Look into my eyes and you'll see
I'm the only one
You've captured my love
Stolen my heart
Changed my life
Every time you make a move
You destroy my mind
And the way you touch
I lose control and shiver deep inside
You take my breath away
You can reduce me to tears
With a single sigh
Every breath that you take -
Any sound that you make
Is a whisper in my ear
I could give up all my life for just one kiss
I would surely die
If you dismiss me from your love
You take my breath away
Anywhere you go, I'll be right behind you
Right until the ends of the earth…
I love you
"You Take My Breath Away" Queen " A Day At the Races" (1976)
Maria turned the handle, and in one swift motion, let herself in and quickly closed the door behind her. Leaning back against the door, after a quick glance across the room, she closed her eyes to catch her breath. Above her breathing, the only sound was the fire crackling from across the room. Alone at last!
Running a hand through her hair, she let out a heavy sigh, unsure if she could take much more of this. It had been relentless. She'd been certain it was going to go on all night. It had been impossible to tear herself away. She really hadn't wanted to disappoint. She knew how special and new this all was. Perhaps she would learn to grow into it. After all, she should be able to enjoy it. But she hadn't found any of it fun.
Wiping the back of her hand against her forehead, she wondered if it was too late to undo everything. Could she turn back the clock? It seemed like the only way to avoid all of this. She still hadn't opened her eyes. If she kept them closed, then perhaps she could pretend that this wasn't really happening. If it wasn't snowing, perhaps she could just sneak away. But she'd caused so much pain when she ran last time. Berating herself for even thinking such a thing, she knew it really wasn't an option. But there had to be something…
"Whatever have those girls done to you, Fraulein?" her eyes shot open as her thoughts were interrupted by a rich baritone, purring with amusement.
"Georg?!" Maria hissed as she looked around, but couldn't see him. He wasn't at his desk. There was only a tray with a pot of tea, which she was now only just noticing. "Where are you?"
Still leaning against the door, she allowed herself a small, fleeting smile as he appeared from somewhere on the floor between the sofa, armchairs and fireplace. As he made his way across the study, the warm light from the desk lamp fighting against the shadows cast by the fire behind him, she held her breath. He looked so devastatingly handsome with his jacket and tie removed, his sleeves rolled up and his hair a little tousled. She had to admit that she was enjoying seeing Georg so relaxed. But, blinking hard, she knew she couldn't let him distract her. She had to concentrate.
"How could you leave me there?" she demanded as he came to a stop in front of her. "You saw what it was like."
"Maria, with the girls so excited about the wedding, well, I'm sorry, but it's every man for himself," he ran the back of his hand down her cheek. She was a little flushed, and he was starting to see from the look in her eyes that he wasn't going to be easily forgiven.
"Thank you very much for abandoning me," she threw at him.
"Fraulein, you saw how they were leading up to the party," he soothed her as he caught her hand in his. "We knew what they were going to be like."
"Well, I do now!" she shot back at him.
"That's why we decided to keep it a secret," he reminded her.
"Well, thanks to you, it's not a secret anymore!" she hurled back at him.
"I had to do something," he told her gently, trying valiantly to defend himself. "I tried, but it was impossible not to kiss you," his eyes dropped as he brought his other hand up to ghost his finger across her lips. So soft. So tempting. "I could hardly be seen kissing the children's old governess without any explanation, now could I?" he added, looking back up to her eyes.
"I guess not…" Maria shrugged, conceding a little ground as she closed her eyes, her concentration wavering dangerously as he assaulted her senses in the most wonderful way. Now he was tracing lazy circles on the back of her hand.
"Let's not talk about it anymore tonight," he could see her starting to relax. "I can see they've got you all worked up about…"
"Worked up!" Maria's eyes flew open as she hissed at him. "Don't tell me I'm worked…"
"Come here, Maria," he said softly as he pulled her into his arms. "Let's not think about wedding plans until tomorrow…" he whispered against her hair. "There will be plenty of time for that…"
"Well, not according to Leisl!" Maria continued against his neck. "She says that these things take weeks to organise properly. Apparently, we need to…"
"Sshh…Why don't we worry about that tomorrow?" he held her tighter, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. "We can't do anything about it tonight, can we?" he was gently rubbing her back as he tried to calm her. He smiled as he felt her shake her head slowly against him.
"Honestly, Maria, if I could find a priest and a church in this snowstorm, we would've already exchanged vows," he purred against her ear.
"Really…?" she mumbled as his words sent a shiver down her.
"Don't let the girls scare you. They'll have settled down by the morning, I'm certain," he assured her, lifting his hand to stroke her hair affectionately. "They're just over excited tonight, that's all."
"Oh, I know," Maria whispered as she looked up at him. "I'm sorry…" she added quietly as she dropped her eyes from his. "I just panicked. I'm not used to all of this…"
Reaching down to capture her chin between his thumb and forefinger, he forced her to look up him. "So much has happened these past days. It's been a whirlwind," he told her quietly. "Don't apologise. It's natural to feel a little overwhelmed, a bit frightened and unsure about things," he bent down to kiss her forehead. "I'm here, Maria. Always. We're going through this together."
"Thank you, Georg." What had she done to deserve him, she wondered. "You know, you were right," he arched his brow at her, wondering what she was about to concede. "I was a little worked up, wasn't I?" she asked sheepishly, but there was amusement in her voice and laughter behind her eyes.
"Perhaps. Just a little," resisting the temptation, he knew better than to laugh, as he ran his hand down the length of her bare arm exposed by the short sleeves of her blue dress. "You're cold, Maria! Go and warm yourself in front of the fire," he reached around her waist to the small of her back and guided her across the study towards the fireplace.
Feeling Georg's hand leaving her, she turned around wondering why he'd stopped following her.
"I'm bringing you over a cup of tea," he explained as he watched her stop in the middle of the room. "Just sit down and warm up."
"Oh, Georg, I'd love a cup of tea," Maria smiled gratefully towards him. "How did you know?"
"A lucky guess, I suppose," he shrugged his shoulders. Little did she know, over summer he'd observed and learned her little routines, committed to memory what she liked and disliked, gathering as many details about her as he could. At the time, he wasn't even aware he was doing it. Unwittingly, he'd become something of an expert on the subject of Maria before he'd even realised.
As she sat down on the large leather sofa that faced the fireplace, Maria could hear the teaspoon tinkling against the teacup while he stirred in the sugar.
"Three teaspoons of sugar, please," she called out to him.
"Three it is, Fraulein," he smiled as he continued stirring in the three teaspoons of sugar he'd already added.
It certainly was cosy in front of the fire, and it had been getting rather cold sitting on the bed in the girl's room. A cup of tea was exactly what she needed.
As Georg came around the edge of the sofa, he stopped beside the mantel. But rather than pass her the cup of tea, he stopped to kick off his shoes. Giving her a half grin, he sat down on the rug between the fire and the sofa.
"Come and sit down here, Fraulein, it's much warmer," he told her.
A little surprised at seeing this side of the Captain, she sat down on the plush rug beside him. Smiling, she took the saucer from him. "Ooh! What's this!?" she squealed in delight.
"Well, after I made my escape, I scoured the pantry to find Cook's stash of cooking chocolate," he shrugged. "I knew you'd need something after those girls had finished with you," he added as he ran his forefinger down her cheek. "Perhaps a little peace offering as well?" he shrugged.
"Thank you!" Maria beamed at him. "Do you want some?" she asked holding out the length of chocolate he'd broken off from the larger block.
"Just a bite," he smiled as he held her hand. Without breaking eye contact, he brought her hand up to his mouth and bit off a small piece. He watched as her eyes dropped to his mouth while he chewed and swallowed the dark chocolate.
"You have the rest…" he said softly as he ran his thumb across the back of her hand and reluctantly let go.
Maria quickly looked away, staring into the fire to try to stop her thoughts racing away from her. There would be plenty of time for that later.
"You realise, that if the girls had gone on much longer, I would have come to save you," Georg turned to her.
"Really?" Maria glanced sideways at him, her tone suggesting that she didn't quite believe him.
"Well, after I made your tea and checked the fire…" he lifted his brow at her. "Unfortunately, it took me a little longer than planned to find the chocolate."
They sat in comfortable silence while Maria ate the rest of the chocolate and sipped her tea.
"I had fun tonight," Georg said simply, still staring into the fire.
"It was a great night, wasn't it?" Maria turned to him, smiling. "Although, I haven't danced for so long, my legs are going to be sore tomorrow," she added kicking her shoes off and stretching her legs out towards the fire.
Georg's eyes drifted to Maria's legs stretched out on the rug. He followed down from the hem of her dress, which finished just below her knee, and watched as she flexed her toes.
"I know you don't like parties and dancing, but it meant a lot to the children," Maria interrupted his stray thoughts. "They had a wonderful time!" She stopped to take a sip of tea.
"You know, Liesl actually apologised to me tonight," he told her. "I used to love dancing," he added.
"I'm not sure I believe you," Maria laughed at him.
"It's true!" he reached over and ran his finger along her forearm. "I can dance all night if I'm holding the woman I love," he whispered. "And now, after four years, I've found her."
"Oh, Georg..." Maria turned to him, her breath catching as she saw the look in his eyes. "The girls think you're such a romantic," she added as she looked back at the fire.
"Oh, they do, do they?" he asked, feigning indifference, but secretly more than a little pleased. He would only find peace with himself when he could banish forever their memories of him being a tyrannical, absent father.
"They thought it was horribly romantic that you proposed while we were dancing the Laendler," she told him.
"So you didn't just discuss wedding plans after I left," he cocked his head at her.
"I guess we'll have to celebrate our engagement the day after Christmas, won't we?" Maria reached over and squeezed his hand.
"Officially." Georg turned her hand in his and ghosted his thumb across her palm, tracing the lines absentmindedly. "Christmas night will always hold a special place in my heart, Fraulein," he looked up at her, his breath catching as he watched her blue eyes dancing in the soft glow of the fire. "I'll always cherish the night I first held you," he whispered. "The night we first celebrated our love."
"Oh, Georg," Maria squeezed his hand. "I feel exactly the same."
"Let me take this," he held out his hand and she passed him her near empty teacup. Leaning over, he placed it on the hearth.
Turning back to her, he placed his forefinger against her jawline and slowly turned her face towards his. "I love you so much, Maria," he told her. Cupping her cheek, he glanced down to her lips. He leaned down and brushed them gently with his. As he watched her lips part, he kissed her again. This time, her lips clung to his even as he began to pull away from her. They held him there, unable to break contact.
Not needing any encouragement, he opened his mouth against hers, tugging on her lower lip. He thought he heard her sigh his name as she opened her mouth, but perhaps it was his imagination. His tongue quickly found hers, and all he could think of was the taste of chocolate and sweet tea. Oh God, she was so delicious!
As their kisses became more heated, more desperate, she'd somehow found her way on his lap. Or had he pulled her there? It didn't matter, she was raking her hands through his hair. There was no escape from her hungry, frantic kisses. But he didn't care, he would willingly surrender to her.
He hadn't planned to take her here in front of the fire, but he was like a man possessed. Giving in to her was all he could do, he was powerless to fight. And now her hand had found its way to his chest. The sudden sensation of her hand on his bare chest, was overwhelming. It was all he could think about. Their kisses were growing deeper as he tried to taste more of her. All of her. God, he needed her. His hands were running up and down her back. As beautiful as the silk of her dress was, he needed to feel the softness of her skin under his hands. Against his body.
Swallowing her moan of approval he eased himself backwards, taking her with him. Just as the rug was breaking their fall, her mouth left his.
"Oh!" she managed between shallow breaths. Maria was suddenly surprised to find herself lying on his chest, which was rapidly moving up and down beneath her as he tried to fill his lungs with air.
Smiling at her, Georg cradled the back of her head with one hand and gently brought her lips back towards his. Maria's eyes, now dark with desire, fluttered closed as he lifted his head, desperate to feel her mouth against his. As his lips found hers, he groaned in relief.
Stopping suddenly, Maria's eyes shot open. "What's that?" she whispered as she lifted her head.
"I don't hear anything, Maria," Georg lifted his shoulders off the rug so he could reach up to kiss her.
"No, someone's knocking on the door," Maria leaned on his chest as she turned towards the door.
"I think you may be hearing things, Darling," Georg lifted himself up further, growing even more desperate to kiss her again.
"Georg, there's definitely someone at the door," Maria placed her finger against his lips.
"Let me get it," Georg sighed, kissing her forehead as she rolled off him, allowing him to stand up. "Those children know they should be fast asleep by now…" he mumbled and cursed as he made his way towards the door. Running his hands through his hair, he decided that this better not be his daughters. It was getting far too late for any more of their damn ideas for the wedding. Perhaps they should just elope, he wondered. Reaching for the door handle, he jerked open the door. Looking down, his heart melted. Standing in the doorway was a timid Marta in only her nightgown clutching her threadbare teddy bear to her chest.
"I'm sorry, Father…" she said in a quiet, unsteady voice. "I couldn't sleep…you told us not to disturb Fraulein Maria…" she looked down at her bare toes to gather some courage, then looked back up with big eyes, "Teddy thought we should come and see you…"
"Well, I guess you and Teddy had better come in then," Georg held out his hand to Marta who grabbed hold of it with her tiny hand as she padded into the study. Georg closed the door behind them and led her across to the sofa in front of the fire.
"Fraulein Maria!" Marta squealed as her father led her around the sofa and she saw Fraulein Maria sitting on the plush rug with her back against the sofa.
"Oh, come here, Sweetheart," Maria turned and held her arms out as Marta threw herself at her. "Now, why on earth couldn't you get to sleep?" she asked, rubbing the small girl's back as her arms went around her neck and she buried herself against her.
"Because you're going to leave again when it stops snowing," she sniffled into Maria's neck.
"I'm not going anywhere, Sweetie," she told Marta softly as she looked up at Georg and smiled. "I'm going to be staying here."
"But Liesl said you would have to leave until the wedding," she pulled back to look at Maria, and swept her hand through her hair, making Maria wonder how well she'd managed to get it back into place.
"Fraulein Maria will be staying here, Marta," Georg was now sitting on the sofa and reached over to run the back of his hand down her cheek.
"Really?!" she turned to her father as if she couldn't quite believe what she was hearing.
"Of course she will," he smiled. "Now, why don't you and Teddy come up here with me? I've got a secret to tell you."
Marta scrambled next to him on the couch. She giggled as he grabbed her and pulled her onto his lap. "Don't tell anyone else," his face was serious.
"I won't, Father," Marta returned his serious look. "I promise," she added quietly, her hand reaching up to his cheek. She ran her small hand along his jawline, enjoying the feel of his stubble under the soft skin of her hand.
"Uncle Max will be arriving once this snowstorm passes," Georg whispered in her ear.
"Uncle Max! Really?!" Marta squealed in delight.
"Yes," Georg nodded. "Now, why don't you close your eyes? Perhaps you and Teddy might find it easier to sleep here?"
Marta nodded up at him. "I think we might…"
"Aren't your toes cold?" Georg asked as he reached down to touch them. "Marta! They're freezing!" He reached down and rubbed them with his hand, while she giggled and squirmed.
Happy that he'd warmed them up, Georg wrapped his arms tighter around her as she snuggled against his chest. "Do you remember the words to Silent Night?" he asked her softly.
He felt her nodding against him. "Of course I do, Father!"
"How about you sing along then? Now, close your eyes and I'll start…"
Silent night, holy night
All is calm and all is bright
He smiled as Marta joined him singing the second line, her soft, innocent voice clenching his heart. He wondered how he could have ever stopped his children from singing. What was he thinking banning music from the house? He shuddered to think what would have happened to them if Maria had never come into their lives. As if on cue, her voice joined them and his heart skipped a beat. After all, this was the carol that, by some miracle, had brought them back together.
Round yon virgin mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Understanding their shared significance of this carol, Maria shuffled across the floor a little so she was leaning against his leg. She just needed to feel his touch as the memories from that night last week on the streets of Salzburg flooded back.
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Marta was only singing every other word now. She'd stopped trying to keep her heavy eyes open, they were closed now and her breathing was getting heavier. Georg smiled at his little angel. Not long now and she'd give up fighting sleep altogether.
Silent night, holy night
Shepherds quake at the sight
He reached down and ran a hand through Maria's hair. She leant her head against him. Marta was fast asleep now. Her head had rolled to the side and her grip on Teddy had loosened.
Glories stream from Heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing, sing Halleluiah
Christ the saviour is born
Christ our saviour is born
"I love you so much, Maria," he whispered as he ran his fingers down her neck along her shoulder, until he reached the neckline of her dress. "Thank you."
Maria had closed her eyes at his gentle touch, reaching up to squeeze his hand, she turned around to look at him. She couldn't stop herself from smiling at the sight of Georg with his arms wrapped around a sleeping Marta, her well-worn teddy bear somewhere in the middle of it all. When she'd first arrived at the villa, she couldn't imagine such love and affection from the man who'd confronted her. Especially towards his children. It had been a beautiful transformation.
"I'll put Marta to bed," Georg whispered down to her. "Then I'll check on the rest of the children."
"Are you sure?" Maria asked quietly, mindful not to disturb Marta as she stood up.
Georg smiled at her and nodded as he rose from the couch with Marta stirring a little in his arms. Maria opened the door and they walked across the foyer and up the stairs to the first landing.
Maria stopped and turned to him. "I'll see you later," she whispered, smiling at him as she turned left towards her old room in the staff wing.
Georg stood and watched her walking away from him. God she was so beautiful. Inside, and out.
ooooXXXXoooo
Georg smiled to himself as he walked along the upper landing, he truly was blessed with seven wonderful, healthy children. But now, with them all fast asleep, he was wondering how long he would have to wait for Maria. His thoughts rapidly returning to her desperate kisses in the study, he knew he'd need to feel her in his arms again. And soon.
Reaching the master wing, he wondered if he should have gone to Maria's room instead. He stopped, debating whether he should turn back. He needed her. Desperately.
But he decided he should continue on to the master suite. After all, she had told him she would see him later. Reaching the closed door, he reminded himself how much he used to dread finding himself alone in these rooms. They were filled with so many memories, so much pain, so much regret and anger. But Maria, who had always been a balm to his pain, had changed that.
Opening the door, his eyes were immediately drawn across the room to the dark form on top of the bed. He'd left the bedside light on earlier when he'd changed into his suit, but he couldn't make out what it was. It looked like his coat.
Reducing the distance between him and the bed, he smiled as he realised it was Maria. She was on her side, turned away from him, lying underneath his woollen coat that he'd been wearing out in the snow earlier. He eased himself gently onto the edge of the bed. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was slow and steady. Looking down at her, he knew he could sit there and watch her sleep for hours and he would be the happiest man in the world.
"Georg…?" she mumbled as she turned her head towards him.
"I'm here, Maria…" he whispered.
"Sorry," opening her eyes, she turned onto her back and stretched. "I had to wait for you here…"
"Don't apologise. I can't think of anything better than finding you here," he ran a finger down her cheek.
"How were the children?" she asked.
"They were all sleeping. Brigitta had fallen asleep reading, so I had to tuck her in and turn her light out," he adored how much she cared for the children. "I was actually going to go to your room. I couldn't wait to see you again," he gave her a lopsided grin.
"Really?" she smiled up at him. "I got to my room, and felt so alone…"
"You'll never be alone again, Maria…" he told her quietly as he lifted his coat off her and threw it over the chair beside the bed. He could feel his pulse start skipping, she was still wearing her blue dress. She hadn't even stopped to change. God, she must have needed him. Reaching out his hand as he sat on the edge of the bed, she took hold and he pulled her up towards him. "I love you," he whispered in her ear as he wrapped his arms around her and drew her to him.
Maria's hand was clutching his hair, pulling his lips towards hers. She needed his wet, hungry kisses. Their mouths instinctively found each other, and she moaned her relief. "Georg…" she sighed into his mouth as her hand moved from his shoulder and forced its way between their bodies, underneath his shirt. She could feel the tight muscles of his chest flinch at the unexpected touch of her fingers. As she kneaded and pulled at his skin, she was reminded of their love making last night. The feel of his muscles under her hands, how his body had moved against hers. "I need you, Georg…" she wasn't sure if she'd said the words out loud, or whether she'd just shouted them out to herself in her head.
Maria's desperate plea, whispered against his mouth, was all Georg needed. His hands had been holding her against him, but now he moved them to the nape of her neck. He had to see her. He had to feel her. With his mouth still devouring her, her moans filling his head, his unsteady fingers started fumbling with the buttons at the back of her dress. As each button was released, it revealed more of her soft skin to his desperate hands. He took his time. Exploring and teasing. Stopping to move his mouth to her shoulder, tugging and nipping as more was revealed. Then his lips would find hers again, until his fingers released the next button, exposing more skin for his mouth to torment.
Half of the buttons were undone before he reached her undergarments. He quickly fumbled with the remaining buttons at the back of her dress. Reluctantly releasing her mouth, he leaned his forehead against hers as they both tried to control their shallow breathing. Pulling away from her, he looked at her darkened eyes, heavy with desire.
Georg reached for her dress with both hands and gently pulled it down off her shoulders. It pooled around her waist, revealing her undergarments. Holding his breath, he caught one of the straps in his forefinger and pulled it down off her shoulder to expose her breast. "You're so beautiful…" he whispered as he gently traced her with his forefinger. Moving his attention to her already taut nipple, he looked up as he heard her gasp.
Smiling at her, he bent down and drew her nipple into his mouth. Hardening under his skilful tongue, Maria's fingers were raking through Georg's hair, holding him against her. His hand had found her other breast, and drew it out from her undergarment. Maria wasn't sure which was more of a torment. His relentless tongue dragging across her, or the insistent kneading, squeezing, pinching of his fingers. She was sure she was going to burst if he continued much longer. "Georg…please…" she pleaded into his hair as she could feel herself slipping.
Releasing her from his mouth, he sat up. But, before he knew what was happening, Maria's hands were quickly undoing the buttons of his shirt. "There's no need to rush," he whispered.
"I can't wait, Georg," she tugged his shirt free from his trousers, desperate for his body against hers.
Catching her hands in his, Georg smiled at her. "Give me a minute…" He stood up and undid the last button of his shirt. Pealing it off, he threw it onto the chair on top of his coat. Unbuttoning his trousers, he tried to think of anything but Maria lying on the bed behind him. Already heavily aroused, he needed to settle himself down. Taking his time to remove his trousers and underpants, he tried to relax a little.
Taking a deep breath, he turned back to find Maria lying back against the pillows with her dress and undergarment removed. She smiled at him, blushing a little as she looked down at his arousal. Swallowing hard, his eyes moved down the length of her body. Still wearing her underpants and stockings, he knelt on the floor beside the bed and started to release her stockings from their garter. He watched her as he rolled each stocking down her leg, his eyes taking in the rise and fall of her chest, which was coming a little faster as his fingers brushed her skin. With both stockings finally removed, he ran his hands along the length of her legs. Her skin was so soft.
Moving his hands slowly, tenderly along her inner thighs, his eyes roamed back up her body as he heard her moan. Unable to hold himself back any longer, her garter belt was quickly unfastened and somewhere on the floor. Standing up, he caught the waistband of her underpants in his fingers.
Maria lifted her hips of the bed as she felt him starting to pull her underpants down. She watched as he threw their last remaining piece of clothing on the floor.
Her eyes followed him as he walked around the foot of the bed and sat on the other edge. Swinging his feet up onto the bed, he moved into the middle. Reaching across, he took hold of Maria's waist and pulled her on top of him. "I love you, Georg," she smiled down at him as she slowly ran her fingers down his cheek.
At that moment, as he looked into her eyes, suddenly, it all made perfect sense. The magical summer when Maria arrived at the villa like a breath of fresh air, shining a light onto places that had been in darkness for too long. The autumn of despair that seemed to go on forever, when all seemed lost. The rekindling of hope and love at Christmas.
"What's wrong, Georg?" Maria could see the emotion in his eyes.
"Maria, it's finally hit me," he whispered through the lump in his throat. "I once was lost, but now am found…"*
THE END
Thank you to everyone who's read, reviewed, followed and favorited my story along the way. I hope you've enjoyed reading it nearly as much as I've enjoyed writing it! As always, I had planned for this final chapter to be a short and sharp wrap up, but (as always) I got carried away. Apologies yet again.
Please check out the amazing live version of this beautiful song from Queen. It was recorded during a concert at Hyde Park. Freddie Mercury's (RIP) vocals are flawless. Breathtaking.
Originally, this story was supposed to be a one shot Christmas present for a dear friend. Months and chapters later, this final chapter is my same dear friend's birthday present - Happy Birthday oxox
As you know, I don't own TSOM, just had a lend!
* Amazing Grace, John Newton, 1779
"Immerse your soul in love"
