Delectable Candy
By Michelle Harris
Chapter 3
"Why won't you come to my bedchambers, Albert?" Lady Sophia questioned, insisted indignantly. She paced in front of him, her silk skirts rustling against the thick carpet of the lowly, lit library. Her over-dramatic air of anger was not lost on the man before her.
"Because I see no point in coming there. I am no longer interested in your charms, my dear." Albert countered, failing miserly to hide his increasing agitation. But his composure appeared aloof, relaxed in his manner, as if he was bored by her theatrics. Soon, Candy and Mrs. Jenkins would join them as the hour neared for their departure to the Valmont's estates.
"You were not like that just a couple of days ago," Lady Sophie cried out, the sudden hurt over his callous words biting deeply into her. It bothered her more than she cared to admit, even to herself. And that he could be so cruel and cold to her. Even when they were in bed together, there was certain coolness within him as if he withheld a certain part of him from her. And yet, he was excellent lover, pleasuring her as no other man before him, always bringing her to brink of ecstasy before allowing himself to partake in same devouring desire at the last moment. So it was no wonder, that she looked forward to his visits whenever he was in town.
"In fact, you rode me like a fine stallion," she continued, her breathing suddenly shuddering as she recalled the night in question. "It was so fast and hard--I thought you would break me in half!" Oh God, she was getting herself all worked up, Lady Sophia thought, staring at the big, handsome man before her.
"Rest assured that those days are gone, too, Sophia," Albert answered her, hardly affected by her heated display. In fact, he was now extremely bored and irritated with her continued presence. He couldn't wait for her to leave tonight.
"It has to do with her, doesn't it?" Lady Sophia snapped back, the revelation making her eyes widen with surprise.
He stared at her silently, a polite, but bored expression on his face.
"Even then, when you were on top of me, you were thinking of her, weren't you?" She sneered, her face suddenly ugly and fierce.
"Sophia, this grows old. Can we not just part as acquaintances?" He implored her, not wanting to cause a scene within his own house. He regretted the fact that he should have done this before she decided to tag along with him to his townhouse.
"You used me, to get her jealous, didn't you?" Lady Sophia continued, ignoring his earlier reply. She wanted to hurt him the way he was hurting her now with his cold dismissal of their affair. Then she laughed, caustically and deeply, as an idea caught on. "But it didn't work, did it?"
He smiled arrogantly, his smile like a sliver of ice. "Since when have you believed you have privy to my thoughts?"
"Since, I've had a good look at your charge!" She accused. "Anyone can see how lovely and naive she is, quite the exact opposite of the man standing before me."
"Are those you're deductions? How very intriguing, they are. But as you should know, I care for no one, except for myself and perhaps one or two favorite family members." He quirked an eyebrow at her, walking over to the window. Then he turned toward her, his expression granite, hard and cold. "I expect your trunks are packed already?" He inquired politely and yet to her, the question had a finalization to it, decidedly ending their conversation. Although the statement was politely spoken, the message was very clear. Their alliance was over.
"Lady Winston, you are departing this evening?" Candy interrupted the scene before her. She had walked in on Albert's last statement, wondering over the meaning of the words being exchanged between the two.
Quick to recollect her thoughts, Lady Sophia smiled politely at the younger woman. "Oh yes, indeed. I will see my sister at the dinner party. I have no reason to stay here any longer," she said, quickly glancing at Albert.
But he had only eyes for Candy. Was it possible, or did she get lovelier each passing day, Albert thought with amazement as his blue gaze skimmed slowly over her. She was a stunning vision in a navy blue, velvet creation of simplicity and elegance. Opera length, white gloves adorned her arms, leaving her shoulders and neckline bare. The dress dipped into a heart shaped vee in her upper torso, showing off her generous breasts nicely, the rest of the dress flowing over her slim hips. Matching ribbon wove in and out of the swept up coiffure, bringing attention to her swan-like neck.
Candy smiled tentatively and cautiously up into his intense face, a dash of becoming pink staining her cheeks. He was so devilishly handsome in his evening suit that he fairly made her heart shudder. Was it fair, she thought, that a man should look as he? Her thoughts returned to the night before and her cheeks infused with warmth.
Albert knew immediately that she was remembering the last time they were together. He smiled slowly back, hoping to dispense some of her nervousness. Before he could say anything else, Mrs. Jenkins joined them, excited and talkative about this evening's events. She caught Albert's eyes and knew immediately that he had been on the verge of saying something important to their lovely charge. She ushered Lady Sophia towards the front entrance, exclaiming loudly over the other woman's protests of her beautiful clothes and how the men would be charmed by her appearance.
Lady Sophia had no choice but to follow the woman, glancing over her shoulders, her narrowing eyes on the couple left behind.
"Well, I guess we should follow them as the carriages are ready and waiting for us," Candy began, tentatively, cautiously.
"Yes, I suppose so," Albert answered, trying to think of a way to breech the uncanny nervousness between them both. He had already dismissed his earlier conversation with Sophia, glad for Mrs. Jenkins' timely appearance. "I took the liberty of retrieving these from our vault. I think they would lovely hanging on your neck, instead of collecting dust." He reached from his pocket to pull out a long, rectangular black, velvet case.
Candy's emerald eyes went wide with curiosity. She gasped with astonishment as he revealed the contents of the case. Inside, nestled among the velvet, glimmered a beautiful choker. The necklace consisted of three rows of perfectly, brilliant-white diamonds. A pair of matching earrings and bracelet lay next the necklace, the diamonds sparkling up at her.
"A token, as an apology for my behavior last night," he said huskily, very pleased with her reaction to his present.
"My word, Albert, I cannot!" Candy exclaimed. "They are beautiful and far too worthy for my neck," She shook her head in denial as her eyes continued to stare at the jewelry with amazement. She was inexplicably and immensely pleased with his gift, her hands trembling behind her back.
"That is where you are wrong, sweetheart-here, turn around," Albert said, expecting no argument as he turned her away from him so that he could fasten the choker around her neck. Brushing back the trailing length of her golden curls, he placed the choker around her neck, his sensing immediately filling up with her intoxicating perfume of tantalizing roses. She always smelled like delicate roses, Albert thought absently. Pushing back her hair in place, he stepped back from her, turning her around once again.
His breath stilled and his heart shuddered to a quickening stop as he was confronted with her wide-eyed gaze, jade eyes filled with unshed tears of happiness.
"Thank you so much, Albert," she whispered, her throat suddenly parched and her gaze was warm and affectionate.
"No one has ever given me a gift like this," came her soft, wavering words.
Albert almost didn't hear her and had to lean down closer to her to hear her, and then he was completely astonished by her words when he heard them. Immediately he knew, that he would not ask for the jewelry back, even if by chance he ever did marry. Which he highly doubted would happen anytime soon, he summarized, silently.
Although adopted into the Sterling family when she was a young girl, it was never quite a formal adoption. Uncle Ale, through his own request, took care of Candy, saw to her needs and schooling, but she was never really considered their "sister" or "niece". Candy never asked for expensive clothes or jewelry, content with what was given to her and with his decision to send her to school abroad at a highly recommended ladies school. His young nephews at the time of meeting Candy, Anthony, Stear and Archie had promptly became infatuated with the young girl. His first meeting with Candy was no different except that he saw her as lonely girl, who needed a family. As a wealthy teenager at the time, his thoughts were mostly on the pursuit of his studies and traveling the world.
Candy's fingers shook as she tried to place the bracelet over her gloved hand and fasten it, but her fingers fumbled. Without being prompted for help, Albert reached over and fastened the bracelet as if he performed these duties on a daily basis. She gazed back up into his face, grateful for his help. She could not quite place the expression on his face at that moment, for it was still shuttered and hidden from her discerning view. Finally, with the earrings in place, they were ready to depart.
Albert grabbed their coats, placing hers over her first, saying, "there will be many new faces at the Valmont's estates. I will be at your side, if you need me."
Grateful again, she nodded and replied, "I will certainly appreciate your presence, for I'm dreadfully bad at introductions." Her stomach quenched in sudden apprehension, remembering another presence she was not quite ready to face.
Noticing her preoccupied thoughts, Albert sighed. He knew that she was recalling Terry's presence at the same engagement. "You will do just fine, Candice White," he reminded her, picking up her limp hand that dangled to the side of her and softly kissed the tops of her gloved fingers.
Candy gasped, startled by the intimate touch. Even though her hand was well covered by her gloves, she still felt the electrical bolts of lightening strike her fingers where his lips had been. Her arm tingled where he clasped them within his strong grasp, but in the meanwhile he pulled her body boldly close to him so that their entire lengths were nearly touching. Startled by their sudden closeness, she quickly looked up into his hard face in question, his gaze unreadable and half-hidden from her searching look. Her stomach quaked, her heart fluttering like a startled dove. They were so close that could see the strong pulse that beat rapidly against his neck. Her senses engulfed within his tantalizing musk.
"You see," he started slowly over her questioning look, "you've already forgotten him, haven't you?" He drawled, feeling her soft breath feathering against his neck. It sent shivers down his back.
"Wh-who?" She stammered, confused, at a loss for words. Ah, how could one concentrate on his words, when Albert stood so perilously close to her, her rambled thoughts stormed through her. Her gaze dipped to that hard mouth of his, suddenly wondering, those forbidden thoughts of fantasy. Would he--she stopped her thoughts, her sudden unconventional thoughts of late. Oh God, she wanted desperately to taste those lips of his, she finally admitted to herself! She wanted to know, needed to know, how sweet--no--how hot they would feel against her own! Oh God, you're but a shameless hussy, Candy thought, unable to contain the excitement that coursed wildly through her stilled body.
"Never mind, it was just a thought," Albert smiled slowly, shaking his head, stepping back from her enticing lips that were just begging to be kissed. Jesus, but he was too damn close to her. He knew she wanted to be kissed. She had every right to demand that kiss, from the way he had teased her with the temptation. Which was precisely the reason why, he had to get some control over the situation before it got too out of hand. What was he thinking--thinking of kissing those delectable lips of hers that only her husband-to-be had the right to touch.
Candy blinked rapidly, the intoxicating proximity of Albert's presence still affecting her conscious thinking. She expelled her breath, not realizing that she had been holding it all this time. She felt a stab of disappointment shoot through her with the fact that Albert had not kissed her. What are you thinking, she said to herself? Are you mad, she asked herself again?
"Shall we then, my lady?" Albert raised his hand towards the entrance that was left open for them. She dipped her golden head in acknowledgement, stepping forward briskly. She grabbed her coat lapels, bringing them closer against her. The night was warm, and her thin coat was probably not necessary. However, she was glad for the protection at the moment, if only to hide her flushed cheeks from him.
The ride to the Valmont estates was uneventful. Candy listened to Lady Sophia's conversation with Albert with only a half ear, her gaze trained on the lighted houses and streets they passed. Candy was having the uncomfortable feeling of disliking the older woman. Why she did, she did not understand, except for maybe it was the way the woman would manipulate her time spent with Albert. The woman did not even have the politeness to include her or Mrs. Jenkins in their conversation, even though Mrs. Jenkins could barely keep her eyes open to follow the conversation.
Candy was still affected by Albert's closeness, her hand reaching up to unconsciously caress the necklace underneath her thin coat. Mrs. Jenkins finally fell asleep during the middle of the ride, not able to withstand the gentle roll of the carriage and slept until they neared their destination. Finally, after nearly half past the hour after their departure, they entered the outskirts of London. The Valmont's estates came into view; a great iron gate lined the magnificent estate, nearly rivaling the Sterling estates in Richmond. A dozen or so carriages were already parked in the front entry, Candy recognized another carriage with an Sterling signet emblazon across the side of the elegant carriage. She quickly summarized that the carriage belonged to Annie and Archie. Candy couldn't wait to see her long-time friend and Archie.
Within the reception area, Candy met their host and hostess, Viscount Eric Valmont and his lady, Alicia Valmont. The viscount had reportedly been a rake in his younger, wild heydays, before settling down with the lovely Alicia, who had tamed the wild lion. In their late fifties, both husband and wife still carried their maturity with the hearty attitude of the younger generation.
When Candy relinquished her coat to the servants, their was an audible gasp from Lady Sophia and Lady Valmont as they stared at her necklace, its stunning string of valuable diamonds glittering at them in all their glory. Lady Sophia's eyes narrowed angrily on Candy's face, her eyes accusing her of something she had no understanding hereto of. Candy had looked up into Albert's face, questioning, but his expression revealed nothing but polite boredom.
Candy quickly understood one of the reasons for the dinner party as she met the young heir to the Valmont's estates. Bradford Valmont, as was most young men of his high prestige and upbringing was inordinately spoiled and on his way to following the very same footsteps in his father. Candy thought he was very handsome as most of his colleagues were as they were introduced. He also seemed a bit too immature for her taste. She deducted, given time and maturity, she was sure he would eventually become a nobleman of quality.
Candy heard an excited squeal next to her and was suddenly enveloped into a pair of soft arms, whiffs of soft jasmine perfume assailing her.
"Candy!" Annie had cried out after embracing her, staring at her friend with affection.
"Annie--Oh my God! It's so good to see you!" Candy exclaimed, staring back at her friend. "Marriage life agrees must agree with you!" Candy laughed and smiled, noticing how Annie's eyes sparkled with vitality. Archie trailed behind his wife at a much slower pace, a tiny bit of annoyance on his face reflected toward his wife.
Polite introductions were made to Lady Sophia and Mrs. Jenkins. Lady Sophia, however, was quickly left out of the conversation. She eventually wandered away from their group to visit with other friends and to find her sister. Likewise, Mrs. Jenkins joined another group of busybody gossips, whom she quickly found to her liking.
"My dear, did you have to bully your way over Candy?" Archie replied, winking at Candy's smiling face. He nodded towards Albert, acknowledging his presence. Likewise, Albert's nod was barely inconspicuous.
"You have no idea!" Annie gushed, her breath trailing away to indicate her affections for husband, her cheeks flaming becomingly. Archie chuckled watching his beautiful wife's cheeks blossom with roses.
"I cannot control her, Candy! You must do something with her!" Archie laughed again at Candy's questioned look. She glanced over at Albert, but he merely shrugged, smiling slowly, almost with an indulgent look about his face.
"What do mean?" Candy asked, still smiling. It was true; it was a near shock seeing Annie acting so out of character. Annie was always so quiet, congenial and with a certain genteel towards others. Candy glanced thoughtfully at Albert again, it seems as if Albert wasn't the only changed person within the Sterling clan.
"Oh--just because I have lots of friends within the ton. Well, Archie is just jealous-that's all!" Annie giggled at Archie's good-naturally outrage.
"Jealous of a bunch of giggling, young wives who have nothing better to do with their time than to play the matchmaker with any poor soul who has come into their favor!" Archie charged, with a pretend, disgusted look on his face that Albert had to chuckle.
"I see that Annie has kept you busy!" Albert grinned at the younger man, who had the grace to blush underneath his sharp perusal.
"That is an understatement. Had I known what kind of baggage was hidden underneath her genteel veneer, I would have never submitted marriage to her!" For that comment, he got a pop in the arm by a laughing Annie, causing him to chuckle again.
"You are the most impossible husband I have ever had the privilege of being married to!" Annie replied smartly, then added, "but, I love you anyway."
Candy chuckled at Archie's appalled face at her affectionate attitude.
"You see what I mean? A man cannot even keep his manly dignity around other men without his own wife fawning all over him," he winked toward Albert and Candy.
"Perhaps, Annie's time could be better spent with a child bouncing on her knees?" Albert suggested quietly, only to Archie's ears.
The younger man grinned, mischievously, "that's not a bad idea..."
Albert turned to Candy, "Annie has a following group of young wives, bent on marrying unfortunate, eligible men of the ton," he explained, chuckling deeply over Annie's feigned outrage. "They take under their altruistic wing, the poor lady that they have found favor and play match making to some poor fool of a man." He finished, nearly guffawing at the idea. "To some degree and rightly to their credit, they have managed to pull off some of their schemes!"
"Uncle Albert--do not laugh at our attics, for you are under consideration!" Annie burst out with soft laughter over Archie's groaning of despair.
They began walking towards the formal dining room. Albert's hand reached over and tucked Candy's hand into the crook of his arm as if it was a lifetime habit. He had a very good reason for the blithe gesture, as Candy would soon learn. Despite the pleasant shock, Candy went along, her head held as if it was nothing. The gesture was not missed by either Annie or Archie, who significantly stared at one another with a questioning look. "And who is the unfortunate girl you are planning to sacrifice?" Albert shuddered, laughter still evident in voice. Candy laughed along, looking back towards her friends, who watched her with a curious, pondering look on their faces.
"Well....the lady I had in mind wasn't such a good match after all," Annie mused out loud, not having missed the diamonds around Candy's neck. Archie's brow had rose a fraction of an inch earlier, when they had both spied Candy and Albert entering the reception area. The Sterling diamonds were around Candy's elegant neck glimmering at them with mystery. Archie had told her years ago, that Albert had inherited the entire Sterling jewel collection. The jewel collection was given only to the person in charge of the entire Sterling fortune and meant to be given only to the heir's bride. The last person to wear the diamonds was Pauna, Anthony's mother. Before Albert came into the Sterling fortune.
The fact that Albert had given Candy the diamonds to wear tonight was a significant matter in itself. At least, to Annie and Archie. They were trying to figure out what was going on between Albert and Candy. Annie had not missed the tale-tell blush that fluttered across Candy's cheeks when her handsome brother-in-law had tucked her fingers into the crook of his arm. He drew Candy closer to him, as if protecting her from some unknown entity, which Annie could not phantom, whom. Nor did she miss how Albert's gaze would periodically turn to Candy with a contemplative expression on his face, before masking his eyes. Likewise, when she thought no one was looking, Candy's gaze would stray pensively towards Albert.
"Candy...." Albert began quietly, leaning in towards her. They were almost in the formal dinning room, where the rest of the guests were already gathered.
"Yes, Albert?" Candy looked up into his face, leaning in closer to better hear him. Her soft breath feathered against his neck.
"You've got piece of lint on your lips," he chuckled deeply, quietly.
Candy's face flushed with heat as he reached up with his fingers to brush away the lint from her parted lips. He continued to chuckle into her warm ears, the blush making its way from her cheeks down to her toes, the deep tremors of his voice causing her insides to buckle. When she turned away from him to face forward her eyes encountered Terry's blazing gaze with shock.
"Terry!" Candy barely was able to contain her gasp. Her gaze wandered past Terry to Susanna, who was already sitting at one of the elegant tables. If it was possible, Susanna was even more beautiful in her maturity. Terry stood behind her chair, in the act of seating himself.
"Candy," Terry acknowledged, nodding his head toward her, still stunned that he was standing before her, staring at her. If he had thought her pretty when they were together years ago, his mind registered now, that she had matured into this incredible vision of exquisite loveliness. And there, standing beside her, was her Uncle Albert. Holding her arm as if he owned her, Terry thought, suddenly resentful of the older man's presence. He knew he no right to feel that way, considering he belonged to another. He suddenly remembered Susanna sitting next to him.
Despite his jealousy rousing like a sleeping serpent over the appearance of Candy in another man's arms, he face noticeably turned tender as he glanced down at Susanna's bowed head. The years had taught him how to love again, this time for the fragile woman sitting beside him. It hadn't been easy at first. The only thing had he felt for Susanna in the beginning had been pity and resentfulness that he had been forced to chose between Candy and her. Frustrated and feeling despair over their strained relationship, Susanna let Terry go of his obligation to her. In a fit of fury, so unlike her, she begged him to return to Candy. She did not need him to help care for her, she had told him. Vitality and a domineering spirit to live finally returned to her. Why, Terry did not know or understand. He had been shocked, watching the old Susanna return. And somehow, along the way of caring for her, he had become fond of her, despite not wanting to.
It had been the turning point for the both of them. Slowly, like the subtle opening of a fragile rose, they came to care deeply for each other. Love soon followed in its trailing wake like a forgotten gesture or a soft look passing between the two of them. Marriage followed after the love blossomed and Terry's acting career skyrocketed into a legend in the theater industry. Following the marriage came the discovery of Susanna carrying his child. It was a happy time for the both of them.
A couple of years ago, Susanna had admitted her deceit over Candy to him. Being completely honest with each other as they were now, Susanna had confessed her feelings of deceit and the hurt she knew she had caused him. Terry had sighed then, his heart now firmly within Susanna's grasp and told her that it was no matter now. It was his only way of forgiving her. For it still hurt him, knowing his choice and that it had been his own fault.
Still, Candy had been his first love and even that, he thought--knowing he was being selfish--was hard to swallow Albert's attention toward her.
"Oh my goodness," Candy's eyes went wide as her emerald gaze followed the noticeable protruding stomach of Susanna, "you're with child!" she exclaimed with another shock at Susanna's red face. "Oh you're so lucky!" Had Terry chosen her over Susanna, it would have been her with child, the thought crossed Candy's mind. Candy had not missed the tender look of love pass over Terry's face as he looked down into Susanna's face. Nor of Susanna's returning adoring look of affection for her husband. The jolt of shock rushed through Candy as she realized sadly that Terry had indeed, gotten over her.
"Congratulations to the both of you," Albert added, smiling genuinely toward Susanna and finally, pinning Terry a solid, piercing stare.
Archie cleared his throat behind Candy and Albert, both Annie and him adding to the congratulations. Susanna continued to smile and blush while Terry answered for her, his eyes returning back to Albert's hard gaze.
Terry suddenly wondered at Albert and Candy's relationship. He knew, from gossip that Albert had made it known to the ton that he would be introducing Candy as his charge. Candy would have her season this year and would be free to have her choice of husband. Terry wondered over Albert's apparent familiarity and possessiveness of Candy, evident by the way he held Candy impudently close to him.
Terry knew of Albert's change of attitude toward the ton and how he had little patience for the balls and all the little gossips that went along with the prestige and refinement of a gentleman. Albert's devilish and audacious character did not go unnoticed, for married and unmarried; beautiful women were attracted to this sudden, handsome rake who gave them little or no notice at all. Many mamas, had high hopes of securing their daughters a handsome and inordinately, wealthy bachelor of his bloodline. They paraded their daughters underneath the imperious Albert Sterling in vain. But, his like the rest of his peerage; Terry had no idea if Albert kept a mistress for he had made it evidently clear that he was a private man.
There were rumors of him and Lady Winston, but again, they were just speculation. Plus, Terry just didn't know what to make of this new Albert and his intentions toward Candy. By judging Candy's attitude and character, he was under the impression that she was still an innocent.
Terry was concerned for Candy. Did she know what she was getting into or what seemed to be developing between her and Albert? He frowned fiercely at Albert, who in returned smiled the barest hints of an insolent smile. For it was all he could give her as a friend, a warning of sorts regarding Albert.
After the long dinner, couples and groups dispersed to enjoy the rest of the evening's entertainment. There was some dancing while an orchestra played in the small ballroom. Men congregated to the large area by the dining room to talk of politics and smoke their cigars, while others simply enjoyed a stroll through the Valmont's lovely gardens under the moonlight.
For a while, Archie, Terry and Albert joined the men in their talk of politics. Leaving the women to generally gossip and talk together. At first, it was kind of awkward having Susanna joining them. Smiling tentatively at the other woman, Candy was the first to break the ice between them by asking her to offer her opinions on the subject of the ton and whom she was most familiar with.
When the men returned to the join the ladies, they were quite surprised to the ladies laughing and giggling as if they been lifetime friends along. Especially considering the history Candy and Susanna shared. It was quite heartening and encouraging to see Candy and Susanna finally get along nicely.
For awhile, Terry had been worried with regard to both Candy and Susanna. Seeing the look of consternation on his face, Albert specifically and quite clearly made his point to him.
"You have nothing to worry about," Albert began to the younger man.
Surprise had itched Terry's face, wondering how the man had known what he was thinking.
"Although, she may not realize it as of yet--" Albert continued, watching Terry carefully under the cover of his lids. "She is quite over you," he finished, his eyes very hard and cold.
Terry perceptively nodded his head, acknowledging the statement to the older man. There was no challenge as far as he was concerned, for Candy indeed, belonged to no one. At least for the moment, he mused. He wondered again, at Albert's real intentions towards Candy. "And tell me, Albert--what is your role in her life?" Terry asked assertively, not backing down.
Albert shrugged his great shoulders, another sardonic smile on his lips, "I'm her guardian, of course," he replied, innocently.
"Guardians have been known to lead their charges down the wrong path," Terry replied coldly to his statement.
"Candy is free to do whatever she chooses, Terry. I will not stand in her path, whichever way she chooses and whom she chooses as a husband or even a lover," Albert said slowly, evenly, his blue gaze narrowing dangerously like shards of cutting glass. "But I will not allow her to be hurt again--should you try anything that is not other than honorable. For Susanna and the child that grows within her lovely belly, you should consider your options carefully. For should you choose the wrong direction, you will not only have Susanna to deal with, but me as well."
"You have made your point," Terry acknowledged, knowing that path he was already treading upon. "But there is my earlier intent of questioning--should you hurt Candy--you will have me to deal with," he retorted, hotly.
"I accept your reasoning, Terry. It seems that we both have Candy's welfare at heart," Albert nodded his dark head toward him. Archie listened to the entire conversation with amazement. Confirming his and Annie's suspicions of Albert's interest in Candy.
Upon joining other couples in the ballroom, Candy glanced back at Terry and Susanna who were sitting towards the back of the room. She felt instantly bad that Susanna could not join the smiling couples on the floor as they whirled around to the music. She turned forward again and spied Annie pulling her reluctant husband on to the polished floor. A tiny smile escaped her lips.
"Terry is quite content where he is--Candy. Susanna couldn't be happier, watching the crowd," Albert began as he joined her near the edge of the dance floor.
Following his words, Candy glanced back again, catching Terry and Susanna in an intimate moment. Terry was smiling tenderly down into Susanna's face, his hand resting gently on her stomach. Candy smiled, suddenly glad that they would not be missing out on much.
"You know, you are quite the amazing woman, Candy," Albert replied, courteously. Watching her animated face, light up with curiosity.
"Why do you say such things?" Candy asked, cocking her sideways at Albert. Her earlier thoughts of Terry and Susanna already forgotten.
He shrugged one shoulder, offering no explanation to his words. Knowing she wouldn't understand his reasoning. Instead he said, taking one of her arms, "why don't we join Annie and Archie?" And before she could chance a protest, he pulled her into his waiting arms. He led them towards the swirling couples on the dance floor.
Candy laughed, her green eyes sparkling with a life of the their own. She enjoyed the lively waltz that set her body on edge with excitement. Albert grinned into her face, mesmerized by the expressions of delight crossing her lovely features. When she thought she could take no more for fear of falling down on her feet, Albert would hear no protest. He continued to test their limits of enjoyment, their feet pounding to the excited pulse of the live musicians.
Finally, when they both tired, Albert maneuvered them to the open terrace that was currently unoccupied. He grabbed two champagne glasses along the way from a passing servant, giving one to the out-of-breath Candy. She accepted the glass gratefully, smiling her thanks in return. In an unladylike gesture, she gulped down the contents of the glass, before sitting the empty glass by one of the potted plants. She watched Albert's dark brow rise with surprise and felt a red flush blossom across her warm cheeks.
"Are we thirsty?" Albert chuckled, leaning against the railing, watching her. The interior of the ballroom was obscured by the potted plants and foliage, the music still merrily drifting to the terrace at a fainter distance.
"Very much," Candy laughed, her heartbeat racing from her exertions. It was much darker on the terrace, she thought. Albert's face seemed harsher in the moonlight that cast its luminous beams on everything it touched. "But I'm enjoying myself, immensely," she grinned up into his face. Her smile faded as she watched Albert silently watching her. Her heart began another thundering race, but it was not from her recent exercise. She wondered briefly about her forbidden thoughts-had it been this way with Terry, she thought again? Her mind whispered unconscious thoughts of denial; it had never been this way with Terry. It did not even come this close.
Albert's eyes snapped angrily, knowing she was remembering those times with Terry again. "Why must you continue to reminisce about the past?" He set his glass down onto the stone bench beside them, his glass half way full. He then grabbed her arm ignoring her half-startled gasp and pulled her roughly against him. Dangerous glints of blue steel gleamed down at her. His large hand cupped her chin, long fingers splaying against her face, marveling at the softness of her skin. His other arm wrapped around her slim waist, drawing her intimately close against his hard frame. Like leather to velvet, their bodies molded as if one.
Candy's stunned mind dimly registered how much her body craved the touch of him. A certain yearning swept through her young body at a magnitude that left her gasping for her breath. She stared with spiraling, feverish fire crashing through her, at the harsh mouth that wavered too close, to her own trembling, parted lips.
"Childhood fantasies and stolen kisses by a boy, Candy..." he murmured huskily, his bold gaze alternating between her softly, parted mouth and her wide eyes trained on his own. Her gaze was like that of a storm-topped, tempestuous emerald ocean on a winter evening. "Forget about the boy who was foolish enough to let go of his most, cherished treasure. Remember the man who will rightly claim the victor," his mouth slanted over hers, searing her mouth apart to accept the onslaught of his tongue.
Candy's hands bunched in slight protest against his hard chest, but somehow her fingers uncurled, clutching at his evening jacket until she was pulling him closer to her. She stood on her tiptoes, reaching forward to meet his blatantly, sensuous kiss. Tentatively, then with more assertiveness, she kissed him back fully, her tongue tangling with his in a dancing foray of compelling passion and increasing intensity.
The fiery pit of her stomach blazed with an uncertain, unfamiliar flame, igniting her senses until she realized deeply within her what it was she sought. And had sought to escape, these raging fires of desire-unkempt passion. Knowing instinctively that only him, only he--Albert could create such riot within her.
Somehow her arms had snaked across his broad shoulders, wanting to feel the rest of him against her.
Surprised by her unbridled passionate response, he deepened the kiss, testing her to her very own limits. The hand that had held her within his hard grasp, sprawled across her back and lower backside. Exploring the uncharted map of her shapely curves and causing her to moan in surprise by the caressing touch. When his fingers cupped her swelling breast within his palm, she cried out at his boldness, her mind simply lost to the rapture of the moment. He quickly covered her mouth with his own again, suddenly, dazedly remembering where they were.
"Christ--Candy," Albert shuddered, hoarsely against her neck, his breathing rushing through his lungs as if he just been running.
Candy wanted to sob, already missing his lips against her mouth. She continued to hold him against her, not wanting to let go of him. Even now, hesitantly her hands made their way down on his bunched-muscled, clad arms and then under his arms to clasp his back. His body reacted to her touch, feeling the sinew lines of his back tense. He shuddered against her hands, sensitive to her tentative, fleeting caress.
"Candy...Candy!" Albert reached up to cup her face in his hands, staring deeply into her turbulent eyes. "What are you doing to me?" He groaned to her. He wanted to make explosive love to her and take her with him to that place that no one but only him and her could go. If he did not get control of his lusting for her, he would end up taking her. He did not have, would not move and fought valiantly not to go that route. It was not his place to take her as his own--damn it, he thought at his ridiculous thoughts.
"If I must say--Albert, the appropriate term is--what are you doing to me?" She cried out huskily against his throat, not wanting to stop, not wanting to end the torrential waves of desire that crashed like stormy waves through her.
By Michelle Harris
Chapter 3
"Why won't you come to my bedchambers, Albert?" Lady Sophia questioned, insisted indignantly. She paced in front of him, her silk skirts rustling against the thick carpet of the lowly, lit library. Her over-dramatic air of anger was not lost on the man before her.
"Because I see no point in coming there. I am no longer interested in your charms, my dear." Albert countered, failing miserly to hide his increasing agitation. But his composure appeared aloof, relaxed in his manner, as if he was bored by her theatrics. Soon, Candy and Mrs. Jenkins would join them as the hour neared for their departure to the Valmont's estates.
"You were not like that just a couple of days ago," Lady Sophie cried out, the sudden hurt over his callous words biting deeply into her. It bothered her more than she cared to admit, even to herself. And that he could be so cruel and cold to her. Even when they were in bed together, there was certain coolness within him as if he withheld a certain part of him from her. And yet, he was excellent lover, pleasuring her as no other man before him, always bringing her to brink of ecstasy before allowing himself to partake in same devouring desire at the last moment. So it was no wonder, that she looked forward to his visits whenever he was in town.
"In fact, you rode me like a fine stallion," she continued, her breathing suddenly shuddering as she recalled the night in question. "It was so fast and hard--I thought you would break me in half!" Oh God, she was getting herself all worked up, Lady Sophia thought, staring at the big, handsome man before her.
"Rest assured that those days are gone, too, Sophia," Albert answered her, hardly affected by her heated display. In fact, he was now extremely bored and irritated with her continued presence. He couldn't wait for her to leave tonight.
"It has to do with her, doesn't it?" Lady Sophia snapped back, the revelation making her eyes widen with surprise.
He stared at her silently, a polite, but bored expression on his face.
"Even then, when you were on top of me, you were thinking of her, weren't you?" She sneered, her face suddenly ugly and fierce.
"Sophia, this grows old. Can we not just part as acquaintances?" He implored her, not wanting to cause a scene within his own house. He regretted the fact that he should have done this before she decided to tag along with him to his townhouse.
"You used me, to get her jealous, didn't you?" Lady Sophia continued, ignoring his earlier reply. She wanted to hurt him the way he was hurting her now with his cold dismissal of their affair. Then she laughed, caustically and deeply, as an idea caught on. "But it didn't work, did it?"
He smiled arrogantly, his smile like a sliver of ice. "Since when have you believed you have privy to my thoughts?"
"Since, I've had a good look at your charge!" She accused. "Anyone can see how lovely and naive she is, quite the exact opposite of the man standing before me."
"Are those you're deductions? How very intriguing, they are. But as you should know, I care for no one, except for myself and perhaps one or two favorite family members." He quirked an eyebrow at her, walking over to the window. Then he turned toward her, his expression granite, hard and cold. "I expect your trunks are packed already?" He inquired politely and yet to her, the question had a finalization to it, decidedly ending their conversation. Although the statement was politely spoken, the message was very clear. Their alliance was over.
"Lady Winston, you are departing this evening?" Candy interrupted the scene before her. She had walked in on Albert's last statement, wondering over the meaning of the words being exchanged between the two.
Quick to recollect her thoughts, Lady Sophia smiled politely at the younger woman. "Oh yes, indeed. I will see my sister at the dinner party. I have no reason to stay here any longer," she said, quickly glancing at Albert.
But he had only eyes for Candy. Was it possible, or did she get lovelier each passing day, Albert thought with amazement as his blue gaze skimmed slowly over her. She was a stunning vision in a navy blue, velvet creation of simplicity and elegance. Opera length, white gloves adorned her arms, leaving her shoulders and neckline bare. The dress dipped into a heart shaped vee in her upper torso, showing off her generous breasts nicely, the rest of the dress flowing over her slim hips. Matching ribbon wove in and out of the swept up coiffure, bringing attention to her swan-like neck.
Candy smiled tentatively and cautiously up into his intense face, a dash of becoming pink staining her cheeks. He was so devilishly handsome in his evening suit that he fairly made her heart shudder. Was it fair, she thought, that a man should look as he? Her thoughts returned to the night before and her cheeks infused with warmth.
Albert knew immediately that she was remembering the last time they were together. He smiled slowly back, hoping to dispense some of her nervousness. Before he could say anything else, Mrs. Jenkins joined them, excited and talkative about this evening's events. She caught Albert's eyes and knew immediately that he had been on the verge of saying something important to their lovely charge. She ushered Lady Sophia towards the front entrance, exclaiming loudly over the other woman's protests of her beautiful clothes and how the men would be charmed by her appearance.
Lady Sophia had no choice but to follow the woman, glancing over her shoulders, her narrowing eyes on the couple left behind.
"Well, I guess we should follow them as the carriages are ready and waiting for us," Candy began, tentatively, cautiously.
"Yes, I suppose so," Albert answered, trying to think of a way to breech the uncanny nervousness between them both. He had already dismissed his earlier conversation with Sophia, glad for Mrs. Jenkins' timely appearance. "I took the liberty of retrieving these from our vault. I think they would lovely hanging on your neck, instead of collecting dust." He reached from his pocket to pull out a long, rectangular black, velvet case.
Candy's emerald eyes went wide with curiosity. She gasped with astonishment as he revealed the contents of the case. Inside, nestled among the velvet, glimmered a beautiful choker. The necklace consisted of three rows of perfectly, brilliant-white diamonds. A pair of matching earrings and bracelet lay next the necklace, the diamonds sparkling up at her.
"A token, as an apology for my behavior last night," he said huskily, very pleased with her reaction to his present.
"My word, Albert, I cannot!" Candy exclaimed. "They are beautiful and far too worthy for my neck," She shook her head in denial as her eyes continued to stare at the jewelry with amazement. She was inexplicably and immensely pleased with his gift, her hands trembling behind her back.
"That is where you are wrong, sweetheart-here, turn around," Albert said, expecting no argument as he turned her away from him so that he could fasten the choker around her neck. Brushing back the trailing length of her golden curls, he placed the choker around her neck, his sensing immediately filling up with her intoxicating perfume of tantalizing roses. She always smelled like delicate roses, Albert thought absently. Pushing back her hair in place, he stepped back from her, turning her around once again.
His breath stilled and his heart shuddered to a quickening stop as he was confronted with her wide-eyed gaze, jade eyes filled with unshed tears of happiness.
"Thank you so much, Albert," she whispered, her throat suddenly parched and her gaze was warm and affectionate.
"No one has ever given me a gift like this," came her soft, wavering words.
Albert almost didn't hear her and had to lean down closer to her to hear her, and then he was completely astonished by her words when he heard them. Immediately he knew, that he would not ask for the jewelry back, even if by chance he ever did marry. Which he highly doubted would happen anytime soon, he summarized, silently.
Although adopted into the Sterling family when she was a young girl, it was never quite a formal adoption. Uncle Ale, through his own request, took care of Candy, saw to her needs and schooling, but she was never really considered their "sister" or "niece". Candy never asked for expensive clothes or jewelry, content with what was given to her and with his decision to send her to school abroad at a highly recommended ladies school. His young nephews at the time of meeting Candy, Anthony, Stear and Archie had promptly became infatuated with the young girl. His first meeting with Candy was no different except that he saw her as lonely girl, who needed a family. As a wealthy teenager at the time, his thoughts were mostly on the pursuit of his studies and traveling the world.
Candy's fingers shook as she tried to place the bracelet over her gloved hand and fasten it, but her fingers fumbled. Without being prompted for help, Albert reached over and fastened the bracelet as if he performed these duties on a daily basis. She gazed back up into his face, grateful for his help. She could not quite place the expression on his face at that moment, for it was still shuttered and hidden from her discerning view. Finally, with the earrings in place, they were ready to depart.
Albert grabbed their coats, placing hers over her first, saying, "there will be many new faces at the Valmont's estates. I will be at your side, if you need me."
Grateful again, she nodded and replied, "I will certainly appreciate your presence, for I'm dreadfully bad at introductions." Her stomach quenched in sudden apprehension, remembering another presence she was not quite ready to face.
Noticing her preoccupied thoughts, Albert sighed. He knew that she was recalling Terry's presence at the same engagement. "You will do just fine, Candice White," he reminded her, picking up her limp hand that dangled to the side of her and softly kissed the tops of her gloved fingers.
Candy gasped, startled by the intimate touch. Even though her hand was well covered by her gloves, she still felt the electrical bolts of lightening strike her fingers where his lips had been. Her arm tingled where he clasped them within his strong grasp, but in the meanwhile he pulled her body boldly close to him so that their entire lengths were nearly touching. Startled by their sudden closeness, she quickly looked up into his hard face in question, his gaze unreadable and half-hidden from her searching look. Her stomach quaked, her heart fluttering like a startled dove. They were so close that could see the strong pulse that beat rapidly against his neck. Her senses engulfed within his tantalizing musk.
"You see," he started slowly over her questioning look, "you've already forgotten him, haven't you?" He drawled, feeling her soft breath feathering against his neck. It sent shivers down his back.
"Wh-who?" She stammered, confused, at a loss for words. Ah, how could one concentrate on his words, when Albert stood so perilously close to her, her rambled thoughts stormed through her. Her gaze dipped to that hard mouth of his, suddenly wondering, those forbidden thoughts of fantasy. Would he--she stopped her thoughts, her sudden unconventional thoughts of late. Oh God, she wanted desperately to taste those lips of his, she finally admitted to herself! She wanted to know, needed to know, how sweet--no--how hot they would feel against her own! Oh God, you're but a shameless hussy, Candy thought, unable to contain the excitement that coursed wildly through her stilled body.
"Never mind, it was just a thought," Albert smiled slowly, shaking his head, stepping back from her enticing lips that were just begging to be kissed. Jesus, but he was too damn close to her. He knew she wanted to be kissed. She had every right to demand that kiss, from the way he had teased her with the temptation. Which was precisely the reason why, he had to get some control over the situation before it got too out of hand. What was he thinking--thinking of kissing those delectable lips of hers that only her husband-to-be had the right to touch.
Candy blinked rapidly, the intoxicating proximity of Albert's presence still affecting her conscious thinking. She expelled her breath, not realizing that she had been holding it all this time. She felt a stab of disappointment shoot through her with the fact that Albert had not kissed her. What are you thinking, she said to herself? Are you mad, she asked herself again?
"Shall we then, my lady?" Albert raised his hand towards the entrance that was left open for them. She dipped her golden head in acknowledgement, stepping forward briskly. She grabbed her coat lapels, bringing them closer against her. The night was warm, and her thin coat was probably not necessary. However, she was glad for the protection at the moment, if only to hide her flushed cheeks from him.
The ride to the Valmont estates was uneventful. Candy listened to Lady Sophia's conversation with Albert with only a half ear, her gaze trained on the lighted houses and streets they passed. Candy was having the uncomfortable feeling of disliking the older woman. Why she did, she did not understand, except for maybe it was the way the woman would manipulate her time spent with Albert. The woman did not even have the politeness to include her or Mrs. Jenkins in their conversation, even though Mrs. Jenkins could barely keep her eyes open to follow the conversation.
Candy was still affected by Albert's closeness, her hand reaching up to unconsciously caress the necklace underneath her thin coat. Mrs. Jenkins finally fell asleep during the middle of the ride, not able to withstand the gentle roll of the carriage and slept until they neared their destination. Finally, after nearly half past the hour after their departure, they entered the outskirts of London. The Valmont's estates came into view; a great iron gate lined the magnificent estate, nearly rivaling the Sterling estates in Richmond. A dozen or so carriages were already parked in the front entry, Candy recognized another carriage with an Sterling signet emblazon across the side of the elegant carriage. She quickly summarized that the carriage belonged to Annie and Archie. Candy couldn't wait to see her long-time friend and Archie.
Within the reception area, Candy met their host and hostess, Viscount Eric Valmont and his lady, Alicia Valmont. The viscount had reportedly been a rake in his younger, wild heydays, before settling down with the lovely Alicia, who had tamed the wild lion. In their late fifties, both husband and wife still carried their maturity with the hearty attitude of the younger generation.
When Candy relinquished her coat to the servants, their was an audible gasp from Lady Sophia and Lady Valmont as they stared at her necklace, its stunning string of valuable diamonds glittering at them in all their glory. Lady Sophia's eyes narrowed angrily on Candy's face, her eyes accusing her of something she had no understanding hereto of. Candy had looked up into Albert's face, questioning, but his expression revealed nothing but polite boredom.
Candy quickly understood one of the reasons for the dinner party as she met the young heir to the Valmont's estates. Bradford Valmont, as was most young men of his high prestige and upbringing was inordinately spoiled and on his way to following the very same footsteps in his father. Candy thought he was very handsome as most of his colleagues were as they were introduced. He also seemed a bit too immature for her taste. She deducted, given time and maturity, she was sure he would eventually become a nobleman of quality.
Candy heard an excited squeal next to her and was suddenly enveloped into a pair of soft arms, whiffs of soft jasmine perfume assailing her.
"Candy!" Annie had cried out after embracing her, staring at her friend with affection.
"Annie--Oh my God! It's so good to see you!" Candy exclaimed, staring back at her friend. "Marriage life agrees must agree with you!" Candy laughed and smiled, noticing how Annie's eyes sparkled with vitality. Archie trailed behind his wife at a much slower pace, a tiny bit of annoyance on his face reflected toward his wife.
Polite introductions were made to Lady Sophia and Mrs. Jenkins. Lady Sophia, however, was quickly left out of the conversation. She eventually wandered away from their group to visit with other friends and to find her sister. Likewise, Mrs. Jenkins joined another group of busybody gossips, whom she quickly found to her liking.
"My dear, did you have to bully your way over Candy?" Archie replied, winking at Candy's smiling face. He nodded towards Albert, acknowledging his presence. Likewise, Albert's nod was barely inconspicuous.
"You have no idea!" Annie gushed, her breath trailing away to indicate her affections for husband, her cheeks flaming becomingly. Archie chuckled watching his beautiful wife's cheeks blossom with roses.
"I cannot control her, Candy! You must do something with her!" Archie laughed again at Candy's questioned look. She glanced over at Albert, but he merely shrugged, smiling slowly, almost with an indulgent look about his face.
"What do mean?" Candy asked, still smiling. It was true; it was a near shock seeing Annie acting so out of character. Annie was always so quiet, congenial and with a certain genteel towards others. Candy glanced thoughtfully at Albert again, it seems as if Albert wasn't the only changed person within the Sterling clan.
"Oh--just because I have lots of friends within the ton. Well, Archie is just jealous-that's all!" Annie giggled at Archie's good-naturally outrage.
"Jealous of a bunch of giggling, young wives who have nothing better to do with their time than to play the matchmaker with any poor soul who has come into their favor!" Archie charged, with a pretend, disgusted look on his face that Albert had to chuckle.
"I see that Annie has kept you busy!" Albert grinned at the younger man, who had the grace to blush underneath his sharp perusal.
"That is an understatement. Had I known what kind of baggage was hidden underneath her genteel veneer, I would have never submitted marriage to her!" For that comment, he got a pop in the arm by a laughing Annie, causing him to chuckle again.
"You are the most impossible husband I have ever had the privilege of being married to!" Annie replied smartly, then added, "but, I love you anyway."
Candy chuckled at Archie's appalled face at her affectionate attitude.
"You see what I mean? A man cannot even keep his manly dignity around other men without his own wife fawning all over him," he winked toward Albert and Candy.
"Perhaps, Annie's time could be better spent with a child bouncing on her knees?" Albert suggested quietly, only to Archie's ears.
The younger man grinned, mischievously, "that's not a bad idea..."
Albert turned to Candy, "Annie has a following group of young wives, bent on marrying unfortunate, eligible men of the ton," he explained, chuckling deeply over Annie's feigned outrage. "They take under their altruistic wing, the poor lady that they have found favor and play match making to some poor fool of a man." He finished, nearly guffawing at the idea. "To some degree and rightly to their credit, they have managed to pull off some of their schemes!"
"Uncle Albert--do not laugh at our attics, for you are under consideration!" Annie burst out with soft laughter over Archie's groaning of despair.
They began walking towards the formal dining room. Albert's hand reached over and tucked Candy's hand into the crook of his arm as if it was a lifetime habit. He had a very good reason for the blithe gesture, as Candy would soon learn. Despite the pleasant shock, Candy went along, her head held as if it was nothing. The gesture was not missed by either Annie or Archie, who significantly stared at one another with a questioning look. "And who is the unfortunate girl you are planning to sacrifice?" Albert shuddered, laughter still evident in voice. Candy laughed along, looking back towards her friends, who watched her with a curious, pondering look on their faces.
"Well....the lady I had in mind wasn't such a good match after all," Annie mused out loud, not having missed the diamonds around Candy's neck. Archie's brow had rose a fraction of an inch earlier, when they had both spied Candy and Albert entering the reception area. The Sterling diamonds were around Candy's elegant neck glimmering at them with mystery. Archie had told her years ago, that Albert had inherited the entire Sterling jewel collection. The jewel collection was given only to the person in charge of the entire Sterling fortune and meant to be given only to the heir's bride. The last person to wear the diamonds was Pauna, Anthony's mother. Before Albert came into the Sterling fortune.
The fact that Albert had given Candy the diamonds to wear tonight was a significant matter in itself. At least, to Annie and Archie. They were trying to figure out what was going on between Albert and Candy. Annie had not missed the tale-tell blush that fluttered across Candy's cheeks when her handsome brother-in-law had tucked her fingers into the crook of his arm. He drew Candy closer to him, as if protecting her from some unknown entity, which Annie could not phantom, whom. Nor did she miss how Albert's gaze would periodically turn to Candy with a contemplative expression on his face, before masking his eyes. Likewise, when she thought no one was looking, Candy's gaze would stray pensively towards Albert.
"Candy...." Albert began quietly, leaning in towards her. They were almost in the formal dinning room, where the rest of the guests were already gathered.
"Yes, Albert?" Candy looked up into his face, leaning in closer to better hear him. Her soft breath feathered against his neck.
"You've got piece of lint on your lips," he chuckled deeply, quietly.
Candy's face flushed with heat as he reached up with his fingers to brush away the lint from her parted lips. He continued to chuckle into her warm ears, the blush making its way from her cheeks down to her toes, the deep tremors of his voice causing her insides to buckle. When she turned away from him to face forward her eyes encountered Terry's blazing gaze with shock.
"Terry!" Candy barely was able to contain her gasp. Her gaze wandered past Terry to Susanna, who was already sitting at one of the elegant tables. If it was possible, Susanna was even more beautiful in her maturity. Terry stood behind her chair, in the act of seating himself.
"Candy," Terry acknowledged, nodding his head toward her, still stunned that he was standing before her, staring at her. If he had thought her pretty when they were together years ago, his mind registered now, that she had matured into this incredible vision of exquisite loveliness. And there, standing beside her, was her Uncle Albert. Holding her arm as if he owned her, Terry thought, suddenly resentful of the older man's presence. He knew he no right to feel that way, considering he belonged to another. He suddenly remembered Susanna sitting next to him.
Despite his jealousy rousing like a sleeping serpent over the appearance of Candy in another man's arms, he face noticeably turned tender as he glanced down at Susanna's bowed head. The years had taught him how to love again, this time for the fragile woman sitting beside him. It hadn't been easy at first. The only thing had he felt for Susanna in the beginning had been pity and resentfulness that he had been forced to chose between Candy and her. Frustrated and feeling despair over their strained relationship, Susanna let Terry go of his obligation to her. In a fit of fury, so unlike her, she begged him to return to Candy. She did not need him to help care for her, she had told him. Vitality and a domineering spirit to live finally returned to her. Why, Terry did not know or understand. He had been shocked, watching the old Susanna return. And somehow, along the way of caring for her, he had become fond of her, despite not wanting to.
It had been the turning point for the both of them. Slowly, like the subtle opening of a fragile rose, they came to care deeply for each other. Love soon followed in its trailing wake like a forgotten gesture or a soft look passing between the two of them. Marriage followed after the love blossomed and Terry's acting career skyrocketed into a legend in the theater industry. Following the marriage came the discovery of Susanna carrying his child. It was a happy time for the both of them.
A couple of years ago, Susanna had admitted her deceit over Candy to him. Being completely honest with each other as they were now, Susanna had confessed her feelings of deceit and the hurt she knew she had caused him. Terry had sighed then, his heart now firmly within Susanna's grasp and told her that it was no matter now. It was his only way of forgiving her. For it still hurt him, knowing his choice and that it had been his own fault.
Still, Candy had been his first love and even that, he thought--knowing he was being selfish--was hard to swallow Albert's attention toward her.
"Oh my goodness," Candy's eyes went wide as her emerald gaze followed the noticeable protruding stomach of Susanna, "you're with child!" she exclaimed with another shock at Susanna's red face. "Oh you're so lucky!" Had Terry chosen her over Susanna, it would have been her with child, the thought crossed Candy's mind. Candy had not missed the tender look of love pass over Terry's face as he looked down into Susanna's face. Nor of Susanna's returning adoring look of affection for her husband. The jolt of shock rushed through Candy as she realized sadly that Terry had indeed, gotten over her.
"Congratulations to the both of you," Albert added, smiling genuinely toward Susanna and finally, pinning Terry a solid, piercing stare.
Archie cleared his throat behind Candy and Albert, both Annie and him adding to the congratulations. Susanna continued to smile and blush while Terry answered for her, his eyes returning back to Albert's hard gaze.
Terry suddenly wondered at Albert and Candy's relationship. He knew, from gossip that Albert had made it known to the ton that he would be introducing Candy as his charge. Candy would have her season this year and would be free to have her choice of husband. Terry wondered over Albert's apparent familiarity and possessiveness of Candy, evident by the way he held Candy impudently close to him.
Terry knew of Albert's change of attitude toward the ton and how he had little patience for the balls and all the little gossips that went along with the prestige and refinement of a gentleman. Albert's devilish and audacious character did not go unnoticed, for married and unmarried; beautiful women were attracted to this sudden, handsome rake who gave them little or no notice at all. Many mamas, had high hopes of securing their daughters a handsome and inordinately, wealthy bachelor of his bloodline. They paraded their daughters underneath the imperious Albert Sterling in vain. But, his like the rest of his peerage; Terry had no idea if Albert kept a mistress for he had made it evidently clear that he was a private man.
There were rumors of him and Lady Winston, but again, they were just speculation. Plus, Terry just didn't know what to make of this new Albert and his intentions toward Candy. By judging Candy's attitude and character, he was under the impression that she was still an innocent.
Terry was concerned for Candy. Did she know what she was getting into or what seemed to be developing between her and Albert? He frowned fiercely at Albert, who in returned smiled the barest hints of an insolent smile. For it was all he could give her as a friend, a warning of sorts regarding Albert.
After the long dinner, couples and groups dispersed to enjoy the rest of the evening's entertainment. There was some dancing while an orchestra played in the small ballroom. Men congregated to the large area by the dining room to talk of politics and smoke their cigars, while others simply enjoyed a stroll through the Valmont's lovely gardens under the moonlight.
For a while, Archie, Terry and Albert joined the men in their talk of politics. Leaving the women to generally gossip and talk together. At first, it was kind of awkward having Susanna joining them. Smiling tentatively at the other woman, Candy was the first to break the ice between them by asking her to offer her opinions on the subject of the ton and whom she was most familiar with.
When the men returned to the join the ladies, they were quite surprised to the ladies laughing and giggling as if they been lifetime friends along. Especially considering the history Candy and Susanna shared. It was quite heartening and encouraging to see Candy and Susanna finally get along nicely.
For awhile, Terry had been worried with regard to both Candy and Susanna. Seeing the look of consternation on his face, Albert specifically and quite clearly made his point to him.
"You have nothing to worry about," Albert began to the younger man.
Surprise had itched Terry's face, wondering how the man had known what he was thinking.
"Although, she may not realize it as of yet--" Albert continued, watching Terry carefully under the cover of his lids. "She is quite over you," he finished, his eyes very hard and cold.
Terry perceptively nodded his head, acknowledging the statement to the older man. There was no challenge as far as he was concerned, for Candy indeed, belonged to no one. At least for the moment, he mused. He wondered again, at Albert's real intentions towards Candy. "And tell me, Albert--what is your role in her life?" Terry asked assertively, not backing down.
Albert shrugged his great shoulders, another sardonic smile on his lips, "I'm her guardian, of course," he replied, innocently.
"Guardians have been known to lead their charges down the wrong path," Terry replied coldly to his statement.
"Candy is free to do whatever she chooses, Terry. I will not stand in her path, whichever way she chooses and whom she chooses as a husband or even a lover," Albert said slowly, evenly, his blue gaze narrowing dangerously like shards of cutting glass. "But I will not allow her to be hurt again--should you try anything that is not other than honorable. For Susanna and the child that grows within her lovely belly, you should consider your options carefully. For should you choose the wrong direction, you will not only have Susanna to deal with, but me as well."
"You have made your point," Terry acknowledged, knowing that path he was already treading upon. "But there is my earlier intent of questioning--should you hurt Candy--you will have me to deal with," he retorted, hotly.
"I accept your reasoning, Terry. It seems that we both have Candy's welfare at heart," Albert nodded his dark head toward him. Archie listened to the entire conversation with amazement. Confirming his and Annie's suspicions of Albert's interest in Candy.
Upon joining other couples in the ballroom, Candy glanced back at Terry and Susanna who were sitting towards the back of the room. She felt instantly bad that Susanna could not join the smiling couples on the floor as they whirled around to the music. She turned forward again and spied Annie pulling her reluctant husband on to the polished floor. A tiny smile escaped her lips.
"Terry is quite content where he is--Candy. Susanna couldn't be happier, watching the crowd," Albert began as he joined her near the edge of the dance floor.
Following his words, Candy glanced back again, catching Terry and Susanna in an intimate moment. Terry was smiling tenderly down into Susanna's face, his hand resting gently on her stomach. Candy smiled, suddenly glad that they would not be missing out on much.
"You know, you are quite the amazing woman, Candy," Albert replied, courteously. Watching her animated face, light up with curiosity.
"Why do you say such things?" Candy asked, cocking her sideways at Albert. Her earlier thoughts of Terry and Susanna already forgotten.
He shrugged one shoulder, offering no explanation to his words. Knowing she wouldn't understand his reasoning. Instead he said, taking one of her arms, "why don't we join Annie and Archie?" And before she could chance a protest, he pulled her into his waiting arms. He led them towards the swirling couples on the dance floor.
Candy laughed, her green eyes sparkling with a life of the their own. She enjoyed the lively waltz that set her body on edge with excitement. Albert grinned into her face, mesmerized by the expressions of delight crossing her lovely features. When she thought she could take no more for fear of falling down on her feet, Albert would hear no protest. He continued to test their limits of enjoyment, their feet pounding to the excited pulse of the live musicians.
Finally, when they both tired, Albert maneuvered them to the open terrace that was currently unoccupied. He grabbed two champagne glasses along the way from a passing servant, giving one to the out-of-breath Candy. She accepted the glass gratefully, smiling her thanks in return. In an unladylike gesture, she gulped down the contents of the glass, before sitting the empty glass by one of the potted plants. She watched Albert's dark brow rise with surprise and felt a red flush blossom across her warm cheeks.
"Are we thirsty?" Albert chuckled, leaning against the railing, watching her. The interior of the ballroom was obscured by the potted plants and foliage, the music still merrily drifting to the terrace at a fainter distance.
"Very much," Candy laughed, her heartbeat racing from her exertions. It was much darker on the terrace, she thought. Albert's face seemed harsher in the moonlight that cast its luminous beams on everything it touched. "But I'm enjoying myself, immensely," she grinned up into his face. Her smile faded as she watched Albert silently watching her. Her heart began another thundering race, but it was not from her recent exercise. She wondered briefly about her forbidden thoughts-had it been this way with Terry, she thought again? Her mind whispered unconscious thoughts of denial; it had never been this way with Terry. It did not even come this close.
Albert's eyes snapped angrily, knowing she was remembering those times with Terry again. "Why must you continue to reminisce about the past?" He set his glass down onto the stone bench beside them, his glass half way full. He then grabbed her arm ignoring her half-startled gasp and pulled her roughly against him. Dangerous glints of blue steel gleamed down at her. His large hand cupped her chin, long fingers splaying against her face, marveling at the softness of her skin. His other arm wrapped around her slim waist, drawing her intimately close against his hard frame. Like leather to velvet, their bodies molded as if one.
Candy's stunned mind dimly registered how much her body craved the touch of him. A certain yearning swept through her young body at a magnitude that left her gasping for her breath. She stared with spiraling, feverish fire crashing through her, at the harsh mouth that wavered too close, to her own trembling, parted lips.
"Childhood fantasies and stolen kisses by a boy, Candy..." he murmured huskily, his bold gaze alternating between her softly, parted mouth and her wide eyes trained on his own. Her gaze was like that of a storm-topped, tempestuous emerald ocean on a winter evening. "Forget about the boy who was foolish enough to let go of his most, cherished treasure. Remember the man who will rightly claim the victor," his mouth slanted over hers, searing her mouth apart to accept the onslaught of his tongue.
Candy's hands bunched in slight protest against his hard chest, but somehow her fingers uncurled, clutching at his evening jacket until she was pulling him closer to her. She stood on her tiptoes, reaching forward to meet his blatantly, sensuous kiss. Tentatively, then with more assertiveness, she kissed him back fully, her tongue tangling with his in a dancing foray of compelling passion and increasing intensity.
The fiery pit of her stomach blazed with an uncertain, unfamiliar flame, igniting her senses until she realized deeply within her what it was she sought. And had sought to escape, these raging fires of desire-unkempt passion. Knowing instinctively that only him, only he--Albert could create such riot within her.
Somehow her arms had snaked across his broad shoulders, wanting to feel the rest of him against her.
Surprised by her unbridled passionate response, he deepened the kiss, testing her to her very own limits. The hand that had held her within his hard grasp, sprawled across her back and lower backside. Exploring the uncharted map of her shapely curves and causing her to moan in surprise by the caressing touch. When his fingers cupped her swelling breast within his palm, she cried out at his boldness, her mind simply lost to the rapture of the moment. He quickly covered her mouth with his own again, suddenly, dazedly remembering where they were.
"Christ--Candy," Albert shuddered, hoarsely against her neck, his breathing rushing through his lungs as if he just been running.
Candy wanted to sob, already missing his lips against her mouth. She continued to hold him against her, not wanting to let go of him. Even now, hesitantly her hands made their way down on his bunched-muscled, clad arms and then under his arms to clasp his back. His body reacted to her touch, feeling the sinew lines of his back tense. He shuddered against her hands, sensitive to her tentative, fleeting caress.
"Candy...Candy!" Albert reached up to cup her face in his hands, staring deeply into her turbulent eyes. "What are you doing to me?" He groaned to her. He wanted to make explosive love to her and take her with him to that place that no one but only him and her could go. If he did not get control of his lusting for her, he would end up taking her. He did not have, would not move and fought valiantly not to go that route. It was not his place to take her as his own--damn it, he thought at his ridiculous thoughts.
"If I must say--Albert, the appropriate term is--what are you doing to me?" She cried out huskily against his throat, not wanting to stop, not wanting to end the torrential waves of desire that crashed like stormy waves through her.