Wanton Splendor

by Bobbi Smith

He gently pushed the dress from her shoulders to expose the full, pink-tipped mounds of her breasts. Then, taking the time to admire her silken, ivory skin, he caressed her with a featherlight touch. Her nipples hardened encouraging him further as his mouth sought and found each peak. Enraptured, she held her breath as the erotic movement of his mouth upon her breast awoke her slumbering passions.

  Releasing Katie, Christopher shed his coat and spread it on the soft, fragrant grass. Coming back to her, his eyes dark with passion, he smiled at her tenderly.

  "I want to know all of you...to feel your softness against me. Love me," he invited.

  "Oh, I do," she came to him, trembling with the force of her passion.

  With Christopher's help, she soon stood unclothed before him. Proud of her love for him and equally proud of her body, Katie smiled sensuously.

  Christopher was enraptured. Katie was perfection. No fantasized vision could ever hope to compare to the reality of her sleek curves. With clumsy fingers, he unbuttoned his shirt and stripped it off.

  Without waiting for an invitation, Katie went to him, wanting to touch the solid wall of his hair-roughened chest and to feel the heat of his body next to hers. In a surge of blazing desire, they came together and moved to lie upon their makeshift bed.

  Katie was lost in the splendor of his embrace as Christopher bent over her and kissed her softly. He caressed flawless flesh in long smooth strokes that traced her from shoulder to thigh. Rolling to his side, he took her with him, cupping her buttocks and pressing her intimately to his strength.

  Thrilled at finally being in his embrace, Katie moaned in anticipation. It felt so right being with him. Molding her hips to his, she wrapped a slender, bare leg around his still clad thighs and moved eagerly against the hardness of his manhood.

  Christopher shuddered as Katie's leg encircled him and he couldn't stop himself from moving sensuously against her offered softness. Clasping her to him, he pinned her lightly to the ground with the seductive weight of his lower body. Supporting himself on his elbows above her, he paused, wanting to make the moment last. The way things were going, if he didn't stop for a moment, their joining would be over almost as soon as it had begun.

  "I want you, Katie."

  "Christopher, please..." she entreated, wrapping both legs around his slim hips, the tight ache within her begging for the ultimate release.

  Understanding her driving need for satisfaction, Christopher kissed her passionately and then slowly moved lower to explore the sweetness of her throat and bosom. Katie ground her hips into Christopher's, arching and driving against him in an innate effort to fill the emptiness within her. But he shifted away from her seductive twisting.

  "I need..." she moaned breathlessly as his hand slipped between her parted thighs. "Oh!"

  With tender, persistent strokes, Christopher teased her to the peak of passion as she writhed beneath his skillful hand.

  Holding his head to her breast, Katie sobbed her pleasure to him as she experienced her orgasm.

  Shaken by the power of her climax, she couldn't move as his kisses traced a lower path over her body. Wanting to discover her most sensitive spots, he lifted her hips to him and tasted of her. Katie bucked weakly at this unexpected, intimate invasion, but Christopher's hands stilled her. She lay languid and motionless as his lips and tongue forced her to arousal again.

  When he moved away from her to shed the rest of his clothes, Katie cried out to him, her body aching for the heavy, sensuous weight of him upon her. He returned to her in moments, drawing her legs around his waist and positioning himself against her wet heat.

  Excited by the contact, Katie reached down to explore this part of him. Holding him gently, she fondled him.

  He groaned as her inexperienced fingers stroked him. Kissing her deeply, Katie tasted the essence of herself on his lips. Aroused, no longer able to refrain from having her, Christopher covered Katie's hand with his and, together, they guided him to her. He entered slowly. At Katie's urging, Christopher began to move, driving into her depths and branding her his own.

  United, they soared together, giving and taking, until theif world exploded about them in a cascade of fluid light and suspended motion. Clasped in each other's arms, they fell to earth, replete and content, enthralled with the love they had just discovered. In quiet, they rested, each reliving with great wonder the joy of their union.

  "I love you, Katie Kingsford," Christopher's deep voice was rough with emotion as he lay beside her, cradling her next to him.

  "I love you, Christopher Fletcher," she returned, smiling up at him.

  She caressed his cheek with her hand and he turned to press a heated kiss on her palm.

  "You've given me so much..." He bent to kiss her lips.

  "I am yours, Christopher. All that I have.. .all that I am..." she pledged, trustingly.

  "You can't imagine how much that means to me."

  Katie looked at him questioningly. "I don't under stand."

  "I'm not what you think," he told her cryptically.

  "You're not a gambler?"

  "I won't deny that. I do know how to gamble and that I am good at it, but it's not my livelihood."

  "Oh."

  "I learned card playing when I went to the university he shrugged. "And usually I only play for sport."

  "Well, if you only gamble for fun, how do you make a living?"

  "I have business interests in Philadelphia..."

  "You mean you're rich?" Katie was astounded. At his nod, she shook her head in wonder. "But why lie?"

  "I didn't really lie. It was just easier in the beginning to let everyone think what they wanted. I don't like to talk about it. Most people are overly impressed by money and seem to treat you differently when they find out you're wealthy."

  Katie grinned at him. "It doesn't matter to me one bit if you're a gambler or not. I love you anyway."

  As Christopher bent to kiss her he thought of his future.

  Was there room for this woman in his life? Should he keep her with him in spite of the danger he was facing? He had never been responsible for anyone but himself... Could he love her the way she needed to be loved?

  Doubts assailed him. Logically, he knew he should run from such entanglements. He had his work to do and shouldn't let himself be distracted by a woman. But Katie wasn't just any woman. Confused, he kissed her once more and moved away to pull on his pants.

  Sensing his withdrawal from her, Katie, too, began to dress. Christopher came to her and helped her with the multitude of petticoats and the voluminous skirts. Before rebuttoning the bodice, he cupped her breast and lifting it to his lips, sucked it gently. Then, quite reluctantly, he began to cover her.

  Katie had stood spellbound as Christopher had toyed with her, working his magic upon her sensitive flesh. When he forced himself to stop, her frustration was great and she looked up at him questioningly.

  "No, my love. We can't tempt fate..." he told her, pulling her to him.

  "But it feels so good," she tried to explain.

  "I know."

  "Is it always this perfect?" she asked, resting her head on his chest.

  "Between us, it will be." His voice was velvet. "Always."

  When they had finished dressing, they began the walk back to Kingsford House, pausing at every concealing shadow to share a heated embrace.

  A late rising moon shone down upon them as they finally drew near the gallery. Patsy observed their approach from her vantage point in Suzanne's room.

  "I'll be in touch with you sometime this week," Christopher was saying as they stopped at his horse.

  "I'll be waiting."

  Mindful of the servants, he kissed her cheek tenderly. Katie closed her eyes as the touch of his lips brought serenity to her soul. How she wanted to spend the night locked in his arms, sharing love's most passionate embrace. When she opened her eyes again, he had already mounted his horse.

  "Good night, Katie. I'll see you soon," he told her softly before ri
ding off down the road.

  Katie raised her hand in a mute farewell, feeling empty and very alone as she watched him disappear into the darkness of the tree-shrouded lane.

  Andre stood with Suzanne drinking champagne in the main parlor of Windland, the Chenaut Plantation. The soiree had been pleasant enough but they were both decidedly bored.

  "I can't believe you didn't force her to come," Andre mumbled under his breath.

  "Frankly, I was glad to get away from her," Suzanne responded with a shrug. "Really, Andre, you must tell me what it is that you see in her."

  "Blond hair, a beautiful body..."

  "You can buy that in New Orleans, darling," she told him drolly.

  "She's a challenge, Suzanne. The unattainable virgin." Andre voiced his deepest feelings. "And I intend to be the one to breech her defenses, so to speak." He smirked at the thought.

  Suzanne looked at him, her expression one of great irritation, "I find it very hard to believe that someone of Katie's calibre has truly captured your heart."

  "Jealous, love?"

  "Hardly," Suzanne answered truthfully. "Just surprised."

  "And well you should be. I've never felt this driving need for possession before."

  "Not even with your black slave wench?" Suzanne asked sarcastically, knowing of his long-standing desire for Dee.

  "That was different and it's over now, anyway. I love only Katie."

  "Love? Andre, I don't think you're capable of that most tender of emotions," she chided.

  "Maybe not the way you think of it, but I want her more than I've ever wanted any woman," he told her earnestly. Then realizing how that had sounded, he added, "No offense."

  "None taken," Suzanne sipped her champagne in ladylike elegance. "I'm doing my best to encourage her in your direction, but she seems to find you unappealing."

  "I know. I made a mistake during our trip downriver.. .1 pushed too hard." He remembered very clearly her parting words after his first attempt at seduction. "But now, I'm prepared to win her slowly."

  "I wish you luck, Andre. She's quite enamored with Fletcher."

  "I know that too." He paused deep in thought. "What do you think of him?"

  "I found him quite handsome. Why?" She was noncommittal.

  "Why don't you make a play for him? Surely he'd find a dalliance with a woman of your stature far more entertaining than the company of a young, unsophisticated girl."

  "I had considered it."

  "Don't consider it, woman. Do it!" Andre was losing his patience.

  Setting her glass on the table beside them, she spoke over her shoulder as she walked away from him, "I'll see what I can do for you."

  And, for the time being, he had to be satisfied with her answer.

  Isaac, Mark and Suzanne sat in the quiet comfort of the carriage on their late trip back to Kingsford House.

  "A lovely evening," Isaac spoke contentedly. "What a shame Katie didn't feel up to coming."

  "I hope it's not anything serious," Suzanne added.

  "I'm sure she'll be fine by morning." Mark was confident.

  "Good," Isaac remarked. "I've been thinking. And I believe it would be most suitable for us to have a party for Katie and Mark... say a week from next Satur

  The idea nauseated Suzanne, but she smiled in agreement, "Of course, Isaac."

  "That should give you plenty of time for your shopping trip and to prepare the house. What do you think, Mark?"

  "It sounds fine," he agreed, hoping that the La Zear family would be included in the invitations. In spite of his attraction to Suzanne, he'd found himself watching for Jacqui all evening.

  "I want the best of everything, Suzanne. Spare no expense. And if Katie wants one of those white ballgowns like Renee Fontaine was wearing, then get it for her."

  "Naturally." She swallowed hard against the urge to scream.

  "I have to go to New Orleans on Wednesday. If you wish you may travel with me that day."

  "I would enjoy that." Suzanne's voice sounded hollow, even to herself.

  So, he was going to her again! She wished there was some way to put an end to this other woman's hold on Isaac, but she knew from past experience that it was useless. Cherie Delabarre had been Isaac's mistress for over twenty years.

  "Will you be returning to Greenwood with us?"

  "No. I have affairs to take care of in town. I'll plan to be back the Thursday before the ball."

  "Very well," she replied distantly, knowing with certainty what those affairs were.

  Mark sensed a change in the mood of the conversation, but he didn't understand it. He only knew that Suzanne seemed greatly distressed by something Isaac had said. Wanting to distract her, Mark made an effort at pleasant conversation but her monosyllabic responses did not encourage him to continue. Puzzled, he sat back and tried to enjoy the rest of the ride home.

  Suzanne excused herself and retired upstairs to her bedroom as soon as they reached Kingsford House. She was tired and most irritated. She didn't know why, but Isaac's infidelity still had the power to hurt her.

  As she entered the room and slammed the door vi ciously behind her, she was surprised to find Patsy waiting up for her.

  "Patsy? What are you doing here?"

  "Ah knows how you like to know everything dat goes on 'round here..."

  "Yes. So?"

  "While you was gone, dere was a gentleman caller."

  "Forme?"

  "No ma'am. He came ridin' up real quick like and asked to see Miz Katie. Said his name was Fletcher... Christopher Fletcher."

  "And did she receive him?"

  "Yes ma'am," Patsy offered eagerly. "Dey even went for a long walk outside-in de dark. And when she came back in..."

  "Thank you, Patsy. I get the picture. You may go," Suzanne dismissed her curtly.

  "You ain't mad, Miz Suzanne?"

  "No. Not with you, Patsy. You did the right thing. Thank you."

  "Yes ma'am," Patsy replied and withdrew from the room leaving Suzanne seething in silence.

  Was there no controlling the girl? Had she and Fletcher planned the assignation the night before? It would seem so and Suzanne was furious at having been outwitted by a mere child. Never again would she leave Katie unchaperoned.

  Readying herself for bed, she climbed beneath the covers dwelling on her plan for attracting Christopher Fletcher. Mark didn't even enter her thoughts as she plotted her next moves. And she would have laughed had she known that he lay sleepless in his room, waiting and hoping that she would come to him.

  After leaving Katie, the ride back to Greenwood went swiftly for Christopher as he passed the time reliving in his mind their encounter this evening. Hard put not to return to her most willing arms, he stopped at the quarters to see Joel, hoping the visit would distract him from his sensuous thoughts of Katie.

  Christopher found Joel and Dee alone in the cabin. Dee was asleep, so they went outside to talk.

  "Where've you been?" Joel asked, curious. He had not expected to see him again until after the Montards had gone.

  "I went for a ride," he replied, not wanting to reveal anything about his time with Katie.

  "This late?" Joel was openly skeptical. "What happened?"

  "Andre wants Katie.. .and he threatened..."

  "I wouldn't doubt it. Dee's told me more about what's been going on with Andre. He's a very dangerous man."

  "I've known that."

  "He wants Katie in a very bad way."

  "I know that, too. That's why I rode over to Kingsford House. I was afraid Andre had gone after her. But now I realize he has far more subtle ways ...he would never confront her directly."

  "So Katie's all right?"

  "She was fine," Christopher said, his relief quite ob vious. "But I warned her anyway."

  "Do you love her?"

  Joel's question jolted Christopher, "Am I that obvious?"

  "Only to me. I've never known you to care so much about a woman before."

  "I do care. Probably
too much."

  Joel chuckled, "She's sure special."

  Christopher growled as a flashing thought of her naked body, writhing in his arms assailed him. Standing abruptly, he climbed on his horse.

  "I'll send word as soon as the Montards are gone."

  "I'll see you tomorrow."

  Turning his mount down the path, he headed back toward the big house. Christopher had hoped to put Katie from his mind, but his conversation with Joel had only heightened his awareness of his need to have her with him always.

  Marie Montard had already retired when Christopher entered Greenwood house and only Emil and Robert were there in the study to greet him.

  "Andre's not back yet?" he asked taking the glass of bourbon Robert offered him.

  "I'm sure he'll be late," Emil spoke casually. "He undoubtedly went to Chenaut's dinner party."

  Christopher nodded, agreeing with Emil's inference.

  He was surprised that he hadn't thought of it sooner. Andre would have gone there in search of Katie.

  "Are all of the papers in order, Robert?" he asked, changing the subject.

  "Everything is acceptable."

  "Good." Looking at Emil with narrowed eyes, Christopher continued. "What time do you plan on leaving tomorrow?"

  Emil turned his cold-eyed gaze to Christopher, "We will be gone before noon."

  "That will be fine."

  "If you'll excuse me?" Emil left, not trusting himself in the same room with Christopher.

  Though Emil realized that the loss of Greenwood was his own fault, it didn't make it any easier to deal with the other man's high-handedness. Resentment flared within him, Someday... some way...he would even the score with this presumptuous Yankee.

  Robert turned to face Christopher after Emil had quit the room. "You've just made an enemy, you know."

  Christopher shrugged, refilling his glass. "He's not my first."

  A sudden thought of Katie sent a tingle down his spine and he smiled in spite of everything.

  "You seem quite pleased with yourself this evening," Robert noted casually.

  "I am, Robert. Things have been going so well... The Montards will be, gone tomorrow... Joel's back with Dee... and I..." he stopped not wanting to say too much.

  "And you?"

  "I am very thankful that this has turned out better than we had anticipated."