Tell Me I'm Dreamin'

by Eboni Snoe

  “No. No, I’m not. I never met Basil before coming here to Eros. There is nothing between us,” she lied, not wanting Ulysses to know about Basil’s threat to take all of Sovereign. “I want you, Ulysses. I want your love,” she whimpered softly as she willed him to understand how she felt.

  “Nadine.” His voice caressed and explored her name as he picked her up and placed her on his king-sized bed. Ulysses stood towering above her, a wild hunger in his eyes. “You say you want my love? That is something I have never given to any woman.” Ulysses looked at her partially open lips and watched her uncertain hazel eyes transform to a soft jade as she regarded him. “Why should I give it to you? How do I know you will not use it against me?” His tortured voice beseeched her, but he knew, in his heart, she already possessed it.

  Hearing his pain, Nadine raised her arms in invitation to reassure him. “I would never hurt you, Ulysses. Never.” She shook her head to emphasize her words.

  He dropped to his knees and placed his face against the silky material that covered her belly. Hypnotically, Ulysses rubbed his face back and forth, seeking solace from his fear of love which was the cause of his pain.

  With quivering fingers, and soothing strokes, Nadine caressed Ms tangled curls, whispering his name over and over again and finally saying, “I love you, Ulysses.”

  She heard a raspy noise force its way out of him, as he looked up at her with tormented eyes. “God help you if you lie, Nadine Clayton.” Then he was upon her. Kissing her face, her neck, her hair. It was as if Ulysses was drunk with the need of her, and she moaned with relief and apprehension because of his intensity.

  “Oh, Ulysses, whatever you do . . . don’t hurt me,” Nadine implored.

  He stopped and looked at her, then rose up on his forearms, extending them to their full length.

  Nadine tried to explain. “It’s just that I’ve waited so long . . . I’m afraid it might be more difficult than—”

  Ulysses bent down and kissed her softly before she could finish what she was saying. She could feel his body tremble as he restrained himself. “I will try not to hurt you, my precious one,” he said as he looked deeply into her eyes. “But if this is to be special, we both must promise to be truthful to ourselves and one another. You know that love is nothing without trust.”

  “I know,” she whispered.

  Ulysses rolled over and lay beside her. Side by side they faced one another, drinking in the other’s features, rubbing their hands through the other’s hair. Ulysses turned his face toward Nadine’s palm as it descended down his cheek, kissing it tenderly.

  He began to kiss her face once again, but this time the kisses were tender and adoring as he held her close, and Nadine in turn snuggled closer to him. Upon reaching her mouth, Ulysses returned to the nibbling, succulent motions that he had demonstrated earlier. But this time Nadine reciprocated, imitating the movements of his mouth with her own, until he wrapped his arms tightly about her, and slowly worked his tongue within the moist cavern.

  The smooth meandering of his tongue sent shivers down her spine, and she moaned her pleasure, giving in completely to the wonderful feelings.

  Slowly, Ulysses released her. Afterwards he searched her eyes. “I have been told there is a big difference in taking a woman for the sake of taking her, and making love to her. Now, at last, I will know the difference. So truly, sweetness, it will be like a first for both of us.”

  Ulysses buried his face between her breasts, then turning to each mound he tasted the cinnamon-sweet skin they offered. Hungry for more, he traced a small line between them with his tongue, finally climbing to the peak of one of her breasts, where he explored it completely. Just that alone was enough to send Nadine’s body into mild spasms and she writhed beneath him, caressing his head and his shoulders, murmuring his name.

  She had always imagined how it would be for the first time, but nothing had prepared her for the intensity of the feelings she was experiencing. The movement of his tongue caused a melting sensation inside of her that flowed down to the very essence of her femininity. Like a mounting volcano the liquid began to build inside.

  Ulysses could sense her pleasure; her body felt hot to his touch and her movements were of a woman who was naturally attuned to unimaginable pleasure. The very thought made him burn with desire, and his mouth became dry. Ulysses knew there was only one place where he could quench the thirst that hounded him, and he gently reached down to touch the place that held that special fountain. He had no idea what Nadine would think of him, and what he planned to do. He knew the letters from Gloria had spoken of her religious background. It had been a strict one, and he did not want to offend her. But his urge to please her and himself was very strong. Trailing his tongue down her belly, Ulysses paused as he placed tiny kisses upon her navel.

  “Nadine?”

  “Yes?”

  “You trust me, don’t you?”

  Her mind tried to follow his line of questioning, but the fire he had started inside her seemed to burn so fiercely it was hard for her to think.

  “Yes, I trust you, Ulysses.”

  Slowly, he nuzzled his way to the top of the tightly curled patch of hair, kissing it softly, then, moaning, “I want you, Nadine,” he slipped his tongue gently into the highest folds of her crevice.

  Nadine rose up slightly and cried, “Ulysses! No. Wait. I don’t know about this.”

  He spoke with his mouth near the soft triangle. “You said you wanted me to love you; you must let me do it my way, sweetness. I promise not to hurt you.”

  Still unsure of the course their lovemaking was taking, Nadine began to protest further, but at that moment, he found the seed inside her moist garden and she cried out with pleasure instead. Nadine’s head arched back with the electricity of sensations that coursed through her. Ulysses had found what he’d sought, and he assuaged his hunger at the source.

  Nadine was in no way prepared for the intensity of passion that Ulysses’ assault upon her womanhood provoked. She was snared in overwhelming sensations, and she moved wantonly, unknowingly edging Ulysses on. Her response brought his deepest sexual instincts to the fore. Never before had he received such pleasure in giving it.

  Feeling out of control and the most vulnerable he had ever been, Ulysses questioned her between his succulent kisses. “Nadine, what made you come to me tonight?” he demanded, tortured by his own desire. “Why? Why?” He found the essence of her again.

  “Ulysses, please, please, don’t. Not now. Just love me.”

  But he stopped and brought his face parallel with hers, his eyes blazing. “You must tell me, Nadine. Tell me now or I will go crazy not knowing why.”

  “I wanted you to be my first, Ulysses. Only you,” Nadine replied.

  Ulysses closed his eyes and kissed her deeply before he stood up to undress. He was satisfied with her answer. Ulysses assumed Nadine was thinking of the future. The book sale was today. She would be leaving Eros after that, and it was possible they might never see each other again.

  “You need not worry, my sweet, I will be the first,” he whispered in her ear as he repositioned himself to take her.

  “There is another first, sweetness.” He looked in her eyes while he rubbed himself against her. “I have never taken a virgin before. But now I take you in honor of my ancestors, that you will be mine for now and forever, no matter where our paths may lead.”

  He entered her smoothly but with force, piercing the veil that held her treasures. Nadine’s cry of pain was silenced by Ulysses’ kiss, and he lay still within her. Controlling his passion, his movements were slow, almost imperceptible. He was determined to wait until Nadine began to respond to his considerate ministrations. Because this was new to her, Nadine’s response was slow, but Ulysses was patient as he murmured words of love and passion in her eager ears. Finally, as her passion grew beneath him, Ulysses’ ardor gained momentum as well.

  Nadine had willed herself to forget the pain because she dreaded tomorrow, and it
was not long before she was deeply immersed in a new world of pleasure.

  Ulysses knew when they were nearing the crest. The gratification was familiar, but so much more intense because of his feelings for the woman beneath him. Nadine was engulfed in a series of sensations she had never experienced before. They were wonderfully powerful, but at the same time frightening because of it. She felt as if all of her life’s experiences were coming together as she reached for the uncharted peak.

  All at once they were there, plunging together into an ocean of bliss. Ulysses gave a loud moan of surrender, and it was joined by ecstatic words unknown to Nadine’s conscious mind. In her moment of sheer pleasure her full lips formed the ancient words “Mu Kam-ma xi!”

  Ulysses nearly drowned out Nadine’s strange words. At that moment neither one of them knew or cared what the unusual phrase meant. All they knew was that nothing and no one could take from them what they had just shared.

  Before the sun was able to begin its ascent into the eastern sky, Nadine and Ulysses made love again. A strange combination of tenderness and fierce passion. Nadine’s uncertainties about love-making became minuscule with Ulysses’ adept actions. It was as if they both intuitively knew the day’s events would throw their already turmoil-filled lives into further chaos.

  Hours later their parting kiss was the quintessence of love. Afterwards they stared into each other’s eyes, searching for the truths that they felt within their own hearts, and hoped to see the same in the eyes of their lover.

  “I love you, Ulysses. I want you to know that.”

  At first he did not reply. Instead he searched deeper into the hazel eyes emanating sincerity. In the end his words were hesitant, but he said, softly, “I love you too, Nadine.”

  The spoken words were like a pact between them. They hugged again, and Nadine made her reluctant trip back to her room before Catherine could come and rouse her for the busy day ahead.

  The housekeeper was surprised to find her awake and dressed when she tapped on the bedroom door.

  “Why, aren’t you the early riser,” she remarked. “And don’t you look lovely today. I am glad someone got a good night’s rest. It was after midnight when I finally got to sleep,” she continued. “Ma-dame Deane managed to slip back into the library. She had pretended she was asleep, but later when I went to check on her I found her bed was empty. I do not know how in the world she managed to get back in that wheelchair by herself, but she did. When I found her she was cackling like a hen who had laid a golden egg, and repeating the word ‘finally.’ I must tell you, Miss Nadine, it was the weirdest laugh I have ever heard. Needless to say, right away I went and found those new pills the doctor gave her, made her take two, and that finally put her away. If anything else happens around this place within the next twenty-four hours I think I am going to be the one who will need medication.”

  Realizing she was just standing in the doorway babbling, Catherine decided to make herself useful as she talked. She emptied the washbowl out the window and made up Nadine’s bed, which had been hurriedly put into disarray when Nadine heard Catherine’s footsteps outside her door.

  “Ulysses must have returned after I was asleep. I tell you, I sure am worried about things around here. The word is if Master Ulysses does not do well on this book sale he could lose part of the estate. And Miss Nadine,” her dark eyes were gravely serious, “I think that would kill him. He tries to act tough and all, but I know how much this place means to him.” She gave the feather pillow a final pat. “In a way he feels his parents died for him, and because of that he believes he must keep Sovereign going. He thinks that is the only way he can pay them back. And of course, keeping that special collection of his here at Sovereign.” Catherine picked up a dirty towel and placed it over her arm. “So I want you to know, Miss Nadine, how much we appreciate your being here, and helping Ulysses put everything in order. It never would have been set up so beautifully if it had not been for you.”

  Nadine tried to lighten the sentimental moment. “It’s all part of my job, Catherine.”

  “I know. But I also know you care for Master Ulysses and I think he cares for you.” An awkward silence followed, which Catherine filled with a curt, “Well. I guess I better go check on madame. She is probably still sleeping from the dose I gave her, but you never know.” She left Nadine alone.

  Nadine gave her calypso-colored scarf, which she had fashioned into a headband, a final tug. Her cinnamon twists were piled on top of her head inside of it, giving her a regal air. She stepped closer to the mirror and straightened out the matching dress that Catherine had presented to her on her return to Sovereign. Nadine had saved the outfit for today, believing it would add to the ambience of the book sale and social. She had stepped out all the way. Gotten behind her man and his cause, as Gloria would say. The sandals that had been given to her when she first came to the estate adorned her feet.

  Nadine’s eyes were bright from the love that dominated her night. She was happier than she had ever been, and she felt there was nothing she could not handle.

  With that thought she removed the papyri from the animal skin, rolled them into a tight scroll, and tucked them into the pocket of her dress. Nadine felt it was time she showed the papyri to Ulysses. Perhaps with his knowledge of the cliff dwellers he could shed some light on the unusual story, and perhaps ease her fears about Basil.

  Nadine made her way to the hall. She looked over the extensive collection of book and sprinkling of art pieces and hoped they would be quickly consumed by the public. Sundry tempting smells wafted past her—smells that had become familiar. She knew Catherine had been hard at work for quite a while in the kitchen. Garlic, nutmeg, seafood, and the sweet aroma of pastries made with guava cheese blanketed the space between the kitchen and the hall, and Nadine was certain the food would be a success with the patrons.

  Feeling good, she wanted Catherine to know how much her services were appreciated, so she stuck her head inside the kitchen door. “I hope everyone can pull themselves away from the food long enough to look at what’s for sale,” Nadine teased as she looked at the trays of roti and tamarind balls. There were baked dishes stuffed with sea urchins, flying fish, pork, and cod dominating several counters.

  Catherine turned toward her, giving her the largest smile to date.

  “I think you had better keep Clarence away from the kitchen,” Ulysses called out. “You know how he is when it comes to good food.”

  He came up and stood beside Nadine in the doorway. Their arms touched. To Nadine it was a caress. They looked at each other and spoke.

  “Morning, Miss Nadine.”

  “Good morning, Master,” she lingered on the title, “Ulysses.”

  To anyone else there may not have been anything different about it, but to Catherine’s watchful eyes and ears, she saw and heard the loving exchange. “Aren’t you the cheery one this morning, Master Ulysses.”

  “I am hoping for good things out of the sale today, Catherine.”

  “Oh, is that right? We should have a sale around here more often if it is going to put you in that bright of a mood,” she retorted.

  Ulysses walked over and gave her stocky shoulder a hefty squeeze, then he took a piping-hot roti from one of the trays. “What would we do without you, Catherine, even though you think you know everything.” He gave her a playful wink. “Now, if you will excuse me, I have a few things to take care of outside.” He tilted his ebony head. “Is there anything you need before I go?” First he looked at Catherine’s obstinate back, and then Nadine.

  Catherine’s no came in the form of a grunt, while Nadine shook her head, smiling infectiously.

  Ulysses smiled back. “Then I shall leave you.”

  He advanced past Nadine and proceeded toward the front entrance. Not being able to help herself Nadine turned to watch his departure. His slim hips rose and fell to the rhythm of his gait, conjuring up flashbacks of their night together. The impact was so strong it caused her to shiver.
r />   Behind her Catherine gave a loud “Humph. Sale indeed.”

  Chapter 25

  The crowd had swelled to its largest size yet. Nadine could tell most of the late arrivers had come out of curiosity, or just to enjoy the pending social. She was more than pleased with how the day had progressed. Money was no object for the deluge of book lovers from all over the Caribbean, and some from faraway countries. To her delight and surprise the most valuable books were the first to go.

  Dr. Steward’s beady eyes gleamed each time an extremely expensive set acquired a sold tag, for that translated into dollars for the institute’s share of the profits. Nadine could not help but notice that Etien Richarde was amongst those who bought some of the more costly pieces, at his wife Jean’s persuasion.

  Automatically, her eyes searched the crowd for Ulysses. She found him sharing a chat with a stout, well-to-do female. Nadine could tell the woman was enjoying the attention she was getting from the charming host of the event, if charming was a sufficient enough description for Ulysses’ deeds throughout the day.

  “Well, I must say, I sure am glad I came to see for myself,” a strong female voice declared not too far away. “It just goes to show you cannot always believe everything you hear.”

  As discreetly as she could Nadine turned to see who was speaking. She recognized the gray-haired woman immediately. She was part of a group of middle-aged women whose husbands had shown far more interest in each other than in their wives. Some of them, from what Nadine had gleaned, were very influential on Barbados and Eros.

  “He is most charming, isn’t he? Paul could learn a few lessons from him when it comes to how to treat people,” her blue-eyed female companion interjected. “And to think we had heard the man was barely civilized.” She inhaled the fragrance of the purple orchid she held in her hand. “Ulysses gave me this flower,” the woman announced, smiling like a schoolgirl. “He told me it matched my eyes perfectly.”