Beyond The Velvet Claws The Epilogue
One Month Later
The blue-green water of the Pacific Ocean glistened like diamonds in the golden rays of the morning sun. The calm waves picked up momentum as they made their way towards the sand, their bright white peaks rising taller the closer they came to the shore. The sound of them rolling in and finally coming to break against the stone wall outside the room woke Della Street from a peaceful sleep. As she opened her eyes and looked at her surroundings a smile began to form at the corners of her mouth. Feeling strong arms around her and warm breath on her neck, her smile grew wider and she snuggled up closer to Perry Mason, turning into him a bit and placing her head on his chest, content just to lie still, hearing the steady rhythm of his breathing. She stayed in that position for a while longer, then as quietly as she could, extricated herself from him and slid out of bed. Shrugging on her robe, she walked over to the French doors leading to the lanai. Softly opening them, she stepped outside and breathed deeply. Taking in the breathtaking sight around her she said to herself, "well Mr. Mason, once again you kept your promise and once again you've outdone yourself. When you said you were taking me to paradise you weren't kidding. Two weeks here in Hawaii. It doesn't get any better than this." Della covered her mouth to stifle a yawn then giggled slightly as her tummy rumbled. Walking back into the bedroom she was happy that Perry was still asleep. She had plans for her wonderful lawyer and she needed a little more time. After making a quick call from the phone in the living room of their suite, she headed for the shower, a mischievous gleam in her eye, a sly smile on her lips.
Even before he opened his eyes, Perry felt Della next to him, felt her warmth and softness. He breathed in her scent… the bubble bath she used, the talcum powder, lotion and finally the perfume. Della always used just the right amount of each to attain the desired effect…..and it always worked. Perry didn't know exactly how she did it but he didn't care. He always loved whatever she used. Each time he felt intoxicated by it…..by her. She was his elixir. Her hair, her smile and her eyes….oh God those eyes. They were the windows into her soul and just with a smile and a look, he always knew what she was thinking…..what she wanted. Perry breathed in another scent as he felt something soft traveling down from his forehead to his chin. Opening his eyes, he smiled as he saw the delicate flower. It was one of the roses from the two dozen he'd had delivered before their arrival at the hotel.
His gaze finally came to rest on Della's beautiful face and his eyes locked onto hers.
"Good morning handsome. How's my favorite attorney?"
"Good morning to you,angel. I'm just fine, especially after this." Perry reached up and put his hands around Della's waist, tugging her to hm. "I thought you'd sleep in this morning. After all, we are on vacation.
"I know that Counselor but it is so beautiful here and I don't want to waste one minute of this spectacular day. So I ordered breakfast and I thought that after we eat we could take in some of the sights. Then maybe later this afternoon we could go down to the beach and just sit on that gorgeous white sand, swim in that inviting water and of course have those drinks with those little umbrella's in them. How does that sound?"
"That, Miss Street sounds great and of course we'll do whatever your heart desires, you know that…..but first….." Perry's eyes twinkled and he raised his eyebrows suggestively, pulling Della closer to him. He was already beginning a trail of gentle kisses down her face and caressing her arms, removing her robe and the silky nightgown underneath.
Della had a hard time speaking. "Per…Perry…Break ….breast fast will ge …get cold"
"I don't care. We can always order room service again or go out. Right now, I'm hungry for something else.
The gentle kisses began to intensify and Perry slid his hands under Della's back holding her just a bit tighter. He then moved his hands over her breasts, down to her waste and hips, his fingers brushing over them so lightly that Della shivered. When his hands reached her thighs, she moaned and Perry effortlessly moved her slightly so that her legs were over his and their bodies intertwined. His arms moved seductively up and down her body and he met her lips with his own, leaving sensuous kisses on her mouth. His kisses then moved up and down her body…tasting her…..teasing her…..tantalizing her until she could stand it no more and shuddered in his grasp.
Perry Mason had fallen in love with Della Street the moment he saw her. He knew right then and there he would love her like he had never loved no other woman and it would be forever. At the very second, his eyes met hers, he began to perspire, his pulse began to race and his heart beat so fast, he felt as if it would explode. Even if this beautiful creature never returned the feeling, Perry knew he would love her always. Private person that he was, he kept these feelings to himself, not even sharing them with Paul Drake…his best friend and the man he loved like a brother, for fear Paul would think he had finally lost his mind. Fortunately, his fears and doubts were put to rest that day in the hospital when he told Della how he felt and she admitted she felt the same. Hearing Della profess her love for him was the happiest day of Perry's life. It only reinforced what Perry already knew. Della was his anchor….she was his balance, the calming force in his life. No matter the circumstance Della always made him feel that he could do anything. She was the best part of him and as long as they were together all was right with the world. Now holding Della, Perry felt those same feelings…he began to perspire, his heart beat faster and his pulse raced. His thoughts at that moment were to only please her…to give her pleasure. …taking great care with her…letting her know how much he loved her. Although he always made sure Della knew he loved her by his words it wasn't enough. He wanted more…..he needed more. He had to show her by his actions….by making love to her and in that love he would gently, tenderly, let her know how much she meant to him.
Della sighed softly, letting herself get lost in Perry's embrace. Della loved being in Perry's arms….those strong arms that held her so gently and tenderly. She always told him it was her favorite place to be. When he held her, she felt safe, protected and warm…..and very loved. From the first day they met, the beautiful brunette was drawn to the handsome attorney. As the days and weeks went on, she found herself struggling with conflicted feelings. She was falling in love with her employer but that was not what she had bargained for when she became his secretary. She too was a private person and had made up her mind long ago she would never mix business with pleasure. It never worked. It was too messy….too complicated. Then she met Perry Mason…..he of those enticing blue eyes, that captivating voice and that wonderful, charming smile. Add to that charismatic, complex, handsome, kind and respectful and Della was hooked. She kept her feelings under control and managed to put up a bit of a wall…until that day in the hospital. In one unforgettable moment her life changed forever, leaving her with exhilaration, excitement and strangely enough an unbelievable feeling of peace. Right then and there, Della Street knew that Perry Mason would be the love of her life. She would love him with her whole being and it would be forever.
As their desire and need for each other intensified, Della's coherent thought process became foggy and she felt herself being drawn further into blissful oblivion. As much pleasure as Perry was giving her, the most important thing to her at this minute was to fulfill his needs….to show him how much she loved him. Softly and sensuously she began to leave rub his chest in circles then worked her way up to his neck, throat and finally his lips, brushing them with the lightest of touches. She held his face in her hands, then ran them through his thick dark hair and down to the back of his neck, stroking him with just the tips of her delicate fingers, all the while repeating the course her hands had taken with soft kisses. Suddenly, breathing heavily, Perry reached out and held Della's hands to him, kissing them softly. Pressing his lips to hers, he kissed her first gently, then deepening the kiss with a hunger and passion that left Della witless. Just before Della lost all train of thought and gave herself completely and willingly to Perry's control, she heard him gasp then call out her name. He then uttered the words and she repeated them….the same words they said to each other every night before they fell asleep…" I love you….always and forever….only you."
The soft tropical breeze traveled up from the ocean and over the sand, gently covering the crowd with its perfect warmth. The stars sparkled like tiny diamonds against a black pallet and the pearl orb of the moon spread its yellow glow lighting up the brilliantly clear night sky.
Against this natural beauty, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel…..the 'Pink Palace,' stood tall and big, it's majestic beauty sitting on the sands of Waikiki beach with another entrance on Kalakaua Avenue.
This evening the hotel was hosting a dinner outside on one of the six terraces. Tables set out were laden with both traditional and American fare and had been placed along the back of the lanai. Tikki torches graced the perimeters. A band in one corner, complete with a lovely singer, played rock and roll, swing and romantic music, encouraging the guests to dance.
Perry and Della walking hand in hand, were dressed casually in keeping with the night's theme. Perry was dressed in khaki slacks, a short sleeved navy polo, brown alligator belt and brown loafers. Della, looking beautiful as ever wore a pair of white Capri's and a three quarter length sleeve pale pink blouse patterned with tiny flecks of darker pink. Around her tiny waist was a white leather belt and pink sandals completed her ensemble. Her hair and make-up were perfect as always and on her neck she wore the locket Perry had given her. Her ears held the beautiful pair of ruby earrings Perry had given her when he brought her home from the hospital after her ordeal with Locke. A slim gold bracelet graced her wrist, that gift presented to her just before they left for dinner. Even though they were dressed casually, many a head turned as the handsome attorney and his stunning secretary appeared on the terrace.
After mingling with the crowd and having some of the delicious food and drink, Perry reached across the table and took Della's hand in his. Bringing it up to his lips he kissed it gently. His voice was soft as his eyes met hers. "Will you dance with me?"
"Of course I will Counselor. Della's smile was spectacular and her voice was silky and seductive.
Perry rose out of his chair and went around the table helping Della out of hers. Putting his arm around her waist, he led her onto the wooden dance floor. Holding her close, he led her around the floor with her easily following his lead, both mesmerized by the music as well as the sultry voice of the chanteuse. Anyone watching them, would have sworn they had been dancing forever, so graceful and perfect were they in their movements.
Without her heels, there was even more of a height difference between the couple so Perry had to bend over slightly to whisper in Della's ear. Softly, he began to hum, then sing the words to the song that was being played.
Love me tender,
Love me sweet,
Never let me go.
You have made my life complete,
And I love you so.
Love me tender,
Love me true,
All my dreams fulfilled
For my darlin' I love you,
And I always will.
Love me tender,
Love me long,
Take me to your heart.
For it's there that I belong,
And we'll never part.
Love me tender,
Love me dear,
Tell me you are mine.
I'll be yours through all the years,
Till the end of time.
The couple remained on the dance floor for the next song. It was one of their favorites. Perry gently pulled Della a bit closer into his embrace, leaving soft kisses in her hair and on her forehead.
Time after time, I tell myself that I'm
So lucky to be loving you
So lucky to be the one you run to see
In the evening, when the day is through
I only know what I know, the passing years will show
You've kept my love so young, so new
And time after time, you'll hear me say that I'm
So lucky to be loving you
I only know what I know, the passing years will show
You've kept my love so young, so new
And time after time, you'll hear me say that I'm
So lucky to be loving you
When the song ended, Perry nestled Della's chin in his hand then bent over and left a sweet kiss on her mouth. "Let's walk down to the water ok?"
"Now?"
"Yeah, it's a warm night. We're not going swimming Darling. I just want to stand at the edge."
"Alright but is there any particular reason?"
There was a mischievous gleam in the lawyer's eye. "Come on." They slipped off their shoes and walked down to the water watching the waves roll in and back out to sea.
Moments later they heard the voice of the singer come over the microphone. "This next song is for a beautiful woman from the man who loves only her… always and forever."
There were tears in Della's eyes as she looked up at Perry. She started to speak but he lovingly hushed her by placing his finger on her lips, then pressing his mouth gently on hers. When they broke away his voice sounded suspiciously rough with emotion. He brushed a bit of windblown hair away from her face and said "I love you baby, I always will. This song is just to let you know what you mean to me."
Della's voice was barely a whisper. "I love you too sweetheart and I always will."
The song began and Perry took Della in his arms. She placed her arms around in waist and they swayed more than danced to the song.
When no one else
Can understand me
When everything
I do is wrong
You give me love
And consolation
You give me hope
To carry on
And you try to show
Your love for me
In everything you do
That's the wonder
The wonder of you
Oh wonder of you
And when you smile
The world is brighter
You touch my hand
And I'm a king
Your kiss to me
Is worth a fortune
Your love to me
Is everything
And you're always there
To lend a hand
In all I try to do
That's the wonder
The wonder of you
[Brief Interlude]
I guess I'll never know
The reason why
You love me as you do
That's the wonder
The wonder of you
As Perry held the woman he loved in his arms, he began to tenderly caress her face, neck and arms where the sleeves of her blouse stopped. His voice was low, almost reverent when he spoke. You are so beautiful. You're beyond beautiful and your skin….it's so soft….almost ….almost like velvet."
Della looked up at this incredible man who she loved with her whole heart and soul. Her eyes held a look of promises of things to come and her voice was sultry, but there was a slight tease to it.
''Mmmmm…..I'm glad you approve Counselor. That's just for you. She pulled back a bit and a sly smile began to form at the corners of her mouth. "Now, just between you and me, aren't you glad my 'claws' are just as soft?"
Perry said nothing but retrieved their shoes from the sand. Handing them to Della, he then picked her up in his arms and carried her back to their room. Their laughter could be heard in the echo of the sea as the waves rolled in and back out again.