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Unfortunately, it seemed Athos had once again been a little too rash in his judgements over this seemingly heavenly woman, greeting her on such a level and friendly playing field.
Athos reflected in anguish as he peered out from between the hanging drapes of a shop window, searching the street for her looming presence.
Since when had a beautiful face a exquisite feminine body done him any favours in his past life? Looks got you nowhere in life, it was courage and loyalty he admired in a woman more than anything.
Athos paused on his thoughts and seriously considered that perhaps he was losing his touch. He dismissed it just as quickly.
A noise from behind him suddenly caught his attention and he whirled around just in time to find Margaret place her thin arms on either side of his head.
"There you are, silly! What on earth are you doing to those ugly drapes?" she challenged playfully, her eyes alight with amusement.
Athos coughed nervously as he quickly ducked out from under the arms that sought to hold him prisoner.
"Nothing, Madame, I was merely… surveying the street beyond for any possible threats" he struggled, eyes darting anywhere but at her own.
He had never felt so trapped and vulnerable in his entire life! Well, then again…
Margaret placed a silken hand over her heart at his statement, smile drooping as she cocked her head to the side, her expression melting into one of heart felt sincerity.
"You are such a kind and noble gentleman, Athos, of the kings musketeers. Always thinking of me, first and foremost" she replied, her voice dropping to that seductively low octave once again and causing Athos' hair to raise on his neck in alarm.
He had not intended for such an innocent statement to translate to so lust driven to his female companion. This was merely a mission, he was sure no threats would come of it.
Unless you considered the duchess a threat -a plausible theory which was becoming more likely by the minute Athos corrected.
Why did she continue to misinterpret and twist his every word! This was outrageously inappropriate conduct for such a lady to impose on a musketeer- and he was sure she knew it too- taking advantage over the fact that he could not leave her side as she shopped among the stalls.
It would seem that Margaret had become bored a little more than half way through their tour and settled her darker sights on the ruggedly handsome man catering to her every wish.
She had been ever so lonely in her large estate at home and as luck had it was still seeking a husband as of late -much to the horror of Athos who continued to evade and allude her obvious advances.
She could play this game as long as he liked, she always got what she wanted and she wasn't about to give up now she mused with a sly grin.
Snatching him by the collar before he could escape her arms reach again, Margaret twirled him around to face her and quickly leant in for the kill…or kiss as she perceived it, hoping to disarm his defences by sending his senses into overdrive.
It did not work however, to her misfortune and his relief, as Athos' last minute thinking allowed him to place his head down on her shoulder instead, arms wrapping her softly in an embrace.
Surely a hug would do? Athos pleaded silently to the powers that be.
Taken off guard by the manoeuvre, Margaret found herself relaxing in his embrace. She would have stayed there too if not for the hideous smell that the heat had caused him.
Stepping back abruptly, Margaret looked over her man, as dashing as he was, he did look a little worse for wear thanks to the seasons relentless rays.
An idea popping into her mind, she snatched at his hand and dragged him out of the cool shaded drape store, across the now bustling street and into a store serving items of clothing and fragrances. Perfect!
Athos' face was a look of terror as he glanced at the array of bottled perfumes and hideously coloured garments.
Unable to dissuade his masters' goals, Athos soon found himself free of his hot leather jacket and donning a particularly ugly but loosely fitting, yellow silken poncho of sorts, its red tassels hanging down to his belt.
Before he could protest, the duchess then began applying a white, sweet smelling paste to his face and arms, and though he may have enjoyed its soothing effects on his burns-in the confines of his room- in public it only sought to draw the attention of every man, woman and child on the street that day.
Hanging his head in shame as she grinned up at him approvingly, Athos shuffled to follow her into the next store.
At least if she is set on providing me comfort, she may forget about trying to bed me Athos prayed, eyes ever tracing her movements so she could not surprise him ever again.
Only a few more hours he noted, then he could get the hell away from her, he only hoped time would fly by.
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