by Kitty Margo
Lynna remained indoors for the next four days, only venturing outside to stroll through her garden late in the evening when the big house was quiet. Daniel came by each morning and her aunt reported that she was feeling under the weather and resting in bed. Jasmine arrived with Lynna’s favorite sugar cookies and completely ignoring Judith’s excuses went straightaway to Lynna’s room to find her sitting up in bed, stitching a row of ruffles on a new ball gown for Suzanne.
“Good morning, Jasmine.” Lynna averted her face, ashamed for Jasmine to see that her uncle had once again used it as a punching bag.
“It ain’t seem like sech a good mawnin’ ta me, wit you in bed all bruise an’ swole up like you is,” she muttered angrily. “Why you ain’t gone out in dem woods an’ got a big stick an’ next time he come at you lay it side his thick skull, I ain’t knowin’.”
Lynna attempted a laugh, but it failed miserably. “I may heed your advice and do just that, Jasmine.”
Judith entered with a fresh pot of aromatic coffee. “Please sit down, Jasmine, and we’ll sample those cookies that smell simply delicious.” She glanced over at Lynna, whose cheeks stung with shame and humiliation. “Lynna has been confined to this room for days with only me for company, so we’re very glad you stopped by.”
Lynna caught Judith’s hand, trying to ease her guilt. “This will be my last day of confinement since the bruises have almost faded. Anyway, at least we completed Suzanne’s ball gown.”
“If dat gal was ta take up sewin’ an’ spend as much time at it as she do primpin’ an’ paradin’ in front of dat mirror, it would put you two out of binness.”
“Truer words were never spoken,” Judith agreed, causing all three women to grin.
The laughter left Jasmine’s eyes as she looked at Lynna with all seriousness. “Y’all needs to tell somebody ‘bout Tobias fo’ it too late. Dem bruises be gittin’ sturdily worser each time he come. He mean binness now, Lynna. An’ he seem ta be takin’ mos’ of his anger out on you.”
The following evening a rider arrived with an urgent missive from the neighboring plantation owned by Thomas Morehead. A fire had swept through the main house and several slave cabins. Thomas Morehead had perished, and several of his slaves had been severely burned. The rider was unsure how many others had lost their lives. Silas took every available man and rushed to the plantation with Mary and Judith accompanying them to care for the injured.
With her aunt caring for the burn victims at the Morehead plantation, Lynna entered their quiet cottage alone that night. She was overcome by a strong sense of foreboding the second she closed the door behind her.
Something was wrong, but what?
Entering the kitchen her apprehension proved correct. Her uncle sat at the table, slouched in a drunken stupor with an empty whiskey bottle in his hand. She had smelled him, a combination of liquor and unwashed body, even before seeing him.
Tobias glanced up with angry, bloodshot eyes, his hand shaking as he pointed to the cold stove. “Why ain’t you got supper cooking you lazy good for nothing wench? I been keeping you up for the last three years and you can’t even keep a pot boiling on the stove? Where’s my wife?”
“There was a fire,” Lynna answered stonily. “Aunt Judith is at the Morehead plantation helping nurse the injured.”
“Well do something besides spread your legs for Daniel Fletcher and fix me something to eat,” Tobias snarled with disgust.
The desire to turn tail and run was strong in Lynna, but she desperately fought it. It would give him too much satisfaction to see her cower in fear, so she stood her ground.
When she failed to respond quickly enough to his demands, Tobias leapt from his chair sending it crashing to the floor. “Don’t just stand there when I tell you to do something, girl. Get busy and fix me some damned supper!”
“Fix your own damn supper,” Lynna gritted through clenched teeth. She was fed up with his constant demands and abuse. She was beyond fed up with everything about the drunkard, in fact. If he ate tonight it would be food prepared by his own hand.
For having the impudence to disobey his direct order, Tobias slapped her so hard that she stumbled backward, landing hard on her bottom. Thankfully, this time her aunt was not home and Lynna didn’t have to worry about protecting her. Glancing around for a weapon she spied a sewing basket with a large pair of sharp scissors on the table and made the error of eyeing them covetously.
Tobias saw where her eyes lingered and wheezed with harsh laughter before sweeping the basket to the floor, scattering its contents to the other side of the room. “When did you grow a backbone, you little tramp?”
She had to find another weapon, and quick. His empty whiskey bottle was on the table between them, but she refused to look at it. She had no intention of making the same mistake twice. She stood up slowly and painfully. “I have no coin, so you might as well leave.”
Licking his lips in a sickening manner, his gaze was firmly fixed on her heaving breasts. “I ain’t leaving here without some recompense for my journey.”
That was all the impetus she needed. Lunging for the bottle she grabbed it before he could, and with all her energy she swung it toward his face. Whiskey dribbled down her arm as, even drunk, he had dodged the bottle.
Chuckling, he advanced around the table. With a wicked gleam in his eyes and a wide grin splitting his pockmarked face, his fist connected with her jaw with such force that she saw stars and nothing more.
Some time later Lynna came to through a haze of blinding pain, lying absolutely still, listening for any sound or sign that he was still in the house. Hearing nothing, she stood slowly, grabbing for the wall as the room spun around her. When the vertigo had passed she moved to her room and paused before her mirror.
Scalding tears filled her eyes as she grimaced at her bruised and swollen face. The same face that had stared back at her too many times in the past. The bruises from his previous attack had only begun to fade.
Hot tears streaked a path down her puffy cheek as she gave vent to her misery. She was so alone, so frightened and miserable, with neither the will nor strength to continue fighting. She just wanted to go back home to France where she was pampered and spoiled, and no one would dare lift a hand to her in anger. But that was out of the question since her own father had apparently turned his back on her forever.
When was her aunt coming home anyway? Drying her sniffles, she remembered her promise to help Jasmine cook blackberry cobber the following morning. She couldn’t go to the big house looking like this, but how could she possibly endure another week of forced confinement?
Hoping to banish her misery to the back of her mind, if only momentarily, she prepared a hot bath. After heating the water and filling the tub, she slipped into the soothing water, sighing blissfully as the heat penetrated her aching body.
Soaking until her skin was a glowing pink, she dried off and slipped into a sleeveless pink nightgown cut low and gathered under her breast. It was too hot for anything else.
The cotton was soft and cool against her heated skin as it enveloped her abused body. Seated at her dressing table she was lost in troubled thought as she brushed her hair until it shone and fell in rippling waves over her shoulders.
By the time she went to bed, feeling miserable and defeated, she had convinced herself that the only solution to her wretched life was to wed Daniel. She would never be lonely again. Daniel loved her, of that she was certain. As he had told her so many times in the past, she would grow to love him given time.
If she married Daniel she could move her aunt into the big house where Tobias could never torment either of them again. The Fletchers would hire another seamstress and her aunt could relax and enjoy her golden years in peace. It was the perfect solution. She closed her eyes, not blissfully happy at the notion, but satisfied that she had arrived at a decision that would be agreeable for all concerned.
At some point during the night she was startled from a deep sleep by a noise in her room. A cool
breeze caused the curtains to flutter and she wondered if that was the sound that had awakened her. Fear gnawed at her as she worried that her uncle had not left after all. Peeking from swollen eyes she gasped to find Joshua standing over her, holding a candle, with a look of stark horror on his face. What was he doing here?
“I had a feeling… that… you needed me. Tell me who did this?” His voice was cold as ice and filled with unbridled rage. “That is all I ask of you, Lynna. Please, just tell me.”
She couldn’t tell him the truth, no matter how much pain her uncle had caused her. She knew Joshua would search until he found him and end his deplorable life. For this she would be grateful beyond measure, she felt nothing but hatred for her uncle, yet she could not tolerate the notion of Joshua rotting in a filthy jail cell for avenging her.
“Lynna,” he spoke softly, too softly. “Please tell me.”
“I can’t,” she cried brokenly. “Please, don’t ask me.”
He almost blurted out that he knew her uncle was her abuser, but he stopped short upon realizing the humiliation it would cause her. He vowed to find the deviant and take great pleasure in watching his life’s blood drain away. If he departed immediately perhaps he could find Tobias before he left the taverns. Joshua turned to leave, but his stern resolve immediately deserted him upon hearing her softly speak his name.
“Please. Don’t leave me alone, Joshua,” she pleaded brokenly. “I beg you to just hold me.”
Seeing the tears glistening on her bruised and puffy cheeks, he placed the candle on a table and gently drew her into his arms. As he tenderly brushed away the tears, she shrank from the pain his gentle touch caused, but said nothing. She never complained. His heart went out to the poor girl who had withstood so much abuse. Joshua blamed himself for a portion of that pain. Overwhelmed by the love and tenderness that he felt for her, he comforted her.
Lynna nestled deeper into the warm security of his strong arms where she felt so safe and protected. No harm could befall her as long as these powerful arms held her close. If she married Daniel tomorrow, at least she would have this night to remember.
Joshua knew what would happen if he stayed, but wondered if she was fully aware of what she was asking of him. “Are you asking me to stay with you, Lynna?”
“Yes, Joshua,” she murmured, reaching out to him. “I cannot be alone tonight.”
He needed no more encouragement than that. His strong arms gathered her even closer as his whispered words found her ears. “You are safe now, Lynna,” he breathed against her hair. “No one will hurt you ever again, I swear.”
Burying her head in his broad chest, she sobbed until his whispered words soothed her fears. Lifting her face, their lips met in a tender, all consuming kiss that left her breathless. Forgetting the pain and humiliation, she permitted her mind to fill with the nearness of him, the smell, and feel of him.
As she snuggled against him, Joshua cradled her head with his hands. Holding her against his hard, lean body, he gave her one last opportunity to change her mind. “Are you certain this is what you want, Lynna?” He didn’t want her to have regrets, or throw his actions in his face tomorrow.
For answer, she slipped her hands around his neck and drew his lips down to hers, leaving no doubt in his mind. “Love me, Joshua.”
Needing no further encouragement, Joshua’s tongue explored every cranny of her mouth, lighting fires in her stomach that warmed her entire body. Her head rolled limply on the pillow as his fiery kisses trailed down her neck. Then, taking her hands, he pulled her up to face him.
Joshua had waited so long to feel her soft supple body against his and had nightly dreams of allowing his hands and lips to roam at will over her creamy, delectable flesh. Yet, he must not frighten her. With Herculean effort he forced himself to proceed slowly.
Slipping the thin nightgown over her head, the sight of her full, satiny breasts was almost his undoing. She was so lovely, a treasure that he must possess again and again, yet he vowed he would kill any other man who tried.
This revelation shocked him to the core, but he didn’t take time to ponder it as he cupped her firm, young breasts. His eyes closed blissfully as she leaned her head back, unaware of the world going on around them, aware only of each other and the intense passion they shared.
His hands gently kneaded the supple mounds as he watched the play of emotions, the doubt that registered briefly, and then the wonderment on her angelic face. Sitting down on the bed, he pulled her to stand between his legs as he banked his own desire, wanting their first time to be perfect.
Lynna watched with unabashed anticipation as his mouth sprinkled light kisses on the tender underside of her breast, down over her flat stomach, and over the sloping curve of her hips. The sweet torture was almost unbearable when at last his lips kissed their way back to her breast.
His touch caused the fire in her stomach to shift to a throbbing ache, demanding release as his tongue danced hot circles around her breast. Her body went limp as the creamy skin on her slim neck flushed and she gave vent to her rising lust.
Joshua glanced up, and at the sight of so much raw passion surging through her he knew that he could deny himself no longer. Lifting her in his arms, he gently lowered her to the bed, permitting his eyes to travel over her slowly, getting his fill of her curvaceous beauty before joining her.
Low moans of pleasure escaped Lynna’s throat as his hot kisses traveled over her body. She arched her back as his lips brought a return of the ecstasy that she remembered so well, taking her over the edge and finally igniting the all consuming fire that had simmered since the night in his cabin.
Their eyes met and Joshua gave her a knowing smile as she reached for him, desperate to feel him inside her. Lowering his body, he was careful not to put his entire weight on her slender frame. Then his lips found hers, erasing all fear from her mind until he knew she was ready, until she opened herself body and soul to receive him, all of him.
Joshua held his breath as he entered her slowly, savoring her sleek, moist warmth, until he met her maidenhead. He gazed down into her trusting eyes, waiting for final proof that she believed him. He breathed a deep sigh of relief when she whispered, “I will never doubt you again, Joshua.”
He wanted her so badly, yet she was making him forget his purpose, which was revenge on Tobias and that was something he would never do. Yet, he could place it on hold for a few hours while satisfying his desire for the enchanting creature beneath him. Placing his hands underneath her, he cupped her buttocks and pressed his full manhood into her silky warmth as she cried out in pain.
Her cries subsided as she raised her hips to meet his, thrust for thrust, more urgent still until her body once again found the sweet release that it so coveted and she cried with joy. As her muscles convulsed around him, Joshua knew that he had succeeded in making her forget as well.
“You are in my blood, Lynna,” he whispered huskily. “I will never get my fill of you. I want you with me now and forever.”
Happiness swelled within her at his words. He wanted her with him.
Forever?
That could only mean one thing.
Hours later, Joshua held her cradled against his rock hard chest. Moonlight filtered through the open window casting a golden hue over their glistening bodies as Lynna sighed contentedly, nestling closer to the man who had reawakened her passion. She felt no shame or remorse, only love. Love? The realization struck her like a bolt of lightning from the heavens. She loved him. He was the man she had been waiting for all along. He was a part of her and had been for the past three years.
“Come back to Charleston with me,” he breathed as his lips caressed her bare shoulder. “I cannot leave you here to suffer the abuse of a madman.”
Without thinking, she blurted, “He won’t return tonight.”
“Who won’t return?” Joshua pleaded. “Tell me, Lynna. Please.”
“I cannot, Joshua,” she murmured pitifully before turning away
in shame. “Do not ask me, I beg of you.”
Why she was protecting her uncle was beyond Joshua’s scope of understanding, but he would not force her to answer. She had her reasons for keeping it a secret and when she was ready, she would tell him.
Lifting a wisp of her golden hair, he twirled its softness around his finger, rubbing it against his cheek as he breathed in the fragrance of lilacs. He fancied that he could look right through the clear blue mirrors of her eyes and into her very soul to discover her every emotion. Along with her small perfect nose and soft sensuous lips her features formed a face that was destined to forever haunt him.
Joshua rolled to his back, pulling her atop him. “Sleep now, my love.” Lynna buried her head against his chest and drifted into a contented sleep with her fingers gently entwined in his raven locks. He watched her as she slept, lightly touching the vivid bruise. A murderous fury assailed him as he thought of the great joy he would derive from paying the black hearted devil back that had inflicted such pain on her. And he would indeed pay.
When Joshua at last closed his eyes it was not the peaceful sleep of the one he held so close, instead it was a fitful sleep. He was squandering time. He should be on the road this very minute searching for Tobias, but the desire to be with Lynna was stronger. Snuggling her closer, he breathed a contented sigh and slept.
Dawn was fast approaching when the lovers awakened in each other’s arms. Joshua was understandably wary, wondering if the morning would bring with it a shift in her feelings. But his worries were for naught. Lynna felt secure in the knowledge that they would soon be betrothed and she had never been happier.
Watching him watch her for several minutes, she moistened her lips, threw one leg over his hips, and climbed provocatively atop him. Joshua held his breath as her tempting mouth lowered to his, realizing that the little minx was enjoying the power she held over him. Her soft tongue mingled with his, sending delicious shivers rushing through him. She was a fast learner, having changed from a hesitant young girl to a woman in full bloom overnight, very much aware of her needs.
Joshua had felt a slight aversion toward forward women in the past. Not so with Lynna. He would gladly lay passive, if possible, while she took complete control. He wanted everything she had to give, and then some.
After a long, lingering kiss, while rubbing the tips of her breast against his chest until he thought he might go mad with desire, she moved to her side, pulling him to face her. A sensual smile curved her lips as she draped her right leg over his hip and pressed her soft flesh against his firm torso, causing a white hot fire to ignite low in his stomach when she reached her cool hand down to guide him into her dewy body. He entered her slowly, hearing her gasp as he buried deep inside her.
Lynna’s hips moved in the age-old rhythm of love, carrying Joshua almost to the brink, but he wanted more. Easing her onto her back, he rolled atop her to penetrate more fully as she moved to meet his every thrust. There was no time for words as their lips touched, carrying them to a magical place where time did not exist.
Chapter 21