Harnessed Passions

by Dee Jones

  "Oh, by the way," the sheriff said, halting his retreat from the room. He handed a small lace and satin garter to Daniel and smiled. "I believe this is yours. It was found in the younger Overton's pocket. Your partner mentioned you'd asked him to return it."

  "Thank you," Daniel replied with a frown.

  "What's wrong?" Harold asked, patting his friend on the back. "I thought you'd be happy to get it back?"

  "There's too many bad memories attached to it now," Daniel answered softly. He stepped to the trash and tossed the once desired object in before turning back to Julia. He smiled a wicked grin as he moved to stand in front of her, kneeling on one knee as he lifted her skirts. Julia gasped in surprise, feeling the shocked eyes of the room’s occupants burning into her back as he raised the skirt of her dress. He slowly slipped the garter she wore to hold her stocking up, down her slender leg; his fingers caressing the delicate skin of her calf as he pulled it off.

  "I'd much rather have this one," Daniel said as he stood up and wrapped her in his strong embrace, kissing her lips gently. "This has much more meaning to me," he assured her with a gleam in his eyes that told her the night was far from being over.

  "I repeat, I think it's time to leave," Harold said with a soft chuckle, edging closer to the door.

  He and Daniel walked ahead of the women, following Sheriff Parker and Dr. Stewart out the door; allowing the women a chance to say good-bye. They stopped short from entering the hallway as laid a gentle hand to Julia’s arm.

  "Tell Daniel, before it's too late," she insisted. Julia smiled as she glanced to her husband now standing only a step away from her.

  "I already did, but he’s known all along." Margie grinned with the unspoken promised that by tomorrow the whole town would know their secret as well.

  "What's going on?" Harold asked stepping back to join the small group, hearing only a portion of what his wife and Julia were saying. Daniel chuckled, slipping his arm around Julia's waist.

  "Your wife can explain it," he said with a wink to the red-head. Margie's smile grew and she nodded eagerly then moaned as pain erupted inside her head.

  "I think I'm going to retire," Louise said with a deep sigh, before hugging her daughter. "I'm getting too old for this shit."

  "Me too," Julia smiled, hugging her mother briefly. She watched the older woman mount the stairs, before disappearing through the shadows of nightfall.

  "Are you alright Princess?" Daniel's voice caught his wife's full attention, bringing her emerald eyes to focus on him as they stood in the open doorway, listening to Dr. Stewart’s carriage slowly pulled away from the house, taking him and Sheriff Parker back to town.

  "I'm fine, why do you ask?"

  "You look upset. Are you having second thoughts about the baby?"

  "Never; I want this baby more than anything else. I thought I was going to die tonight and never have the chance to tell you, you were going to be a father."

  "I'd never let that happen, you should know that by now."

  "I do. I think I always have. You've been my knight in shining armor since before we even met, Sir Daniel."

  "Then why are you upset, and don't lie to me, I can see it in your eyes."

  "Would you do me a favor, no matter how expensive it may be?" she asked with a sudden fear he wouldn't understand her request. Daniel frowned deeply, before nodding.

  "I want the swimming hole destroyed," Julia whispered, tears filling her eyes. "It's not as beautiful as it once was. Perhaps we can build another corral in its place."

  "I thought you might say something like that. I'll take care of everything and I promise you won't ever remember the bad that happened there."

  “I'll never forget it, Daniel. Seeing Heather dead, watching Sharon and Michael Overton die; nearly dying myself. I'll never forget what happened there; never."

  "Trust me my Little Princess, you will forget and I'll be there to make sure you do."

  Daniel and Julia turned back to the night listening to the sound of wheels crunching on the road outside and the soft snort of a horse. In the near distance Harold could be heard whooping and cheering. His shouts of praise and joy for his partner echoed through the night, causing a soft blush to glow across Julia's tender cheeks. Daniel laughed with pride at the man's excitement and closed the door on the evening's events.

  "I think I could use something to eat," Julia said, hearing her stomach growl and feeling the slight twinge of nausea. Daniel laughed again, hugging her against him.

  "After everything that's happened, the only think you can think of is food?"

  "Well, that's not the only thing," she said, hugging his neck and pressing tightly to his chest. Daniel chuckled again, kissing the top of her head then turned and led her through the hallway and into the kitchen. He would make certain her nutritional needs were satisfied first, before he moved onto the more passionate ones. The evening definitely wasn’t over yet.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Julia awoke with an arousing sensation of warmth against her lips. She kept her eyes closed, enjoying the sensations that stirred to life inside her. She was unsure if it were memories from the passion she shared the previous night with her beloved Daniel, or a new beginning to an early morning.

  As the pressure grew, Julia became aware it was neither dreams nor memories, but reality drifting her back into the world of the living. She opened her eyes and found herself staring into turquoise eyes. She smiled sleepily and glanced to the small clock on the table next to the bed.

  "Why did you let me sleep so long?" she scolded, pushing past Daniel and hurrying to her wardrobe. The sounds of horses outside in the yard, assured her the buyers had already arrived and she was late in meeting them.

  "I figured after yesterday, you could use the extra sleep. Besides, I've arranged with your mother to take over for us for a couple of hours." Daniel moved from the bed to stand behind Julia, his arms wrapping her in the security and love of him embrace. Julia couldn't resist the soft moan that escaped her throat as he nuzzled her neck with his lips.

  "It's not fair to leave my mother alone today," she argued, enjoying the sensuous touch against her exposed flesh.

  "It's not going to be for long," Daniel insisted turning her around in his arms. "I have something to show you and it can't wait. We'll be back before lunch and I doubt I'll have a chance to see you again until tonight; so it's now or never."

  "You're not going to let me talk you out of this are you?" Julia smiled knowing full well her husband would always have the last word with her.

  "Absolutely not, now hurry up and change. I'll meet you downstairs." Daniel slapped her backside hard before leaving her alone in their room, rubbing her stinging cheek.

  Julia found Daniel waiting by the small Dearborn fifteen minutes later. Roustabout was already hitched to the reigns and a small basket hung from Daniel's arm. Julia smiled when she saw the sly grin on her husband's face and heard the soft chuckle erupt from the depths of his chest.

  "You look good enough to eat," Daniel whispered, helping her into the small carriage. Julia's tight fitting burgundy velvet gown revealed just the slightest bulge of tummy; its deep scooped neckline gave an ample glimpse of the massive swell of breasts hiding beyond sight, making Daniel's fingers actually itch to caress them. If the morning went according to his plans, he would soon be granted his wish and many more just like it.

  "What's in the basket?" Julia asked pulling the dust cover across her lap to protect the expensive gown and taking the basket from Daniel.

  "It's a surprise," he teased holding his hand across the lid as Julia tried to open it. "You're not the sort of person, who peeks at their presents before Christmas, are you?" Julia laughed, hugging the basket closer to her.

  "I hate suspense," she said, feeling happy and free for the first time in five years.

  "Where are we going?" Julia asked after several minutes of silence from Daniel. He glanced across the seat to her and smiled softly.

  "We have o
ne last ghost to put to rest," he said tenderly. Julia frowned, turning her attention to the direction he was taking them. Her heart began to pound, her palms sweating as fear welled up within her. She knew the path he was taking and the sudden urge to jump from the carriage and run back home overwhelmed her, causing the bile to rise in her throat.

  "Daniel I want to go home," she began, receiving only a sad glance from her husband. He pulled the reigns tight, stopping Roustabout at the top of the hill that lead to the swimming hole.

  Her eyes filled with tears as he climbed out of the carriage and tied the horse up to a branch. Her heart sank within her chest and she found herself fighting back unshed sobs. So many horrible things had happened here; how could he be so cruel as to bring her back again?

  "You have to face this place sooner or later," Daniel said gently, reaching up to help her down. Julia pushed his hands away as tears fell down her cheeks.

  "I'll never forgive you for this," she whispered making Daniel draw a deep breath.

  He knew she would feel this way, knew too he risked a great deal of rejection and anger once she realized what he had done, but he also knew it was necessary for her to heal and forget. This place had once held fond memories; laughter and joy that span three generations. He couldn't allow her to reject what he knew would once again be a spot of pleasure; both for them as well as their children. Her great-grandfather had built this pond with that very notion in mind. He wanted his family to find relaxation and enjoyment here, and Daniel wasn't going to permit the past to destroy what had long ago been such a pleasurable part of Julia's life.

  "Princess, please listen to me," he began, his hands wrapping around Julia's slender waist, lifting her gently yet sternly from the carriage seat to stand before him. "I know how you feel about this place; I also know how much you always enjoyed playing here. It would be a shame to destroy it without trying to build a few good memories to replace the bad ones. Please, give me a chance to make you forget the horror. If you still feel the same when we leave, then I will fill it in. Will you give me at least that?" Daniel wiped the tears from her face with the brush of his thumb as he lifted her chin and looked into her sorrowful eyes.

  "I'm scared," she whispered, locking her gaze with that of turquoise wonder. He smiled and kissed her forehead, reaching behind her to retrieve the basket from the carriage seat.

  "Have I ever let you down Princess?" he asked with a wink. Julia tried to smile, remembering the many times he had saved her, proving more than a worthy protector.

  "What did you have in mind?" Her question was softly spoken, yet echoed loudly through the stillness of the morning as she tried to reign in her fears.

  "I figured we'd eat our breakfast in privacy," he said, lifting the basket to reveal its hidden contents before taking the blanket from the back seat along with her hand and leading her into the thick brush surrounding the pond.

  "Your mum packed your bathing suit, so after we eat we can go for a swim and perhaps I’ll let you persuade me into making passionate love to you before we go back and face the sale and the herd of buyers."

  "Daniel Browning!" Julia gasped in disbelief, stopping suddenly in her tracks. "You can't possibly be serious? We can't make love in the open like that. What if someone saw us?"

  "Who's going to see us? The swimming hole is surrounded by trees, and if anyone wanted to spy on us, we'd hear them approaching. I promise, we're completely secure and like it or not, you're not getting away from me until I decide to let you go."

  "What if I choose not to persuade you? What do you plan on doing then Mr. Browning?"

  "I plan on making you change your mind and don't think for a second I won't." Julia smiled, feeling a great deal calmer, if not more relaxed. Knowing Daniel was there and was acting as her shield against everything the world threw her way, gave her the courage to step forward, straight into the arms of her future.

  “Ready whenever you are, Sir Daniel,” she smiled as she walked steadily toward the swimming hole. She pushed her way through the thick, dense trees, slowly making her way to the water's edge.

  The events that had taken place there over the past five years began to echo in Julia's mind, repeating like a bad dream. She could hear the sounds of screams, of gun shots, and angry words floating on the breeze. She could see Sharon as she pretended to be Heather, standing in the pond and heard her sworn vow of revenge. The evil and hatred lingered in the branches of the trees like dead leaves, tangled with the bushes surrounding the small clearing.

  "Princess, are you alright?" Daniel asked stepping up behind her. She glanced at him and smiled, unable to verbally answer his question.

  "Let's eat," he suggested, nudging her arm in the direction of the soft grass not far from the water's edge.

  Julia helped spread the thin blanket across the ground then sat on the hand sewn squares of fabric, feeling slightly anxious. The contents of the basket were quickly unloaded and a smile found its way across Julia's lips. Daniel had brought Mrs. Lester's unbeatable cheese omelets, hot grits and fresh biscuits along with a bottle of his favorite brandy. Julia lifted the bottle, her smile growing larger across her delicate lips.

  "A little early in the day, don’t you think?” she asked.

  “Only a suggestion,” he smiled.

  “Were you planning on getting me drunk before or after you attack me?"

  "I'm crushed," he said as he placed his hand across his heart as though protecting the vital organ from breaking. "I'd never stoop so low as to attack an unwilling victim. I merely thought I could help you relax enough so you wouldn't object to my plan of seduction."

  "Seduction or assault; what's the difference?" Julia snickered, sitting the bottle among the thick grasses for support. Daniel growled, lifted a biscuit and pulled a small piece off then pressed it gently against her lips.

  "If I didn't find you so damned irresistible, I'd leave you and return to my wife."

  "Are you saying your wife isn't worth making love to?" Julia asked, eating the bread. She wasn't certain if she should feel flattered or insulted over his comment, yet anxious not to break the relaxed mood he was creating for them.

  "She's alright I suppose," he assured her with a wink, slipping another piece of biscuit between her kissable lips. "About as desirable as your husband."

  "I happen to be very much in love with my husband sir, and if you aren't careful I'll have to tell him everything you've said."

  "Is he a dangerous man?"

  "He's my knight in shining armor. He's earned his title proudly and victoriously."

  "Then perhaps I should have my way with you now, before this knight of yours learns how deeply I've fallen in love with his Princess." Julia laughed with delight as he eased her down to the blanket's protection, capturing her lips beneath the pressure of his own.

  “Since we are going swimming, I suppose it’s only logical to rid you of these layers before we get them wet.”

  “I highly doubt I’ll fit into that suit. I haven’t worn it since I was sixteen and I have a growing bulge to worry about.”

  “Then we’ll swim in the nude; I won’t object to watching your wet, slinky body.”

  “You are a very strange man, Mr. Browning,” she teased as he began working the buttons that hid her breasts from his sight. “Are you ever satisfied?”

  “Never; you’re like that rare and delicious wine. One taste and I need more.” Seconds seemed like hours, as Daniel slowly rid Julia of her dress and petticoat, leaving her naked and warm beneath his lustful investigation.

  "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever known," he whispered, gently massaging the slight bulge of her abdomen. Julia smiled reaching up to unbutton his satin dress shirt.

  "I'm getting fat you know? My tailor in Boston says I'll lose you if I gain too much weight."

  "Nonsense; if you should become fat I'd still love you, perhaps a bit slower and more thoroughly, since there will be more of you for me to have my way with."

  "You're a
troll," Julia assured him with a gasp as he quickly disposed himself of his clothing, revealing to her eager examination exactly how anxious he really was to have his way with her.

  "I told you once Princess, I'm not a troll; just a love sick mutt." Julia giggled softly accepting Daniel's warmth as he lay carefully on top of her.

  He kissed her gently, caressing her lips with the tip of his tongue before nipping his way down her neck to the round globs of her breasts. He sucked hard on one tender nipple, smiling when she gasped in pain then moaned with pleasure as his tongue began to bathe her with heat.

  Julia’s breath began to escape her throat in shallow pants as his lips moved down her sternum, to her tummy; kissing and caressing her swollen tummy before traveling his lips further down. He smiled when she gasped, opening her labia with his fingers as he explored the hidden recesses with his tongue.

  Daniel slipped one finger into her wet vagina as he suckled the swollen bud of her clitoris into his mouth. Two fingers and his teeth clamped down gently, causing her to moan deeply as her fingers twined in his long hair. He began a slow thrust of his long fingers, feeling the muscles around them tighten. Julia’s moaning grew louder and he knew she was nearly spent and as much as he wanted her to explore her release, he needed her just as desperately. He rose above her, spreading her legs with his as he positioned the tip of his engorged penis against her opening and smiled.

  “I want you to join me,” he whispered as he pressed into her, closing his eyes as the feel of her tight vagina embraced him, surrounding him with the heat of passion. Julia closed her eyes as he began a slow thrusting, her legs bending to take him deeper. The fullness was unbearable and she felt the familiar sensation of release coursing through her veins. Two deep thrusts later and the dam broke free, taking her through the tunnel of orgasm as she clung to his shoulders, calling out his name.

  Daniel growled as her muscles clamped down across him, spinning him through the tunnel after her. He spilled his seed into her with a primal sensation that left him throbbing and panting as he lay across her gently. The heat of the day aided in making them moist with sweat as they lay embraced across the patchwork blanket.