Chapter twelve
She could only think of needing something cold. The heat overwhelmed her, inside and out, making it hard for her to think clearly. All she knew was him. His mouth was upon hers, and the intense, tingling feelings he unleashed inside of her were strong and electric.
Only steam separated their faces now, as they parted. She took a deep breath, instilling a little competentency back into her mind. 'He could make the Great Wall of China fall with only his lips,' she thought to herself. His eyes showed a great deal of love, and Clarisse returned the feeling, smiling with a happy sigh.
"Your lips are luscious," he finally spoke, stroking her bottom lip with his thumb.
"And your...you're hurt Joseph. Your face is scratched all over...I never noticed until now..Oh love, I'm so sorry." Clarisse took his face within both her hands.
"It's nothing...a few scratches."
"Joseph...are you hurt anyplace else?" She gave him her sternest expression, indicating she wanted a true answer. Now was not the time for taking things lightly.
"I've got a cut on my leg...other than that only some minor bruises and scratches. Nothing like your injuries," he motioned to her arm, reminding her that she was the one they needed to concentrate on. She was the one needing immediate care. "Does the heat help?"
"Mm. Yes, especially on my foot. Oh Joseph it feels so good."
"Good. We shouldn't stay in here for too long though, it is a trifle too hot."
"Just a little while longer, please." He nodded a simple 'yes', and retired to sit beside her and rest.
The heat covered them like an electric blanket on a cold winters night. It was soothing, and so much more. His aches had all disappeared, and his muscles had become quite relaxed under the pampering of Mother Nature. While she worked his body, his soul was totally in the hands of his Queen.
Leaning fully back, Clarisse watched the sky above her, the sun lowering in the west, but still showed much time before dusk. She watched several birds hover, and as they swirled through the air above her, she stiffened. As the unusual stiffness held her body, Joseph watched her cringe as a sudden bolt of fear surged her very soul.
"Clarisse? Clarisse!" Joseph watched her expression carefully, taking hold of her around her shoulders. "Darling, what is it?" He scoured the air, fearful of what he might see, though nothing came into view. "Clarisse, talk to me."
When finally her eyes penetrated through the wall of terror, Joseph could tell he had her attention. Her eyes were dilated, and her face a ghost-white. Whatever had taken her attention, it had instilled a deadly fear inside her.
"Oh Joseph, I can't! I just can't!" Trying to move away, Joseph held her still, afraid of what she might do. Nothing seemed sane to him right now.
"Can't what, Clarisse?" She remained silent, slowly shaking her head a definitive 'no'. "Clarisse, you have to talk to me. What is wrong?"
"Joseph can't you see?" She pointed up, the sky clear and empty now.
"I see nothing, Clarisse."
"Don't you get it? Flying! I can't...I won't...ever again." The fear in her voice was real. It was heavy, and Joseph could see the theory behind it.
"You don't have to.."
"I do...I have to, it's my job." She rambled on, unleashing negative energy with her outpouring.
She was terrified, that much Joseph could plainly see. This was beyond anything Joseph had ever experienced with her before. Clarisse had and was always the bearer of a more calm and collected soul. Someplace during that crash landing, she had lost that part of her; the sensible, strong personality the Queen would always uphold. Not only did this frighten Joseph, but it also cast a shadow on their situation. For the first time he realized that getting out of the woods would not be the end to this. Feeling the shivers run over her shoulders, Joseph also knew it would take much longer for her to heal. Yes, her arm and ankle would return to normal much quicker and easier than would her mind.
"I understand Clarisse. It's normal under the circumstances." She continued to slowly move her head a strong-willed 'no'. "We will work it out. I know it worries you, but right now we have to concentrate on taking things one at a time. We have to get out of here. That is our first priority. Do you agree?" He stopped for her answer, making sure he held her attention.
"Yes," she answered softly, finally showing some sign of normalcy.
"Good. We will worry about flying later...much later when you are safe at home and your body is healing." She nodded toward him, or rather at him, thankful for his presence and common sense. He was all she ever needed. "Now, let's get you out of here, and into some dry clothes before it starts getting dark on us. We need to be settled before then."
Joseph pulled himself up and out of the bubbling pool, feeling a slight chill from the much cooler air. It was then that Clarisse's mind was totally taken away from the fear that rocked her body only moments ago. Joseph had taken her total attention, and for the first time, she really looked upon his body.
Indeed he did have a nasty cut on his leg. She chided herself for not thinking of his needs before now. As she wondered her eyes up and down his naked form, she caught every bruise and scratch, willing them to go away. His form excited her, she couldn't help that. Such a magnificent body should be loved and cared for, as much as he loved and cared for her.
He had brought the piece of blanket to help dry her off, figuring he would only get wet again before she was out of the water. When he returned, he found her staring, and the idea raised goose bumps from his legs to his arms, and a little of everyplace in between. It could have been the cold, but he couldn't deny the rapid beating of his heart at knowing she was looking him over.
So he stood there for several minutes, just standing as she gazed upon his body. It had a mind of its own, and responded to her prying eyes. He only felt himself harden, for he wanted to see the look upon her face as she watched him become more of a man. That expression in her eyes, and the soft glow of pink from her cheeks, Joseph vowed to never forget them.
"It's time." He threw the blanket over his shoulder and stepped back into the pool. Lifting her under her shoulders, she rose, content she was safe in his care. Balancing on one foot was rather difficult, so she rested in her safety net as he wrapped the blanket around her dripping body.
He carried her over to the fire, letting her down with much patience and care. "I'll get your dry things," he motioned to his pack, pulling out a clean dry bra and panties. She held onto a nearby tree as Joseph got her clothing together. He breathed deeply. "Those wet things have to come off."
For the first time in her life, Clarisse felt free. It was an odd feeling, and hard to recognize at first, but one she felt she could really enjoy at that moment. She handed Joseph back the blanket. "Could you undo my bra? It's hard with only one hand," she asked as she twisted her body to show him her back.
His fingers were shaky, but somehow managed to unclasp the small hooks and eyes. It was awkward, and he felt he should turn around, or close his eyes at the very least.
"Joseph," she whispered, "I'm going to need your help." She did, that was no lie. However she felt the urge and ache for him to touch her, or at least look upon her like she had just gazed upon him. "I really need your help."
"Of course, I just thought...," not sure how to phrase his thoughts, he stuttered.
"We're alone, and I believe more than anything we are both very much in love with each other. What could be wrong in this?" There, she had said it, and she had never felt so good about speaking before.
Transfixed upon her breasts, Joseph was amazed at how easily she had spoken those words. It was so beautiful, coming from her. "There's nothing wrong in this, nothing at all." He took the piece of blanket and dried her top half, taking care to spend more time upon her breasts. When at last he reached her panties, he looked to her, who just nodded in return.
Slipping them down, he helped her step out of them. Again, he dried her, slow and deliberate. He took care to dry even her most intimate of places, driving from deep inside her a series of "ohs" and "ahs". His erection peaked as she pulled his head into her belly, holding him securely there with her one good arm. He took the hint, and wrapped his arms around her. For several minutes they held one another, as close as they had ever been before.
Feeling the chill, Joseph pulled away. "You'll get cold," he said, handing her the dry items. Standing before him, she quieted for a moment, then smiled a shy grin as she shook her head 'no'.
"Just carry me over to the sleeping bag, Joseph. Hold me like this tonight."
"Clarisse..."
He swept her in his arms, and sit her down upon the makeshift bed, which was nowhere near fit for a Queen, especially his Queen. He had rolled some clothing for a pillow, and settled her down. He wrapped the blanket around her shoulders while he re-wrapped her foot, being ever so careful with the blue and purple extremity. Then just as quickly, he slid the brace over her forearm, and when done, placed a kiss upon it.
He made sure she was well covered, and warm, before taking care of himself. For the first time he checked out his leg. He cleaned it with a Betadine swab, and securely wrapped it, knowing she was watching. She would worry over him if he did not care for himself. Just this once he gave in, anything to soothe her. She needed soothing now as much as warmth.
"Hungry?" Joseph slipped on a pair of cargo hiking pants, and fiddled inside his pack.
"Only if you have tea and biscuits."
"Hum, not likely. Clarisse, please eat." His eyes conveyed the soft message even better than his voice.
"I am thirsty." He handed her the bottle of wine, uncorking it while it passed hands.
"I'll get you some pain medication too. It'll help you sleep, but you need to eat with it."
"Yes, doctor," she smiled. He did sound a little like her stubborn physician. The funny thing was, Joseph did more for her aches and pains than any doctor ever could.
While she sat picking through the assortment of gourmet foods, Joseph made himself busy taking care of the little things. He laid out her wet clothing on the rocks and filled the canteen with fresh water. A small pile of semi-dry limbs were starting to pile beside the stone circled fire he had built. In between chores he would check on her, making sure she was calm and as content as a Queen could be.
It had always amazed her, how Joseph could multitask the way he did. Even now when it mattered not, it was still a part of his routine. He could work nonstop for days, and always found the quickest way of doing things. Clarisse had watched him work for years. Little about him had changed, except maybe the little toll age had taken on him. He was a fine man, and as far as Clarisse was concerned, he was her man.
"You know, just because you can override my decisions in times like these doesn't mean I still can't give you orders." Joseph turned to face her as he dropped a handful of small, dry limbs on his pile.
"Yes, Your Majesty," he bowed politely, amusing her. "What does madam wish?"
"Madam wishes for her head of security to sit and eat. He needs rest and food as well."
"Just let me finish up. I want to be ready for anything, and I also want to be ready to hit the trail early in the morning."
Joseph finally sat beside her, taking the bottle and tipping it upright to his lips. She watched him chug a good glassful of wine before sitting it down. She snickered as he licked his lips, and offered him the selection of fine foods. Quietly he ate, as they both sat next to the fire, watching dusk approach.
The wind blew gently through the trees, rustling the leaves. The springs bubbled continuously, and water spilled over the rocks, trickling into a small stream which ran downhill. That would be their destination for tomorrow.
When Joseph had securely tied his pack on a tree limb, he returned to lay beside her. Resting peacefully, Clarisse had shut her eyes, but could not sleep from feeling the throbbing in her arm and foot, as well as several aches in between. As he slipped under the cover, she pushed him away softly.
"Take them off," she whispered, "Lay here with me like that. I want to feel you close to me." Joseph slipped off his pants, folding them for use as another pillow. He curled up beside her as she tried to make herself as comfortable as possible. With Joseph beside her, it was possible, even out here, like this.