Clouded Innocence (10 page)

Bringing his hand up, he ran his fingers back through my hair. I positioned myself on top of him, gripping my night gown I pulled it over my head breaking away from his kiss only long enough to let the fabric pass between us. I then pressed my lips back against his.

“Francesca?” He mumbled against my lips. “I do not want to hurt you.” 

I sighed, “You won't.” I whispered, my lips barely breaking from his. Seeming satisfied with my response he gripped my neck. Holding me to him, he kissed me more intensely, while I pressed my body harder against him. I just could not get close enough. Rolling me over, he positioned himself between my thighs. With ease he slid into me and I lost myself in him.

* * *

Several mornings later, after yet another exhausting night, I was quietly sneaking back into my room like I did every morning. I had just cracked open my door when I was startled and became instantly fearful.

“Francesca?” My father's deep, authoritative voice blared. I jumped in shock.
Oh no,
he caught me out of my room, still in my nightgown. I wondered how quickly it would take for him to figure out where I had been. Then I immediately wondered if my death would be fast or drawn out. 

“What are you doing darling?”
 

Darling?
That was a good sign. Thinking fast I answered, “I thought I heard a noise, so I was investigating.”

He glanced down at my attire and I became more nervous. What if he saw something that suggested how I had spent my evening? I knew there was no way he would be pleased with my impropriety. “Well go get dressed. It is almost time for breakfast.” I nodded then hurried into my room. I could not believe he bought it. My heart throbbed hard in my chest. That was too close.

After breakfast, I sat on the porch with Conner telling him about what had happened. Steven was home today, so we did not have an alibi to sneak off. I did not mind. I still ended up spending all of my time with Conner anyways we just could not slip away alone.

“I am so sorry, Francesca. That was too close of a call.”
 

“I know, but he bought my lie about the noise.”
 

He sighed, “How upset do you think he would have been if he had found out that you were with me all night?” I turned, making sure I had direct eye contact with him
 

“I am sure you would not have lived to find out, Conner.” He nodded his head, seeming content with my answer.

Steven joined us. Normally, having my time with Conner interrupted, I would have been annoyed, but Conner was Steven's friend and I had been occupying a lot of his time lately. What did it matter if we spent the day in Steven's company? I would be spending the entire night alone with Conner.

Steven suggested we all take a walk. I was glad he included me. I was a bit surprised though. Steven had barely uttered a word to either of us in almost two weeks. Not since he found out about Conner and me. Maybe he was finally coming to terms with the situation.

We took the dirt path that led to the road on which the horses usually traveled. The tall trees lined the road on both sides. Light entered in broken fragments across the ground. 

Once we were out of view of the house, Conner grabbed my hand, holding it in his. Steven's eyes dropped to our intertwined fingers.

He sighed, “Look, I need to say something.” He took a step in front of us forcing our walk to come to a halt. “I am sorry about my reaction the other morning. I would love to say that it is none of my business, but it really is. If her father finds out...” He gestured to me.

“Steven,” Conner began, “I know we have put you in an uncomfortable position and I do deeply apologize for it, but I love her.” He turned resting his eyes on me. I smiled in response. “And she loves me too.”

Steven's eyes danced back and forth between us and then finally they stopped on me. His face was completely serious. “You love him?” he asked almost like the thought had not occurred to him.

I nodded my head. “I do,” I turned my gaze to Conner, “very much.”

“Well.” Steven sighed, “Then I am happy for the both of you.” A small smile broke across his face. It did not reach his eyes, but I knew he was trying his best to show his support. “I will keep your secret and do my best to make sure no one else finds out.” 

“Thank you Steven,” I beamed. I was truly grateful.
 

“I just do not want to see anyone get hurt. That was all I have been worried about,” Steven admitted.

“We know Steven. And we appreciate your concern.” Conner replied. Steven nodded. He turned and we continued our walk, although there was a heaviness to Steven's step that I had not noticed before. 

Chapter 12

Pleasure

The following day Conner, Steven, and I made our way into town since Steven had not seen Judith in a few days. Lilly had started questioning his 'business in town', so we agreed to accompany him. I loved it. Walking the streets in town with Conner made me feel that we were a real couple, out in society. I held his arm through the swarms of people as we did our best to follow Steven.
 

“Would you care if we let him go to Judith's alone? You and I could make our way through town and meet with him later.” I looked into Conner's brilliant blue eyes, nodding my head eagerly in agreement.
 “Alright, wait here. I will catch up to him and let him know.” 

He pushed his way through the people towards Steven. I had lost them both within a few feet into the crowd. It was hectic today on the busy streets. The stone roads were chaotic with the hustle and bustle of the town’s people going about their regular day. Standing there I was being bumped and jolted about, until someone shoved against me with such force.
 

I could feel myself falling. I felt that I should have had enough time to brace myself or catch my footing, but everything was happening so fast and yet everything seemed to slow rapidly down. I knew I would hit the ground and there was nothing I could do to stop it.
 

Suddenly, I felt strong arms wrap around my waist holding me up so I was no longer heading toward the inevitable fall.
Oh thank goodness,
I thought. Conner must have gotten back to me just in time. I was pulled back to my feet, and as I turned so I could throw my arms around Conner's neck to thank him for saving me from a heap of pain, I froze immediately when I saw that the face of the man holding me did not belong to Conner. 

“Are you alright, Francesca?” The face and voice belonged to Nicholas Jackson.

I honestly did not know how to answer the query. Physically, he had saved me from a great fall, but the shock of almost throwing my arms around him had my heart racing through my chest. He turned his head to the side questioning again if I was alright. I quickly nodded. There was something in his gaze that made me feel uneasy.

“Come along then, let’s get you off the street.” He did not wait for a response. He turned clutching my arm forcing me to follow him toward the closest building. The foot traffic was not as bad there.
 

“Are you alone in town today?” I knew he, being a gentleman, would continue to stay and ask questions if I did not assure him that I was well.
 

“No, Nicholas I am in town today with my stepbrother and a friend, in fact they will be looking for me.” I paused giving him a smile. “Thank you very much for saving me back there. I imagine I would have been hurt quite badly if you had not intervened.”
 

“The pleasure is mine.” Nicholas lifted my hand to his lips, placing a light kiss on it. I would never get used to the feeling when a stranger kissed my hand. I did not enjoy it. “Until next time Francesca,” he turned on his heels, disappearing into the crowd.
 

“There you are.” I felt my lips turn up into a smile at the sweet, enticing sound of Conner's voice. I spun to face him. Seeing him just made my smile larger.
 

“Did you find Steven?” I asked.

“Yes, we now have the afternoon all to ourselves. What would you like to do first?” 

My stomach answered for me. Even through the commotion of the streets, the growl my stomach made was still loud enough to be heard.
              

“Alright then, let's go find you something to eat first,” he said with a chuckle.

* * *

We had a wonderful day. Conner and I went through all the different shops looking over everything they had. I normally hated this, but with Conner it was exquisite.
 It was like an entirely new experience.

I found the perfect gown for the Independence Day celebration that was coming up in a couple of weeks. I would not let Conner see what the dress looked like on me, but he had been the one to suggest that the color would fit me beautifully. When I tried it on, I knew he would love it.

I went to the counter to have the dressed boxed with Conner following close behind me. “Did you and your husband find everything you were look for?” the old sales clerk asked. His question caused me to stiffen, catching me completely off-guard.

“We found everything perfectly. Thank you,” Conner chimed in.

“That is wonderful. It warms my heart to see young people so happy and in love. God must have blessed you both to allow you to find one another so young.”

“Thank you sir, yes we are very blessed.” Conner replied beaming at me. I was glad he took charge of the conversation because I still was not over the fact the man thought Conner was my husband. I had not realized how much I enjoyed the statement. I just wished it was true.

Nearing the end of the day, Conner led me back to where he said we were going to meet Steven. The sun was just beginning to set, but I was too absorbed in where he was leading me to pay it any mind. 

He walked us in a completely different direction than the path we had taken when we had first arrived. I wondered if he knew where he was going.
 I was just getting ready to ask when in a flash Conner pulled me into a side alley, forcing me against the wall. I squeaked in surprise but was silenced when his mouth pressed hard against my lips. Dropping my package, I gasped giving his tongue an opening to mingle with mine. I could feel the desire course through my veins. I was too absorbed in my need for him, that I emptied my mind of all other lingering thoughts. 

Conner's hand slid up my thigh, moving it to wrap around him. His lips broke from mine moving down my neck, then over my breasts. He seemed hungry for me and I was not going to complain. I could never get my fill of Conner. His hand, still resting on my thigh shifted in between my legs. Gently, he pushed a finger into me. My head fell back absorbing the pleasure, but it was not enough; I needed more. As if reading my thoughts, he pressed a second finger into me, resting his thumb on my slick, sensitive flesh.

“I love how you react to me.” He moved his two fingers agonizingly slow in and out of me. His thumb moved in small circle over my sensitive spot. 

“Ahh…” I moaned. It was complete, erotic torture and I wanted more. His pace quickened, causing my leg to buckle, but Conner wrapped his free arm around my waist to keep me from falling. I could feel myself getting ready to come apart.
 

“Look at me,” Conner groaned.
 

My eyes shot opened at his command staring straight into his. They were a deeper shade of blue, not unlike staring into the clear oceans, and were so full of passion and yearning. Staring at him while he was causing me so much pleasure sent me over the top. My body tightened around him, as the cry of my release escaped my lips. His mouth pressed against mine silencing the sound.
 

He continued the motion with his fingers causing my climax to go longer and become more intense.
 

Finally, when my body relaxed, it felt as if my bones had turned to jelly. I could not stand. Conner unwrapped my leg from around him then wrapped both arms around my waist pressing his forehead to mine. He was breathing heavily. We stayed that way for a few moments.
 

“Can you walk?” He asked in all seriousness.
 

I giggled at his question, “I think so.”
 

He loosened his grip on me slowly almost like he was testing me. My legs were still a little shaky but I was able to stand. He picked up the package containing my dress and we slowly made our way down to the opposite end of the alley from which we had entered.
 

Steven was there. “You are late,” he nagged.

“I know Steven. Really it was something that could not be avoided.” Conner insisted with a little too much humor in his voice. I felt my cheeks turn a deep shade of red. I looked up and saw Steven's eyes staring straight at me. 

“I do not even want to know. Let's get going so we can make it home in time for dinner.”

At breakfast, I was exhausted. After the long day before and the lack of sleep, courtesy of Conner, I could barely keep my eyes open. 

“Francesca, what are your plans for the day?” Lilly's voice jolted me awake. I could not believe it. I had drifted off and had not even been aware of it.
 

“Um... I was planning on catching up on some reading. Maybe get Mary to make me lunch so I do not have to break from it.”
 

“Well that sounds like a marvelous idea. And you, darling?” Lilly turned her attention to Steven.
 

“Reading, huh?” Conner whispered to me.
 

“Yes, and maybe a nap too. I am completely exhausted for some reason.” His eyes gleamed wickedly.

“I can’t imagine why.” He knew exactly why.

After breakfast, I decided to have Mary make me a picnic basket. I was just walking out of the house when I heard Conner call to me.
 

“So you are just going to leave me here alone today?” He hollered standing on the porch, his arms crossed over his defined chest.
 

“Absolutely not, I had Mary make the basket for two.” I smiled at him. He was next to me in an instant.
 

“Let me carry that.” He reached for the basket not waiting for me to respond.

I assumed it would be cooler by the water so I made my way toward our special place. The trees blocked most of the sun there making the heat bearable. Pulling the blanket from the basket, Conner laid it as close to the bank as possible while still remaining in the comfort of the grass. He sat there patting the spot next to him. I grabbed my book, laying on my stomach next to him, I began to read.

The sounds of nature were so comforting and relaxing. The wind rustling through the trees, birds singing to each other as the water lightly flowed; it was peaceful.
 

I was only on the second page of my book when I felt Conner's fingers running gently through my hair. It was soothing. I sat up, lifted my hair then laid my head on his leg, letting my hair fall across his lap. His fingers continued with ease through it lulling me to sleep. If I dreamed, I do not remember.

I woke some time later to fingers running up and down my arm and a warm body pressed against my back. I must have shifted while I was sleeping. 

“Hmm... That is nice.” I breathed, shifting over to look at Conner. His mouth turned up in a half smile. He was lying next to me, his body flushed against mine.

“You have been asleep for a while. I could not bring myself to wake you. You looked so peaceful.” I placed my hand on his cheek guiding his face to mine until our lips touched. 

The kiss was sweet. Neither of us pressed it deeper, we both just enjoyed the small intimate contact for a moment. Conner was the first to break it.
 

“I am sure they are wondering where we are. We should get back before they start to get suspicious.” I nodded in agreement. I did not need to ask who “they” were and I certainly did not want anyone asking questions about the two of us. After Steven figured us out, I was definitely paranoid that everyone else would too and that thought terrified me.

We packed up the blanket. Holding hands, we made our way through the woods the best we could. It was difficult maneuvering through the trees, but the small contact was well worth it. Our hands stayed intertwined all the way through the woods.

Back at the house I wandered into the library. I was surprised my father was not there. He was not at breakfast that morning either, so I assumed he was still out on business. Knowing that, saddened me when I realized that Conner and I could have had more time together, although Lilly was home and was a bit more aware than my father normally was.

Dinner came slowly that evening. Because of my much-needed nap, I had missed my picnic so I was famished by the time I made my way down for dinner. I held Conner's hand under the table needing to feel the touch of his skin on mine. It both calmed and riled me. 

My father was just making it home by the time I headed off to bed. I waited patiently for him to head to bed himself. After his long day, I was thankful I did not have to wait long.

I snuck into Conner's room. He turned as I entered and held the covers up for me. Crawling in beside him I pressed my lips to his. We made love almost every night. I wondered how long it would be before the flame of desire I felt for him would fade. It had been weeks and I still wanted him just as strongly.

His hands ran up and down my backside, as our kiss deepened. Slowly, I felt his fingers slip under the fabric of the gown I was wearing. His hand glided up my back bringing the nightgown with it. Pulling it over my head he tossed it to the floor. In a rush, Conner flipped me over on my back, pressing his body to mine.
 I groaned from the force and from the excitement.

I could feel the extent of how much he wanted me when he pressed against me. Removing his shirt, he threw it in the same direction as my clothing then leaned down to kiss me again. Skin against skin as his chest moved against mine sending chills of delight skittered up my spine.