"Outside is never a good place to sleep, beautiful."

My eyes opened to his deep melodic voice. "It felt so nice outside, and I did try to wait for your ret-!" I tried to adjust my position to speak more clearly, but was cut off as he gathered me into his arms.

He placed a feather-light kiss on my shocked mouth and carried me back into the house. "Were you waiting a long time?"

"It seemed as if you were gone for days." I placed my palm against the side of his face. "I'm just glad you're back now."

"Perhaps you'd like to come with me next time I leave," he asked earnestly.

I smiled, but it was immediately wiped away as my eyes lingered where my tan skin met with his fair flesh. "If anyone were to see us, it would be the end for the both of us." I pulled my hand away and urged him to let me down.

"I own all of this land, and Sleepy Hollow is run on lies and deceit." He grasped my hand in his. "If I wish for you to accompany me, outside my estate, then you shall. If you wish, of course."

"Perhaps, but not today," I said smiling. "For now, I would just like for you to stay home."

"Then I will, but I need a bath first." His hair had began to escape the way I had it earlier and he did look a bit exhausted.

"I will get the water ready. Just wait for a moment." I quickly had the basin full of hot water and prepped for his use. After calling for him to come, I tried to slip past him, but was grabbed by the waist.

"I want you to stay," Abraham mumbled into my hair.

"What reason is there for me to stay," I asked. "I would just be standing about like some decoration."

He was silent for a moment. "I would like it if you washed my hair…"

"I suppose, but you have to get into the water first. Its getting cold." I widened the space between us.

He quickly removed his clothes and slid into the steamy water. He sighed deeply and slid deeper into the water. "You are truly perfect at everything." He sat up and pointed to the edge of the tub. "Would you do me the honor?"

I couldn't say no, so I removed my shoes and stockings, bunched my skirts, and stepped into the water. "You know it's near impossible to say 'no' to you?"

"And I enjoy taking full advantage of it as well." He slid down deeper, wetting his hair for me.

I gently scrubbed his platinum blonde locks and massaged his scalp and let my mind wander off for a moment.

"Good heaven, you truly are amazing," he moaned. "I'll never allow you to leave.

"It was never my intention."

"Good," he said simply.

The room slipped into a comfortable silence, save for the sound of the water. After I finished rinsing his hair, I slid from the tub and retrieved my shoes and stockings. "I will allow you to finish and clean up as well."

"Come to my chambers after you finish, please."

"Very well," I whispered leaving quietly. As I headed upstairs, I thought to myself. 'He seems to get more and more affectionate every day,' I noted. 'But we must be wary. I worry for him every time he leaves the estate.'

After heating the water and removing my clothes, I sank into the heat of the tub. Pretty soon my thoughts took over and I was so deep inside my mind that I lost track of time. I also didn't hear the knock at the door.

"Charlotte," Abraham called loudly, dragging me back to the present.

I jumped with a start. "Yes," I managed to call, before I died of a heart attack.

"Is everything alright in there? You've been in there for quite some time now." He sounded worried.

"Yes, yes. I'm fine. I just thought a soak would help me relieve some stress," I lied.

"Very well then," he said through the door before I heard him walk away.

I quickly scrubbed myself clean and redressed in my night shift before running out of the bathroom and into a strong chest.

Abraham scooped me up quickly and headed to the room. "You know, I have never met anyone more clumsy than you," he said ignoring my protests to be put down.

"You make it sound like a compliment," I said as he carried me into his room.

"I've grown tired of sleeping alone," he interrupted, still ignoring me. "I want you to sleep with me starting tonight." Finishing his statement, he threw me on the bed.

I understand that I'm an absolute, giant piece of shit. But trust me;.Next chapter will live up to it's M rating. Buh-bye! Don't forget to review! Or I'll leave you hanging! :D