Chapter 4

Loving him was magic. It was the thrill of surprise, the awe of something defying, the reward of having fantasy and reality together in her life. Joseph was pure excitement from it all, he gave more to her soul than she had ever received before. It was shocking at first, but with time Clarisse learned to accept and receive it. Joseph was teaching her how to give it back. The love they shared made it very easy.

The cool night breeze, the soft moon glow, the feel of the velvet cushions all were wonderful to her. They did not compare with Joseph's touch, which ran much deeper than her skin. His touch was electrifying; no matter where it originated, whether it be from his fingers, or chest, or lips, or manhood. It all sent shocks of pure pleasure through her. Just one touch from him, and she would be at his mercy.

Loving her was so easy, so right. Joseph need not have to think about what he was doing, somehow his body knew, it connected with hers on a much higher level than even he could comprehend. He lost all focus on the world around him from just her scent. It was intoxicating, more so than any drink or drug he could fathom. It made him dizzy. His head would spin in a world of pure bliss. Then it would mix with her movements; those sometimes gentle, sometimes rough movements that created the deepest heat sensations from the friction she created. All he could do was plead for more.

Joseph covered her, she held him there, keeping her warm from the cool night air. She refused to let go, not that he minded or wanted. Clarisse loved the weight of his body pressing into hers. She loved his head on her shoulder, buried into her neck. Oh how his warm breath teased her. Clarisse would wrap her legs around his, bending her knees to fold around his, hold them so his pelvis would be tight against her. One arm security around his neck as the other locked around his waist. He returned the security with both arms firmly around her body, holding her like she would blow away with the next wind.

"There's a blanket," he finally spoke sometime very late into the night.

"Um, I have one, thank you. Unless you mind?"

"Not at all, I was just wandering if you were cold." Joseph snuggled into her neck more.

"No, how could I be? Besides, I can make love to my husband under a blanket anytime. Moonlight isn't an option we have all too often," she whispered as his ear became close to her mouth.

"I hope you like..."

"Very much, thank you love." She kissed the top of his forehead as she felt his lips go to work on her neck again.

The warm sun gently tickled her skin, waking the sleeping beauty. She found opening her eyes quite hard, adjusting to the morning rays. Looking around, she was alone, securely wrapped in a beautifully designed handmade blanket. The smell helped her eyes open and focus on the trays, obviously replacing the ones from the night before. Her lips curled in a smile, remembering their lovemaking. It had been beautiful, their whole life together was beautiful, and she wanted so much more of it.

Sitting up, she looked about for him. She caught sight of him, taking a morning swim. Clarisse loved to watch him, no matter what he was doing. To her he was the most magnificent creature on this earth.

Smelling the delightful aroma once more, she poured herself a cup of hot tea. It was still hot, obviously having been brought down very recently from the palace. She noticed the cup sitting, half empty next to hers. Watching him, she wandered how long he had been up, and just what time it was. There was no way they had gotten much sleep, so she suspected he had let her sleep in. He was coming back in now, having seen her sitting up. She continued to watch him, eyeing his handsome features.

"Morning darling," he said, dropping beside her on a towel. He reached over to kiss her, a sweet, soft good-morning kiss.

"Mm, morning. I had the most wonderful night.." She sipped her tea.

"Really?'

"Yes. Although it has been an interesting morning." She looked to him.

"Oh?"

"First I'd like to know how all this got down here.."

"Ah, no worries love. I wrapped you before," he answered, knowing what she was thinking.

"You better have. Second, I had a very interesting view of a handsome swimmer." She raised her brows at him, smiling.

"I see."

"And Joseph, who is that over there?" Clarisse was pointing now, noticing a figure some distance down the shore.

"Oh, that's just Shades. He takes his morning run down here, making security checks along the way. Don't worry, I paid him enough to keep his distance."

"We stayed out all night." She could not believe her words herself.

"Yes we did," he grinned at her, happy to help her explore the real world.

"What time is it?"

"About sevenish. In a hurry to get back?"

"I think we have a little more time." Clarisse gave herself over to him once more, pressing her lips to his.

"Yuck..." she quickly broke off from him. "Salt water."

"Not everything tastes good, my love. However, I assure you the feel of the water more than makes up for the taste." He stood up, offering her his hand.

"Joseph?"

"Come, I can't taste the water on you if you are dry." She took his hand, allowing him to pull her up, exposing her body to not only the warm sunshine, but his eyes as well. "Ever been skinny-dipping my love?" Joseph teased her as they slipped into the water.

"I assure you, a Queen never skinny-dips!"

"Then my love," he said as he pulled her body next to his, "I shall just have to teach you the basics."