Chapter Ten

Dark Secret

Roxton was leaning back in a kitchen chair cleaning his weapons when he glanced up in time to see Marguerite waddling off the elevator.  He titled his head slightly, his eyebrows knitting together in thought.  She really is radiant, he pondered somberly.  He'd seen a number of pregnant women in his days, but they had always appeared pudgy and – God forgive his cruelty – ugly.  Yet, his precious Marguerite, though plump, was a stunning sight to behold.  "Good afternoon, Marguerite.  Did you have a pleasant…uh, whatever it is you did?"

She smiled her naturally sly smile.  "I was chatting with Veronica and Malone; and, yes, it was very pleasant.  In fact," she eyed him shrewdly, "it was about a certain Lord John Roxton."  She had managed to shuffle her body over to where he was and lowered herself onto the chair beside his.

He grinned boyishly in response.  "All good things I hope.  You know it isn't polite to talk about people behind their back."

"If you must know, we decided we are going to poison your drink; and after you slip unconscious we'll slaughter you."  She ran her fingertips along the rifle closest to her, her amusement melting away.  "Do you ever think about that night?" she asked in silent seriousness, her eyes searching out his.

Roxton looked away, clearing his throat that had suddenly grown tight and dry.  He knew damn well knew what night she was referring to.  How could he have forgotten how creamy her skin felt, the silk strands of her hair, or how she had moaned in pleasure?  "Why do you ask, Marguerite?"

"I remember," she whispered.  Her movements ceased and her eyes glazed over from the memory.  "You were the most tender, but strong lover I've ever had.  I never thanked you for being gentle and considerate with me.  You didn't push or rush and I…not all men are like that."

"Marguerite," he murmured, covering her slender hand with his larger one.  "Is there something you want to tell me or are trying to tell me?"

She peered up at him, her eyes laced with salty tears that she fought back.  "No.  I just wanted you to know…what I told you.  You were patient and took pleasuring me a priority.  I just wanted you to know that I'm grateful for that."

"Marguerite," he said gently, using his thumb to rub her hand.  "I can't help but think that you're trying to tell me something, but I don't know what you're hidden message is.  Have you had bad experiences with men?"

She looked down at their hands.  "People take advantages of orphan girls."

A moment ticked away before her confession dawned on him and he gasped angrily.  He fell to his knees in front of her chair, his other hand going to caress her face.  "Marguerite, are you telling me a man took what you weren't willing to give?"  A tiny sob was his feared answer and he gathered her into his arms.  "I'm so sorry, Marguerite."  He kissed her temple.  "I'll never let anything harm you again."  He cradled her face against his neck and whispered into her ear: "I love you, Marguerite."

She cried harder, clasping onto him for dear life.  "I want to tell you the same, but I…I don't have the strength."

"Shh, it's all right.  I know.  You don't have to say anything."

End Chapter Ten

AHH!!  Please, no fire and brimstone!