And with this chapter, the adult version is now caught up with the regular version LOL (whew!) You'll notice a few changes in here...may want a glass of ice water ;-) If you aren't of the appropriate age to read, please go to the T version - it will keep you warm as well (just without a few details lol) Be a responsible reader!
One interesting note (since some of you are readers of both the T version and the M version), I thought it quite interesting in the reviews that there was a great deal of support and defense for Clarisse - even though she was (technically) the one in the wrong :-) Joseph was doing his job - but she was seen as the offended party rather than him - very, very interesting :-) I do love the support you all show our Queen, though - she definitely deserves it!
Without further ado...enjoy you C/J romantics you!
*hugs*
Kayla
Chapter 7: Losing It
"Joseph, I don't have time for this right now. This is what we have been waiting for; what you and I worked so hard to accomplish." Clarisse turned the lamps back up to their full illumination and began to freshen her makeup and fix her hair.
Joseph directed a look to Charlotte and Shades that sent them from the room. Neither wanted to be a part of this particular conversation. Once they were out of the immediate area, Joseph stepped closer to Clarisse so he could keep his voice low. He wanted to yell, but knew that was neither professional nor the way to convince her of the insanity of this course of action. "Clarisse, don't do this."
"I understand your concern, Joseph, but I have to do this. Please don't argue with me about this."
Joseph turned her so she was facing him, "This is my job, Clarisse. I have a duty to the citizens of Genovia and to the Renaldi family to protect you from any potential harm. Why can't you understand that?"
Clarisse exhaled slowly and tried to calm herself. Between the dance, Joseph's affections earlier, and now the excitement of winning the audience with the Sheik, the adrenalin and endorphins in her body were running rampant. "I do understand, Joseph. You're worried. What I'm trying to tell you is that you have nothing to worry about. The Sheik isn't going to harm me. That would lead to an international incident and draw unwanted attention to him and his country."
"I'm sure the citizens of Genovia would find that comforting as they mourn the loss of their Queen and the banishment of her head of security for failing to do his duty."
"You're overreacting, Joseph. " She turned back towards the mirror. "Now I need to finish getting ready. You're welcome to wait outside the tent. I assure you if he tries anything untoward, I will express my distress very loudly. At that point, please do whatever necessary to gain entrance and take matters into your own hand."
Joseph recognized that any further argument would be moot. Her mind was made up. Wanting her to understand how truly difficult and unreasonable she was being, he made one final attempt. "Shades!"
A moment later the young man was standing by his side, "Yes, Boss?"
"I would like you to note for the official record that the Head of Security strongly objects to the decision the Queen has made electing to disregard his recommendations concerning her safety."
Shades looked visibly uncomfortable. He understood what Joseph was doing, essentially covering his ass should anything happen to the Queen. Shades would be called as a witness at any trial that would result if things went badly on Joseph's watch. He would be asked to testify if the Queen ignored Joseph's direction regarding her safety. Charlotte kept telling him that these two were falling in love. As far as he could see, they spent a great deal of time arguing for two people supposedly in love with each other.
"Shades, do you understand my objection?"
"Yes, sir. The record will reflect that you strongly objected to the current course of events." Sometimes he wished the earth would open up and swallow him. This was one of those times.
"Thank you. That is all."
With a look of relief, Shades made a quick exit. Joseph turned back towards Clarisse, she was clearly annoyed. "Was that really necessary?"
"Hopefully it was an unnecessary precaution, but one I felt I had to take. You won't listen to reason and I would like to avoid banishment." His eyes pled with hers as he made one final emotional plea, "Though without you there, I would find no true reason to stay."
Their gazes locked for a few more moments. She saw the concern in his and knew that he would never forgive himself if anything happened to her. "I'm sorry, Joseph. I have to do this."
He knew that was going to be her decision, just as surely as he knew his own name. It wouldn't stop him from trying, but he knew that she was as stubborn as they come. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
She felt the pain from his use of her title over her name. Less than fifteen minutes ago, she had been on his lap, kissing him with abandon. Amazing how quickly things can change. Her body still ached for his touch; but she knew that he would not be easing that ache for her anytime soon. It could very well be a very long time once she went through with this. "Please don't be angry with me, Joseph."
This woman was going to be the death of him, of that single fact he was certain. She completely ignored him, willingly endangered herself, and fussed because he did his duty and then she had the audacity to ask him not to be angry? Women! He would never understand them…especially not this one. "We should go, Your Majesty. You don't want to keep the Sheik waiting."
Her eyes implored him one last time. Seeing no sign of softening his stance, she sighed and made her way to the Sheik's tent. Joseph, Scott and Charlotte were close behind but no one said anything. As they arrived at the tent, the guard at the door pulled back the material allowing for her entrance. He then resumed his stance, blocking access for anyone else. Joseph moved closer to the guard and whispered in a threatening tone, "If anything happens to her, I will stop at nothing to avenge her." He looked into the man's eyes. "Nothing."
Joseph gave the man credit for not saying anything; but he saw it in his eyes. Fear. There was no doubt Joseph would follow through on his threat. Once he was assured the man understood his position on these matters, he took a few steps to the side, closed his eyes and listened for any verbal sign of distress.
Inside the Sheik's tent…
Clarisse took a deep breath before entering the main part of the tent. She allowed the Queen mask to descend completely and locked away all of the emotions that had been allowed out to play earlier tonight. Taking measured steps, she made her way towards where the Sheik would be waiting.
"Ah, the infamous Ice Queen of Genovia." The deep voice of the Sheik rang out from the other side of the tent.
Clarisse bristled slightly at the use of that name but kept her face impassive and her steps confident. Her voice sounded strong, "And the reclusive Sheik of Tunisia."
His laughter filled the room, "What a pair we must make, hmm? People only see what they want to see, isn't that right?"
He was sitting in a chair similar to the one she and Joseph had been sitting in earlier. His posture was relaxed but his physical presence was larger than life. He was a man that exuded power and confidence. And why not? He was currently calling all of the shots. "I find that very few people care to see beyond the masks. Either it is too difficult or they don't want to admit that we are mere humans trying to live up to the unrealistic expectations and standards they establish."
He gestured to the chair opposite him. "Spoken as one who has sacrificed much to live up to the image her people have assigned to her."
Clarisse merely shrugged. It was all part of the job of being a leader. He knew that as well as she did.
"You are a gifted strategist, Clarisse, who looks beyond the masks and discovers angles that others do not see."
She took the seat and crossed her ankles, tucking them neatly to the side. Her hands rested on her lap, posture erect. She was here to do business. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Pouring some wine, he put a glass in front of her. "It was meant to be."
"Thank you," she took a small sip of the wine.
"Despite your creative approach which not only garnered your country an invitation but also an audience with me, I am curious. What could Genovia possibly have to offer in the way of trade?"
"Our country is known for our pears and related products, along with a number of other fruits and grains, and for the finest lace in any country." She offered proudly.
"Nothing that my people can't live without," he waved dismissively with his hand.
Clarisse kept her eyes focused on him, but took another sip of wine. She had dealt with his type before. "Perhaps, but is it something they should live without? The climate here is harsh and your people work hard to extract the minerals and oil necessary for trade. As a ruler who cares for both the financial and emotional well-being of his country and its people, I would think that providing such things as fresh fruits, grains and lace would be an easy way to keep morale lifted and ensure a long and unchallenged reign."
She watched as he considered her words. He would have to be a tyrant to not care about the emotional happiness of his people and Clarisse knew enough about him to know he was not like that. No man who publicly displayed the warmth and affection towards his wife that the Sheik did could reasonably disagree with her on this point.
"Perhaps," he admitted. "I must ask you something. Why did you choose to do that particular dance tonight? One perspective could be that you took advantage of my wife to both secure an invitation and win the audience with me." His tone was more curious than accusatory.
Clarisse faked a confused look, "Was not the ultimate purpose in this whole exercise to capture your attention?"
"Yes."
"And, ultimately, what…or should I say…who…captures your attention more than anything or anyone?"
His eyes lit up and he favored her with a bright smile, "My beautiful wife, Vanessa."
"So by pleasing her, I captured your attention. It was my – our – intention to bring her some pleasure amidst all of this as well. Was she not pleased with our gifts?"
"She was very pleased…and happy that you thought of her. So I was right!" The Sheik's chest puffed out a bit at his declaration.
"About?"
"You are a clever strategist," He laughed and raised his glass to toast."
Clarisse dropped the Queen mask just a bit and returned his smile. She lifted her glass towards his and waited.
"To a new alliance between Genovia and Tunisia."
"Here, here!" Clarisse knew they would still need to iron out the details of the trade, but they had an agreement and that was a very positive start. She clinked her glass with his and then sipped some more of the wine.
"Vanessa was curious about one thing." He was now sitting back in his chair, more relaxed and comfortable as though he were talking to an old friend.
"What's that?"
"Why didn't you and your partner perform the dance in its original form? You certainly left the Ice Queen persona at home as there was not a chill within a hundred miles from that performance."
Clarisse couldn't stop the blush that crept up her neck and face. "I…we, didn't feel that would be appropriate."
"The man is not your lover?"
"I beg your pardon! Even if he were, I fail to see how that is any of your damn business." Just as she thought they had an understanding... Clarisse was beginning to tire of this man, his arrogance, and his uncanny ability to see right through you.
The Sheik lifted his arms in surrender, "My apologies, m'lady. We are apparently more…open… about such things here in Tunisia. Watching the way you two moved together and the way you looked at each other, gave the impression of intimacy."
"Joseph and I have been dance partners for a number of years. There is a comfort level between us that translates well to the dance floor." She hoped that explanation would suffice. If the Sheik shared his suspicions and it got back to Parliament, there definitely would be an international incident.
The Sheik regarded her explanation carefully, but ultimately decided not to challenge her further. "He would make a suitable lover for you, I think."
"Sheik, with all due respect, I do not wish to discuss my intimate life – or lack thereof – with you." Sadly, she thought, the latter would probably be more true thanks, mostly, to the Sheik and this little game that he liked to play.
"As a man who values his privacy as well, it was – as you say – none of my damn business." He looked at her carefully and then decided to continue, "Despite my curiosity, would you do me the honor of allowing my wife to be pleased one final time during your visit?"
"Meaning?"
"She has asked me to perform the dance you selected with her. As I'm sure you're aware, it is one of her favorites. As a gift to you, she would like to show you the dance...in its true form."
Vanessa had surely won Clarisse's friendship through all of this and she hoped that they could stay in touch after the negotiations ended. "I would be honored."
He curled his mouth into a half smile, "I was afraid you would say that." Turning towards the back room, "Vanessa, my dear?"
Clarisse turned in the same direction and the Sheik to see Vanessa. As the younger woman emerged from the back room, Clarisse couldn't stop herself from commenting, "Vanessa, you look stunning."
Vanessa's dark brown skin was partially covered with an ivory pearlescent silk dress; the contrast was breathtaking. The dress was similar in style to the one she had given Clarisse except the bodice was a halter style that revealed far more cleavage than Clarisse's had. Over the bodice, however, Vanessa was wearing the lace mini jacket that Joseph had given her on behalf of Genovia earlier this evening.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. The jacket is beautiful."
"Clarisse, please, and you make the jacket even more beautiful."
She found herself pulled into a hug, "Thank you, Clarisse. I have truly enjoyed getting to know you and your visit here to my country. May I consider you a friend?"
Friends were rare finds for Clarisse and she found a kindred spirit in Vanessa. "I would be honored to be considered your friend."
The two women separated. It had definitely been a good evening for the Queen of Genovia, Clarisse decided. Clarisse's night has not gone quite as planned. She felt a pang of jealousy as Vanessa wrapped her arms around her husband and kissed him passionately. Her body craved Joseph's lips, his tongue dancing with hers, his fingers stroking and teasing until she couldn't think straight.
The music pulled her from her thoughts and she watched as they began the dance of seduction. Where Joseph's hand had been on her chest, the Sheik's hand slid lower to cup Vanessa's breast. Her blush deepened as they continued. Each touch was bolder…more sensual than the moves she and Joseph had shared. Her arousal stirred as the strings of desire grew tighter deep in her abdomen. Though not voyeuristic by nature, she couldn't look away from what was essentially foreplay between a married couple taking place right in front of her. If she didn't find some relief soon… It was going to be a long night.
Outside the tent…
Joseph had been listening intently but had not heard anything to signal that Clarisse was in distress. Anger was a strange emotion as it both fueled a man and then, just as quickly, drained him of every ounce of energy. Just as he was feeling guilty about being so protective and not trusting her, he heard it.
Music.
Not just any music…THEIR music….to THEIR dance!
Was she dancing it with the Sheik?! It was hard enough to watch Clarisse ballroom dance with other men during the celebrations the palace hosted. But this…this was a whole other level. This dance was intimate and shouldn't be danced with someone who wasn't…well, who wasn't your lover…or about to become your lover.
"Shades."
"Yes, Boss?"
"I'm tired and going back to the tent to try to get some rest. Please escort the Eagle back to the tent once she finishes…whatever she is doing with the Sheik. If there's trouble, take action and send Charlotte for me."
"Joseph?" Charlotte couldn't believe he was leaving.
He softened a bit. Stepping closer, he put his hand on her shoulder. "Some time alone will help me clear my head. I will speak with her again tomorrow and try to smooth things over. Just not tonight."
Charlotte nodded in response, but she was worried about how the Queen would react when Joseph wasn't here. Joseph was always there… waiting for her. It had been that way for as long as Charlotte could remember. The night the King died. The night they lost Philippe. The night Amelia accepted her destiny. Tonight that wouldn't be the case and she truly had no idea how her friend would react. "Alright, Joseph, I'll do what I can to explain it to her."
He leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek, "She's a big girl. She knows what she did and she knows we'll work it out. You don't have to take responsibility."
Joseph nodded at the young couple and slowly made his way back to their tent. Images of Clarisse in another man's arms weighed heavily on his heart. He loved her and had been fairly certain she loved him. The way her body had come undone around him, under him, that had certainly felt real to him. At the thought of that night, his groin tightened, sending blood straight to his arousal. Damn if that woman didn't drive him to distraction.
Once inside the tent, he splashed some cold water on his face. A cold shower would be preferable but he didn't want to take a chance in running into Clarisse on his way back. He slipped on a pair of black boxers and a tank top and tried to settle in. His thoughts went back to the dance, not from tonight. Tonight was structured and followed all the parameters they had agreed on through trial and error during practice.
Seven days ago…
Their day had started at 6:30 a.m., a breakfast meeting with Sebastian. Meeting after meeting had them on the go all day long with barely even time for a meal. Finally, at 7 p.m. they had met in the ballroom to practice. That night she had worn a light blue leotard with black tights. The neckline was more generous to his eyes than some of the others she had chosen. Whether it was their exhaustion or simply a need to address some of their more carnal desires, that night they had come the closest they ever had to performing the dance in its original form.
After more than an hour of feeling her soft curves, hearing her breath catch and looking into eyes as dark as the ocean at night, his control was wavering. He maneuvered them around until her body was between his and the wall. He could feel her pulse beating wildly under her skin as his lips kissed her neck. Her sighs and moans of pleasure had heated his desire to the point that he wanted nothing more than to take her against the very wall she was pressed against. "Clarisse," he whispered huskily in her ear.
"Me too. I can't take much more, Joseph." Her hands slid down his back to cup his bottom and hold him firmly against her softness.
His lower hips rotated against her, earning him a low moan of need, "Then shall we retire to your suite for some much deserved…rest."
"Mmmm…"
They hadn't even made it to the door of the ballroom when the alarm sounded and his earpiece became a chaotic chorus of voices, all demanding his attention.
"What is it?" Clarisse asked.
"Perimeter alarm. Let me take you to your suite and then I'll find out what's going on."
As it had turned out, it was a cow that had wandered away from a farm a couple miles down the road. Apparently the grass at the palace had been a siren song to the animal and he had somehow made his way on to the grounds, tripping the alarm. By the time Joseph had overseen the return of the animal, the reset of the alarm, and the beefing up of the security in that area, it was after two a.m. The moment had long since passed.
Joseph rolled to his side and tried to regulate his breathing. His body burned for hers but he couldn't seek relief here. There was no privacy and he would not be caught like some hormonal teenager that couldn't control his baser desires. He started running through security protocols in his head hoping that somewhere in the routine his body would find the distraction necessary for some much needed sleep.
Back at the Sheik's tent…
Clarisse focused on her breathing, slow and measured. Her skin tingled from hours, days, weeks of stimuli – visual, physical, and emotional. Finally, the strains of music ended. She stood and clasped her hands together in appreciation, "Beautiful, simply beautiful."
The couple seemed barely aware of her presence; the intimacy was overwhelming and infused every pore of her being. She needed to get out of here. She needed Joseph...
"Your Majesty?" The Sheik's voice cut into her thoughts.
"Yes?"
"Would you ask your aid to meet with mine to start ironing out the details of the trade for our final approval?" Though the Sheik was speaking to her, his eyes were locked on his wife.
Clarisse definitely was the proverbial third wheel in this situation and was very anxious to make her departure. "Of course…main tent?"
The Sheik's voice was muffled as his face was now buried in the curve of Vanessa's neck. "Please."
"Until tomorrow then," Clarisse quietly offered her good-bye…not that her hosts would even notice at this moment.
Clarisse exited the tent, enjoying the cooler air on her flushed face. "Charlotte?"
Charlotte breathed a quick sigh of relief that the Queen had returned, apparently unharmed. She and Shades moved closer to the Queen. "Yes ma'am. Did all go well?"
"It did, thank you. The Sheik would like you to meet his aid in the main tent to start working out details of the trade."
Charlotte stifled a sigh. It had been a long day and she was looking forward to turning in. That would have to wait, though; there was work to be done. "Of course, your Majesty."
"Joseph?" Clarisse just noticed her head of security was not around.
"He went back to the tent, ma'am." Charlotte hated to be the bearer of bad news. Between this and the long hours, maybe she should ask for a raise!
"I see." Clarisse fought to keep the disappointment out of her voice. He must be very angry.
Charlotte gave Shades a subtle signal to give them a little space. She stepped closer to her Queen and friend, "He just needed some space. He heard the music…"
The color drained from Clarisse's face. What had he thought when he heard? Joseph couldn't have known that Vanessa was also in the tent. He would have thought she was dancing with the Sheik. "How long ago did he leave?"
"About twenty minutes ago."
Clarisse glanced towards Shades, standing a respectable distance away. "Perhaps Scott can escort me back to the tent now? It has been a very long day."
"Yes, ma'am."
Clarisse noticed how tired Charlotte sounded as well. "Charlotte?"
"Yes?"
"Once we return to Genovia and get things caught up, I want you to take a couple of days off. You've been working very hard over the past several weeks and you definitely deserve some time to yourself."
"Thank you, ma'am, I appreciate that. Perhaps you should take a couple of days as well?"
Clarisse considered pointing out that a country didn't stop having needs just because their Queen was tired, but she knew that Charlotte realized that already. She opted to simply nod and offer a small smile, "Perhaps."
A few short minutes, Clarisse was inside their tent with Charlotte and Shades making their way back to the main tent to have the final meeting. The hope was that they could come to a reasonable negotiation to present to the Queen and Sheik tomorrow so everyone could go home.
Clarisse stood for a few moments watching Joseph. He appeared to be asleep, but his breathing was not as deep and rhythmic as she had come to expect after hearing him sleep the last couple nights. "Joseph?" she whispered.
Though no reply came, she was confident that he was not asleep. So he didn't want to talk…fine.
She started towards her side of the tent, but couldn't resist the urge to touch him…to kiss him. If he was going to play like he was asleep, she would take advantage. He wouldn't be able to respond or pull away as that would give away his ploy. Her fingers trailed along his forehead, tracing the fringe of hair and then over his cheek. She smiled at the stubble that had grown there since he had shaved that morning. A shiver of desire ran through her as she considered what that would feel like against her softer skin.
Needing to put some space between their bodies before she gave up any pretense of control and crawled into bed next to him, she leaned down and kissed him gently on the cheek. "Good night, Joseph. I'm sorry..."
No movement. No response. No opportunity for her to fix what had gone so horribly wrong today. Well Mother always said, "There's always tomorrow." So tonight, she would concentrate on easing the ache that had been building in every pore of her being for days now. If she didn't, she might as well find a good book to read because she was going to be up all night.
After changing and completing her nightly routine, she settled under the sheets. The cotton felt cool against her heated skin, even the light pressure heightened the nerve endings and made her body cry out to be touched.
The Ice Queen demanded she shut down those feelings and remain strong, not giving in to the baser desires that others had the privilege of enjoying on a regular basis. You are Queen and above such things…besides since when have those emotions done anything but leave you empty and disappointed?
Since Joseph…
Ignoring the Ice Queen, Clarisse allowed her own fingers to trace her lips. Her fingers were trembling, but the result was the same. The reaction was the same as when Joseph touched her…eyes closed, lips parted, breaths shortened. Imagining it was Joseph's fingers trailing down her throat, she slipped her delicate fingers under the satin bodice of her gown. "Oh….mmm…" her voice was low and throaty but conveyed a deep, unfulfilled need from deep within her core.
She cupped her breast, allowing the manicured nails to circle the rosy peak, enjoying the way her body tightened in response. The exploration continued, fanning the fire that had been holding steady at a slow burn for weeks now. Her other hand joined in the pleasure as it slipped over her abdomen and into the damp curls.
A gasp followed a husky moan as her body responded. This was surely the sweetest torture one could inflict upon a body. Pleasure building to a point just on the other side of pain. She wanted to make this last forever. She knew she had to be quick. She would never be able to face Charlotte again if she walked in on her behaving worse than a hormonal school teenager.
Banning all thoughts of Charlotte, she concentrated her efforts; trying to remember the way Joseph touched her…the way he could make her…
Lose it…
Dear god – was she doing what he thought she was doing? Her touch had incited raw nerves that screamed in silence for her to continue. Like a stubborn fool, though, he had laid there…unmoving, unresponsive. Then he heard the soft moan, the gasp, and the hitch in her breath. Once sounds like that slipped unbidden from the woman you loved, they were etched in your memory forever.
He imagined her hands moving over her body, nails leaving small marks in the perfect flesh, and her hips slowly moving in time to music that only she could hear. His hands slid under his boxers to palm his growing arousal. His thoughts were only of her as he began to move his hand in time to the soft whimpers filtering through the thin wall of material separating them. Moving closer to the wall his eyes closed as images of Clarisse flashed through his mind: Her body straddling his, breasts swaying as her lower body slid over his, sharing her moisture – sharing her need. Taking a few deep breaths for control, he watched the scene unfold in his head waiting for control to slip away – for the moment when she would start…
Losing it…
That's where this was headed. The pressure was building deep within her core, making her actions more stilted and wanton. Her knees bent, legs spreading to allow for greater movement. Her mind barely registered the solid resistance she encountered when her thigh moved against the separating material. She wanted to stay quiet…needed to stay quiet. She was fighting a losing battle. Though not as vocal as she was capable of, the catches in her breath and gasps had slipped unbidden from her parted lips.
She wished for Joseph's hands and mouth to be covering her body; but tonight she would have to be content with only thoughts of him. She slipped a finger deep into her pooling moisture, creating a delicious friction that would soon provide temporary relief from the tension in her body. It wouldn't fill the aching need…only Joseph could do that. At this point, though, her body would have to settle for release and then sleep.
Though he couldn't see her, he had a vivid imagination and the picture in his mind was sending impulses to his body that demanded attention. He quickly retrieved his handkerchief from the back pocket of his pants. Not feeling very tidy earlier, he had just let them drop to the floor next to his bed. He was feeling extremely grateful for that break in routine now.
Her could feel her bent leg pressing up against his, only a few layers of material separated them. It was torture to be so close and still not be able to touch her, feel her smooth skin, kiss those delightful lips…
His palm stroked the hard evidence of his desire. He missed her wet heat – her body stretching to accommodate him – her internal muscles gripping him so tightly. He tightened his grip and increased the pace. He could hear that she was getting close. The noise had stopped, but she couldn't control her breathing and the movement of her body.
Her hips were thrusting off the bed, mimicking her movements had Joseph…her lover, been present for this dance. The tension was climbing and was almost to the breaking point. Her fingers were a poor substitute for Joseph's girth; it was though he touched her innermost soul when his body plunged into hers again…and again…and…
The world stopped for just a moment as the cord snapped. Her back arched and she inhaled sharply as warm pin prickles spread throughout her entire body, washing her away in sensation. The rest of the world became distorted as her pleasure sharpened and sliced through her in a million points of light.
The light blazed into Joseph's world, blinding him to everything else as his body released the pleasure he had been denying himself all day. He heard Clarisse's sharp intake of breath and his grunt of satisfaction joined hers as they tumbled together, yet separately, into the blissful haze of satisfaction.
It felt like it had gone on for hours – yet in reality, had only taken a few minutes. It had been building for days…
As quickly as it had started, it began to fade. Her heart still pounded in her chest, but the chaos of the moment was fading. She could ignite it again quite easily…a few well-placed touches and her body would respond in kind. But the immediate need had passed. The ache in her body had dimmed, but the ache in her heart could only be eased by one man…
"Joseph…" his name slipped from her lips…it seemed the most natural thing to say when her body felt pleasure since he was usually the cause for it. He was tonight as well, just not in the traditional sense.
"Clarisse…" her name filtered through the 'wall'. It was low and husky, and resonated deep within her heart.
Lowering her legs, Clarisse tried to breathe normally. She missed the feel of his leg against hers almost immediately. It was crazy…but true. "I thought you were asleep."
He had to stifle the chuckle that was threatening…even in his deepest sleep, he would have awakened at the sound of Clarisse pleasing herself. "No, just deep in thought."
"It wasn't what you thought…"
He wasn't sure if she was referring to what just happened or something that transpired earlier. "What was it then?"
Before she could answer, Charlotte and Shades returned. Clarisse exhaled slowly, explanations would have to wait…
Midnight…
tbc
