"I'm in no mood for games. Please, put it down and go."
"Home early, aren't you? Must be frustrating after all the time spent putting on your feathers and war paint. Lovers tiff, maybe?"
"Raoul, please, go!" When he still didn't move, she lowered her tone. "Raoul, please...give me my robe."
Just then the light in PJ's room snapped on. "Oh, no. Hand it to me, quickly." She'd never forgive herself if PJ caught her in such a vulnerable state.
For his part, Raoul did not seem phased. He moved closer to the steps, and holding the garment by the shoulders murmured, "A gallant gent always holds a coat for a lady." With a half-smile and a nod of his head, he bent forward. "Madame, may I help you into your robe?"
"You bastard!" she hissed, looking toward PJ's room once more. In a panic, she walked up the steps into the light, knowing that his eyes raked her body from top to toe.
Hurriedly, Kris turned her back to him and slipped her arms into the sleeves. But as he settled it onto her shoulders, she was not quick enough to stop him from sliding a cool firm hand across her chest and down to cup her soft breast. To her surprise, as he squeezed his fingers in a rhythmic fashion, she felt her nipple harden. A sensuous heady pleasure flooded through her.
Turning away, with the robe tightly held around her, Kris saw a small figure appear in the doorway.
"I'm coming, darling. I've just had a swim...."
Raoul's mouth was warm on her neck and Kris squirmed to free herself. "Raoul, no, for heavens sake," she hissed.
"She can't see clearly with the lights behind her," he whispered. "Besides, you're the one trying to hide what's between us, not me." Raoul sighed heavily. "Go to her, but don't think you've escaped me so easily."
With a muttered curse, she broke away. Of course, PJ couldn't see them in the dark, but Kris felt exposed as she held the wrap tightly across her naked body.
"What's wrong, little one?" She knelt beside the child and hugged her.
"Nothing really, Kris. I woke up and couldn't sleep again, and I heard Daddy talking. I'm so thirsty. Can I have some milk, please?"
"Done...I'll get it for you," Kris said with a smile.
The child turned with arms raised to the tall man who'd walked up behind Kris. He lifted her up and carried her back to bed, Kris behind them only minutes later.
Raoul sat beside PJ on her little bed. "Now then, young lady, after your milk it is sleep time. What I have to discuss with Kris can't wait till morning." He kissed PJ gently on the cheek. "Goodnight, sweetie. See you tomorrow."
Raoul looked across the top of the child's head to Kris. His eyes glittered with determination causing Kris' petal-soft gaze to open wide with alarm. Her heart lurched when she met his knowing eyes and saw the twist of his full lips.
Kris left PJ's room quickly, but as he shut the door behind him, his hand snaked out and closed on her arm. He pulled her around to face him, his grip firm but gentle. His lower body grew hard against hers as he pressed her against the wall.
Struggling, she whispered in a hoarse voice, "I'll die if PJ comes out and finds us like this. Please, Raoul, let me go."
The robe had fallen off her shoulders to reveal soft, irresistible skin. Raoul's hungry mouth roamed across her throat and down to the soft mound of her white breasts. As his tongue teased the pointed nipples, she groaned and arched into his fevered touch. Oh, how she had longed for a moment like this, yet in the mists of her mind she knew she should be struggling to get away.
"Oh, no...don't. Not here," she whispered, her voice nearly gone.
His mouth found hers and he ground his lips against her own. Tearing his mouth away long seconds later, he muttered, "Then ask me to your room."
Her head swam with confusion and her body betrayed her by answering his urgency.
"Ask me, damn you...ask me!"
Rather than answer, Kris' mouth opened without thought and her eyes begged him for the ecstasy found only in his touch.
Their lips came together again and Raoul coaxed them open, his darting tongue rousing feelings she had never experienced. Moaning softly, she managed to whisper, "Come...oh, come to my room."
His sharp intake of breath was more expressive than words. Pulling her around with him, he propelled her across the hallway to her room. As the door closed behind them, he pressed her up against the wall, his arms encircling her body. Her head said one thing, but her heart and body said another as she felt his thighs tense against the inside of hers. His masculine virility and hardened body caused her to feel weak and heavy in her own secret places.
"I want you, Kris. Please, don't refuse me. Oh, Lord...let me into you."
Through tears of joy, Kris sensed his urgency and allowed her mouth and body to press against his as her robe fell unheeded to the floor. He ripped his shirt off and she gasped at the sensual contact of her full breasts flattening against his chest, his dark hairs abrasive against her soft skin.
Mind numbed with desire, Kris hardly registered her reactions as he stripped away his clothing and carried her to her bed. He laid her back and stared deeply into her eyes while massaging her breasts. Every nerve in her body tingled at his masterful touch. Never before had Raoul spent the time to draw out her own passions. The thought alone made her shout inside with happiness. It also gave her the courage to be bold.
Sure fingers caressed down Raoul's body until she found his manhood. She squeezed until he threw back his head and groaned his pleasure. Not releasing her grip, she slid her hand up and down his velvety shaft, careful to avoid the sensitive tip. A seductive smile played across her face when he began a pounding, rocking motion against her hand. She loved it! The power she held over him was magnificent and....
Raoul broke into her thoughts when he pounced onto her neck, leaving hot, open-mouthed kisses across her throat and down to the fullness of her breasts. He reached down their bodies and with strong fingers, forced her to release her grip. Positioning himself, he found her mouth and claimed it in the same heartbeat that he entered her ready body. In a single, sure thrust, they yielded to a rhythm as ancient as time.
Her senses soared at his unbridled passion -- the look on his face as he made love to her. Time had no meaning when they were together this way. She watched him with a lover's eyes, eager to see him look down at her in love.
But he didn't. His climactic finish came sooner than she would've liked. He grunted his satisfaction when he thrust into her the final time, throwing his head back as spasms wracked his body. A part of her loved seeing him this way while another part mourned at once more being unable to join him in completion. His arms gave way and he collapsed, sprawled across her breasts with his face in the nape of her neck. Kris felt a strange sensation, one of protection and tenderness. Instinctively she stroked his tousled damp hair.
Raoul stirred and lifted himself onto the palms of his hands. His arms shook as he looked at her flushed face. He shook his head as if coming out of a daze. Narrowing his gaze, he searched her eyes and found what he'd been looking for. She had not found her own completion.
He let out a short yell that startled Kris and she jumped in surprise. "Damn it, woman. I did it again! You made me feel like a bloody animal. I can't control myself when I'm around you."
"But, Raoul...."
"No." He looked her right in the eye. "I can't do this again, Kris. I won't do this to you again, ever!"
He rolled from the bed, yanking on his clothes. Anger punctuated every move he made. It wasn't his fault. The fault had to be her own. Maybe some women simply weren't made to find the ultimate climax that forever alluded her. It really shouldn't matter. Kris loved him and it broke her heart that he was blaming himself.
Grabbing his shoes and with his shirt hanging open, Raoul left without a backward glance, slamming the door behind him.
Stunned, Kris blinked through her tears until the shock of the moment had subsided. Won't...he'd said won't. Would she never feel the warmth of his embrace again, the heat of his passion? Wha
t was so wrong with her that she couldn't be one with the man of her heart?
Kris rolled onto her stomach and sobbed uncontrollably, wishing hopelessly for something she knew would never come again.
Later, she must have fallen asleep from exhaustion only to wake at about four-thirty in the morning with a throbbing head and swollen eyes. She felt hot and gritty and knew her sheets had Raoul's scent and the aftermath of their loving.
Dragging herself from the bed, she quickly changed the sheets and dropped the wet ones into the hamper on her way into the bathroom. Wearily, she stepped into the shower stall and washed her hair and body while wondering what she would do next. The water ran soothingly over her sore body for some time, taking with it the confusion she felt at her situation.
In its place came a slow brewing anger. She chastised herself bitterly for being such a fool. It had never crossed her mind that Raoul had stayed in, and when he'd put the child to bed, he'd waited for her to come home.
Damn. Didn't she ever learn? She couldn't remain, yet she couldn't desert PJ. What did it take to put it into her head that Raoul Metier was trouble with a capital T?
...x...
As the orange morning sun appeared, she dressed and decided to take a walk, knowing that it would be useless to try and sleep. She slipped outside and crossed the lawn. As she looked at the big beautiful house, her thoughts strayed to the first Mrs. Metier.
From all she had heard over the past weeks, the jigsaw pieced together and a happy gay young girl had emerged. She was more striking than beautiful, with a nature and manner that made all who knew her become devoted fans. Had Raoul really loved her? Or had he wanted to possess her like another item in an exclusive collection? Despite her black thoughts of the man, she somehow knew that he had loved his wife. A girl like her would have been sensual and all-giving in her love for him, and when he married her, he would have been a fulfilled and happy man. Her lingering illness after the accident had left him a hollow shell, and his cynical superior attitude to things was indeed a cover-up for the emptiness within him. Her death had opened up the wounds all over again and Kris wondered if he would ever find peace and happiness...and love again.
The walk along the smooth sands, listening to the lazy lapping of the water and the warmth of the young sun on her bare arms, made her feel much better. When she glanced at her watch, she was amazed to find that she had been out so long.
PJ came running across the lawn. "Almeira's got breakfast ready and I'm hungry, aren't you? Daddy's already gone, so it's just you and me."
With Raoul gone, she secretly felt relieved. She could have a breather to think of what she should do before facing him again. It was even better when Almeira told her he had left a note stating that urgent business had called him away, and that he didn't plan to return for a while. She was getting used to his "urgent business" ploy that seemed to occur mainly when he was angry or frustrated.
Carl surprised her later in the morning with a visit, full of his newfound lady friend, and Kris was pleased he was so exuberant. They sat under the trees on the lawn with cool homemade lemon drinks that were delicious. Kris felt a little more human when Carl said, "Things didn't go well for you last night, did they?"
She answered too quickly. "Why? Everything is just fine. What makes you ask?" Even she could tell she was on her guard.
"Little sister, give me credit for a few brains -- your eyes are puffy, your face is pale and you talk as though in a trance. And when I took Angela home, which was late I may add..." He smiled wryly. "Your man Metier passed us driving like a bat out of hell."
All of Kris' careful reserve crumbled and she began to cry.
Carl wrapped his arm around her. "Nothing can be that bad. Come on, spill the beans and I'll make it better, if I can."
She knew he couldn't, and she didn't dare tell him everything. But still, she was grateful for his support. ...x...
The days passed rapidly. As the big house took shape, Kris was well pleased and a little relieved that her ideas were a resounding success. It kept her busy and her mind off of her confused emotions. Wouldn't it be nice if Raoul came back and everything worked out? she thought hopefully. How wonderful that would be.
She laughed ruefully and admitted to herself that when he was being suave and in a happy, playful mood, she loved being with him. She also knew how much she wanted his praise for the transformation she was weaving over his property.
Life had mellowed at the house and the informality of entertaining was a joy. Carl had introduced her to his many friends and a number of people sought after her company. Apparently, her spontaneous humour and warmth made her a popular guest.
Carl had embarked on a whirlwind romance and informed Kris one evening that he was going to elope with Angela, so that there would be no need for expensive wedding plans. He said that when they returned home to his farm in Africa there would be mutual friends who would celebrate their union in a rousing style. It wasn't as though they didn't know each other. It seems they had been on neighbouring farms in Africa. When Carl's wife had left him, a spark had slowly developed between them. But before the flame could ignite into a full-blown fire, she'd left for advanced studies in America and that was where it had ended.
Kris was happy for them and pleased to see Angela relating well with his children. They would have a settled home again with a woman's steadying influence. Angela was obviously, deeply in love with him, so despite the seeming speed of the romance, it augured well for its future.
One evening as Kris sat on the veranda watching the last of a beautiful sunset, the phone's strident ring sounded vulgar against such serenity. It was Luke.
"Kris, hi! Are you ready for this? Raoul wants you here for some function or other, but he wasn't specific, just insistent that you come over here. He suggested that we take a break and look after PJ and that jumping dog of hers while you are away. He says the place is looking good and we can be your first official guests. The pressure here is something else and we want to get away for a while, hopefully, in ten days or so. A private break will do us the world of good."
There was a pause and Kris could hear whispering from his end. "You know, I really love this woman." She heard a giggle, but couldn't catch the woman's remark.
Luke chuckled as he continued, "All the hullabaloo about marrying her...whew! It's heavy." He sounded so happy. "By the way, Raoul's been in a filthy frame of mind since he came back. God knows what's eating him this time, so don't take him too seriously when he barks, okay?"
She knew what frame of mind Luke was referring to and felt the nervous butterflies tighten her stomach.
"I'm having a meeting with Raoul shortly and I'll come back with all the details. As I see it you will be here to show us the ropes with PJ, then you will go off to get dressed in your finery. It's a formal affair, apparently."
Kris interjected, "Luke, you know what gets my goat? Raoul wants me to accompany him to something important, yet he hasn't the decency to speak to me himself. Because I am an employee, he expects me to drop everything without even the courtesy of asking if I had plans. Why isn't the great Isabella accompanying him?"
"I haven't a clue; all I know is that she will be there, too. I'll try to find out more before I phone you again. You take him far too seriously, Kris. I've told you his bark is worse than his bite, so don't let him get at you."
Little does he know, Kris thought. He's already gotten to me. "It's going to be great seeing you, and I can't wait to meet the lovely lady. You can fill me in with all the news when you get here. I'll be here tomorrow, so you can phone any time. Bye for now."
As Kris put the phone down on the cradle, she was lost in thought. Butterflies were gathering in her stomach at the thought of seeing Raoul again -- especially after Luke's remark about his moodiness. Why the devil didn't he announce his engagement to Isabella and settle this peculiar relationship once and for all? she wondered.
She loved the job, and she loved PJ. As much as she hated admit
ting it, she was deeply attracted to Raoul. But until he was safely married, she was vulnerable and in danger of being hurt. Why -- if he has Isabella -- does he want her by his side at some special function?
Three weeks had passed since he had left without a word. When she started to remember the events of that night, she became angry with herself. Walking into the bathroom, she splashed cool water on her face. She studied the glum reflection that stared back at her in the mirror.
Chiding herself, she muttered, "Stop it! I expect he has done this to women for years. Isabella has been turning a blind eye to things, I'm sure, but when she successfully snares him, things are bound to change. Surely she won't put up with his secret affairs then." A little voice deep within told her to get out while she could, but for some reason she felt the need to stay on. There might be hope that things would come out all right.
LOVE STORM Page 16