The first chapter is just a filler: it introduces the characters, the relations and the setting. Please enjoy.
"Jerome, put me down!" squealed Mara, wriggling in the tall man's strong arms.
He chuckled and shook his head "You're finally mine now." carrying the small, petite woman dressed in a beautiful, long white dress. Mara blushed but continued to protest, "J, we can't leave our own wedding reception. What will the guests say when they realise we're nowhere to be seen?''
Casually, Jerome shrugged "Baby, it's our wedding, we can do what we want. Besides, we've cut the cake and you've had your dessert, but what about my dessert?" he smirked.
As Jerome unlocked their door of the hotel suite, he stepped inside and released Mara to let her lie down on the king size bed. Mara watched him walk back to the door to lock it, never leaving her eyes away from him. Her breathing quickened as Jerome smoothly slid out of his slick black blazer.
"Let me love you, Mara Clarke," whispered Jerome, straddling her slim waist and his hands cupped on her warm cheeks. He leaned down, thin lips leaving short soft kisses on her neck to her collarbone. Mara pushed her fingers through his dirty blonde hair, wanting to feel more and more was what she was to feel. Jerome let go of her cheeks and moved his large hands down her body. His fingers slid underneath the straps of the dress and pushed it away from her tanned shoulders.
Flushed and eager, Mara let out a soft moan of need, "Please, Jerome." she begged huskily, as she sat up, so their rising chests were touching and her hands wrapped around his neck. Jerome kissed her forehead and swiftly pinned her back down to the bed.
He moved off of Mara, grabbed her toned legs and held them high up in the air. Still holding her ankles, he kneeled in front of her to allow her legs rest on his broad shoulders. Her dress had fallen down to her hips in a puddle of white silk, leaving her legs bare. Jerome brought her right foot towards his mouth and kissed each little toe of hers, while massaging the middle of her foot with his thumb, leaving Mara into quiet giggles from the ticklish and sensitive sensations.
Finally, Jerome stopped teasing Mara, due to her filthy pouting for fast and rough punk funk, as he pulled the dress over her body, threw it on the floor and kissed her full plump lips. Their lips moved in a fast, shameless and swinging rhythm. Tongues tasting each other's heated and hungry desires. Wet and rapturous sparks of gratification.
Mara's fingers traced Jerome's strong jaw line and then tugged on his white-collar, unbuttoning his shirt to run her hands over his naked chest and his muscled back.
A low groan rumbled out of Jerome, as he unbuckled his belt, which lead the night to become hot and sweaty, with their glistening libido whitening the bed to a pool of thick leather.
The bedroom was soon tinged with the smell of blood and semen. It was nothing cheap, but quite the opposite. Expensive and surprisingly refined.
Soft and warm early rays of the sun crept into the suite through the open curtains. Sound of human life was low, but chirping of morning birds echoed throughout the open window.
The quietness was finally disturbed by the sharp ringing of the alarm clock on the bed stand.
Mara, who was fully exhausted from previous night's activities, didn't acknowledge the ear-aching noise and continued to sleep in the same knocked out position. However, Jerome groggily woke up from the comfy crook of Mara's neck and bent forward to switch the clock off and dived straight back down to his pillow. After a few seconds of silence and realization he sprang right back up, turning his head towards the time "Bloody amazing" he sighed.
Still laying down on the bed, he whispered "Mara? Mara, we need to get ready." he shook Mara softly by her shoulders. In reply, she simply tucked her head deeper in the cosy and snug duvet, ignoring him completely.
With a roll of his blue eyes, he forced himself to stand up and grabbed the ends of the duvet and pulled it off the sleeping Mara, "Jerome, nooo." she winged, covering herself from the chilly air.
A laugh tumbled out of Jerome, "Mara, yeess." he mimicked, slightly amused at his wife's reaction. "We'll be late if we don't hurry up. Our plane's going to take off at ten, it's already eight thirty," explained Jerome, covering his wife with a lilac dressing gown.
With all her strength she eventually pulled herself up and faced Jerome, "I'm too tired." yawned Mara, her dark taupe hair in a wild mess. She squinted her eyes at the sunlight, "I can still hear the jazz and cocktails." she mumbled. "Oh and remember when we danced cheek to cheek?"
Another laugh came out of Jerome, picking up a towel, "I really do wonder why you're in such a state, Little Doll."
Now it was Mara's turn to roll her eyes, she stumbled towards Jerome on her wobbly legs and frowned at him "You know why. Plus it's your fault." she remarked, adorable (well in Jerome's eyes).
"You're right. I put my hands up, it's all down to me for making you sound this loopy," he laughed again. He leaned down towards Mara and gently kissed the corner of her soft lips "But you loved it though."
A shade of red painted her cheeks, remembering everything clearly from last night "We should get ready" she breathed softly from his fingers which were running down her back.
"So do you want to have a shower first or shall I?" he asked, changing the topic.
Mara, off-guard from all the beautiful and loving memories, nodded shyly as a natural response because really she felt comfortable and like herself with Jerome, there was no actual reason for her shyness.
Jerome moved to the hotels telephone and mouthed 'I'll call for room service, the normal breakfast right?" he asked.
"Yes please. Just porridge oats and blueberry yoghurt for the side. Thanks." Mara replied with courtesy.
She walked towards the bathroom and looked at herself in the glass mirror. Her dressing gown was tightly wrapped around her and her wavy hair was everywhere. She smiled at her reflection, loving the new chapter of her life. Marriage. And that too marriage with Jerome, he was a sweetheart around, as if any signs of alpha male gone, instead replaced with a Shakespearian character (hopefully one with a better ending). Happily, she sang lightly as she stepped into the glass shower and the cool water dripped down her body.
"Here, can you pass me that bag?" asked Jerome, stacking the suitcase on top of the luggage compartment. Mara handed the navy hand bag to Jerome, before settling down in the window seat - to get a better view outside of the new and different sceneries.
They sat silently, just feeling each others comforting presence.
"Jerome, do you think we possibly rushed the marriage?" Mara asked, shoulder against his side.
He replied "Rushed? No. Why think that?" Jerome tucked a strand of Mara's hair behind her ear and continued talking, "From the first moment I saw you, I knew you were the one for me."
"Aw, how cliché of you." laughed Mara, "See Jerome, I told you relationships can be cliche, but you'd never recite that Sonnet for me."
He smiled "I'll start reading out all-sorts of poems on one knee and feed you chocolate dipped strawberries with my own hands. How's that?"
Happily, she nodded her head "That'll be perfect. But I was serious, now I think about it we did kind of rushed through it. It would have been nice if we had postpone the wedding for your family to come. "
Jerome sighed "You heard the phone call, didn't you?" She nodded. "Mara, our wedding was everything we could have wished for. I know you think I'm upset that my family didn't visit, but I'm not at all fazed by it and you shouldn't be too. It was their choice, so please drop it."
"Okay, fine. But don't you think it's slightly odd that we're going to visit them now...?" she asked lightly.
"It's my home too, I don't think I need an invitation from them to allow me to stay there and lucky for you we're only staying there for a couple of days."
Mara looked down to her wedding ring and twisted it around thoughtfully "I didn't mean it like, I'm sorry."
Jerome closed his eyes "I know. I shouldn't have snapped at you, especially when you're right. I am hurt that they didn't bother to show up. Apparently my mum doesn't even know anything about it because my dad was too worried about what her reaction will be when she'll learn that I've got married."
"Oh."
It was all she could say. Her own mother-in-law didn't even know who she was and there was a strong possibility that she wouldn't like her too.
As the newly wed couple walked out of the airport, Jerome pushed the luggage trolley towards the black London taxi which was waiting for them, in the cold, damp and typical 'British weather.
"To Berkshire, mate," Jerome said to the driver.
The taxi ride was only an hour long and they quickly arrived at the Clarke Manor House.
It was an antiquated, but a massive brick building which was still strongly standing grandly, from the continuous care of the holder. It was a single house in a green field, which was thoroughly surrounded by dark forest trees and a shallow stream which was flowing on the right side of the pasture. Just by one look, you could have easily guessed how highly affluent the owners were of the house.
There were at least fifty different crystal large windows and the door was a great British Elm carved artwork. It was one of those homes you would often see the pictures and movies in black and white; which held large and extended families who would dance and drink all night in their pearls and shiny, smart shoes: the flappers who would entertain the guests of the loud parties and the interesting talks about the war and the work on woman rights.
Mara could only have dreamed what the scenery could possibly look like at sunset; the sun's precious yellow and orange rays reflecting onto the fertile and fresh crops and onto the brown earthy soil of life. The history of the manor house was something which intrigued Mara: due to her hobby on investigating (or being nosy some would say, but Mara would cover it up, by saying it's simply her journalism self wanting to know the truth) and her logical reasoning which she used for almost everything - those novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle on, Sherlock Holmes had kept young Mara awake for countless hours and even after curfew. Moreover, Mara being the only child of two busy parents had it's downs and ups: she thrives off adventures about the past, ancient writing, the supernatural and crime because of her nanny's late night stories, but obviously Mara never minded it. Therefore, naturally Mara loved everything she was seeing.
"My goodness, this was where little Jerome lived?" asked Mara, amazed and shell-shocked by the strong and dark looking house.
"Yes. And 'little Jerome' hated it," replied Jerome, eyes peering at his childhood home, uncomfortably.
"How could you hate such a place?"
"I had to follow rules, it was always cold even during summer, I only had one friend and the most important reason why I hated it, is right there." he pointed in front of them.
"Jerome, behave!" tutted Mara, while fixing her hair and pressing down her skirt.
A tall looking woman, with no doubt a high-class status, strolled elegantly down the pathway towards them, with her high heels clicking every time it came into contact with the ground. Her ash blonde hair in a classy updo and dressed in a clean cream, fitted dress. "Oh, my son, look how handsome you've become," she greeted her son with a quick hug.
Jerome simply nodded in respect, "Mum, this is my wife, Mar-."
His mother interrupted Jerome and stood in front of Mara, facial expression stern and an eyebrow arched, "Wife?"
Wrapping an arm around Mara, Jerome introduced them both to each other, "Mum, this is Mara. Wife, this is Agatha." Mara tried her best to greet Agatha, but she was being blocked out rudely.
Agatha let out a loud sigh, "What do you mean this is your wife?" her manicured fingertips were tapping the side of her hip, annoyed and surprised at the new news.
Instead of replying to his mother, Jerome simply ignored her and lead Mara towards the Manor House to meet the rest of his family.
"Jerome! You do not walk off like that, come back here right now" Agatha yelled across the ground, feeling ticked off about her son being married to an average girl who she saw no worthy in to be married in her family's name.
A small girl appeared out of nowhere. She was the similar height as Mara and she happily skipped towards Jerome with her arms wide open, "Yay, you're finally here!" she laughed.
"Poppy, how much I hate to admit it, but I kind of missed you." he hugged her tightly with a large grin playing on his face.
They finally let go of each other and Poppy beamed at Mara, "Oh my God, is this her?" she asked, in hope that she was right. He nodded, with a smile tugging at his lips. She attacked Mara in a similar hug and nearly toppled her over, "I've heard so much about you. I can't believe my brother is with such an amazing woman as you. He's way out of your league."
Mara giggled, glad to have finally of met Jerome's little sister. "Hmm, I'm not so sure. Your brother is kind of amazing himself." They hugged once more, sharing another laugh. "He's told me so much about you, Poppy. I'm just really happy that I've got to see a face to the name."
A sharp cough came out of Jerome, "Not wanting to interrupt this, 'sister-in-law bond', but I want Mara to see everyone else as well, that too before the night falls."
"Of course! Father has gone to a business trip, he'll be back in two days and grandpa and grandma are in the courtyard." Poppy explained as she guided them further into the house.
Golden frames of large portraits hanged onto the wall, each painting was a masterpiece. The different textures from the style of the paintbrush and the royal and deep colours which were used was screaming out talent. Metal ornaments decorated the house, still carrying the gold colour theme. The idea of Jerome hating that very house was out of Mara's reasoning and understanding.
Sounds of chatter became louder and louder. A wooden porch swing was occupied by two elderly people who were in a deep conversation.
"Look who's finally made a visit!" Poppy beamed, jumping on the spot in glee.
The old-looking woman stood up, a shaky hand grasped her mouth in shock "My baby is finally home" Tears were blooming in her faded blue eyes. "Come here, my little snuggums, you're all grown up now," she embraced him in a long hug.
She let get of Jerome slowly and walked up to Mara, "Is this the lucky girl you've been babbling on about over the phone, the one that's got you so in love?"
"Nice try, Grandma. I know you're trying to make me blush, but It's okay. I admit it, I'm a love-sick man for Mara." Jerome replied, leaving a quick kiss on his wife's cheek. She blushed prettily.
"And, chief. Not going to say hello?" asked Jerome, to the older looking man.
The man got up, with a large smile on his face "My boy! Took your time coming back to visit us old folks, eh?" He said in a jocular way, while gave Jerome a big hug, with two pats on the back.
"I've missed all of you's so much," Jerome said merrily. He turned to face Mara. "Mara, this is, Richard and Martha Clarke, my brilliant grandparents."
"It's an honour meeting you two, Jerome has been speaking very fondly of you's," Mara replied.
Richard replied "I'm very happy about meeting you too Mara." He faced Jerome and smiled "You've picked good."
"I know." grinned Jerome.
"Now, now. My poor girl must be tired from the journey. Jerome, take her to her room and let her settle down. I want a long, nice chat with Mara." Martha declared, holding Mara's hand in content.
Jerome took Mara to his old bedroom. It had changed, apart from the same furniture. The walls were tightly pasted with a cream wallpaper which was beautifully decorated with swirls of patterns. It smelt of strong, bitter lemon, from the chemicals in cleaning products to keep the room spotless.
Lazily, Jerome fell onto the bed in relief and tiredness "They all love you. Even Gramps was all over you and he's a hard one to please."
Carefully, Mara placed her heels down on the marble floor, her feet finally free "They're all really sweet." she smiled, sitting next to her husband, whose eyes were already shut.
"And maybe later, your mother will realise I'm not that bad as she thinks I am," Mara suggests, quietly.
Jerome lets out a snort, "Who actually cares about my mum's judgement...nobody."
Mara slid down on her back and rested her head on Jerome's shoulder, "I care. I want her to truly be proud of us." tracing circles on his chest, absent-mindedly.
A quiet sigh came out of Jerome, "I know what you're like, Mara. You won't stop trying until she accepts you, but trust me on this, her acceptance is nothing for me. I love you no matter what."
Silence started to grow in the room until Jerome broke it, "How about tomorrow, I'll give you the complete whole tour of this place. I can easily tell how much you like this house from when we were outside. Heck, I'll even introduce you to the neighbours." He added, holding Mara tightly in his arms.
She smiled sleepily "I'll like that a lot." As her eyes closed shut, she found herself speaking absentmindedly "I love you." as they both slept away.
This was a long chapter and the following chapters will also be pretty lengthy.
Not wanting to spoil the plot of this story, but it involves around crime, the past, romance, betrayal and so much more! It's going to be slightly confusing at first, but it'll quickly settle down.
Thank you for reading. Remember to review, it helps me out a lot. :)
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