Chapter twelve: Catastrophic kisses

Dinner was easy to go through. Sherlock dominated most of the conversation, as always, allowing me to come off as slightly bored with my 'loving husband.' Moriarty kept trying to start a conversation with me, but Sherlock kept interrupting him. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he wanted to keep Moriarty away from me. However, as I was the bait, that didn't consist with his idea to entice Moriarty's attention. On the other hand, maybe he was making me look more desirable by coming off as the oppressive, ignorant husband.

Then, we all went into the parlor; Moriarty fell into step with me. Sherlock had gone ahead, forgetting to pull my chair back for me. He cleared his throat and smiled. "I've been helping your stepmother clear out your father's belongings." Fortunately, Sherlock had already gone over our house that night my father died. He hadn't found anything, which meant Moriarty and my stepmother, had removed some clues as to what we were up against. "Thought I'd see you down there sometime, to collect your belongings."

I shook my head. "No. Sherlock…has forbidden me to go down there. He thinks it'll delay…the healing process."

"I am only concerned for you," Sherlock said stepping alongside me, placing a hand on my shoulder. "and your safety. I've no wish to inflict anymore pain on you."

Moriarty arched a silent brow. "Oh." I had a funny feeling he was attempting to stir up some sort of controversy between Sherlock and I, which wasn't going to be too difficult. "I thought you were a modern man Mr. Holmes, let the woman speak for herself."

Sherlock smirks at him. "There are limitations to how I allow the modern world to influence my home."

I rolled my eyes and looked down. Moriarty cleared his throat. "Oh, before I forget, I got something for you."

Sherlock stopped in place, his fingers gripping into my shoulders. "You bought a present for my wife?"

I shrugged free. "You're hurting me."

"Sorry."

"Oh no!" Moriarty said too innocently. "I didn't buy her anything. Please, allow me to explain."

"Do." Sherlock ordered him.

Moriarty hurried out of the hallway and went towards the general direction of the main entrance. I looked at Sherlock, he was practically seething. "Aren't you overdoing it a bit?"

"Aren't you?" he bit back.

I looked up at him in surprise. "What on earth are you talking about?"

He glowered at me. "Red? I told you to pick up something. I didn't say to show up looking like a-

"If you call me a whore or trollop," I hiss. "I swear I will hit you."

"Lady of the night!"

"I'm not listening to this anymore." I moved to walk away from him, but Sherlock grabbed my arm, whirled me back and slammed me against the wall. I gasped as he grabbed a hold of my wrist tightly, pressing me against the wall, eyes blazing. When his hand slid down to grip my hip, I almost jumped clean out of my dress in shock. "Sherlock," I gasped out in shock. "what are you," words died as he kissed the pulse point on my neck.

I squirmed and tried to push him away, but my right hand was the only hand I had free so I had little success. What had gotten into him? Had he forgotten that Moriarty was going to be coming around that corner any second? His hand suddenly grabbed my thigh firmly and I let out a startled yelp. "Stop it!" He ignored my request and freed my other hand, gripping my hips in both of his hands. I jumped and began pushing at him. The feelings that were surging through me were controversial. Part pleasure and part panic. "Stop. Don't. Please."

Sherlock then yanked me hard against his body. I let out a gasp of panic and began strongly debating to call for help. He then released my hips, gripped my neck and kissed me on the mouth! I feel as if my heart will stop beating, these actions are so unexpected that I have no idea if he's playing games with me or not.

His lips move to my neck and he latches firmly onto the skin there. Kissing, tasting and sucking the skin, marking me as his. I let out several whimpers, this situation is spinning rapidly out of control and I don't know if it's a game anymore or not. "Stop it!" Sherlock's hand cups my breast and grabs it, I jump in terror. "No! Please stop!"

The sound of some approaching causes him to pull away. It's Moriarty, whistling a song that I know but can't recall because I'm so rattled. I stepped away from Sherlock, giving him a push. He whispers. "Nicely played. Now he'll really start making a move on you." I stared at him in amazement. Why had he done that without giving me a single warning? He had no sympathy or regard for me. Tears began to build in my eyes and I wiped at them as Moriarty rounded the corner. His eyes took in the entire scene and his mind imagined the worst. Sherlock placed his hand on my shoulder. "Come."

His touch revolted me and I pulled free from his grasp. I surprised Sherlock and even myself as I snapped. "Don't touch me!" the moment I did it, I knew it was the perfect move. Moriarty knew now that things weren't all perfect between us. There actually was some conflict and the fact that I couldn't stand Sherlock's touch would please him. Sherlock looked slightly surprised. He reached for me again and I stepped out of reach. "Ever!"

Something in my eyes must have told Sherlock that I would still play the game, but he had overstepped his bounds this time. He nodded and stepped aside, gesturing for me to enter the parlor. "Then go."

I eyed him out of the corner of my eye, for some reason, I was worried that he was going to grab me. However, he didn't. Moriarty stepped alongside me, I turned towards him. At this moment, he seemed to be much less of a threat than Sherlock. "I'm sorry," my voice was trembling. "you were saying…you had something for me?"

"Yes." He wisely watched Sherlock out of the corner of his eye. He handed me a book, still wrapped with a bow. "This was your father's wedding present for you. I guess….he never got to give it to you."

"Thank you." I untied the ribbon with shaking hands and smiled as the familiar cover of Wendy and Peter came into view. Upon opening it, I realized that J.M Barrie had autographed it. Tears filled my eyes as I ran my hand over the signature. "Oh, how wonderful of him to do so."

"What is it?" Sherlock asked peering over my shoulder. I could feel him frowning. "He bought you peter pan?"

"Yes." I smiled as I ran my hands over the cover. "He'd take me to see the play every Christmas since it opened eight years ago. It was my favorite."

"I thought you were the more Charles dickens type." I bit my lip to keep from exploding at the sound of Sherlock's voice. "Peter Pan is such a child's story. Like, who'd never want to grow up? If you didn't grow up, then you couldn't do a ton of things."

"Oh for God's sake," I shouted, shocking everyone, including Moriarty. "will you just shut up?" Sherlock froze in place, concerned that he'd pushed me so far. "I've had it with you! I've had enough of you tonight!"

I turned and ran out of the room, clutching the book to my chest. I could hear Sherlock shouting after me, but everyone kept him from following me. I ran out the back door and ran into the garden maze. I collapsed on the nearest chair in the garden and began crying.

A few crunches, told me that someone was coming, not even granting me a moment to cry. I looked up to see Moriarty there. He smiled tightly as he reached into his pocket and handed me a handkerchief. "Here, you need this."

I felt disgust at myself for accepting his comfort, especially at this moment, but I'd do anything to lure him in. I set the book down beside me and took the handkerchief. "Thank you." I sniffled and wiped my eyes. "I'm sorry about that."

He waved my apology off and sat down beside me. "Don't think about it."

"He's, had a hard day," I explained feebly. "he's…not normally like that."

"Oh. Does he molest you on a fairly regular basis?" the handkerchief fell from my hands in amazement at his blunt words. "Or does he only do that when he's upset?"

I stood up and picked up the book. "This is none of your business."

He refused to let me step past him. "I know, but I'm curious. Now, does he?"

I shook my head in bafflement. "I-I shall….ask that you…watch your conduct." He rolled his eyes and stepped towards me, backing me up against the garden wall. "Or, I'll tell my husband."

"You won't." He drolled. "Not him."

"I might!" I inhaled sharply, I was getting nervous now and I hoped Sherlock would show up soon. "Why wouldn't I?"

"Because, you don't love him, do you?"

"I made a vow." I reminded him.

"So? People make vows all the time. That's what people do!" he crosses his arms. "But no one ever expects anyone to keep them, do they? Not when their other partner is so miserable…and could be happy?"

At that moment, I made a decision, I'd stop fighting him and go for it, go his way as he wanted. I crossed my arms and stepped away from him. "Is it that transparent?"

"Very." His hands on my shoulders caused me to shiver and I closed my eyes, to him, it could be interpreted as pleasure. "I hate him you know."

I opened my eyes and my heart jumped to see him so close to me. I stupidly licked my lips and his eyes went to my mouth. "Why?" I asked hoping to draw his attention away from my mouth.

He looked into my eyes and smiled a sick sort of smile. "Because…he has you." Dear God, how could I possibly be able to bewitch two men without meaning to? Moriarty leaned forward, both hands against the garden wall on either side of my head. "Would you mind kissing me?"

My eyes widened in shock. "What?"

"Would you mind?" He repeated. "I figured I'd at least ask your permission."

"I am married."

"Really?" His brow arches silently. "Your stepmother tells me otherwise."

"She talks too much." My face heats without any coaxing on his part. "What happens in our bed, is none of her concern."

"Well, has anything happened," he pressed me again. "in your bed?" I looked down and shook my head. "I thought not."

"Please," I begged him as I held his gaze. I was frightened now. "we must get back."

"They know I'm here with you. I was the only logical person to send out after you." he studied me closely and leaned forward slowly. "So, how about it?" I couldn't answer him. I was in a panic. "You don't have to kiss me back, but, you could at least try it."

All I could do was stammer and Moriarty, not sensing any resistance on my part, moved in to kiss me.

And I'm going to leave everyone hanging.