Mixed Signals by Posh and Stoneygem
Part 15
Clarisse swung her legs out of bed and padded barefoot towards the bathroom, she fumbled for the light switch and headed to the sink turning on the hot tap and splashing her face several times. Burying her face into a towel she sighed heavily before looking at her reflection in the mirror. The harsh light wasn't kind and she grimaced at the way the lines beneath her eyes were highlighted.
Fifteen days, that was all it had been, fifteen nights sleeping apart and she was finding it increasingly difficult to sleep alone. Not that she wasn't aware of the benefits, at the moment they were getting on better than ever. That evening alone they had dined alone, simply in their suite. Afterwards they had played chess for a while, though Joseph was far too good at it, she was sure he must have had many years sitting perfecting the art. Then they had collapsed on the couch together and watched a film, she had drifted to sleep leaning against his arm. When the film ended he took her to bed and politely and gently kissed her goodnight.
Now she couldn't sleep… again! How many times she had lay for hours staring at the ceiling imagining him doing the same just a few doors away. How many times she had argued with herself about creeping into his room. Damn this self-induced separation. It seemed to be working but it was difficult, she got so lonely… it was unbelievable. How many years had she slept alone, over thirty at least, and never once had she found loneliness the reason for insomnia. But now, now it was all she could think about. Focusing on the fact he was in the palace, in her suite, he was her husband, yet they slept apart.
She was aware the maid's were gossiping, making two beds, well it wasn't going to be easy to hide. At first it bothered her, the fact everyone knew about their private life and were dissecting it. Jumping to the conclusion that already the unexpected royal marriage was crumbling. The fact they were actually building it stronger than before never even crossed their minds.
Frustrated she threw the towel into the sink and switched the light off, flopping down onto the bed she ran a hand through her hair and groaned. This was ridiculous. Completely ridiculous.
An hour later Clarisse left her bed again. This time she crept further than the en-suite and moved deftly through the lounge, through the dining room, and to the door on the opposite side of her suite where her husband had been sleeping.
She slowly pushed the door open, stepping inside and leaning back against the frame. In the darkness she stared towards the bed, she could just make out Joseph's figure; he didn't look comfortable at all. One arm covered his face, one leg raised and the sheets pulling over his knee.
Tentatively she took the few steps towards the bed until her legs touched the edge of the mattress. She rested her hands on the sheets and still stared at him, perhaps she could just stay here a few moments and listen to the sound of his deep even breathing, comforting and so familiar. Then she could return to her own room and sleep peacefully. The seconds turned to minutes and soon she felt her legs begin to stiffen, she wiggled her toes in the carpet, afraid to breathe for fear of waking him.
After ten minutes of watching him she turned back to the door, gently resting her hand on the doorknob and slowly, very slowly, twisting it.
"Clarisse…"
His voice was barely a whisper, deep, almost weary.
She stopped and let go of the handle, turning back to him. She couldn't see his face in the dim light.
"I'm sorry I… I didn't mean to wake you." She said gently, somewhat embarrassed.
"You didn't, I was already awake."
She started then swallowed, folding her hands together. He'd been awake all the time she was watching him. Watching her watching him.
"That's even worse." She smiled.
Joseph moved up in the bed and put his leg down, moving his arm from his face and patting the empty side of the bed. She quickly moved to sit next to him.
He took hold of her hand, she sitting bolt upright leaning against the frame of the bed, he half lying next to her.
"Your hands are cold." He said, "Get in." He lifted the sheets and she slipped her legs underneath, happily settling down next to him. His arm automatically circled her waist and drew her body flush against his, kissing the top of her head.
She lifted her face to him. "I'm sorry, I know this is against the rules."
"I won't tell if you don't."
She sensed the humour in his voice and smiled. "I just need…"
"A cuddle." He interjected. "So did I." He squeezed her waist. "Ohh Clarisse this is getting difficult."
"I know." She looped her arm around his neck, turning onto her side to see his face. She traced down his face with her fingertip, circled his mouth until he nipped her finger.
Hesitantly she leant forward and pressed her lips to his, closing her eyes and melting into him. His hand rose up her back, caressing the back of her neck. The kiss deepened as her tongue encountered his and she moaned into his mouth.
"Mmm Clarisse…" he pulled back. "Not that, not yet."
"I know, I know… just a kiss," she ticked his bare chest biting back her smile. "Just kiss me for a while."
He touched her mouth. "You're too tempting."
"Hmm…" She kissed his fingers then took hold of his hand and kissed his palm and his wrist. "Ohhh all right. I'll behave." She guided his hand over her waist. "I still want my cuddle."
"I know."
Her head fell against his chest and within seconds the couple slept together.
Could there be anything more boring on a Saturday evening than hobnobbing with the upper crowd of Genovia? For the moment, Clarisse couldn't think of anything worse. If it weren't for Sebastian Motaz' birthday, she would have tried to get out of it. Joseph was only recently back from yet another trip abroad and in her mind they could have spent the evening better with a quiet dinner in their suite.
Afterwards, they could have settled down in front of the fireplace and maybe he would have told her about the trip to Edinburgh. And maybe, just maybe, they would have snuggled up on the rug and gotten themselves into a little necking session.
Clarisse sighed. She missed this so much. It had been five days, since she had visited her husband at night. Five days since they had slept in each other's embrace.
Granted, he had to leave on Tuesday, but still she had missed it. She had missed him. Period. Sometimes, it really wasn't easy to lead a busy life and be a public figure. One never had as much privacy as one wished for. Still, it was Sebastian Motaz' birthday and if anybody in the country deserved that she put her private wishes on hold for an evening then it was the prime minister. His support was simply invaluable. He had always stood up for the royal family. He had supported Amelia from her first moment as princess, he had stood by her side through the battles with parliament, he had helped immensely through the transition from one queen to the next and he had always made it known that he supported Clarisse's second marriage.
That alone granted Motaz a place in Clarisse's eternal good graces. Because of this, she could put her wishes aside for an evening. Besides, it would give her the chance to go out with Joseph by her side. If she was honest – though she would never admit it to anybody – she loved to show off her handsome husband. Yes, those comments by those so-called 'society ladies' stung, but Clarisse couldn't help but feel a possessive pride at the thought that this handsome and charming man was hers.
And she just loved to dress up for him.
However, after the dress fiasco at the opera she had decided to choose something a little more subdued and normal for tonight. Mia, as the queen, would have to shine brightest anyway and Sebastian, as the guest of honour, and of course, his wife Sheila, should be the centre of attention.
Thus Clarisse had decided upon a black sleeveless ensemble, simple yet effective, a floor length silk skirt and a fitted embroidered bodice that clung just in the right places giving her a modest yet enticing cleavage. She would wear diamonds around her neck and in her ears and that would be enough.
She really did not want to draw too much attention to herself. It was not her place tonight. Besides, if the attention was not on her, maybe Joseph and she could even enjoy themselves privately? There would be dancing and dancing of course was always a favourite of theirs. Maybe, they could even slip away into the gardens for a little walk. A walk in the balmy May night now that would be romantic. A romantic walk, twinkling stars, music from the ballroom and a few stolen kisses here and there?
But most of all, they would be together.
Clarisse sighed again, looking at the clock. She was late already. Slipping into her shoes, she quickly picked up the black chiffon wrap that she had specifically requested to go with the dress. It would serve as a coat replacement and mostly hide her cleavage. After all, she didn't want to make a spectacle out of herself again.
For an official function in Genovia this event was surprisingly enjoyable, Joseph mused two hours later. Maybe it had something to do with the jovial nature of the guest of honour. Sebastian Motaz was never somebody to be put down and his birthday function showed it.
In addition, the prime minister was also quite a knowledgeable man and a good friend. If it hadn't been for his help, he had never found his way to the board. He was proud of the work he did there. It was a good thing to do and Joseph was glad to finally make his voice heard.
On the downside however, it was a work that kept him busy at the most inopportune times. The last trip to Edinburgh certainly could not have come at a worse time. Just when Clarisse and he were making real progress. Monday night had been so beautiful. First the dinner, then chess and the movie and finally spending the night in each other's arms.
Listening to Lady Palimore droning on about this spring's weather swings, Joseph distractedly scanned the crowd for a glimpse of Clarisse. In retrospect, the trip had probably been a good idea. If the physical distance had not been there, he would have never lasted the week without breaking their deal. Spending the night in a tender embrace certainly had been beautiful, but it had done nothing for his self-control.
He would never understand, how Clarisse could be in doubt about her allure. She certainly used it to the fullest on him. Before she had come to him, he had thrashed and turned, constantly hitting the pillow in frustration. The mere thought of her being so unreachably close by, made his blood boil. How beautiful she had looked that evening, how the candles reflected in her eyes, made her hair sparkle, but most of all, enhanced her smile. Looking at her, he had been lost. Could a man drown in the beauty of his wife? He probably could.
A delighted laugh shook him out of his reverie. He would know this laugh anywhere. He shot around into the direction of the sound. Next to him, the prime minister along with Lords Blake and Jerome chuckled. Finally, barely containing their mirth, Motaz slapped him on the back, shook his head and said: "You two really have it bad. Don't you ever stop?"
Joseph barely registered the teasing, his attention entirely focused on his wife, who had laughed at a comment young Lord Deveraux had made and who was now leading her toward the dance floor.
Clarisse willingly followed the young man, but hesitated when the music changed to a Viennese Waltz. She seemed to be contemplating her options for a second and then decided to simply go with the easiest way.
The easiest way for her.
Her husband felt his jaw drop and desire swell like a tidal wave. He swallowed heavily, clenching his hands at his sides. Then he swallowed again. And then a third time. And closed his eyes.
Next to him, Sebastian Motaz muttered: "And now we all know, why they never stop."
Murmurs of agreement could be heard from the other parliament members. Mia stepped up to the group as well. "Honestly, I always forget just how beautiful she is. How does she do it? She looks absolutely stunning. Don't you agree, Joe? Joe?"
The man didn't respond. Instead, he slowly began to set one foot before the other to travel the distance between his place and the dance floor, where she was. He didn't see faces of people that he sidestepped. He didn't hear the words that were directed at him. He didn't acknowledge the waiter, who held a tray into his direction. In fact, he didn't even realize the change in music. All he saw and all he knew was the woman on the dance floor and his need to go to her, to take her into his arms and not let go for this night.
She felt his presence long before he came into her sight. She didn't need to see him or to hear him. His presence was enough.
A secretive smile flashed over her face. Maybe, just maybe, this evening she would still get what she had hoped for. She would spend the rest of the party in her husband's arms. Somehow, she knew it. They would dance, possibly even the 'Wango' as Mia had once termed it. Later they could go for a walk outside in the gardens, enjoy the faraway music, the balmy air, the twinkling stars and each other. Maybe, even steal a few kisses…
His voice sent a shiver up and down her spine, even though his words were not directed at her. "May I cut in?"
She barely registered young Lord Deveraux gracefully bowing out and stepping away from her. All she could concentrate on was the anticipation of being in her husband's arms in a few seconds.
Then he took her left hand in his, drew her closer with his other and when her body came into full contact with his, she couldn't help the delighted sigh. It felt so wonderful to be in Joseph's arms. With a smile she looked up to meet his eyes and inaudibly gasped.
Oh those eyes. How easy it was to get lost in them. How easy to be lost in the smouldering desire she could see so clearly in them. Clarisse felt goose bumps rising all over her skin and swallowed.
She didn't know what they were dancing and didn't care. All that mattered was that he pressed her even closer to his body, that she felt his heart beating against her breast, that her head was lying against his shoulder and that his mouth was close to her ear and he was whispering to her with his incredibly sexy voice.
"Did I tell you, how incredibly beautiful and sexy you look tonight, my love?"
She only smiled.
He felt it and couldn't help a smile either. "Well you do, and you make it very hard for me to be good tonight."
She pulled back slightly to look at him. "Be good tonight?"
As an answer, he pulled her even closer and let his hand slowly travel from her back down to her rear end. "Yes, you make it difficult for me to be a gentleman tonight." He growled into her ear.
She only laughed in reply.
But suddenly his mouth was on hers, kissing her passionately, showing her just how alluring she was to him.
When his tongue demanded entrance at her lips, she couldn't suppress the moan deep in her throat. Access was asked and readily given, tongues met and began a sensual dance. The couple, however, gave up every pretence of actual dancing; instead focusing entirely on the sensual encounter they were having in the middle of the dance floor, in the overcrowded ballroom of the town hall of Pyrus.