by Allison, Kim
an exorbitant amounte weAs the hours wore on and Daniel had chosen a more than adequate number of silks and prints, Delilah carefully approached him about an important issue.
"Milord, I am greatly honored to prepare your lady friend all these fine things, but it will be impossible to sew them to the perfection we boast without the young lady's presence for a proper fitting. A centimeter too much here, an inch too little there, and the whole wardrobe will be useless! Of course, we could always alter the garments at your later request, but my establishment has never heard a complaint, and I do not wish to give undue cause to soil my reputation. Please forgive my impudence, milord, but I seek only to please your lady."
Daniel assured Delilah that he was a more than adequate judge on a lady's measurements, her blushed cheeks betraying her distraction at the thought of Lord Fredrickson indeed being an expert on everything about a woman's body.
"I shall bring my girls in for you to view. Should any of them appear the size of your lady friend, you must let me know. If not, I am certain we can guess closely at her measurements."
At Delilah's instructions, the girls came into the stately fitting room. There were five of them altogether, their sizes varying from petite to buxom, their ages ranging from sixteen to thirty-five, every last one of them quite attractive. It was clear to see they were excited at the prospect of being on display for the rakish lord.
Daniel stood and casually walked about the women, searching for the one closest to Elyssa's size. He was amused to see that the most endowed female had undone the top few buttons of her blouse, leaving him with a glorious view.
One of the girls brazenly suggested that Daniel hold each of them in his arms to get the precise feel and size of them as compared to his lucky lady friend, at which she received a harsh slap upside the head from Delilah and a scolding for her insolent freshness. Daniel was helpless to smile in amusement at the pretty girl's boldness.
After choosing the young lady closest to Elyssa's size and height, Daniel advised Delilah to have the garments sewn according to that particular one's measurements. The girl acted as if she'd just been selected as Daniel's newest paramour, her elation at being the perfect size for such a magnificent man certain to keep her on cloud nine for the remainder of the week. She boldly asked if Daniel would like to remain during the fitting, already starting to unlace her bodice.
Daniel chuckled as he shook his head and to lapse in judgment. ed to ">CHAPTER ok his leave of the fitting room. He smiled at the sound of their admiring chatter as he left the room, his ears only mildly shocked at the wicked things he heard spoken of himself.
Delilah's intense curiosity at who the clothes were being sewn for was tactfully dismissed by Daniel. He indicated only that he would be delivering the things to his lady friend himself, and that the boxes should be sent to him at Greystone within the next few days. His excessively generous bonus for such an order left Delilah feeling weak-kneed and she assured Daniel she would have the wardrobe completed and delivered three days hence.
Her less pressing customers would have to wait, and every girl put on the order at once. After watching the departure of the splendidly tempting male, Delilah rushed into the fitting room, breaking up the beginnings of a fight between the girls over which one could undoubtedly please the delicious rogue in bed the most.
While Daniel was gone, Elyssa spent part of the day outside. She dressed warmly, leaving her hair long and loose. After walking through the gardens and talking briefly with the gardener about his suggestions for changes and additions to the beautiful space, Elyssa found herself heading to the graves of Daniel's parents.
She wondered about the woman that had borne Daniel. From the little Daniel had spoken of his mother, Elyssa learned she had been a loving and beautiful woman taken before her time. Daniel tried not to let it show, but her abrupt departure from his life had a definite bearing on the present bitterness he carried in his heart.
Her eyes going to Percy's grave, Elyssa's eyes misted in guilt. The only tears shed over his death had in fact been over her guilt in not mourning him, and no matter that Percy had not cared about her, it still seemed infinitely wrong that his wife not be able to grieve his murder.
Murder. The word she had striven to ignore the past week, the dark thought of Daniel's possible involvement coming back to haunt her, and Elyssa could almost hear Percy's cry for justice. She would never believe, however, that Daniel had fired the gun that had taken Percy's life. Indeed, no murder weapon had even been retrieved and Elyssa wondered if perhaps one of Percy's business associates was the culprit.
Surely Percy was turning in his grave at the thought she was now intimate with Daniel. She rued the day her parents had ever forc an exorbitant amounte weed her into the loveless marriage.
The remaining guilt of being with Daniel was assuaged when she was lying in his arms. When his mouth covered hers with sweet kisses. And she knew that although he cared deeply for her, the absence of any spoken words of his love remained a factor in her unease. And too, how could they ever possibly marry, even did Daniel want to?
Her steps took her to the cliffs and Elyssa sat huddled against the pitiful remains of the broken castle, the wind whistling about her eerily. How was it she managed to find such utter contentment in this place when it had been the lure of death for others before her? But then, perhaps they'd likewise been drawn to its beauty initially, only for their fascination toward its serenity and charm to turn into an obsession until they'd wandered too dangerously close to the edge. Just as she'd already been wont to do before, and Elyssa wondered darkly if she would end up having to fight the desire for death over a love that wasn't to be.
Her melancholy caused Elyssa's sudden desire to return to the mansion and she pulled the coat tighter about her as she began the long walk back to the estate. Her heart ached in loneliness for Daniel, and Elyssa scorned herself a fool. For however could she survive if he left her permanently when it was a struggle to even be parted from him for one day? How many other women had suffered a similar fate at the hands of the unattainable charmer, how many hearts shattered in the unrealized hope of a life with Daniel, his philandering habits a mockery to any woman that had ever dared hope to change him.
The imposing view of Greystone within sight, Elyssa's steps quickened and she looked forward to warming herself by the fire. It would be dark soon, and Daniel should be returning within the next hour or so. She wanted to make herself pretty for him, and the thought of his pleased smile when he would see her warmed Elyssa's heart.
She took a hot bath in her room, the servants quietly bringing up the heated water with unusual reserve. Elyssa didn't bother questioning further, after her maid muttered something unintelligible in response to Elyssa's question of what was wrong.
After a leisurely bath in the scented water, Elyssa took her time choosing a gown. She deferred her maid's offer to help dress, for the woman's curious behavior was beginning to bother Elyssa. Feeling rather bold that evening, Elyssa chose one of the few gowns she owned, the only one she'd never worn in Daniel's presence. It was dainty in its feminine design, yet daring in the extreme, the cream colored silky material clinging to her every curve. The low-cut decolletage was tight and seductive. She hoped Daniel would like it. Her aching need to be with him only increased by the hou gave way tog">CHAPTER r and although Elyssa knew it would be her downfall in the end, she finally decided to forget her doubts and fears of what the future might bring.
If it turned out this was her only time allowed with Daniel, then so be it. She was determined to make it the happiest time of her life. Something to carry with her through eternity for all the dark, lonely nights ahead. It was a waste of time to worry about what might never be. Best that she appreciate every moment spent in Daniel’s arms, and let the future take care of itself.
Her thoughts excited at her newfound determination, Elyssa glanced outside and was pleased to see it was completely dark. Daniel would be home at any moment, for he'd gi
ven his promise he would be home by nightfall, and he never gave her any reason to doubt his word. Indeed, it warmed her heart deeply to hear Daniel speak of Greystone as their home.
Deciding to wait in Daniel's bedroom, Elyssa walked the short distance down the hall and turned the knob to enter his room. It was already lit to dim perfection for an amorous encounter and Elyssa silently blessed the maid for unwittingly seeing to such small details.
Closing the door quietly behind her, Elyssa started toward the huge bed. She stopped in her tracks, her mouth dropping open in shock, at the sight of an equally surprised woman already lying nearly naked in Daniel's bed.
Quick to recover, however, the more experienced woman lying casually in Daniel's bed as if she belonged there asked Elyssa what she was doing in his room.
Struggling to find her voice, Elyssa finally replied, "I would ask the same of you." This woman, whomever she was, must have been the cause for her maid's uncharacteristic quietness.
"You might," came the cheeky reply, "but I doubt you want an honest answer." Critically surveying the competition, the strange woman said, "I see Daniel's taste in doxies has taken a turn for the worse these days." Elyssa's eyes narrowed in a tightly leashed anger, the stranger's reference that she was a harlot, and lacking at that, made her want to scratch the woman's eyes out.
Rising to a seated position, the woman's enticing nightgown was displayed and Elyssa was crushed to note that the woman was quite beautiful. Her long chestnut hair had enticing streaks of red. Her dark eyes bespoke of barely reined passion ande; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} thi Elyssa had no doubt her hooded eyes and tempting face had seduced Daniel on more than one occasion, the thought making her ill. The pale blue nightgown barely covered her small perfect breasts, its meagerness making Elyssa feel her own tempting gown was matronly compared to the decadence of the other woman's.
"I can see you are quite confused at finding me in dear Daniel's bed, but I assure you I have the right to be here. We are practically engaged. Didn't he tell you?" Elyssa fought from crying out, although the flash of shock across her features wasn't lost on the woman. She smiled craftily, continuing, "I can see that he failed to mention that small detail. Something I shall have to spend the night scolding him about."
The slamming of the front doors gained their attention and the sound of Daniel's announcement he was home gave Elyssa cause for alarm. Her mind was in disarray, for if the woman was indeed being truthful, Elyssa had lost her short-lived claim to Daniel's affections already. Her breath refused to come, her heart skipping a beat at the stark despair of it all.
Taking one last look at the smiling woman, Elyssa quickly took her leave and returned to the bleak solace of her room as she heard Daniel's footsteps begin up the staircase. Soft laughter haunted her as she fled Daniel's room and Elyssa locked her door before throwing herself across the bed, bitter tears falling unhindered.
After searching unsuccessfully for Elyssa upon his arrival, Daniel's lips curved upward in an expectant smile and he knew that she must be upstairs awaiting his return. He'd missed Elyssa terribly that day and couldn't wait to see her, to talk to her, to bury himself deep inside her.
Having removed his coat and jacket before reaching his chambers, Daniel quickly opened his door and cast them aside in the chair. The initial sight of the feminine form lying in his bed brought a rakish grin to head before Daniel noticed it was not Elyssa gracing his bed, but rather his most recent paramour. His smile quickly faded and he demanded, "What the hell are you doing here, Catherine?"
"I got bored waiting in Paris for your return," came the short reply. Her mood changing quickly to one of passion, a sultry smile graced her lips and she reached out her arms toward Daniel, frustrated that he seemed disinclined to accept her open invitation. "Darling, you have been a very naughty boy. Why, not five minutes past I met your newest lover." Daniel's eyes narrowed and he became incensed at the prospect Catherine might have hurt Elyssa in her usual callous way. "Daniel, sweetheart, I can see by the look on your face that she is more than just a passing fancy. Why is it you have such a hard time keeping your pants buttoned up, lover?" escaped her lips a toward ">CHAPTER
Forcing a half smile to his lips, Daniel crossed over to the bed as he attempted to suppress the urge to throttle her neck, and he finally replied, "I thought that's what you liked about me, dear Catherine."
"Oh, indeed I do like that about you," she brazenly said, reaching out her hand to graze his thigh. "But not when you are sharing intimate time with other women."
"This jealousy is something new for you," he said in a bored manner.
Catherine had always prided herself in being the object of every man's fantasy and had never let on to any feelings of insecurity. That Daniel thought she was jealous, albeit correctly, would not do. She did not want him thinking her needy.
Indeed, it had been that facade of being unattainable to him or any other man that had brought the beautiful Lord Daniel Fredrickson to his knees. He'd always enjoyed a challenge, and if there was a woman that failed to welcome his sexual prowess, he made it his mission in life to pursue the female until she'd fallen beneath his spell. Which never took long.
"I am not jealous, my darling," she lied. "If you find her a passing amusement, by all means, she can join us." Reclining against the pillows, Catherine patted the huge mattress and added, "There is plenty room for all of us."
Daniel's jaw clenched at her crude comment and although he had never been one to pass up such a tempting offer, the thought of subjecting Elyssa to Catherine’s promiscuous behavior left him empty. Jerking Catherine by the arm, he bit out, "I did not ask you to come here, did I?"
A flash of fear in her eyes, Catherine replied, "No, but I thought you would be pleased to see me, darling."
"Well, as it turns out I am not," he said, brusquely releasing her as he rose from the bed, running his fingers through his hair in agitation. Pulling a few gold coins from his pocket, Daniel tossed them onto the bed. "Go find somewhere else to stay. My driver will take you wherever you wish."
Enraged, it was all Catherine could do to keep from screaming aloud her womanly scorn announcedhi dow. That he would have the gall to toss a few coins her way as if she were a nothing but a whore. She had never been rebuked so callously and Catherine swore inwardly that she would make Daniel pay, no matter that she still loved him beyond all reason.
"You know damned well I can go home. I have no need of your filthy money or to stay in some hovel,”she sneered, donning her coat and shoes. Forcing herself to calm down, she turned to Daniel before leaving and asked sweetly, “When will I hear from you?"
"Soon enough, I'm sure," he replied curtly. He held open the door for her departure and Catherine dared place a quick kiss upon his lips before leaving, her soft steps growing fainter as she descended the stairs.
Daniel closed his eyes briefly as he rubbed his fingers against his forehead, trying unsuccessfully to stay the threatening headache Catherine had started. Elyssa must be furious with him, else hurt beyond belief, though he'd never spoken any words of fidelity to her. She must be in her bedroom, and Daniel walked the steps toward her chambers.
Knocking softly, Daniel waited patiently but received no reply. He listened at the door but heard nothing. Knocking once more, he tried turning the knob, but found the door locked.
"Elyssa," he called out, "please let me in." He banged harder on the door, his voice rising as he repeated, "Let me in. Please!"
Finally, he heard the key turn in the lock and Elyssa reluctantly opened the door. She'd managed to wipe the lingering tears from her cheeks, indeed had become somewhat incensed about Daniel's lady friend, the emerald of her eyes darkening as she glared up at him.
All thoughts of apology and explaining fled like the wind the instant Daniel took in Elyssa's sultry appearance. Her hair lay in wild disarray about her slim shoulders, her full lips begging to be kissed. The seductive gown she wore was daring in the extreme and
made his fingers flex with the intense urge to touch her, to plunge his tongue into her waiting mouth, to never let her go.
"My God," he breathed, "you are beautiful." Grabbing her hair with both hands, he pulled Elyssa up to his face, his harsh words close to her ear, "I missed you, darling.” His foot kicked the door shut behind him, his only thought to take Elyssa to bed and make wild love to her the entire night. “Open up to me. I want to come in." Gently forcing Elyssa backward, he leaned her back onto the bed, standing over her as he impatiently began to und lapse in judgment. ed to ">CHAPTER o his breeches. Pushing herself backward across the bed, Elyssa stood up on the other side, hands on hips.
"And did your other little whore already open up to you?" Cursing aloud for having forgotten to explain that little misunderstanding, Daniel ceased undoing his pants and held his hands up in helplessness. "I am truly sorry for whatever bit of rubbish Catherine might have told you, darling, but I assure you it was most likely a pack of lies. I made her leave at once."
His slow steps took him around the edge of the bed toward Elyssa and she backed up step for step until her back was against the wall. "She told me the two of you are practically engaged to be married. Is that rubbish?" Elyssa asked, a faint mistiness emerging in her eyes.
Daniel's jaw clenched and he vowed to make Catherine suffer for divulging information best left unsaid. "Yes, it is," he said. "I have no intention of wedding her, Elyssa, nor of bedding her."
Having reached her, Daniel tentatively reached his arms out and pulled Elyssa about the waist toward him. His mouth neared hers for a kiss and Elyssa turned her face to avoid his romantic onslaught, his lips meeting with her soft cheek.
She halfheartedly struggled to escape his hold, the intimacy of his warm embrace a torturous thing. Daniel gently forced her to look at him, his hand cradling her face, and her eyes drank in the sight of him. How she'd missed that beautiful face all day. The seductive gray eyes, those perfect lips, the jawline shaded by dark stubble. Her heart melted as her gaze admired him, cursing herself a fool for having fallen in love with such a handsome libertine. How could she ever hope to demand his faithfulness, for she would be a hypocrite not to expect every other woman alive to find Daniel irresistible and unable to keep from throwing herself at him.