He was so happy, he took her face in his hands, and kissed her gently. Lena returned the lingering kiss, feeling that it was time she got used to his touch, his embrace, his kisses. Reluctantly, he broke it. “It’s really late…we better get back to the plantation.” He said softly.
“Yes please, I want to get my Hope.”
“Yes ma’am, we’re on our way.” He flicked the reins after she’d turned back and settled against him.
Her heart was pounding now that she had made her decision, she couldn’t understand why she felt like crying. She had after all, made the right one. But now, Manny kept coming to mind, more and more as if reminding her despite her decision, of the one man, she would always love, that he and he alone, held her heart.
They returned to a quiet plantation, yet…there were many out on their porches, waving to them as they passed to the barn. Inside, she waited for Thomas to rub down his horse, and when he was done, he came up to her standing next to one of the stalls.
“I love you.” He whispered passionately, taking her by the shoulders as he lowered his mouth to hers for a kiss. Lena titled her head allowing him the kiss and embrace. Manny’s face intruded once again. She pulled away shyly, wiping at her lips. “I don’t think, now is the time, or here the place for that.”
“Let me come back to your cabin with you?” He asked huskily.
“No Thomas, I have to get Hope.” She walked away for the barn door, leaving him to stare after her. ‘Just keep it cool Thomas, keep it cool. At least she’s going to marry you…one step at a time.’ Slapping his gloves against his thigh, he followed out behind her. Together they went to Mazie’s, where there were quite a few out on her porch, which seemed rather odd, especially at this time of night.
Everyone spoke real friendly, but they all had a look about them that she and Thomas noticed. Mazie was sitting and waiting for her, to let her know that Kayleen had Hope. This she did as Leon had instructed her, as he delivered Manny’s order, “Manny don’t want you saying nothing to her when she come back, other than Kayleen got Hope.”
Nodding, Lena and Thomas walked away waving and saying goodnight to Mazie and those gathered there with her. Lena could have sworn she heard immediate murmuring start as they walked away.
“What in the world is going on here?” She asked.
“I think everyone is abuzz over us. We were together alone today, I’m sure we’re probably the talk of the plantation. See, now you’re going to have to marry me, I’ve sullied your reputation.” Thomas replied grinning.
“So it seems, so - it seems.” Lena kidded back.
Making Thomas feel even more sure. As they arrived at Kayleen’s, she let them in and told Lena, Hope was sleeping and she wanted to keep her for the night. “Oh Kayleen, I can’t leave her.”
“Good grief Lena, it’s just one night. It ain’t gone hurt you to leave her wit’ me every now and then. I been feelin’ lonely lately, you know how close we is. You know where she at, right there in my bed, safe and sound. Go’on home now, I’ll bring her home in the mornin’.”
Thomas’s heart was pounding, he didn’t say a word, but he was hoping Kayleen would talk her into letting her keep Hope. Maybe - just maybe, they could be together - alone - tonight. Lena was at the bed looking down at her sleeping daughter, leaning over to kiss her goodnight, while she slept on peacefully. “I guess it couldn’t hurt for one night.”
“No - it can’t. Now get on out’a here, I was just dropping off to sleep when yah’ll come knocking.” Kayleen complained. She was nervous as could be, but hid it well. She sure hoped Thomas wasn’t planning to go to her cabin with her, ‘Lord - please don’t let nobody get killed tonight.’ She prayed urging them towards the door.
“Goodnight Kayleen, see you in the morning.” Lena said out the door.
“Em hm.” Kayleen mumbled and shut the door. Lena looked up at Thomas with her brows drawn in surprise, grinning. “You think she wanted us gone?”
“I think she wanted us gone.” He agreed grinning.
Walking the few yards to Lena’s cabin, Thomas couldn’t keep himself from asking. “With Hope at Kayleen’s, that leaves the night young enough for us to enjoy more of it together.” He walked slightly behind her as she made quick steps for her cabin, knowing what he was leading to. “Hey…” He called then trotted up beside her to catch up. “Slow down.”
“I’m really tired Thomas, it has been a long day. I just want to get to my cabin and get some sleep.” She informed him as she walked past her window, unaware that their voices carried within. Manny sat hearing every word that was said as her windows were open halfway to allow the night breezes through. The fine netting curtains that fitted around them snug from within; helped keep the insects out. His nostrils flared as his eyes narrowed while he listened more closely. He’d tried keeping things under control not to have to get into a confrontation with Thomas, but if he came in that cabin tonight, there would be hell to pay!
“But Hope’s not going to be with you tonight. Let me be with you.” He asked boldly, following her as she rounded the corner of her cabin and stepped up on her porch. “No, Thomas.”
“Why? You must know how much I need you? How badly I want you? I just want to make love to you. You don’t know the pain and effort it has taken for me not to have at least, tasted you once. Please don’t make me wait.”
“I wish you would not speak to me that way!”
“I can’t help the way I feel. Sometimes I think I’ll go mad from wanting you.”
Manny was sitting forward in the chair now; his arms extended with his forearms resting on his knees as he opened and closed his hands, flexing his fist. The thread which held his control in check, was straining with the tension, the next line from Thomas he heard washed him in heat, “I haven’t been with a woman in months Lena, because I’ve decided I wanted you, and no other. Please Ceś alena?” He beseeched, backing her towards her door.
“Thomas! You will not disrespect me! You will not!” She spoke firmly to him. She knew she’d accepted his proposal, but she was not ready to sleep with him. For that, she needed more time, and would not consider it until they were married.
“I’m going into my cabin…alone.”
“Why must we wait?” He asked.
“Because I said so, that is final. Now goodnight.” Giving him no further opportunity to say anymore, she went in and closed the door behind her. Making sure to latch it from within. She leaned against it a moment breathing hard. Her head rocked back and forth against the wood panel as she fought to bring her racing heart under control.
Standing away from it, she turned into her dark cabin, wishing she had left a lamp burning low, but she hated wasting the oil. She knew the layout of the cabin well, and didn’t need the light to get around. Halfway in, she took a deep breath and smelled a familiar scent in the air, but couldn’t place it at the moment, her head so clouded with Thomas’s insistent pleading.
“Hey!”
Lena let out a squeal of fright, “Thomas!” She shouted to him, because he’d come to her window and yelled the, ‘hey’ startling her. She charged to the window, “Have you gone mad!? Go away now…I wish to go to bed.” She fussed, laughing nervously. Completely unaware that Manny sat behind her in his chair, watching and listening to them across the room, sitting concealed as he was by the dark corner which hid him from view. “I’ll have you know, I have gone mad, over you! You closed the door before I could say goodnight. And - that I love you.”
“Oh Thomas.” Lena whined, wanting to be rid of him.
“You could have at least let me kiss you good night.”
“You got that, in the barn, remember? Now - goodnight.”
“God almighty woman, you’re cold! I suppose I shall have to endure patiently. It helps to know that soon, I will get what is coming to me, you! Goodnight my love.” Chuckling, he walked off towards the mansion and his room behind the kitchen.
Lena sighed deep and audibly as she turned fro
m the window, lifting her eyes towards the other side of the room, where the lantern sat she would light. A startled gasp escaped her, forcing her to suck it back deep, she froze - as an icy cold raced over her body, locking her in absolute shock. Tremors shook her as she visibly shivered. From another window, the moon cast just enough light to illuminate the profile of the large silhouette sitting forward, glaring at her with penetrating angry eyes.
Lena shivered again.
She couldn’t move, the room began to spin around her; afraid she would faint, she put her hand out to find something to lean on. She had to take a step to her right where her vanity sat.
She moved in jerky scared motions to the bench and sat; afraid to speak. She was in a frightened trance, as he sat quietly staring at her, not bothering as of yet, to say a word. Now she knew the scent, it filled her head and burned into her senses. It was him, Manny.
Her entire soul tingled from its sensitivity to his closeness. His presence was strong and overpowering. She could only see a portion of his face, a blue white from the moon light, but it made him all the more ominous, his eyes almost wolf like. Though space of more than twelve feet separated them, he was touching her body, she could feel it - every single caress. A chill raced up her spine causing her nipples to harden and her breasts to ache. Paralyzed, she sat helpless as he possessed the deepest part of her soul, a soul he would battle the very devil for, refusing to relinquish her as his sole possession. Looking at him, seeing him there - without a word, he told her loud and clear - he was there to claim her once again.
Lena sat knowing she should run for her life, but she could not get herself to move. Swallowing her fear, she straightened her spine and squared her shoulders, and after taking several needed breaths she asked,
“What do you want? Why are you here?”
As soon as the questions left her mouth; she thanked goodness Kayleen had wanted to keep Hope for the night, she could only imagine the outcome had he seen her.
Her eyes widened as that possibility raced to the fore, making her even more nervous, deflating her moment of bravado. Yet, he sat not saying a word, just glaring at her. “Why are you here? Why do you just sit there looking at me that way?” She asked in a scared voice, and was immediately angry that he should dare try to intimidate her.
“You let - that man - kiss you. Put his mouth - on you?” His voice came so dangerously low and calm, it made every bone in Lena’s body turn to mush. She thought she would dissolve into a puddle on her floor. If she could just stop herself from shaking, she could stand up to him.
“Answer me.” The lower his voice, the more shaken she became.
Lena hated being frightened of anyone, and she wasn’t about to start being frightened of him. Again she stiffened her nerve. “That - is none of your business.” She finally answered.
“You let him - touch you …” Manny went on to demand, still low and quiet within the dark room. “…while – you were alone with him?”
“My actions are accountable to no one! And – he is not the first — to touch me – to kiss me.”
“No - that would be me…” He returned. “I was the first … to touch you, kiss you.”
“Yes - well … that is all in the past now. If you will excuse me, I would like to go to bed, alone!” Lena ordered, catching her second wind, growing calmer, gaining her nerve back – she stood as if to see him to the door.
He chuckled, “I’ll leave when I damn well please. You will not send me off like you did that, milksop of a fop! Cowering with my tail tucked because you wish not to be bothered.”
Standing, trying to draw her next breath, “Fine - then I’ll leave.” She made a dash for the door, knowing him. His move was like lightening, there in an instant, grabbing her by the arm, he pulled her back so hard and fast she flew back across the room to land on the bed; and wasted not a moment getting back to her feet. Angry now she faced him, furious, “How dare you touch me! You want someone to toss about - head across the yard to your wife!”
“My wife’s not home.” He answered simply.
“Oh – well isn’t that too bad! Is that why you are here?! Well - listen here - massa Manny, I’m done servicin’ you. If I may be so bold as to remind you, I belong to another now. Or have you forgotten the child that sent you racing from here three or more years ago?”
Manny smiled. “Ah yes, the child. Where ah - is he - by the way?”
Lena’s heart leapt to her throat. She was stumped, unprepared for this eventuality or for the lies that she felt must now follow.
“I’m assuming it was a he? Or was it a she? As you said, I went racing from here so fast, I’m not sure - what I saw.” Manny challenged further.
She gulped.
“Boy - or - girl? Which?” He pressed again.
“Ah – b-boy.” Lena stammered, feeling her heart pound.
“Oh - I see, what is his name?”
“His name?” Her eyes grew huge.
Manny stood with his eyes narrowing, wondering how much further he would have to go before she admitted the truth. “I grow tired of this darkness, light your lamp.” He ordered mildly.
“No, I do not want to. I want you to leave.” She returned. This meeting was growing much too complicated, and she could endure his presence for only so long before her pretense began to waver.
“Does your memory fail you? That has been discussed, now light the lamp.” He reminded her.
“Why won’t you just go?” She pleaded.
“Light - the lamp.” He grated through clenched teeth.
Lena stood for a moment lifting her chin in defiance, but his imposing glare and barely harnessed patience, made her spin and rush to do it; anything to get this over with. Her hands shook as she raised the glass flue making it rattle against the sides. Closing her eyes, she took several deep breaths to calm down and get in control; setting the flue aside to pick up the flints. She tried to strike a spark to light the oil cloth, but her trembling made it difficult.
“Here…I’ll do it.” Manny’s voice shook her even more as he came up beside her as she sat on her bed leaning towards the table in her attempts to light the lamp. “You make - one move - towards that door… and I will run you down, you know that I will.” He threatened. Lena’s look was pugnacious, but she heeded his warning. He stepped behind his chair in the small space by the table and took the flints from her striking them together over the lighting cloth. A spark landed, a flame ignited from the burning oil on it; he picked it up and lit the wick. Manny folded the cloth to smother the flame. As he adjusted the wick, a warm golden glow swelled within the dark room; he picked up the flue, placing it upon its fitted perch.
When he straightened, Lena had moved out of his reach back towards the vanity. “That’s better.” He said staring over at her finding himself momentarily transfixed by her presence. His eyes moved over her body from head to toe. Slow, with such boldness it took Lena’s breath away.
“Stop looking at me like that! It’s late at night, I’m asking you to go, anything you wish to speak with me about, can be discussed in the light of day. I will – meet you in your study – but – for now, I wish for you to go, please.” She tried again, babbling nervous, unable to take it with him in her cabin, with the glow of the light making things too intimate.
With his hand on the back of the chair, he moved around it, back to the center of the room – continuing to gaze at her as if she hadn’t spoken - drinking her in, like the finest of wines. The way the golden light caressed her breathtaking features made him think of the children they shared. Their children were beautiful, taking from them the best of their features, blending them to make them even better. His Golden Hope was an example of that. Looking at her mother, he knew the young woman she would grow into, and wondered how in the world, would he handle being father to one such as her.
“Manny! I want you to go!” Lena reminded him, her eyes fixed on his every move, seeing him before the glowing lamp, played havoc with her longing. He
was so imposing, masculine and desirable. No matter how she tried to deny herself, there was a part of her mind in control, all on its own. That part of her mind, which triggered her body’s responses to his presence. Standing there she could feel a growing throb, a heat and swelling, followed by a gathering moisture; and there wasn’t a thing she could do to stop it. She had to get rid of him, just being in the same room with him, and his eyes on her…made her ready for him. He hadn’t even touched her yet, she prayed, ‘God I beg you, help me…help me from this man.’
“Now…where were we?” He feigned as if he’d forgotten.
“I was asking you to leave, no – ordering!”
“Ah yes, your - son - and his name. What did you say it was now?” He asked stopping a few feet away from her – totally disregarding her requests that he go.
“I didn’t say – his name.” Lena returned breathless.
“Ah - I remember, and you didn’t. So what is it? His name?”
“Manny stop it! Just stop it! Why must you always do this! The hour is late, we can discuss this tomorrow! If you are so eager to know about him, I can bring him to you then.”
“Emm…I see. Well tell me something, what happened between you, and his father, that I now find you with Thomas?”
“Why all these questions?! What do you want from me!? We are done, my life and the events in it are not of your affair!”
Manny’s entire manner changed to one of intense fury; making Lena’s eyes widen as she stepped back and reached for her throat. The look that came over him in that particular moment, twisted her gut in fear.
“Your life – will always be – my affair! I want you to tell me something? How could you lose our son, and then leave your other child to the care of others, with no concern as to what might happen to, umm - him? Hm? You care nothing of - him? Hold it - I grow tired of referring to the child as, him! What - is his name?”
Princess Ces'alena (Webster Fields) Page 53
