Chapter Nine: Can't Fight The Moonlight
Theresa's breath hitched in her throat. It was breathtaking, Charlotte had really out done herself, the ballroom was stunning. Everyone looked beautiful, a small band played classical music over in the far corner. The wood floors shone so brightly; she didn't know you could even buff a floor that much. She truly felt two feet tall.
"Darling," General Cornwallis clapped a hand on her shoulder. " Are you enjoying yourself?" he smiled smugly. fishing much? she couldn't help it. She absolutely loved the man, but his constant need for his ego to be stroked made her a little uneasy.
"Oh I'm havin a blast!" eye brow raised, and he twisted his lips into a grimace. "Oh so sorry, It's really beautiful you have truly outdone yourselves." Theresa gushed earnestly. The older man instantly perked up, a smile found it's way to his lips and his eyes sparkled. Theresa's eyes scanned to room all the while politely listening to General Cornwallis talk on and on about she wasn't quite sure what. There she was; her savior; her best friend. Charlotte was absolutely stunning; a beauty that girls could only hope to be…which puzzled Theresa sometimes..the general was lovely; but not all that attractive..Charlotte had to look like her mother.
She flittered too and from person to person; quite the social butterfly. The very handsome man on her arm smiled widely. He had high cheekbones; a lean build and sandy blonde hair tied back. Their arms were intertwined and Theresa couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy; that was her only friend….and now with Harold around she would never have time for her anymore. She'd only be a third wheel.
Lightly she drummed her finger against the crystal wine glass, as she bit her bottom lip nervously.
"Excuse me, dear." The general said politely as he slid a hand across the small of her back. Nodding slowly she offered a small smile over her shoulder. Only to see the very friendly face of Captain Wilkins making its' way to her, a genuine smile spread like wild fire. Waving the young man over they chuckled to each other.
"You look absolutely stunning lady Theresa!"
"Aww thanks, James." she blushed deeply and gazed down at her feet. James moved to her side and followed her gaze.
"So what do we think of him?" both stared at the young mister Harold, Theresa had a look on her oval face as if she smelt something terrible.
" He seems nice enough." James out right laughed.
"Of course! That is why you look about to vomit, dear." James chuckled raising his glass to his lips, taking a small sip as he glanced at her sideways.
"I do not!" Theresa laughed, covering her mouth with her hand. James raised an eyebrow skeptically, taking another sip. They had a bit of a stare down for a moment Theresa kept her gaze fixed on him refusing to give in. So fixed she didn't even noticed Charlotte and Harold behind her.
"Darling!" Charlotte sounded amazingly upbeat and happy, which made Theresa somewhat happy for the girl. " Have you met Harold yet?" She gestured to the man attached to her side, Glancing at him Theresa nodded slapping a fake smile on.
"No I haven't….but I've heard so much about you I feel like I know ya." She smiled wider. Faker. Charlotte's smile widened considerably as she clung to the man at her side looking up at him adoringly.
"Likewise." he said stiffly looking down at her. The poor boy looked like he wanted to runaway at any moment.
"Harold Darling, where is your dear sister I would love for Theresa to met Sophia…" Charlottes eyes darted around to crowded ballroom searching for the mystery woman.
Harold grimaced; raising his glass and downing it.
"Where ever the most men are.." he seemed to mutter bitterly.
"Ah ha ha, oh darling." she playfully slapped the man in his arm. Rolling his eyes; he downed the rest of the dark red wine with a grimace. "Well, I just thought you two should meet." Charlotte smiled. Again Theresa smiled and nodded at the man who seemed to begrudgingly return it. James stood off to the side a hand on the back of Theresa's upper bicep, he gave it a gentle squeeze. Charlotte leaned over pecking Theresa on a rouged cheek, and smiled warmly. "Well must be off… Shall we have 'girl's night' then?"
"When?" Theresa raised a skeptical eyebrow.
"Tuesday evening?"
"You sure Mister Harold won't mind?" Theresa raised her blue eyes meeting the mans lightly colored hazel, he smirked.
"Charlotte knows; I like to have my space." He wrapped an arm affectionately around Charlotte's waist. Theresa nodded slowly a puzzled look briefly crossed her features. James also raised an eyebrow but it left his face as quickly as it had appeared.
The night air was beautiful and balmy; the stars twinkled brightly in the pitch black sky. She sighed; she'd never seen anything like this back in 2011. It was quiet except for the distant echo of music and laughter; no cars or trucks. The gentle song that the crickets sung was soothing.
He had needed a break; it was getting too congested in that hellhole. Every single guest fawned over the lord general and his brat of a daughter; he just couldn't listen to it anymore. There were a million things his men should be doing; like finding more information on the Ghost, not sitting around some social event with all of these pampered imbeciles. He couldn't help but notice her; the Wretch. She looked so lost in the garden on that bench alone. Her tiny petite form almost being swallowed up by the plants. She was a beautiful little brat. Oval face; high cheekbones; that long beautiful hair; fair skin. Ever since that evening when he'd seen her…in her most vulnerable form he couldn't shake the image of her nakedness from his mind.
He moved toward her silently; but as he closed in, his heavy boot snapped a fallen branch. Theresa jumped and looked all around her panic stricken. Her gaze landed on him and she seemed to seize up.
"Good Evening, Theresa." He bowed a bit at the waist. She seemed to stare down at her lap, wringing her small hands.
"Colonel; how are you?" She smiled shyly; a light red blush crept up her cheeks. He saw the color flush her cheeks, and he felt a sense of smug satisfaction.
"Well," Bringing up a large masculine hand he patted the green lapel of his uniform where his wound had been. "I assure you; no lasting damage."
"Glad to hear it." Theresa brought her head up a genuine smiled gracing her lips. Tavington shifted his weight from one foot to another; there was a slightly awkward silence between the two.
"I never did thank you for your care." He started.
"Oh no problem." she chuckled waving her hand dismissively.
"May I?" he gestured toward the empty seat next to her on the wooden bench. Theresa's cheeks burned a deeper shade of red, and she opened her mouth shutting it again; before finally finding her voice.
"Of course." She slid herself over a little more as she frantically tried to pat down her large light blue gown. Her gaze never left him as she watched his large form creep next to her, before sitting down with a sigh.
"Beautiful night." she said softly, raising her gaze back up to the sky.
"It is." he said simply, she shivered a bit. She was confused; she wasn't cold.
"Are you chilled, Theresa?"
"No, I'm fine." But he still unbuttoned his uniform jacket; shrugging out of it he slid it on to her smaller shoulders. A deep chuckle came from the back of his throat as he looked her over.
"What?" She hissed defensively; as she self consciously slid a hand over her hair; smoothing it.
"You look so small, like a child." he laughed. She had to admit this was the first time she'd even seen even a hint of a smile.
"I am not a child." she huffed.
"Of course not." he had stopped laughing. His gaze seemed to burn the side of her face as his eyes roamed her; much to her shock he didn't even try to hide it.
" Little bit boring isn't it?" she gazed ahead of her not trusting herself to look at that handsome face and not break into a fit of girlish giggles.
"What is that?" His eyes followed her gaze but tilted his head towards her slightly.
"The party."
"Oh yes…they always are a bit."
"The rich talking about how all powerful they are?" he laughed.
"See you've already figured it out perfectly! The purposes of these things are for all of us to compliment the Lord General on what a master of the universe he is;" he seemed to mutter bitterly.
"Well, I think I've had enough for one night." Theresa groaned, brushing off the skirt of her light powder blue gown, their eyes met.
"May I escort you back to your room?" He stood offering her a hand. Slowly and unsurely she slid her much smaller hand into his. A jolt of electricity rushed up her arm and through the rest of her body.
"I'd like that." she whispered softly, her foot kicked at the dirt. Tucking her arm inside his; he led her. They talked; like two normal people. Theresa had to admit she liked it. There was no yelling or fighting for once. No biting little comments, it was just…nice. Tavington couldn't stop himself from looking down at the beautiful young creature. She looked ravishing in his clothes; there was something so gratifying about seeing her wrapped in something that belonged to him. So shy, painfully so, but it was endearing. He had become so accustomed to the camp followers; not a thing shy or modest about them. Then there was her shy, clumsy, modest.
He had no doubt once you break that cool exterior there was a ...woman inside just begging to come out. Stopping outside her door, she looked up at him. Biting her bottom lip, she smiled.
"Thanks again, it was nice." she cautiously slid her hand over the door knob. Slowly opening the door. Every part of her was begging for something to happen. She wasn't sure what she wanted to happen but something. Anything. DO SOMETHING! She wanted to scream at him. "Well, Good night." She stepped over the threshold.
"Goodnight." he said gruffly. Theresa hesitantly waved her fingers as she slowly closed the door with a click. There he was; he found himself staring at the dark cherry colored wood of her door; muttering curses. He turned swiftly on his heel and stalked down the long hall; back to the party. What the hell? He had never had a problem wooing a woman; but she was so shy so guarded… he just was quite sure how to approach her without frightening her away. Muttering to himself about the damned wretch he stopped.
Looking down the hall again back toward her door. She was only ten feet away; undressing most likely. Drawing a deep breath he stalked back to her door, his heavy boots thudding every step of the way. Raising a fist he knocked on her door. He could hear her shoes shuffling inside,it seemed to take forever but the door slowly swung open, her face looking up at him
"Colonel." she looked puzzled. Without a word he wrapped his strong hands around her the back of her neck the other around her waist. He drew her in flush against, slowly agonizingly so he lowered his lips to hers; he gave her every opportunity to protest; but she hadn't. That did it. He crushed her small frame against him; his hand cupped the side of her face drawing her lips to his. She felt a giddy thrill surge through her body when his lips met hers, his lips where slightly cool but his mouth had been warm and delicious in contrast. She could taste a hint of either wine or brandy on him.
"Open your mouth." he growled against her; stroking the back of her neck. She was about to argue that it was, when she realized her meant to part her teeth. She did, throwing caution to the wind, his hands crept down her sides caressing her hips, he pulled them to his grinding against her.
"Ugh" she groaned as he seemed to pull away.
"Good night Theresa, sweet dreams." He smirked evilly, a smug sense of pride welling inside him, she'd beg him to take her sooner rather than later, she would break. He was sure of it.
A/N: Please review! Love you all!