The look on your face is delicate...

Part 13

Joseph woke feeling better than he had in months, exhausted yes, but oh so good. He stretched his body, grimaced slightly at the ache in his joints; his body wasn't quite prepared to get out of bed just yet. His arm felt numb and when he looked across he saw why, Clarisse's head was resting against it, still fast asleep. Gently he lifted her head and removed his arm, rubbing it to circulate the blood flow.

The room was bright, the morning light flooded in allowing him to take a good look around, something that had seemed of little interest the night before. It wasn't overly extravagant, grand yes but none of the splendour and flourishes the hotel rooms that Clarisse inhabited usually had.

Clarisse moaned next to him, nudging his body with her own and wrapping a leg over his. He pulled the sheets up around them both, turning slightly so they were in a more comfortable position. She buried her face in his neck, kissing him very lightly.

He closed his eyes, taking in each smell, each sensation, not wanting to forget a single moment of it. The weight of her leg pressed over his, her hand resting on his chest, moving down his chest, tickling his stomach, stopping on a hip, then down again and oh….. oh all rational thought was gone.

Somehow he twisted his head enough to accept her kiss, delving inside her mouth and almost writhing against her hand. Her other arm reached over his body and encouraged him to turn onto his side so he was facing her. He gripped her back and held her to him, there were no words it was fluent and immediate and natural. They made love as the mid-morning sunlight crept beneath the door.

"I was thinking."

"Yes."

"I was thinking perhaps we could invite Rico and Elisa here for dinner tonight."

"I was enjoying having you all to myself." He wrapped his arms tighter around her and kissed the back of her neck to emphasise his point.

"You've had me all to yourself for almost two days."

"Don't want to share." He pouted.

"Baby." She turned in his arms and kissed his mouth. "Would they accept?"

"Hopefully, we seem to be making progress."

"Good, will you call them?"

"Maybe you should."

She smiled. "Alright, I am a trained diplomat."

"I know."

Clarisse stared at herself in the mirror and smoothed down her skirt again. She didn't like to admit it to herself, in fact she hated to, but she was nervous.

"Well how do I look?"

"As good as you did in the last four outfits."

With hands on hips she turned to face Joseph who was sprawled on the bed watching her.

"Don't be flippant, I'm a little apprehensive."

"Don't be, they'll be terrified having dinner at a place like this. As far as they're concerned you're the boss."

She leant forward and snatched her scarf from his hands. "That's the problem, I don't want them to see me that way… and don't ruffle this scarf it's an original."

He laughed and stood up gripping her arms from behind and kissing her cheek. "Like you. Relax, it will be fine."

She sighed and turned back to the mirror. A pale blue skirt that swayed when she walked and a simple silk camisole top, a delicate cardigan and her scarf. She didn't look over the top in that did she?

"Clarisse, we don't want to be late down."

"Oh alright, alright, I'm ready." She turned to face him, ready to glare but she stopped when she saw something dangling from his hand and sparkling in the lamplight.

"Thought it went with the outfit." He said nonchantly.

"Oh Joseph…" Instantly forgiving she walked towards him and accepted the jewel he held out for her. A long silver chain, a bold diamond surrounded by tiny blue stones.

"When did you have the time?"

"Earlier today, when you were relaxing in the bath."

"Oh." She kissed his cheek. "Thank you, you don't have to buy me gifts."

"I like to." He took the chain from her and she turned ready for him to fasten it.

She fiddled with the jewel centring it at the base of her neck. "It will go perfectly with my…"

"With your what?"

"This outfit, it goes perfectly with this outfit." She turned quickly and smiled. "We should go."

Clarisse turned the napkin over again and glanced quickly at Joseph.

"What time is it now?"

"About five minutes since you last asked."

"You're not helping."

He reached across and placed a hand on hers. "Relax."

"I am trying."

He looked up suddenly. "They're here." He squeezed her fingers then stood up to welcome the guests, she followed suit and reached her hand across to Rico.

"So nice to see you again." She smiled her brightest most convincing smile.

He took her hand, lifted it and kissed it. "And you."

She shared the moment of recognition, meeting his eyes and attempting to read his emotions, trying to establish whether he was being sincere.

"Clarisse." A hand slipped onto her waist and she found herself being turned around and brought into a hug, something she wasn't entirely used to.

"Oh…" she grimaced slightly at the contact, over the years she'd perfected the art of the polite handshake but not a personal hug.

"Elisa, you look beautiful."

"Thank you, nothing compared to your outfit though."

"Oh." And she'd tried so hard not to appear overdressed.

"She only changed four times." Joseph said and she mentally reminded herself to kick him under the table at some point during the evening.

Clarisse turned to move her chair and when she turned back she found Elisa was sitting next to Joseph and she was left next to Rico, casting her husband a worried expression she sat down.

"Right let's order, I'm starving." Rico said opening the menu.

Clarisse folded her hands beneath her chin; she'd already decided what to eat.

"Red or white wine Clarisse?" Elisa said watching her closely.

"Oh I thought we might have Champagne… seeing as it's our first real dinner date together." She looked to Joseph.

"Wonderful idea." He closed his menu.

"I haven't had Champagne in the longest time." Elisa said staring down at her menu.

It hadn't occurred to Clarisse that it might be some rare treat for the lady; perhaps she'd succeeded in making her feel uncomfortable already.

A waiter approached the table and stood next to Clarisse bowing his head. "Good evening your Majesty."

She looked up to him and smiled not even registering the raised eyebrows across the table between Elisa and Rico.

"Claude, how are you this evening?"

"Very well ma'am thank you."

"Good, busy I see." She gestured around the room.

"Yes ma'am."

"Well I think we're ready to order. I know I am." She looked to the others.

"Go ahead." Joseph smiled warmly at her.

"Well I'll have the House Speciality for the evening please Claude."

"As always an excellent choice your Majesty."

"As will I." Joseph added.

Elisa glanced down the menu quickly.

"I can highly recommend it dear." Clarisse said leaning toward the woman.

"Oh, alright, then so will I." She said, Clarisse couldn't help but note how very nervous she looked, that wasn't her intention at all.

With the orders over and the Champagne poured Rico settled back in his chair fully prepared to enjoy every decadent moment of the evening. Hey if his big brother was lucky enough to marry royal then he certainly wasn't going to persist in turning down the perks that came with it. Might aswell enjoy the lifestyle, for one night anyway.

"So tell me about your boys." Clarisse said taking a sip from her glass.

"Oh they're loud and unruly."

"I remember when Pierre and Philippe were that age." She smiled warmly, an image of the pair of them rolling around on the grass appearing in her mind.

Elisa laughed. "And are they still so unruly and loud, tell me it ends at some point."

Clarisse's face dropped and Joseph instantly reached across for her hand squeezing her fingers.

"Philippe died, several years ago now, in an accident." She almost whispered, a wealth of time may have passed but the loss was still raw.

"Oh god I'm so sorry." Elisa fumbled for words feeling her face redden.

Rico shook his head and raised his eyes to the ceiling.

"I knew that, I forgot I'm sorry. Honestly I'm so sorry, you never think – I mean you see it on the news and you just never think…" She was shaking, she was making it worse.

"It's alright," Clarisse politely smiled and dropped her napkin to the table as she stood up. "Really it's fine. Must powder my nose."

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"It's fine." She placed a hand on Joseph's shoulder as she passed him. "I'm sure there are enough waiters watching my every step."

Elisa watched her walk away then dropped her head to the table groaning.

"Well girl you certainly screwed that one up." Rico said chuckling.

"It's not funny you heartless bastard." Elisa snapped lifting her head.

"Hey you two come on – not here." Joseph warned. "You're doing fine, just relax, really she's just as nervous. Seeking your approval."

Elisa glared at him raising an eyebrow. "Come on."

"I'm telling you the truth, she wants you to like her for being Clarisse, not her Majesty. Try." He looked toward Rico. "For my benefit."

The evening passed pleasantly enough without further embarrassment, though Clarisse had to give up with her lobster mid-way through. Seafood had never really agreed with her anyhow and the thought of pulling the poor creature to bits put a bit of a dampener on enjoying the taste.

Later they invited Elisa and Rico to stay in their suite, it was late and the boys were with a neighbour so it seemed silly not to continue the evening.

By the fire the couples sat enjoying after dinner coffee and liquors.

"You're sure you don't want one of these?" Joseph smiled knowingly.

"Very funny, but the answer is still no, you know what it does to me."

"Do tell." Rico smiled leaning forward and refilling his brandy glass.

"Private moment." Joseph leant back in his chair, avoiding eye contact with anyone as the memory flashed through his mind.

"I bet the view from here is spectacular." Elisa said gazing about the extravagant room.

"It is rather beautiful. Would you like to see?" Clarisse sat her cup down and got up from the couch.

"Oh great!" The younger woman eagerly jumped up, she'd had one too many glasses of wine over dinner and a brandy on top of that and now she was feeling the benefits.

"I'll get you a coat to wear, I'm not sure the night air will be forgiving." Clarisse disappeared out of the room then returned with two coats.

Trying not to appear impressed Elisa felt the weight of it and rubbed the plush material with her fingertips before sliding it on over her dress.

"If you'll excuse us gentlemen. Shall we?" Clarisse led her out onto the balcony leaving Rico and Joseph alone.

"So, must have been some make-up, you're practically glowing." Rico teased once again pouring himself another drink.

Joe shook his head. "It was what it was."

"Oh come on, you disappear together and we don't hear from you for almost two days, now that's what I call a make-up."

Joe laughed. "And it's private."

"But it was good?"

"Of course."

"Ha! I knew it, I bet she can't get enough, an arranged marriage and all that."

"Rico, that's my wife." Joe's voice was still level but he'd adopted a harder tone.

"Joking! Come on."

"Perhaps you've had one too many."

"Showing an interest in my brother's life, that's all. She is gorgeous though, for an older woman."

"Rico! That's enough, don't make me strangle you."

"Alright, change of topic. Your fruitful marriage, mine fading away."

Joe couldn't help but notice the tinge of sadness in his brother's voice. "Problems?"

Rico shrugged. "Nothing new, same old, too busy, the kids, attraction's gone."

"You married awfully young."

"I know, Mama always said I'd regret it."

"Elisa is a wonderful woman Rico, you must love her."

"She thinks highly of you, must be the suits."

Joe shook his head and poured himself a small drink. "She must think highly of you, she' managed to put up with you all these years."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

They were silent for a few moments, gazing at the fire considering the women in their lives.

"So." Rico said looking up at his older brother.

"So?"

"I'm not going to get any of the finer details about her highness."

"Never."

"Fair enough." He shrugged. "Fine though."

"Yes she is." Joe said proudly.

"I can't imagine it." Elisa said wistfully, leaning on the wall and looking over the edge.

"Imagine what my dear?" Clarisse stood slightly behind her, enjoying the view of the clear night sky.

"Having all this." She spread her arms out in front of her. "Having all this in front of me. You have so much Clarisse."

"I know, my life has been blessed in so many ways. But really don't take it all at face value, it's not all glory."

Elisa turned to her. "In what way?"

Clarisse walked past her, unfolded her hands and rested them on the wall. "You can get very lonely at times. Love and friendship can seem elusive, the normal things people have."

"But Joe?"

"Yes Joseph," she shook her head and glanced sideways at Elisa. "You know I have been in love with him for years, years and years. Yet I could never admit it to myself, was never brave enough. It was forbidden you see."

"Then what made you change your mind?"

"The thought of losing him forever, and never knowing." She shrugged. "Never knowing what it would be like to love and have the love returned. I didn't want to grow horribly old alone." She smiled.

"And you, you've been married a long time now."

"Oh don't remind me, please. I look at you and I think what the hell am I doing?"

"Elisa…" Clarisse's voice was full of concern as she watched her lean over the edge and look down at the drop.

"I have nothing, not really, my husband cheats on me all the time, and you speak of love and I'm not sure I even know what that is."

"Your boys?"

"Yes, I love them, sometimes my only reason for staying."

Clarisse stiffened as she realised the strange similarities between the two of them.

"You don't have to stay, if you're that unhappy, I don't claim to know all about these situations but surely you have some right to keeping the boys with you."

"Oh I'm sure, but sometimes I just wonder about being free." She snapped her head up quickly. "You abandoned Joe because he kissed another woman, do you realise how many of my so-called friends Rico has fucked! And you leave over a kiss."

Clarisse stepped back alarmed at the sudden outburst, she caught her breath attempting to frame a response.

"I'd never let Joe go, he's too much of a catch." Elisa said gently, staring out at the view then shivering.

She was lost in her own thoughts and for a while seemed to have forgotten Clarisse was even standing there watching her.

Finally she looked up to her and smiled. "I'm sorry, I'm tired and I've drunk too much." She ran a hand through her long hair. "My head's spinning."

"Would you like me to show you to your room." Clarisse's voice was weak, guarded.

"I'm sure I'll find it." She walked past her, just catching her elbow as she did.

"Oh your coat." She unbuttoned the top two buttons.

"Keep it." Clarisse said turning from her and moving across the balcony.

"Thank you."

Alone with the cool night air surrounding her Clarisse closed her eyes and felt herself swaying with the breeze. Traffic rushed by beneath her, she could make out each sound, could hear the music coming from downstairs in the ballroom, the sound of people leaving and bidding their friends goodnight. She wondered what exactly had just transpired and whether or not this woman was as trustworthy as she had initially thought.

"Darling, are you alright?" Joseph's hands slid around her waist, pulling her body into his.

He kissed her cheek. "You're frozen, do you want to come inside?"

"In a moment, just enjoying being solitary."

"Oh, do you want me to leave you?"

She gripped his hand with hers, his fingers were warm. "Never."

"Did something happen out here?"

"Strange, I'm not really sure. Elisa is deeply unhappy, did you know that?"

"Yes."

She twisted her head slightly to take in his expression. "Did she tell you?"

"No, I've known her a long time, I could read it."

"How perceptive of you." Her response was harsher than she meant it to be.

She turned fully in his arms and looked into his eyes. "I'm sorry."

"That's okay." He brushed a hand down her face.

"I do love you Joseph."

"I know that." He smiled and kissed her mouth gently then her forehead.

She stared into his eyes for a second then gripped his body and pulled his mouth to hers in a long, passionate kiss before dropping her head to his chest.

"I wish I knew how to help her." Clarisse whispered.

Joseph rubbed her back, slightly confused by her actions but it was late and they'd had a long day, she was probably just tired.

"Shall we go to bed?"

"Have they?"

"Yes."

"Then yes, let's." She took his hand and followed him back into the lounge, noting the half empty bottle of Brandy on the coffee table and Elisa's abandoned shoes by the couch.

She went to the table and poured a small amount of the dark silky liquid into the only clean glass and sipped it. As she turned to watch Joseph lock the doors she noticed the coat she'd given Elisa thrown over a chair.

Clarisse sat up with a start, her heart beating fast, her mind swimming and her mouth dry.

"They woke you too." Joseph said placing a hand on her arm.

She took a few deep breaths attempting to comprehend his meaning, and then she heard it, raised voices in the other room. The walls were thick and the other bedroom was at the other side of the other suite so it must have been loud.

She heard Elisa scream something and turned to look down at Joseph, worried.

"We shouldn't interfere, not yet."

He bid her to lie back down and brought her body close to his.

"If it gets any worse I'll go through, perhaps they need to sort it out between the pair of them."

She nodded, unsure of whether or not her voice would actually work.

He kissed her head. "Try to sleep sweetheart." His voice was gentle and soothing and she closed her eyes trying to block out the sound of the argument taking place in the other room.

Hi everybody! A side-note i know but a question that has been bothering me & i wondered what the rest of you thought... granted Joe & Clarisse could have been 'attracted' to each other for many years, possibly whilst her husband was still alive. In that situation would she ever pursue a physical relationship with the man? I have a problem believing she would sleep with Joe just because of how she is, especially in first movie. But i was interested in what the rest of you thought.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter!!