Well, we are nearing the end...probably one more chapter after this one. I hope you enjoy some of the hidden moments from what happened AFTER the wedding and BEFORE the celebration ball.
Please note that this chapter has been edited in an effort to meet the rating requirements. As we've done before, if you want the un-cut version, send me a private message and we'll work out the details. Even with the editing, we're probably venturing a decent distance away from "T", so please consider yourself warned. There are only a couple parts that you'll have to "skim" through if that bothers you, otherwise, there's just a lot of great interaction with our fave couple and the people that know and love them.
Thanks again for all of the faithful readers...I've been humbled by the number of you that visit my site and read the stories each month. Thank you!
So without further ado...
Chapter 36: No More Hiding
Scene: Following the events of Chapter 35
Hearing the voice, Clarisse reluctantly pulled away from the allure of Joseph's kiss. She kept her eyes firmly fixed on Joseph as she reprimanded, "I see you still haven't learned how to knock."
Mia had the decency to blush slightly, "Sorry, Gramma. I was just so excited and happy for you two; I wanted to see you myself. I didn't realize you would be…"
Joseph turned and smiled at her. "Kissing? I am married to the most beautiful woman in the world; why wouldn't I want to kiss her?" To make his point, he placed a tender kiss on Clarisse's lips.
Mia opened her mouth to say something and then thought better of it. "You're right…I wasn't thinking…I'll give you two some privacy." She turned to leave, but her grandmother's voice stopped her.
"Amelia!"
Mia exhaled slowly, bracing herself for a lecture. She turned slowly back towards them. "Yes?"
Clarisse separated from Joseph and moved to pull her granddaughter into an embrace. "You were magnificent today. I am so proud of you!"
Relief washed over Mia as she returned the hug. "Thank you, Gramma, and thank you for not forcing me to marry someone I didn't love."
Clarisse whispered in her ear, "Thank you for pushing me to marry someone I did."
"You deserve happiness. I'm glad you finally found it and that you can love each other freely."
"Thank you, Princess." Joseph interjected. "I know you will find your Prince Charming someday as well." He pulled Clarisse back into his arms. "Hopefully it won't take you as long as your grandmother."
Mia laughed at the look Joseph got from her grandmother. "I will leave you two now. Make her foot pop, Joe." She called out as she was shutting the door.
Joseph returned his attention to his wife…he loved being able to think of her that way. "So what do you think? Shall I attempt to make your foot pop?" He asked as he slowly guided her until she was sandwiched between his body and the wall.
Clarisse's voice dropped an octave or so and took on a decidedly husky tone. "I can think of so many more things that you could do to me that would be much better than my foot popping…" To further her point, she let her hands slide under his jacket and up to the shoulders until it relinquished its hold on his body. As it fell to the floor, her hands drifted to the buttons on the vest. "There are entirely too many layers to these tuxedos you must wear."
"Shall I assist you?" He asked as he slipped his hands between her dress and jacket, intending to return the favor.
"Kiss me again…I've missed you…I've missed this. When I thought I had lost you…"
Her words were stopped by the weight of his lips against hers, effectively silencing her train of thought. She felt his hands move to her ribs, allowing his thumbs to caress her breasts through the silky fabric. She felt the tingle begin in her abdomen and relished the thought that before long it would spread throughout her body, rendering her putty in his hands.
Joseph was getting lost in the kiss and in the feel of her body against his. He wanted to get her into the bedroom and finally consummate their love; but he couldn't bring himself to stop touching and kissing her. He could feel her body responding and it was addicting. Searching his memory, he tried to recall if there were any cameras trained on their position. Even though it was her private quarters, the sitting area was often used to conduct meetings, therefore security cameras were necessary.
The sound of a throat clearing pulled the couple unwillingly from the blissful haze in which they had surrounded themselves. "This had better be a national emergency." Joseph grumbled without even glancing to see who had dared enter the private domain of the Queen.
Charlotte had entered the suite, without knocking, which was unlike her. She was incredibly stressed, though, and needed to make sure that everything and everyone was following the schedule. It was her job and it was a job she took very seriously. There was no security at the Queen's door, so she had entered quietly, intending to leave a note with the instructions for the events for the remainder of the day. She would then call the Queen's private number that rang in her bedroom to let them know about the note.
Never had it entered her thought process that they would be…making out…in the Queen's sitting room. Her mind flashed back to the afternoon she had seen them behind the stable:
Peering through the cover of trees, she watched as the Queen pulled Joseph into a kiss. It was gentle; but even from this distance, Charlotte could feel the connection and the love between the two. It was obvious this was not their first stolen kiss. A blush slowly crept up her face as the kiss deepened. She couldn't see Joseph's hands under her brown jacket, but was certain that they were making the most of the opportunity.
…
Thinking of her friend pressed against the barn wall and the look of pleasure on her features caused the blush that had been on her face to suffuse her entire body.
…
She had walked in on a similar scene to that day and the blush had been immediate. As she was much closer this time, she could feel the passion that radiated off of the couple. She truly had no idea how they had demonstrated the restraint they had in not giving in to the obvious attraction between them. She knew she would not have been that strong. Hating to do it, but knowing she must, she cleared her throat. As she watched Joseph pull back slightly, she doubted the wisdom of her dedication.
"This had better be a national emergency."
"Your Majesty…Joseph…I'm so sorry…I had no idea that you would be…"
Despite the situation, Joseph chose to laugh rather than get angry. His hands remained under Clarisse's jacket, stroking her gently, keeping her attention focused. "Kissing? What is it that people normally do after they are wed?"
Charlotte wet her lips, willing courage to speak. "With all due respect, Joe, nothing about this situation is normal."
Joseph sighed, "I know, Charlotte. I just would like a few moments of privacy with my wife."
Clarisse wished she could find her voice; but Joseph's body that close to hers and his hands working their magic had rendered her speechless. She was thankful that her jacket hid his actions from Charlotte, although it wouldn't take much to interpret what he was doing.
He had handled problems that arose for many years; she had confidence that he would handle this now. Right now she just wanted to be alone with him.
"You can have a little more than that…but not much more; Paulo will be here as well as the seamstress along with the ladies' maids to help the Queen prepare for the ball this evening. You will need to wear your tux." Her eyes gestured to the crumpled jacket on the floor behind him.
"Understood. Now, Charlotte…please don't take this personally…" Joseph offered.
"Yes?"
"Get out!"
Knowing her job was done, she smiled and nodded. "Yes sir." She glanced briefly at the Queen who had not taken her eyes off of Joseph throughout the exchange. She wasn't even certain her friend had heard her. "Your Majesty."
"Thank you, Charlotte." Came the reply…apparently she had heard.
The door clicked behind her and Joseph let his hands slide up her frame until he could remove her jacket, letting it join his on the floor. "Now that's some progress." His hands slid down her now bare arms, once again enjoying the feel of her skin under his palms. When they reached her hands, he intertwined his fingers with hers and then lifted them until they were resting beside her head. It was a position that they favored and had often chosen when they allowed passion to rise between them. "I love you." He offered as he closed the distance between them once again.
"And I love you." She whispered before closing her eyes, prepared to allow the pleasure of his kiss to overwhelm her once again. Instead, of the soul-searing kiss she expected, she felt the whisper of a kiss caress her lips; the velvety softness just brushing over one corner of her mouth then gliding over her now parted lips to the other corner. The memories came rushing back as she remembered the last time he had kissed her like this. She had believed that Amelia was going to decline her destiny as Princess and that the Renaldi rule would end. Joseph had pledged that he would not kiss her until they could be certain that there would be a future. Even he, though, had acquiesced and kissed her like this when they both were unsure what path awaited them. His kiss had filled her with hope that all was not lost and now it filled her with hope that they were going to have the life together they had always dreamed.
The phantom touch continued as the passion built; with each whispered touch, she was drawn deeper and deeper into him, never wanting to emerge; the world around her faded away to a muted grey, leaving only herself and Joseph. Finally, he applied a small amount of pressure to the kiss, releasing tiny waves of pleasure throughout her body. "Joseph…" she whispered, her eyes pleading for more.
Joseph stepped back slightly, overjoyed with what he saw. Her eyes were closed as she focused on the sensations slowly building throughout her body; her lips were slightly swollen from their earlier heated exchange; her chest was rising and falling in short bursts as she drew her breath; and her body…her body needed more.
Slowly releasing her hands, he moved them to her neck to remove the elaborate necklace she had adorned for the wedding. His eyes moistened as he saw the glint of gold resting underneath. Setting the bulkier necklace aside, he let his fingers trace the delicate chain that represented more than words could ever say. Despite it all, she had continued to wear the gift - the one that she had promised him she never removed and made her feel close to him.
Clarisse kept her eyes closed as he made his discovery. She wasn't sure how he would react…but she could not bring herself to remove it…to let that part of him – of them…go. It may have been something she would have had to do someday; but that was something she was not even willing to consider twenty-four hours ago. Her lips parted further as his finger slid gently over the chain. Oh how she wanted him to follow it lower…to touch her as she longed to be touched….to bring them together as they should be – as it was meant to be. She refrained, though. He had been patient for her – she would be patient for him.
Unable to wait any longer, his hands slid around her neck to feel for the zipper. "Turn around." He whispered.
Her heart started to beat stronger in her chest as she heard his request. Things had been so stressed between them lately that there had been far too little intimacy; she felt almost as nervous as the first time they had touched. She moved slowly, enjoying the feel of his fingertips gliding across her neck as she turned in his gentle embrace. The cool air kissed her back as he lowered the zipper with painstaking slowness. Her body shivered as his warm breath whispered, "Beautiful," against her neck once the garment was slowly removed. Turning to face him once again, she felt particularly vulnerable in the ivory slip that provided her only covering while he was still almost fully dressed.
Joseph resumed the tracing of the gold chain, following its path lower until the fingertip dipped below the lace to the valley between her breasts. Lifting the chain, he brought it from under the silk to rest on top of the garment. His eyes found hers, speaking words that held a depth of meaning. "No more hiding."
Lifting her hand to caress his cheek, this time allowing her thumb to graze across his moist lips, she answered. "No more hiding."
His hand flattened against her freckled chest, moving deliberately over the soft skin. He could feel her heart beating wildly under his hand and the air escaping her lungs in quick succession. Slipping his thumb under one thin strap, he made a sweeping motion with the digit, sliding just over the swell of her breast.
"Joseph…please…I won't be able to stand much longer." Her voice was tense with desire as she made her plea.
Feeling the same way she did, he carefully removed his hand, letting it trail down the silk covered mounds, eliciting a small intake of breath. "Let's take this to the bedroom, shall we?"
"I thought you'd never ask." Clarisse somehow found the strength to walk. Joseph picked up her clothing and his tux jacket, mindful of Charlotte's words that he would need to wear it later and followed her. Watching the delicate sway of her hips in the ivory slip was only serving to enhance his desire.
Once inside, Clarisse noticed the bottle of red wine and two glasses; a small card was propped in front of it. She carefully opened the card:
"Congratulations…enjoy! Best wishes, Olivia and Priscilla"
She turned to Joseph, lifting the bottle towards him. "From Olivia and Priscilla…isn't that sweet?"
"You have many loyal friends and employees." He replied as he took the proffered bottle and began to open it.
Clarisse shook her head slowly. "No. No, I have a few loyal friends and employees and I am very blessed. Of course, I can no longer count you among my loyal employees." She teased slightly.
"As I recall, you gave me little choice…" He didn't want to get into this right now…hopefully she picked up on his non-verbal language and would let them speak of more important subjects. He filled the glasses and offered one to her.
"Thank you."
"What shall we toast to?"
Clarisse mulled it over and couldn't come up with any short sentiment that would cover it all. Remembering the Archbishop's words earlier that day, she lifted her glass and smiled. "To finally…"
His smiled mirrored hers; as they clinked their glasses, he answered, "To finally…"
Just as Clarisse put the glass to her mouth, the door to the suite opened again. Joseph turned in time to see Maurice barreling through the front room and, spotting Clarisse, he made a bee-line for her, excited to see his master.
Clarisse was jolted as Maurice skidded into her, wanting the love and attention he had been missing all day. The glass didn't connect with her lips and the red liquid spilled all down her front, with some splashing on the poodle as well. Maurice looked up at her, an annoyed look on his face before turning to run to his bed. "Oh…" she exclaimed, surveying the damage to her slip.
Joseph couldn't help but notice either. The wet garment clung seductively to the curves of her chest, the cool air in the room causing her body to react under the wine soaked fabric. His head lowered to capture the tip in the warm cavern of his mouth, sucking gently, eliciting a gasp from his wife.
"Joseph!" Clarisse exclaimed as her hands went to his shoulders for support, shards of desire striking through her body from the point where his mouth touched her. Time seemed to stand still as his tongue and teeth alternated their attention on the sensitive area.
Joseph could feel her nails in his shoulders and knew neither would last long. Of all the things he wanted at this moment in time, another interruption was not one of them. Reluctantly releasing his hold, he took her hand and commanded, "Come with me."
Accustomed to following his orders when it came to how and where she should go, she followed without question. It only took a moment for her to realize that they were leaving her room through the secret passage that connected their suites. Once inside, he quickly moved to the door, turning the lock. He was certain that once they were discovered missing from the Queen's suite, his would be the next one they checked. Turning around, he stopped to take in the essence of the beautiful woman that stood before him. His Queen. His Friend. His Wife.
Clarisse watched as his eyes drank her appearance in. She knew she must look quite the mess; but his face showed that he saw nothing but perfection. Her eyes grew dark with desire as he quickly removed his clothing, leaving only his black silk boxers. In his haste to undress, she had still caught sight of the cufflinks that he wore. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized them as a Christmas gift she had given to him. She couldn't help the moisture that filled her blue depths. "He hadn't been able to let go either…"
Joseph saw the tears in her eyes and immediately went to her. "What is it, darling?" He whispered as his arms enfolded her. "You're shivering…"
"The cufflinks…you were wearing them…"
His lips kissed away the tears and pulled her in closer. "Just because I foolishly saw no choice but to walk away doesn't mean that I stopped loving you. Surely you realize that I would never stop loving you?"
Her hands framed his face and she kissed him with a tenderness that spoke of all the love she held inside for him. "I may have eventually come to that realization; but I always liked hearing you say it. When I feared that was no longer a possibility, my thoughts were less than positive."
"You never have to fear that again; I love you and I will never leave you."
"Promise?"
"Till death do us part…"
They embraced again, just relishing the closeness and the knowledge that they would be together for the rest of their natural lives. Concerned, Joseph pulled away slightly. "You're still shivering."
She chuckled slightly. "I'm soaked and in a silk slip. What exactly would you expect?"
Taking her hand, Joseph guided her into his bathroom. He reached into the shower and turned the water on; adjusting to make sure it was the right temperature.
"Joseph?"
"You need to warm up and we need to do it quickly. Now while I can think of some wonderful ways to get you warm, we don't have that kind of time as I suspect they will be hunting you down soon to steal you away from me. I don't know about you; but I would like to make the most of our time together."
Her heart rate jumped quickly with the thoughts of everything Joseph had just suggested. She barely had time to process what he had said when she felt his body near hers again. His hands were resting just below her hips and he had a small bit of the fabric clasped. "May I?"
Years' worth of waiting was culminating in this moment. Despite the intimacy they had shared in the past, he had never actually seen her naked…at least not entirely and not all at once. She swallowed hard and nodded, just barely, but it was enough. Her breath held as he began to raise the material slowly up her body. The fabric whispered over her skin like a lover's touch, igniting small cascades of sensation as she slowly came to life.
Joseph's eyes raked over her body as it was slowly revealed. The long, sensuous legs leading up to the gentle curve of her hip; the slight indentation of her waist to the fullness of her breasts; the elegant line of her neck to the soft strength of her arms as they raised above her head, allowing the garment to be removed.
Tossing it to the floor, his hands returned to her body, skimming up her arms around to her back to locate the small hooks that held one of the last two garments in place. With a surety he did not feel, he deftly unclasped the hooks and slowly slid his hands under the garment until it released the generous mounds held captive.
Clarisse tried to remember to breathe as his hands reached out to touch her. "Merde, Clarisse…this is better than any fantasy."
She was unsure how she was still standing. He was effectively reducing her muscles to rubber and the way her heart was beating wildly in her chest made her fear that it might burst forth from her body. She frantically looked around for anything to hold onto as his hands skimmed lower until his thumbs hooked in the last remaining vestige that stood between him and an unhindered view of her body.
Joseph ignored the slight protest of his knees as he reverently lowered the garment over the gentle swell of her hips, the muscled strength of her thighs to the sinewy curves of her calves. His hands caressed each one as the small piece of satin journeyed to the floor.
Clarisse felt his hands glide over her body, similar to the silk when it was removed, as he made his way slowly back up her body. She was slightly self-conscious that he was so close to her…he would see every flaw. Thankfully, the towel rack was nearby and she used it to steady her body as he explored.
When they were standing face to face again, he placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "Perfection."
"You, sir, need to have your eyes checked." She teased, trying to keep her mind off of her current state of undress.
"We will debate that later as I need to get you warm." He gestured to his boxers. "Would you like to do the honors or shall I?"
Realization dawned…he intended to get in the shower WITH her! She had never showered with another individual her entire life. Rupert had never asked and…well there had been no one before or after Rupert…until Joseph.
Joseph smiled understandingly at her "deer caught in the headlights" look as she tried to find the words to say…once she decided what she wanted to say. Deciding it was time HE took the initiative, he took advantage of her current state of self-imposed paralysis and slipped his boxers off and then guided her in the shower.
Before she even realized what was happening, Clarisse felt the warm spray gliding over her shoulders and down her body. Her back was to Joseph and she cast a quick glance over her shoulder to see the broad expanse of his back as well. His shower had been equipped with dual shower heads. Her mind vaguely wondered if he had ever invited anyone else to "share" in his shower with him. Deciding that was a question for later, she ventured another look in his direction.
His muscled back was tanned and the rivulets of water ran smoothly over them as they journeyed lower. Her eyes followed their path, stopping to appreciate the perfectly shaped buttocks that had always looked so inviting under the black pants.
"Like what you see?" A warm voice gently teased her.
Her head quickly returned to facing front as a blush covered her body, embarrassed at being caught. She felt strong hands sliding over her shoulders and down her arms; the sparse hairs on his chest tickling the soft skin of her back.
Somewhere, somehow, she found her courage and her voice to respond. "Mmmm…yes, as a matter of fact, I did." She offered, wanting to return some of the compliments he had given her, "You are incredibly handsome."
Soft lips kissed her shoulder as he reached around her to retrieve some liquid soap from the dispenser mounted on the wall. She heard more than saw his hands rubbing together to create a lather, gasping slightly as soap covered hands slid down her back.
Joseph loved the sensation of his hands gliding over her soft skin. He could feel every contour and curve. Sliding around her waist, his hands moved upwards to explore all her body had to offer. Her murmurs of pleasure inspired him to continue.
Clarisse felt the pleasure mounting at a steady pace…the hot water streaming down over their bodies; warm, capable hands gliding effortlessly over her skin; and the feel of flesh against flesh as his chest melded against her. She realized in an instant that she wanted to be more of an active participant. Carefully adjusting her head to avoid the spray, she retrieved some of the liquid soap and then turned easily in his embrace.
Soft, pale hands slid across his chest, leaving a white trail of lather in its wake. Questing lower, the hands explored the taut muscles of his abdomen and with one finger traced the fine line of hair that would guide her towards the physical evidence of his mounting desire.
Joseph took a half step to the side, careful to not do anything to disturb the connection they now shared. His hand cupped her cheek and pulled her face towards his to claim her in a fierce kiss. His tongue swept across her mouth demanding entrance. The moment she acquiesced, the fire in his veins moved through his body as liquid fire, heating him completely in his desire for her. Nothing in the world existed at the moment except for their needs finally being satiated.
"Clarisse…" her name tore from his mouth in a husky plea…
Hearing her name spoken in a way that brokered no confusion as to what he wanted was her undoing. Her body shuddered with pleasure knowing that very soon they would be one in every sense of the word.
One spirit almost from the first time she met him…
One mind…well most of the time. They did occasionally have a different perspective on things; but always came together in the end.
One heart…oh yes, she believed they shared one heart…for when he was hurting, so was she and vice versa.
One body…though they had joined once before…all of the other pieces were not in place. This time, though…this time they would truly be one.
"Joseph…" the way she spoke his name told him everything he needed to know.
She took a couple steps backwards and pulled him along with her. Once her back hit the warm tile, she slipped her arms around his torso, letting her hands drift lower to roam freely over the taut muscles she had been admiring earlier. Her head lolled to one side, inviting attention to the long expanse of her neck.
Joseph's lips sought out the tender flesh…kissing, licking, and nipping the generous gift he had been offered. His ears were filled with her moans of pleasure as she lost herself in the moment; his body enticed by the feel of her nails embedding in his flesh, leaving visible proof of her desire for him. With considerable effort he pulled away from her and turned off the shower.
Merde, she was beautiful. Her creamy skin was a marked contrast with the dark tiles that framed her heaving body. Damp hair was beginning to curl from the moisture and lips swollen from their ardent kisses parted as small breaths escaped. Love marks along her elegant neck led to full breasts begging for his touch. His eyes paused as the water beaded over her body, creating the appearance of small jewels. Continuing his descent, his focus came to rest on her legs …god those legs - they seemed to go on forever.
"Not here, Clarisse…I don't want our first time to be like this."
As she began to respond, he opened the door and grabbed a large towel from the hook beside the shower. It was quickly wrapped around her body and she was guided out of the shower. He scooped her into his arms and began to walk towards his living room. She felt herself being lowered onto the giant, overstuff leather ottoman situated in front of the couch. The towel was reverently opened to reveal her body, glistening with water and ever so ready for his touch. Finally, her voice came to her, "It isn't our first time, love." She smiled sweetly at him.
His eyes raked over her body yet again, thankful that she was finally his. It had seemed to take a lifetime; but finally they would be together…forever. Hearing her response to his earlier statement, he simply replied, "I didn't want our second time to be like that either."
She nodded her head gently, understanding what he was trying to say. Her hand lifted towards him. "Come to me, my love."
"I love you, Clarisse."
"I love you." She stretched her hands above her head, holding the edge of the towel that separated her body from the cool leather. Her eyes found his, locking them together in that special moment in time when the body meets the spirit. "Make love to me, Joseph…"
"As you wish, my love…" he answered before claiming her body completely.
No further words were needed as they moved in a dance as old as time. Melody and harmony moving together in counterpoint to create a masterpiece of love, strengthening their bond to make it as strong as two people could possibly make it. Everything was a beautiful haze of sensation – the long ache in his heart and in his body was about to burst free. "Clarisse…I…"
Sensing his struggle, she raised her head enough to kiss the concentration prominently displayed on his brow before joining her lips to his. "It's alright, love, don't wait for me. You've done so much for me; let me give you this gift…let go…let it happen."
He briefly opened his eyes to see only sincerity and love. Knowing he had her blessing, his eyes closed again and he concentrated solely on the woman lying underneath him. Fantasy upon fantasy began to come true in his mind as a tidal wave of pleasure crashed over his mind, body and soul leaving in its wake a sense of peace that he had never experienced before in his life.
Clarisse exhaled slowly as Joseph's body collapsed next to hers, his breathing ragged and his body spent. She heard him whisper his thanks before releasing one of her hands. "You're quite welcome."
Joseph leaned over to kiss her again as his hand continued to move lower, stopping first to pay loving attention to the parts of her body that that seemed to beg for his attention. He ended the kiss and moved his head lower to ensure that her needs were met as well.
Her body was strung as tightly as a newly tuned piano and she desperately needed Joseph to ease the ache that remained. She couldn't believe how brazen she was being…it was late afternoon and she was sprawled out on a piece of furniture unashamedly enjoying the ministrations of the sexiest man she had ever known.
Just as things were finally getting interesting, a loud knock was heard on the door. She would have cried out except Joseph's other hand had released hers and covered her mouth, his eyes pleading with her for quiet. His voice was stern as demanding as he shouted towards the door. "What?"
"Joseph?"
"What do you want, Charlotte?"
"Is the Queen with you?"
"Where else would she be?"
"Well, they were concerned when you two weren't in her suite."
"It's because others were IN her suite…that we weren't."
Ignoring that statement, Charlotte forged on. "May I speak with her?"
Looking down at the heaving frame of his wife…one hand covering her beautiful mouth; the other slowly working her into a small frenzy. "She's indisposed at the moment." He smiled down at her as her eyes rolled back in her head and her lower body jerked as he continued to drive her mad with desire.
"No."
"Joseph! Paulo and Jerome are here and they are waiting…"
"I've been waiting for years, Charlotte. Go away. I will return the Queen safely to her suite in plenty of time."
He could've sworn he heard her sigh through the door. "Fine, Joseph, but don't be late."
Clarisse heard her aide's statement and used what little strength and sanity she had left to move Joseph's hand away from her mouth to comment. Her voice was filled with a sensual quality that she couldn't have disguised, even if she had wanted to… "A Queen is NEVER late, Charlotte…now be a dear…"
It only took a moment for Charlotte to realize what must be happening on just the other side of the door. Her blush returned and she quickly retreated, calling out as she turned away, "Yes, Your Majesty…I'm sorry…again."
Hearing her retreating footsteps, Clarisse looked up at her lover. "Joseph…be a dear and finish this please…before someone else comes after us."
"Yes, Your Majesty…" he whispered before capturing her lips in a demanding kiss. The tell-tale tingling was gaining in intensity and Clarisse abandoned all pretense of control as Joseph masterfully brought her to the brink time and time again. Finally she could take no more. Her mouth tore away from his, dragging out her final plea…"Joseph…please…"
Moments later, her world exploded as blinding pleasure consumed her, leaving no one in the world except for the two of them. Her own hand covered her mouth to prevent her cries being heard from anyone who may have dared venture near his door.
As their bodies calmed, satisfied for the moment with the release they had received, Clarisse sighed happily, "So that's what all the fuss is about."
Joseph rolled on his side to face her, his eyes were deep pools of desire and the look on his face warmed her to the very depths of her soul. "That was just a precursor, my love. When I get you home tonight, I intend to make love to you until you have to look down to see heaven."
Clarisse turned to her side so they were face to face. "Being able to be with you, openly and freely IS heaven to me, Joseph."
A smile replaced the seriousness on his face as his hand slid down her side and over the curve of her hip, garnering a murmur of pleasure from his wife. "Agreed, but I have years of hidden fantasies…moments that I want to recreate to see if reality can be better than my imagination."
Clarisse smiled and pushed him onto his back, quickly straddling him and quieting any protest he would make with a kiss. Her tongue slid without resistance into the warmth of his mouth and the passion quickly surfaced. His moans of pleasure fueled her desire to please him. Dragging her mouth away from his, she panted, "I assure you, my love, reality is going to be so much better."
Joseph raised his head slightly to kiss her softly. "I have no doubt, my love."
"But…" she interjected, knowing it would only be a matter of minutes before the knock on the door came again.
"But…I must allow them to whisk you away now so I can have you all to myself later."
"I look forward to it."
"As do I."
Clarisse carefully untangled herself from Joseph's body and looked around. Her gaze finally fell back to his as she smiled. "It seems for once in my life, I truly have nothing to wear."
His chuckle filled the room. "Well, we can't have that, can we? Give me just a second." Pulling two items from his drawer, he handed them to her and watched with interest as she slipped them on. Once finished, she twirled around as though she were in a tailored, ball gown.
"What do you think?"
Eyeing her body clad in nothing but a pair of his black silk boxers and his trademark black t-shirt, he replied, "I think you are incredibly sexy."
"Glad you approve. Shall we meet in my room or yours?"
"I will get ready and then come to your suite. I'm certain it will take you longer than me to get ready."
Clarisse laughed as she made her way to the secret passage between their rooms. "I'm certain you are correct. See you in a bit."
"I love you, Mrs. Renaldi-Romero." He called out to her disappearing form.
"Love you too!"
^^C/J^^
Thirty minutes later, Joseph entered the front door of Clarisse's suite encountering a full entourage of people. Olivia and Priscilla were moving in and out of the dressing area. Paulo could be heard from within the dressing room dictating orders to his assistants and shamelessly flattering Clarisse. Jerome was cursing under his breath as he hurried to finish the alterations to the dress that would, without a doubt, fit Clarisse perfectly and compliment every flawless feature she possessed. Charlotte looked more than a little stressed as she spoke into her mic, giving last minute instructions and Shades stood in the corner trying to fade into the woodwork.
Joseph cleared his throat, getting the attention of everyone in the room. He turned slowly and then found Charlotte's eyes. "Does this meet with your approval, my lady?"
Charlotte immediately noted the twinkle in his eyes and knew that he wasn't still angry with her…thankfully. "Very handsome," she offered.
"Is my wife about ready?"
Charlotte ducked into the dressing room to get an estimate on when the Queen would be finished. Emerging a moment later, she answered. "At least fifteen more minutes…apparently it took Paulo longer since her hair was wet." She admonished.
Joseph had the decency to blush slightly. It had been his fault. He knew Clarisse was trying to keep her hair away from the spray of water when they were in the shower together, but once desire took over, that just didn't rank high on his list of things to care about. He shrugged his shoulders and explained, "That was probably my fault…if it helps any, my hair got wet too."
An irritated Italian voice could be heard from the other room. "You wanna know big secret? Only Paulo could take this wet head of hair and give you the most beautiful bride this country has ever seen. Paulo will be exhausted; but he does this for Majesty…not for his own glory – well maybe some for his own glory. It is pride and ego that drives Paulo to show the world the beauty of Majesty."
Joseph chuckled, "Guess that didn't help."
Charlotte smiled, but fussed at him in order to appease Paulo. "No, Joe, it didn't help."
Joseph passed the rest of the time catching up with Shades and getting briefed on the security for tonight's gala. About fifteen minutes later, Charlotte emerged from the dressing room with everyone but Clarisse in tow. "Alright everyone out." She commanded, then added softly, "Let's give the lovebirds a few minutes before they make their appearance."
Everyone cleared out but Charlotte. She paused at the door. "No more than ten minutes, Joe, okay?"
"Sure, Charlotte, you have my word. I will have the Queen at the doors to the ballroom in ten minutes."
Reassured, Charlotte nodded and closed the door, leaving Joseph standing in the room by himself. "Clarisse?"
A moment later, the doors from her room opened and she stepped into his line of vision. "Clarisse…" he whispered as he drank in the beauty of the woman that he now called his wife. Her gown was stunning. Soft ivory overlaid with the finest of Genovian lace that hugged every curve perfectly; the trademark slit allowing a remarkable view of the length of her leg and a flash of gold at her ankle displayed part of the set he had given her. The bodice boasted a sweetheart neckline that prominently displayed her ample cleavage. Again, the glint of gold resting between the swell of her breasts and the one at her wrist formed a perfect complement to the delicate fabric. Her shoulders were covered by a black mini jacket covered in dark lace as well – the ebony and ivory representing them perfectly.
"Almost perfect…"
"Almost?"
"You're missing one thing…" he offered and then knelt down on one knee before her.
"Joseph?"
"Everyone deserves a fairytale ending." He stated before lifting the final piece of the set into her line of vision. The sparkling sapphire sat on a bed of smaller diamonds, making the color more vivid; tear drop shaped diamonds rested on either side of the adding to the overall brilliance of the ring. Since she had already asked him to marry her, he asked, "Spend happily ever after with me?"
Clarisse fought back the tears as Paulo would have a royal fit if he had to do her makeup for the third time that day. She lifted her left hand to clasp his. "There is no one else I would rather spend the rest of my life with."
Joseph reverently slipped the ring on her finger and then kissed each fingertip. Slowly getting to his feet, he extended his arm. "Shall we?"
Stepping closer, Clarisse kissed him gently, sharing her love and appreciation for the man that he was and the way in which he showed his love for her each and every day and in so many ways. Pulling away after a moment, she threaded her arm through his. "We shall."
^^C/J^^
The resounding sound of the staff hitting the marble floor twice echoed throughout the room and silence fell over the crowd.
"Announcing Her Majesty, Queen Clarisse Marie Renaldi-Romero and Sir Joseph Antonio Romero."
The double doors opened and the couple stepped through, knowing from that moment forward they need never hide their love again.