“My lady?” One of the ladies drew her attention from her reverie and offered her a plate of the food Xerxes had ordered she eat.
“Thank you.” Jessica accepted the offering. It didn’t take a great amount of encouragement for her to eat. She watched while the twin guardians drew her bath in the largest natural seashell Jessica had ever seen. It was as big as some swimming pools. To the water, they added a soothing smelling potion before Jessica could stop them, if she could have. Jessica came to the disturbing conclusion, Xerxes had given them their orders, and they would follow them regardless of her objections. They discreetly looked away while she disrobed and slowly sank into the relaxing warm, now swirling, waters. They offered to bathe her, but Jessica declined their gentle efforts.
A second plate, this one of pastries, they provided and she washed this down with two glasses of wine that they poured. She almost felt human again. The wine did make her somewhat lightheaded, but the euphoria, if only for a few moments, was a welcome relief from the stress of her situation.
Leaving her to soak under the unobtrusive, but watchful eye of the first lady, one disappeared somewhere, while the other laid out a brush for her long hair and a selection of other toilette articles. Jessica got the idea. She was to be the perfect image of femininity. He wishes, she thought with a sneer. She rebelled against his authority, and his control went against her nature, regardless of the arousal his touch brought.
Wearing a heavy, warm, cotton bathrobe, Jessica brushed her hair, but she refused to wear the make-up. Maggie ushered her into what would be her bedroom, and left her alone. She stopped in her tracks. This room was huge, and was not just for her. Jessica looked around, noticing the décor and feel of the room. It was his room. His personal items graced the walls and the top of the dresser. Wait one minute, she thought, the couch out in the living room looked comfortable.
She changed into the clothing they had laid out for her to wear. A pair of silk sea-green panties, long sheer wide legged silk pants that matched. The matching top made from a satin material with thin straps, overlaid with silk that matched the bottoms but printed with sea creatures. It was a beautiful and expensive combination piece. Jessica was relieved the outfit wasn’t revealing, but would have been happier had it been long-sleeved and closed at the neck. The girls led her back to the living salon where Xerxes waited.
To Jessica’s surprise, Xerxes stood, having been watching the CBS evening news. He too had bathed and prepared to retire for the evening. What he wore didn’t fill her with confidence of what their evening held. Xerxes’ loose-fitting pair of black silk sleep pants accented his flat abs and he stood casually without a shirt, his upper body clearly defined as she remembered. With his back to the entrance of their bedroom, he turned when he heard her enter. His tanned broad chest reminded her again of the night of the hurricane and the Aztecs, of the safety of his arms holding her against his muscular chest. Jessica looked away, aroused and disturbed, aching for the feeling of safety those arms produced. Xerxes switched off the television.
“Don’t turn it off on my account…â€� Jessica told him flippantly.
“You may watch it at your leisure.� Xerxes smiled, overlooking her tone, “They have called off their search for you. For this I truly apologize, but Jessica, it is for the best,� he said sincerely, watching her. She turned away, not wanting him to see the tears she forced back, but Xerxes saw them.
Jessica was unaware of him behind her, and his closeness startled her when his hands gently touched her arms in a comforting gesture. She stepped away suddenly, already intensely disturbed by his nearness, the memories that flashed through her mind and body compounding the affect.
“Mr. Kallias,â€� Jessica turned to face him, in doing so, catching sight of the still-healing, and irritated slice across his right biceps, bringing back persistent memories of him and another meeting. Of the personal risk he had taken to secure her life, again reminding her of the feeling of safety those strong arms had brought at that time. Now, the realization of his total control over her, and the threat of his masculine bearing almost overpowered Jessica. Nevertheless, her strength of character and will were stronger; she was angry with this mysterious man, but other than his abduction of her, she couldn’t find a reason. Actually, she owed him a great debt - her life.
“It is time you used my given name, Jessica, our relationship will be very close,� Xerxes informed her with warm eyes that swept over her.
“That, Mr. Kallias,� she stressed his surname, “is one of the things you will not like my answer to.� Jessica told him firmly, her eyes flaming in anger, meeting his.
Xerxes smiled at her. “Jessica, it is already a fact.�
“No, it most certainly is not. Now you promised answers, or do you propose to put those off further?� Did nothing anger this man? She asked herself.
“Very well, for now, ask � Xerxes was willing to go the extreme to put her at ease.
Jessica considered what she wanted answers to first, “Who are you? No! I do not mean your name. I mean who are you, or more to the point what are you?�
“I am the direct descendent of the first High Lord of Atlantis,� Xerxes answered with great pride in his voice.
Jessica looked at him as though he were a lunatic. If it weren’t for the immediate surroundings, she would have laughed. “Now tell me the truth!â€�
“I have,� he said seriously, a smirk on his handsome face.
“Atlantis? You planted that stuff. None of it was real. I don’t believe it. I have been a fool,â€� Jessica said sullenly, shocked, although he confirmed what she and Bruce both believed.
“You believe it. You dated those artifacts yourself. Why would the Egyptians have made such a voyage? Unless directed, they would never have found their way to Lake Okeechobee, or known about the things of the pictograph?â€� Xerxes looked at her directly. He could see her trying to deny his words but he knew she couldn’t. Finally, she sat down, hard.
“Why would you lure me here?� Jessica finally asked, knowing the answer to that question before she asked.
“After you found the clues, you would have found us. As you will see in the next few weeks, I could not allow that to happen. It was either led you here or….�
“Or what? Others know.â€� Suddenly “the or what” made sense. “Oh God, you wouldn’t!â€� She stood and stared at him. “You said Bruce was okay. What has happened to the others? Have you?â€� She could not say it. “You said I would not like the answers. Have you - killed them?â€� she accused. Maybe it was the wine, or the exhaustion or the depth, maybe all three, but she suddenly rushed him.
Never did Xerxes think she would have come to such a conclusion. “NO!â€� He caught her by both wrists before she could strike him. Spinning her around, the smell of her filling his senses, he crossed her arms in front across her breasts and held her back against his chest. Xerxes was amazed at how strong she was. Subdued, he spun her back suddenly to face him, leaving her dizzy. “Jessica, NO! STOP fighting me,” he pulled her against his chest abruptly pushing the air from her, this time their faces inches apart.
His closeness was suddenly draining, his strength sapping what little she had in reserve. The strange eyes that had haunted her for so long were mesmerizing. His lips touched hers, she fought, but she was so weak. His will was sapping hers, taking her into himself. Her eyes closed, blotting out the reality of her situation, his lips, like a drug, gently moving over her mouth; finally, he released her.
“Oh,� she sobbed, “what have you done?� he eased her onto the couch, aware she could no longer stand.
“Jessica just listen to me,� Xerxes pleaded gently, sitting next to her, pulling her close. “No one has been harmed. I promise you, that is why you were the only one given the maps.
All the artifacts, and the copies, are now recovered, and safely here in Atlantis. Your Marine Captain Curtis is an Atlantian. Only the metal maps are not here, they have now dissolved, as I designed them to. You are the only one who knows. Atlantis’ security is safe, your friend is safe, but here you must stay. What is here is enough to keep you occupied for ten lifetimes,â€� Jessica heard him say. Her eyes remained closed, her world spinning, her body shaking. Xerxes held her close, trying to comfort her.
She remembered his rescuing her during the hurricane. His arms felt so secure, so easy just to relax and… Sudden anger fired deep inside of her! He had tricked her; he had used her, frightening her. Concern for her parents came to mind, they would believe she was dead, and there wasn’t any way to tell them differently.
Xerxes was concerned, her face was so pale, but the thought of Jessica’s lips was overpowering. Again, he covered her lips with his own, though she weakly fought him. He gently held her in his arms, despite her struggles that became weaker.
“Never will I allow a man to have control over me!” Jessica told Xerxes. “And what have you done? You have watched me, then kidnapped me, and imprisoned me. Now you ask me to trust you?”
“Don’t fight me, you are mine now, and safe. You must listen to what I have told you, and what more I must explain,â€� Xerxes told her, trying to assure Jessica she was safe and what he had done, he did out of necessity.
“NO! I belong to no man, never! No man owns me. Not one who would trick me as you have,� Jessica protested and resisted, pushing him away.
“Yes Jessica, I claimed you before I came to your camp that night. It was either that or have you killed because you had found the entrance. But, no one else - even Bruce is safe. However, you, dear Jessica, know far too much, and are far too smart, to be allowed to go free. And I abhor killing. To waste a life such as yours I will not do. Is your life lived here, and with me, not worth that of the others?�
“I do not want to stay here! I will not stay with you! You do not have the right to make that decision!â€� Jessica declared despite the attraction she felt for Xerxes. Here was the man who haunted her dreams, who appeared at her tent that night at the dig and saved her from a horrible death from the Aztecs. He aroused her as no man ever had before. He made her blood run hot with his look alone. His touch sent molten fire through her breasts to ignite between her legs making them weak. His affect on her frightened her more than she could comprehend, or understand. There were the memories, the ones she could remember, and the ones she knew were there, but she couldn’t remember. She did owe him gratitude for saving her life.
Xerxes pinned her by the shoulders beneath him, against the pillows of the couch. “I did not ask what you wanted Jessica! I told you what you would do! Here in this world, I am the authority, my word is law,â€� his voice commanded all the power he controlled. “Jessica I have watched you, I will not see you killed just because you are willful, and will not try to adjust to a different life - a life that is just as rich as that of the upper-world. And, yes, I do have that right,â€� Xerxes’ patience was running thin, his desire for her barely controllable and evidenced in the timbre of his voice.
“I have parents and family that are grieving because of this,â€� Jessica’s voice came out in a hoarse objection struggling to hold back tears of frustration and fear.
“You knew the risks! So did they! Would you rather they have a real reason to grieve?� Xerxes voice was almost cruel.
“What risks?� Jessica asked flabbergasted.
“Diving has risks,� Xerxes said coldly. “You should know that.� Had she not been as exhausted, frightened and overwrought, Jessica might have picked up on what he alluded to, but the dive accident Xerxes referred to was still veiled in a drug-clouded mist slipping by her tired mind.
“I think I hate you,� her voice was low and cold.
He looked into her eyes, saw her pain and fear and knew only time and gaining her trust would change it. His countenance changed, tenderly he drew her close and kissed her ardently, his tongue briefly caressing hers, feeling the desire she desperately tried to hide from him, “You may want to, but you won’t.â€�
She pushed him away and slapped him, her hand stung. “Bastard!â€� she said with conviction, and managed to slip from beneath Xerxes to run from the room. Jessica didn’t know to where she ran and found herself in a bedroom. Xerxes calmly walked in behind her. She spun around to face him, her long hair swirling around her as she turned. “So now you have me where you want me!â€�
“We must sleep,� Xerxes smiled kindly.
“I’ll take the couch,â€� Jessica said evenly, her voice harsh. “I would not think of sleeping in your bed.”
“Think again Jessica, you will sleep with me,� Xerxes told her firmly.
“No! Never!� Jessica glared at him, her brown eyes again turning cerise.
Calmly he walked to the communicator device and in English so she would understand, ordered the couch in their salon removed. “Now if you plan to try for the chairs or carpet on the floor, I can also have those things removed as well.�
“Leave the damned couch,â€� Jessica told him in a growl, “but don’t think I’ll do more than sleep.â€�
Xerxes smiled. “For tonight, Jessica, you should sleep after what you have been through today. However, do not count on the same leniency tomorrow.â€� His smile disappeared and their eyes locked. Xerxes would tolerate no more - he would not show mercy with her again. She would know her master’s touch.
Jessica could see his appetite and hunger for her clearly in his eyes. Desire! Her cheeks flushed, Jessica knew she desired him too. Xerxes smiled while Jessica heard him cancel the removal of the couch.
With great reluctance, Jessica slid beneath the covers. Her body tired, her mind in turmoil, and her heart near breaking. Xerxes stretched his powerful body out next to her. She could feel the power that radiated from him like the strength that radiated from a great wild beast. Jessica’s heart raced and her blood pounded in her temples. She didn’t think she could sleep with him next to her no matter how tired she was.
Jessica had never slept with a man before. There had been many opportunities, but never had a man sparked the desire. This man was different. She had no control or influence over him. He was powerful, and had total autonomy here in his world. She didn’t hate him, as she had accused, but she refused to admit any possible love. The odd sensation he aroused in her must be lust, animal attraction, she thought and refused to give in to it. Staying as far away from Xerxes as the huge bed would allow, she turned on her side, with her back to the High Lord of Atlantis. She tried to will her exhausted but stimulated body, to sleep but every fiber in her was alert, sensitive. Disgusted with herself, her aroused body traitor to her will, her silk panties wet from this man’s nearness and touch, Jessica prayed he would sleep first. Maybe she’d sneak to the couch, she thought. Then possibly the quick fire racing through her veins would subside and she could get the sleep she badly needed.
His hand tenderly touched her hip; Jessica jumped nearly tumbling off the edge.
“Jessica, you will fall out of bed if you stay that close to the edge. Move toward the center, I swear, tonight I will let you sleep.� Xerxes promised with some humor in his voice.
“How magnanimous of you!” Jessica said sarcastically. “Leave me alone and I will sleep.â€� She heard him laugh at her false bravado. Suddenly, before she could protest, both his muscular arms were around her waist and he pulled her snuggly against his hard body.
“You may as well learn this now. I am accustomed to my directives being obeyed.� Xerxes whispered firmly in her ear. His lips brushed her neck and causing her to shiver, her physical need for him causing her to gasp.
Jessica tried to move away, she struggled, â�
��œI am unaccustomed to taking orders! Now let me go!â€� she demanded.
“Sorry, here you stay. Now,â€� he pulled her even closer, she could feel every inch of his male body against her body, “close your eyes and go to sleep.” His voice dropped to a threatening whisper, “Lest I forget my promise that tonight you may sleep and do with you what I wish to. Only two thin pieces of fabric and my word of honor stand between what both our bodies want. Do not push either past the point of tolerance. His hand caressed her hip, down over her thigh, and up over her stomach, sending such a strong surge of need through her, Jessica’s body almost compelled her to turn to him.
Jessica froze. She could tell he desired her. Jessica could feel the hardness of his cock pressing against her, demanding release from his sleeping pants. A slight shaking possessed her and she tried, but she could not still it. Xerxes breath was on her neck and his lips caressed her. If only to herself, she admitted, drawing a deep uneven breath, she wanted him too. His arms around her made her feel safe as she had the night of the hurricane, so easy to give in to those feelings. Though, without the strong drug in her system, accompanied by the threat of death from the Aztecs, those heated emotions his touch evoked terrified Jessica.
“Good night,� his voice was throaty with his passion held in strict control.
Jessica lay still, fearful of arousing him further until his quiet snores became even and strong. When she could not find away to escape his grasp to slip from him, and the confusing emotions he evoked, she was at last lulled by his snores, combined with her own exhaustion she too slept with Xerxes arm firmly wrapped around her, just beneath her breast.
Chapter Seventeen
How long Jessica slept, she didn’t know, a few hours, possibly a whole day. When she woke, she was alone. However, opening her eyes was a stunning experience. Xerxes had opened the heavy drapes that lined the walls, and she woke to the astounding beauty of the open undersea world in which she now lived. Her first sight was that of a Manta Ray gliding by. His fluke span would have dwarfed a compact car. For a long time, Jessica sat in bed and stared at the beauty that surrounded her. Xerxes’ bedroom opened out into the ocean, the City lay behind his quarters. The beauty was spellbinding, until a huge hammerhead shark swam by, circled, and swam directly at the glass. Somewhat startled, but knowing she was safe, Jessica watched the creature, and wondered if it were the same one that had plagued her illfated dive with Bruce. The beast stopped at the glass, his nose almost touching and quickly looked at her. Jessica had the strangest sensation he didn’t expect to see her there. After a moment, the shark turned and swam away. Jessica realized she had been holding her breath and drew in a deep gasp of air. She lay back against the multiple pillows on the fine linen sheets. If she closed her eyes, Jessica could almost convince herself the past hours had been just another dream.
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