by Jules River
Warin stood in front of her, never taking his eyes off her as he undressed with very deliberate movements. When she started to turn to lock herself in the bathroom to retreat from his piercing stare, he lunged for her, taking her down to the bed behind her. “This is not going to happen, Warin,” she warned as she tried to push him away. “You belong to me, Mira, you will do as I say.” Then he ripped her dress apart right down the middle. Mira gasped, and started fighting him in earnest. She got him in the cheek with her fist once before he took both of her hands in one of his, and held them above her head. “You bastard! No! Don’t you dare take my panties off!”
“As you wish.” Then he pulled himself free of his briefs, moved her panties to the side, and thrust into her. His invasion was painfully pleasurable for the first moment, before turning to complete ecstasy. “You’re not wearing a condom!” She moaned with each blissful thrust. “You had better not come in me!” She remembered to struggle again, only increasing the pleasure of their first time making love without any barriers between them. She knew it was only her imagination making it feel so much better without a condom, but the mind was a powerful thing. His more-aggressive lovemaking paired with the lack of a condom had her screaming her release into his demanding mouth in minutes.
After her mind-numbing orgasm, he quickly pulled away from her so he could put on the protection he took from the nightstand. She was temporarily spent and unable to move before he was turned back to her, slipping inside. He soon reignited her passions, then without warning, he flipped onto his back, taking her with him, showing her how to ride him. She matched her rhythm to his, the tension mounting as the pleasure increased with each rocking motion.
Warin had shaken as he tried to control his release during her powerful orgasm; being inside her without a condom had felt so amazing, it had taken all of his self-control to keep from following her into blissful oblivion on her first orgasm. Now that they were both completely worked up again, it did not take long before he bucked hard beneath her, and gave a satisfied and guttural moan. She was right with him, the intensity of her second orgasm causing her to collapse on his chest with bones that felt like they were made of gelatin. They both panted hard and were completely sated.
Thought was not quickly forthcoming. When it did, Mira almost wished it had not. Nothing was resolved and she had given in to him once again. That really smarted. She was too exhausted to deal with it at the moment, but first thing in the morning she planned to resolve all of her problems with Warin, even if resolution came in the form of her leaving him. With a heavy heart, she slid into sleep.
Chapter 21
The brothers were the first ones up the next morning, and headed to the kitchen for coffee. Mira and Lyra were exhausted from their nighttime activities. Faye slept in because it had taken her hours to fall asleep after the fight with Cenric; they had not resolved any of their issues. Cenric sat in the kitchen, staring into a cooling cup of coffee, deep in thought when Warin walked in with Dunstin soon after him. The way Warin carried himself showed his foul disposition with every movement. Dunstin seemed to be contemplating the meaning of life. They poured themselves cups of coffee and sat down at the island in silence. It stayed that way for several minutes, before Dunstin bravely asked Warin, “How did your evening turn out?”
Warin took his time before he responded gruffly, “Leave it alone.”
Undaunted, Dunstin turned to Cenric, “What about you?”
Cenric looked up from his now-cold coffee, “I ignored her all night. I never said a word to her, not even at the club. Lyra told me Faye would do something drastic if I turned the tables on her the next time she was giving me trouble.”
Curious now, Warin asked, “How’s that working out for you?”
Cenric shrugged, “We’ll see. It does seem to be bothering her much more than when I have admonished her for her behavior previously.”
“Lyra, huh? What else did Lyra have to say?” Dunstin wanted to know.
“Nothing, she kept it short and to the point.” Cenric smiled with a little laugh, “She seemed to be quite pleased with herself for giving me that information, as if she was going to enjoy my tormenting her sister.”
“I wonder if the others would be so willing to give us some insight as well?” Warin mused.
Dunstin laughed, “I don’t know, but I plan on finding out as soon as I can talk to Mira. I bet Faye would have much to say about Mira.” He looked at Warin.
“I can only hope so, I could really use some insight into Mira about now.” Warin chuckled, in a slightly better mood.
***
The afternoon dragged on while everyone was in the office working on solving the curse. An opportunity for Warin to speak to Faye without being overheard finally came about; Mira and Lyra were busy having a heated discussion about something across the room. Warin took his chance, and walked up to Faye, leaning casually against her desk. “I would like a word with you.”
Faye looked up, eyebrows raised questioningly, “Sure. Shoot.”
Hesitantly, Warin began, “You may have noticed Mira and I are…having difficulties. I thought you might have some advice on the subject.”
She thought about what he asked for a moment before she answered, “You and Mira are much more alike that you may realize.” Warin gave her a quizzical look, so she expanded, “You’re both the oldest, you’re both the more responsible ones who bear the brunt of worry, or so you think. You’re both used to being in charge, giving the orders, and making the majority of the decisions for the rest of us. Neither of you are used to being told what to do. Women can have just as much power, opportunities, and authority as men do now. Let me ask you a question, how do you think you would respond if Mira told you what you could and could not do?”
He considered for a moment. “About as well as Mira does, would be my guess. Truthfully, probably much worse. What do you propose I do?”
“Perhaps you could give her some clue how you feel. She needs to know what she means to you. Explain why you want what you want, instead of expecting blind obedience. You could ask her instead of commanding her. You are much more likely to catch flies with honey than vinegar, my grandmother always says.” She gave him a wink, then turned her attention back to her computer.
Warin had some things to consider as he walked back toward the arguing sisters. Mira noticed him only long enough to give him a scathing glare.
Mira had been in a terrible mood all day. Warin had already gone downstairs by the time she awoke that morning, thus she was unable to speak with him in private to resolve his overbearing, controlling attitude, and his lack of feeling for her. She would have to talk to him soon; it would drive her crazy if things went on in this fashion for too long.
After Warin left Faye’s desk, she continued her act that she was fine and busy, but she could barely concentrate on her work. Cenric continued giving her the silent treatment, and avoided her as much as possible. Inside she was a mess. She had never been able to stand it when one of her sisters was mad at her, and would not talk to her. Faye decided she would have to do something to change the situation that evening.
Lyra had enjoyed Mira’s bad mood. She was always up for a good argument. Mira stormed off, and Lyra discreetly gave Cenric two thumbs up as she told him with a grin, “Keep it up, you’re getting to Faye, she will snap soon.”
At the end of the day, Mira felt bad for arguing with Lyra, and to make up she asked, “Hey, Lyra, you want to go work out with me?” Lyra closed her laptop, “Yes that would be great. I’ll go change and we can meet in the gym. Faye just left to dance in the ballroom by herself.” Mira nodded, “We should go talk to her after our workout, see how she’s doing.”
Mira and Lyra sat down on the mats by the door to the workout room to stretch, and after a few minutes they began to talk. Mira asked, “So how are you and Dunstin doing?” as she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. Dunstin paused just as he was about to open the half-closed gym door.
Ly
ra blushed and gave a little embarrassed laugh, “We are doing just fine, thank you very much.”
“So are you still…you know? I mean, Dunstin is not pressuring you, right?” Now Mira was the embarrassed one.
Then Lyra laughed, “Yes, I am still a virgin, technically, and no, Dunstin is not pressuring me. He has no reason to, we please each other without needing to do the rest. Besides, I told you I’m waiting until I’m married. Call me old fashioned, but that’s what I am going to do, and I’m not in any hurry to get married. Why should I be? I am perfectly content with the way things are now.” Lyra said smugly, then added realistically, “Besides, Dunstin may not ever want to get married, much less to me. He may want to play the field some. I mean, I am the first woman he had seen in foreevveerr.” They both giggled.
“I know, right? I have wondered that as well, but if you’re happy, I’m happy for you.”
Concerned, Lyra inquired, “You did not seem too happy today. How are you and Warin doing?”
Dunstin was about to quietly walk away and give them privacy until he heard Mira’s response.
Mira confided, “I don’t think this is going to work out between us. He has pulled away from me emotionally, and he is so incredibly controlling. He thinks he can tell me when I can breathe. I realize he is not used to women having rights and all that, but he does not seem to care for me or respect me at all. I don’t want to get hurt any more than I already have. I think I should distance myself from him.” She sounded sad.
“How do you plan on doing that?”
“I’m going to leave, go back to the States, maybe go see the grandparents at the ranch. I can continue to help from afar, staying in contact with you and Faye. I plan on talking to him tonight, but I really don’t think it will do any good.” Lyra reached over and gave her a hug, “We will help you anyway you need us. You know that, but I do think you should talk to him, and give him a chance first. We are here for you no matter what you decide. Now let’s burn some calories, sista, before we get too old staying down here, and lose our attractiveness to them. Well, that might solve our problems.” Lyra joked to lighten the mood, which caused them both to laugh.
Dunstin was very surprised by what he had overheard. He left to look for Warin, deep in thought. I have to warn Warin immediately. I would go completely berserk if Lyra left me; there is no telling what Warin would do if Mira was able to leave him. So Lyra is content with the way things are and she is holding out for marriage in the distant future. How could she think I would not want to marry her, that I would want someone else? I will just have to dissuade her of that notion.
Dunstin found Warin in the lounge, talking to Cenric over a drink. He sat down and poured himself a stiff drink, swallowing half of it in one go, before turning to Warin. “Warin, I overheard a conversation between Mira and Lyra. You’re not going to like it.” He took another drink and topped off Warin’s glass for him. Warin impatiently encouraged, “Well, go on,” and took a long swig of his own drink.
“Mira does not think you two are going to work out. She does not think you can keep from controlling her every move, and you have not told her of your feelings for her. She does not believe you respect or care for her.”
Warin stilled briefly before he stated, “I plan on speaking with her this evening. Faye has shown me a different perspective. I will make things right.”
Dunstin hedged, “There is one more thing. She plans to leave if things do not go well after her talk with you tonight. She will distance herself from you to keep from getting hurt.” Neither Dunstin nor Cenric made a move when Warin tilted his head back with his eyes closed, nostrils flared. When the glass in his hand shattered, he turned and threw the remainder of the glass into the fireplace. Warin silently stood, and walked out of the lounge. He went to the bathroom he shared with Mira to wash the blood from his hand, and think about how he would handle the conversation with Mira.
Dunstin looked at Cenric, “Well, he handled that better than I expected.”
“Yes, he must be mellowing as he gets older.” They both just shook their heads before tossing back their drinks.
Cenric went to the ballroom to peek in on Faye. When he walked up to the door, Faye had her hands on Steven’s chest as she held him back. Steven had his arms wrapped around Faye, he tried to pull her closer as he told her, “Kiss me, Faye, then you will know we belong together.”
Cenric lost all of his civilized veneer when he approached them. He jerked Steven away from Faye and caused him to fly over the chair she had been using as a prop while dancing, and onto the floor where he landed in a heap. A startled and confused Steven looked up to see a menacing Cenric headed toward him, which had him scrambling to his feet just as Cenric fisted his hand in the front of his shirt, and began beating Steven. Faye was on Cenric, trying to hold his punching arm back, while she screamed at him, “Cenric, stop! Please don’t kill him. Nothing happened. Stop! You’re going to kill him.” Cenric punched him in the face and stomach repeatedly. Steven struggled and tried to fight back before he was knocked unconscious; Cenric dropped Steven’s limp body to the floor. Cenric looked at Faye, who still held onto his arm, and stated angrily, “Maybe he will learn his lesson this time.” He turned to Faye fully, grabbed the back of her neck, and gave her a branding kiss, then walked out of the room, leaving Faye gaping after him.
Dunstin stood at the door along with Mira and Lyra, who rushed to check on Steven. He was a bloodied mess. Lyra looked back to Dunstin, “Could you please help us get him to his room?”
With an aggravated sigh, Dunstin walked over to Steven, reached down and hoisted him over his shoulder, causing Steven to moan in pain as the women led the way to his room. Dunstin dropped Steven on his bed, and left the room. The sisters cleaned up his face, roused him enough to give him some pain medicine, placed ice packs on his face, then called for a maid to sit with him before leaving him to rest.
Mira asked Faye, “What set Cenric off?”
Faye shook her head in aggravation. “Steven was trying to kiss me to convince me we were meant to be together, and Cenric walked in and saw and heard everything. He completely lost it on Steven. I thought he was going to kill him, for sure, this time.”
Lyra shook her head, “Well, he has warned him several times, and you have told him as well. Hopefully, this will put an end to his infatuation with you. Getting your butt whipped a couple of times usually does the trick.” Faye and Mira both tried to hold back a laugh, since this really should not be a laughing matter.
“Oh, Lyra. Yes, let’s hope this is the end of it. I’m tired of dealing with Steven’s infatuation and Cenric’s possessiveness,” Faye said, then they went to their rooms to shower.
Mira walked into the bedroom to find Warin coming out of the bathroom with a small towel clutched in his hand. As she passed him, because of the awkwardness between them, she blurted, “I need to shower,” then closed the bathroom door and locked it behind her.
When she came out of the bathroom, Warin was sitting in one of the chairs in the seating area by the window. Mira went into the closet to change into comfortable clothes; she needed more confidence than a robe would give her during the talk she planned to have with him. When she came out, Warin watched her. She walked to the sitting area and took the remaining seat. “I need to speak with you.” Mira tried not to sound as nervous as she felt.
“It would seem we have much to discuss.” Warin looked directly into her eyes. Before she could speak, Warin began, “I have not handled this situation correctly. I realize now that you and I have much in common.” She gave him a skeptical look, and he continued, “Both of us are the eldest, the more responsible ones, with the bulk of the responsibilities on us. We are both used to being a leader. I have also realized I do not share my thoughts and feelings well, even with those I care about. I will endeavor to improve in all areas.” He poured her a glass of wine, and handed it to her.
Mira sat in stunned silence, as she absently took the offered glass of
wine. She was surprised by his admission as well as his declaration of change. His eyes never left hers. “I had not thought of us having those things in common until you pointed them out. It does make sense why we would clash at times.” She took a sip of her wine for a distraction from his piercing gaze, and he nodded agreement.
She was not sure she trusted him to treat her differently, but she needed to give him the chance to show her. She responded with hesitancy, “Thank you, I will try to take into consideration all of those things as well.” She did not want to seem too eager, or give away her feelings, until she had a glimpse of his.
Warin thought to himself, She seems to be surprised and maybe relieved with our talk. Now I will show her how much I care for her the best way I can. I will convince her that she needs to stay with me.
He reached over, took her hand into his, brought it to his lips to kiss, continuing to hold her hand as he caressed her. He gently pulled them to a standing position, then encircled her in his arms, “Your beauty has me thinking of how I will show you what I feel for you.” Then he held her as though she were precious and kissed her lovingly, the beginning to a wonderful night. Mira melted into him; she hoped his sudden revelation was not a façade, but soon her mind was only filled with thoughts of his touch.
***
When Faye entered the bedroom, she had expected to find Cenric there, but the room was empty. She took a shower, spent time on her appearance, and came out wearing only a robe, to find Cenric on the bed staring at the ceiling, with his arms crossed behind his head. She stopped to look at him; she hoped he would not ignore her again. When he continued to stare at the ceiling, she did something drastic.
Faye dropped her robe, walked slowly around the bed to her phone on the night stand, bent over slightly, picked it up, and slowly moved into the walk-in closet, leaving the door open. His eyes were locked on her before she had taken two steps after dropping her robe. She found a slow, sexy song on her phone, then pulled a skimpy pair of black lace panties from a drawer. Slowly she bent forward with her back to Cenric as she stepped into her panties. Behind her she heard the bedcovers rustle. She took her time as she pulled up the panties. Ever so subtly she turned, giving him a side view, when she raised her arms above her head, she let the matching lace bra slip down her up-stretched arms. She gave him a view of her exposed breast being covered in black lace, before she snapped the front closure between her full breasts.
