’s shadows are affording me such a tempting portrait of female anatomy. That blouse is nearly transparent from where I’m laying…ooh-la-la! And a pair of tits like those…dusky rose hardened nipples…well, I am some hot damn lucky man today!”
Sarah sucked in her breath at the magical sight fully developing before her widened stare. The flaccid male organ was literally coming to life before her very glittering eyes…and she couldn’t look away even if she had wanted to…totally enthralled by the miraculous, wicked sight. How a limp, small, insignificant human member could suddenly grow to such…massive proportions was totally beyond her innocent imagination. “Damn, it must be a foot long…his privates are as big as Starr’s!” Sarah inwardly swore then squinted her bewildered eyes to try and make out each and every curve as it was nearly touching his belly button now! It was like watching electricity lighting up downtown Jefferson for the first time when street lights had finally been installed! It was damnably unbelievable! The huge shaft was actually pulsing like it was ready to go off or something! Like a stallion chafing at the bit to breed with one of the mares! And then, as Sarah’s mouth gaped open in astonishment, a masculine tanned hand, suddenly, without warning, wrapped around it, griping and moving the skin up, then down, while keeping a steady, slow rhythm.
Sarah’s startled eyes flew to the seemingly unsuspecting man…but no…his eyes were still closed shut…as a twisted mask of sensual desire overcome his handsome features, strained groans and sighs drifted through the autumn breeze. She couldn’t quite grasp it…but the enticing, stimulating sounds of those labored gasps were sending skin prickling tingles racing through her hot blood. Intensifying between her legs…actually soaking her shimmies! And he obviously was enjoying the hell out of it…either that or he was in a helluva lot of pain! But surely, he would have stopped if it hurt, wouldn’t he? How she would love to feel that same unimaginable ecstasy. The exhibitionistic rogue was actually panting now as his legs sporadically shut tightly closed then came apart, as if his muscles were straining and convulsing. Was he determinedly holding something back as he impulsively would stop in mid-stroke before starting up again? As Sarah studied the planes and angles on the handsome mysterious visage…it suddenly dawned on her who he truly was…Holy Shit!
“Robbie Hockley!” Sarah blustered out loud in astonished disbelief before catching herself.
So…I finally have the voyeuristic lady’s attention. I thought I was going to have to give her the grand finale before she joined me. But Robbie of all people? Well, I’ll be God damned! Seems the boy has finally gotten laid…it’s about time, too…and what a looker…shit, more than that, for she was God damned beautiful. As fine a body as he had ever lain eyes own. He’d have to give Robbie some credit for he definitely had some fine, fantastic taste! And for some reason, he found himself wondering whose baby she had been toting around earlier? Had Robbie irresponsibly gotten the gypsy girl pregnant? Oh hell…what and why do I care? By the looks on that incredible, flawless face…she’s had many a stud riding between those thighs! And as far as his brother minding if he had a little taste too, hell, that was a ludicrous question not worth even considering! For he, Richard, sure as hell didn’t mind sharing his women with anybody! So, why should Robbie? Besides, many a time he had tried to turn his little brother on to a good lay…but no…Robbie was always too prudish…too skittish…actually scared of making it with a woman. Honestly, Richard was beginning to think his twin was one of those she-men! That Richard had been shot with more than his share of testosterone while Robbie had been freakishly slighted with a dose of female estrogen. But thank God…this proves that Rob has at last gotten his first piece of ass…and what an incredible ass it is! I think I’ll just give her some and she’ll soon realize that this doesn’t belong to Robbie…not by a helluva long shot! He’d just show her the difference…no words were necessary…just dazzle her with the heated passions and carnal delights of a real man!
“I’ve been waiting for you, Madamoiselle!” Richard throatily rasped not bothering to remove his fingers from around his enlarged penis.
“When…uh…when did you..uh… get ba-a-ack from…uh…Wa--Washington…I mean…” Sarah nervously stammered as she twisted a lock of hair around her finger, feeling somewhat foolish standing there ogling a naked male suitor as if they were discussing the weather.
“How long has it been?” Richard huskily asked actually wanting to know when the last time his brother and the heathen girl had copulated…although why that should matter, only heaven knew. The more that he ogled her, the more exquisite and ethereal she appeared.
“If my memory serves me correctly, I believe last April, Robbie. Don’t you remember?” Sarah coyly smiled somewhat taken aback that he didn’t. For the last time she had spoken to him, he had actually begged her to wait for him. Although she hadn’t agreed one way or the other, she felt it strange that he’d have to ask…maybe it was just something to say in the heat of the moment…but that was okay…at least it had nothing to do with boring politics for once! Or perhaps, it was merely something to lighten the unusual albeit awkward situation since he was completely nude and touching himself in such an intimate yet open way. But the Robbie Hockley she knew, would have turned tail and run away in humiliation and mortification…yes, Washington had definitely been good for him at least in terms of loosing the boy up in the hormone department!
Cutting straight to the point,
“How much will it take…” Richard curiously questioned actually referring to the amount of coin for some much needed sexual relief because he was willing to forego a small fortune for this piece of fluff.
Feeling stupid and immature for her outburst of such insignificant chit chat…Sarah rose to the tumultuous occasion and impulsively tugged at the strings temptingly slipping her blouse down around her shoulders where an obscene amount of cleavage was exposed for his starved perusal. Should she play along or shouldn’t she? Her question was answered before it ever entered her naïve mind. After all, hadn’t Mamma admitted that love never had to enter into the picture just for a little fun? Besides, she knew Robbie wanted her…even more than sexually…as a wife, didn’t he?! He had already proposed and asked her to wait for him after law school in a few years! But why wait if she could expedite the inevitable…she was so impatient to get started with traveling, adventures, and finally becoming a woman. And why not try on the shoe to see if it fits first? It doesn’t mean I have to actually go all the way. Like showing a young yearling to a prospective buyer…although she couldn’t yet be ridden, just shamelessly tempt the man with what the coveted prize would afford him in the future. Perhaps, Robbie might really convince her that marital bonds may not be so bad after all. But could she really do it…just really throw social conventions and mores to the wind and do what her free spirit now wanted to do despite what was morally right and what was ethically wrong?
“How much you got, Mister Hockley?” In her most sexiest, gravelly voice designed to shock the hell out of him, Sarah blurted out before her courage failed her. As a simpering grin tugged at the corners of plump, ruby lips, she nervously chewed the inside of her mouth to secretly calm her thudding heart.
Chuckling deep down in his wide chest,
“Enough to satisfy your whims, I suspect, Madamoiselle. How much you want? Or better yet, how much you gotta have?”
“All of it…or nothing.” Sarah brazenly suggested as the blood rushed like a broken damn through her awakening body. Uh-oh, maybe I shouldn’t tease him so…maybe I should be careful of what I wish for…cause it looks as if I might actually get it!
“Greedy aren’t you? Well come over here and let’s see what you’re worth!” The deep resonate invitation launched a spear of fear piercing right through her soul. She wasn’t sure at all just how to handle this bold, coarse and certainly blunt Robbie Hockley. But she’d play along for awhile…give him just a glimpse of what he’s been missing!
For just a second…Sarah stood speechless, rooted to the spot as if her legs were made out of lead. Determinedly shaking off all modesty and hesitation she slowly removed her blouse then her skirt until they lay in a pool beneath her bare feet. And what was underneath…sealed her fate in Richard’s eyes…nothing, absolutely nada!
“Damn…” he hotly groaned aloud. For Richard felt like he had just been viciously slammed in the chest! His breath locked tight in this throat…trapped and breathless! No woman had a right to be so fucking beautiful…not one flaw…not one thing he’d ever change even if he even possessed the power to do so. The coveted woman he’d dreamed of painting…that special masterpiece he’d purposefully searched the whole continent of Europe to eternally capture on canvas…all the rest he had drawn fell so absurdly short compared to this rare vision. The perfect once in a lifetime female in a perfect moment in time…Thank you, God, for this is going to be one hellacious memory! He’d have to thank Robbie at the first opportunity…of course, the wimp shouldn’t mind…This sensual, sexually stimulating woman was definitely not his brother’s type anyway…but damned if she just fit into his wildest fantasies. He felt like he could stay inside her forever…at the thought, his erection throbbed more rigid and actually jerked in anticipation of its own accord…at the anticipation of finally being encased in that silky hot sheath! Damn, hurry up, girlie…I’m about to rip at any second!
They were now just a few feet apart and despite Richard’s tight control, his jaw went completely a slack at the naked enchantress standing waist deep in water before him. She was one of those fabled story book nymphs…seductive and so ready for mating. The most gorgeous set of firm, milky white breasts that beckoned for his caress…and those huge, sultry sky blue eyes that were capable of looking right into his soul…silky blonde untamed ringlets cascaded down her back with just a hint of copper highlights that begged to have a man’s hands twisted through in the heat of passion. He felt it extraordinary albeit miraculous that after recently giving birth, that she still maintained such a phenomenal, curvaceous sin-tempting body. Childbirth might explain the swollen, well-developed breasts…but that tiny waist, stretchmark-less flat stomach and slim hips…yea, mother nature had certainly smiled upon her…baby or not! She was as exquisite a creature as he had ever imagined and his body stood ready to explode at any moment. Slowly, ever so cautiously, he reached out for her as if not to scare her off, as if she were a mirage that would instantly evaporate at his touch…eyes never leaving hers…then at last wrapping long, lean fingers around creamy satin shoulders…remarkably, she didn’t disappear! A thousand volts of electricity singed through his quivering body…actually knocking the wind out of his lungs. She was a dream alright but then again… she wasn’t! She was woman and the original sin personified. Groaning, Richard savagely jerked her against him and raped her honey sweet mouth with his own. And she ardently responded, clinging to his corded neck…greedily meeting his thrusting tongue with her own in a heated lover’s dance. Gasping for breath, he maddeningly groped her large tender breasts, tugging then squeezing, in a barbaric state of rut…and he almost lost it…almost.
Gliding his huge hands all over her soft velvety body, Richard gritted his teeth,
“God Almighty damn, you are some stunning woman.”
“You flatter me, Mister Hockley…Washington seems to have taught you a thing or two about charming a lady…and I think I like it!” Sarah’s voice slightly quivered as she inwardly mused, Sorry sweet, Cora…I think I just might have to keep Robbie all to myself after all.
“Call me Richard today…just Richard.” He throatily corrected not wishing to spoil their intimacy with his brother’s invasive name.
Although a bit puzzled by the strange request, Sarah off-handedly presumed that Richard was probably Robert’s middle name. For she had heard somewhere…in her previous disinterested dealings with the Hockley's something about a Richard. So Robbie’s name must be Robert Richard. Okay…she’d go along with his sordid, irrational little idiosyncrasy…but what a stupid and unbecoming name for such a man.
“If you say so, then Richard it is for today!” Sarah carelessly shrugged then ran her tongue along the ridges of her bottom lip before huskily whispering just below his earlobe, “but may I touch it, Richard Just once?” Daringly drawing on the secret knowledge that spying on her mother and father through keyholes had afforded her…where with the touch of a hand, the kiss of wet lips, had drove her Pappa into a crazy frenzy…thank God for those keyholes! Maybe she wouldn’t appear as such a virginal novice anyway. Not that that should surprise Robbie, she just wanted to act a little more mature and experienced for some reason.
“Oh yea, baby…be my honored guest! Fondle and put your hands on me all you want! But damn..” As Sarah had unabashedly coiled her small hand around the engorged head and slightly tugged. “Not too fast, querida, or it’ll be over before we’ve even begun.”
“Mon cher…where do we begin? Ummmm?” Sarah sexily purred like a well rehearsed lady of the night. As her hands dipped down to cup his heavy balls, she admiringly studied the attractive face that held such a very recent and deepening fascination for her. He had really changed since the springtime and it appeared that the days of summer had at last made a man out of the stuffy, boyishly handsome Robert Richard Hockley. And what a man he had become! He was outwardly and dangerously more mature…tanned, rugged, brawny, bold, lusty…and yes…the Earth was now mysteriously shaking…an earthquake was about to ensue. Better late than never she supposed…at least she hadn’t totally repulsed him before he left Texas last spring and foolishly offered him to Cora. Thankfully, the forces of Fate had not destined her to burn these splendid, golden bridges behind her.
“Let me show you.” Richard huskily groaned as he ominously backed her up against the huge rock, reaching down under the crystal clear water, then parted her thighs with strong hands for his intrusion. Ever so slowly and temptingly, he slid long, lean fingers across a swollen pulsing bud of pleasure then crookedly grinned at the feminine moisture that clung to his hand.
Thunder and lightning arced and sparked like meteor showers! It was a sexual magical awakening of virgin flesh…the titillating, explosive sensations were at last being explored and discovered where before; they had only ached for the want of it. Sarah had never been man-handled in such an intimate manner and the look on her face was that of Earth shattering shock. Only in her girlish fantasies had she wistfully dreamed of this… naughtily wished for this…shamelessly craved this…but now it was coming to past and mere musings never came close to the reality of the heavenly paradise gripping her churning insides. Something that felt this good just couldn’t be wrong. If two people wanted each other as badly as they obviously did…what did it hurt…how could this be wrong? And mainly, why should she even care? She needed to feel this…wanted him to feel this, too, with her. Sarah was confusing and rationalizing every life’s moral lesson ever taught. Consequently, sexual desire was something she genetically possessed in great abundance, for that characteristic was naturally and speedily winning over any prudence and chastity she may have had in lesser amounts.
Richard astutely observed the lowered, limpid eyelids and knew that he was giving her incredible, heightened lascivious pleasure with his well-schooled hands, as she shivered and a low moanful sigh escaped her slightly parted lips. Full ruby lips that screamed to be ravished…lips that could give him such pleasure that the carnal thought actually made him tremble in anticipation. He didn’t think he could wait too much longer…Just hold on Richard…be patient this once…and make her really want you like she’s never wanted anyone before. Make her beg for it…then you give it to her…inch by inch!
“H-h-e-e-y over there! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” Rafe Dalton bellowed from the thicket as he approached the lagoon, abruptly lifting the thick daze of sexual fog that had engulfed the two.
“Oh shit! Hide, Robbie…it’s Rafe for God’s sake!” Sarah anxiously blustered then forcefully ducked his head under the water just as her brother reached the bank and came into full view.
“There you are! Should have known you’d be here of all places! I’ve already taken Lilly to the house…they’re waiting for you at the gypsy camp for tonight’s moon dance!” Rafe hollered…then noticed the way his sister was trying to modestly cover herself with splayed hands over bare breasts…
“Why you trying to cover yourself, silly…I’ve seen you naked and skinny dipping plenty of times before!” Rafe admonished then shook his dark head at her ridiculous attempts of covering herself.
In that moment, Richard had successfully hidden himself out of sight of the unexpected intruder behind the huge boulder and heard every misleading word. Leering at the embarrassed, blushing girl at being interrupted by another apparent intimate male friend, Richard sought to deviously punish her for some inexplicable reason not known to even himself. Still keeping out of sight, diving down deep underneath the water, he carefully positioned himself between Sarah’s slightly parted legs before forcefully jerking them apart, causing her to precariously slip on the rock bottom. Before she had regained her balance, he turned his head toward her most vulnerable spot…and shamelessly flicked his tongue and hit dead on…bull’s eye!
“Dammmmmittttt!!!!” Sarah squealed in a high pitched shrill as she fitfully splashed at the water, then turned a becoming shade of scarlet.
“What’s the matter, Sarah?” Rafe concernedly probed, immediately ripping off his shirt intent on diving in and coming to her rescue.
“Nothing…nothing… Rafe! Just…just… a fish…or something nibbling where it shouldn’t be. You go on without me…I’ll be at the camp in just a bit.” Sarah flushed not daring to meet her brother’s inquisitive stare. Nonetheless, in a fit of temper, she kicked with all her might under the water at the bold, daring rogue catching him square in the ribs.
“All right…don’t be long. We don’t have all night, you know!” Rafe shrugged then sauntered off in the direction of the gypsy encampment with his shirt thrown over his bronzed shoulder…intent on kicking his heels up with or without his sister in tow.
“I have to admit, he’s a right handsome young fella!” Richard sneered as he rubbed at his aching side where her foot had landed as his turquoise eyes glittered menacingly. “He appears to be very anxious and quite ready for his turn, huh?” Richard jealously charged and immediately felt disgusted with himself before the jab was even finished. For the tall, dark featured gypsy lad exuded a well-muscled male physique any man would envy…even himself…and Richard had never possessed any insecurities about himself in that area… up until then at least. And he inwardly fumed at the awkward, immature jealous emotions that he had never before experienced in all his short twenty-two years.
“What?” Sarah confusedly replied not understanding much of anything at the moment after the close call she had just had. And with the subtle warning still fresh in her memory, all reality of what she had almost done, stood condemning and staring at her in full force.
“Good, he’s gone…now, let’s finish what we started. Since I saw you first… you’re mine for now. Never cared much for seconds or thirds, anyway.” Richard acidly snarled as he threateningly backed her up against the rock and lowered his dripping wet head to hers intent on reaping the vast rewards before the rotten gypsy gutter rat had his share of this shining trophy of woman flesh.
“I can’t do this…I can’t…ohhhhh! Please…stop…no, we can’t!” Sarah hopelessly fought against it but all to soon realized it was nigh to impossible to conquer such overwhelming base temptation. His mouth was warm and demanding as it took hers and Sarah made one small involuntary attempt to escape. Feeling her slight resistance, Richard’s hands tightened, pulling her next to his tall, hard length, deepening the kiss. He kissed her a long time, an endless time, during which Sarah learned irrevocably that there are kisses and then there are kisses. She wasn’t sure she wanted to fight it, but something told her if she didn’t stop now…she would be lost. Tearing her mouth away from his, Sarah stepped away swallowing with difficulty, dizzy with a dangerous excitement.
“You want this…as much as I do! Before he so rudely interrupted us, you were primed and ready for me!” Richard dryly murmured. As his eyes flickered with some inscrutable emotion in their depths, Sarah tore her gaze away, her heart thudding with thick, painful strokes.
“I have to…I gotta go! I’m expected…uh…at the dance…they’ll come…come… looking for me…again.” Breathlessly trying to calm her racing heart as trembling fingers came up to gingerly touch her kiss-bruised lips, Sarah closed her eyes to try and blot out the harsh face standing over her. Fencing for time, wanting Rafe to come back and disrupt this clandestine meeting between them again, and yet at the same time terrified that he would do just that.
“All right….but only for a little while. But I want to see you again. Will you meet me?” Richard surprisingly relented regarding her steadily. Those veiled greenish-blue eyes running slowly over her face, branding her porcelain-perfect face into his memory for safe keeping. But damned it was one of the hardest feats he had ever faced. Allowing her to leave him in the pitiful aroused condition that unmercifully gnawed at his hungry loins…especially to release her to go off and sleep with another lover…this was so God damned unfair…hell it was more than that…it was fucking insane! What the hell had gotten into him!
Deliberately misunderstanding him, for what he was asking was like playing near a raging bonfire. For honestly, Sarah didn’t think she could actually go through with what she knew was morally wrong…at least and not face her beloved Pappa again.
“In a few days, your family will be hosting a party at Beau Ridge. You can see me then.” Sarah refused to glance at his pleading, perplexed face, focusing instead on the sun darkened, naked chest too close for comfort that was blocking all escape.
“I don’t wish to see you under my family’s watchful eyes. I want to see you alone, and you damn well know it! Now tell me where we can meet privately!” As his grasp tightened on her forearms and golden features earnestly challenged, Sarah knew she was fighting a loosing battle.
“Why?” Sarah softly whispered…still stalling for time. Rafe, Will, Jacob, Fabrizio…anybody? Help, before it’s too late! Sarah inwardly prayed as her guts twisted into knots and she felt like she might retch at any second.
“You know why, so quit playing the innocent with me…we want each other…it’s just that simple.”
“Simple? You actually believe that what I almost let you do to me, was “simple” and uncomplicated? You think you can mate me like some bitch in heat? Contrary to what just happened between us, Hockley, I am not some witless, cheap piece of poor white trash you can use and discard at your command! Nothing worth having is ever “simple”, Robbie…or Richard…or whoever the hell you want to be called in the heat of the moment. Either you see me at Beau Ridge or not at all. It’s just that simple, Mister Hockley! If this in any way unclear?” Sarah indignantly rebuked, then striking out for the bank and her clothes before he had a chance to come after her. But moreover, before she regrettably succumbed to his male dominant sin-provoking temptation. Although Sarah hadn’t meant to become so hostile, she had actually been blindly grasping at straws…anything to help get her out of the volatile, potentially dangerous situation she was helplessly falling into.
Richard stood transfixed and frozen, stuck like he was sinking in quicksand at the bottom of the pond…numbed and shocked for some inexplicable reason…his hammering heart plunged to his feet as the hot-tempered vixen scampered up the embankment and scooped up her clothes in a huff. Staring after her, his breath remained locked and heavy in his lungs. The world suddenly and without any warning, seemed less colorful…monochromatically dull…even the birds’ incessant chirping now seemed like mourning wails. Dammit to hell, he wanted her! Why didn’t he just take her when he had the chance? She would have soon surrendered to his skilled, heated advances…shortly been ecstatic that he had persuaded her to stay. They always did in the past. He had never sent a woman away unsatisfied and regretful…that wasn’t in his physical or spiritual make-up. No…”simple” would not begin to describe the unscrupulous girl that had just slipped away from him as if he were powerless to stop it! Just as she scampered around the pathway, Sarah threw one last furtive glance in his direction…but Richard saw it and saucily grinned. Scratching his tawny head in bewilderment, he finally stumbled to the banks and lit up a smoke to reflect on what had just transpired...or “simply” put…what hadn’t.
Now what and why in the hell is my uppity high society family doing inviting gypsies to Beau Ridge of all things? He just couldn’t figure that one out! Awww…perchance, Robbie is totally infatuated with the girl, keeping her on a string and close at hand…but how has the crafty bastard managed to keep her notorious heritage a secret from the parents? Of course, Ben and Anne Hockley would never approve of such a ludicrous match…no way in hell…for he was as sure of that as he was the ache that was still tormenting his over-inflamed loins! The Mamma’s boy, Robbie, didn’t have the guts to flaunt her right under their aristocratic noses. However, he did and would in a heartbeat if given the chance! He’d just have to convince ole-Robbie Boy to share and share alike as true blood brothers should! Naw…on second thought, something about that implausible theory just didn’t quite jell.