by Bobbi Smith
"I think I'll ride with Katie for a while," he spoke brokenly. Mounting quickly, he spurred his steed to a gallop, needing to get away... to deny the sinful lust he felt for his uncle's wife.
Suzanne watched him ride off and smiled to herself. This was going to be more of a challenge than she'd thought... But she knew that the prize was worth the effort as she remembered the naked troubled yearning she'd just seen in his eyes. How powerful she'd feel when at last she had him! Casually tying up her hair, she put on her bonnet and then remembered to rebutton her dress. Within minutes, she had caught up with them and they all started back to Kingsford Hosue, ready to relax and enjoy a quiet noonday meal.
It was near dusk when Suzanne heard the sound of a steamer at the dock. After quickly arranging for a carriage to be sent to the landing, she hurried to her rooms to freshen up. Isaac was home and she needed to look her best. When she was satisfied with her appearance, she started back downstairs.
"What's all the excitement about?" Katie asked as she met Suzanne in the main floor hall.
"Isaac's home."
"Oh, good! I'll get Mark!" Racing on upstairs, Katie pounded on the door to her brother's room. "Come on! Uncle Isaac's boat just docked."
"I'll be right down," he called from behind the closed door.
"Hurry up!"
Lifting her skirts, Katie dashed down the steps and reached the front porch just as Isaac climbed down from the carriage. While Suzanne awaited him with regal restraint, Katie flushed from her run, launched herself into his arms as soon as he was on the gallery.
"Uncle Isaac! I'm so glad to see you!"
"Katie? My little Katie?" he hugged her and set her from him. "You're a beautiful young woman now."
"Thank you."
She twirled for him approvingly, not aware of Suzanne's seething jealousy.
"Welcome home, darling." Suzanne came forward to kiss his cheek. "How was your trip?"
"Successful. Very successful," he told her. Then turning his attention to Katie, he said, "But tell me, when did this scamp arrive and where's that good-for-nothing brother of yours?"
"Right here, Uncle Isaac." Mark came out onto the porch to shake hands.
Isaac was astounded that the young lad he'd last seen had grown into such a handsome man.
"You both look like your mother," he stated matterof-factly after studying them for a moment. "Have you been here long?"
Taking Katie's arm, he led her indoors, leaving Mark to escort Suzanne.
"You look dashing tonight, Mark," she told him, her anger with Isaac only making her all the more determined in her pursuit of Mark.
"Thanks." He didn't want to touch her, but there was no way to avoid it as she brushed past him to enter the house. The delicate scent of her perfume filled his head and he bit back a groan of desire.
"Dinner is ready, if you'd like to eat," she was saying as Mark followed her in.
"That sounds fine," Isaac responded absently as he bent to listen more closely to something Katie was telling him.
Suzanne silently fumed, but kept her dignity as she led the way into the dining room. Isaac made a big display of seating his niece, laughing loudly at some remark she made, leaving Mark to seat his wife.
"Thank you, Mark." She gazed up at him adoringly and held his eyes for a long moment.
Mark broke the eye contact and sat down nervously as the servants brought in the meal.
"So, has my wife been treating you right, Mark?" Isaac bellowed good-naturedly from his end of the table.
"She's made us feel most at home, sir," Mark responded.
"Good, good. What's mine is yours. My dear, have you made plans to take them to New Orleans for a shopping spree yet?"
"We haven't had a chance to plan anything. I did, however, order clothes for them for the Fontaine Ball on Saturday,"
"Fine. I'm sure you chose wisely."
"I sent detailed instructions as to what I wanted. Mark's things arrived this afternoon and Katie's ballgown will be here in the morning so there will be time for a final fitting."
"As usual, you have taken care of everything," Isaac complimented her. "I would love for our little Katie to outshine the Fontaine girl tomorrow night," he winked at Katie, who blushed.
"She'll look lovely. I chose a very simple design for her so she wouldn't be lost in all those frills and bows that are so popular right now."
"An excellent decision, my dear."
Katie resented Suzanne not telling her sooner about the style of her gown, but then she remembered her brother's words. Turning on her most charming manner, she smiled at her aunt.
"I'm sure the dress will be wonderful, Suzanne. Your taste in gowns is superb," Katie commented.
Suzanne's eyes widened at the unexpected compliment from Katie. "Thank you."
"You two should have a marvelous time when you finally do go shopping. Katie, Suzanne can spend money faster than any woman I know."
Though he was joking, Suzanne took his words to heart. What else did she have to do?
"Don't you believe a word," she replied, the smile on her lips not reaching her eyes. "He has so much money, he doesn't miss the little I spend."
"True enough," Isaac sat back, replete from the delicious dinner. "Mark, my boy, you've been quiet."
"Just listening," Mark laughed. "It was hard to get a word in edgewise."
"So you're ready for the university, are you?"
"Yes sir. I'll start classes in the fall."
"And you're studying to become an engineer like your father?"
"Yes sir."
"No need for the sir, Mark. Isaac will do. You are no longer a boy. You're a man now."
"Yes... Isaac."
"I tell you what. You go on and get your degree, but if you decide later that you don't like the work, there's a partnership waiting for you here with me."
"You're serious?"
"Very. I have no children of my own and in a few years, I'll be needing somebody to help out." He grinned at Mark's dumbfounded expression. "I am getting old, you know."
"Hardly," Suzanne put in and he patted her fondly.
"Sweet of you to deny it, but it is the truth. One day I'll have to slow down and I'd like to have you with me when the time comes. Are you interested?"
"Good. While you're here I'll familiarize you with some of the simpler aspects of my businesses. Then, if you want to become more involved you just let me know."
Mark was totally surprised by Isaac's offer. He knew that Isaac had always been fond of him, but he had had no idea that he'd cared this much.
The rest of the evening passed quietly as everyone retired early.
Suzanne and Isaac's bedrooms were connected by a comfortable sitting room and it was here that Suzanne stood a few minutes later, clad only in a sheer nightdress that revealed far more than it concealed. She was nervous. She knew that Isaac didn't like aggressive women, but the desires within her clamoured for release. And, he was her husband. Squaring her shoulders, she knocked softly at his door before entering.
"What is it?" Isaac asked, already in bed. "Is there something wrong?"
"No, Isaac. I just wanted to spend some time with you. I've missed you." She approached the bed with her usual grace, the gown swirling about her seductively.
"That's nice, dear. But I am tired tonight."
"But Isaac, it's.. .it's been so long ...I need you."
Isaac's expression hardened at her blatant proposition. "Suzanne," he stated firmly. "You know how I feel about this. I don't see any need to discuss it any further."
"I know. But tonight..."
"Tonight is no different than any other night," he refused coldly.
Suzanne paled at his rejection. Maintaining her composure with an effort, she walked stiffly from the room determined not to let him see her frustration.
Closing Isaac's door quietly behind her, Suzanne walked straight to the small liquor cabinet that they kept in the sitting room and poured herself a liberal po
rtion of brandy. After quickly downing the heady liquid, she paused to take a deep breath, cursing her own stupidity. Why had she bothered to try? She should have known what his answer was going to be...
Anger replaced her frustration and she returned to her own bedroom. Locking the door, she pulled off the gown and turned up the lamp. The image reflected in the full-length mirror was of a well-endowed mature woman. Her breasts were full and ripe, her hips nicely rounded. Suzanne turned sideways to critically survey her profile, but she could find no fault there either. Her stomach was flat and her buttocks trim unlike many women of her age whose figures had been lost bearing children. The fleeting image of Katie's slim, young body crossed her mind and once again Suzanne mentally compared herself to her niece. She dismissed the thought quickly though, for Katie was only a child. There really could be no comparison between them.
Turning the light back down, Suzanne opened the French door that led onto the upper gallery and felt the cool river breeze flow over her body, its gentle caressing touch stirring her heightened senses even more. Groan ing out loud as the throbbing ache within her grew more demanding, she drew on the diaphanous gown and climbed into her solitary bed, in hopes that sleep would release her from the desires that plagued her.
The moon was low in the night sky and the chiming grandfather clock had struck two when Suzanne finally realized that her quest for sleep was useless. Slipping from her bed, she moved quietly out onto the gallery. Without conscious thought, Suzanne found herself standing at Mark's open doors, gazing into the darkness of his room. Her heart beat fast as she went inside after only a second's hesitation. She had to see him... be with him. He wanted her... she was certain of that. So it was only a matter of openly offering herself to him.
Dropping the gown from her shoulders, the soft material settled in a frothy pool at her feet. Stepping away from it, Suzanne went to stand by the bed. Mark was asleep, lying on his stomach. He was clad only in a nightshirt that did little to disguise the strong width of his shoulders. With his expression relaxed and unguarded, he looked young, but Suzanne knew that he was on the threshold of manhood. Drawn irresistibly closer, she reached out to smooth a tumbled lock of hair from his forehead. Emboldened by her success when he didn't awaken, Suzanne closed and locked the French doors. She came back to him then in total darkness, knowing it would be safer for them this way.
The bed was so large that she didn't disturb him when she climbed in with him. It was only as she bent to kiss him that hestirred and came awake.
Mark had tossed and turned for hours, it seemed, before he finally managed to fall into a troubled sleep. Visions of Suzanne had haunted him all night-Suzanne as she'd looked that morning clad only in her wrapper-Suzanne sitting on the grass inviting him to join her-Suzanne at dinner tonight looking so sophisticated and unattainable. He knew that nothing could ever come of his fantasies-after all, she was his aunt. But still that didn't keep him from desiring her. And desire her he did, until he was so exhausted from thinking about it that he'd drifted off...the dream of having her in his arms seeming almost real.
It was a featherlight touch on his shoulder that roused him just as Suzanne was about to kiss him.
"Mark..." she murmured softly, as her lips met his. "Kiss me, Mark."
His instincts clouded by sleep, Mark accepted the kiss of his vision passively, afraid to move lest he awake too soon. He wanted to enjoy this dream, so he lay still, unmoving as his wraith-like phantom deepened the kiss.
Suzanne was surprised when Mark made no sudden moves, but instead lay back in seeming indifference. She couldn't bear another rejection this night! She had to make him want her. Sliding full length against him she moved her hips erotically, teasing yet inviting at the same time. Unbuttoning his nightshirt, she pushed it from his shoulders and pressed her breasts intimately to his chest.
Mark came to the sudden realization that this was no dream when he felt the coolness of the night air on his bare back. Momentarily stunned, he drew back, trying to focus on her features in the shielding darkness of his room.
"Suzanne?" he managed, unsure of what else to say.
"Yes, Mark," her response was throaty and deep as the masculine hardness of his body thrilled her. It had been so long and he felt so good!
"What are you doing here?" Mark wasn't sure whether to get up and get away from the intimacy of her touch or to stay and fulfill his deepest desire.
"I came to love you, Mark. Make love to meplease..."
"But Isaac...?"
"Please Mark," her mouth found his in a desperate kiss.
For a moment he struggled against this.. .but her plea was so convincing that he gave up trying to rationalize the situation. He had wanted her since the first time he'd seen her and he was going to have her. He would worry about betraying Isaac later.
"Suzanne." He worshipped her name as their lips parted and then met again in sightless accuracy.
At the touch of his mouth on hers, Suzanne groaned in primal passion. She became a creature commanded only by her desire as she guided Mark into the realm of the purely physical. Taken from the safety of his dreams to the wonder of reality, Mark's response was instinctive. Clutching her to him, they strained together.
Suzanne was ecstatic. She had worried that he would hesitate as he had that afternoon, but now, after breaking down his defenses, she had discovered him to be a natural, sensual man. She relished the feel of him as her hands explored his heavily muscled torso. Slipping from his grasp, she pushed Mark down on his back and straddled him, taking him deep within her. Suzanne could sense the shock and she gave a soft, triumphant laugh.
"Let me please you," she insisted when hewould have pulled her down to him. "Just relax and enjoy."
Her voice was a provocative purr and Mark let the resistance he felt flow away. Her body was doing wondrous things to his and he shook with the force of emotion she was arousing. Suzanne's hands were everywhere, caressing and exploring, while she leaned forward to kiss him passionately. With her breasts barely grazing his chest, Suzanne ground her hips against him. Held throbbing yet motionless within the hot, molten center of her body, Mark felt the last vestige of his control evaporate when she moved so wantonly against him. He wanted to roll with her and plunge even deeper into the moist secrets of her, but Suzanne was controlling their encounter, giving him little time to think.
Sitting up straight, she arched her back as she rode him, savoring the sensations of possessing him fully. She was using him, draining him, and that knowledge made her orgasm all the more exciting when it came. But Mark, lost in the throes of his own climactic release, knew nothing of her thoughts and feelings. He only knew that this had been the most erotic moment of his life. And when at last she lay breathlessly on his chest his thoughts were filled with the wonder of their union.
Suzanne rested heavily on top of Mark, satisfied for the time being. She had reached her peak so quickly that she felt somehow cheated. Lovemaking was meant to be an art, not a race. After having been alone for so long, she hoped this encounter would be prolonged and enjoyable. But the fear of discovery nagged at her persistently.
"I want to see you," Mark reached for the lamp as they moved slightly apart.
"No. As long as we're together, we must remain in the darkness," she insisted. "You must respect my wishes in this matter or what we have ends right now."
Mark fell silent. He understood that she feared being found out, but he also knew that he wanted to see her; to watch her face as their bodies joined together. As he imagined making love to her in the light, he hardened again.
Suzanne, who had been stroking him lightly, de lighted in the renewed, eager strength he displayed.
"We have all night, Mark," she whispered encouragingly.
"Yes. All night," Mark murmured, before losing himself in her exacting embrace once more.
The Declaration
Wearing her new gown, Katie stood patiently on a small stool while Suzanne's seamstress carefully comple
ted her alterations. Katie was glad now that she hadn't protested when Suzanne ordered the ballgown for her. For, as much as she hated to admit it, the dress was beautiful. Suzanne's taste in clothing, as in everything else, was impeccable.
Created of pale yellow satin, it was off the shoulder in style with a form-fitting bodice that revealed the fullness of her breasts in a provocative yet innocent manner. The skirts were flared, full and fluid, and set in back at the waist were matching yellow satin rosettes.
It had never occurred to Katie that she would ever care one way or the other about a dress, but it had been love at first sight for her when the seamstress had unpacked this one. She had no doubt that in this particular gown she would look her best and therefore make Uncle Isaac proud of her. She only regretted that Christopher wouldn't be at this ball to see her.
"All done, my dear," Marie the seamstress said. "All we have to do is finish off a few seams and you'll be ready for tonight."
"Thank you, Marie," Katie stepped down carefully and slipped out of the costly creation. "I have to tell you, this is the first ballgown I've ever had and it's absolutely gorgeous."
"The gown is only a gown. It's you who makes it special, Miss Katie."
Katie smiled, "I hope I look nice tonight. I do so want to make a good impression for Uncle Isaac's sake."
"Don't worry," Marie confided. "There are only two other females around here who come close to your beauty. One is your aunt. I've never known a more elegant woman in my life."
"She is lovely," Katie agreed.
"And the other is Renee Fontaine."
"The girl whose ball I'm going to?"
Marie nodded. "She's not only pretty, she's nice. I like her a lot."
"Well, I hope I get to meet her tonight."
"I'm sure you will, Renee's a very friendly person." Picking up the gown with the greatest of care, Marie started from the room. "I'd best get to work on this. I'll have it ready in plenty of time."
"Thanks."
When Marie had gone, Katie dressed in her old riding clothes and went in search of Mark. After searching the rest of the house, she finally found him, sound asleep in his room.
