From the Ashes

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Richard awoke with the rising dawn. He slowly smiled, seeing Juliana still snuggled in against him. Her leg draped over him and her head resting peacefully against his chest bringing him immeasurable joy. He did not wish to move but he knew he had to. Annabelle would lose her mind if she realized he had spent the night, and he could not leave the door locked forever.

He slowly tried to slide out from under her, only to have her grab hold of him.

"I thought you were sleeping," he whispered into her hair.

"I was until you tried to get away," she said wrapping him up a little tighter, trying to keep the rest of the world out by snuggling in even closer, she did not want to let him go.

"I have to go, Love. My sister will have my head if she finds me here, but the sooner you let me go, the sooner I can return."

Juliana frowned at him and he laughed as she managed to perfect the womanly pout even though he knew she had no prior practice. He slipped from the bed and grabbed her dressing gown.

"If you please," he said holding it out to her, "my will is only so strong."

"Is that so?" she chuckled brazenly sitting up with his help in the bed but allowing the thin sheet to fall away.

Richard sucked in his breath. He did not believe he would ever tire of the sight of her. "I never knew you had this side to you." He made not a move, afraid of where things might lead, none of which they had time for, but all of which he would love to indulge in.

"We have much to learn about one another, Richard and I do so plan on knowing all there is to know about you, both inside and out."

He watched as she stared at him with what only could be described as a deep and abiding hunger and wondered what he had gotten himself into taking on the wild spirit that is Juliana Wadsworth. For the briefest of moments, he had seen the mischievousness of his childhood friend. Only she definitely was not a child anymore. Still, she knew how to challenge him with those eyes of hers.

He discarded her nightdress on the bed and Juliana yelped as he picked her up like a doll and stood her up on the floor in front of him. He retrieved the garment again and handing it to her.

"If you please," he said. She shook her head no and wound her arms around him pressing her naked form against his chest.

He growled. "You do not know what fire you are playing with, Love."

She ignored his warning, she had not felt this alive in a very long time and she was all about pressing her limits. So she smiled at him ever so sweetly while trailing her fingers ever so lightly down his back and positively giggled with glee when she felt him shudder.

Having enough of her teasing, he took what she offered him so willingly, devouring her with an all-consuming kiss that lit a fire in them both.

When her eyes met his again she knew, he was beyond holding back for propriety's sake. He wanted her and she had no doubt he would have her, he was about to make payment on his threat when someone tried to open the door.

"Juliana? Are you all right? I thought I heard a scream. The door is stuck or locked I can not seem to get in?" Annabelle tried to jiggle the handle again.

"One moment please," Juliana said trying to keep the laughter from her voice, as she watched Richard scramble for his clothes and head for the window.

She grabbed his boots and hurled them out after his retreating form. He had to double back to grab them. "I am too old for this," he said giving her a quick kiss as she leaned out the window. "THIS is just the beginning," she warned kissing him back.