The afternoon after their first encounter, Rhett found himself drawn to the Hamilton household. He needed to make sure that she was okay. He needed to know that their friendship was okay. He could see the shadows passing over her face as she had taken his money from him. He wished now he had told her he didn't have any money on him. It had killed him to think what that exchange of money had meant. He wanted to find a way to tell her the affair was over, but he knew that if he did that he would never see her again. She had too much pride to look him in the face after what had transpired between them the day before if told her it was over. She would think it meant that he didn't want her and nothing could be further from the truth, he just knew deep down that she deserved better than being a mistress.
Rhett walked up to Scarlett's door and knocked. He was surprised when she answered the door herself. He was relieved when he saw a smile on her face, when she saw that it was him at the door. Unfortunately, the smile quickly turned to a frown.
"Captain Butler." Rhett knew he was in trouble; she was only formal with him when she was mad at him.
"Mrs. Hamilton."
"Would you like to join us in the parlor, Captain Butler? Mrs. Meade and Mrs. Merriweather have come to pay a call this afternoon." Now, Rhett realized the source of her frown, she was not fond of the two busy bodies sitting in her parlor. Rhett had no desire to sit with the ladies either, but he knew if were to turn and run out the door it would only spur on more gossip. He knew that the two ladies desired his presence no more than he desired theirs.
"Of course I would." He walked into the parlor and bowed to the two women.
"Good afternoon, ladies."
"Good afternoon, Captain Butler," both ladies said begrudgingly. This was the only house in Atlanta that would still receive Rhett. Since good manners dictated it, the ladies were only as polite as necessary to Rhett. The conversation was strained and Rhett decided he would leave after half an hour. He knew the two ladies wouldn't even think of leaving until they felt for sure that he would not be coming back.
Mrs. Meade kept glancing between Scarlett and Rhett. The two of them always had a certain chemistry between them, but it had changed somehow. She couldn't quite put her finger on what had changed. Both Rhett and Scarlett were on their best behavior, but she could tell something was brewing between them.
Rhett stood to leave. "Ladies, I bid you farewell."
"Good bye, Captain Butler," both women said almost in unison.
"Rhett let me walk you to the door." Scarlett was overwhelmed by the need to touch Rhett, but she knew she couldn't. Even if she was to briefly touch his arm she knew the two ladies sitting in her parlor would deliver a lecture about proper behavior. Scarlett giggled to herself when she wondered what the ladies would do if she were to kiss Rhett like she wanted to do.
"Good bye, Mrs. Hamilton." Scarlett could see the disappointment on Rhett's face.
"Good bye, Captain Butler." She hoped that he could see the disappointment on her face as well.
She returned to the parlor and listened to the old pea hens drone on about the war, the hospital and how prices kept rising. She could tell they wanted to talk about Rhett, but she wasn't going to give them the satisfaction. She knew the ladies were waiting around hoping to catch Rhett sneaking back into the house. After a little more than an hour they finally gave up and left the house. She could feel Mrs. Meade staring at her and Rhett the entire time he was there. Scarlett thought that Mrs. Meade or her husband would probably be making another call tonight just to make sure he wasn't in the house.
After feeding Wade and herself some dinner, Scarlett went upstairs to feed Melanie. Scarlett was terrified about the way Melanie looked. She was terribly bloated and pale. Scarlett was worried about what was going to happen to her when she gave birth, it didn't look like she would survive. Scarlett sat upstairs as long as she could tolerate it, and then fled for the porch.
Scarlett was hoping that Rhett would appear as he did a few days ago. She couldn't believe that it had only been a few days. Her entire world felt like it had been flipped upside down. She had had experiences she never imagined she would have. Scarlett didn't even know that passion like that existed. Scarlett saw the silhouette of a man walking up to the house; she felt a thrill when she recognized Rhett's broad shoulders. She knew that she couldn't let him stay long, but she was happy to see him just the same.
"Mrs. Hamilton," he said in a mockingly flirtatious manner.
"Captain Butler," she said back not containing her giggle. He sat down in the chair next to hers.
"Scarlett, I came by today because I wanted to make sure that you were okay. I wanted to make sure that we are okay." At first Scarlett did not catch his meaning. Slowly the realization dawned on her and she began to blush. She didn't know how to respond. What had happened between them was nothing short of amazing, but taking the money afterwards had been awful.
"I'm fine, Rhett. And we're fine. But you can't stay long, I'm sure the Meades will be coming around anytime now. Mrs. Meade was staring at us the entire time you were here this afternoon. I think she could sense something was different between us." Scarlett reached out and took Rhett's hand. She placed his hand on her cheek.
Rhett was caught off guard by her touch. He knew he had to end it but he couldn't make himself say the words. He needed to call it off, not only for her but for himself as well. He was already in love with her and the more time they were spending together he was falling deeper and deeper. His emotions were terrifying him. He had never really been in love and he had spent years only having to rely on himself. He was thinking more and more about proposing to her. But he knew it would never work out, too many factors stood between them. She was in love or at least thought she was in love with someone else. He hadn't joined the army to fight in the war. He knew that she thought the war was silly but in a few years, not having fought in the war could come between them. War heroes were going to become legends and if he didn't enlist she would be disappointed she didn't have a solider to brag about. Rhett had serious doubts that he could be faithful to one woman. Yes, Scarlett was truly amazing, but someone else would come along someday to catch his eye. Lastly, he had no idea what her feelings were towards him. He didn't think it was love, but it had to be something more than mere friendship. No, he couldn't get into this any deeper. But it wasn't going to be tonight.
Reluctantly he removed his hand from her grasp. "I better go, Scarlett. Good night."
She gave a soft sigh and bid Rhett a good night. Scarlett was thankful he left when he did because the Meades came walking down the street a few minutes later. Scarlett chuckled to herself; she knew the old busy body would be back.
"Good evening, Scarlett," Dr. Meade greeted her.
"Hello, Dr. and Mrs. Meade. Out for an evening walk?" She was glad it was dark enough that they couldn't see the smirk on her face.
"Why yes we are. There was a lull at the hospital tonight and I thought I would take advantage. How's Miss Melly?"
"Well she's resting now and I guess she's as comfortable as she could be at the moment."
"We don't want to disturb your evening, Scarlett. We just thought we would stop by for a quick hello." Scarlett could barely stop herself from laughing out loud.
"Have a nice evening," Scarlett replied. Scarlett could see Dr. Meade practically pulling Mrs. Meade back down the sidewalk. Scarlett thought it was a wonder the woman didn't search the house looking for Rhett.
That night Scarlett tossed and turned in the bed. She couldn't get Rhett off of her mind. She looked at the clock in her room it was two thirty in the morning. Frustrated she got out of bed and threw a dress over top of her nightgown. She took her cloak off of its peg and snuck out of the house. She knew it was dangerous and stupid but she just had to see Rhett. As she neared the hotel, several thoughts entered her mind. What if they lock the entrance that she used before? What if Rhett wasn't there? What if he was with that Watling woman? Scarlett couldn't bear it if he was with that woman.
Scarlett was relieved that the back entrance was still unlocked; she made sure no one was around and snuck up Rhett's room. She knocked on the door and there was no answer. She couldn't believe he wasn't there. She decided to knock once more before leaving. Again, there was no answer. She turned to leave when the door slowly creaked open. She quickly pushed her way in as she had before.
"Scarlett?" he seemed dazed and confused.
"Yes, Rhett it's me." She reached up to pull him into a kiss. She could tell when he finally woke up and came to his senses. He pushed her away. Her feelings were hurt immediately; she hadn't figured that he would reject her.
"Scarlett, dammit what are you doing here?!"
"I needed to see you," she mumbled barely above a whisper. It hurt that while she couldn't stop thinking about him, he didn't seem to have the same problem.
"Don't you know how dangerous this town is? There are soldiers, vagrants and refugees all over the place! It was dangerous and stupid, you can't do this again."
"I'm sorry, Rhett. I'll just go." She turned to leave.
"Well, you are already here." He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her to him. His lips captured hers. He couldn't believe that she was here. She had been starring in his dreams, he felt like he had conjured her up somehow.
Scarlett started to blush when she untied the wrapper that he had on, he had nothing on underneath it. She ran her hands up and down his chest. Lightly she planted kisses on his shoulders and on his chest. She remembered the sensations she felt when Rhett teased her nipples so she decided to return the favor. She took her tongue and licked first one nipple and then the other. She was pleased when Rhett let out a low moan. Feeling empowered she decided to take one of the nipples in her mouth and lightly bite it then kiss it. She stood back up and started kissing Rhett again. She felt a jolt of surprise when she felt his tongue trying to part her lips. She opened her mouth a little so he could have better access. She let her tongue play with his tongue in her mouth.
Scarlett was letting her hands roam Rhett's body. She felt his strong arms and shoulders. She liked running her hands up and down his strong back. There was only one part of his body that she hesitated touching. She didn't feel bold enough to touch his manhood. She was touching his stomach when she accidently brushed up against it. She was surprised by the heat that it seemed to be radiating. Her curiosity got the better of her and she ran her hand along his manhood. She closed her hand around his shaft and gave a few tugs.
"Scarlett, stop I'm not going to last." Scarlett had never felt so in charge before in her life. She didn't release him she continued to jerk him off. Before she knew what was happening Rhett became tense and started coming in her hands. Rhett laughed at the surprised look on her face.
"Tried to warn you," he said with a laugh. He went to the chifferobe and pulled out a handkerchief and a condom. He handed the handkerchief to Scarlett.
He pulled her back into his arms and started removing her dress. He was shocked that all she had on under the dress was a thin nightgown. Again, he was taken aback by how beautiful she was.
Rhett led her to the bed and laid her down. He got in beside her and resumed kissing her. She felt like he was torturing her with his slow caresses.
"Rhett, now! I need you now!" She pleaded with him. He laughed at her impatience. Slowly he inched his way inside her.
"He's trying to punish me for what happened earlier," Scarlett thought. She tried to buck up against him but he retreated. She heard him laugh again.
"Don't tease me Rhett!" she knew she was shouting but she didn't care. All this got her was more laughter and he seemed to be entering and withdrawing even slower than before. She tried to think of what she could do to Rhett to make his need as great as hers. But he had a distinct advantage in this department. Then Scarlett remembered how he told her to open her eyes yesterday afternoon. Seeing her eyes had somehow driven his passion even further. She forced her eyes open and looked him in the eye. It worked like a charm. He finally buried himself deep inside her and started thrusting into her harder. In no time at all Scarlett felt herself shatter into what felt like a million little pieces. A couple thrusts later and Rhett had his second release of the night. He lay on top of her, holding her close to him for several minutes before rolling off. They cuddled together for a while barely saying a word to each other. Scarlett let out a little sigh.
Rhett got angry. "Just like her to think about Wilkes right now. I should toss her out and tell her never to come back." He thought to himself.
"What's on your mind, dear?" he asked in a cold tone. Scarlett was didn't understand his tone. He sounded angry but she had no idea what she had done. Maybe he was upset that she had come here without being invited, she felt used.
"I was wishing I could stay here for the rest of the night, but it is not possible."
Rhett felt like a jerk. He had to quit jumping to conclusions when it came to Scarlett. He gave her a quick kiss on the lips.
"Not unless you want our secret to come out."
Scarlett put her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat. She drew lazy circles around his nipple and on his chest.
Rhett felt himself getting aroused again. He didn't know if Scarlett would be up for another round of love making or not. He grabbed her by the arms and dragged her on top of his body.
"Your turn to be on top."
"Rhett, I don't know what to do."
"Just listen to your body, Scarlett."
He gently guided himself into her, after that he left it to her to work out the rhythm. At first Scarlett was timid and shy. But soon she was relishing the feelings this new position gave her. She felt like she was in charge again and the feeling was intoxicating. Scarlett started to ride Rhett hard and fast. She tried to keep her eyes on him but the feels were over powering.
Rhett loved the overwhelming look of lust that was in Scarlett's eyes. He should probably be ashamed of himself but he was proud that he had put that look there. Scarlett collapsed onto Rhett. Both bodies were slick with sweat and their heavy breathing was all that could be heard in the room.
Scarlett lounged in Rhett's bed until almost five o'clock in the morning. She knew it was time to make her way home.
"I better go Rhett. The town is going to start coming to life soon." She got out of bed to pick up her nightgown and dress.
"Let me dress and we can go."
"Oh Rhett I got here on my own I can make it back. Besides what if someone sees us."
"I'm not letting you wander the streets on your own. It was a stupid enough risk the first time."
Scarlett knew it was no use in trying to argue with him. Silently the two got dressed and left the hotel.
Rhett didn't know what to tell her about what would happen if someone saw the two of them together at this time of night. She would be compromised and he would be forced between the choices that had faced him in Charleston all those years ago. He could marry her or refuse and be called out by a member of her family. Of course this situation was different because he had compromised Scarlett, unlike the girl in Charleston. If he and Scarlett were ever to be married he wanted it to be because she loved him and was marrying him willing. He didn't want her marrying him in some sense of obligation. Rhett wished he would stop having thoughts of marrying Scarlett; it just wasn't going to happen.
They managed to get Scarlett back to the Peachtree house without be seen. It wasn't until he got back to his room that he remembered he forgot to give Scarlett money.
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