Thank you for all the reviews and for sharing how the story is affecting you - we appreciate it!
In this chapter, Clarisse and Joseph must deal with the fallout from him sharing his fantasy with her. We venture between T and M in this chapter, nothing overt but wanted to warn you so you could read responsibly.
Thanks! Clarisse and Shakayla
Chapter 20 – Tell Me A Story
Charlotte was overstepping…in a major way. She didn't know what else to do. Nothing about this day would fall under the "normal" category. Her boss had disappeared to look for Joseph two hours ago and hadn't returned to work. Joseph finally messaged Shades to explain the Queen had given him the day off as he wasn't feeling well. Lionel confirmed that the Queen had never exited Joseph's suite, but there had been no word from her. The same internal warning system that prompted her into action that fateful weekend was bellowing loud and clear in her head. She had to do something…
Quietly she opened the door to the Queen's suite. The interior looked untouched since she'd seen it this morning during their breakfast meeting and tea. The door to her bedroom stood open and she could make out her friend's form on the bed.
Decision time.
Enter or retreat?
Before she could make a decision, she saw her friend bolt from the bed and into the bathroom. The sounds of retching filled the otherwise quiet room. Was it possible both she and Joseph were sick? It seemed unlikely since neither of them exhibited any signs at dinner last night and the Queen was fine until she went to see Joseph.
Decision made.
Backing away from the door, Charlotte stepped into the hallway and dialed the phone. "Dr. Weston, I think you need to come to the palace. The Queen isn't well."
Fifteen minutes later, Dr. Weston met Charlotte outside the Queen's suite. "What's wrong?"
"I'm not sure. She was fine this morning, but Joseph didn't show up for work. After an hour or so, she left to check on him. She never came back. After two more hours, I entered her suite and noticed from the sitting room she was laying in her bed. Before I could check on her, she got up and ran into the bathroom and threw up. I have no idea if Joseph is sick or not. He called Shades to say the Queen had given him the rest of the day off because he was ill."
Dr. Weston nodded. "Thank you for calling. You did the right thing."
Once Charlotte left to tend to matters of state, he opened the door and stepped inside. He sat his bag down on the table and moved into the bedroom. He was fairly certain Clarisse's symptoms weren't from a physical illness. "Clarisse? It's Dr. Weston. Charlotte called. She's worried about you."
"I have nothing to say to you at the moment. You may leave and let Charlotte know I'm fine."
He smiled. The fire of his main patient was something he always admired. As long as she had fight in her, they could work everything out. "Have I done something to upset you? As it is late morning and you are in bed rather than at your desk…to all of us who know you well, that would indicate you are anything but fine."
He watched her force her body into a sitting position, saddened by the considerable effort it took on her part. I wish she would let me help her…her secrets are taking a physical toll on her body as well, whether she will admit it or not.
"I am angry with the male gender in general at the present moment. Your unrelenting need to dominate women is sickening and your fear of a woman in power and in control of her emotions apparently presents a challenge you believe you must conquer."
Ah, now he understood. He quietly stepped further into the room. "So Joseph told you."
"Yes, he informed me this morning as he was packing his suitcase to leave me that he harbored the same sick fantasies that Lester did and, for some unknown reason, you thought he should share that with me."
He pulled a chair closer to the edge of the bed and sat down. "Do you think Lester and Joseph are the only men who have had such fantasies?"
She closed her eyes. Great, now she was in an impromptu therapy session. This day was shaping up to be the worst in a while. The sarcasm rolled off her tongue. "Not being a man, I couldn't begin to fathom."
Since her eyes remained closed, he allowed himself another small smile. "Would it surprise you that not only have I harbored such fantasies about my wife, I've acted on them."
At his confession, her eyes widened. "What you do in the privacy of your own home is between you and your wife. I certainly don't want details."
He stifled the smile wanting to appear on his face at her expression. "So if both parties are willing and it's done in private, it's an acceptable activity?"
Her eyes blazed in his direction. "I…You're trying to trick me."
He moved forward in his chair. "No, what I'm trying to help you see is that Joseph's fantasy…imagining making love to you in private and helping you fully experience all the pleasure he wanted to be responsible for giving you is different than Lester's manipulation and exploitation of his power over you."
Clarisse pondered what he shared. Part of her knew he was right. Lester and Joseph were not even close to the same men. Joseph loved where Lester exploited. He protected while Lester harmed. Tears slid down her face as she considered the words she'd said to Joseph in her anger. "This is a terrible situation. I simply don't know what to do." Troubled blue eyes sought his as she confessed, "I may have not thrown him out of the palace, but I reacted very badly."
"I'm certain you didn't say anything to Joseph he hadn't already thought of himself. He's been beating himself up about this for weeks now."
She lowered her head and pulled her knees up to her chest. "What a mess. We were doing so well."
"You still are. This is a setback. You need to talk to him. Ask questions. Understand the why and what of his fantasy. Know, so you can separate what Joseph desired from you from what Lester demanded."
"I'll try."
Dr. Weston knew he needed to let her process. "Should I ask Charlotte to send tea?"
She shook her head. "No, it's too soon. I need to pull myself together and then find the courage to speak to him."
He squeezed her hand. "Courage has never been something you've lacked, my queen."
She offered a sad smile. "So they tell me. Thank you, Doctor, for helping me understand a bit more of the male psyche."
Dr. Weston laughed. "At least there's an opportunity to understand ours. I fear we will never understand the mind of a woman."
He managed to get her to chuckle. "It's the way God intended. We have to have some secrets."
He nodded and refrained from mentioning the secrets about her time in hell with Jason could slow their progress far more than any fantasy either one harbored. "Indeed you do, my queen. Call if you need anything further."
A moment later, he was gone and Clarisse was alone with her thoughts. She looked at the clock—three in the afternoon. She'd lost a whole day and there would be untold hours of office work to make up for her moment of weakness. Rising to her feet, she grabbed a change of clothes and stepped into the bathroom. Blotchy skin and puffy eyes also served as evidence of her distress from today. The thought that Joseph had almost left caused the knot in her stomach to expand. Despite everything, she held no confidence she would have any quality of life without him. He'd been her rock…her everything…for as long as she could remember. It had always been him.
With renewed purpose, she splashed cold water on her face and began the arduous task of making herself more presentable. After several minutes and more than one layer of make-up and a fresh application of perfume, she knew this was as good as it was going to get today. A few calming breaths later, she made the return trip through the passageway to Joseph's suite.
Not bothering to knock for fear he wouldn't grant her admission, she pushed open the door. Joseph hadn't appeared to move from the time she left him a few hours ago. The suitcase was still out, but it was empty and had been moved to the corner of the room. Accessible if he needs it again. That thought disturbed her more than she cared to admit. She didn't want him believing that leaving was an option at all. She also noticed a bottle of scotch and a glass with the amber liquid sat next to him on the nightstand. "Can we talk?"
He gestured to the room. "Make yourself comfortable. It is your place after all. Care for a drink?"
Clarisse shook her head. "No, thank you. I'm afraid my stomach has not been receptive in accepting food or drink today."
His face contorted with guilt. "You can't afford to lose any more weight, Clarisse. The tabloids have already started commenting on your recent weight loss."
She waved his concern off. "You shouldn't read that trash. They will print anything."
His gaze lifted to find hers. "In this case they are right. Too many more pounds and your ribs will be evident." He fought the urge to reach out and touch the area to see if he could, in fact, feel her ribs.
She bit her tongue, not wanting to engage in her current physical stature. "I want you to tell me."
"Tell you what?"
"Share your fantasy with me. Help me understand how it was different from the hell Lester put me…put us through." She moved over to sit on the edge of the bed.
Joseph decided to put it all on the line. He wanted her to understand how beautiful it could've been between them even if he held little hope they'd ever find their way back to that point. He moved over to the other side of the bed. "Will you trust me…this one last time?"
Her blue eyes filled with tears at his question. "I've never stopped trusting you. I never will."
"Will you come lay beside me? I promise not to do anything to trigger a bad memory. I just want you to relax as I share."
Figuring the day had been hellish already, it was worth the risk. She wanted to fix this chasm between the two of them. Joseph's guilt was affecting them…had been affecting their progress and she hadn't even fully realized the extent of it. She chose not to think about the secrets she still harbored that slowed their progress. She kicked her shoes off and lay on the side of the bed he'd just vacated. He moved to lie beside her. Close, but not touching.
"Close your eyes, please."
She complied, hands clasped over her stomach, chest rising and falling. Joseph's eyes were drawn to the sight and fought the urge yet again to reach out and touch her. He missed her so much. His voice lowered as he transported them both to the fantasy that had both fulfilled him and plagued him in equal amounts over the past few months. "Imagine we've just shared a wonderful dinner and a walk in your rose garden under a full moon. We come back to our room and share a glass of chilled champagne. I kiss your wet lips and the passion between us quickly escalates. I light a thousand candles bathing the room and your freckled skin in candle light."
Clarisse smiled at his detail. "A thousand candles?"
She shivered as his warm breath washed over her ear and cheek. "It's a metaphor, play along."
"Sorry. Please continue."
"You're dressed in a white satin gown that accents all your best attributes. The flickers of the flame dance across your ample curves and the length of your beautiful legs. Your skin tastes of Chanel and your mouth is alive from the bubbles of champagne. My lips cover yours and I'm lost in your essence. My hands slide over your body and it comes alive under my touch. Years of duty and responsibility melt away as our connection deepens. You are so beautiful. Your hair is mussed and the blue of your eyes is so dark…darker than the ocean at night. I'm lost in the fathomless depths."
Clarisse's mind saw the picture and her body warmed at the scene he shared. Her breathing deepened and she reached out for his hand. "Go on…"
Joseph lifted her hand and placed a tender kiss on the back. "There's nothing I want more than to give you freedom from the chains of duty and I kiss your neck and whisper that I want to give you this gift. You nod and I lift your left hand above your head and loosely secure the finest of silk scarves around your wrist and then to the bed post. My lips anoint your wrist and place kisses along the smooth lines of your arm before repeating it on the other side."
She swallowed hard, the fear hovering on the edge of her psyche. "Kiss me," she whispered.
Realizing she needed help keeping the demons at bay, he leaned over, careful to not put any weight on her body. His lips brushed against hers and he squeezed her hand tighter as the gloss covered satin of her mouth pressed further into his pulling him deeper into her web. Worried he might do more damage if he lost control with her right now, he drew away…his lips hovered over hers as he whispered. "I love you, Clarisse Renaldi. I always have and I always will. Whether you can ever forgive me or we find our way back to each other, I will never stop loving you."
Her hand cupped his cheek as her lids fluttered open. "Tell me what happens next."
"Are you sure?"
"More than anything else." Her lips brushed his again before she closed her eyes and settled back into the pillow and the fantasy he was weaving for her.
"Once your wrists are secured, I take my time and kiss every inch of your beautiful face, neck and chest. I love the rise and fall of your chest as the passion fills every inch of your body. You're slowly coming undone and I find that incredibly exciting. I move lower, caressing your legs with my mouth and my hands. As I secure your ankles loosely, your knees bend and separate, inviting me into your most private of places. I know the trust you're placing in me. You're giving me the control of your pleasure and I whisper my thanks against your thigh as my mouth moves toward your heated center."
Clarisse couldn't believe it but her body was responding to his voice. Heat was building low in her abdomen, tingling starting to spread throughout her limbs. Dear God, could she really be getting aroused with the same thoughts that made her lose her breakfast just a few hours ago? Her thighs pressed closer together and she turned on her side, her hand sliding over Joseph's rock hard chest. "You were right."
Joseph pulled himself from the fantasy and focused on the woman in front of him. Her pupils were dilated, her breathing shallow and her legs were pressed tightly together. Dios mio, she hadn't been repulsed by his fantasy. She may have even been excited by it. His fingers traced her cheek and over her lips, "May I hold you?"
Another tear formed in the corner of her eye as she smiled, "I would like that very much." His arms opened and she moved closer, settling into his embrace and snuggling in close.
They enjoyed the comfort of being together for a few moments before Clarisse spoke. "Joseph, I'm sorry I reacted so poorly this morning. When I saw the suitcase…" Her body shuddered at the memory.
He squeezed her tighter, "It is I who should apologize. I wasn't thinking clearly. The guilt was suffocating me. I'd hid it as long as I could and when I finally acted on it, I was rash and unprofessional. Please say you'll forgive me."
Clarisse lifted her face so she could look into his soulful blue eyes. "Only if you promise to put the suitcase away and never get it out again unless we're going on vacation."
He hesitated. "I want to promise you, but…"
She shook her head. "There is no but, Joseph. There is you and me." Her voice softened and she leaned in to kiss him on the lips again. "I cannot survive without you. Don't you understand that? I need you, Joseph."
Her whispered plea melted his doubts. No matter where this road took him, even if it were back to the depths of hell, he'd traverse it if that's what she wanted. He loved her more than he loved life itself. "I promise, Clarisse."
Satisfied with his assurance, she snuggled back in, her fingers drawing patterns along his chest. "I understand the difference now. What you described was beautiful. Nothing like the horror show we lived."
Joseph swallowed hard. He wanted to get all of this over once and for all. He adjusted her slightly so he could prop himself up on one elbow and have her full attention. "I need you to understand, Clarisse. While my fantasy captured all that is beautiful in our relationship, there was a very small part of my psyche that hated only where we were forced to do what we did and the audience we had to endure. The what we did still captures my imagination and if I take us away from everything else and focus only on being with you…I can't find it in my heart to regret that. I hope you don't hate me for that confession."
Clarisse thought about what he said and decided she had to be honest with him as well. "I don't hate you, but you mustn't hate me because I can't yet separate completely the violations they forced upon me from you and the others that were forced upon me. If it had only been you, perhaps I could do that, but I have images of Rich and Lester. I can still smell their breath, hear their grunts in my ear, feel their bodies on top of and inside mine and their hands violating me. My heart may know you were different, but my mind can't distinguish yet."
Joseph noticed she didn't mention Jason. He didn't know if that was intentional as Jason didn't rape her…at least as far as they knew. She admitted to blacking out so who knows what happened then. Or, perhaps there was more to the situation with Jason she still wasn't talking about. The Doc had to know something, though he didn't know how. Clarisse had clammed up about Jason almost from the beginning. His thumb brushed across her lips, "I don't hate you. I admire your strength and courage in the face of all that vile, evil behavior. I hate that I had to be a part of it and wish I'd been able to stop them from hurting you. It ripped into my very soul not being able to protect you."
"We'll find a way through the darkness together."
Tucking her protectively in his arm again, he kissed her soft, silky hair and concentrated on the feel of her fingers sliding along his chest. A few minutes later, he heard the soft inhale and exhale of her breath, signifying she was asleep. Wanting nothing more than to wake in her arms, and his burden off his chest for the moment, he allowed himself the luxury of falling asleep next to her.
Tomorrow…
Tomorrow they would face the next round of demons and pray that one day they would find peace.
^^C/J^^
The next afternoon…
"Charlotte, perhaps you and the Queen could take a break?" Joseph offered, noting the strain on both women's faces. His stunt yesterday had caused both of them valuable time and almost an entire day lost.
The younger woman raised her head and smiled in appreciation. Before she could answer, though, Clarisse answered. "I'm afraid there isn't time, Joseph. But thank you for offering."
His eyes implored Charlotte. She inhaled and forced a smile on her face. "Your Majesty, perhaps you can take a quick break while I retrieve your tea? Shades advised the weather was temperate today, maybe a quick walk?"
Joseph loved Charlotte. She was good, very good. "Come, Your Majesty. Give your diligent head of security a chance to stretch his legs."
Clarisse shook her head and lifted it, a small smile present. "You two are relentless, but I'll concede to a quick walk."
Once outside the palace, Clarisse linked her arm through Joseph's, inhaling the crisp winter air as the fresh breath energized her spirits. "Thank you for insisting I get away from the desk for a few minutes."
He squeezed her hand. "I feel responsible for you being behind. Is there anything I can do to help you catch up?"
She leaned into him, relishing both the warmth and strength she found there. "Just your presence in the room helps me." Her implied meaning hung in the air between them. Yesterday, he had been missed.
His arm slid around her, pulling her close. "Then I shall maintain my post until my Queen sends me away."
Leading him around the corner of the palace, out of potentially prying eyes. Clarisse looked up and kissed him on the cheek. "She will never do such a thing."
Joseph released her and held her face in his hands, feathering tender kisses on her forehead, cheeks and finally on her mouth. "Let me treat you to dinner on Wednesday, my place. I think it's time for a date night."
"I'll bring the wine." She whispered, kissing him one final time before the chains of duty pulled her back to her office.
Wednesday Evening…
"Dinner was wonderful, Joseph." Clarisse wiped her mouth and placed her napkin on the plate. She'd actually cleaned her plate for once. "My compliments to Chef."
"Well Chef threw a fit, but he finally agreed to let me in the kitchen to prepare a meal for you. He's worried about your eating habits of late."
Clarisse's eyes widened. "You cooked?"
"I did. I'm a man of many talents." He stood and cleared their plates away. He hadn't bothered with dessert as he knew neither of them would be interested. The wine and fire would provide all the after dinner treats they needed. "Shall we adjourn to the living room?"
He watched as she stood, the navy material of her dress sliding down her thighs to just above her knees. So graceful, so beautiful. Taking her hand, he lifted it to his lips and kissed it. "You are absolutely stunning tonight, my dear."
She blushed and cupped his cheek with her hand. "You make me feel beautiful."
He grabbed the wine and their glasses and they moved into the living room. He'd started a fire before dinner and with a few more logs and some tending, it roared to life. He sat next to her and pulled her until she was reclining against him, his arm around her shoulders.
"This is perfect." Clarisse offered as she sipped some wine. She refused to think about how she'd almost lost him just a few short days ago.
Lowering his head, his lips anointed her hair. "Indeed it is."
After a while and several sips of wine later, Joseph decided to push his luck a bit. "Do you remember the other day when I confessed, you told me you'd harbored fantasies about the two of us being intimate someday?"
He felt her stiffen slightly in his arms, but she didn't move away. "I've been trying not to think about that day, but yes I remember."
Another sip of wine provided moisture to his drying lips. With his other hand, his fingers drew small circles along her bare arm. "I'm only focusing on those words you uttered, not the rest my love. As a matter of fact, I've been able to think of little else."
She turned slightly in his embrace, crystal blue eyes holding his gaze. "Oh?"
Taking advantage of the target presented, he lowered his mouth to hers for a kiss. He moaned as her lips softened, accepting the deepening of their connection. Empty wine glasses were set aside as he drew her further into the kiss. Finally, he broke away, just enough to speak. "Will you share one of those fantasies with me?"
Clarisse was lost in his kiss, a place she'd been so many times in her fantasies…a place she could happily stay for forever. She knew there were secrets she kept from him, painful secrets. But a fantasy? Could she share something so personal with him? They'd shared so much and, considering all that had transpired between them, her reluctance would seem strangely out of place. She nodded and whispered, "Alright, I'll will."
Just the sound of her desire-laden whisper ratcheted his desire up several notches. He prayed he could control himself as she shared. "Thank you." He kissed her luscious lips one more time before turning her back around to face the fire and snuggle into his embrace.
Clarisse breathed in and out a few times, allowing her mind to retreat within itself—deep within her memory where she kept the fantasies of Joseph safely hidden. She recalled one of her favorites. "This fantasy takes place in the summer, after the end of the work day. It's still light outside, there is perhaps an hour or more before the sun will set. You mention the need for fresh air, as you often do." She turned and smiled softly before resuming her original position. "This day we decide to go horseback riding. After several minutes of a gentle trot, we break out into a gallop. I can feel the wind whipping through my hair as my cares and duty are left behind. You ride beside me as we gallop toward the top of the mountains. There's an old farmhouse there, abandoned, but makes the perfect place to watch the sun set over the land of Genovia."
Joseph hugged her closer. "Sounds picture perfect thus far."
"We arrive at the top of the mountain, exhilarated and energized. We tie off the horses and then lean against the back of the old house to watch the sunset. There is not another person around for miles and I lean over and whisper in your ear, asking you to make love to me, here and now."
The thought of Clarisse being so direct in her commands and so free in her desires spiked his arousal another notch or two. He nuzzled in against her cheek, placing kisses along the side of her face. "Go on," he encouraged.
Clarisse licked her lips and breathed deeply before continuing, "You move in front of me, your fingers slowly unbuttoning my blouse and pulling it free from my riding pants. You kneel before me to remove the boots and the pants follow. I stand before you now in nothing but my lace bra and blouse. I feel alive and so aroused, I can barely wait for you to touch me. I don't have to wait long as you whisper for me to keep my eyes open and watch the sun set behind you. Your hands and lips work together to drive me to the brink of insanity…it's all I can do to keep my eyes open as you request. The sky is a brilliant orange and the rays reach down to infuse me with light and life."
Joseph's hands could remain still no longer and he began to gently soothe up and down the length of her arms, the urge to touch her more intimately nearly overwhelming him. "Such a beautiful picture you're painting."
"You make love to me, right there, against the wall as I watch the sun set until I can no longer keep my eyes open as you lift me higher and higher into the heavens. I shout your name and lean heavily on you until my body floats back to earth."
She exhaled slowly, trying to calm the nerve endings firing throughout her body. Moving away from his embrace, she turned to look at him. He was so handsome and the fire light dancing across his tanned skin did nothing to diminish her desire for him. "So you see, Joseph. I harbored thoughts of us being together prior to that weekend as well. I love you and someday, I want to be able to make all of our fantasies come true." She cupped his cheek. "Until that day, though, we must focus on healing and finding new firsts and beginnings for us to bring us to the place where we can live out all of our fantasies."
She watched as his pupils dilated and darkened, the deepest of midnight blues. "May I kiss you good night?"
Her fingers traced and caressed his full mouth. "I would be disappointed if you did not do so."
Joseph stood and extended his hand to her, pulling her to a standing position in front of him. Guiding her until her back was to the wall opposite the fire, he whispered. "Keep your eyes open and watch the fire until you can no longer do so."
The fact she was standing prevented any nightmares from invading this moment between the two of them. His lips paid homage to every inch of her face before moving to her neck. She angled her head to allow him room and, with valiant effort, kept her eyes trained on the dancing flames as Joseph's kisses and his hands on her arms steadily built the fire deep within her body. Finally, his mouth covered hers and his hands released her arms. She pulled him into her embrace as his tongue swept across her mouth, practically begging for entrance. A low moan escaped her carefully guarded control as she allowed herself, for just a few moments, to be lost in his kiss. The pressure built to an unbearable level and her eyes closed as lacy tendrils of need spread throughout her lower body awakening sensations she'd fought valiantly to bury since that weekend.
Finally, he broke the connection and ran his thumb along her swollen lips. "I look forward to the day when we can take this to the next level. Thank you for sharing your story with me."
Her hand cupped his cheek and held him close for a few moments longer. "Thank you for dinner and a wonderful evening."
February 14
Clarisse was nervous. Not a gut-wrenching, heart pounding kind of nervous. No, this was the butterfly in your stomach, knees turning to jelly kind of nervous excitement that made focus impossible. Oh she'd tried…she really had. Charlotte finally took mercy on her and shuffled the schedule around so she could try to relax in the afternoon before her big date with Joseph.
Valentine's Day. A day for love and lovers. Though their relationship had been anything but normal, especially lately, they had a relationship and there were some similarities to those of "normal" people.
"That's it for today, Your Majesty." Charlotte smiled at her.
Clarisse breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Charlotte. I'm sure you had to juggle a few things, but…"
"It will do us all good to have a little extra time to get ready for this evening."
The older woman smiled affectionately at the blush slowly climbing up her assistant's neck. "Do you and Scott have big plans?"
Her smile widened. "He won't tell me. Says it's a surprise. I'm usually not a fan of surprises, but…"
"But in this case, it's acceptable." Clarisse nodded. She understood. Joseph had promised her a surprise tonight as well.
"I'm sorry you won't be able to leave the palace because we're going out." Charlotte offered as they finished putting away the work from the day.
"Nonsense, I prefer to stay in. You know how challenging it is to get a private moment when I'm out. You two go, enjoy yourselves. Joseph and I will be perfectly fine."
"Thank you, ma'am. Shall we adjourn to our suites?"
Clarisse cleared the rest of her desk and locked away the more confidential documents. She heard Charlotte on the phone, "Eagle is ready to fly." She smiled at the code names they'd adopted for each other. Mia had been assigned the sparrow and she'd heard Joseph refer to Charlotte as "Mama Bird" while Scott earned "Papa Bear." She realized she didn't know what they called Joseph. Perhaps she'd ask him tonight.
"Shades reports all clear for your walk to the suite. Felix is waiting to escort us."
"So he'll be flying the Eagle and Mama Bird to their nests?"
Charlotte laughed. "Yes, ma'am. I believe he will."
The next few hours passed by interminably slow. Joseph had called once and asked her to be ready by six. She'd chosen a red, knee-length dress with a scooped bodice. The front was modest, only dipping low enough to reveal the top half inch or so of her cleavage. She chose a simple gold chain with a ruby tear drop that rested perfectly in the revealed area. Matching earrings and bracelet finished off the set.
At exactly six, there was a knock on the door. "Joseph?"
Before she would have invited in whoever had knocked knowing security had allowed the visitor. These days, she operated with more caution.
"Your dark knight awaits." His cheerful voice weaved through the door.
Smiling, she unlocked and opened the door. "Here I thought it would my white knight in shining armor to great me." Her eyes drank in the tall drink of black coffee he made in the black ensemble he'd chosen to wear tonight. The only splash of color the red silk pocket kerchief in his breast pocket and the single red rose he carried.
He extended the rose. "For you m'lady. Do you remember the first time I gave you a single red rose?"
She stepped away from the door to allow him in as she lifted the rose to inhale deeply. "Indeed I do. We'd been delayed in Paris for hours and I'd stowed away in my office on the plane trying to catch up on paperwork. We were supposed to have our first date night that evening, but Charlotte had advised I was expected to attend a dinner at the Prime Minister's home when I finally made it back to Genovia. You surprised me with a rose and my favorite pastry from one of the bakeries there and told me we'd have dessert together before dinner." She reached up and cupped his cheek, smiling affectionately. "It was perhaps one of the most romantic things anyone had done for me up to that point in my life."
He leaned forward and kissed her gently on the forehead. "You look stunning tonight, my dear."
Her face heated at the compliment. "Thank you. You look very handsome yourself."
Joseph extended his arm. "Shall we?"
"I need to put the rose in water."
"No, bring it with you."
The butterflies fluttered their wings rapidly as she considered what they might do with the rose once they reached their destination. Joseph's warm breath near her ear sent shivers of delight dancing across her skin. "You're thinking of the first time I seduced you into a kiss with the rose, aren't you?"
She swallowed hard and nodded. He closed the door behind them and they started their walk to wherever and whatever Joseph had planned for this evening.
As they walked, he recalled. "I remember that night well, as if it were yesterday. We'd been having dinner a couple times a month when our schedules allowed and we even kissed that evening at the dance. But a part of me longed to watch those beautiful blue eyes of yours darken with passion before they closed with the kiss."
Her grip on his arm tightened in response to the memory. "It was quite an evening as I recall." Her heart beat even faster as she realized he was guiding her to the part of the castle that had been her dance studio when she first came to the palace and, when they thought Helen might be staying with them, they'd added wall to wall windows to allow in the natural light for an art studio for her.
He opened the door and gestured for her to enter. The rapid beating of her heart along with the catch of her breath stopped her movement as she drank in the surroundings. Candles had been lit and placed strategically around the room to take advantage of the ceiling to floor mirrors on two of the four walls. The fading sunset swirled with the candle light to create a palette of colors along the light wooden floor. "Oh Joseph, it's beautiful."
Joseph didn't even notice the room as his eyes were fixed on the image of Clarisse in red, the candlelight bathing her freckled skin in a soft glow. He moved his hands to her waist and guided her backward until she could clasp the ballet barre lining the wall. Retrieving the rose from her grip, he slid the delicate flower along her cheek. As her eyes closed in response, he whispered. "No, you are beautiful." He continued the caress, "Do you remember the first time…?"
God help her she did. They'd gone for a walk in her rose garden and, by an off chance or perhaps by Joseph's careful planning, they'd discovered they were all alone. No gardeners, no other security, no one but them. Joseph had kissed her until she'd stepped back enough to feel the solid brick of the wall behind her. Then, without saying a word, he'd plucked a rose from its vine and proceeded to caress every inch of skin available to his touch. Though the rose ventured nowhere forbidden, the whispered touch of the flower along with the intense look of desire in Joseph's eyes had nearly melted her where she stood.
The rose traversed her neck and she swallowed hard, her eyes closing from the sensations combined with the memory. "I remember…"
When the petals caressed the line of her necklace and moved lower, she gripped the bar in an effort to remain standing. Once he'd outlined the scoop of her neckline, she felt his breath near her cheek. "May I kiss you?" His hands held her waist and she felt the light pressure of the rose against her breast, igniting the aching deep within her body. An ache she knew instinctively only Joseph could ease.
She opened her eyes and smiled, "No, I think I shall kiss you."
His thumbs gently caressed her sides as his lips moved closer. "Far be it from me to deny the lady what she wants."
Clarisse released her hold on the bar and slid her arms around his neck, pulling him close. "Happy Valentine's Day, my love." With those words, her lips pressed against his as they sealed the beauty of this moment with a kiss.
Joseph reluctantly broke away from the delectable taste of her lips. "We should eat before the soup is cold. Though, I confess, to enjoying dessert."
Confident words would fail her at the moment so she responded by cupping his cheek and nodding. He slipped his hand in hers and they moved across the room to where the table had been set for two. "Did you cook this time?" She asked with a smile.
Joseph chuckled. "Chef insisted he be given the pleasure of preparing the meal this time." He lifted the covers off the plate to reveal a filet mignon, steamed vegetables and a baked potato with spaghetti as its topper.
"Oh Joseph, don't tell me you didn't have something to do with this."
He winked, "I may have had some input into the menu. Now, please. Enjoy."
Dinner and dessert progressed by in a pleasurable manner with only one interruption. The piece in Joseph's ear must have signaled him as he stopped and pressed his index finger to the tiny receiver in his ear. "The Eagle is with me. Thank you for checking. Enjoy your evening."
Hearing her call sign, she set her utensils down. "I've been meaning to ask you what your name is."
Joseph eyed her curiously. "You've always called me Joseph."
She grinned. "No, I mean your code name. Security, along with Charlotte, refer to me as The Eagle and Amelia is the Sparrow. I believe I've also heard names for Charlotte and Shades as well. I've never heard yours."
He shook his head. "My name isn't important. You and the Princess are the only ones who are referred to officially."
She propped her chin on her hands and focused her gaze on him. "Officially, The Eagle would like to know."
Clarisse could see his blush even in the fading light. It was endearing that even after everything life had dealt him…from war, loss and now torture, there were still some things that could make her all-male head of security blush. "Please…"
Joseph reached across the table and grabbed her hand, lifting it to his lips. "I could never deny you or your undying curiosity. My call sign is Alpha Wolf. It was wolf before because they are very protective of their pack and mate for life."
The thought of being Joseph's mate for life warmed her heart and she prayed, yet again, they would continue to make progress to that end. So far this year, things had been going well despite the setbacks. "And the alpha?"
He kissed her hand again, smiled and shrugged. "I'm the boss, the alpha male of the security pack if you will."
Her fingers caressed his recently shaved cheek. "I think your code name is perfect and," she winked. "when it comes to security, you are the boss."
He laughed, "But nowhere else."
She joined in the laughter and resumed eating her dinner. "Indeed."
Clarisse ate more than she'd eaten in months at one sitting. Finally, the plates were clean and she stood to pour some tea for herself and coffee for him. "I'm assuming you prefer coffee for your after dinner drink."
He moved to retrieve the dessert tray. "Yes, it has always worked for me. No sense in changing it up now. You may want coffee as well to go along with dessert."
She stopped pouring and looked at him. "Oh?"
Joseph smiled. He loved the way her face showed so many of the emotions she tried valiantly to hide. Others may not notice the subtlety in her expressions, but he'd studied her face for years and he knew. "We've talked a lot about the firsts. The firsts we've had together. The firsts they took away from us." He regretted the momentary flash of pain he witnessed in her eyes, but he needed to set the stage. Quickly, he added. "I thought it might be nice to create a new first of our own."
Clarisse set the pot of tea down before pouring it into her cup. She liked the idea. "You had something specific in mind?"
Removing another cover, he revealed chocolate covered strawberries. "I thought being the first to feed you a chocolate covered strawberry would be nice."
She skipped over the coffee and tea and poured some of the champagne Chef left chilling. "And how do you know I've never been fed a chocolate covered strawberry before?" She teased as she handed him the glass of champagne.
Joseph moved into her space, the stem of a decadent berry grasped between his fingers. He held it above her mouth, his voice low and seductive. "Even if you had, my love, it will not be as sweet as when I feed this first one to you."
Clarisse sat her glass on the table and licked her lips as she anticipated the first bite of the fruit. Rather than feed her immediately, Joseph traced the tip of the berry along her lips, leaving a trace of the milk chocolate on her heated mouth. When he pulled the fruit away, her tongue slid along the same path to capture the chocolate trail. "Mmmm…."
He repeated the gesture again, fascinated by the movement of her tongue against her lips. His groin tightened as he considered her tongue moving against his mouth and, even better, tangling with his tongue in a battle for control. "Open your mouth," he whispered.
She complied and tried to be patient as the prize waited just beyond her taste. Her breath was deep and measured as she waited. Joseph's hand cupped her cheek holding her still as he lowered the berry for her first bite. Flavor exploded in her mouth as the slight tartness of the berry, the sweetness of the chocolate and the caress of the juice filled her senses. She chewed slowly, her eyes locked on Joseph's. Without a doubt, she knew the darkness of his orbs reflected what he saw in hers. The moment she swallowed his mouth crashed down on hers eliciting a moan of pleasure. How long they stayed locked in this moment, she couldn't be sure. She only knew that this first with Joseph would be something she never forgot. "So was that your first?"
Her hand slid along his chest before resting over his heart. "Indeed it was, but even if it had not been. Any other experience would have paled in comparison." She reached over and picked up another strawberry. "Your turn."
Joseph smiled. Last year may have been the worst they'd ever had, but this year showed promise to be one of the best. He'd revealed his secret story and they had survived. How much worse could it get?
^^C/J^^