LOVE STORM

by Beryl Trebble

  With the languid feelings gone, a fever of passion mounted as he pulled her on top of him. His hands smoothed beneath her shirt to fumble with her bra catch. Upon its instant release, he pushed it to one side and cupped his trembling hand around the soft flesh with its hardening nipple.

  Her feverish hands welcomed the hardness of his desire that begged for release; together their hips moved as one. She moaned and tried to find the catch on his trousers. Her senses reeled and swam dizzily as her fingers felt his thick, wiry hair.

  Without warning, the staccato scream of the telephone shattered the passionate sensation like splintering glass.

  They sprang apart as though someone had shot at them. Cursing, Raoul crossed the floor to answer the insistent phone. "Luke? Why the devil are you phoning? For God's sake, man, it is three-thirty in the morning!"

  Kris' moment of madness had passed. She composed herself by fastening her bra and straightening her hair. She hardly heard what Raoul was saying as her head pounded wildly.

  "...sorry we were at cross purposes...I should have phoned... No, you're right, of course, you were concerned. Yes, she's fine...I'll send her your regards... Yes, I'll send PJ your love... Enough, Luke, it's been a difficult night. I'll phone when we've seen her in the morning. Cheers."

  As he put down the phone, he said, "Luke sends his best. Apparently he phoned earlier, but there was no reply. Isabella and her friends must have had one hell of a party."

  For the first time he looked at the bar littered with bottles and glasses. He caught sight of Kris in one of the mirrors -- she was straightening her clothes and touching her hair, aware of her disheveled appearance. His feelings rose as he remembered the heat of her embrace and he was eager to pick up where they'd left off. He crossed the room in easy strides and tried to gather Kris into his arms once again, but she resisted him. "Kris...."

  "No, Raoul. I-I'm sorry. I started something I shouldn't have. Please, no more. Besides...now is not the time when we have PJ to consider."

  Kris watched as a range of wild and strange emotions crossed his face. Within seconds she knew that he wasn't listening to her...didn't want to listen. She struggled within his arms, but his grip tightened in desperation and his lips crushed heavily onto hers, his passion flaming out of control.

  A few minutes ago, her whole being would have responded to his urgency, but the spell had been broken and reason had returned. The whole scene had changed and her senses were crystal clear. She realised the extent of her folly and knew she had to get away, even though her own desire for his touch still flamed within her body.

  Dimly, she realised her struggles were useless against his strength and his will. She had to reach him somehow, make him understand this would never work between them.

  "Raoul, please, you must listen. This can't happen between us. I am nothing more than an employee to you, a convenience to express your powerful emotions. And I refuse to allow you to use my body once more to get something that Isabella would be more than eager to give. I have too much respect for myself to be abused in that way."

  Maybe she shouldn't have used the word abused, for he became red with anger and shook her several times.

  "I have no need to abuse a woman! And I have never abused you!"

  "No. You only forced me to have sex with you." Kris died inside at the wounded look on his face. He would retaliate. His pride would demand it.

  Raoul spoke before he could stop himself, regretting the words the moment they left his lips. "You slut! Tease! How could a woman like you ever be forced?"

  He shifted his hold and her hand came free. Blindly, she struck out at him, delivering a blow across his cheek that stung her hand. Surprised, his raging anger slowly drained away. He appeared distressed, defeated.

  Raoul shook his head sadly. How could a tender and passionate moment have become so twisted? He'd never behaved in such an uncivilized fashion with any other woman. What was it about Kris that turned him into a wild animal? He scolded himself for acting so savagely and knew he'd ruined any chance he'd ever had to gain her heart.

  "Get out of here," he nearly whispered. She didn't move. He whipped his head toward her and screamed, "Get out, damn you...now!"

  When Kris saw his strained face and tightly-drawn mouth, she turned and fled as tears streamed down her face.

  Only when she reached the stairs did she remember the look in his eyes. He'd been wounded to the soul and she was the cause. She had made the decision to initiate their intimacy this time.

  Moments later she heard his violent cursing and then the sound of breaking glass.

  Return to Contents

  * * *

  Chapter Ten

  Of course, the next day was fraught with tension. Isabella recovered from the indiscretions of the night before, but was subdued. However, her friends were edgy with embarrassment. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife when I'm around, Kris thought. Raoul made himself scarce.

  Dr. Grace had phoned early in the morning to say that PJ had a rather restless night. He had given her something to relax and she was sleeping peacefully. He suggested that they wait until the afternoon to visit.

  Kris was sitting in the dining room enjoying her first cup of coffee for the day when Isabella strode into the room. Without any greeting she said imperiously, "I shall go with Raoul this afternoon, then you can go whenever you like."

  Kris looked at her with a small smile on her lips. "My car is still there, so I'll have to come with you. But don't worry, I won't stay."

  Raoul accepted the arrangements without a word, and Kris drove straight back to the house. It had all fallen into place well. She went straight upstairs, collected her suitcase, and packed, making sure there was nothing left in the cupboards and drawers. She figured that only a lingering perfume would give off the mute evidence of her presence in the room.

  Before placing a letter for Raoul on the hall table, she reread it: Dear Raoul,

  The situation is intolerable between us, and Isabella has made it quite clear that probably sooner than I think, my services will no longer be required. Therefore, I am making the first move. I assume that now is as good a time as any to leave while you both help PJ recover.

  It is with regret because I have come to love PJ. No doubt, a bad thing as I was only an employee anyway, and this was bound to happen. I'm vain enough to think she has come to love me, too. But she's young, so I guess she will quickly get over any sadness at my departure. She is a dear little girl, and I hope she gets better soon.

  Sorry to leave you in the lurch with the big party you have coming up, but I am sure Isabella will manage admirably. I know she felt that I took over her position. Professional caterers will manage admirably, I am sure. Anyway, when would be a suitable time to leave and fit in with your busy schedule? I am sure a suitable governess will not be too difficult to come by.

  I think this is for the best, considering the circumstances.

  Kris Castell

  Driving away, she realised that she had not been fair to PJ. She owed her some explanation, and a goodbye. There was no need to wreck the child's faith in humanity. She was insecure enough without the one person she trusted letting her down.

  She parked down the street and waited until Raoul's big car nosed out of the driveway before going into the hospital. Her resolution faltered when she saw the child's smiling face, and only managed a half truth by telling her that she was going away for a while, and that she would not be able to contact her.

  "Be a good kitten," she said, stroking her smooth brow and then running her hand over PJ's dark head. "Look after Jump and don't let him get out of hand. He's missing you, so you hurry up and get better."

  With her usual directness, PJ said, "I don't think you are coming back. You are not happy, I know. Please, Kris, don't go forever."

  Her little face crumpled and Kris hated herself when she said, "Don't be a silly-billy. Whatever gave you that idea? Of course, I'll see you again. Right now, all I want is for you
to get better. I don't want you crying, so smile for me or they will kick me out of here." PJ forced a small grin.

  "Bigger smile. That's it, I don't want to remember a sad face." She made idle talk until the child calmed down, and then not trusting herself to carry on, she brushed her lips against her soft cheek. "I must go, baby, be good. Bye." Then she headed for the door, her own tears blinding her.

  Kris rested her head on the steering wheel and sobbed uncontrollably. What a mess she had made of everything, and Lauren had warned her, too.

  Pulling herself together, she started on the lonely trip back to her flat. She took it carefully knowing that her reactions were slow, and if she went any faster, she would be reckless and probably have an accident.

  Wearily, she pulled up outside her flat, staring blankly into space for several minutes before collecting her suitcases. Her flat had always given her a thrill whenever she walked into it, but this time she felt nothing as she looked slowly around. Shaking herself out of her reverie, she went to the bathroom and splashed cold water over her face. Dull dark ringed eyes stared at her from the mirror, and the shadows in the hollow of her cheeks gave her a pale fragile look. She grimaced. "You are a real beauty, aren't you?"

  Kris couldn't remember when she had last eaten properly and wandered off to the kitchen. She would have to make do with tins. She poured herself a glass of wine and set about concocting a mixture that smelled delicious as it heated. As she popped a bread ball into her mouth, she figured that she wouldn't go shopping, but would take off the next day to be alone instead. She knew exactly where to go -- a small hotel on a lonely stretch of Cornish coast.

  ...x...

  Four years ago, on another occasion, she had found this place when she felt like running away. Over the years she had often gone back for a day or two when she felt emotionally low. The fresh windy walks along the cliffs had recharged her batteries, and with the simple wholesome country food and the friendly caring attitude of the old proprietor and his jolly wife, she had always returned to face life again, head on. The old people were discreet, never asked questions, yet, with homespun philosophies, answered many of hers. In doing so, they had helped her on her way back to a healthier approach to life.

  Staring at the meal she had hardly touched, she decided to phone Lauren. Although it was late, she knew her friend well enough to know she wouldn't mind. Besides, she never seemed to sleep until the early hours.

  Lauren was more than surprised to hear Kris on the other end of the line. "But, darling, you sound awful. Whatever are you doing at the flat? Is something wrong? I know you, you are bottling something up, and it started when you were here the last time. Don't make me drag it out of you. No, wait right there, I'm coming over, okay?"

  Her friend's spontaneous reaction made Kris cry.

  "Kris...hey, Kris, did you hear me? I'll be there in five minutes; hold on kid. Things can't be that bad."

  True to her word, Lauren was in the flat within five minutes. "Let it out, you'll feel a whole a lot better. You can talk when you're ready." She put her arms around her friend and waited until the heaving sobs had subsided.

  The comfort of Lauren's presence calmed her down and, ruefully, she grinned. "I must look a sight. I'd better go and wash my face."

  "I brought some milk in case you were out. While you wash up, I'll make some strong coffee. Don't forget to blow your nose..." she said, teasing.

  Feeling at ease, and with the coffee steaming beside her, Kris took a deep breath. "I think I'm having a baby."

  "What?"

  Kris nodded numbly.

  "My God, who? Oh, don't tell me -- it's Raoul Metier, isn't it?" Kris could only nod as the tears sprang to her eyes again.

  "I suppose he wants you to get rid of it and quietly fade out of the picture so he can keep his precious image," Lauren spoke savagely.

  "No, it's not like that." Kris controlled herself and took a deep, calming breath. "He doesn't know a thing about it, Lauren. It was only once -- I can't believe it happened. You know I went to Dr. Risden last time I was here, but I chickened out of telling him. So I called Karrie James, and with a story about my doctor being away, and she gave me her doctor's name. I felt so embarrassed, I couldn't tell him either. I told him that I was widowed, and had no boyfriend, so he gave the same verdict -- stress related."

  "Kris," Lauren interrupted, "What on earth is the matter with you? Why go to the man if you don't intend to tell him anything? You know there are tests that tell you straight away, and doctors are pretty broad-minded people these days. You dummy, why torture yourself like this? Who knows, you may be wrong, and something simple will put you right. It's not like you to behave this way. You went to a man you don't know, and need never see again." She stopped and looked at her friend anxiously. "Kris, look at me...it's not that you are secretly hoping you are carrying his child, or is it? You are in love with him. Oh, no, I can't stand it."

  Lauren stood and confronted her friend. "I warned you about this. I'm not wanting to use the I-told-you-so story, but I did tell you he was not for the likes of you. Oh, Kris, the man was under extreme tension. His girlfriend is not a warm person as far as I gather. Surely, you knew he was likely to try and use sex to relieve his stress. And there you were, willing and able, and now you are the one hurting and he doesn't give a damn."

  "Oh, no, Lauren. I think his rough behavior is a guise for how he really is. When we have been alone, or with PJ, he was warm and friendly, but as soon as there are people around, or that blasted Isabella is with him, he changes. Almost as though he retires behind some armoured front, and you can't get at him."

  "Humph, listen to love talking. If he wants something on the side of course, he'll be nice to you in private. He's no better than most men, only wealthier. My friend, I know you better than you think, so don't come up with pathetic excuses. You won't entertain an abortion, but before this drives you crazy, let's get you to a doctor first thing in the morning. I hope like hell, for your sake, that it's a false alarm, because the likes of Metier can be fair bastards in this situation. I love you too much to see you hurt, and I feel partly to blame bringing you into this situation. I've seen it all too often and it makes me very wary, but I'd forgotten how naive some people can be in this day and age and I'm afraid you're one of them. I'm sorry."

  Lauren gave Kris a firm hug. "I must go home now. We all need some rest, and we'll see what tomorrow brings." She dropped her voice conspiratorially, "I would stay, but...Leo's waiting for me."

  Kris giggled. "You are incorrigible, Lauren."

  "It could be a long night, too. 'Bye, love."

  Kris kept on smiling as she watched Lauren drive away.

  Before Kris drifted off to sleep, memories of the way Raoul would look at her passionately swam through her mind. She smiled, treasuring the moment. Deep down she knew that Lauren was right. If she had his baby, then it would be forever, a child that she would never part with. She would disappear out of his life, and he would never need to know.

  Her limbs relaxed as her mind idly relived the last sensuous exploring of his hands, his erotic kisses, and her yearning body. If it hadn't been for the earth-shattering ring of the phone, she wondered if she would have succumbed to his masterful arousal, the ultimate peak of making love that had eluded her all of these years. Would it have changed things with Raoul?

  She fell asleep, her question forever unanswered.

  ...x...

  The phone rang and Kris ran over to pick it up.

  "Only me," Lauren said, breezily. "You stay put until eleven o'clock, and then get yourself into one of Dr. Jacob's rooms. He's my gynecologist. I phoned him and he's squeezing you in at eleven-thirty." She gave Kris the address.

  "The uncertainties will be gone at any rate," Kris said. "I'll give you a call later on. I'm heading off to the Lawrence's hotel for a while, and I need to get away. Thanks for all your help. In the light of day, I have been rather stupid, haven't I?"

  Lauren laughed softly. "J
ust crazy, mixed up and never took your friend's advice. But, I've been there too. Look forward to hearing from you, sweetheart."

  Kris laughed as she rang off. Glancing at her watch, she hurried to the door, anxious now to get to the address Lauren had given her.

  A starched, impersonal nurse took Kris' particulars, and then she settled down with the aged magazines in much the same way she had done two nights ago. It seemed like an eternity.

  While she waited, her thoughts turned to PJ. She felt horrible about leaving when PJ was so ill. Poor little mite, she thought. I should phone the hospital when I get to the hotel, find out how she is and send her my love.