Harnessed Passions

by Dee Jones

  Julia groaned, her nails raking the skin across his shoulders in an attempt to regain her composure. Daniel reached up and took her hands gently in his, pinning them to her sides as he kicked the covers off both of them to land in a heap on the floor. He had to have more; he had to take all he could while he had the chance, then leave her panting, begging him to love her. The urgency burning to life within his loins was overwhelming, as his kisses continued to trail lower.

  Julia's legs parted on their own accord and Daniel branded the inner flesh of her thighs with kisses of intense desire. She was his and he was going to make her realize it one way or the other. She would beg for him, she would call his name and he would answer with his flesh, filling her deep and full until she screamed her release. He heard her moan his name softly, spoken again through the waves of lust.

  He released her hands, no longer concerned with the condition of his own skin. He had to know more, he had to go further, tasting her sweet body and bathing her with his love. His fingers played with the apex of her desires until she was writhing beneath him. She was wet and eager for his touch and he was desperate to give her what she asked for.

  Daniel slipped his long middle finger slowly inside her tight body as his tongue found her clitoris and began teasing it. Julia gasped; her eyes opening wide with the realization as to what was happening and where his hands were. Good God! Her mind shrieked inside her head; she was naked! Daniel's mouth was locked on her crotch and his finger...

  "Daniel, no!" she insisted, trying to pull him away from her. This wasn’t happening; she wasn't prepared for this. Her mother was coming up at any moment and her brother could walk in; any number of things could happen and she wasn't willing to be caught like this. Daniel rose up, his lips brushing against her lower abdomen. He knew she had finally become aware of what was happening and was more frightened he had gotten this far, than what he was actually doing. He pressed and caressed the soft pad of flesh just inside her vagina as he looked up into her frightened eyes.

  "Hush, Princess," he told her kissing her navel gently. "I won't hurt you. God, you're so ready for me. Let me give you what you need." His voice was warm and soothing, but Julia closed her eyes; she couldn't listen to him, she couldn’t allow this to happen. She had to make him stop touching her, he had to quit licking her body and nipping at the tender flesh of her inner thigh; but oh Lord, it felt so wonderful.

  Her hand slowly eased its fight against him and Daniel smiled, gently thrusting his finger inside her wet, virginal body as his thumb found the core of her desire. His finger was slow and sure, but as he felt her vaginal muscles tighten, it became faster, steadier and more demanding.

  Daniel plunged his finger into her tight body with swift movements, transporting her to a sea of passion and wonder. She felt her insides turn to fire as she felt a strong need growing to life at his touch. He slowly slipped his tongue further down to caress her clitoris again, smiling as she moaned a gasping sound.

  He had been watching her, waiting for her to discover the world he was introducing her to and smiled when she closed her eyes. His touch began to become more urgent, more demanding and she frowned. There was a feeling just on the outer edge of what he was doing to her; a feeling that screamed for her attention, though she was unsure what to do or how to experience it.

  "Don't try so hard," he whispered, his finger moving at a steady rhythm. "You'll get there soon enough, just don't fight it." Julia's frown deepened, she didn't know what he was talking about, but less than a minute later her head rolled back and her body arched toward his mouth, pulling him deeper into her moistness. Daniel quickened the rhythm of his wicked dance, inserting two fingers into her, deep and hard. She called out his name in a soft scream, her fingers entwining in his hair as her legs locked around her shoulders.

  He continued to allow her to ride out her first orgasm, his tongue tormenting her into feeling it deeper as his fingers prepared her for the joining of their bodies. Julia panted and writhed beneath him, until he could bear no more and rose above her, his penis throbbing against her lower abdomen.

  "Oh God Julia," he groaned, pulling her against him. "Do you have any idea what you do to me; knowing how badly you want me?" Julia wrapped her arms around his neck. It was useless to fight him. She wanted him, she needed him and now she was his. She knew very little about sex, but she knew what had just happened to her was much more than she had ever experienced before...and she liked it.

  "Daniel," she whispered, her thoughts suddenly confused and cluttered with questions as her head lay against his shoulder, her lungs panting for air. "What if I get pregnant? I don't think I'm ready to be a mother." Daniel chuckled against her neck as he slipped his fingers out of her and lifting her legs around his waist.

  "You're not going to get pregnant, my Little Princess, until we’ve had sex." Julia blinked. What did he mean, until they had sex?

  "What was that then, if it wasn't sex?" she pushed away from him, putting an unwanted space between them. Daniel's eyes crinkled, though the amusement never reached his lips, or his voice.

  "That my love was just the beginning. There's so much more for you to experience."

  "Like what?" God, was she serious, he thought? Just how much of all this, did the girl really know?

  "You haven't had me yet," he said softly, hoping not to frighten her.

  "I did Daniel. I felt you."

  "You only had my fingers sweetheart. You're still very much a virgin until I make love to you."

  Julia's eyes widened as he pulled her tighter against him, allowing her to feel his hardened arousal pressing against her wet tingling flesh. She gasped in horror; suddenly aware of what he intended to do. She pushed herself free from his embrace and rolled him off her, scrambling out of bed and pulling the blanket that lay on the floor around her naked body.

  "You can't seriously mean..." she stuttered, glancing down suddenly. Her eyes grew even wider and her mouth dropped open, at the sight of this man next to her. Arousal had never meant this, did it? He was huge! There was no way on earth, she would ever be able to accommodate all of...that!

  "Julia honey it’s alright, I promise," he told her softly, reaching out for her, but she backed away, standing far enough away from him that he couldn’t touch her. "This isn't very fair, Princess," he accused, his voice soft, but his eyes determined as he followed her out of the bed. He stood before her, stark naked with the full evidence of his need for her throbbing in front of him.

  "Stay away from me," she warned, her voice near hysterical. She continued to back away from him, until she met with the dresser against the wall.

  "And if I don't?" he threatened, coming closer to her. "You're my wife Julia. I can easily take what you won't give me."

  "But...you won't?" Her voice shook; she was scared, not angry, just scared. He could see it in her eyes; he could see it on her pale face. Damn it, he cursed silently. He shouldn't have been so anxious to have what she knew nothing about; he should have taken more time and gone slower. Her reached up and ran a large hand through his hair, pulling it back from his handsome face in an attempt to regain his composure.

  "No Princess," he told her gently, reaching out and pulling her reluctantly against him. "I won't take anything from you that you won't give to me freely. Just relax, you're safe for now." His hands cascaded across the thick folds of blanket she had encased herself in as he caressed her back.

  He knew he would never have her, if he tried to force her. He had to be patient. He had to give her time to get used to this new treasure she had just discovered; she had to come to terms with these feelings on her own and he had to be patient; even if it killed him.

  "Daniel I'm sorry," she whispered against his chest. Daniel groaned. Patience was going to be damn hard to come by.

  "Don't worry about it."

  "But I honestly thought..." she began, but was stopped short by the look of warning on the man's face as he pulled away from her. He was still in danger of taking her and
she knew it. He kissed the tip of her nose before turning back to the bed and gathering his clothes, pulling his pants up across his tight buttocks.

  Julia diverted her eyes, but found the sight of him too overwhelming to ignore. His back was to her, which meant she could admire the strong span of shoulders that tapered down to a slender waist and long powerful legs, without being caught. This man had wanted her. That thought itself did more to her than the sight of his naked body. No man had ever wanted her before, at least she didn't think they had; not in the same way Daniel did.

  He turned, catching her emerald eyes admiring him and grunted verbally. He knew this waiting game could try the patience of a saint and he was no saint. Knowing what she felt like in his arms, knowing what she tasted like was going to drive him crazy within a week!

  Right now, he thought, he had to get the hell out of this room. The best place for him to be right now was down at the stables where he could work up a sweat and try to get his mind off her. He turned around and headed for the door, then stopped short and looked back across his shoulder to her. His eyes locked with hers and he decided to play one last ace, before he let her off the hook.

  "I’ll give you ten minutes to get dressed Julia, and come downstairs or I will be back and there won’t be any escape for you again. We'll have breakfast together before I go to the stables."

  "But what about your job in town?" she asked, aware of his urgent, husky tone.

  "I told Harold I wouldn't be back for a few weeks. I promised your father I’d stay on until the sales are finished." He walked back to her and pulled her against him again, kissing the confusion from her lips. His hand slid under the blanket and tugged it off her, leaving her standing naked in front of him. Julia gasped and tried to pull the soft cover back around her, but found his resistance overpowering her.

  "You're my wife, Julia," he told her sternly. "If I decide to change my mind - which I might if you keep undressing me with your eyes - I will have what only you can give me, and you won't be fighting for long, I promise you that. I told you I would make your dreams come true and I meant it. Next time we’re together, you will be the one begging me, not the other way around." His promise held both desire and warning as he bent closer to her.

  "Don't lock the door on me either, Princess," he told her softly, reading the warning in her eyes that said she would do just that. "I don't want to have to break it down to get to you." Julia closed her eyes against the intent images dancing before her as he kissed her lips again, this time reaffirming his promise through the pressure of his mouth. He turned and left her alone in the room in such a rush that Julia found herself grasping the dresser to prevent herself from tumbling over.

  She couldn't believe everything he had said; how could she possibly give herself over to him? Didn't he know she would never be able to handle all of him? He would rip her in two if she tried.

  Julia hurried through her dressing and morning ritual to prevent him from keeping his promise, then tried to walk as casually as possible down the stairs, though her legs shook and felt like rubber. She turned the corner of the dining room only to come face to face with Rally Overton. She frowned at the look of male arrogance in his eyes, nodding as he tipped his hat and left. Julia glanced back to Daniel, who didn't seem to notice she had joined them.

  "Good morning darling," Louise greeted, as she stood and embraced her daughter. "How are you feeling?" she asked smiling with maternal concern. Julia blushed and nodded.

  "I'm fine mother, I'm just hungry."

  "Then come and eat," Jeremy offered, holding out the seat next to the end of the table where Daniel was sitting. She glanced to her new husband and frowned; he didn’t even look up. His attention was fully on the papers in front of him. Obviously, he didn't intend to keep his threat after all. Once he was out of her bedroom, he forgot all about her. Julia sat down in the chair Jeremy offered and accepted her breakfast from Bridget, refusing to look at the man she was tied to for life.

  "What are your plans for today, sweetheart?" Louise asked her, as she began to nibble on her toast.

  "I thought I'd go into town and do some shopping," she told her mother. Shopping always made her feel better and right now, she wanted to feel anything except the emptiness Daniel's silence was giving her.

  "Wonderful, I'll go with you. We can have lunch with Margie and see the new baby before we take in that new dressmaker's shop afterward. Daniel?" Louise said, bringing the man's attention away from the papers in his hand. "Do you mind if your wife and I go shopping, for a few hours?"

  "Of course not; go and enjoy your selves." He glanced at the woman next to him and smiled gently. "Why don't you stop by and see Margie? I know she offered and I think the two of you could be good friends, besides she wants to show off my new godson."

  "Mother already suggested that," Julia said, nearly snorting the words out. She was suddenly aware that he hadn't been ignoring her at all; he just didn't notice her. She doubted that he had even known she was in the same room or on the same planet!

  "I'm sorry," he told her gently, laying a tender hand over hers. "I didn't hear. I promise to pay more attention." Did he really think that was going to soothe her mood? Julia didn’t answer; she just rolled her eyes and returned to eating the toast in her hand.

  Daniel did as he promised; he laid the papers aside and carried on a conversation with Jeremy and Louise. As for Julia, she could barely think; his hand held hers, playing with her fingers and massaging her palm until she was dizzy and thinking only of the way those fingers had felt a short time before. If he intended to keep this sort of attention up, she would lose her virginity in a matter of minutes and no doubt on this very table in front of her own mother!

  "Will you need some money?" he was asking her, pulling her out of her private torment. Julia blushed as his eyes met hers; he knew exactly what she was thinking and he smiled his acknowledgment.

  "What?"

  "Will you need any money?" he asked again.

  "No. I have my own."

  "Then enjoy yourself. While you're out, stop by the bank in town and sign the papers they have for you."

  "Why?"

  "I've set up an account in your name so you'll have your own money. You can make a withdrawal if you need more, or I can give you some bills now. Which would you prefer?"

  "I have my own money, Mr. Browning. I don't need yours." Louise cleared her throat and Jeremy coughed back his coffee at hearing her remark. Daniel smiled as he rose from his chair and bent over her, gently kissing the stubborn pout from her lips.

  "I never said you needed my money, Mrs. Browning," he answered, reminding her she was no longer a stranger to him - or at least she wasn't supposed to be. "I only made a suggestion."

  "I have money Daniel," she reaffirmed, with a blush. He lifted her chin with his forefinger and thumb and stared into her defiant eyes, smiling at the hint of passion that edged the lining of her demeanor.

  "Don't forget to stop by the bank, Princess," he told her with authority. "Tell Margie hello for me, will you?"

  "Of course." Julia accepted another kiss from her husband and watched him leave room. He was magnificent, she had to give him that much, and if he kept treating her with such tenderness, she was going to give him even more.

  When Julia looked back across the table she noticed Jeremy eyeing her with interest. He was the only one who knew she hadn't shared a bed with Daniel and she knew she could trust him to keep her secret. If only she could confide in him and tell him what had happened. She did need a friend. How could she tell anyone, the man she married wasn't in love with her and he was only keeping her happy to satisfy curious onlookers? God Heather, she thought sadly, I need you.

  Chapter Ten

  Two hours later Julia and Louise were on their way to town, just as planned. Turner Stables were close enough to Mayfield one could walk there in less than an hour, but by horse and carriage it took a little more than twenty minutes, and it was less sweaty and dusty. However, it di
d allow for very close confines, which at present were thankfully silent.

  The sun was high in the sky and warm against her skin, as she slid her hat from the top of her head, much to her mother's arguments. She leaned back against the leather seat and closed her eyes, feeling the sun radiate across her pale skin.

  The past few weeks had been emotionally draining and for a brief few moments Julia relished in the warmth and quiet of the country surroundings. She tried to clear her mind and soak up the tranquility, but it was difficult with her insides jumping like a sack of frogs. She couldn’t stop thinking about her earlier encounter with Daniel; his threats or his promises.

  In a way she felt angry with her mother for not explaining more about the facts of life to her, yet in a deeper aspect, she felt thankful that all of this was so new to her. Daniel, she knew, would make an excellent instructor in the subject; the only problem was she still wasn’t sure if she wanted to be that close to him. Her heart was still set on returning to Boston, though the images of her past life were fading away with time. She knew in her heart even before her father died, she would likely not see Boston again. But she also knew, if she didn’t put some sort of distance between herself and her new husband, she was sure to go completely mad by the month’s end.

  As the carriage wheels crunched across the macadam road, Julia glanced up. She knew from the sound beneath the horse’s hooves exactly where they were. She told the stable hand driving the single horse drawn carriage to pull over, as she looked about the tall trees.

  Julia didn’t wait for the driver to offer her assistance down from the seat, but quietly climbed out alone, looking solemnly at the view before her. The air was filled with the soft scent of roses while the birds above tweeted and chirped their greetings.

  The large gates surrounding the burial grounds had been pulled open, much as they always were during the day to allow for visitors to pay respects to those who had departed this life. Lime and marble headstones lined the many rows of the cemetery lawn; some faded horribly from years of weather and neglect, others new and gleaming in the daylight. Louise frowned at her daughter's actions as she forced the tears to remain in check. She didn't want to stop here - not yet at least, not this soon.