The LOST Writers' Island

Katie Ford · Senior Member

To Love You PG13 and NC17 (Finished)

Katie Ford · Senior Member

RE: To Love You

Katie Ford · Senior Member

Chapter 3 : The Meeting

Summary When the Duke meets the Lady
Lady Katherine Austen, daughter of the late Viscount Samuel and Viscountess Diane, very influential and powerful members of the ton, was in fact in her third season. The fact that she wasn't married yet puzzled many people. For her mother, it was a dizzying spin and awful trial. Her daughter wouldn't accept one proposal and Heaven knows there have been dozens since her coming out ball five seasons earlier. Her mother tried to find out what was wrong with her daughter. Pleaded her to get married and not grow old as a spinster. But Katherine had said she wanted to marry for love, not for a good match or to make family connections.

Normally, by a fifth season, an unmarried lady would have been forgotten. The new girls, in their first season, young and fresh out of school would have been chosen over anyone else. But Katherine was known all through England as a beauty. A diamond in first waters. Every season the men would still come flocking for her, ignoring the eager, green girls.

Now she danced with this man she had known for years. A man who has been chasing for her hand in fact and had never given up. Jack had charmed and courted her against her wishes. And she refused two proposals from him. He was a kind man with large brown eyes. But Kate noticed something behind those brown eyes. Something cold. Something that told her not to spend the rest of her life with him. She knew he had a few mistresses. He would not be faithful to her, that she was sure of. Some ladies could accept it as part of life, like her own mother...but for Katherine...she wanted something real. And if it took her entire life to find it, so be it. She'd rather spend her entire life searching than an entire life being miserable all for the sake of marriage.

The dance was over and Jack politely escorted her off of the dance floor. She started to fan herself and Jack thought it a golden opportunity.
"Would you care for some air, my lady?"
She was reluctant to go out with him. But so desperate to get some air. "Of course."
He grabbed her arm and escorted her outside.

The night was peaceful, cool and sweet smelling from the flowers from the large garden. The cool, early summer breeze was just what she needed at the moment. He placed a hand on her bare shoulder and she looked at it from the corner of her eyes.

"Shall we stroll?"
In the dark? With you? Never! "Just a short stroll." She reluctantly agreed.
He smiled with sick sweetness and led her down the stairs and on the pathway. She took a breath and said, "Your hand on my shoulder isn't appropriate Jack."
"Oh come now," he chuckled and then said quietly into her ear, "You know you like it."
Her gloved hand came and took his hand off for him. Her fiery green eyes met his dark brown ones, "Just a stroll Jack. If you try anything, I'm out of here and running."
"And ruined." He said as he leaned against a tree.
"What?"
"I'll march back into the ballroom and declare we have been compromised. What does compromised mean? Oh yes, an automatic and hasty wedding." He sneered with satisfaction.
"You wouldn't." She said, appalled.
"Oh I certainly would. Come now Katherine!" He leaned away from the tree and folded his arms as he circled around her slowly. "I've been pining after you for years. And yet for some reason you keep denying me." He stopped in front of her and looked at her with menace. Then he ripped her sleeve off. She pulled away in horror. "I shall not be denied any longer. You've no choice but to marry me now."
"You bastard!" She started to hit his chest but he laughed and grabbed her wrists. She proved stronger and soon he realized that he couldn't have her that easily. Which made him want her more. He fought her to the ground and deliberately tore at her dress. The more she looked as if she'd been ravished, the better. But the bitch was strong.
"Get off of me!!"
"Shut up!" He back handed her face which stunned her.
All of a sudden Jack felt large hands reach around his neck and toss him backwards. Katherine quickly shot up and tried to see the stranger in the dark light of the garden and moon.
The man punched Jack right in the eye, leaving an instant bruise. Jack was so incensed that he took out his box cutter and started swinging. As soon as the mans face reached the light, Jack backed away. Katherine looked on in wonder. Who was he?
"James." Jack said, appalled at who had caught him.
"Thats right." Sawyer said with menace. "I'm James." He grabbed Jacks neck and pushed him up against a nearby tree, "And if I ever see you even LOOK at this lady ever again, I'll be forced to remove your precious family jewels with that box cutter of yours. Got it?" Sawyer threatened as he pushed him harder into the tree. Jack looked as white as a down blanket. He scurried away quickly, leaving Katherine alone with the stranger.

Katie Ford · Senior Member

Chapter 4: The Deal

Summary The Duke and Lady make a deal.
She held her dress up and said miserably, "Thank you."
His hair was in his face as he looked at her. His hard features softened at the sight before him. When he turned from the tree and saw who the lady was, he felt a sickness growing in the pit of his stomach. He wanted to kill Shephard.
"Its nothing." He said as he tossed his hair back with his hand.
She watched him for a second with curiosity, "Jack looked scared of you."
"I hope he was."
She bit back a smile, "Who are you?"
Silence as he looked at her. Then. "I was wondering the same thing." Then he added softly, "Are you okay?" He added huskily.
"Yes. I will be now. But I've another dilemma. Explaining this mess in the ballroom. I'll be the laughing stock and my reputation will be ruined."
"I didn't think you were one to care for reputations," he drawled as he leaned against the tree lazily.
She stared at him, "I don't. I do it for my mother. I come to these balls for my mother. So she nor myself with catch a heartattack."
"Sounds like you care alot about your mother."
"I do." She said simply and looked at her torn dress, "Bastard," she murmured about Jacks destruction. Then she looked at him awkwardly, "Oh, I'm Lady Katherine Austen."
He nodded and said the name over in his head without knowing why. "James Ford, Duke of Sawyer."
"James," she said with a smile. Then she was taken aback, she knew all about him now. Her mother had mentioned him before her very first ball. She had been told to keep away. That even though he was in line to be the Duke, he was a Rake and traveled shamlessly throughout the world making bastard babies. She hadn't seen him, of course, but never forgot the way her mother nearly fainted as she described him.

She didn't know why she was smiling; because she was in the worst situation a Lady could be in.
"Everyone close to me calls me Sawyer."
"Well we've only just met, haven't we? So I'll stick with James for now." She said with an open coyness she had no idea she possessed.
"Or Your Grace, would be more respectful."
She smiled, "I'll stick with James."
Any other person daring to say that or even think that would be taken care of. But he couldnt bear to reprimand Lady Katherine.
She sighed out loud. A long and drawn out sigh. He could barely make out the features of her face in the lighting, but he knew she was breathtakingly beautiful.
"What are you going to do?" He asked.
"Well," she sat down with a thump onto the ground, "Unless you agree to go in there and say you've ravished me and desperately want to marry me, propriety be damned, then I'm all out of luck." She teased.

He stared at her and there was silence for a few seconds. "Alright."
She looked up quickly, "What?"
"Alright. I agree."
"Agree to what?" She asked as she slowly stood up. He went over and helped her.
"I agree to marry you. Or at least say that we'll be married. By the sounds of Shephard it seems you don't want to marry as much as I don't. So the day before said wedding, we can have a fake fight, break it off and that would be the end of that. Just juicy gossip for the ton."
Kate was very interested and bit the side of her lip. Sawyer wanted to bite it for her.
"And what would this "fight" be about?" She asked curiously, steadily warming up to this idea.
"Well," he crossed his arms and thought, then said, "I cheated on you with a mistress and you were so devastated, you couldn't bear to marry such a traitor."
"And what's in it for you?" She asked with a suspicious eye.
"Well," he leaned against the tree, hair falling and covering an eye as he leaned his head to the side, "It would keep all the eager mommas and their daughters away from me for a spell. Especially after this fiasco we're about to start."
She smiled, "This will kill my mother you know." She said, then said, "She warned me about you."
"She did, did she? I'm sure every daughter in England and France has been warned about me."
Katherine finally laughed. He was taken aback. Her laugh was so infectious...so airy...so sweet...so damn womanly.

Sawyer had no idea why he agreed to do such a thing. He didn't want to marry. Everyone knew that. And he didn't want to make his father proud by marrying such a beautiful lady. He was willing to destroy his entire life just to spite a dead man. But he didn't care. It was who he accepted he was. But there was something about Katherine. He caught sight of her eyes in the light as she looked up at him. They were green. But not regular green. Not a green like Cassidy's. He had once thought Cassidy's eyes sparkled, but no...now he knew what a sparkle looked like. It was in Katherines eyes. Her eyes sparkled like green stars against the midnight sky. There was life in those eyes. He had never before been so captivated by eyes. He was completely lost.

Then he refocused, "Did you hear me?" Katherine asked.
"What?"
She chuckled lightly, "We must be convincing," she repeated.
"Of course. That, I can accomplish." He loosened his cravat. "You do realize that we are about to make the biggest scene and scandal London has ever seen? People will be talking about this for years."
"Yes," She agreed, "But it will be all cleared up when they realize that we "love" each other. Making us a rare love match. We'll be the celebration of the ton."
"You do know your way around gossip, don't you?"
"For a Duke, you have many questions, don't you?"
He looked down and smiled then looked back up. She was closer.
"Now kiss me." She said softly.
"What?"
"Kiss me." She repeated. "I must looked flushed and only kissing will produce the kind of flush I'm trying to portray."
He swallowed hard. Never imagining he'd be kissing her this night. But he took a breath, knowing it would be easy. Just like all the other kisses he'd had in his lifetime. No different than any of them.

He grabbed the back of her head and slowly their lips met. It was soft. Sweet. She tasted like lemonade. He, like whiskey. She touched his shoulders. He touched her waist, his other hand remaining on her hair.

Soon, they were both lost in the kiss, going deeper and deeper into it. Longer than what she had originally thought, but at the moment she wasn't thinking at all. He growled and his hips moved in closer to hers. She gasped in his mouth as she felt his arousal pressing in. He liked hearing her gasp and pressed in harder, backing her into the very same tree he threatened Jack. She now held his face in her hands. His skin was rough, his facial hair already beginning to grow in. He moved against her, rubbing over dress. He slowly started to lift it up, binding it with his hands. She let him. She had no idea why, but she did. And once her skirts were all the way up she wrapped her leg around him. He growled and continued kissing her. He went down and moved towards her breasts, licking the swell he so eagerly desired earlier. She gasped and he gasped and she moaned and he moaned and they were getting too far into it.

She stopped him and placed her legs and arms down. Then placed her hands on his chest. He stared at her, overcome with curious feelings.They both breathed hard as they stared. She definitely looked flushed, that was for sure.

In all the years of kissing courtesans, opera singers, married women, single women, and exotic American women, he'd never, ever had a kiss quite like the one he just had. It was...it was...

"That was..." She couldn't finish.
He looked at her menacingly, gripped her hand and half dragged her towards the ballroom. It was so sudden, she didn't know what to think.
"Wait! We need a plan!" But he didn't answer.
She gave up. Her heart pumping wildly in her chest. They were about to star in a scandal that would be talked about for centuries to come.

Katie Ford · Senior Member

Chapter 5: The Threat

Summary The Lady Gets a threat.

"Can you imagine, the Duke of Sawyer in love?"
"I heard he came straight from the America's in desperate need of any woman."
"I heard it was a love match from the beginning."
"And that poor Earl. He was pining after her for years."
"I daresay, James and Katherine do make a striking couple."
"Can you believe a rake like James settling down? I can't even fathom it."

Word spread throughout every tea parlor and gentlemens club in London. The engagement of James and Katherine became the juiciest gossip around. Especially how they announced it.

"I was there! Her clothes were absolutely torn to shreds!"
"I heard Viscountess Diane fainted dead away at the sight of Katherine!"
"Her face was flushed as well."
"They could barely contain themselves!"
A room would fall over with red faces and fans would come out quickly.

As the days of the fiasco passed, Sawyer began to escort Katherine to various balls, opera's, plays and strolls in Hyde Park. All to make the illusion of them being in love. For Katherine, it was fun. For Sawyer, he didn't want to admit that it was fun. He found himself falling for her. Feeling possessive when they went out. He never left her side and when a young git would come ask her for a dance, he'd promptly scare them away. Katherine found this curious yet amusing at the same time. Still on their minds was the kiss they had shared that night in the garden. Sawyer was up the rest of that night in need of an extremely cold bath. Katherine tossed in her pillows as well. And every night since.

He didn't want to fall for her. Refused to. He had his revenge to take out on his father. He had his reputation to maintain. Once this was over, no lady would approach him for marriage. They'll see how much he means not to be married and continue the family line. He had power over his father with that argument. And he loved it. Yet he found Katherine to be incredibly charming. She had a poweful wit and a wonderful sense of humor. She was smart and they often had heated debates over current news and old news. He found her invigorating and he was never bored with her.

Currently, they were at Baron Littletons mansion for their annual Harvest Ball. It was a ball that everyone attended and one that could not be missed. So of course, Sawyer had to escort Lady Katherine to it. Not that he minded really. Every moment he spent with her, he loved. But he would never admit to that.

"Another stuffy ball," she murmured to him. It was indeed stuffy. Full of feathers and dresses and fans and tailcoats and cravats and glittering lights and jewels. The ball was packed to the brim with people. He didn't notice not one of the beautiful ladies in the room. His eyes were on Katherine. She looked brilliant in her icy blue gown. Her hair was up in an array of curls, tendrils falling around her face. The face that could illuminate the moon itself.

He gave her a crooked smile, "The life of an aristocrat."
"Not me. I intend to live out in the country and never go to another ball again."
He was impressed. She looked as if she loved this life. She fooled everyone well.
A con artist.
That attracted him very much.
"Kate," he had started shortening her name the day before, and she never told him to stop, because she loved it when he called her Kate. No one else did. "How about we go outside. I'm sweating."
She smiled, "How about you get me some lemonade, I'm parched." She looked at him with a wicked glance and he smiled back at her.
"Wait here."
"Wouldn't dream of going anywhere else." She teased, he looked back and smiled again. God, he was turning soft! He was losing his hard edge. He had to do something about it! As he passed through the streaming crowd, he said his hellos and nodded and heard congratulations on his engagement. He looked back to find Kate but couldn't see her through the crowd. He wanted to know she was okay. Why? He had no clue. He told himself he was only mildly interested in her. They were to be "married" in another weeks time. Then it would all be over and he could go back to his brandy and poker and...

"Where were you?"
He heard a female voice and turned. It was Lady Cassidy. And she looked angry. He sighed hard. He had forgotten all about meeting her that night. Consumed with thoughts of Kate kept him from thinking of little else.
"Do I have to explain myself to you?" He asked in a deep voice as the lemonade was poured into a cup.
Her green eyes burned, he looked into them and they looked different. He used to think they sparkled...but they seemed dull compared to the green of Kates eyes.
"What the hell are you doing? Getting married? Baby, she doesn't have the experience I do." She began to purr, "She wouldn't know how you like it. Wouldn't know where to stroke it--"
"Shut it!" He rasped harshly, "You listen to me Cassidy, its over." God. What the hell am I doing?? He thought.
She looked absolutely stunned. "C-come again?"
"I've been busy and I will be busy for a while." He started to walk away, she stopped him, "I've been lonely." She pouted her red lips and powdered face. Kate didnt wear all of that mess. And she was far more beautiful than Cassidy. "And you promised to buy me a new necklace.''
"Consider the promise broken." He said and stormed away before she could say anything else.
She stood there in stunned silence. Then spotted Lady Katherine in the distance...oh she would get her revenge. She frowned and turned away.

As he made his way back, with one cup of lemonade in hand, he was stopped again. He sighed.

"Oi brotha!" It was Desmond.
Sawyer stopped and turned.
"Well stranger. You've been busy. One minute I'm getting you information on the chit and the next minute your bloody getting leg-shackled to her. And you haven't been at your townhouse. Always out. Smitten are we? And whats this I hear of a wedding? Was there something in your drink that night?''
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
"Quite."
Even though Desmond was his closest friend, at that moment he wanted to sock him one. Desmond knew that look and laughed out loud.

The beautiful daughter of Baron Littleton, Lady Claire, walked by at that moment and looked at Desmond. She smiled, captivated by Desmonds laugh.
"Hello Lord Desmond." She said with a sweet voice.
Desmond swallowed and tried to act casual. He placed his elbow on Sawyers shoulder to look casual, but it slipped and he nearly fell over. Claire laughed and he straightened, turning a bit red.
"Mi'lady." He nodded and fixed his cravat. She looked at him with a coy sweetness and continued walking.
"Nice going." Sawyer said and started to make his way back to Kate.
"I think I'm going to ask her to dance." Desmond said, his eyes never leaving Claires trail and followed her off.
Sawyer smirked and started off towards Kate, this time determined not to be stopped for anything. But he couldn't find her.

As Kate stood there, smiling and nodding and having quick conversations here and there, she couldn't wait to see Sawyer again. When she felt a cold, firm and painful grip on her arm, she knew it wasn't him. She was pulled to an empty alcove in the corner, overlooking the grand garden outdoors. She couldn't see who grabbed her, she just knew there was something sharp jamming up against her back.
"What?" Kate turned around and faced the angry eyes of a woman. Kate frowned, "Do I know you?"
"You will after I'm through with you." Cassidy placed a long pin back in her hair.
"What do you want?"
"Break it off with the Duke."
Kate had every intention of breaking it off with Sawyer...until she realized that she loved him. But he couldnt know and nothing could ever come of it. So she played the game and lifted her chin a notch, "Why should I?"
Cassidy eyed Kate. She was insanely jealous. She had no idea Lady Katherine was so beautiful. And she now knew why Sawyer wanted her. "He won't stop seeing me. I'm his favorite."
"Favorite what?" Kate was truly bewildered...until it dawned on her. This woman was one of Sawyers whores...and how many more were there? Two? Four? She said "favorite". That meant there had to be more.

And Kate felt heartbroken...and she immediately reprimanded herself. How could she be such a fool? How could she actually think she even possibly had a shred of a future with him? At the end of the day, he was still a Duke. And Dukes did whatever they wanted.

Cassidy smiled victoriously and then laughed loudly, "You didnt actually think he'd remain faithful to you? Darling, he's a man. And men all want one thing." She posed, "Me." She took out her beautiful fan and fanned herself.

Kate glared at Cassidy.

"Face it honey. He probably just wants his heir and thats that. All the fancy jewelry...all the fancy dresses...all to me." Cassidy continued. "But even if he does go through with the marriage," she smirked, "Which I doubt." she looked Kate up and down and laughed again, red lipstick getting on her teeth. A servant came by with a tray of freshly poured wine. Cassidy grabbed one and laughed all the more. "He'd be bored with you on your wedding night. I mean, you are a virgin aren't you?" Cassidy laughed louder. "You wouldn't know which hole went where." She continued to laugh.

Kate was so angry, she tore the long stemmed glass of wine from Cassidys hand and then, gossip be damned, poured it all over Cassidys head.

"Oh I'm sorry honey," Kate said smoothly as Cassidy stood there in shock, "You must not know that the wine goes in your mouth hole." She dropped the glass to the floor, shattering it and wiped her hands, "Which you should keep shut more often."

With that, she held her chin up, spun around and walked away. Leaving the entire party gawking at Cassidy. The ton will have a field day with that one, Kate thought as she left the ballroom.

Katie Ford · Senior Member

Chapter 6: The Magic

Summary The Duke realizes he's in love.

Sawyer heard gasps and and a scream from the corner of the ballroom. He instantly worried that it might be Kate and quickly went over there. When he saw Cassidy standing there, with wine dripping from her now flat hair he wondered what happened.

It was all cleared when he saw Kate on the opposite end of the ballroom, a smug look on her face. And thats when it hit him...he knew Kate did it. And he was so damned turned on by her boldness. For someone who had worried about her reputation, she definitely didnt act like it.

He approached her and offered her the lemonade, "Still thirsty?"

"Get me out of here." She said, very tense now.

He chuckled, "What happened?"

She glared at him. Why did he have to be so damned handsome? "I just made a scene that will keep the ton wagging their tongues for days and days. I need to go."

He gave her a rakish smirk and nodded over to Cassidy, "Jealous?" There was amusement all over his face.

She gasped, "What?" She tried to look outraged, "Never," she whispered harshly.

"Somebody was jealous," he sang softly to her ear.

She closed her eyes and swallowed. "Am.Not." She grounded out with her teeth.

A waltz began.
Just then, a handsome young man approached Kate.

"Mi'lady," he took her hand, "May I have this dance?"

Sawyer looked at the boy as if he were insane.

"You must be kidding me--" Sawyer was about to lash out at the man, but Kate interrupted.

"I'd love to." She smiled and as the man led her to the dance floor, she turned back and said so only Sawyer could hear, "Jealous?"

Sawyer laughed sardonically. God how he loved her.

He stood in the sidelines and watched as the man, whom he recognized as Lord Charlie, Viscount of Zealand, danced closely with his Kate. A little too closely in his opinion.

Kate knew Sawyer watched. And every so often would turn her head to him and give him a wicked smile. She knew he was jealous. And by God, he was. He admitted it to himself which made him all the more angry. Why should he be jealous? Why? He tried denying it again, but just then Charlie told her something and she laughed.

God, didnt the git know she was an engaged woman?

His fists clenched once again and after another five minutes of anger, he stormed onto the dancefloor and broke them apart.

"May I cut in?" He tried to sound poltie, but it sounded so forced. He stared into Charlies face, "She is, after all, my intended."

"Yes, Your Grace." He bowed to Kate, "Mi'lady. Twas a pleasure."

She smiled at him and Sawyer gripped Kate hard, turning her away from Charlie as he walked off the dancefloor.

"You? Dance?"
He straightened, "What? Dukes cannot dance?"
"Well..." she laughed, "I just never figured you for the dancing type."
He cleared his throat, "Well...I'm not. " He looked at her sheepishly. And Kate saw such a rare look on him. For one moment he wasnt the Duke...he looked boyish and so incredibly handsome. He was just James.

"Show me." She said, all of a sudden breathless.

The sweet music swelled through the air. The orchestra played the Viennese waltz and together, they moved as one. He swept her across the ballroom with movements so fluid and light she barely felt the floor beneath her. The moment was instantly turned magical, it was as if it were only they who danced across the ballroom.

The candlelights glittered around them like tiny stars as they danced. She wanted to look up at the lights as she passed, but as she looked at Sawyer, she couldnt get passed his face. It was as if his eyes held hers prisoner. Memories swpet through her mind...of their kiss...and how electric it was. The passion in such a kiss. She was positive those same meories filled his mind at the moment. He looked at her the same way he did that night...so angry.

Dont fight it James...she thought. He had demons inside of him. It was as if he were fighting them to go away. And then as if he read her mind, his face softened.

The rich sound of music wafted over them. It was if the music were magic. Melting the world away and leaving only them. And she knew with a certainly that she would never experience this passionate force with another. This was theirs alone.

He pressed his hand against her back and she moved inch by small inch closer. Each turn, each step brought them together. Her skirts brushed his legs, swished and swirled and floated between them like mist. Their steps were flawless, gazes locked. But nothing compared to his look. It was as if she saw his need for her in the most open way. They were so close that their bodies touched scandalously. His fingers tightened on her waist and hand.

Kiss me...her mind called out to him.

I cannot...his mind called out to her.

And suddenly the music stopped and thats when they realized they were being observed by thousands of curious eyes. Sawyer stiffened and quickly led her off of the dance floor.

They didnt speak as he took her home after the ball. He was so confused...and he tried his damnedest to stop this madness.

As he helped her out of the carriage in front of her estate, she looked as if she wanted to say something, but didnt. Neither did he.

And he went back into his carriage and went home.

Katie Ford · Senior Member

Chapter 7: The Dilemma

Summary The Duke and Lady sense the reality of the situation.

He sat in his study, in front of the blazing fire with a cup of brandy. He let the amber liquid warm his as he thought about his situation.

He had fallen in love with Lady Katherine. The realization was not easy to cope with. He had no intentions of falling in love. Didn't want to. Yet the very thought of his Kate in the arms of another man drove him to insanity.

It had been three days since the dance they shared. And he hadn't seen her. Even paid a visit to her. He thought that if he didn't see her for a few days, the feeling would wear off. He even went to the docks and one of the whore houses to get his mind off of her. But he ended up never entering the front door of the establishment. He couldn't even imagine himself with another woman. No one could fill the void inside of him like his Kate. His Kate. He thought of her as nothing else. Only his.

Needless to say the days without her only made him want her more. He found himself missing her terribly. And he longed to kiss her. Oh how he dreamed of kissing her once again. He buried himself deeper into his chair. This was not how he planned revenge on his dead father. He took another swig and refilled his cup. A knock sounded at his door and Bennet came in and announced Lord Desmonds arrival. Sawyer just waved him in without turning around.

Desmond came in and saw his friend. "My God, you look horrible." Desmond commented. Sawyer hadn't shaven in two days. Didn't feel the need to. And his hair was a messy mass of blonde over his head from him raking his hand through it a million and one times. Desmond went over to the decanter and poured himself some brandy, then sat on the opposite chair by the fire. "You alright mate?" Desmonds chestnut eyes surveyed his friend. "Even at your worst, I've never seen you this out of sorts."

Sawyer continued to stare at the flames. "I love her," he drawled out. "God help me, I do."
Desmond chuckled, "Well that much was obvious. Then this is good," he went to take a sip of his drink but Sawyer quickly got up and smacked the glass out of Desmonds hand, it flew into the fire causing a heightened blaze. Desmond looked up in shock.
"It is NOT a good thing!" Sawyer shouted.
"Bloody hell mate. Calm down."
Sawyer paced the front of the hearth, raking his hands through his hair yet again. "I cannot be in love. Not with her. Not with anyone."
Desmond sat back and crossed his legs. He placed an elbow on the armrest and looked at his friend. "Sawyer," he said in a deep voice. "You cannot let this vendetta against your father control your life, brotha."
Sawyer continued to pace like a tiger in its cage, "I refuse to marry."
"Sawyer. Listen to me. You're not happy. Isn't that what your father wished last time you two spoke? To never be happy? He is winning. This revenge is foolishness-"
"You've no idea what I have to go through! And I don't need your help."
Desmond slowly stood up and faced Sawyer. Sawyer stopped pacing.
"Is that the way of it?" Desmond asked. "Your willing to lose everything? Happiness? Lady Katherine? All in spite of your father?" His voice was low and deep.
"I won't lose everything. I'm still a Duke."
"And what good is a cold Duke? Living his life empty and abandoned all for a man who's buried six feet beneath the ground!"
Sawyer stood silent and stared at the ground.
A moment later, "You don't deserve Katherine." Desmond said. And it was like poison to Sawyers heart.
With that, Desmond turned around and left Sawyer alone. Desmonds last words echoing and the fire crackling the only sounds.

Lady Katherine sat in the garden. Her mother and her friends planning her wedding with afternoon tea. Details she had no interest in since the wedding really wasn't going to take place. And as she sat there, she thought of James. She hadn't heard nor seen him for three days. She didn't wonder any longer why it mattered so much not to see him. She had realized she loved him. Loved him so much it hurt. And she couldn't go to him at his townhouse. It wouldn't be proper for a Lady to do so.

The wedding was set for the next day. And it was better off she didn't see him anyway. He did his part, his job now over. She would dress as the bride and he wouldn't be there. Then she would announce at the end of the aisle that she had just caught him with another woman and the wedding was called off. They had devised that plan one day for lunch, under a beautiful tree, on a beautiful day. She smiled thinking about how awkward he was sitting under that tree. A tall, handsome Duke who'd probably never had a proper lunch with a Lady before.

"Katherine," Her mother called.
"Huh?" She snapped out of her thoughts and looked up at her mother. Sitting there with Lady Pemberton and Lady Stewart. The two biggest gossips in London.
"Your cousin, Claire will be here tonight. She'll be spending the night here," Diane said softly.
"I daresay, Lady Claire is a beautiful girl." Lady Pemberton chimed in under her brimmed feathered hat and a cup of tea under her beak-like nose.
"Not as beautiful as Lady Shannon." Lady Stewart put in. The mole on her chin looking hairier by the day.
"Come now, we musn't compare the two," Diane said
"Why your right Diane, isn't she right Eugenia?" Lady Pemberton said to Lady Stewart.
"My stars, she is right Persephone."
But Katherine wasn't even listening as they chattered. Her mind went to Sawyer once again. And a minute later her mother snapped in face once more.
"Katherine!" Diane looked out of sorts. "My word, whats gotten into you today?"
"What?" Kate asked.
Lady Pemberton and Lady Stewart looked at each other with interest and then back at Kate.
Diane sighed softly, "I asked you if you were going to attend Countess Pace's Ball tonight."
"I daresay," Lady Pemberton spoke, Kate rolled her eyes heavenward, "Their son is oh so charming. What is his name? Charlie."
"Oh yes! He is a handsome young man." Lady Stewart looked at Kate. "You know darling, I used to think you and he would make a wonderfully charming couple. Isn't that right Persephone?"
"Oh yes Eugenia. We were sure that was a good match. That is until you and the Duke," she laughed, no amusement in the sound, "of course." Her voice went dull.
"Oh yes, the Duke." Lady Stewart made her words sound just as dull.
Diane looked at Kate, "So?"
"Oh...no. I've a headache."
"Oh you poor dear!!" Lady Pemberton shouted with an exaggerated flourish. "Someone call the Physician!"
"No," she shook her head, "No I don't need a Physician." Kate hurried to say.
"But my dear child!" Lady Pemberton looked devastated, "You are to become a Duchess tomorrow! A Duchess! Right Eugenia?"
"Oh yes Persephone! A Duchess!"
Kate needed to get away from these women. She got up quickly, "No. I am sure a nap will take it all away. I do need my rest. I do have a long day tomorrow."
"Oh yes, you absolutely do," Lady Stewart agreed. "Isn't that right Persoph--"
"Have a lovely time at the ball!" Kate cut in quickly. She looked at her mother, "Mother. I will keep to my room for the rest of the evening. I wish not to be disturbed."
"Yes, my darling," Lady Diane said as she watched her daughter sweep into the house.

~~~~~~~

Kate was relieved to be away from them all. But she missed Sawyer so much. She frowned and cuddled into her four poster bed. Closing her eyes she thought of Sawyer and his rugged smile.

Two hours later, she heard a light tapping on her door. "Katherine?"
Kate looked up and recognized the voice, "Claire? Come in."
Claire came in. Her cousin by marriage came into the room. Her hair was in a sleek blonde bun at the nape of her neck. She was dressed up for the Pace Ball no doubt. She was a vision in red silk. Claire came and sat on the edge of the bed.
"I hear you're not well." Claire said softly, her blue eyes polite. Kate always loved her cousin.
"I'll be okay." Kate smiled. "Off the the ball?"
"Yes." She smiled in return. "Lord Desmond will be here to escort me."
"Lord Desmond," Kate said with interest. "Well well well."
Claire giggled. "He has been very nice to me."
"I'm sure," Kate said with a dubious look and then laughed. But Claire sensed a sadness in Kates green eyes. "Did you send the Duke a message saying you're unable to attend?"
"It doesn't matter. He wasn't going to escort me anyway." She said miserably. Claire furrowed her brows at this. "Whats this about then?"
Kate looked up in surprise, she didn't mean to give anything away. "Nothing, nothing. Yes. He knows." She lied.
Claire touched her hand. Seeing right through the lie.
"Katherine. I am not only your cousin. But your dearest friend. If there is something wrong, you know you can count on me to understand."
Kates eyes teared up. And she couldn't take it any longer. She wept and told Claire everything.

After Kate told Claire. Claire pushed her to go see him.
"But I cannot. I can get caught."
"Do not worry about your parents. I will cover for you." Claire stood up. "When we all return from the ball, I shall tell your parents that I'll check on you before bed, that way you won't have to worry about anyone else doing so, thus not finding you in your room."
Kate wiped her tears away. "Are you sure Claire?"
Claire held both of Kates hands in hers. "I love you Katherine. I am positive."
A knock sounded at the door. "Lord Desmond arrived, Lady Claire." Came the butlers voice.
"I shall be there." She called back and looked at Kate again assuringly.

Twenty minutes later, after everyone was gone and the servants took to their rooms, Kate crept out of her room and the house and made her way to Sawyers townhouse.

Katie Ford · Senior Member

Chapter 8: The Distress

Summary The Duke reveals his tortured soul.

He heard a tap on his window by his study. But he didn't pay attention to it...then there was another. It sounded like something was hitting his window. He tore himself away from his paperwork and went to the terrace doors and outside, then was hit by something.

"What the deuce?!" He looked wildly around.
"James!" Came a fervent whisper.
He was confused and looked around. James? Only one person called him James. But it couldn't be.
She came from behind the trees and rushed towards him. "Kate?" He swallowed harshly as she hurried into his study. He closed the door behind him and looked at her.

By God, she was even more beautiful than the last time he saw her. He wanted nothing more than to hold her in his arms. She looked exhilerated...looked wide-eyed...she wore an ugly, brown, heavy wool coat over a salmon-colored day dress. She was a remarkable.
"Kate, what in Gods name are you doing here?"
Kate looked at him. He looked tired. His hair a mess. His face scratchy. His clothes in a disarray. "I had to see you." She said.
He looked down and then back up, "You shouldn't be here. Your mother-"
"My mother is currently at a ball and believes me home with a headache." She said on a breath.
He started breathing hard. Didn't know what to think. Didn't know what to do or say.
"Why have you been avoiding me?" She asked. Breaking the ice.
Sawyer stuffed his hands in his trouser pockets and looked straight at her. "I didn't know I needed to explain myself to you all of a sudden." Thats right Sawyer...be strong. Stand your ground.
She sighed hard, "James. You know what you feel for me."
"Straight to the point, eh?" He went over to fill himself another glass of brandy, all of a sudden wanting something stronger. Something that would knock him out.
She couldn't believe how cold he was acting. This wasn't the James she knew. Wasn't the James who charmed her. "Whats gotten into you?"
He took a sip and slammed the drink on his desk. "YOU. That is the problem!"
"Me? I...James..." she was flustered. "We cannot deny--"
"I love you goddammit!"
She was taken aback by his admission. She stared at him, her eyes looking at him with stunned silence.
"And that," he said more quietly, "is a very big problem."
She looked down. Not knowing the demonds inside of him. Wanting to know them. To chase them away.
"James. Why are you fighting this? Us! We have something and you know it!"
"I cannot!!" He shouted at her.
She had never been shouted at so many times in her life before. Tears began to gather at his words.
"You can! You can but you just don't want to! You look strong James. I never figured you for a weakling."
Behind his mask of fury, she struck a chord in him. But his stubborn pride kept getting the best of him.
"What do you want from me Kate? You want me to marry you? Have children? Live happily ever after? This isn't some goddamn fairy tale Kate! This is real life!"
"I KNOW!" She cried out.
He couldn't take it anymore, he walked towards her menacingly, took her head in his hands and smashed his face against hers. His kissed her openly, wantingly, using his tongue to probe deeper. She kissed back, wrapping her arms around him and never wanting to let go. His face slanted over hers again and again as he attacked her mind and her senses. Her hands went onto his face and they stood there, in front of the blazing hearth, holding each others faces and kissing passionately. He moved her towards the wall and tore open her coat, buttons flying everywhere. He lifted up her dress roughly and lifted up a leg. One finger glided towards her womanhood and he gently stroked her there. She gasped against his mouth as he continued to rub her clit back and forth. His other hand then searched for her breast and his began to knead it. She sighed and moaned into his mouth which further turned him on. She wanted more...wanted to feel him more. She urged him with her body to continue his passionate torture. But his mind was fighting a battle. A hard battle. Love against Hate. Love against Pride. Love against revenge. Kate against his father.

At that realization, he pulled away suddenly, turning his back to her. Kate cried out and stood there, breathing harshly. He didn't want to turn around because if he saw her rosy and swollen lips, if he saw the gentle way her breasts heaved up and down from breathing hard...if he saw her beautiful eyes, he'd get lost in her and never return. He realized what a selfish bastard he really was.

"James," she said in a tortured whisper. "Please."
"I can't...you don't understand."
"Try me." She said defiantly.
"No." He growled.
"Why James? Why do you insist on shutting me out of your life?"
"Because you dont belong there!!" He shouted, finally turning around.
She was silenced at once. Staring at him, breathing hard.
He continued, his eyes looked tortured, "You deserve better." His voice was gruff and harsh. Not wanting to do what he was doing.
She looked down, then up again, and tears flowed, he nearly collapsed on the spot. He couldn't bear seeing her cry. Anything else he could deal with. Anger, shouting, but not her tears.
"I thought you were better." Came her whispered words.
He swallowed because if he didn't his voice would come out as if he were about to cry. He steeled himself and took a long swig of his brandy, then threw it against the mantle and it shattered. The noise made her jump.
"You were wrong!" He turned his back to her.
"James," she whispered as she cried, "Please don't do this. Don't shut me out..." she trailed off.
Silence. Then.
Kate lifted her head and raised her defiant chin.
"Fine." She said loud and clear. His back stiffened and he looked up.
She turned and left the room.
He stopped himself from shouting at her to stop. Stopped himself from running after her, pulling her into his arms and making sweet love to her. His heart hurt. It shattered into a million little pieces. He'd never felt such raw pain and emotion before. He let the best thing in his life walk out.
He was a fool.
His hand pressed against the window and he leaned his head down. Jaw clenched.
"Kate."

Katie Ford · Senior Member

Chapter 9: The Un-Wedding

Summary The Lady keeps her end of the deal.

"Katherine. You're simply glowing." Claire said as she looked at her friend, clad in her wedding dress.
Kate surely was a vision in white. Her veil with lace trimming flowed delicately over her shoulders and down her back, her dress was off the shoulder, the sleeves laced up to her wrists. The skirt flowing wide. Her hair was compressed into curls and flowed freely about her like an angel. And the famous ring sparkled brightly on her wedding finger. Her green eyes illuminated her face. Kate simply was a vision.
"Yet you look terribly depressed." Shannon declared. "I daresay, if this were my wedding day and I were getting married to the Duke of Sawyer, I'd be smiling non-stop." Lady Shannon Rutherford was a beauty herself. She was one of Kates "friends" growing up and Diane chose her as a bridesmaid, much to Kates disappointment.

Shannon whispered, "I would never admit this to anyone, but I must say I am jealous. Landing such a handsome and eligible man, and a Duke no less!" She humphed.
"He's more than a Duke, Shannon," Kate said sadly and monotone as she stared out of the window, blankly. Focusing on nothing in particular.
Shannon humphed again, reminding Kate of Ladies Pemberton and Stewart, and patted her perfect hair, "Of course not." She disagreed. "Come now Katherine," She stood next to Kate by the window, smirk neatly pressed on her face, "You can drop the horrid 'I'm-so-in-love-with-him' act. We all know the real reason you're marrying him." She whispered then, "The money," she giggled. "Why, you and your mother will be taken care of for the rest of your lives." She folded her gloved arms, "Lady Diane may say she doesn't like him, but she does like the money coming into the family," more giggles left her mouth.
Kate turned to face Shannon. "Shut up."
Shannon looked into Kates fierce eyes and was taken aback by what she saw. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me." Kate said defiantly.
"Did you just tell me to "shut-up"?" Shannon was appalled. No one dared speak to her in such a manner.
"Yes. And I'll say it again, shut up!! You have no idea of what you're talking about." Kate turned back to the window.
Shannon rolled her eyes, "If thats what you want to believe. But dear Lady Katherine, future Duchess, I daresay I do."
"You're just jealous." Claire came in to Kates defense.
Shannon looked at Claire. "Excuse me?"
Claire looked at Kate, "She does have a hearing problem, doesn't she?"
Kate didn't respond, still looking sadly out of the window. Claire didn't know what happened the night before. But it obviously wasn't good. Kate refused to speak about it, which made Claire so sad.

Kate was prepared, yet again, to make another scene that would rock the ton. A scene in which she walks down the aisle to no groom waiting. Then she would turn to them and reveal how she broke off the engagement just minutes prior, finding out he was cheating with someone or other. She had went over it a million times with James. But she didn't want it to be true. She wanted to know once again what it was to be ravished by him. For him to be inside of her. To clutch his massive, stone shoulders. And to think of him doing that with another woman drove her to insanity.

Just then, the door swung open and Davis swept in. "They are ready for you mi'lady."
Shannon looked at Kate. "Congratulations. You'll practically be royalty in a matter of minutes." She swept out of the room.
Kate felt a touch on her shoulder, 'Don't look so sad Katherine. It'll all be over with soon." Claire said softly, knowing all about the scene about to unfold in the gardens.
"Thank you Claire," she said softly, just to be cordial. Claire left the room.
Kate took a deep breath and looked up. Quickly wiped a tear away, turned around and approached Davis, who would escort her to the gardens.

***

She had a view of the garden ahead. There had to be 200 people and more in attendance. It seemed this was a wedding not to be missed. Her mother made sure of that. She hardly had anything to do with the arrangements, since she originally didn't care. But now that she did, she thought a private ceremony would have been her choice. Just two witnesses and James. She sighed inwardly.
Kate took a deep breath and covered her face with the most beautiful veil she'd ever seen. She heard murmurs outside, but that was normal when the groom wasn't even waiting. The violins began and Shannon made her way down the aisle...then Claire...

She was shaking. About to humiliate herself in front of all of London. It was such a beautiful day and the flowers and music were enchanting...but she tried not to wish it were real and concentrated on the plan. Her heart beat quickly, she thought she would swoon. But then again, she claimed she never swooned.

Her father approached her with a wide smile on his face. Then looked down at her, "You are a vision." He looked ahead at the endless runway. "I daresay, I think we need to postpone for a few minutes. The Duke isn't even there. How odd. He must be delayed. We received no note."
Just then Lady Diane started walking towards them from outside. Coming in, she looked panicked. "My dear, where is the Duke? Everyone is whispering that he had cold feet and left!"
Kate had to stand her ground and keep her end of the deal. After all, James did. "No, no keep the music going. Father, let us be off."
Diane and her father looked at her as if she had just grown two heads. "He will show." She lied.
Diane looked harrassed, but agreed. "If you say so my dear." She reluctantly turned and went back outside, smiling here and there as she resumed her seat in the front.
"You are sure Katherine?"
"Yes father."
She took a breath and tried to smile as they made their way out to the aisle...no groom waiting. The murmurs continued. And an eternity later, when they reached the front to just the Priest and the music stopped, no one knew what to say. Kate turned around to face everyones curious eyes.
"I-I have an announcement to make." There you go Katie...say it.
"Katherine? Whats this about then?"
She looked at her father nervously, then back at the extremely large crowd.
The wedding has been called off...say it! "The wed--"
"The groom has been delayed!" Claire called out from the side, walking over towards Kate.
"My heavens!!" Lady Pemberton was heard in the second row. Her large feathered hat taking up a good portion of her head. "Did you hear that Eugenia? Imagine! Late for your own wedding!!"
"My stars Persephone! Imagine that!!"
"Claire, what are you doing?" Kate asked in a low voice to Claire.
"What I must for a loved one." She rose her chin, "He will be here shortly."
"No he will not," she whipered harshly to Claire.
"STOP THE WEDDING!!"
Everyone turned to the back of the aisle where Lady Cassidy stood with a bundle of something in her arms. Everyone gasped and looked at her.
"What the devil is going on?" Her father exclaimed.
Kate looked wide-eyed, so did Claire.
"This is the Dukes child! He cannot marry HER!"
Gasps and guffaws were heard throughout the crowd. Lady Pemberton swooned and fell onto the aisle. "Persephone!!" Lady Stewart came to her aid.
Cassidy marched down the aisle, a tad confused not to see James.
"THIS is his child!" She shouted again.
Kate had enough of Cassidy. The nerve to think that if it were a real wedding, Cassidy would have tried to ruin it.
"It is NOT a child!" Kate shouted back and took the bundle from her arms, revealing a doll, turning it upside down. "It is just a doll!"
"OHH!" Lady Stewart promptly fainted dead away ontop of Lady Pemberton.

Cassidy shouted in frustration. 'Why YOU--"
"STOP THE WEDDING!!"
Kate and Claire moaned, "Not again."
This time they turned to the right and saw Desmond coming. "The groom is coming!" He said.
"Oh thank heavens!" Diane exclaimed.
"Desmond! How do you know that?" Kate asked.
Before he could answer, Cassidy was about to push Kate, Claire intervened and pushed Cassidy and Cassidy fell backwards into the large and supremely gorgeously decorated cake that was displayed in the corner. She fell completely into it, knocking the table backwards. Claire giggled and Kate was just in shock at what the hell was going on.
"Why I never!!" Cassidy exclaimed, grabbing a fistful of cake and throwing it towards Claire. Claire ducked and it got Kate, square in the face. "Oh Katherine!" Claire exclaimed. Cassidy looked supremely satisfied.
Kate marched over to her and pushed her back into the cake, Cassidy held still and pushed Kate into the cake.
"STOP THIS MADNESS!" Diane shouted as she went to try and break it up.
Kate and Cassidy were covered in wedding cake as they fought.
Lady Stewart finally roused from her faint and when she saw the fight, swooned again.
Claire went in the fray and tried to pull them apart. The floor was slippery and Diane promptly slipped backwards. Kates father went to help her, "Stop this calamity!"
Kate was stuffing Cassidys face into the cake when she heard...

"Kate?"

Everything went quiet and Kate looked up. Her face and hair and beautiful dress covered in cake. There, was James. Standing there as handsome as ever. Freshly shaved, his hair tied at the nape of his neck. His body exquisite under a lovely suit and well tied cravat. He had no cake on him, she noted.

"James?"

Katie Ford · Senior Member

Chapter 10: The Love

Summary The Duke and Lady share the love....finally.

Her hair was matted with cake. Her dress was torn and also covered in cake. Her face covered in cake. Even in such a disarray she was breathtakingly beautiful. He went over carefully to help her up, not caring if he got the confounded cake all over him.

"You came." She marveled.
"Well of course he came!" Diane snapped, now fed up with everything. "Lets get a move on."
"But..."
"You heard your mother," Sawyer said to Kate with a crooked smile and led a cake-covered Kate towards the altar.
Cassidy looked in a jealous rage as Sawyer led Kate off.
"I don't believe you were invited to this wedding," Claire said smartly to Cassidy.
"This marriage is doomed anyway," Cassidy said, collecting any pride she had left, standing straight, muttering, "He'll be running back to me soon enough." She said, realizing that it might not be true as she walked away, people gawking at her.

Kate stared at Sawyer in anger. He finally came. But was it pity that finally led him here? Did he feel sorry for her? She didn't want him to feel sorry for her. They had a nasty fight the night before. And she knew he was hell-bent on not getting married. What had changed?

Five minutes later, everyone was finally in their places, including a now revived Lady Pemberton and Lady Stewart. They fanned themselves over and over again as they looked on. They would definitely speak of this wedding for the rest of their lives.

Standing before the Priest, Sawyers eyes met Kates and he knew he was doing the right thing. He loved her. He had finally let that realization win. He realized that he had always loved her. From the first moment he laid eyes on her. He knew Kate belonged to him. And he faced it. Embraced it. And knew that he couldn't let his father rule his life any longer. No more grudges. His father was in the past. Kate, his future. When she walked out of his life...he thought he'd die. Imagined her in the arms of another man. He broke more crystal just at the mere thought. And now, seeing her beautiful face and dressed in such a "unique" piece of clothing...he knew he would never regret his decision. He grabbed her hands and looked at her, knowing she was curious to his decision.

"You look beautiful." He said softly.
"What are you doing?" She whispered to him.
He smiled, "Getting leg-shackled to the most beautiful woman in the world."
She was stunned yet again into silence.
"You've gone daft."
"Clearly." He smirked.
A clearing of the throat was heard and thats when they turned to the waiting Priest.
Ten minutes later, Kate and Sawyer were finally married.

***

The night proved to be as equally beautiful as the day. Chairs and tables dressed in the finest blue cloths and white lace were set up all around the gardens and fountains. Golden lamps were set up everywhere and casted a beautiful glow, the fireflies adding an enchanted feeling to it all. The small orchestra played the strings of a waltz and the makeshift dancefloor was littered with dancers.

"My heavens! What a beautiful wedding. You two make a striking couple. Isn't that right Eugenia?"
"Oh yes Persephone. Twas very beautiful."
The two ladies congratulated Sawyer and Kate by the garden fountains.
"Even though you look atrocious."
"Oh yes Persephone, she looks absolutely horrid."
"I do hope you hurry and wash that off, its starting to cake."
"Persephone is right, Katherine darling, cake caking on you is not good whatsoever."
"Yes, Eugenia is right. Why, I nearly swooned when I saw the cake all oevr your beautiful dress!"
"You did swoon," Kate said so softly, only Sawyer could hear. Eugenia and Persephone wrapped up in their own conversation.
"What a tragedy! Such a beautiful dress wasted!" Eugenia added.
"And that Cassidy. What a horrid woman."
"I always knew she was horrid. You are so right Persephone."
Persephone sighed, "I wish someone can romance me," She said with an exaggerated flourish, hand to her forehead.
Kate and Sawyer looked at each other, dying to get out of there.
"And do what? Serenade you with a rhyme about you?"
"Why yes!"
"Oh Persephone! Persephone! You smell like a lemon tree!" Eugenia rhymed.
"Oh Eugenia, youre so sweet!"
"You're quite welcome!"
"No, no. You're quite welcome!"
"No no no...."
As they continued to chatter, Sawyer grabbed Kates arm and led her behind a tree. Finally, they were alone.
"James," she said as she twiddled with the rings. "I just...I still don't understand."
"Neither do I." He looked down at her, several strands of hair came loose from his ponytail and came to fall against the side of his face. He grabbed both of her hands, "All I know is that when you left me...I...I couldn't breathe. My heart, it literally stopped. It was pain I felt. Unimaginable pain." He touched the side of her face, leaned down and placed a whisper soft gentle kiss on her lips. He closed his eyes and his jaw clenched, "The thought of you with another man, still makes me angry beyond reason." He opened his eyes and looked at her, his finger went under her chin and he lifted her face to his. "I realized that....I love you." He whispered the three wonderful words.
A tear fell down her cheek and he wiped it away with his thumb.
"James. I've always loved you."
Those words made him feel as if he could rule the entire world! Joy unlike he'd ever felt leapt through his heart and body. He jammed her up against him and kissed her slowly and passionately. His tongue dove in and hers dove in as well and they created the sloppiest kiss they'd ever had. She grabbed the back of his head, and he likewise. Their heads turned this way and that as they explored the others mouth. And they were content to stay that way for the rest of their lives.

Three hours later, they were at Sawyers extremely large country estate. It had more than fifty rooms. A mansion that had been passed down generation to generation. As soon as they arrived, Sawyer ordered a bath for his wife and servants hurried to warm water and bring up the tub. He let her have her privacy in her own chambers as she bathed. He put on his robe and smoked his pipe by the fire in his bedroom. He set the pipe aside when he heard a soft knock and the door click. He turned around and there was Kate, nice and cake-free.

She wore a soft yellow silk robe with nothing underneath. Her hair was very damp and she held a brush in her hand. Her face was nervous and unsure.

"I need to dry my hair." She said softly and walked over and sat on the rug in front of the large fireplace. She started combing gently and he watched her. Her hair was magnificent. It flowed down her back and to her hips like angel wings. Somehow, he found himself walking towards her, pulled by some magnetic current. He sat behind her and gently took the brush from her hand, "Let me." He rasped as he started the comb through her hair. He had never in his life tended to anyone and surely never really noticed a womans hair. The texture, the smell. But on Kate...it was magnificent.

She closed her eyes. He smelled so wonderful. Like sandalwood and tobacco. He was so handsome in his red silk robe, his silky hair down. She'd never imagined Sawyer doing such an intimate task. His fingers were so soft and magical as they caressed her head. She let him take out the tangles and he did. His harsh breathing was heard and hers turned just as harsh as they began to realize each other. He set the brush down and combed his fingers through her hair.

"You're so beautiful Kate," he whispered against her neck. He caused such a warmth behind her, equaling the warmth of the hearth. He placed a kiss under her ear and even though she was warm, her skin broke out in gooseflesh. She shuddered a breath as his hand went to her front and under her robe. He started to caress her breast, kneading it, playing with it, weighing it in his hand. Her head fell back against his chest as he continued his assault.

Soon, their lips met and he turned her to the side. He undid the belt to her robe and took it off, pulling it softly down. The fabric tickled her skin as he did so. He pulled away and looked at her, observing her naked body. "There is a God in heaven. And he is generous." He marveled as he stared at her.

He set her down on her back and he continued to touch her, feel her. Soon their lips met once again and they were soon lost in it. She felt bold and slipped his robe off as well. He was so masculine. So hard. It was velvet over steel, she noted as she touched his entire body. He was an Adonis. He looked like a statue come to life. She had pulled away and stared at him. Memorizing every part of his body.

"Whats going through your mind?" He asked in a raspy whisper.
"Memorizing your body. I want to know it more than my own."
He gave her a crooked smile...a smile that turned her on even more, "Never fear my darling. I shall make sure you do."
With that, he brought her in for a deeper kiss. Her insides started to swell as they continued kissing. His hand went down to her womanhood. And just as the night before, he caressed her clit back and forth, prying her legs open. She gasped and moaned as she held onto his hard shoulders. "James," she gasped.
"Do you like that?" He asked, sure that she did.
"Yes..." she whispered.
"Do you want more?"
"Yes! Please..." she begged.
He growled into her mouth, "I love it when you beg." He went down and placed a nipple in his mouth. He sucked and kissed and licked. She grabbed onto his head as she gasped for air. He paid the other one equal attention, his hand still on her clit.
Then he placed a finger inside, then another and Kate shouted. "James!"
"Shh," he covered her mouth with his and moved his fingers within her. He loved how she writhed beneath him. God how he loved her. He never paid attention to a woman he had a one night stand with. Usually they knew what to do and so did he. They just satisfied their needs and that was that. But not with Kate. He wanted to please her...wanted her to call his name and no other. It felt more special with the one he loved...the one he would die for.
Ever so slowly he inched his way inside of her. "Oh God!" He exclaimed, stopping at her virginity sheath.
Kates eyes bulged out, they were so large as she looked up at him in fear, "Oh god, it won't fit."
Sawyer had to chuckle at that, "Do not worry. I assure you it will. Now listen Kate, its going to hurt, but just a little."
"Hurt?"
"It'll feel better," his jaw clenched, "I promise."
And without another warning he broke through her wall and She was so damn tight, so warm. Once again he marveled how he never felt that with any woman. And all of a sudden he felt so possessive over her. He was her first. The first man to ever love her. And he was determined to keep it that way. She sucked in a hard breath when he broke through.
"Oh god Kate. Stay still for a moment." He said through clenched teeth, wanting her body to adjust to his large size. But she wanted him desperately to move it, finding pleasure in the friction. "But I want you to move."
"Not yet," he didnt want to hurt her.
"Please," she begged beneath him and slowly he started to move within her. His breathing was already labored, his forehead beaded with sweat. And then, by the magic of their love, they felt an overwhelming desire to be closer to one another and he pushed faster and harder. She gripped onto him, "James!" She cried out.
As he pushed into her, he demanded through clenched teeth, "Yes! Oh Kate scream my name again!"
"James!"
"Scream it!"
"James!"
"Oh Kate!" He pushed even harder as they continued to shout their pleasure.
She felt something magical build inside of her. Something extraodinary. It came higher and higher until she shouted his name once more.
''Oh God Kate!!" As she came, he gave one last push and joined her in blinding bliss. He poured his seed into her and collapsed next to her, bringing her with him in a tangle of arms and legs.
"Oh Kate, I love you." He kissed her face.
She kissed him back frantically, "I love you too James!"

And they did love each other. More than anyone could ever know or realize.

They spent the rest of the night exploring each others bodies. Making love three more times before Kate couldn't take it any longer. Sawyer stared at her as she lay beside him. She was so enchantingly beautiful. And she looked thoroughly made love to. He had to stop himself from taking her again. She buried her head in his chest and he wrapped his arms around her, cradling her. Combing his fingers through her long brown hair. He kissed her once more and decided to let sleep claim him as it did her. They had the rest of their lives to talk about their feelings and all that. For now, they slept in the bliss of each other.

However, the threat was not over...