by RWK Clark
Isabella nodded but showed no real enthusiasm. In reality she was very happy. It sounded like he was becoming a man after all. Maybe she shouldn’t be so apprehensive about their pending reconciliation.
“He is also taking some intense lessons on leadership. I saw him with Rasia the other day, and I think he has grown in leaps and bounds, Isabella,” her mother said.
Finally the girl turned to Rose. “I have to be honest, Mother. I am very happy that Lucien is turning out to be everything we all hoped,” she said. “But please keep in mind that I must grieve all that I am going to lose in my compliance.” She stood and straightened her shirt nervously. “You will have to let me do that in my own time.”
Rose nodded. “I understand, dear. I was only thinking that good news would move the process along.” The last thing she ever wanted to do was hurt the heart of her beloved daughter, and every thought or action that Rose had in this life was designed for Isabella’s good. She had to remember that her daughter was nearly a full-grown woman, and she would have to find her way on many issues on her own.
Isabella squeezed her mother’s shoulder affectionately and then left the room. Yes, good news about Lucien helped, but it did nothing to diminish the resentment she felt. She could admit that it was lessening, but she refused to be rushed.
In a month and a half her life would change drastically yet again. She would step into her destiny willingly, but at this point in time she no longer felt the love for Lucien she once felt. No, she felt only obligation. Maybe in time her love could be rekindled, but for now…
∞
Lucien was, indeed, a natural when it came to making wine. He began to spend as much of his free time as he could at the facilities, and his mother allowed him free use of the limo for that purpose. When he was home he studied wine making, and he even studied his father’s ancient notes and records on the craft. Over the course of the few months leading up to his sixteenth birthday Lucien not only introduced new wines and improved on existing labels, he also showed a great capacity for the business aspect of Cliffside, and Rasia could not have been happier.
For leadership, she engaged him in outside activities that included the Family. Once she had him prepare a speech on loyalty and respect, then she had him present it to members of the Family in a small town in Massachusetts. The people there had been having intense and violent disagreements, and on a couple of occasions Family members had murdered each other for simple reasons.
His speech was intended to give the people hope for their eternal future on Earth, the future the Powers had given to them all. He would be leading them after two years, and they needed to know he had their best interests at heart. Not only did he succeed in reassuring them of this, he left their presence with a sure knowledge that things would settle down there. He had made them all well aware that consequences for antagonistic behavior amongst his people would be inevitable if it continued, but he also assured them of his love and concern for them all.
The funny thing to Lucien was that he was beginning to feel a powerful affection for others in the Family. Everyone but Rasia, that is. Her presence and her very scent made the rage inside of him boil. He was thankful to the Powers that he was able to contain himself until her time was due.
∞
Now Lucien’s sixteenth birthday was one week away. Yes, it would mean full manhood for him, but he would not come fully into his true power and destiny until he was eighteen. In the meantime he would learn all he could.
The overwhelming desire for sex which he had experienced for the last three years had all but disappeared. He still craved it, and now and then he indulged himself, but not often. All he could think about was Isabella now. He was anxious to have her once again. He knew deep inside that he would not know sexual fulfillment apart from her. Most of all, he couldn’t wait to favor her with all he had learned. He only hoped she would have him back.
Only one week, Lucien thought to himself. One week and I will see Isabella. Soon after that I will rid the world of Rasia the parasite once and for all.
∞
Isabella stood in her room with a red silk jersey dress on. Her mother was pinning it here and there. They were making the dress together, and it was turning out to be amazing. It would fit her figure perfectly, and it would be striking when it was complete. Just a few adjustments and some black lace embellishments and she would have the perfect dress to wear to Lucien’s party.
She wanted Lucien to see what he had been missing. At nearly sixteen Isabella was indeed a grown woman physically. Her breasts were full and firm, her waist small, and her hips perfectly formed. Her flat stomach topped her figure off perfectly. Her long blond hair fell all the way past her waist in great curls, and her eyes were so blue they hypnotized any male she talked to. She was unspeakably beautiful.
Now she was mentally preparing herself to see her first love once again. It was fast approaching, and she found she was more excited and nervous than resentful. The negative feelings were dissipating as the date grew near, and she was glad, but for the time being she fully intended to make him squirm. Yes, he would want her again, but she would see to it that he only wanted her and her alone.
Rose carefully helped her remove the dress so the final adjustments could be made. Isabella took her box of jewelry and sat on her bed. She removed a ruby and onyx pendant which hung on a thin gold chain. She also chose the earrings that matched it. She would wear a single ruby solitaire on her right hand, and a gold chain bracelet on her left wrist.
Yes, she would be stunning. It seemed she could barely contain herself as she planned in her head. Soon she would see Lucien. Was he bigger, more mature in behavior? What would he be like now, three years later?
Isabella smiled and daydreamed as she hummed to herself, and beside her Rose smiled, satisfied that things were finally going to work out for them all.
Chapter 19
Lucien stood before the full-length mirror in his personal bathroom. He had just showered and dressed, and he was making sure he looked as good as he felt. Today was his sixteenth birthday, a day he had long waited for; nothing else would do.
He wore black tailored trousers, a black formal button-down shirt, and a black silk dinner jacket with tails. His tie was long and narrow, and it was blood-red in color, as were the cuffs of his button-down, and the lapels of his jacket. He wore black wing-tip Italian leather shoes, and his blood-red socks were silk also.
On his left pinkie finger Lucien wore a ruby stone, and his cuff links and tie-tack were 18-karat gold. His goatee was combed into an immaculate point at his chin, and his long, jet-black hair was pulled back into a ponytail which hung down his back in a thick rope. Yes, he thought to himself, this will do.
Tonight he would see Isabella for the first time since that disaster at the Festival. Even though the memory was little more than a blur in his mind, he still could recall the sickness he felt in his stomach when she saw him with that worthless excuse for a piece of ass. How humiliating! How would she ever really forgive him? She had seen him with a girl who was no more than Family trash, a slave to the grind. Compared to Isabella she was no more than a sea slug, and the wretched memory of the confrontation was shameful and sickening.
He took one final look at his reflection then left the bathroom. It was now six-thirty; the Gilliams would be here directly at seven. Isabella’s parents did not believe in being late, or early for that matter. Lucien took a deep breath; tonight was the night.
He made his way down the stairs slowly. He was determined to carry himself with dignity and grace. He would display nothing but strength and respect, because he knew Isabella. She would not accept anything less, not if she was still his Isabella. But what if she were not? The thought was more distressing than anything he had considered in his life. What if his deviant behavior had killed the gorgeous, gentle Isabella he once had?
Mother was in the family room, and the servants were still preparing the dining area for the dinner. He entered the
room with full confidence. The nasty woman loved to criticize him, but he dared her to find anything wrong with him tonight. He was ideal in appearance and carriage.
Rasia was dressed in green silk, and her make-up was perfect. She had pulled her hair up into a curly bun on top of her head, with ringlets hanging around her face. Emeralds graced her ears, neck, and fingers. Green always had brought out her eyes, Lucien thought. Her eyes were the most attractive part of the woman herself. Once she was dead, he would miss her green eyes most of all.
She looked up at her son, and her eyes lit brightly. Rasia stood immediately, dropping the book she had been reading to the floor without a thought.
“Lucien, you are stunning,” Rasia told him, her voice gushing. “Isabella will never be able to deny you.”
“Thank you, Mother,” he replied, standing straight before her. “I am nervous nonetheless.”
Rasia bent down to retrieve her reading, her smile plastered to her face. “Now, that’s to be expected,” she told him. “Just remember, it is meant to be.”
For the next little while the two conversed in small talk, and Martin Lamb joined them after a bit. He looked the same as he looked daily, sporting a regular business suit and striped tie. Ever the politician was Martin Lamb, even in the blessed absence of all politics.
Lucien’s stomach began to churn, and he felt a slight sense of vertigo for a brief moment. Right then the doorbell chimed, and all three of them looked at each other. The guests had arrived.
Rasia finally spoke. “Well, it’s not going to do for us to sit here and look at each other,” she said. She brushed past both Lucien and Martin to let the Gilliams in. Lucien looked at Martin, who had nothing to offer the young man but a sheepish smile.
“You’re on, Lucien,” he said.
The two men arrived at the front door as Rasia was gushing over Rose’s dress. At first Lucien saw only Patrick and his wife. Where was Isabella? Suddenly the girl appeared behind her father and stepped into the door.
Lucien lost his breath. Was this his Isabella, the girl he had always known? Certainly not! This was a full-grown woman, and she was the most exquisite creature he had ever seen. The scent of her body filled his nostrils immediately, though, and he knew that it was she.
“Isabella,” Rasia began, “the Powers have certainly been good to you! You are striking!” She embraced the girl fully, beaming with the pleasure of seeing her once again after such a long time.
Isabella smiled shyly at Rasia. “Thank you,” she said softly before taking her father’s arm. Rasia hurried to shut the door behind them.
While Martin and their three guests busied themselves with greetings Lucien stood frozen. He could not take his eyes off of Isabella. Why did she take no notice of him? Why did she not even glance his way?
He knew that he would have to take the upper hand, he would have to break the ice. He breathed in deeply and then advanced slowly, making his way to the angel before him. He could only hope his advances in conversing would go smoothly, even though he wanted to throw up.
“Hello, Isabella,” he said, touching her arm softly. “It has certainly been too long.”
Finally she turned to him and looked at him. “You are looking well, Lucien. Happy birthday.”
He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. Lucien finally cleared his throat. “Thank you. Would you like to come into the family room? We are having drinks in there.”
Isabella looked to Patrick, who nodded at her and smiled. “Sure, I suppose so,” she said. Lucien offered her his arm, but she hesitated. Finally she took it, and the two of them went into the family room, with the others right behind them.
“What would you like to drink, Isabella?” Lucien asked her.
She glanced back at her parents. “My parents said I can only have wine tonight.”
Lucien smiled. “Red or white?”
“I would like Chardonnay, please,” Isabella said.
This pleased the young man. As he prepared her wine he told her, “This is one of ours, and it happens to be one I made changes of improvement to. Tell me how you like it.”
He handed her the glass, and as she took it her fingers brushed his. Electricity shot up his arm and he caught his breath. Oh, where had she come from, this satin angel of light?
Isabella lifted the glass slowly to her lips and sipped at the chilled wine. She closed her eyes. “It is delicious.”
“Have you had the opportunity to indulge before tonight?” he asked her.
She opened her eyes and nodded, swirling the wine in her glass. “Yes, mother and I enjoy it together. I have tasted many.”
“Let’s sit,” Lucien suggested.
The two had a seat on a velvet loveseat under a bay window. Isabella was nervous, but Lucien could not tell. This was a very composed and poised young woman, and he wanted to have her then and there. He had not felt such desire in months, and he could almost taste her scent in his mouth.
“I hardly recognized you, Isabella. You are so beautiful,” he began.
She took another sip of her wine, then said, “Thank you.”
“Look at me, please,” Lucien asked, his voice low but urgent.
Isabella met his gaze. The two looked at each other for a long moment before Lucien finally spoke. “I am so very, very sorry,” he whispered.
“Me too,” Isabella whispered back.
They sat in silence for a long time, sipping their wines and letting the air settle around them. He had apologized, and Isabella knew that was all he could do; the ball was now in her court, and she had to manage it in a manner conducive to the proper and expected end result.
In true Isabella-fashion she pushed her emotions to the bottom of her stomach. “Mother said you have been preparing to run Cliffside, and for your reign.”
Lucien glanced in the direction of the adults. They all stood together, cackling and gabbing. He looked back at Isabella. “Yes, and I love it. I am more than ready, I believe.”
She looked him over, then looked back at her wine glass. “You very well, may be,” she said. “Time will tell.”
One of the servants, an older gray-haired woman, appeared at the door. “Dinner is served when you all are ready.”
Rasia turned to Lucien and Isabella. “Bring your glasses and come enjoy. Isabella, Lucien and I chose this meal with you in mind, you know.”
“Thank you,” she replied. “I have been looking forward to it.”
She stood and Lucien stood with her. He took her gently by the arm and allowed her to leave before him. The smell of her was like a drug which he could not get enough of. It was soft and sweet, like the aroma of flowers, yet it was musky and womanly, which he did not recall detecting before when they had been together. The mix had him reeling.
Dinner was wonderful. Rare leg of lamb, roasted baby potatoes with herbs, and parmesan asparagus. The wine was flowing, and so was the conversation. Lucien sat at one end of the table, and Isabella was strategically seated next to him. He took advantage of her presence by telling her all about the winery and the speeches he had been giving. Then he asked her about her own life.
“So, what have you been doing?” he asked, much more relaxed now. “I am dying to hear.”
Isabella swallowed her food and took a drink of her wine. “I completed regular studies nearly two years ago, and since then I have studied all forms of history with students from the university.”
“You have attended the University?” This got his attention. Had she been with other boys or men? Did she date? Maybe she even had another boyfriend entirely! He was nearly sick with panic, but he managed it, keeping himself fully composed.
Isabella nodded. “Yes, but not physically,” she replied. “I attend digitally, over the television.”
It was all he could do to keep from breathing a sigh of relief, but he still had to know. “Have you seen anyone?”
Isabella’s eyes flashed fire. “Would it matter if I had?” Her voice was as sharp as a knif
e, and even Lucien flinched.
“No, I suppose it wouldn’t now, would it?” She was right; he had no business questioning her at all.
The girl calmed herself. “Since you mentioned it, no, I have never dated. It was not a luxury a girl in my position was afforded.”
She turned her attention back to her plate, signifying that she was done with this particular topic. Lucien did the same, embarrassed that he had been so bold. He had done nothing but put this girl through some kind of personal hell for three years, he could see it in her eyes. The same eyes that used to caress him now stabbed at him.
This was all Rasia’s fault. If she had been honest from the beginning he could have been better prepared for his life. If she had left his father living his father would have taught him, and things would have gone much more smoothly. Oh, how he wanted her dead! He looked at her down the length of the table, laughing at some joke Martin had told. Her day would come.
The servants appeared with the birthday cake: rich chocolate with a thick raspberry glaze, another of Isabella’s favorites. Lucien saw her eyes light up at the sight of it, and for a brief second he saw the girl inside of the woman. It made him ache inside.
After the candles were blown out and the songs were sung, all of them enjoyed the rich dessert before them Conversation between the two began once again, but this time they discussed maybe spending a bit more time together.
“I would like to visit with you sometime again, another day,” Lucien began. “I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me.”
Isabella rubbed her full stomach. “I forgive you, Lucien, I just need more time.”
“Good,” he replied. “Time is something we always have.
Suddenly Rasia stood. “There are gifts in the recreation room, and we can have more cocktails there. Let’s go!”
With that the group made their way out of the dining room to watch Lucien open his gifts.