by Laura Mills
Her head half turned to answer him. “I’ve got a craving for it. Dr. Marlow said I could have cravings.”
His pale eyes stared into her profile, so close it burned her, then his mouth came even closer to her ear, whispering his intentions. “Don’t pretend to be asleep when I come up. We need to talk. I’m going to assist your aunt right now.” He let go of her arm and in a half spin strode toward the kitchen.
Melissa sat on top of her lavender coverlet on the bed wearing only a white linen robe and nothing underneath. Her head rested against the wooden headboard and her legs stretched out with ankles crossed. She thought about the lecture she would have to endure from her future husband while eagerly dipping her fingers into a pile of chocolate pudding. She savored the flavor of the sweet dessert, licking each deliciously coated finger, praying he would be easy on her. She would have to make him understand while at the same time carrying on her “containment” charade. It would not be that easy as she had angered him, and if the only way to calm him was to give in and make love to him, she might have to forfeit this time.
It had been a good half hour since she’d come to her room. Finished with the pudding, she put the plate on the oak nightstand and waited. She jumped when the bedroom door finally opened. John’s tall, dark form filled the doorway as he entered. He locked the door behind him and stepped over to a chair, sat down and proceeded to take off his boots.
He was about to unbutton his shirt when Melissa asked, “Do you think it’s a good idea for you to sleep here?” Innocence washed over her beautiful face when he looked directly at her.
“I’m not about to sleep on the couch if that’s what you’re asking.” He sounded sure of himself.
He went back to undressing when she replied, “I was only thinking of what impression we would give my aunt.”
John stood, beyond caring what excuses Melissa had as he slung his shirt across the back of the chair. “You’ve already given her a false impression, Melissa. You couldn’t tell her about our child.” His voice raised in volume to emphasize his point as he continued undressing by expelling his trousers. There was an idle pause between them as he stood naked before her. He was sure of where he was sleeping tonight. Without an ounce of modesty he stepped over to her like a sleek panther, his black mane hanging free and wild, his gray eyes darkening as they narrowed on her. “Why didn’t you tell her about the babe?” he inquired, interested to hear her reason.
Melissa slid over to the opposite side of the bed against the wall. The panther had caged her in where he wanted her. Lifting the covers, John climbed in and covered himself. He was propping up his pillow when she responded, “Because it’s not the order of things. We should be married first, then I should be pregnant.”
His head sank into the feathered pillow, his hands intertwined on top of his mid-section. “Well, we can’t undo what is already done. In our case it shouldn’t matter,” he told her, his expression grim as he turned in her direction.
Melissa looked toward the wooden ceiling, counting the beams as she came up with a plan. Her gaze fell back to John’s waiting glare. “I have a resolution that will work. I’m sure you would agree and it would save us the embarrassment of our situation.” She spoke with enthusiasm while his features remained unchanged. She wasn’t prepared for his brief interruption.
“I am not embarrassed by our situation, and I wasn’t aware that you were either,” he announced calmly.
Melissa sighed at his misinterpretation. “John, all I meant was that if we were married soon, while I’m not showing, no one except Robert, Rose, you, and I will know that the baby was conceived before we were married.”
After she explained, it didn’t sound so bad, but it would anger him if she were embarrassed or ashamed of their creation. “So you’re not ashamed of the babe?” he asked, disturbed at why she would put off the inevitable.
How could he think she’d be ashamed of their child? It was the standard of society, the forever scorning they would have to endure because of their promiscuous situation. She worried about John’s reputation as his prominence in horse racing could label him.
Rising to lean on a bent elbow she pleaded with him. “Please don’t ever think I’m ashamed of our babe. That simply isn’t true. I’m worried about our reputations with your colleagues and sorts.”
He had never cared what society thought before. If people didn’t like him, they didn’t like him, although that had never been the case since people knew John to be a straightforward, honest person and he’d been accepted as such. “Melissa, I don’t care what society thinks, you should know that. I’m surprised you do,” he said, taking in her eyes that reflected concern. “If you’re concerned about it, you shouldn’t be. Other people do things that you probably wouldn’t approve of, and do they care what you think? I highly doubt it.” His features had softened. He stared another moment into the beautiful face of his fiancé. Observing a dab of chocolate pudding on her chin, he wiped the pudding from her chin and slipped his thumb into his mouth. “What about your aunt? I can’t believe you won’t tell her. Of anyone you should care about her thoughts.” He truly couldn’t understand her reasoning regarding her aunt as he believed them to be remarkably close.
“John, I do, of course, I do, but she will be critical of me. She will lecture me and . . . why can’t we announce our news after we marry? Auntie will be the first person I tell.” She begged for his understanding.
A heavy sigh unleashed from him before responding. “If you prefer waiting to tell everyone else I’m agreeable, but I think you should at least tell your aunt.”
In her gut she knew he was right, as usual, but since they had some time before the wedding there wasn’t any rush to hear her aunt’s preaching words.
She had tired of his somber mood and needed to change the atmosphere. Her whole demeanor changed as she rose from her reclining position to straddle his lavender-covered hips. “You’re absolutely right. I’ll tell her soon,” she agreed, her hands reaching to grasp his shoulders.
His strong hands caught hers mid-motion. She gave in too easily. She wanted to move on, obviously having another agenda on her mind, and once they had cleared up the present issue he’d be more than happy to oblige. His fingers slipped through hers, their clasped hands falling to the sides of his hips. “You have one week Melissa Howard, soon to be Melissa Blackburn. You will endure her lecture that you’re so obstinately trying to avoid and then everything will be splendid.” His words were softly spoken but stern. Trying to be reasonable with her sometimes wasn’t easy. She had a stubborn streak he was all too aware of.
“John, you’ve never had to experience my aunt when she’s flustered. It’s not a joy.”
Her tone, sounding almost childlike, didn’t affect him one bit. “Melissa you’ve had to endure more harsh circumstances than your aunt’s chastising. Tell her and get it over with. You can’t change your condition, sweetheart. You have a babe growing inside of you. Our babe. I’m sure once the shock wears off your aunt will be delighted.” He watched and waited.
She sensed twin silver flares melting into her even though her own eyes stared absently into his broad chest that lay uncovered. Her focus slowly traveled along the strong muscles of his chest, extending up the length of his tightly corded neck. His pronounced chin came into view and then soft full lips, where her focus lingered. She studied his features before forcing her eyes to meet with his, and she smiled thinking about their future as a family. “She will know within one week. I promise.
He knew with careful deliberation she would agree with him. In his eyes, the matter seemed simple to resolve, but it didn’t seem to be for her. If she could be patient and endure her aunt’s biting words, the sooner it would be over with and the sooner she could move on. He’d had plenty of practice thanks to his overbearing, drunk of a father. It hadn’t mattered what the issue was, his father’s anger toward his mother was taken out on him on almost a daily basis after his mother’s death. When John could st
and no more he’d left and went to stay with Robert and his father. “I’ll hold you to that promise, and if you don’t tell her, I will tell her myself,” he told her.
He meant to keep his promise, she could count on that. Leaning forward, Melissa softened him by placing a surrendering kiss on his lips. “I promise,” she whispered as her lips came down on his. The kiss was a soft and tender touching of lips but intent on becoming eager, so Melissa immediately lifted away. You were going to have him beg and plead, remember?
She lifted their entwined hands to place them on the supple rise of her belly, trying to divert his attention away from any sinful thoughts she had provoked and hoping it wasn’t too late as she could feel him harden against her.
He became aware of her diversion but she’d already stirred his conquering manhood and nothing could distract him now. His eyes were glossy, heated, while his clasped hands followed her circular motions over her belly. He became so absorbed in their joint intimacy toward their unborn child that he barely heard the question she asked as his mind was focused on more delicious thoughts. He concentrated on pulling down the blankets, releasing his ardent erection, and penetrating deep inside the hot passage that awaited him. His fingers were beginning to reach for the ties of her robe when he remembered that she had asked him something. His smoky eyes lifted to hers. “What did you ask me?”
Her fingers gripped around his, holding his position at the ties of her robe. “I asked if there was anyone in your family that needed to know about the babe right away?” she asked again, perceptive to his changing mood.
John thought about it. “No, no one I can think of right now.” His passionate state had been altered, as just when his thoughts were determined not to be deterred, a mental image of his father intruded. His eyes drifted down to their holding hands.
“John, what about your father?” Melissa inquired, hoping she wouldn’t anger John by pushing the issue he seemed to be avoiding.
The heated glaze in his eyes turned cold when they found hers again and his jaw tightened. He hadn’t wished to be in this mood, especially with Melissa. “What about him?”
Hearing strain persist in his tone, he obviously held back an explosion that could erupt at any time, and although it seemed dangerous to pursue, Melissa truly believed it needed to be discussed. His father would be their child’s grandfather, regardless if he and John were getting along. Wondering if there could be any kind of peace made, she responded with hope. “John I completely understand your hatred toward your father, but he will be our child’s grandfather. Can there be any peace at all for the child’s sake?” After hearing her curious words the turbulence of his anger came forth like a tidal wave she was willing to ride if she could endure its whipping force.
Peace? Why in the world would she even imagine peace between us, he thought. As far as he was concerned his father would have to earn his way back into his life, much less have any relations with his grandchild. “Melissa I don’t believe you have even a minute inkling of the hatred I feel for my father. He is as hard and cold as they come. He will never make a good role model for our child.” His distant eyes veered away, knowing he needed to face the fact that one day he and his father would come to heavy blows regarding the same matter he and Melissa were discussing at the present moment. Once his father heard about his marriage he would come storming around, for John hadn’t planned on inviting him to their wedding. He wasn’t about to be humiliated at his own wedding with the presence of his father escorting his newest whore on his arm.
When his focus returned to her softness appeared. “He was never there for me Melissa. What makes you think he’ll be there for our child? It’s better to leave him out of our lives. So no, there can never be peace between us.”
Melissa was taken aback by his harsh words. All she had meant to do was try to make some kind of amends for the child’s sake. It quickly became clear to her that after all these years peace between John and his father seemed lost. John’s mind had been made up so further deliberating would be a waste of time. Like moving mountains with her bare hands, it would never happen. Assuming this chapter of their lives was closed she concentrated on making peace again with her perturbed future husband. “You’re right, my love. I will never bring the subject up again. You know better than anyone how cruel your father can be.” She gave him a smile. “I didn’t mean to push, except that since my father has passed on your father is the only grandparent that lives,” she trailed off, remembering her ever so recent promise of not mentioning his father again, but her feelings had come out of their own free will.
Seeing her eyes glass over was like stabbing a dagger in his gut. Here his father lived and he couldn’t stand him, and her father had passed on and was adored and respected. Such was the irony of their situation. John would have gladly traded their fathers’ positions. Now he felt that he needed to comfort his future wife for he hadn’t fully understood her reasoning to push him about his father until now. “Forgive me, sweetheart.” His free hand came up to brush loose golden strands behind her ear. “I didn’t mean to seem insensitive toward you. I can’t explain in detail the rage my father makes me feel, but I vow to never be the kind of father he was to me. My child will know that I care. I will be there for our child always. I will have to be father and grandfather I suppose.”
“You’re only one person John. Just be a father. Besides, we will have Robert for an uncle, and hopefully Rose as an aunt, and we can’t forget my auntie as a great aunt.”
She was a strong person, stronger than he. On the outside he appeared tough and in control, but on the inside turmoil roared. Emotions from childhood were left unresolved and when they festered, they seemed radical. But where Melissa appeared vulnerable on the outside, John knew deep down there was true strength in her, true faith, true love. He admired her spirit. That was one thing he loved most about her. The second, and most delicious, had him stirring once again. “That reminds me, you haven’t met Rose yet. You two will get along famously. You’re a lot alike, except for the obvious.” His first smile in some time was shining through now and he had her playing along with his bantering of words.
“I assume you’re referring to her line of work?” Melissa asked.
“Yes.”
“Would you object if I decided on that line of work for myself?”
John’s head tipped back in laughter, thinking her crazy for even thinking about it. “You won’t work as you won’t have to now. You will have a husband to take care of you.”
He’s so sure of himself, she thought. Let’s bring him down a notch or two. “Yes, but what if I really wanted to?” she teased as her fingertips glided along the outline of his lips.
His smile started to fade. She’s baiting me, he told himself. “Why would you?”
“Well, you specified financially you would take care me, but.” She couldn’t finish because he cut into her words so fast she forgot what she was about to say. Her fingers flew off his lips.
“No. No is the answer, as if you didn’t already know that. Believe me, I will take care of all your needs, especially what you’re referring to.” His smile had completely vanished now, taking the situation very seriously.
Melissa was enjoying the payback and wasn’t about to end it anytime soon. It was time for him to beg and plead.
She placed a light kiss on his tightened lips then straightened in her position astride him. “John, what if you can’t keep up with my wanton needs?” Her pretty pout began to set into place.
Immediately he sat up straight. They were face to face with her thighs straddled along his lean hips. His rising motion caused his blatant erection to nudge violently at her heated opening and she almost lost control for she could readily feel the swelled tip of him piercing between her soft folds. If it weren’t for the barrier of the blankets she would have yielded by now. His face was so close that the heat from his heavy breaths burned her lips. His eyes captured hers as he spoke in a sultry whisper. “Be my whore, my wife,
my innocent lover, and the mother of my children. That’s how I want you.”
She placed her hands upon his as they rested on her linen-covered thighs, trying to conceal the shivers he just inflicted. Her teasing became relentless, like he had taught her. “In that order?” she asked, the lust in her hazel depths matching his.
“Whatever order is in need at the time, sweetheart.”
“And what need are you finding in me right now?”
His hands left hers as they dipped beneath the opening of her robe. His fingers slid along her smooth thighs, reaching her shapely waist to finally settle against her buttocks.
Scorching heat penetrated her skin where his strong hands were cupping her. She decided now was the time to leave his heated embrace if she wished to contain herself.
Then he returned an answer. “I believe you know what I’m in need of. You have a special talent for sensing my necessities like no one else,” he murmured as he squeezed her firm flesh. His eyes closed while his mouth reached for hers but he never found her lips, instead feeling movement from the mattress underneath him. His hands fell to his lap and his eyes flew open. She stood by the boudoir brushing her hair.
This is insane, she told herself, taking long strokes with the brush. He has me so hot right now I hope I can go through with this. All this to prove a ridiculous point.
“What is this all about? You’re acting very peculiar, sweetheart. You know very well that I’m sitting here hard and ready for you, and yet you get up to brush your hair? I don’t see the concern with vanity at this moment when your lovely hair will be disheveled by the time we’re through.” He settled back down on the mattress and onto his side with his elbow bent and the palm of his hand taking the weight of his head, staring at her with flaring eyes that were confused by her actions.