Α/N: Welcome back! Sorry for the delay, darlings.

I want to thank: firekitsune2z, Gary the Snail x3, The Dark Lady55, Jandra1969, Guest, SweetMusicDreamer, Lulu, Guest, Brenda, CharlieCats, Leyshla Gisel, MissMisc3, LabyFan23, LadyGryffindor313, Jay D .Moore, nuckythomspon, XantheXV, ForeverACharmedOne, dionne dance, runs with myths, Makrciana, IgnitingFireworks, TinkerbellxO, Loki-Lover18, smilin steph, PrincessKanako, hannahhobnob and BlooperLover.

To the guest reviewer who said he/she didn't like the drama, I can only say this: without it there is no story. At least this one needs it for what I have planned. I am not going to defend my characters. If I have disappointed you, I am sorry. Thank you for reading and commenting though. :o)

This story is now rated M.

Disclaimer: I do not own Dark Shadows.

Chapter 15

'Of Man's first disobedience and the fruit of that forbidden tree

Whose mortal taste brought death into the world, and all our woe, with loss of Eden.'

~John Milton, Paradise Lost

"Barnabas, take her away from there, please."

Samantha heard the voice but she could only blink. She was not surprised to hear Ms. Josette's voice. It was not the first time she had spent the night in Collinwood so it was not a surprise that she was there.

"Do it, son." Master Joshua's voice was hoarse, "The smell is too strong even from here. The body is probably poisoned."

Samantha inhaled sharply and she blinked rapidly as warm hands came to clasp her arms. She flinched at the first touch but she knew the touch so well by then.

The hands lifted her up and wrapped themselves around her waist, gently pulling her away from Philip's still wide blue gaze.

"Someone close his eyes, please!" Josette's voice was high pitched, bordering on hysterical but the hands that held Samantha did not release her to do as she had asked.

"We cannot touch the body until the officers get here. Darling, get Josette out of here. There is no need for all of us to stay here. Tell the servants to make us something warm. Go." Master Joshua spoke softly and Lady Collins took Josette's hand and pulled her away. They disappeared around the corner and Samantha closed her eyes before she took a deep breath.

"I am alright." She whispered but the hands were reluctant to release her, "Sir." She murmured and Master Barnabas pulled his hands away.

She stepped back from him and looked at the two men, "I will make some tea." She gave a small bow and as she left she did not meet the young Master's eyes; she could not. Not with his father standing so close to them.

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Samantha waited outside Master Joshua's study along with Maria. Behind them Lady Josette was pacing up and down, nervously wringing her hands as she waited for her fiancé to come out from the study. He had been in there with the police officer for almost an hour. All the family members had been interrogated about the incident and as the time passed Samantha knew who they would blame for this. Her master.

He was the only one who had last interacted with Bosworth and all the blame would fall on him. But then again, there was no one who had seen their argument. Right?

Taking a deep breath she tried to calm down and when she had gotten her breathing and scattered thoughts under control the study door was opened.

Master Barnabas walked out and for a brief moment their eyes locked. He gave the tiniest nod of his head at her before he spoke.

"Samantha, you may go in now." He told her before he walked over to his fiancée who grasped his hand and smiled at him.

The last thing Samantha heard before the door closed behind her was his soft voice murmuring to the blonde woman, trying to calm her down.

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"I woke up and I got out of bed for I had heard a sound. I took a candle and opened my door. He was lying there…dead when I found him." She finished and the officer nodded his head at her.

"What of your betrothal?" he quirked one dark eyebrow at her and she frowned.

"There was no betrothal. There was going to be one but…I didn't wish to marry him. So, I declined his proposal." Samantha clarified.

The middle aged officer nodded his head, "Do you have proof of that? That you were never betrothed, I mean." He looked up at her and she was confused.

"I do not understand…Um, the only proof I have is that my father wanted me to marry Mr. Bosworth. I never agreed."

"You do realize that due to the circumstances, you are also a suspect. Mr. Bosworth was a very rich fellow. If there is a betrothal you have rights to his fortune."

Samantha almost burst from anger at those words, at the implication, "I am no murderer, sir."

"Then you need proof that there was no betrothal involved." The officer leaned back and Samantha rubbed her forehead.

"Is this because I am a maid? Because I am poor? The only evidence I have is my father's last letter in which he begged me to marry Bosworth. Nothing more." She replied with irk and the officer shook his head.

"You misunderstood me, my dear. I am not accusing you. I am simply doing what I must do. The man was murdered, poisoned, in here. In this house. He came for you here. I have to do my duty."

Samantha took a deep breath, "Yes, I understand. I can bring you the letter-…"

"No need. My colleagues will search the house for evidence."

Samantha nodded her head. They'd find nothing in her room. She was safe.

A knock came on the door and the officer looked up.

"Yes?"

The door was pushed open by the young Master. Samantha frowned.

"Mr. Collins."

"Officer Carlen." Master Barnabas inclined his head, "My chamber was searched, sir. But I do have some evidence to give to you myself." He said and Samantha frowned.

What was he doing?

Carlen looked really interested as Master Barnabas stepped closer to the desk and placed a letter on top of it.

"This is a letter of Mr. Hawkins himself. I got in touch with him because…because I made sure that the late Mr. Bosworth would not wed Ms. Hawkins." He admitted and Samantha's eyes widened.

"Master-…"

"Hush, Samantha. It's the truth. Mr. Hawkins himself can confirm my words."

Carlen picked up the letter and read quickly through it.

"You paid the dowry Mr. Hawkins had to give?" the officer's eyebrows almost disappeared under his hairline.

"Twice the amount." Master Barnabas said ever so slowly.

"Why?"

"Ms. Hawkins did not wish to be wedded to Mr. Bosworth. I only helped her." Mr. Collins replied quietly and Samantha fisted the material of her skirt between her fingers.

What was he doing?

"Why did you go to such measures to help your maid, sir?"

Master Barnabas inhaled sharply, "My relationship with Ms. Hawkins is complicated, Officer. We are connected on a deeper level. Allow me to keep my reasons to myself."

"You realize that it is not so easy, is it? What exactly is your relationship with the young lady?" Carlen asked with insistence and Samantha spoke up.

"My Master has been kind to me. He …he has helped me a lot."

"I am a betrothed man, Officer. But that does not stop me from loving someone else. My only motivation behind this bribery is my selfish nature." Master Barnabas leaned against the desk while Samantha's eyes widened almost impossibly.

"I can only hope that this can remain between us. I have no wish to hurt my family or Ms. Du Pres." He whispered, "I am only providing this evidence so Ms. Hawkins can be cleared of any charges."

Officer Carlen leaned back in his chair and regarded the two of them with kind eyes.

"You do realize that I have to keep this letter for evidence."

"Most certainly." Master Barnabas nodded his head firmly while Samantha's throat bobbed as she swallowed thickly.

"You also realize that this makes you the top suspect for his death." The officer said and Master Barnabas inhaled deeply.

"I do. But why would I poison him? I had gotten what I wanted. I admit that my…jealousy had gotten the better of me but I would never kill a man. Never. But if you find more evidence to support your suspicion, I'll be here."

"There are a few more people to interrogate but so far, no. We have no evidence. Everyone in this household has you on a pedestal. The same goes for the villagers."

Master Barnabas sighed with relief and nodded his head, "Anyway, Mr. Bosworth was dead for at least five hours before Ms. Hawkins found him. Ms. Du Pres confirmed that you were with her all night so you have a very solid alibi. As for Ms. Hawkins, I think someone wanted to blame her for this. We'll find out who." Carlen put the letter in his coat pocket, "I still need to talk to the last two maids."

"Maria and Angelique." Master Barnabas murmured and the other man nodded, "May I be so bold as to suggest something, officer?" he asked and Carlen nodded his head.

"Certainly, Mr. Collins."

"Beware of Angelique Bouchard, sir. Please. She has a very…sly nature. Trust me in this." Barnabas said as he reached to his left and grabbed hold of Samantha's hand. Gently he pulled her up to his side.

"Do you think she may be a suspect?" Carlen asked as he too stood.

"I can accuse no one, sir. But please listen to what she has to say with…careful, open ears. She's very good with words." Master Barnabas clarified and the officer pursed his lips in deep thought.

"Is she the one who was not available earlier? The one who had disappeared and the one Lady Collins could not find?"

"That is her, sir." Barnabas nodded his head and Carlen nodded his head.

"Very well."

"Can I trust that you will keep this between us unless something else comes up?" Master Barnabas asked.

"Mr. Collins, I know your family for many years. Of course, I will. I expect the same secrecy from you though. My position is in danger if anyone finds out."

"Certainly, Officer. Thank you."

Samantha was speechless as they both walked out of the study in silence.

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Samantha paced up and down her room in sheer anxiety. She was in her nightdress and robe and her feet padded on the wooden floor as she walked barefoot. She bit down hard on her lower lip and rubbed her temples.

Carlen had interrogated Maria and Angelique and so far there was nothing new. The only thing that had worried her was the heartfelt glare Angelique had thrown her way earlier that night.

Perhaps it was not objective but Samantha could only think of only one person willing to kill Philip; Angelique. If Angelique knew what their Master had done to ensure that were would be no marriage she would surely be angry, furious. Samantha recalled how she had gloated the day Philip had come to see her. She recalled the words and the smirks of the other woman. Angelique had thought that she'd be free of her that day.

Samantha shook her head. They were lost if she knew about the accord between her father and the young Master. She would not be surprised if Angelique knew. The woman knew everything that had to do with Master Barnabas. She was his shadow.

She didn't think that Angelique would blame the man she loved though. No, her deeper goal was to get rid of any intruders. That included Josette and of course herself. She had been an obstacle from the start.

Groaning with sheer desperation she turned to look at her door. She had to get out for a moment to clear her head.

She opened her door and walked down the long corridor.

Her feet took her to the parlor. The room was dimly illuminated by candles and it was breezy in there. She hugged herself and her gaze fell onto the open French doors. She tiptoed closer but when she saw him there she paused. He looked to be in deep thought. He was leaning against the railing and the wind was ruffling his hair and robe as he stood there, staring into the distance.

Her heart started beating faster at seeing him so close but yet he was so far away. Unreachable. Forbidden.

Swallowing hard she started walking towards him. Perhaps he needed something.

"Sir?" she called quietly and he sighed before he hung his head low.

"My name is Barnabas, Samantha. Or should I start calling you Ms. Hawkins?" he turned his head to look at her from over his shoulder, "I hate it that you don't call me by my name." he murmured accusingly and she looked away as she came to stand a few steps behind him.

"I'm sorry." She whispered as she gazed at his back with tears in her eyes, "I am so sorry." Her words got caught in a sob and he turned to her abruptly, shock on his face at the sight of her tears.

"Samantha." He breathed as he approached her and cupped her cheeks in his warm hands, "What's wrong?" he murmured as he brushed his thumb over her tears, wiping them away.

"This is all my fault." She exclaimed as her hands reached up and grasped his forearms, "What if they accuse you? Why did you have to tell them? Why? Why did you do what you did in the first place? It has made everything so complicated!" she cried and he hushed her.

"My love, nothing is your fault. I'd give my life to keep you safe." He told her fiercely and she shook her head.

"I don't want you to give your life for me! Don't you understand?" she spat, "I don't want you to love me! Is it worth risking so much? For me?"

"Yes, it bloody is! Jesus Christ, don't you understand the extent of my obsession with you?" his voice was quiet but it was nothing more but a hiss to her ears.

"Obsession?" she whispered.

"What else can I call this thing inside my chest for you?" he whispered hoarsely, "When I told the truth to Carlen, I wanted to get out of that room and tell anyone what I did. That way I could be free, that way I would not have to pretend. I'd be completely free from my chains. I only stopped myself because I knew you would not like it." He shook his head, "You're not like me, Samantha. I am so selfish that I wouldn't care who I'd hurt with my admission. But then you'd hate me for it. Wouldn't you?" he shook her head as he held her and she blinked back her tears.

"I could never hate you." She whispered and he frowned as he wiped yet another tear from her eye with his thumb, "Never." She murmured as she tightened her grip on his arms, "I love you."

Her eyes widened as soon as she realized what she had said but it was too late to take it back. How could she take it back when his eyes lit up in such a way that reminded her of those stars he had spoken about long ago? Back then, when she couldn't tell what was that burning in her chest. When she didn't know why her stomach flipped like a bird in flight every time he was around.

His fingers stroked her cheeks as he stared at her and when she lowered her gaze he threaded them in her loose curls, weaving his hands through her strands so tightly that it hurt. He tugged on her hair and her head snapped back so she could look into his eyes as he leaned closer. His hot breath fell upon her parted lips and she could already feel the blush spreading from her neck to her cheeks.

His lips touched hers softly and when he had established the connection, he pulled a hand from her hair and coiled it firmly around her waist, using it as leverage to pull her closer to him, so close that she could feel his solid chest through her robe. In a swift move he swept her off her feet and walked them backwards until her back hit the wall of the balcony, just by the French doors.

She gasped into his mouth and her lips fell open with the action. His mouth left her for a moment but when it returned it was firm and persistent and moist against her suddenly dry lips. His hands seemed to be everywhere at once and when he slipped a leg between hers she didn't think it much before she parted her legs to accommodate him.

He slipped a hand to the back of her head to pull her even closer if that was even possible before he hooked his fingers into the neckline of her robe, tugging at it harshly until it gave way under his insistence. His fingers slipped into the bare skin of her collarbone and ventured further south. Warm fingertips slid into her nightdress and she groaned into his mouth as he touched her so intimately for the first time. He silenced her with a deeper kiss and when his tongue slipped into her mouth to roam she couldn't help the moan that bubbled into the back of her throat. He groaned against her lips in response and his hand turned bolder like she knew it would by cupping the supple flesh of her breast in his palm. Her back arched off the wall and he coiled his hand around her back to bring her closer to his warmth. His mouth never left hers as he tilted his head to change the angle of the kiss and when he did she wrapped her arms around his neck, lifting herself up on her tiptoes to kiss him more firmly.

Her heart thumped loudly against her chest when he broke the kiss and for a moment she lost herself in his dark gaze. Her lips felt tender and from the look in his eyes when he eyed her mouth she realized that she probably was a sight to behold with disheveled hair and swollen lips.

His tongue slipped out to wet his lower lip and his breathing was heavy and loud in her ears when he leaned down to press his lips against her jaw.

His hand under her nightdress had not remained idle either and as he kneaded her flesh harder she gasped and threw her head back against the hard wall. He groaned as his lips found her neck and he pulled his hand away from her clothes to grasp both her hips in his hands. His fingers curled over her hipbones and she could feel them biting into her skin as he held her hard against him.

"Tell me to stop." He breathed against her skin as he pulled her hips hard against his, grounding firmly against her.

Her eyes snapped open and she fought for breath but the haze he had pulled her in did not and could not fade; not when he was still touching her.

Her fingers slipped into his hair and she tugged at the short, silky strands until he had to pull away to look at her.

Green clashed with brown and he groaned before he slammed his lips against hers again. He pulled his body slightly away and hooked the fingers of both of his hands into the neckline of her nightdress. He paused kissing her and breathed harshly against her mouth while swallowing hard.

"Tell me." He murmured again but there was no real conviction in his tone.

She bit her lip and looked at him from under hooded eyelids but she did not speak.

He growled, "Fine then."

In one swift tug he tore the nightdress and pushed the material away from her body before he crushed his mouth against her gasping lips again.

His warm hands grasped at her waist and he lifted her up. Cool air brought goose-bumps on her skin but as she wrapped her arms and legs around him she felt no cold. His left hand grasped her thigh and his right one coiled around her back as he turned them around so he was the one pushed against the wall.

His fingers dug deeply into the skin of her thigh but his lips were warm and soft against hers, belying his harsh grip on her.

Her back was covered by her nightdress and robe and he fisted his hand over the two materials, groaning into her mouth as he bucked under her, looking for some kind or relief.

Her hand cradled his jaw and when he bit gently onto her lower lip she shivered, pressing her body closer to him, seeking his warmth. He chuckled hoarsely against her mouth and he clutched onto her thighs as he pushed away from the wall.

"Are you cold?" he murmured huskily as he turned to walk them inside.

She gave a faint nod and he smiled against her lips before he kissed her again, more softly this time.

"B-Barnabas?" the soft, choked voice caused him to stop dead on his tracks.

Samantha's body turned into a board in his arms and she broke the kiss with wide eyes.

With horrified eyes and flushed cheeks, he looked to their left and his grip on Samantha tightened almost protectively.

There by the corner, hidden by the lush crimson curtains and huddled against them for support, was Josette.

The forbidden fruit had been tasted but at what cost?

End of chapter 15

Author's note: Ahem, about time, right? The truth is out…At least where Josette is concerned. If you liked it then please let me know. It's the holiday season so give me some love, people!

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Oh, did I tell you that reviews feed the muse? Hmm?

By the way, I have a new DS story in the works…A summary and/or sneak peek will be posted on my Livejournal and Tumblr soon…The title is Out of Control and it will be darker…much darker… Ahem!

Until next time!

Xxx Lina :o)