When Wendy awoke the next morning, the house was still silent. She glanced beside her and saw that Peter was still asleep. She smiled and softly touched his face, running a single finger down his cheek. He was so beautiful and wonderful and he was all hers. He'd said he'd never leave her and she believed that. He had tangled himself in the covers in his sleep, throwing them off save for the square of material that covered his pelvis and thighs. Wendy sat up in bed and stared down at her lover, taking in all of his glory. She couldn't believe how he had changed and how much of a man he had become. His muscles flexed while he slept soundly, his long golden curls fluttering softly. His strong arm rested behind his head while the other was covering his heart. His chest was so well defined and his legs were taut sinew. He looked like a golden god. She imagined this was the first time he had slept in awhile so she very quietly got out of bed and went to find a dress to wear for the day. Stopping in front of the window, she admired the sunlight streaming in and couldn't help but admire the view from her bedroom. The Goldbergs' mansion was quite expansive and beautiful. From her window, she could see the stables and a green pasture for the horses. Two large trees stood to the right of the barn, both decorated with ruby red apples. Mrs. Goldberg tended to a garden not far away, with beautiful various flowers blooming. Wendy stood for a moment, taking it all in.
Peter stirred fitfully, feeling that Wendy was gone and awaking suddenly. He looked around quickly and sighed with relief when he saw her at the window. He hoped he would get over that one day. That he wouldn't go insane every time he was away from her. But he seriously doubted it. With their history, though, it was a wonder that they weren't catatonic. He sat up and watched Wendy for a moment, wondering what she was looking at. It took him a moment to realize that he really didn't care; she was leaning against the window, stark naked and the sunlight was making her skin glow. She looked as if she had fairies dancing around her and her golden locks looked as if they were spun from gold. She was a heavenly creature and Peter remembered that she was his. This breathtaking woman, one that had drawn his attention ever since seeing her from the window, so many years ago, had given herself to him and would soon be his wife. He slid from the bed and very quietly made his way over to her.
She leaned into the glass, feeling the cold panes on her warm skin as her eyes traveled over the landscape. It reminded her much of Neverland. Even though the last trip had been horrible, she longed to go back and see it one more time. She wondered if Peter would agree to it before they married. But then…would going back make him want to stay? She didn't know. And where would they live once they were wed? She didn't know that either. She didn't notice as two strong arms wrapped around her until she felt flesh meet flesh, one of his hands resting on her flat stomach, the other on her breast. She gasped and jumped in his embrace, as his chest pressed against her back. She could feel his hardened length against her and it made her wet for him. She felt like such a hussy, getting turned on this easily but then again, only Peter could make her feel this way, she reminded herself. His tongue raked along her neck and shoulders and she leaned her head back onto his arms. His hand teased her breast, pinching and making her cry out. The other hand traveled slowly down her stomach and down between her legs; he felt how wet she was and wanted her even more.
"Gods Wendy, what you do to me," he whispered in her ear. She pressed herself closer against him, making him growl with desire. Her eyes shot open and she gasped as his fingers danced against her core, bringing her to the edge. Not bothering with the bed this time, Peter spun her around, swept her up in his arms, and pressed her to the wall. Her arms went around his neck as he thrust into her, swallowing her screams with his kisses. He held her thighs tightly, slamming into her over and over. Her fingers dug into his curls, making him deepen his kisses. They reached their peak together and he picked her up and tumbled into the bed, bringing her down with him. She giggled as she nuzzled into him, loving the feel of his arms around her.
"Will you ever get tired of it?"
"What? Making love to you?" She nodded and he gave her a stern stare.
"Sweetheart, you're mad if you think I could resist such a temptation. I can't even keep my hands off you in public! When we're husband and wife I will make you scream my name every morning and evening and will hold you in my arms afterwards until we do it all over again." She giggled and her hand grasped his.
"We'll have to leave the house at some point." Grinning, he leaned down and kissed her, feeling himself melded to her lips.
"I always wanted your kiss. From the moment I hovered over your bed, the first moment I saw you, before I even knew what a kiss was."
"Then how did you know you wanted it?"
"It's more genteel to say that rather than saying I wanted your body," he said with a smirk. She pretended to be shocked and hit him gently and he wrapped her in his arms again.
"Come on, sweet, we'd better get up. Mr. Goldberg wants to take me into town to find me a real job today."
"What happened to the stables?"
"Well, if you'd like, it's your job now. Mr. Goldberg admired how you handled Epona and said you'd do wonderfully with the animals. Besides, he thinks I need a real job and unfortunately I agree with him."
"Peter…are we going to stay here?" He sighed and stared at the ceiling.
"We don't have anywhere else to go. Until we save up some money, we're going to have to accept their hospitality. They really are wonderful people, Wendy."
"Oh I'm sure of it, I just think we need to find our own place."
"As do I. But nether of us have the means to do so. And Mrs. Goldberg so wants to help plan the wedding. Do you want to try to contact your family to invite them?" She didn't answer right away. She wanted more than anything to see her family again and for them to see her marry Peter. But she also didn't think they would understand. She'd die if they knew what she had been through. She'd never be able to tell them that she had been kidnapped and raped, among other things. Yes she wanted to see them again…but how on earth would she explain everything in a letter?
"Peter…can you still fly?" Peter looked quickly at her then back at the ceiling.
"I haven't tried. I don't think so though. I grew up. And there's no more pixie dust. I don't think I can, Wendy."
"If you can, you could fly me back to my house. Just to visit," she said quickly, for Peter had given her a stunned look and she realized what he was thinking. "I cannot wait to be your wife, Peter. But I need to explain it all to my family first. I can't put everything in a letter. I would want them to meet you first, as well. It would mean so much to me if we could find them, Peter." He pushed a strand of hair from her eyes and softly kissed her forehead.
"Of course we can go to them, my sweet. For you, I would do anything. Come on, let's get dressed and you can come into town with us. Perhaps you and Tori can go gossip and be girls." She swatted at him but missed as he flung himself from the bed and grinning, he stood up straight with his hands on his hips.
"Missed me. You're getting slow, Wendy, where has your speed from Neverland gone?"
"I was never as good as you. But it has been years, Peter, do give me a break." Grinning, he swooped down on her and gave her a kiss before he hurried back to his own room. Shaking her head, she went to the closet and selected a dress. Glancing into the mirror, she hurriedly put her hair up and made sure she looked presentable. Cocking her head to the side, she finally saw a bit of her old self again, something she had not seen in a long time. For the longest time she would want to cry when she looked into a mirror. Now she saw Wendy Moira Angela Darling, betrothed of Peter Pan and a stable girl in one of the finest mansions in England. Smiling, she winked at her reflection before she flounced down the stairs.
"Oh Wendy, I'm so glad you're awake. Have some breakfast, my dear, you must be famished." Mr. Goldberg gave her a smile as Mrs. Goldberg passed her a plate of toast and jam. Wendy gave them both grateful looks in return for she knew they now knew everything about her. They truly were some of the kindest people she had ever known.
"Mr. Goldberg, sir, Peter mentioned last night that you might hire me to work in the stables for you?"
"You worked a miracle with that mare of yours yesterday. I think we'd be lucky to have you work in the stables. Of course you won't be a mere stable girl. You'd have other duties with the horses. I have a feeling you are a magnificent rider."
"I actually don't know about that, sir, I haven't ridden in many years," she said, hunching her shoulders. Mr. Goldberg chuckled.
"Tori would love a riding companion and I know Peter will be kept busy with another job should we find him one. If you could tolerate her endless chatter, we may see about hiring you as a riding instructor. Paid for each lesson, of course."
"I think that is a wonderful idea, Mr. Goldberg, Wendy has the most patient of hands," Peter announced his arrival. He squeezed Wendy's hand before he accepted a bit of toast himself.
"Well Peter, are you ready to go into town? Wendy, you are most welcome to join us as well. If Eleanor would like to join us we can all stop for a bite to eat after we finish our business."
"Go on without me, dears, I have to see to the Garden Club meeting this afternoon. Mrs. Van Helden insists on the most unique of teas and of course I must accommodate her." Mr. Goldberg shook his head in disbelief at Peter and smiled.
"Just me and the two love birds then. Very well, you two, let us be on our way. Tori is due home from school at 2, yes?" Mrs. Goldberg nodded and Mr. Goldberg quickly kissed her on the cheek before he turned from the room.
Peter brought up two horses and offered the strong stallion to Mr. Goldberg. He jumped onto Darling's back then hoisted Wendy up behind him. Mr. Goldberg had told Peter he preferred to travel by horseback rather than carriage. He led the way into town and Wendy enjoyed the sights and sounds on the way, as her arms around Peter's waist tightened with every clip-clop of Darling's hooves.
When they arrived, Peter jumped down and offered Wendy his arm.
"Are you afraid of riding or did you just think you would make a fine corset for me?" he said teasingly.
"I'm sorry, I felt as if I was sliding off. I haven't ridden in years." He quickly kissed her cheek before turning to tie the horses.
"I'll give you a little riding lesson later. You're a lady of society, you will look at home on the back of a fine mare like Epona."
"'Miss Darling, allow me to steal away your betrothed for a little while. We must find the lad a real job," Mr. Goldberg said with a smile. Wendy nodded, smiling.
"Of course, sir. I'll just busy myself with his hard earned wages in these shops here." Peter's eyes narrowed playfully as Mr. Goldberg's shoulders shook with laughter.
"What cheek! You are going to be a handful aren't you?" Wendy grinned as Peter leaned forward to claim her mouth. Mindful of Mr. Goldberg watching, she returned the kiss very quickly and touched his cheek.
"I only jest, dearest. I'll be in these shops when you finish. I won't stray far." Peter's eyes met hers as he squeezed her hand and he turned to follow Mr. Goldberg down the road. Wendy entered the first shop and looked around, admiring the nice objects here and there. She remembered shopping trips with her mother, how she would always beg to purchase something for John and Michael. How she missed them. She caught sight of a black silk top hat and it reminded her of her brothers even more. Sighing, she moved on from shop to shop, window shopping at best.
Peter fidgeted nervously as he followed Mr. Goldberg into various buildings. Mr. Goldberg seemed to know what he was looking for but was not finding it in any of these buildings. Peter was on the verge of asking Mr. Goldberg what sort of job he was searching for when at last they came to a white marble building at the end of the road and Mr. Goldberg made a sound of approval. Peter followed him in and curiously looked around. There were many paintings of flowers and grass and of nature hanging on the walls. Some of them reminded him strongly of Neverland.
"Ah, Charles. I was about to give up on you."
"My apologies, Andrew, I wasn't sure which office you were in this time." Mr. Goldberg shook hands with the man warmly and patted Peter's shoulder.
"This strapping lad is Peter Pan, the best stable hand I have ever had. He's the one I was telling you about."
"He looks strong. Tell me, Peter, do you enjoy being out among nature?"
"I feel more comfortable under the trees than in a bed, sir," Peter answered honestly. Andrew laughed.
"If I could get my wife to sleep outside, I would. I like you, Peter. You seem to posses a strong spirit. Have you ever visited Hyde Park?"
"Sorry, no sir."
"One of the most beautiful parks you'll ever set eyes on. We call it Kensington Gardens. We are looking for a head gardener to tend the flowers and shrubbery and topiaries. Someone with a green thumb. Be you that man, Peter?" Peter leaned forward anxiously. This sounded so perfect for him. He had never liked to live inside while he lived on Neverland. The stars were his blankets, the grass was his bed. The crickets were his lullaby and until Wendy came, the island was his ultimate love.
"I should consider it a high honor, sir, and a privilege. I assure you the gardens will thrive in my care."
"Exactly what I love to hear. Come my boy, say hello to your home away from home." As he was lead out among the gardens he thought he might have been transported back to Neverland. It was so lush and green, he fell in love immediately. Andrew was pleased to see how Peter's face lit up. Peter couldn't believe how lucky he was. He was to marry the most incredible woman he had ever met and he was now head gardener of what he was sure was the most beautiful place on the planet Earth. Andrew led Peter and Mr. Goldberg around the garden, pointing out interesting pieces of history and introducing him to other members of the staff. Peter noticed he was one of the youngest gardeners around and he bit his lip nervously, worried he may not live up to expectations. But he shook himself and drew himself up proudly. He was Peter Pan, Prince of Neverland. The island had bloomed under his tender care for hundreds of years.
Wendy grew bored with window shopping and leaned against Darling contentedly, running her hand up and down the mare's muzzle. Surely Peter and Mr. Goldberg would be back soon. They had been gone for nearly two hours. She was about to jump onto Darling's back and ride down the street but a hand clapped over her mouth and she screamed against the roughened flesh.
"My gawd, if it isn't my favorite little hussy, Miss Wendy. So fancied up for us, eh?" The owner of the voice leaned in and sniffed at her hair, as she struggled against him.
"Ah stop struggling, Wendy, it's just me, Giles!" He leaned forward and captured her mouth under his and she yanked her face out of his grasp.
"Giles, get your hands off me! I am to be married!"
"A lucky lad. And is he aware of your murky past, my dearest girl?"
"He is," Wendy said proudly.
"Then shame on him. Once a whore, always a whore. And whores don't marry. They don't belong to a single man. They belong to all of us." When he reached for the front of her dress, she stamped on his foot with her heel, causing him to howl with pain.
"Hell cat," he swore and the last thing she knew was his hard knuckles across her face.
Peter stopped in his tracks, his hand flying to his heart.
"Wendy," he whispered. Mr. Goldberg and Andrew turned back to him, frowning slightly.
"Peter, are you alright?"
"I er…I need to get back to Wendy straight away."
"Son, she's fine. We left her in the shops, around many people. Nothing's going to harm her." Peter relaxed a little bit but he couldn't shake the worried feeling that something was not right. He hoped the tour was almost over; he hadn't been able to let her out of his sight for long and this was the longest he had been away from her since they had been reunited. He continued to walk with the two men, glad when Andrew announced they were nearly at the end of the gardens.
"Shh, she's coming to! You didn't 'ave to 'it her like that."
"Hell cat stepped on me. She deserved it. And anyway she claims she's betrothed. Can you imagine? Who in their right mind would wed a whore?"
"But look, she's got a ring on!"
"Stolen. Nothing's changed, she's still ours. 'Ere, Wendy, can you hear me, love? Open those pretty eyes and that pretty mouth too." Wendy groaned as her eyes fluttered open, then widening in horror as she realized where she was. Giles had brought her to one of the private rooms in the tavern, a room she had frequently visited in the past. She was surrounded by several men including Giles and with a start, she realized her wrists were tied.
"Release me, you brutes," she said angrily. Giles and the others laughed.
"What a mouth she has. Time to put those pretty lips to work, dearest." Giles stuffed his hardened cock into her mouth and she nearly choked.
"Don't you dare think of bitin' me, wench, it'll be the last thing you do." Tears poured down her face as he fucked her mouth and she felt him getting close. He released himself all over her, sighing in pleasure. Another man forced her legs apart and his hand dove between her thighs.
"My gawd, she's so wet," he screeched. Wendy kicked out and met some part of his anatomy.
"You'll be sorry for that, wench," the man snarled as he yanked at her dress, the material coming apart with a rip. Wendy let out a bloodcurdling scream as the man leapt onto her body, thrusting into her. Another ripped at her dress and took her breast into his mouth, sucking roughly at the delicate skin. The men laughed and jeered as they carried on their cruel treatment of the girl before them. She was only a whore, after all.
