Here is the next chapter, hope you all enjoy it
Chapter 2: A Ladies Charm
I woke up warm and comfortable, snuggled into a soft bed. Feeling perfectly content. I opened my eyes, and a shiver went down to my spine. I sat in a very expensive room, in a plush bed that was not my own. My heart raced as I reached down under the blanket and felt my clothes, and found that all I had on was my shimmy and bloomers. I franticly tried to remember what happened and how I came to be here. Realization hit with a flash – Adrian, Dimitri-
The door swung open and my savior waltzed into the room. "Good morning, Rose," The Captain said in a much too intimate and forward tone as he confidently strolled in, fully dressed and looking as dashing as ever. I squeaked, tried to cover myself up grabbing the quilt, and pulled it to my neck.
"No need to cover anything, Roza. You're incredibly beautiful," He said with amusement, a sly smirk gracing his lips and a twinkle dancing in his gorgeous brown eyes.
I gasped. "You, sir, are no gentleman!"
He raised an eyebrow. "And you, miss, are no lady," The Captain countered, chuckling.
"Why- first you walk in on me in nothing but my under clothes, and now you insult me!" I yelled, my temper rising.
Captain Belikov shrugged with an air of nonchalance. "The ladies I've seen have never held any charm for me." He smiled confidently, showing I had absolutely no affect over him.
My anger paused, and curiosity swept over me. I lowered my voice, trying to sound more reasonable. "Why didn't you just take me home? For what reason did you keep me here?" I asked, ignoring his jibe.
"I hadn't a clue where you lived." He said reasonably. "I certainly didn't think you would be very comfortable lying there in the Dragomir's garden after what you had been through." He said, that same arrogant smile on his face still lingering, as if it was purposely there to anger me.
I shuttered, remembering what Adrian had done. I cringed slightly and pulled the covers closer to me. Captain Belikov became serious for a moment, seeing my discomfort. It appeared that his intent was not to make me feel uneasy. Without me expressing anything, I noticed he changed the subject.
"I sent a servant into town to buy you a new dress because you're other one was… unfit." He went to the door and called out. A servant rushed in, carrying a large dress bag.
"I'll leave you to get dressed." The servant placed the bag at the end of the bed.
"Why?" I asked defiantly, now sitting up in bed so that the upper half of my body was visible to him, clad in my almost see through shimmy. This time, I knew for a fact, that I had an effect on the illustrious Captain. I cocked my head to the side. "You've already seen me in less," I added boldly, flinging the blankets off the rest of my body and stepping on to the cold wood floor.
His eyebrows lifted. "Is that an offer?" he asked, chuckling in a warm sweet sound, though obviously ogling my curves. I felt my cheeks become slightly heated by the daring attention, but pleased to see his stoic posture waver. I was indeed flattered by the flare of lust held in his beautiful brown smoldering eyes, which is highly inappropriate of me, but nonetheless it did things to me I can't explain.
Desires of an inappropriate nature heatedly flashed through my wanton body. A cruel voice in my mind was begging me to make my brazen statement a true offer. With his keen senses, he noticed my hesitation in denying that it was an offer. He turned, and made his way out.
From the half open door, he gave me a look that I couldn't completely decipher. All I did was send a mischievous smile in his direction. He chuckled, maybe trying to cover up being a bit perplexed by my boldness. "I'll see you in the formal dining room for breakfast." He quietly closed the door, leaving me to get ready.
I found that I had a washroom through the door to my left. Taking my time to freshen up and use the facilities, I found a hairbrush, worked through my tangles, and splashed some cool water on my face to wake up. After I was done there and feeling refreshed I returned to the bedroom.
I carefully pushed the garment bag out of my view to reveal a beautiful white dress. It had thick elegant ruffles layering all the way down the skirt. At the waist, there was a thick dark red satin belt. It had short puffy ruffled sleeves and a high neckline with an elegant red cameo at the throat. At the modest neckline I slightly scowled; I had enjoyed the look on his face that showed complete amazement when I had pulled the covers down from my chest.
Despite that, I smiled at his style. He certainly did know how to make a woman feel beautiful. I found my corset, slipped on the dress, and slid on my red shoes that I had worn yesterday. I looked myself over in the floor length mirror, and satisfied with my appearance, I headed to the large, oak door and made my way down cascading stairs.
Captain Belikov greeted me at the bottom of the stairs. He reached out, taking my hand in his larger one. As his callous, warm hand clasped around mine, I felt an exciting tingle flood through my whole body. His eyes met mine and by his expression, I could tell he had felt it too. He slowly leaned forward and brought the back of my hand to his soft lips, placing a gentle kiss on it.
Just at the small touch, it felt as though a blazing spark was lit in me.
Without a word, he offered me his arm and led me to an elegant spacious parlor. Our demeanor seemed so natural that I briefly fantasized about living this way. Centered in the room was a large, beautiful table, covered in extravagant linen, and to my enjoyment-platters of delicious looking food.
The servant politely pulled out a chair to his right for me and I graciously sat down. The Captain sat at the head of the table. Without comment to my host or hesitation, I started to prepare my plate. I only put a few things on my plate, not wanting to be rude. I started to eat slowly-
"No need to be polite, I understand you must be hungry," he said, starting to eat his own food. I started putting larger bites into my mouth, savoring the flavor of the delicious ham. After several minutes of silence and only the clanking of knives and forks, I began to eat slower when I realized that I did owe this man, who had saved me from god only knows what, at least recognition of his services.
I paused and made eye contact with Captain Belikov. He, oddly enough, had already seemed to be looking at me with those stunning deep brown eyes, mesmerizing me. "For what you did last night… I mean- well…" I choked and swallowed my pride. "Than-"
He shook his head. "No need to thank me, Roza." He lifted his hand to stop me from talking. "However..." His expression turned sly. "If you feel the need to thank me, I can think of something else I'd like from you." His eyes sparked with his mischievousness.
My head snapped toward him; I had to stop myself from gaping in an un-ladylike fashion. "Like what?" I asked, angry that he could say something so suggestive to me, yet part of me was intrigued by his candor and scared for his answer.
He smiled a breathtaking warm, brilliant smile. "Like... a kiss from thy fair lady," Captain Belikov said brazenly.
It took me a moment to recover from his dazzling smile, and when I did, it was with contained attitude. "Sir," I said through gritted teeth, "You're not being very gentlemanly." My face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment, but also, the heat of desire.
"I recall you telling me that earlier, and before that, I had told you that I am no gentleman," he said back with an arrogant smile that made me want to reach over and strangle him.
"Yes, I remember." I glared at him. "You also said that I wasn't a lady."
"And I meant it."
Appalled by his inconsiderate statement – I lost my meager control.
I stood up so fast the chair crashed against the wood floor in a clatter. I reached for the jam that was placed next to the bread, and flung the open container at him. It hit its intended target, and I stormed out. I found the stable, and quickly ordered a stable boy to saddle a horse. He eyed my dress, a confused expression on his bewildered face.
"Just because I am in a dress, does not mean I cannot ride!" He jumped up, and before I knew it, I was on the horse heading out.
Kicking the horse's sides, the beautiful black Arabian Stallion took off at a gallop. Clearing the gates, I hesitated, not sure which way to go. I realized that I didn't really care at the moment; I just wanted out of here. I rode as fast as the horse could go- at least until realizing that I had no idea where the Captain lived. Pulling up on the rein the horse came to a halt.
"You didn't get very far, Roza." I jumped at his deep, sexy voice. He came up behind me on a horse very much like my own.
"Leave me alone!" I said irritated, leading my horse further away from his. I was so annoyed that he could make me feel so many unspeakable things.
"Let me take you home," he offered, following me.
"No." Damn this man he is just so…
"Alright, if that's how you want it," Captain Belikov said uncaringly, and I heard the hooves of the horse's feet head the other way.
"Ugh! Fine!" I said, and turned to follow him.
There was a jovial tone in his voice. "I knew you would come around." He taunted with a cocky smirk.
I glared up at him. "Only because I'm lost and you live in the middle of nowhere."
"You would see it that way." The Captain agreed and sent me a look, and yet again, I couldn't decide what it meant or how he felt. We rode for a few minutes, and pretty soon we came upon a wondrous dark blue, sparkling lake. I just couldn't keep my eyes off it. The sun was casting a shimmering glow that reflected in the dark water like a mirror. In fact, I was so enthralled with its beauty, that I didn't notice a low hanging branch that hit me and swept me right off the horse and into the frigid water.
Dimitri's POV
I looked back hearing a startled gasp and I started to laugh as Roza was flung into the water by the branch, but I became instantly serious when she didn't come back up. I waited a few more moments, and when the ripples stopped on the surface, without hesitation I jumped in after her.
She was trying to get something untangled from her foot, and I quickly went under the dark water to try to help. After I pulled out her foot, I dragged her, as well as all her heavily water weighted skirts, up. As we broke the surface, we both took long breaths. Rose sputtered and choked a few times, but soon was breathing fine again.
I held her against me with one arm as I treaded water. She clung to me with her arm wrapped around my neck. I watched her beautiful face as she kept her eyes closed and concentrated on calming down. Her long, dark eyelashes brushed her tan skin, and her perfect lips were slightly parted as she slowed her breathing. She seemed to feel my gaze and opened her stunning chocolate brown eyes.
Noticing that we were in each other's arms, we just stared into one another eyes. The only thing that was heard was our breathing and a slight ripple of the water. I briefly stroked her other hand, and even in the freezing water, I could still feel the tingling pulse coarse through my body. By her gasp, I could tell she had felt it to. Nevertheless, she didn't try to pull back, and neither did I.
I inched forward towards her, feeling a pull that drew me in. I brought my lips closer to hers, pausing when my lips brushed against hers. Our lips touched again and desire flashed in her eyes, soon we were sharing an intense, passionate kiss. She wrapped her other arm around my neck, and I held her waist to pull her even closer to me.
When we broke apart for a breath, she smiled shyly at me, and I smiled back. Suddenly she shivered and looked towards her arm that was still wrapped around my neck. She gasped and quickly pulled her arms back. She grabbed the thing on her arm and wrenched it off. I looked at what she held in her hand and looked at my own arms that were beginning to sting.
"Leaches!" We both shouted in unison. We scurried quickly to the edge of the lake, dragging ourselves up the low bank. As soon as we were on dry land, we started to rip at our arms to get off the leaches. I had removed most of my clothing and gotten almost every one off me, but I looked up at Roza seeing that she was having a few difficulties.
Her large hoop skirt was impairing her from getting the blood sucking leaches off her legs. I quickly ran to her, trying to pry the dress away from her wet body. I ripped her dress and pulled at her corset, loosening it and slipping it off her, and she yanked off her bloomers exposing her bare legs. She stood in front of me, a vision to behold, in nothing but a wet clinging chemise and pantalets.
She started to panic when she saw dozens of leaches attached to her legs. She screamed and franticly gripped and pulled them off her skin. Seeing her in such a state spurred me into action. I knelt down and ripped the leaches off her bare body. We franticly helped each other yanking all the leaches away from our bare skin.
When we were finally clear of all leaches, we stood there, breathing heavily. We looked each other up and down, and realized that we were both in ripped, wet, underclothes. With a shocked expression, she giggled, covering her mouth at the outburst. I chuckled at her coyness and she barked out a big sound of laughter. That was it; we both burst into a fit of laughter.
I have to say, she has the best laugh I have ever heard. It wrapped around me like a warm blanket. She was dripping wet, in ripped clothes, completely vulnerable and yet... Rose stood there in a fit of giggles. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.
"We should get dressed," Rose said, eyeing her torn, soaked, and dirty dress.
"Let's just ride back to my property. No one will see us." She nodded, smiling up shyly at me. Noticing her discomfort, I said, "I have a blanket in my bag." I pointed to the horses that stood next to us, eating the lush green grass.
"Thank you." We both walked over to the horses, and I pulled the blanket out. I draped it over her shoulders. Our close proximity made me want to kiss her again. I looked into her eyes as she raised her chin and her lips were like a magnet, drawing mine to hers in a matter of seconds.
The kiss started slowly and softly, she responded to my every motion as our lips moved in perfect synchronization. An intense, warm tingle spread through my whole body and I wanted more. My heart raced at the feeling of this beautiful woman pressed against me.
I stroked my tongue across her luscious, ruby red lips. Her mouth opened, inviting me in with unsaid words. The kiss deepened, turning heated and highly passionate. A deep throaty moan escaped my lips when her hands found their way to my hair and she gripped onto it, pulling me closer.
My arms encircled her and I realized that her body fit perfectly against mine. We were like two pieces of a puzzle that fit together. I was astonished. My hand slid across her body, wanting to find some bare skin to touch. Her hands stroked my neck and shoulders, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. She felt so good; the intensity was more than I had ever felt before, warming me to my very soul.
Rose's POV
The kiss was incredible, so much heat and passion ran through us, that I couldn't resist pulling him closer to me and allow myself to touch his bare skin. His moan made me only want more; his touch was like fire - it felt so amazing. I never wanted this kiss to end.
Suddenly, I realized where we were and what we were doing. Still, I knew deep down that I didn't want to pull away. I hesitantly started to back off. I stroked his cheek, trying to show him that I really wanted the kiss. I opened my eyes and found him gazing into mine.
His eyes were like liquid chocolate, smoldering with a fire of lust. I felt as though I could see his soul. The depth and passion shining through his beautiful orbs rocked me to my core. Entranced by them, I knew I could stay lost in them for hours.
Dimitri leaned in and gave me another small, but passionate, kiss. He smiled down at me. "We should go, before you catch cold." His voice was deep and husky. It occurred to me that his words said one thing, but his body said another when he still did not release his hold on me.
I began clearing my throat to speak, but my wants interfered with what I had to say. Instead, I slid my hand around his neck and brought his mouth to mine once again. The spark shot through me, warming my heart. This time it was me, who moaned into the kiss as his tongue explored my mouth, dancing with mine.
My knees felt weak under me as he kissed me harder and hungrier than before. We kissed for a few more minutes until we needed to break for air. Though, when we did, his mouth trailed down my neck, biting and sucking at my tender, sensitive skin - eliciting another moan from me.
He broke the kiss and picked up my blanket, wrapping it around me once again. "Come on – let's go."
I was going to walk towards my horse, but he held me tight. I was confused, but then he told me to wait. He climbed into his saddle and then reached for me. He lifted me up with ease, placing me on his lap so I was straddling, as well as, facing him. I wrapped my legs around his body.
He made sure the blanket was wrapped around me and guided his horse over to mine. He grabbed my horse's reins and tied them to his saddle. Then with one arm around me, Dimitri held me close. His other hand on the reins of his horse we slowly headed back to his home.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and for a moment, I looked into his deep brown eyes. I could see his desire for me and I am sure my eyes reflected the same. He leaned forward placing a sensual, erotic, and hungry kiss to my lips.
When he released my lips, it was my turn to leave a trail of kisses down his sexy and muscled neck. As I got to a sensitive spot, he growled and his arm tightened around my waist. I bit him harder and Dimitri moaned as I sucked his skin and promptly left a mark.
I trailed kisses up his jaw line and back to his divine mouth. We kissed like that all the way back to his house, never letting go of each other until it was time to get off the horse. He carefully lifted me up and set me down on the ground.
The servants took the horses back to the stable as we went inside the house. Dimitri told one of the servants to run me a bath in his bathroom because it was larger, and I smiled, glad that he was being so open with me, rather than using his same earlier attitude and arrogance.
"Thank you. Again," I said, grinning. He just smiled, and before I knew it, he lifted me up. I was, once again, back in his arms being kissed to my heart's content. Dimitri set me down on the floor when the servant came back, and he led me by the hand up the stairs, and into his large bedroom. I went into the washroom, and as Dimitri was about to leave, I asked what I had wanted since this morning.
"Join me?"
What's he going to say? Review!