A/N: Hello! I know this is later than usual but it is finally here!

A huge thank you to: JellyWinchester, MischievousOne, Sapphire-Serenity-Phoinix, ForeverACharmedOne, Gary the Snail x3, Makrciana, LabyFan23, sparrowismyhummingbird, A fan, smilin steph, dionne dance, nuckythompson, MissMisc3, Jandra1969, runs with myths, TinkerbellxO, Loki-Lover18, CharlieCats, IgnitingFireworks, carmeleissle5cullen, LadyAmazon, Night-Weaver369, hannahhbobnob, XantheXV, Jay D. Moore, SweetMusicDreamer, BlooperLover and Leyshla Gisel.

You all rock! Happy Holidays to you all!

Disclaimer: I do not own Dark Shadows.

Chapter 16

'Jealousy is nothing more than a fear of abandonment'

~Unknown

Samantha's hands itched and tingled terribly as she held onto her master's shoulders and she could feel the heat rising from her neck to her cheeks the longer she remained in that position. The pit of her stomach was twisted into a million little knots of humiliation and sheer embarrassment and a huge wave of self loathing and disgust hit her like a ton of bricks.

Knowing it was too late and having the knowledge that she had lingered too much, she dropped her hands from his body and pressed hard against his chest, trying to get him away from her. For a moment he did not move and only tightened his hold on her, pressing his lips into a hard line. She could feel the tips of his fingers pressing hard against her thighs and she started panicking. Just a moment ago she had been ready to give him everything, she'd been willing to do anything for him but now the harsh reality had fallen upon them with the cruelest way. What had she been thinking? What had he been thinking? How could they had forgotten how many people they'd hurt with their actions?

"No." she whispered and she kicked wildly with her legs, pushing her palms against his chest and at last he relented. He put her slowly down and gazed at her for a long moment, as if Josette was not there staring at them with fat tears running down her porcelain cheeks.

"Now everything makes sense." Josette whispered as her wild eyes kept flickering from Samantha to Barnabas and back again.

Samantha stiffened and pulled her robe tightly around her body, shielding herself from the other woman's accusing eyes.

"Now?" Master Barnabas echoed as he turned and finally looked his fiancée in the eye, "Now, Josette?" he murmured as he looked at her as if really seeing her for the first time.

"Yes, now." She replied as she wiped her cheek but it was useless for more tears leaked from her eyelids.

"You needed to see this in order to understand? Could you not feel it?" Master Barnabas' voice was accusing and harsh and Samantha stared at him in shock. What was he on about?

"F-feel it?" Josette whispered and took a step closer, "Feel what? That you did not love me? That you did not even have the desire to touch me since that night where I almost…" she trailed off as a hiccup broke the flow of her words. She closed her eyes and when she opened them again they were filled to the brim with desperation.

"Yes, I felt everything. But as I stand here, watching you, seeing you for the first time, I have to say that you too did not feel anything too." She whispered and then her eyes went to Samantha.

Master Barnabas shot a hand out and pushed her behind his back as if trying to shield her. Samantha jumped back from him, feeling and knowing that the movement was too intimate for the situation they were in.

Feeling her moving away he stepped back too while Josette watched with incredulity.

"Who are you, Barnabas? Can't you see that this woman will be your downfall? And alright, she is free of any obligations while you…You promised me that you'd make me happy. That you'd never make me cry. You were not free to do as you pleased." Her speech was rushed and she stuttered a few times but the words seemed loud to Samantha's ears.

"She is a servant!" Josette hissed and Samantha would have felt better if she had slapped her instead.

"So, if she was a lady, it would have been alright?" Master Barnabas asked her fiercely and Josette faltered, giving his question some thought.

He laughed humorlessly, "Of course it would have been. That's how you've been raised to think. That's how I had been raised to think too. Josette, everything is a lie." He murmured and Josette's eyes widened for a moment before she averted her gaze from his.

"Of course, you've have this sort of conduct before. That's why you're saying these things." She whispered and Samantha blinked, trying to realize the woman's reasoning.

"Josette." Her master started as he stepped towards the trembling woman, his hands outstretched and his expression molded into what seemed like mild contrition and determination, "If my feelings were strong I'd never have to do this to make you understand." He told her and Samantha frowned.

Her eyes widened with naked realization. He knew Josette was staying the night and yet he had…

Oh, no.

"You knew I was here." Josette whispered in shock, "You knew and yet…" she took a deep breath as more tears slipped down her face, "How could you? How dare you make me feel like this?" her voice was dripping with venom and disappointment.

"Josette-…"

"How dare you make me feel so useless, so inadequate? And because of her? What can she give you? Don't you understand that what you want is impossible?! It always has been!"

Samantha had never heard Josette speaking so loudly and so boldly. It amazed her what hurt could make a person do and say.

"Always?" master Barnabas echoed the word back and then his eyes narrowed, "So, you knew. Since that day you accused me of having feelings for Samantha-…"

"Don't say her name!" Josette exploded, "Send her away! Why is she still here? Listening to this? This is between you and me!" then her gaze went to Samantha whose eyes had started stinging too, "Get out! Leave us! Haven't you done enough? After all the goodness I've showed you! How dare you? How dare you claiming him-…"

"Josette!" Barnabas' voice cut through her speech like a sharp knife and both women jumped at the force of it.

Josette turned her eyes on her fiancé while Samantha ducked her head and started backing away.

"Control yourself. This is not the behavior of the woman you claim to be." Master Barnabas told her in a deadly voice and Josette gasped.

Once she had recovered she spoke again, "And you're not the gentleman you pretend to be." She whispered, "But since I know that you're…a normal man, I will try and forget what you just said and did." Her eyes then went to Samantha who was staring at the ground, "As for her…I don't ever want to see her again. I don't care what you do with her." Her voice shook with anger and something else…To Samantha it sounded like forced and fake confidence.

Master Barnabas took a step closer, his fists clenched, "Give orders to your servants, Josette. Not to me." He told her and Samantha's eyes widened. What was he doing?

"Barnabas-…"

"The marriage is called off." He cut her off and Samantha might have gasped audibly. She wasn't sure because everything around her started spinning all of a sudden.

"Indefinitely." He whispered before he turned and walked away from her, leaving her gaping at him.

"Samantha, come." He called sharply and Josette's eyes glistened again as she stood frozen in her spot.

Samantha hesitated but after a few moments she realized that she should flee. Turning on her heel, she whirled around and walked away as well.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

"Why am I here?" Samantha whispered as he shut the door behind them and turned to her. He stared at her for a long time, his eyes roaming her shaking form before he took a deep breath and outstretched his hand towards her, palm up and inviting.

Samantha eyed his hand like it was poison and a wounded expression appeared on his handsome yet weary face.

"Is this what I get for betraying my own family, Samantha?" his voice sounded choked and it made her look at him with shock, "Are you going to discard me after tonight?" he murmured and suddenly she felt as if her emotions were choking her, suffocating her. Her hands tingled to touch him, to smooth the crease between his eyebrows, to take away all his worries because he had done just that. He had let down his family for her. For her.

She closed her eyes tightly shut and took a step towards him, her body shaking from the effort of not bursting into sobs.

His eyes lit up when he saw her approaching and when she flew herself right into his arms he groaned from the impact. Her arms encircled his neck and her legs coiled around his hips in an effort to bring herself closer and he moaned in sheer relief before he wrapped his arms around her. He pulled her more firmly against him and laid his cheek against the top of her head as she buried her face into the crook of his neck. Her tears stained the collar of his shirt and robe but he did not care. His hold on her tightened, bruising her skin but she felt no pain, only relief and dread. Dread because she knew that everyone would find out and throw her out of the house, tear her away from him. And she wasn't sure if he could follow her. She did not know his limits and she hoped that she never found out how far he was willing to go for her. She didn't deserve it because she owed him so much. Because she herself had no sacrifices to make. But he had.

"What have you done?" she whispered against his skin, her lips brushing against his neck, staining him with her tears.

His hold on her became even tighter as he replied, "What I should have done." He murmured against her hair before he inhaled her scent deeply.

"For me?" she asked him in a barely audible voice and he laughed.

"Only for you. Who else? I'd do anything for you." He told her fiercely before he started walking them backwards.

She pulled her head back and regarded him with red, swollen eyes. He smiled at her softly before his eyes went to her lips. She moistened them with her tongue for they felt so dry and itchy. She could still taste him there and his eyes followed the movement before he raised them to her eyes again. Without breaking eye contact with her he closed the small distance between them and kissed her. He weaved his fingers into her hair to pull her closer before he led them blindly to the adjoining washroom.

Once they were in there he placed her on a stool and pulled away from her with reluctance. He pulled her hands away from his neck and kissed her palms before he stood and walked over to the water basin. He soaked a clean, soap scented cloth and brought it back. He kneeled down in front of her and wiped at her face with the cool fabric, washing her tears away.

"No more tears." He murmured with a frown and on an impulse she reached out to brush the frown away, smoothing her fingertips across his brow. He smiled at her with warmth before he tucked her hair behind her ear, running his hand through her hair for a moment before he pulled his fingers away and locked eyes with her.

"This is not over, you know." He whispered and she tensed, "I do not know what her actions will be. I don't know what she'll do or say. Josette…She is not a cruel person but I realize that what I've done would overwhelm any person." He averted his eyes and she nodded.

"Maybe I should start gathering my things then." She whispered and he looked at her sharply.

"You'll do no such thing. Do you hear? You're not going anywhere until everything is resolved." He told her firmly and she gulped.

"It will be resolved only in one way, Ma-…" she stopped herself and he gazed at her intently.

"I am no longer your master, Samantha." He breathed, "And I know how all this will be resolved-…"

"Master?" a voice called from the chamber and they both froze.

Footsteps approached and Barnabas stood, his posture straight and arrogant as Angelique peered into the room.

"What do you want?" he asked her more harshly than he meant and Angelique's eyes went to Samantha.

Her gaze turned sharp and bitter as she looked back at her master, "I found Lady Josette at the parlor. She's in an awful state so I took her back to her room. What is she doing here?" she asked and Samantha stood, getting out of her dazed state.

"That is none of your concern." He replied, "Next time you decide to come in here I'd appreciate it if you knocked first. Do not forget your place and what I've told you." His voice was dark and imperious and so different than before, "Unless you want me to reveal your odd peculiarities to the entire family. Am I clear?" he breathed close to her face and Samantha frowned.

Odd peculiarities? What did that mean?

Angelique smirked up at him before she gave a bow full of fake humility, "Crystal clear, Master. When they throw her out of the house, I'll be expecting you to come crawling back." She whispered before she flicked her finger over his jaw.

He grabbed her wrist in his hand and she gasped, "Get out." He muttered before he pushed her away. She grinned one more time before she turned and walked out of the room.

Samantha shivered at the look in her eyes. Something was coming and it was not good.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

A day later…

Samantha's hand shook as she poured the tea and she did not dare look at Ms. Du Pres in the eye. Something was wrong because the woman seemed totally composed and calm. Master Barnabas was also looking at his supposed fiancée with complete perplexity and a little bit of dread.

Once Samantha stepped back, Lady Collins spoke up, "So, will you two tell me why you have decided to postpone the wedding?" she asked and Samantha froze.

Master Barnabas looked at Josette who smiled softly, "We just decided that we need more time to prepare." She replied and Master Barnabas' eyes narrowed in shock.

"No-…"

"It's true, isn't it, Barnabas?" Josette turned to look at him and he was suddenly all too much aware of the dazed look in her eyes. Something was wrong.

"I…" he trailed off.

"Is it so, my son?" Lady Collins asked with a frown.

Samantha's eyes lingered on her master for a moment and she watched with a little bit of relief as he nodded.

"Indeed it is true. We need more time." He said quietly and his frown deepened when Josette turned to smile at him serenely, her expression innocent and unassuming.

"My dear, are you alright?" he asked before he could stop himself and Samantha waited for the woman's response with bated breath.

"I am fine, darling. Why wouldn't I be?" she asked with a small frown.

Barnabas nodded and leaned back in his chair before he shot a worried glance towards Samantha. She stared right back at him clueless.

Suddenly, Josette put her cup down and stood, "I think I shall take a stroll in the garden." She announced happily before she turned and walked away.

Master Barnabas politely stood when she did so and watched her leaving with an odd feeling of fear.

Something was definitely the matter with her…But what?

"Barnabas, there is a matter I want to discuss with you." Lady Collins said and her son turned to look at her.

"Yes?" he asked with attentiveness while Samantha started picking up Josette's cup and plate.

"Absurd but at the same time very true information has reached my ears." She paused, "It has to do with Angelique." She said quietly and Master Barnabas frowned.

"What is it?"

"I know you were quite fond of her in the past and that is why I had accepted all her mistakes but there is a vicious rumor around. The maids have seen her practicing some… ungodly methods. They've seen peculiar things and they have informed me of it. I have made a decision and I hope you approve." She said and Samantha paused before she started backing away.

"No, stay, child. It's no big secret that for months now everyone in this household has been suspecting her of witchcraft. What shocks me is that I was the last to know." Lady Collins said in a strong voice and Master Barnabas bit his lip.

"It's was just a suspicion, Mother." He said softly.

"Nevertheless, I cannot keep providing her shelter. Not when I found out that her mother died because of her evil ways." Lady Collins said and Samantha gasped while Master Barnabas regarded her coolly.

"What shall we do then?" he asked her quietly.

Lady Collins straightened in her chair, "I have decided to dismiss her from her duties. If she agrees I have found her a new position at the church. She will agree if she is innocent."

Master Barnabas bit his lip, "I won't go against you, Mother. You know that. But perhaps we should do it…in a refined way. We cannot just throw her out so abruptly." He reasoned quietly and his mother nodded.

"Of course. I shall speak with her tonight." Lady Collins said before she stood and walked away.

Samantha looked at Master Barnabas and he only sighed before he buried his face into his hands.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

"Master, please! You, who are so kind, tell me that you don't believe these accusations!" Angelique's voice was hysterical with panic as she clutched Master Barnabas' sleeve and raised his hand to her cheek, nuzzling it against her skin while he tried in vain to pull it from her grip.

"Angelique, please. You're making a scene." He pleaded quietly as his mother, Samantha and two other maids stood by the door. Rosy held Angelique's belongings in her hands while Samantha watched with wide eyes, not believing that they were actually dismissing her.

"Please, don't make me go." Angelique whimpered but Master Barnabas was unrelenting.

"It's not my decision. I cannot do anything to stop it. Please gather yourself and leave with dignity." He told her as gently as he could before he pulled his hand away from her cheek.

"How can you do this to me?" she whispered, her eyes sharp and accusing.

"There is a home waiting for you. Perhaps they'll be able to tame you and make you see sense. Please, don't make this harder than it has to be." He murmured as he gently touched her arm. She flinched and stepped back while shaking her head.

"I won't ever forget how you discarded me so easily. Do you hear me? I promise you now that you will rue the day you were born-…"

"That is enough!" Lady Collins cut her off as she stormed to the door and peered outside, "Mr. Stevens! Remove Ms. Bouchard from the grounds immediately. Then you shall escort her to her new home." She called and the guard nodded his head before he entered.

Once he touched Angelique's hand she whirled around and pushed him roughly away before she grabbed her belongings and stormed out of Collinwood. On her way out, the large front door was slammed closed by an invisible hand.

Master Barnabas froze while the maids and his mother gasped out loud.

"God almighty…" Lady Collins whispered while clutching a hand to her chest. She took one last look upon the door before she turned and walked away.

Rosy and Maria bowed their heads and excused themselves while Samantha still stared at the closed door.

Master Barnabas took a deep breath before he walked over to the door and touched it with his fingertips.

"Good God." He whispered in shock before he swallowed hard and turned towards Samantha, "Thank heavens my father is not back from his trip. He'd be furious." He murmured and she nodded.

"Sir?" she looked up at him and he nodded as he approached her.

"Barnabas, darling." He breathed as he reached up and rubbed a lock of her hair between his fingers.

She flushed but another more important feeling was burning her up.

"I think there is something wrong with Lady Josette. She's just acting like nothing's happened." She whispered and he paused before he pulled his hand away.

"I think so too, Samantha. I think so too…" he muttered before he grabbed her shoulders and pulled her to him, embracing her tightly.

For once she did not resist his public display of affection. A storm was coming and she knew it; she was certain of it. The sky above Collinsport had darkened and it could only mean on thing; the time to endure Angelique's wrath had arrived. They just didn't know where she'd strike first.

End of chapter 16

Author's note: Thank you for reading! I had meant to include more in this chapter but I changed my mind because it'd be too much. So, for those who have read the sneak peek for this chapter, consider it as the sneak peek for Chapter 17. ;o)

Okay, so please review and make my Christmas a little bit brighter! Reviews feed the muse and I took time out of candy making to write this, lol!

Oh and if you haven't done so already, please check out my newest Dark Shadows story, Out Of Control. :D

Till next time, loves!

Merry Christmas!

Xxx Lina :)