So, here we are again! We want to apologize for the length of time between updates and to say thank you to everyone that is still reading and sending us happy thoughts and just you all have to know, you guys are AWESOME! We are super psyched to be writing again and just couldn't wait to have our beta read through this first. She's amazing and I am a lunatic but I just couldn't wait! **NOTE** My beta sent me the doc back and its so much better now! She really is the best!
Also, The Indie Twific Awards are coming up, check them out and nominate some of your favorite indie stories!
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Last time on The Highwayman...
Bells overhears Jacob announce his designs of marriage for her to Charlie
Jacob asks her to the town fair
Bella runs into some bad guys on her way home from Alice's....and is
saved by a mysterious highwayman (aka Edward in a mask...yum!)
Edward had a an eventful first day as a highwayman...ah, Lady Cope
Then securing a midnight rendezvous with the fair Bella to offer her
help in her work...
followed by some not so innocent fun for the two...
BPOV
I could have been floating the days after the tryst with my mysterious highwayman. I tried not to think of the length of time until I might see him again but it was not working very well.
Each evening I would retreat to my room and think of the feel of his mouth on me – my lips, my neck, my chest. And then in the night, in my dreams, the thoughts would shift from his mouth to his hands and the way he made me feel.
I knew that what had happened in the abbey was not proper, not something an unmarried woman should engage in, but I could not bring myself to be ashamed. I had touched him – if only through his clothing – and made him feel good. Just that was enough but then what he gave me has no comparison; I was not aware that there was anything that could have felt quite like that.
At times, when I was not being selfish, I would think of the help he was offering to the town's people. The donation would bring so much joy to the children of the orphanage and the church. So much good would be done.
These were the things running through my mind as I made my way through the days; as I helped Esme prepare breakfast and lunch, as I visited the children and my neighbors, and as I waited on the patrons of the inn.
"Ay, girl, another," one of these patrons brought me back to my senses with his annoying bellow.
It was busy and I should not be losing myself in my thoughts. The inn was full up with visitors for the approaching fair as well a small regiment of soldiers that were in town.
This was a concern.
From what I could gather they were here in pursuit of my highwayman. I hoped that he knew of their presence; I wished I had a way to warn him if he did not. I could only listen to their talk as they unwound from their daily vigilance over supper to know that they were no closer to catching him than the day before.
As I was walking back to the bar to retrieve the gentleman's drink I felt a large hot hand wrap around my wrist tightly and pull me around. I came face to face with one of the soldiers; something in his presence left me with no doubt he was the leader of this particular regiment.
This was nothing that had not happened before, nor would it be the last time so I braced myself for whatever flirting the Captain had planned and then I could walk away and return to my duties. The soldiers were often the worst; they seemed to feel as if their station gave them leave to act as they please. And I was only a serving girl after all.
The soldier's other hand wrapped around my waist, a little more familiar than even the most bold of the soldiers. He leered down at me, the smile on his face unnerving, giving me the feeling of being the meal instead of just serving it. He took a deep breath as if memorizing my scent and then released me without warning. This, of course, caused me to stumble back ungracefully.
"Careful girl wouldn't want you to fall on that pretty little behind," he laughed and the soldiers that were standing behind him snickered as well. He cleared his throat and the other men became silent. His cold gray eyes continued to look me up and down and I resisted the urge to flee, though his stare was infinitely more menacing than the crassest of patron I had ever put up with.
When I said nothing nor moved away he seemed to tire of the standoff and with a wave of his hand dismissed me with a final order, "My men and I would like some supper and your finest ale."
As I made my way to the kitchen I hoped that they were not celebrating any success in their hunt for my highwayman and only indulging themselves as they so often did.
--
Jacob had sent word that he would arrive to take me to the fair directly after breakfast, hearing that there were many specialty merchants that he would like to have time to visit. I must admit, I was excited to be going to the fair this year; I had heard many wonderful stories of the beautiful treasures to be seen from both the local and visiting merchants and could not wait to see for myself.
"Oh, Bella, you do seem excited," Esme smiled at me from the stove as she prepared the morning meal. "Looking forward to your day with Jacob?"
With a sigh, I decided to make no comment on my escort for the day, "I am very pleased to be able to attend, I have heard so much of the fair throughout the years but my father has always needed me to be here for the rush.
I do feel guilty though, Esme. Are you sure that you would not rather I stay? I do not wish to leave you and Father without help."
She scoffed, "No, your father and I are perfectly capable of taking care of things while you have some fun. You deserve some time to enjoy yourself with people your own age!"
As soon as everything was prepared for breakfast she shooed me from the room to ready myself for the day.
By myself in my room my thoughts drifted. I wondered what my highwayman was doing. Did he get to do things like enjoy the market or did he hide away during the day? He wore a mask so he should have little worry of someone recognizing him I would think but I am sure that he would still be cautious, especially with the current military presence in town. I only hoped he was not lonely.
I finished dressing and made my way into the kitchen to help Esme while I waited. Just as I was putting on my apron, Jacob's booming voice at the back door startled me.
"Come now, Bella, I know you didn't forget about the fair, take that silly apron off!"
Startled, I turned to see him opening the door and walking towards me. A huge smile was on his face as he made his way over to me and I could not help but return it. I prepared myself for the bear hug that normally came with his greeting but he did not seem intent on the embrace today. He seemed hesitant and this made me nervous.
I had known Jacob all of my life and I could not remember a time when he did not greet me this way. Did he not see how silly his intentions were when he could not even treat me as his friend any longer? Why did he feel like we should be different than we ever were? I just wanted my best friend, not this awkward man who wanted to court me as if I were some stranger.
My smile faltered as he stood there as if he had never seen me before. Suddenly realizing that he should move or say something Jacob grabbed my hand in his and sighed.
"You look lovely today Miss Swan. I will be the most envied man in town," he winked at me. I would have once thought him ridiculous and just rolled my eyes at him, but this new Jacob was making me uncomfortable.
I waited a moment for him to release my hand but when he did not I pulled away. He looked hurt for a moment until I began to take off the apron I had just secured. I smiled tightly at him; while I did not wish to encourage his behavior I also did not mean to hurt him either.
As soon as I placed the apron on the hook by the door he offered me his arm, which I took graciously, and lead the way to the front of the inn to say good bye to my father.
I offered once more to stay and help serve the customers in the already very busy bar but was glared at harshly and told to have fun as Esme pushed us out the front door.
As we began the short walk to the market, Jacob dropped his arm and took my hand. His palm was hot, wrapped around mine and his grip was tight. I wondered idly if he was afraid I would run from him if he didn't keep me restrained. I was not sure if I would or not.
Trying to ignore the tension between us I began rambling about this and that but Jacob would not relent. His grip never loosened and he seemed ill at ease as we walked. I began to worry what he was afraid of, what he might have planned to say to me today.
Would he tell me now, in the crowds of people, that he wanted to marry me? Was it possible that he knew I would not be happy about his plans? If he knew me at all I would think that he would see how this would not be something I would want. But then, if he realized that, he would not have even had the conversation with Father.
As we neared our destination I could not take it any longer and stopped walking. Jake was paying so little attention that he just about pulled me over when he did not come to a stop as well.
"What is it Bella? Did you forget something?" He looked at me as if he only just remembered my presence.
I pulled away from him and huffed. I did not know if I wanted to start this conversation, but I knew I did not have any desire to spend the day being pulled along as if I were some sort of accessory. I knew that I needed to approach this in such a way that nothing of marriage or love was brought up.
"Jake, how long have we known each other?"
His brow pulled together in confusion but I did not wait for a response. "For a long time! And today you are treating me like we have only just met." I crossed my arms in front of me like a petulant child.
"Bella," he said after a moment, "I just wanted today to be special. I wanted to talk to you about something I have been thinking about…about our rela-."
I cut him off before he could say what I was afraid of hearing, "No, I wanted to spend the day with my friend. I wanted us to be Jake and Bella and enjoy the fair. I did not agree to be dragged through the streets all day."
He looked down for a time and when he finally looked back up at me with a big smile, my smile, and shook his head, I knew I had won, for now at least.
"Sure, sure," he said and grabbed my hand in his, this time lightly, and pulled me again towards the already gathering crowd.
All seemed to be normal as we visited the merchants. Jake and I laughed as we looked at the beautiful but useless baubles some sellers offered, trying to imagine what one would need such things for.
I tried to stay focused on my friend and the lovely day we were sharing but the crowds of people made me curious. Was one of these strangers that passed by my highwayman? Had he seen me and I not recognized him? I knew he would not have revealed himself to me in the crowds but I could not help but wonder if he was nearby.
After the third time Jacob asked me why I was looking into the crowd instead of at the wares I knew that I needed to stop thinking about him, at least until I was alone. I just was not sure that was possible.
Jacob had stopped to speak with a textile trader about his materials and the possibility of doing business with the Black farm. I had lingered behind browsing the carved wood items of another booth when I felt Jake's hand wrap around my wrist and pull me forward while telling me he must show me something. "It's perfect!"
"Jake!" I laughed at his enthusiasm, "Slow down! I am sure that whatever it is will not disappear if I were allowed to walk over."
Paying me no mind he continued his press until he pulled to a stop in front of a booth that held some beautifully crafted jewelry. At a glance I could see the detailed work put into the pieces that covered the table. I looked up at Jake, trying to understand his excitement when he wrenched the wrist in his hand up and slid on a rather large bracelet. He beamed down at me.
I examined the bracelet and had to smile when I saw the small, perfectly shaped dog dangling from it.
I heard a rather loud and hateful scoff from behind me, whirling around to see if this was meant for me only to see him, Mr. Edward Cullen. And he was most definitely laughing at me and the beautiful gift that Jacob had given me.
I was feeling indignant about his rudeness but when my eyes met his, a whole other feeling rushed through me. I was not sure why but I could only stare at him. I knew I must look stricken but I could not look away. My eyes drifted to his soft lips and suddenly I felt flush, my mind racing to my highwayman and his lips, lips that I could imagine being just like Edward's. I could almost feel them on my own.
I was jolted back to reality when he glared at me for a moment and he turned to his companion, the beautiful woman I had seen accompanying him at his brother's funeral, who seemed to have her full attention on the proprietor of the booth.
"Miss Hale, perhaps your father was right to keep you from the market; it does seem that some forget their place in these situations." His retort clearly aimed at me and my blatant staring. Though he could have been directing it toward the Smithy who was very engaged in the conversation with the lady.
I cast my gaze downward but still watch as they moved away from us. I could hear Jacob speaking beside me, completely unaware of the exchange that had happened between me and the Viscount's son.
"Miss Bella!" the familiar boisterous voice of Mr. McCarthy was in front of me. "I see that he gave you the bracelet. I told him I thought it would be quite large on you tiny arm, but he insisted it was perfect. I tried to sell him something much more delicate, a flower or even a knot, but he would not hear of it – still insisted a dog was perfect thing," he laughed and shrugged.
"Maybe you can drop by sometime and I can see about making a bit smaller so that you will not lose it; ya know, when you trip and fall into the pond or over that patch of air that seems to always be in the way" He laughed at his own joke.
I blushed but couldn't help but smile at him. I reminded myself he meant no harm and he was obviously quite proud of his work, and rightly so. It was all so beautiful. "That may be a good idea. But Jake was right; it is very much perfectly Jacob Black."
Jacob joined us and he and Emmett chatted some about his work. I continued looking at all the finely forged pieces when Jacob addressed me.
"So Bella, I was thinking…what do you think?" He held up a stunning and intricately designed Celtic-styled wall piece, "for the wedding?" he asked.
"W-wedding?" I stuttered. Did he mean the bracelet to be an engagement gift? Had I agreed to marry him by accepting it? I instantly felt ill.
I must have paled because Jake quickly handed the piece over to Emmett and placed a hand on my shoulder, bending down so he could look at my face. I gaped at him, trying to find words. I could not think of a way out of this without hurting his feelings. All I could really think of was my highwayman; I could not be his if I were actually betrothed to Jacob.
"Wedding?" I finally managed again through my panic.
He nodded and started slowly, "Of course Bella, Charlie and Esme's wedding. I was thinking it would be a nice gift for them. I thought you were happy about your father marrying?" My father's wedding! Of course.
I quickly composed myself, feeling very foolish. "Yes, sorry, of course. I am very happy. And I think they would love it."
Jake and Emmett looked at me oddly but neither said anything else about my behavior.
Jacob paid Emmett for the piece which he kept for him so that Jake would not have the large package to carry. The men bantered for a short time about the things men banter about in polite company until Emmett made Jake promise to meet him at the gaming booths later for some fun and ale.
We spent the remainder of the day wondering through the crowds and stalls, trying to see everything the market had to offer. When we finally made our way to the gaming area, Mr. McCarthy was already waiting on Jacob, apparently ready to make good on some bet or another.
The ale flowed freely; even I partook in a couple of pints.
I watched as Emmett continued to ply Jacob with more and more spirits and their light hearted mocking became louder and more coarse with each drink. I did not realize how drunk they were until I watched as they staggered toward the strength challenges, the skill games too much for them in their current state.
The crowd around the men was growing as well, name-calling and jeers being shouted throughout. Not enjoying the push of the people I moved out of the way to a quieter place in the vicinity and realized that not only was my escort completely intoxicated, but the thought crossed my mind as I felt my eyes getting heavy that I may have also had a bit too much myself.
----
EPOV
The sunlight was filtered through the heavy draperies surrounding my bed as I woke tired after a long night of riding without finding suitable quarry.
I lay quietly, thinking about the week ahead. The town market day and fair was approaching, and during a visit to his bedside the day before, my father had mentioned that he wanted me to escort Miss Hale to the festivities. Even now, in the grips of a seemingly never ending malaise, he was trying to orchestrate my future.
Subtlety was never his strength.
She would make an excellent match, he had said offhandedly, while commenting on the prodigious dowry she would undoubtedly have as her father was anxious to marry her up. And while he focused on the financial benefits of marrying her he never forgot to mention her physical assets as well,that she had a figure many women hoped for. I wondered if he wasn't half in love with her himself, but when I commented on his attention to detail regarding Miss Hale, he coldly reminded me that his only concern now was my lack of attention.
"Most men would feel lucky to bed such a girl as her, Son." His face a mask of
Not me, I had yearned to reply. However I held my tongue, knowing that finding a suitable bride, someone that would bear me many sons, would be first among my priorities as the next Viscount.
My thoughts wandered back to that night in the moonlight with Bella, and my body reacted instantly. I groaned, rolling over, willing the swelling in my groin away to no avail. The memory of her scent on my fingers as I rode home was enough to leave me aching.
A knock at my door brought me up and out of my revelry.
"Sir?"
I adjusted myself, covering my lap more completely before calling out. "You may enter."
The door opened slowly, and one of the young maids entered. She stood just inside the room, her head down and blushing as she stammered out her message.
"Lady Victoria wanted you to know that there may be some unexpected guests this afternoon, Sir."
I waited for her to continue, but it appeared that was the extent of her information.
"Is that all?" I asked sternly.
Good lord. She could have brought me my breakfast as well.
She nodded but stayed, her mouth gaping as if to add something.
"Send Newton in to help me dress then, if we are to have guests. Also have him bring me up a tray from the kitchen. You might have done that yourself." I turned, waiting to hear the door close after her. When I didn't hear it, I looked back towards her. She had moved closer to me now and her hands were trembling as she opened my wardrobe.
"What are you doing?"
"Sir, I was told to help you dress this morning as Mr. Newton has been sent on an errand for Lord Cullen."
Lovely. Did Victoria think I was so depraved or so simple as to be seduced by a cowering serving girl? As if I was so weak willed to fall for her plan.
"You may go, I can dress myself today. Go to the kitchens and bring me back my breakfast."
She sagged in relief. "Thank you, Sir. I will be back quickly."
"Just remember to knock," I reminded her, chuckling at her change in demeanor.
She blushed scarlet, nodding. "Of course, Sir."
Once the door had closed after her, I dressed quickly wondering all the while who the guests would be. If it was one of Victoria's friends there was no reason to alert me. Perhaps she had another match for me.
The morning passed quickly with no sign of Victoria or my father. He had taken to spending whole days abed and would not rise for any reason once he had made up his mind. I tried on many occasions to lure him to the library for a chess game, or to discuss a new book but his illness was wearing on him to the point of despair most days.
Everyday my father looked weaker and thus I was closer to carrying the bulk of responsibility for the family. At these times Anthony's absence seemed to grow, to assume its own identity as if his spirit walked the halls, flirting with the maids and teasing Father. His silly antics never failed to make our father laugh, and that talent alone would have been immensely helpful. I never knew what to say to pull him out of his unhappiness, to engage him as Anthony had. Sometimes I felt that when he looked at me he grew more withdrawn, and I could no more get through to him than I could wake the dead.
Shortly before tea there was a commotion in the entry and I heard horses out in the circle. I walked to the door wondering who had arrived, when Newton knocked and stepped into the room.
"Sir, there are soldiers here to speak with you and your father."
I strode into the entry, shocked to see the small group of men waiting for me. Fear flooded my body, causing me a brief flare of panic.
The tallest man walked towards me, bowing and straightening quickly. "Lord Cullen."
"Lord Cullen is my father. He is resting right now. What can I do for you?"
"Let me introduce myself, Sir. I am Captain James Cavill, of her majesty's army and we have been sent here to address the problem of highwaymen. There have been increasing numbers of attacks and we mean to put a stop to them." He appeared to be only pausing in his speech when his eyes flicked to the staircase behind me. He dropped into a deep bow- much deeper, I noticed, than the one he had performed for me.
"Edward, you didn't tell me we had guests. You should have taken them into the library to speak. I will have refreshments brought to you right away."
Why she was being so obsequious to mere soldiers I wasn't sure, but they didn't need to stay here any longer than they already had.
Without turning to her, I replied, "Victoria, this is Captain James Cavill, and he has been sent here to rid our county of the highwayman plaguing us. Captain, this is my father's wife, Victoria Cullen."
I refused to enumerate all her titles. She had been presumptuous in telling me how to handle guests in my own house. I saw out of the corner of my eye that she shot me a glare before turning her sweetest smile back to the captain.
Flagrantly flirting with a soldier in my father's house. If my opinion of her could drop any further, it would but as it was, there was no room for depreciation.
"Well, they must be thirsty, let me have something sent in to you-"
I cut her off, "I believe our exchange is complete. We will offer any assistance you need, Captain Cavill, in your hunt, but I am unsure of how much help my family will be to you."
The Captain, who had been staring at Victoria quite obviously, turned to me with hatred in his eyes. I stepped back, surprised at his expression. He recovered quickly and bowed.
"We would not want to impose on your hospitality, Sir. We will be staying at the Lion and the Lamb Inn while we are in the area. Please let us know if we can be any assistance." He walked to the door, bowing again slightly, his eyes connecting with Victoria's once more. "Good day to you both."
I let out a slow breath when he and his men had mounted and were on their way down the drive. My nerves grated at the idea of having them in them in my house when only the night before I had ridden out. I would have to be more careful in the future, knowing there was a higher risk at hand but I couldn't stop for then my only reason to spend time with Bella would be moot. I couldn't give that up yet. The idea of those soldiers stationed in her home sent a chill through my marrow. I could only imagine the attentions they would show her.
The sound of a tiny foot stomping and an angry sigh caused me to turn.
"You needn't be rude to them, Edward. They are here to protect innocent people from violent criminals." She pouted sullenly still gazing at the door where the men had just exited. I looked at her closely, seeing the composed facade others might deem intriguing, even beautiful but all I saw was a spoiled woman used to manipulating my father for too long.
"I offered them any help we might provide, Victoria. I believe I have done all I can."
I left her silently fuming in the entry and went back to the library alone.
---
The sun shone bright the day of the fair, casting a golden glow on the town. The bustling people, squirming animals in their pens, and stands full of merchants hawking their wares constituted a boisterous crowd. The market stalls were open all day. When evening came, the scene grew riotous, with games and spirits stripping participants of their inhibitions.
I had agreed to accompany Miss Hale to my father's delight. His happiness was so rare these days that it was near impossible for me to argue with him. After whiling the morning away under the guise of giving Miss Hale time to enjoy her breakfast. When I arrived at her home, I was greeted most obsequiously. Her father asked me to join him in his library for refreshments before his daughter and I left the house. It seemed unfair, I wasn't really interested in marrying her, and at this point I was sure I still had some say in the matter. But I would enjoy the day. Perhaps find a trinket for Esme, something for father as well.
Once the greetings were completed, we left for the town center. As we walked past the inn, I schooled myself against looking in the open doorway. I couldn't think of her today- not when I had another woman on my arm. The inn doorway was dark, but the movement inside suggested a full room. I caught sight of a red coat and peered in more closely.
The soldiers that had two days past stood in my entry were all grouped and carousing around a table. I saw a woman standing at their table and flinched before realizing it was Esme. She caught my eye and smiled before going back to her work. I wondered where Bella was if not at the inn. Perhaps she was out enjoying the day.
I turned to my companion, smiling.
"Have you attended one of these fairs before, Miss Hale?"
"No, Father has never allowed us out in the crowds." She grimaced. "I see now why he always advised against it. I have never seen so many people in such squalor."
I watched as she pulled her skirts away from a group of children running by, dust clouding around them, as if she might catch something from them. Poverty perhaps.
"Yes, the crowds can be dangerous," I drawled.
We spent several hours wandering the streets. I stood near a booth the blacksmith's apprentice had opened when I saw her. She was on the arm of some oafish man as he half dragged her to a stand of intricately worked silver jewelry. She was laughing, perhaps finding it charming to be pulled along by a boor.
Once he had stopped and let her catch up to him, he reached out for her wrist, holding it close to him and wrapping something around it. She pulled her arm back, looking at the bracelet now hanging from her wrist. The trinket was quite large and hung off her diminutive wrist obscenely.
I laughed bitterly, jealousy pounding through my veins that this man, this unkempt lout, was allowed to give her gifts and mark her as his own.
I'll never forget her expression as my cold words sunk in. Her eyes flashed at me, wide and innocent, her mouth parted and cheeks flushed in embarrassment. Miss Hale was speaking with the blacksmith's apprentice, Mr. McCarty, and was startled when I touched her elbow, indicating I wanted to leave.
She was a little surprised at my abruptness, but I had to remove myself from the situation. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to control myself if forced to stay, unable to withstand their happy presence any longer. We quickly made our way back to her home and I left before her father could trap me into another conversation of meaningless prattle.
I debated riding back to the fair, finding her and following her, watching to ensure that she was safe with that man. He was the same man I had seen her with at my brother's funeral and the image of them together left me cold and angry. I decided right then that I would go back to the fair that night and find her. I wasn't sure how I would be able to lure her to me, but it would happen all the same.
---
The hours til dark dragged inexorably, leaving me drained and anxious to get back to town and to her.
I rode fast, aiming for the wood that edged the town. I could leave my horse and make my way to the festivities cloaked in darkness the whole way. I had my mask in my pocket so that when I was close I could disguise myself. No need to draw attention until I had her in my sights though. I walked the trees, the lights of the strewn above the town square twinkled charmingly. The crowd, thinner now, most centered around the booths for drink and some sort of game of strength. The grunts and groans of contestants echoed through the night. Other groans could be heard as well from the huddled forms of couples groping in the dark- or like one adventurous couple leaning up against a tree. I turned away from these displays. The intimacy of the dark afforded a sort of false privacy.
From the edge of the clearing, I could see the group gathered around the games booth. The man Bella had been with earlier was there, as was McCarthy, and they were preparing to do some sort of weight lifting challenge. McCarthy taunted the younger man, who appeared to be quite drunk already, his body swaying slightly as he responded. I couldn't see her in the crowd and I wondered if she had gone home, when a movement at the outer edge of the crowd caught my eye.
She stood away from the men, looking so vulnerable my breath hitched. I watched, silent and still as she walked closer to me, looking for a seat far from the commotion. When she turned, sweeping her skirts aside to lower to a bench in the clearing, her eyes swept across the tree line and met mine. I heard her gasp and saw her raise her hand to her throat, a deep blush flaring across her cheeks.
I reached out a hand to her, beckoning her to me. She hesitated, looking back at the men now in the midst of their contest. No one was watching her and she looked down for a moment before moving toward my place in the dark.
I let out the deep breath I hadn't realized I was holding when she took her first step, crossing the distance between us carefully. Time seemed to slow; the darkness blotting out anything but the two of us.
When she reached me, she couldn't bring herself to meet my eyes. I did not want to stay here as we could be noticed too easily so I grasped her small hand in mine, pulling her with me into the wood.
Her quiet presence was very calming and I drank her in.
We walked together over toppled trees and toadstools, slipping farther and farther away the town. When we had escaped a safe distance, I stopped and turned to her. She still hadn't looked up at me. While I should be happy she wasn't looking too closely at my face, I couldn't help but desire it. I wanted her to know me, as impossible as that was.
My eyes darted down to her wrist and the bracelet she still wore. It was a simple piece with one charm hanging from it, in the shape of a dog. What sort of gift is this? He should be showering her with jewels and he is giving her charms of animals? Fool. I knew then that I would find her something, I would give her something, and I would have her wear finery that marked her as mine. Whether anyone else knew, I could not care less. I wanted her to know in some small way, she was mine and mine alone.
She played with the trinket before shyly looking up at me. Whatever she saw in my eyes must have frightened her, because she pulled away, stumbling backwards over a fallen branch. I grabbed her arm, keeping her upright. My hand rested on her wrist, my fingers caught in her bracelet.
"Is this from your young man?" My words came more pained than I would have liked.
She shook her head frowning. "He's not my young man. He is only a family friend."
I raised an eyebrow. Surely she could tell he was infatuated with her?
"Is he aware of that fact?"
Her brow furrowed and she frowned again. "I have never encouraged him," she replied, her face set and stern.
Relief flooded me. I slipped the too large piece off of her wrist, putting in the pocket of her skirt.
"You might lose it if you were to wear it. It has not been sized for your tiny wrist."
She blushed again as my fingers caressed the soft and delicate skin of her hand. Her fingers twitched in my grasp before reaching up toward my face. She touched my cheek lightly, grazing over the stubble of my cheek and lingering on my jaw.
My mouth opened instinctively and her fingers moved to trace my lips. My lungs gulped air as if I were drowning. This girl would be demise.
I held her hand still, nipping at each of her fingers before bending to take her lips in a searing kiss.
I breathed her in as our mouths met and slid over each other in a struggle for more contact. The cool night air enveloped us, but all I could sense was her and her warmth and her fragrance.
Breaking away, I softly kissed her eyelids.
"Keep your eyes closed, my love."
I removed my mask, folding the fabric over so there was no opening and tied it around her head.
"I can't have you seeing my face, lovely. Let me touch you and you touch me. No sight needed."
She made a slight sound of displeasure, her lips pouting beautifully. I covered them with my own, more demanding this time, and let my hands begin a slow traverse down her sides. She faltered when I pulled her hips roughly to mine, and I picked her up moving us to stand against an Elder tree, our position similar to the couple I had seen earlier yet so different. Her hands tentatively moved up my arms, skipping from my shoulders to my face. She smoothed every plane and edge carefully as if I might crack, ghosting over my cheekbones, my nose, my forehead. Her fingertips dug into my hair; fingers scratching at my scalp, and I groaned into her mouth. I felt fevered all over, the tension growing. Every move she made and every hitch in her breath echoed through me. The urge to be inside her was overwhelming but I had to fight it. She deserved more than that.
Her sweet sounds rang in my ears as I moved to kiss her chin, her throat, her collarbones bare above her gown.
She cried out when my lips touched the softness of her bosom.
"Let me see you, darling."
Her head was nodding, thrown back in pleasure.
I loosed the ties of her bodice and stays, leaving only her thin undergarment covering her breasts and her skin pebbled in the chill. The sight and feel of her silky skin on my lips was heaven and I dragged my lips lower, capturing one puckered nipple. She jerked, moaning low in her throat, and I continued my assault, teasing her with my tongue and teeth. She squirmed in my arms, sighing when my fingers moved to her skirts. I started to pull them up, but they were too bulky.
Dropping to my knees, I wrapped my hands around her ankles. The heat under her skirts was welcomed me, and I rubbed her legs slowly as my hands inched their way up. When they reached their destination, I rushed the backs of my fingers over her soft curls. I slid one lone finger into her slick cleft and she whimpered, her hips pushing forward so that my face was pressed against her skirts. My hands moved to the hem, and pushed it up baring her legs to me, the long pale lines of them drawing my eyes upward.
I rubbed my cheek along the satin flesh of her inner thighs, inhaling her scent deeply. I felt the trembling of her body through my fingertips as they crept towards her hip bones while my thumbs pulled on her, opening her for me. When my tongue made contact she let out a low moan that shot through me like gunpowder and lead, and her knees buckled again. I hitched one of her legs to my shoulder, nipping at the softness before going back to my original fascination. I cataloged her cries and moans as I licked at her soft pink flesh, spurred on by the sounds she made. I became completely enthralled in her, my thoughts on her and her alone. I insinuated one finger inside of her and another, and she responded by pitching her hips more against me. As her keening grew in volume and her body began to grasp at my fingers, I worked harder to deliver her to her peak, worrying the responsive nub of flesh with my teeth and tongue until she lost control.
Her climax shook her body, and when she had ridden out the tremors I started to pull back, causing her to collapse on me. She let out a weak cry as her body, limp now with satisfaction, lay on mine lightly, her breasts against the linen of my shirt. I arched and shifted her over my cock, letting her settle down on me. The urge to thrust was impossible to fight and my hips rocked upwards. I groaned, closing my eyes in an attempt to regain composure.
"Oh. Am I too heavy? I am hurting you; I am sure of it." She looked in my direction, her vision still blocked by the mask.
I laughed. "No, love. You aren't hurting me."
The sight of her, hair tumbling around her shoulders, her clothing in dishabille and her mouth red and swollen from my kisses, was an image I wanted to memorize. The fact that she couldn't look down at me and see my face even in this dim light was not one I was proud of. I moved to save her from this desperate situation, from me but she had leaned down towards my face, her lips puckered for a kiss, and I was lost again.
As she leaned forward, the pressure of her heat had shifted, and I clenched my hands on her hips, pushing them back and forth along my hardness. I felt her fingers pluck at my shirt, clumsy but persistent, and she sighed as her hands spread over my chest when my shirt had finally been opened. I had never before worried about any of my previous lovers opinions of my body, but I found myself suddenly shy, wondering what she would think of me.
Any worries dissipated when she began rocking against me harder causing an almost painfully delicious pleasure, her sweet mouth still on mine, her mewling noises filling my ears. She was all I could see, smell, feel, taste.
The overwhelming reality of her pervaded my senses and the tension broke, my body tensing up as the crash of release rang through me. I was incapacitated, removed from my body and dropped into a deep abyss. Her cries of pleasure barely reached me as I floated on a wave of well being and peace. I slowly returned to her, cradling her against my chest and murmuring small words of love in her hair as she yawned.
"Rest, love, a moment. I will wake you soon," I crooned in her ear as I combed my fingers through her tangled hair.
She nodded sleepily and wrapped her arms tightly around me before falling into a light slumber. The peace I felt continued as we lay there under the trees. I thought it would fade- as it does when I have found release- but it persisted. This girl affected me in a way I never imagined.
I thought she had woken when I heard her mumbling an unintelligible jumble of words. Except for one word, or name as it were. Jake. She repeated it several times, and each time was a sting to my pride.
"No, Jake. Not you." I smiled as the emphatic rejection became clearer.
My rival for her feelings wasn't as formidable as I had thought.
I couldn't stop the smirk that no doubt spread across my face or the happiness that filled my heart.
I barely noticed when her head lifted from my chest, her hand going to the mask tied over her eyes.
"No, dearest. Let me stand you up before you take that off." I pulled her up off the ground with me, situating us both and righting our clothes before turning back to her.
"Now, close your eyes love. Let me take this off of you."
She obeyed, and her eyes stayed shut as I untied the mask and placed it back on my own head. She had stayed, head down and her eyes closed, and I marveled at her calm trust in me. I hoped to someday deserve it.
AC: Well, someone had a ticket for the Highwayman Ride!
AN: I think Bella had a VIP pass or something...not fair.
AC: Maybe Alice used some voodoo to get one for her.
AN: No, Edward was playing favorites...among other things!
AC: And now James is on the scene, to save the day or so he thinks...
AN: Sigh...we decided on Henry Cavill as our James...we have a big thing for Henry...
AC: You mean, he has a big thing...oh wait, that's not what you were referring to.
AN: Not this time I wasn't.
AC: Well, we are working on the next chapter already, so we promise to not make you wait as long for the next one!
AN: With Henry and Rob as inspiration we should be ready to bang this thing out.
AC: Or just to bang...oh, ok. I'll stop. I am ridiculous. I know this.
