Chapter 19. New Year, old troubles
Riha looked at Sarah sitting on the window seat; she'd been there for several hours now. "Sitting and brooding is gonna do ye no good." Riha warned.
Sarah shrugged, "I can't seem to make it any better." She looked back at the gray skies and the approaching night. "It's New Years Eve, and he can't be here. I haven't heard from him all week."
The Irish girl sat down on the bed she'd been using. "Would ye like me to tell Conner I canna go with him this evening? We could stay here and keep ye company."
Sarah shook her head, "No, Conner and you deserve a lovely evening…" there was a new note of maturity in the girl's voice. "I wouldn't ask you to give that up, anymore than I'd ask Karen and Daddy to stay home. I really don't mind sitting with Toby tonight." She pulled herself together. "Besides, Conner is coming all this way. We canna disappoint him, now can we?"
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Karen moved about the master bedroom franticly, looking for the missing shoe that matched the one on her foot. "Robert, I can't find my shoe." She cried out.
Robert was in the master bath tying his tie, "Look under the bed, Karen." He groaned. "Right now for ten cents I'd say chuck it and stay home." He came out to find her reaching under the bed. "Why are we going to this thing, can you tell me that?"
Sitting up on her bent legs she smiled and held up her missing shoe. "Because the senior partners are demanding your presences, and you want to be promoted."
"I have the strangest feeling…" He said fussing with the tie that would not sit right. "I really don't like the idea of Sarah being alone… maybe we should ask Mrs. Miller to just keep an eye…"
"Not on your life!" Exclaimed the strawberry blond shaking her shoe for emphasis; "That old hag hates Sarah. I wouldn't put it past her to make up some silly story to get Sarah in trouble. No, Robert, no…" She stood up and slipped her foot into the shoe. "Sarah will be fine."
Robert sat down. "She's been acting strange all week…"
"She's in love, you remember what that's like, don't you?" Karen gave him a look that told him not to argue.
"Love." He muttered.
Smoothing her dress and checking herself in the vanity mirror Karen nodded. "Yes, Robert, your little girl is in love." She motioned him to stand and she fixed his tie.
"He's too old for her." Robert muttered.
"Right," Karen said smoothing the tie and his shirt collar. "He must be nearly the same difference in age as you are to me."
Robert winced. "Karen…"
"Let it go." She warned. "Tonight you have bigger worries than Sarah's love life."
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Conner stood on the doorstep; he smiled as Sarah opened the door. "Hello Sarah." He greeted the girl who would one day be his in law warmly. "Is Riha ready?"
"Oh yes, been ready for hours." She invited him in. "She'll be right down."
Toby was sitting in the parlor playing with the wooden toy that had become his favorite. He looked up at the man in the foyer for a moment then went back to his toy. Sarah moved to the stairs and called up for her cousin. Robert came down the stairs and smiled over at Conner.
"Evening Conner," He extended a hand in greeting.
The younger man took it and gave a firm handshake, "Evening Mr. Williams."
Sarah looked at Karen coming down the stairs in a pink cocktail dress that looked almost too good to be true. "Nice Karen," She commented sweetly.
Pirouetting, the full skirt floating about her, Karen giggled like a school girl. "I just love this dress and I get so few chances to wear it."
Robert brought his wife's wrap over to her. "Sarah, remember, if you need us…for any reason.."
Sarah nodded, "I'll call." She then paused. "Whoa, déjà vu." She groaned.
Robert raised a brow, "Sarah, pay attention." He warned. "It's going to be late when we get back."
Sarah smiled, "Daddy, I've baby sat before… remember?" She kissed her father. "Go, have a good time, get noticed by the senior partners and buy Karen a Mink."
Karen shook her head, "Sable!"
The two women giggled, as Robert sighed in exasperation.
Conner wisely kept still during this, he whispered good night as Sarah's parents exited. He looked up the stairs, Riha was coming down slowly, "Here's my girl."
Riha looked at Sarah again. "We could stay home…" she whispered.
"Go! Have a good time." Sarah ordered.
Moments later she was standing in the door waving the young couple off. Shutting the door she looked about the foyer, something seemed so familiar about the feeling of the dark room. She snapped on the one light and tried to shake off the feeling that something was impending.
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Jareth sat on his throne, watching the girl in his crystal. He smiled, as he tossed the crystal into the air where it burst into glitter. "Hold the fort boys; daddy's going to go sweet talk mama." He left the throne, changing into mundane styled garments just before transforming into an owl and flying out the window. Goblins gathered at the window waving and wishing him luck.
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Sarah sat watching Toby play; he had been mesmerized by the wooden toy for hours now. He never seemed to get bored by it. He had been quietly playing since before she'd fed him his dinner and was only too happy to go back to playing once they were finished eating. This was the easiest babysitting job she'd ever had.
The lights flickered, and Sarah sat on the edge of the couch. Toby stopped playing, he looked at Sarah and smiled strangely. For a moment in the flickering light he didn't look quite like himself. Sarah jumped when the frond door knocker began banging. She gave a nervous laugh and muttered to herself. "Good going Sarah."
Entering the foyer she looked at the antique clock that Karen prized. The light at the front door flickered and went out as she opened the door. She looked up into mismatched eyes and a face that made her heart skip a beat as her pulse raced. "Jareth," she breathed his name.
He entered the house, cocked his head to one side and graced her with his smile. "Sarah." His voice was soft. He shook the snow off his coat and removed it as he watched her close the door.
"I had no idea you were back." She said sounding nervous but happy.
He placed the coat over the rail of the staircase. "Just got in," he said. "I hope you don't mind my dropping by unannounced." He looked at the dark and silent house, the only lights were in the foyer and the parlor. "No one home tonight?"
"It's New Year's eve, Jareth. My parents are at a party given by my father's senior partners." She motioned him to the parlor. "Conner came by and took Riha out… old Toby here and I are keeping company until it's time for him to go to bed."
Toby ran to Jareth and warmly welcomed him. The man lifted the boy up and looked at him with equal warmth. "How's my boy?" he asked softly.
"Fine," Toby laid his head on the man's shoulder.
Sarah put a hand to the little boys back, "It's getting close to bed time Toby." She said.
Mismatched eyes studied the child's face. "Sarah, it is a special occasion."
The girl shook her head, "He's up an hour past his bed time now as it is. You've no idea how grumpy he'll be if he does not get enough sleep."
"Turns into a goblin eh?" the man teased.
Sarah laughed, "He makes goblins look tame."
The man laughed smoothly, "Alright but let me help put him down." He offered softly, and the little boy nodded happily as he wound arms about the man tightly.
Sarah looked toward the stairs; "I don't know…" she was suddenly edgy and panicky.
"Trust me, Sarah." Jareth crooned.
Biting her lower lip she looked at the stairs again and against her better judgment she nodded. Secretly she was glad her parents were not home, and would not know she'd allowed the man access to the upper floor. He motioned her to lead the way and he followed carrying the happy little boy. Sarah was glad he was already in his pajamas and she didn't have to fight with him.
Jareth set the boy down on his bed and pulled the covers back. "In you go, my lad." He said with firmness. As the boy hunkered down between the sheets, Jareth smoothed the blanket and tucked it in. "Now say your prayers." He commanded. Toby clasped his hands together and closed his eyes. The man sat on the edge of the bed and listened to the words. When the child had finished he leaned forward and placed his lips softly to the brow of the blond child.
Sarah stood back watching, her heart racing. He shouldn't be up here, shouldn't be in Toby's room.
Jareth grinned at the boy, "Sleep well, little man." Toby cuddled the toys that were in his bed, the old love worn bear and the little dwarf. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep quickly. Jareth stood up, smiled down at the boy knowing he was being watched by the nervous girl. Turning he placed a finger to his lips, warning her not to make a sound. He motioned her into the hall and as he exited the room switched off the light and pulled the boys door shut. He looked at the girl standing in the hall, looking vulnerable. He leaned on the frame of the door, eyeing her with a hunger that needed to be met. The light in the hall flickered and the girl looked up at it warily.
Jareth moved leisurely, at a snail's pace, raising one hand to her face. He cupped her chin, and then stroked her cheek, finally sliding the hand to her throat and pulling her to him. His face was a breath away from hers; he saw the panic in her green eyes and lowered his mouth to hers. Her response was instant, and undeniable. His other hand went to her waist, and his throat vibrated as he growled softly.
Sarah trembled in his arms, "Jareth… we should be up here." She said in alarm trying to pull back.
Jareth held her; he knew she was going nowhere. "Shouldn't we?" She shook her head viciously and he chuckled. "Worried my pet? Who is it you don't trust, Sarah? Is it me, or you?"
"Both." She said swiftly.
"Now tell me what I want to hear," He crooned into her ear. "Tell me how much you want me."
"Jareth, this isn't a good place for that." She shivered. Her mouth went dry and she gasped for breath. The man kissed her throat just below her ear, and she felt her reserve melt. "Jareth, please… I'm not strong enough to resist you."
"Then don't resist, Sarah… Give in." He suggested as he continued to kiss her. "Don't defy me." He let his tongue seek her inner ear.
"Jareth," she trembled, her mind screaming warnings. "What did you just say?"
He smiled. "I said don't resist, give in." he teased. He chuckled softly. "Would you prefer to sit on your parent's couch and make-out?"
Sarah blinked. "Jareth…" she bit her lip. "You shouldn't be up here… this was a mistake…"
"Sarah, darling," He cupped her face. "If I wanted to have my wicked way with you, and the thought is tempting… do you really think there'd be any place safe for you?"
She shook her head. "No," she confided.
He pulled back. "Your virtue is safe for tonight, my love." He sounded very pleased with himself. Turning he headed for the stairs and the parlor. "Come Sarah, we've things to discuss."
She stood riveted to the spot where he'd only moments ago been kissing her. "Discuss?"
He was at the bottom of the stairs. "Our future," he crooked a finger and motioned her to join him. Without waiting for her he strolled into the parlor and took a seat in one of the armchairs her father favored. He looked regal and powerful, even dangerous.
Sarah entered the room and the lights began to flicker. "That's so strange" she commented. "They've been doing that all night…. But there's no reason for it… I mean there's no storm or …anything." She looked at the man regarding her with hunger in his eyes. "Do you have to look at me like that?"
"Like what?" He leaned his head back, his eyes becoming narrow slits.
"Like I'm something you've been yearning for." She shivered, now in the room but keeping a good distance between her and the man who was so very commanding.
"But darling, you are." He teased licking his lips. Cocking his head to one side, he whispered. "When are your parents due home?" his voice was casual, as if he'd asked about the weather.
"I don't know, around one or two…." She felt a chill go though her. "I imagine that Riha will be home long before Daddy and Karen."
Making himself comfortable he crooked his finger, calling her closer. "Come here, baby." The lights flickered again and this time stayed off, Sarah froze to the spot. Jareth crooned. "Come Sarah."
She could hear his voice, and in the dim light of the room, she could make out his silhouette. "The lights…"
"Forget the lights," He soothed, "Come here." He now patted his legs. Throwing caution to the wind, she moved closer.
Jareth smiled as her hand slipped into his, he knotted hid fingers into hers and pulled her down into his lap. He looked at her in the dim light, without words he commanded her. His lips possessed hers and she melted into him. "Sarah." He droned tenderly.
"I'm not ready." She whispered with regrets.
"I'm not taking you, just yet, previous." He kissed her again. "I know you're not ready yet." His hands held her firmly to him, "But soon."
Sarah looked at the man, in the darkness his face almost glowed. "I feel like there's something I should say… something I've forgotten."
Jareth stiffened for a moment; he relaxed when he perceived that Sarah didn't remember. "Sarah, I have to know, do you want me?" His voice sounded uncertain.
She nodded, and answered quietly. "Yes, but something deep inside me is afraid of just how much."
Jareth smiled to him-self, 'Love me, fear me, do as I say…' The wicked plans he had been forming the past few days vanished like mist in the sun. "You've promised yourself to me, and I'm holding you to that promise." He said at last.
"Jareth," her voice quivered.
He held her close, "Don't talk, don't think, and don't worry." He tightened his grip. "Just love me, little Sarah. Love me." He closed his eyes.
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Robert cursed softly as he flicked the swithch and found the light would not come on. "Must be a problem in the wiring again." He muttered. Karen pressed a finger to his lips and pointed to the parlor. Robert looked, and frowned. In the armchair sat Jareth King, in his lap was Sarah, and they were both fast asleep. Karen pulled him away from the room and up the stairs.