A/N Looks like procrastination can sometimes work in favour of fanfiction - well... here is an update to a story I thought I would never get the inspiration to continue. Happy reading - and well please don't forget to leave a few words for me when you've reached the bottom of this page ;)

And naturally all the normal disclaimers apply - thought I better remember to mention it here as I have borrowed the odd sentence of conversation from Ripley herself. Can you find them all ;)

As she spoke the words he had until recently never thought to hear her utter, Rhett let out a breath he hadn't even known he had been holding.

Up until she had actually spoken them out loud – those three precious words, he had not really dared to believe. Though he had seem so sure of himself part of him had been afraid that she would withdraw. Punish him for his abandonment almost half a decade ago. Laugh at him with those slanting green and then leave him dry and wounded yet again. After all, that was what one of them had always done before when happiness had been within their reach. Like an elusive treasure, close enough to be seen and smelt, but never felt.

Therefore, her saying it out loud gave rise to a new hope. Even an assurance that this time they were both equally comitted to a successful relationshop. Hearing her profession of love was like a redemption, it caused something in him to be set free; something that had been held caged in for so long that he didn't even know he harboured the cage.

His spirit soared. Never had he known such a joy. He couldn't contain himself and with a loud laugh he swept her up in his arms and swung her round the room. Not caring that her billowing skirt caused many of the ornaments previously placed so carefully on the tea table to fall scattered - some even shattered - to the floor. Who would care what was sacrificed on such a happy occasion. In fact it almost seemed fitting. China smashing after all had always been a trademark of their relationship.

He whirled her round untill they both felt quite dizzy, and he had to set her down. Though he did so reluctanctly and with great care.

"My dear... " He cocked an eyebrow and gazed at her. His hands still resting at her waist after he set her down – unwilling to let her go, needing the physical contact to convince him of the reality of what was hapening. Dreading to wake up and realise that the dream had flown away - after all he had spent many a sleepless night after waking up from such a dream.

"My silly Dear beloved - what a mess we have made of this our story... this whole fairytale"

Though, his words held an echo of the mockery of years long gone, his tone and whole countenance was completely changed. The edge was gone from his voice. He looked ten years younger. A happy carefree boyish joy was apparent in every plane of his face. No mask veiled the expression in his eyes and nothing was hidden from the keen green observant eyes.

"My dear, my darling – I will never let you go again"

She responded by locking her gaze to his. What he read there told him clearly what she had only in the simplest terms put into words. Joy was there, but also and just as important was past hurt. And something more... disbelief. Disbelief at this sudden turn of events. She had thought herself locked onto the path of countesshood at the side of her Rhett substitute, and hadn't yet completely taken in that that was something which had now been written out of her future. At least he hoped so... There in the green depths he also found a question... no a plead for reassurance. Like him she needed to feel sure that this was not just another figment of a starved imagination.

"I promise you... I promise you, my dear head strong wife. I will never let you go"

His lips sought hers again. This time there was no hesitance to be detected, no request other than that of a demand to have his desire returned. His dirm lips seeking an answer from her soft full lips. And she gave it to him ungrudgingly, without any thought of tomorrow or what the coming days would bring. Only a simple request to be allowed to love, and in return receive love.

It is rare that anyone find themselves fully engrossed in the now. So present in the present that no thoughts are allowed to steal away focus or in any other way let part of the mind stray on the wings of pragmatic analysis or even the flightier wings of imagination. So fully satisfied with the here and now no thoughts are given to any consequences that might be derived from current actions or motioning to set up demands for the future. In a place and presence of mind where no thoughts are wasted on anything bar from what is happening as the one second of now blends into the next. This was such a rare moment. For Rhett Butler and his long estranged former wife nothing existed but the present, the feel of lips against lips. They were simply happy to be together, completely engrossed by this growing conviction that they wanted the same thing and were experiencing the same feelings.

There they stood locked in a tight embrace, mouth against mouth, savouring each sensation ewoked by the embrace and the feel of lips against lips. The argument and all the words that had been spoken within the last hour faded into the back of their minds. Words seemed somehow less important. At first the kiss seemed to convey reassurance and comfort. Soon though the kiss deepened as desire awoke anew. The demand became stronger. His arm tightened around her, rumpling the fine fabrics of her attire. The dormant hunger which had been surpressed for years readily sprang to attention. Tongue flickering against tongue, exploring the unknown, rediscovering old terriotory, requesting, seeking and finding answers. Hands roamed freely. He slid one hand down her back and pressed her closer to him, feeling the contour of her body mold to his. Hers were just as actively engaged. Feeling the muscles of his back through the heavy fabric of his coat. Untill they restlessly slid up his neck and sand into his thick hair. Soon his control would slip - he felt that keenly. To early a voice in the back of his mind chastised him. At first he ignored it but it would not be quelled.

Reluctantly he broke away. Breathless. Her chest rising and falling rapidly, cheeks flushed most enticingly. It was almost enough to make him break his resolution. Something she obviously read quite easily in his burning eyes.

"My my Mr Butler it does seem like you are severely smitten" A smile was evident in her tone of voice, as she spoke after having taken a moment to get her breathing under control.

"How conceited you are – what makes you think I came to Ireland for any other reason than enjoyment of the climate" He managed to sound quite breezy, but his eyes betrayed that he was still very much under the influence of their recently shared kiss.

"Rhett..." here tone was exasperated.

"But I am serious Madam. I hear that frequent rainfalls are all the rage in modern healthcare" He continued, a little more composed. Speaking helped him gatter his wits he reasoned thankfully.

She swatted him lightly and pouted most becomingly - not able to come up with a witty response as fast as was required.

"Arh when madam resorts to violence of course I must confess what lies in my heart" And with that he knelt, a mocking bow swept with exagerated movements an imaginary hat of his head before he found his position.

Pausing only for a second to grab a soft cushion for his knee.

"Madam must excuse this precaution – but I foresee a lengthy stay" he mumbled under his breath "and I am afraid that the knee is no longer as forgiving in those matters as it used to be"

"Ah well – here we go" mocking tone resumed.

He caught her hand in his and gave her a mock serious lock, before pressing his lips against her hand. The small gesture sending a tingling sensation up her arm, as the light feel of his lips reminded her body just how pleasant it had been to be in his arm just before. It took all her willful determination not to fling herself in his arms. Instead she sent him a dazzling smile. For a moment his eyes clouded over and he looked as if the slightest encouragement would be enough to have him jump her. Blink. With an effort he seemed to push the urge away, and he resumed his role of galanting gentleman.

"Allow me to speak what lies in my heart, my dear, my beloved – for I can contain myself no longer"

"Madame, Miss O'Hara – I must profess to have taken a severe liking to thee. And I am afraid that them time has come when the feelings have grown too strong to allow me to stay on the path of propriety in thine fine company. I can silence myself no longer though I know that thee - Madame - are so vastly superior to me, that my approach on such a matter might seem like an insult "

What the words were lacking in seriousness she found in abundance in his gaze as his dark eyes held hers in an unbreakable gaze.

"For some time now I have had the unmistakable feeling, that without thine fine presence at my side, my happiness could never be complete. That with without thee - food will lack taste. Sounds and smells will be dimed by my longing. Colours will fade as my eyesight will be blurred by images of you. My heart, my soul, no... no... my whole being will suffer by any prolonged separation from thou most precious in my heart"

Again his lips sought her hand – another current of pleasure surging through her body - momentarily breaking the bond of eye contact before again seeking solace in their mutually steady gaze.

"I cannot tolerate the abscence of you in my life any longer. I therefore must ask thee, no beg... Nay that will not do either. I must demand of thee - undeserving as I might be - that you madam will indeed agree to be my wife"

"A position I, through wilful dumbness, have robbed you the possession of for longer than I care to acknowledge" the words were hissed out between suddenly clenched teeth, the playfulness was gone from his demeanour and she could see the regret and sorrow he had caused himself by his rash actions, followed by years of self berating and hurt which he had disguised and locked up for anyone but himself. Now it was displayed freely in his features.

She looked at him closely. And let the words he had just spoken, and especially the meaning behind them seep into her soul. It filled her with happiness but also with sadness for what they could have had. But no - she did not wanting to dwell on the past just then – there would be plenty of time for that later. To avoid any further outburst from him she rapidly brought her other hand to his, and squeezed it tightly before she spoke, her gaze steadfastly seeking his, putting only love in her eyes. Love, forgiveness and hope for the morrow.

"My My Mr Butler – you have fairly swept me of my feet" Her voice was light and coquettish, her southern belle accent more prominent than it had been in years.

With an effort he pushed away the glooming clouds that had been gathering in his mind – it would be far to easy to dwell on the past. Remember wrongs and mishaps from the years gone by – none of which would bring any good to the current moment. And they needed it – they needed this moment – something light and happy to bring them through what dark and difficult times were ahead. Hurt and pent up frustrated feelings would have to be acknowledged and examined before full forgiveness could be granted, but for that to happen, common ground had to be found. They needed a sense of togetherness they could retract to and find peace and trust in, or it would be to easy to let anger and the need for revenge set the agenda which would most definitely only lead to renewed separation. And he couldn't face that.

Thus he cleared his mind and let the joy of the moment get its due. He smiled at her surpricing himself with how easy the smile felt. It was not a false or forced smile, but a genuine smile, because she had managed to salvage the moment. Managed to show him what they both needed - when had she become so wise – and brought him back to the present with just a small gesture. He was happy to realise that it was without any pretence that he continued...

"Doest my ears deceive me, or have madam failed to give her dutiful servant an answer - what more doest madam need than a declaration of undying love and faithfullness"

"Now Rhett if you had only let me finish - though I would mind hear you elaborate on both those topics" her southern belle dimples unmarred by the passing years played in her cheeks.

"As I said you have fairly swept me of my feet, and left me with no choice but to accept your enticing offer"

"Swept you of your feet have I? – now let's see about that" And with that he tugged gently - and then not so gently - at her arms, until her knees gave and she tumbled to the floor next to him. Petticoats of many colours flowing around her. He shifted stretching his long legs with a satisfied sigh, glad that no creaking sound gave away just how uncomfortable his prolonged kneeling had been.

"Come here and let us seal our deal" He brought her into his strong embrace and his lips melted against hers. A gesture that caught her quite of guard, a hitch of breath stilted in her throat, so strong was the surge of emotions that erupted in her.

"Oh Rhett" she sighed breathlessly against his lips, before giving in completely to the joy and pleasure he awoke in her. For a time again the world stopped existing. Only the smell and feel of him against her body. The thought of Fenton crept into her mind - only to be pushed uncerimoniously aside. Fenton would have to be dealt with later.

This time it was her who broke the kiss. Her breathing was ragged, and it took her a moment or two to compose herself enough to speak.

"Well Mr Butler, I am not so entirely swept of my feet that I have forgotten that you have so far only given me words as a token of your affections – and words in my experience mean only so much. They can be easily retracted so I am afraid you will have to do better than that"

Her eyes were vividly green, her hair, which had previously been so neatly done had all but come undone, and so generous tendrils had fallen down and now framed her beautiful face. It caused her to look both innocent and as a vixen bend on seduction at the same time. Who could ever resist a woman such as her.

He leaned his head back and laughed loudly and heartily. It felt good to laugh so freely again. When had he last had this cause for laughter?

"Consistency thy name is women" He responded dryly though his eyes were filled with playful happines.

"I always knew you drove a hard bargain Scarlett - so of course I do not come empty handed"

With a smug smile on his face he reached inside his waistcoat and produced a small velvet box. Secretly applauding himself for his foresight.

Her mouth formed a perfect O as she surprised took in the box he held forward.

"You sure are sure of yourself Mr Butler" Her eyes crackled dangerously - then it struck her how unproportionally stupid she would be if she chose to be insulted by him the fact that he had actually not just proposed on a whim and her eyes softened, a glint of self ironic humour playing in their depths.

"I always get what I want – I learned from the best" he dipped a small kiss to her lips as he saw her expression soften. She really had grown.

"Now aren't you going to open it? Never have I known a present to linger unattended under you gaze for such an extended period of time"

"Hand it over" Her eyes sparkled, with equal measure of happiness and anticipation.

He chuckled – a low rumple in his stomach – a comforting sound, as he handed over the box. He let his hand linger over hers for a second before he dropped the box into her palm.

"No turning back now my dear"

"No cause for it I hope when I see what is in the box" She smiled sweetly at him, cradling the velvet box with tender care.

Carefully and with deliberately slow movements she opened the box, fidgeting for a moment with the clasp before it clicked and she turned the lid back.

"Oh Rhett – it is beautiful" Her eyes filled with tears as she took in the exquisite ring in the box. If anything it looked as the beautiful and more elegant little sister of her previous engagement ring she had received from him – the one she even now wore as a pendant around her neck.

Where the other ring had been on the verge of vulgar (some or most would even say well beyond that line), and had been given with the sole purpose of putting on display wealth and exposing her lack of taste, this one spoke of real consideration and craftsmanship. The stones were exquisite – clear and pristinely cut. The silver filigree that held the stones in place, wove itself elegantly and barely visible around the stones. Tiny yet strong bonds. The light played across the ring, causing the stones to spring alive. It truly was a beautiful ring. It was perfect. He saw this fact clearly written on her face. For a brief moment he wondered if a ring this beautiful would have held the power to change the cause of their marriage, as she would surely even then have taken it as a token of deeper affection, than those he had let shine through with that other ring.

"Thank you – it... it is beautiful" The words felt inadequate. Her voice were hushed and breathless – the coquetry completely gone from her tone. She outlined the shape of the ring with her finger, but made no attempt to put it on her finger.

"I had it made especially" Carefully he took the ring from its velvet resting place and slid it on her finger – a perfect fit as he had known it would be.

"When?" The question was simple – but she needed to know the answer – had he really been thinking of her as much as she of him? With a pang she remembered all those lonely nights spent here in Ireland, reconstructing her life from the jumbled shattered pieces as she had restored the town of Ballyhara.

"A long time ago" He paused. Sensing her urgency but not fully ready to disclose his foolishness.

"Tell me... Please"

"The day... The day I signed the papers for our divorce. I went to the jeweler straight from the lawyers office." He looked at her with so much sadness, and heartache that it took her breath away.

"I am truly sorry for that Scarlett – it was stupid, beyond stupid, an amputation. After you left I had to do something... And this was the only thing I could come up with that would effectively prove to both myself and you that you didn't mean anything to me and that I could in fact live without you... half crazed as I was by your disappearance. Deep down I knew it was wrong, but I wouldn't let me stop myself"

"Clearly this ring shows you that even then I realised that I couldn't live without you. I have kept it with me since" he sighed. Begging her to understand and forgive.

"After that everything happened so fast, and I woke up one morning to the reality that divorcing you was not the worst I had done. From the day you left till the day I woke up in the bed remarried I don't think I had one logical thought. Most of the time I felt like a stranger observing my actions but unable to interfere or stop the train of misery. I am truly sorry Scarlett - I know that my words are not enough to redeem what I did but it is all I have to offer" He played detachedly with a tendril of her hair, his voice seemed to come from afar, as if he still couldn't really believe that it was he who had done the deeds he described.

The thought of his bertrayal cut through her, the wound was still there even if it had somewhat healed. Part of her however understood what had driven him, afterall it was the same need to cut loose that had brought her to keep his daughter a secret.

She shifted slightly, and brought herself to sit across his lap, astride, legs and skirt circling his waist in a tangled mess. Simultaneously leaning in thus enabling her to press her body close to his, not wanting to have any thing separating them any more.

"I am sorry to Rhett - for everything – I never should have left – I knew it even as I got on board the blasted ship" She whispered into his shoulder. Her breath warm against his neck.

Cautiously she placed her hands on his chest, creating a small crevice between them. She shuddered slightly as air filled it.

"We both have much to forgive. I am truly sorry for not telling you about your daughter, it was wrong of me... Perhaps the worst wrong I've ever done to you – which is no small feat given our history. Keeping your child - your daughter from you when I knew how much love you had to give her. I cannot give you an explanation that can excuse me for that, but you hurt me and it was my only chance to hurt you back. I am not proud of it but it was all I had." Her eyes filled with tears again. Scared that this reversion to the topic of their mutual child would bring forth an onslaught on her and another burst of anger from him.

"Some day I'll kill you for not telling me" The words were spoken lightly - as he again brought her close to him, circling her in his arms - but the loss of years gone by was evident in his tone of voice. She was right. They both had much to forgive.

It would take time to heal that hurt along with all the others– but she hoped that meeting his daughter would help the process.

She tried to pull back, words of explanation and pleading on the tip of her tongue.

"Hush now my dear, later – we will talk about it later"

He held her tightly and they sat like that for a while. None caring to speak, both enjoying and deriving comfort from the simple closeness of the others body. Heartbeat against heartbeat. They had to manage to let go. Somhow they had to. He hoped they were strong enough.

The ticking sound of the wall clock grew loud in the silence.

He shifted slightly – finding a more comfortable position also it gave him the possibility to see her face more clearly.

"Now tell me Mrs Butler in this first day of our renewed union, do you truly love me – or was your pursuit only caused by me escaping your grasp?" He tilted her face upwards with a light touch on her chin. Watching her intently.

"Rhett, how can you say such a mean thing, of course I love you – I love you with my whole heart" The pause had been so slight that only Rhett Butler would ever have noticed it.

He leaned back and laughed loudly and happily, before shifting his glance back to her, gently stroking her hair back from her face. Glad that he had managed to shift the mood unto a sunnier path.

"My incorrigible Scarlett – life with you will never be boring" He kissed her possessively.

"I will kill that bastard Fenton if he tries to take you away" She smiled prettily back at him – looking up at him through demurely lowered lashes.

"Well maybe I should let him – you fighting for my honour would be a pleasant change"

"Honour who said anything about honour – I merely stated that I would kill him if he tries to lay hands on you"

This time it was her turn to lean her head back and laugh out – her laughter bubbling and happy - unaffected and unstudied.

"Scoundrel - I quite enjoyed the image of you in sparring match with Fenton for me"

"Shame I have no worthy opponent ready for you to engage in a catfight - Now that is an image I would enjoy"

"It seems like we will keep each other on our toes" She said, the echo of her laughter reverberating on her voice.

"Toes... I am not sure I can agree with that. It is a completely different part of your body I want closest to the ground" He grinned smugly desire evident in his eyes.

"You cad Mr Butler – it is almost enough to have me rethink my acceptance of your proposal driven on by sordid thoughts as always it seems" She responded primly.

"Ah but madam as I already said, once you accepted my ring there was no turning back. But I think I better prove my meaning then – We wouldn't want you to get cold feet already – I thought My humble gift to thee would have signed our deal properly – but it seems like I have to resort to more... ahem mundane gestures"

His lips sought hers again and he embraced her tightly – holding her in an almost crushing grip – if she hadn't been convinced by all his previous gestures, this would surely be enough to erase any lingering doubt as to the nature and intensity of his affections.

"As I said I would kill Fenton... or anybody else if they try to take you away from me again"

His lips traced the delicate line of her neck before continuing down to her amble bosom. Pushing back the delicate lace which covered her skin, with his burning lips. Ahh the smell of her. Her breath grew shallower, and more raspy.

It was amazing how little it took for him to get her body to respond.

Back to her lips while his hands explored the rest of her body, undoing hitches, buttons and bows of her bodice.

"You truly are a wicked woman, Madam, seducing such a poor innocent bastard as myself with your enticing curves"

His hands slid up over her chemise, leaving only the flimsy fabric yet giving him easy access to her whole upper body.

"Not wearing a corset really makes my life easier" he whispered into her ear, his warm breath made her skin tingle wherever it touched.

She giggled.

His hand rested reverently on her breasts, before he gently started to massage them. An action which caused his hand to come into contact with something colder and metallic nestling between her breasts. With wonder he lifted the pendant from her neck – it was her old engagement ring. Even as she had promised herself to another man she hadn't let him go – not completely... It pleased him immensly. Carefully he lead the former ring slide back to its resting place.

"You kept it" It was a statement not a question. She nodded imperceptibly - remembering briefly the thoughts that had gone through her hed that very morning as she had slid the chain around her neck, using the longer chain that allowed the pendant to remain hidden. Her shield against the world.

Oh the joy of his hands on her body.

Only twice had she felt like this. Was it really only twice?

Only twice had she previously surrendered her body completely to his touch, and both previous times had been marred by other feelings. Jealousy, hurt, hatred, denial, fear of loss and a multitude of other feelings that had intermingled with the pleasure. Nevertheless her mind had not been deceived and she willingly surrendered to the sensations again.

Questioningly his hand slid up her thigh. Requesting permission to continue his explorations. She found his lips and kissed him.

Permission granted.

His hand continued upwards, under the multitude of petticoats and layers of lace that he had so mockingly admired in all their pristine crispiness when first he had laid eyes on her earlier this day. Could it merely be a few hours before?

She could feel herself grow hot and warm under his touch, as it evoked a new need in her. An almost forgotten need. Spurred only by the feel of him growing hard and ready under her. Impatiently she tugged at his coat and shirt. She wanted to feel him too, feel his warmness, feel his skin spring alive under her touch, just as she felt hers spring alive under his.

Coat was lost, as he with a sigh withdrew his exploring hand. Nimble fingers tearing at the buttons of his shirt. Until finally success was obtained and she satisfied let her hands slide across his chest.

Eyes locked with eyes, both amazed at the intense love and desire which was visible in the others glance and in each lingering touch. Lips sought lips with crushing intensity. Taste and touch intermingled, surpassing even the faint few memories that both had nurtured and kept alive over the years.

Again his hand slid up her leg, up her thigh. This time nothing interrupted his ministrations, instead he was rewarded with a deep sigh of contentment as he finally found her centre. Warm, wet and inviting as he had anticipated. He rubbed her slightly, and she sighed again, pressing herself harder against his hand. A silent beg for fullfilment. She needed him as much as he needed her. He could feel himself grow harder even as he touched her.

He hadn't planned to take it this far, but he couldn't wait any more. For years this scenario had played out in his mind – ever since their last encounter... and even before that. Since he had first met her, since he had finally taken her on the night of their wedding, since the time he had carried her up their long sweeping staircase at the Peachtree Street mansion filled with rage – blinded by jealousy. He had dreamed of this for years. This. Her giving herself to him willingly and invitingly, with passion equalling his at every step of the way.

"Sorry Scarlett" He rasped against her neck, never seizing his ministrations. Exploring every inch of her body with roaming hands.

"I didn't plan to..." But he couldn't retract himself. His hands continued stroking her, fondling her, though his brain told him to stop. That it was too soon, the wrong place, and altogether nothing like he had planned their reunion.

"...Take it this far" She kissed him deeply to quell his explanations. A long breathless kiss. She wouldn't have him stop now. Not when they had gone so far. She needed it. And he needed it.

"Shhhh Rhett..."

"Shhh Rhett... I need you... Please" Her voice was husky and seemed to come from afar. But the invitation was clear... and who was he to deny.

How he managed to undo his trousers and remove her undergarments he would never be able to recall. But whisked away they were.

Such were their mutual need that next he found himself sprawled on top of her – on the floor of his suite. Luckily the carpet was thick and rich.

"Are you sure" He looked at her questioningly though he knew that the question was only a formality, and that now he wouldn't have been able to stop himself even if her response had been in the negative. He wanted her to much, needed her. Needed to complete their reunion.

She nodded. Her eyes glazed.

Hands eagerly resuming their exploration.

Lips tasting skin. Biting, licking, tasting.

The feel of her skin – so soft and fine against the palms of his hands.

Though she had been ready before he slid his hand up her legs, pushing back her skirts again, until he felt her warmness again. As inviting and welcoming as before.

Softly first and then with slightly more force he rubbed his hand against her core. Instantly he was award with small gasps – she pushed herself against his touch. Begging for him to fulfil her need.

With deliberate slowness he balanced himself above her. He sought out her eyes as he entered her, long gasp escaping both of them simultaneously. She felt so good around him, tight, warm ready. Nothing could compare to her. How had he stayed away for so long?

He could have stayed like that for ever. The closeness was overwhelming. Her eyes had dropped shut as he had slid into her – she too engrossed in the moment and the overwhelming feelings it evoked in her.

So he waited, waited for her to acknowledge that she was ok – that she was ready.

She smiled happily at him as she opened them a hint of a second later. A smile which almost made him burst. So filled with love it was. He had the feeling his face mirrored hers. Together they moved – languid almost lazy motions. Never breaking eye contact, intense and filled with feeling. Slow tantalising movements. Both enjoying the new closeness that shared love brought to the act. Simple and yet utterly complex. Kisses shared, flowing touches, tender caresses. And all the times the unspoken words of love.

Until none could contain themselves anymore, and the ride grew wilder and more intense before they both exploded, and he with a shudder and a deep groan of contentment collapsed on top of her.

For a moment he enjoyed the imprint of her body beneath his, enjoyed her heavy satiated breathing in his ear, before he let his weight shift. He rolled to his side and brought her with him, still holding her in a tight embrace – their bodies still tightly linked.

"At least it was more comfortable than a sandy beach" He whispered happily into her hair. Stroking it tenderly.

She giggled, but rapidly quelled the sound as a hard knock on the door burst their bubble of isolation.

Rhett cast her a questioning look, but as this was his hotel of course she could give him no answer.

"Thank God you made me lock the door earlier" he whispered to her and dropped a small kiss on her inviting red lips.

Another rap on the door.

"Rhett are you there" Bart Mortland's unmistakable voice rang through the wooden door.