Desperate (Harris Trilogy Book One)

by Teresa Greene

  “Make love to me, David.” He undid his pants and was just about to remove her petticoat when he froze. Someone stood on the terrace calling his name.

  “David, are you out here?” When Abigail did not find him on the terrace, she moved toward the garden. David and Kate held their breaths as they heard the tap of her shoes on the stones as she came closer. A few more feet and she would find them together in the throes of making love.

  Kate whispered, “David.” Placing his hand over her mouth, he nodded his head for her be quiet.

  “Abigail, I can’t believe David left someone as beautiful as you alone! He should be worried some other man like me might steal you away from him.”

  Kate realized Mike knew they were in the garden because he was talking extremely loud. He was trying to keep her from finding them in a scandalous situation. Maybe he wasn’t such a bad guy after all.

  “I was looking for David. He left me thirty minutes ago to get some refreshments and never returned,” Abigail whined.

  “I saw him go into the library with some other officers to discuss strategies to end the war. I’m sure he will be free soon. How about a dance while you wait for his return?”

  Kate peeked through the branches of an ornamental bush and watched Mike tuck his arm into Abigail’s and escort her back up the terrace steps.

  Thank goodness Mike showed up when he did. If Abigail had caught her in such a compromising position with David, she would have made a huge scene ruining her reputation.

  David adjusted his clothes then pulled Kate’s skirts down and helped her to stand. He locked her trembling body into his strong arms. “You feel so perfect in my embrace. I feel like I can take on the world when I am in your arms.”

  She was livid. “How can you marry Abigail when you know I love you? You keep making love to me, but yet you are still planning on marrying her. It just doesn’t make sense.” Lifting her hands to his face, she begged, “Marry me. Spend your life with me. Love me.”

  He placed his hands over hers and pulled them away from his face. He twined his fingers with hers. “Please understand, Kate. I asked her to marry me. I gave her my word and I can’t embarrass my family or her.”

  His words shattered her. Teeth gritted in anger, she hissed, “You are a scoundrel!”

  She tried to pull away, but he placed his hands on her shoulders to hold her in place. “I do love you. Be my mistress.”

  “No you don’t. If you did you would marry me.” She slapped at his hands and stepped back. A finger in his chest, she snapped, “Stay away from me, David. If you don’t plan to marry me, leave me alone.”

  She straightened her disheveled dress and walked out of the garden with her head held high and ascended the stairs to the terrace. So much for her plans of a life with David Harris. She thought she could change his mind, but now she knew better. All he offered her was a life of sin instead of a respectable life of marriage.

  David watched the sway of her hips as she stomped up the steps. He regretted not getting to finish what they had started. She was the most passionate, desirable woman he had ever bedded. Still optimistic, he hoped she would relent and become his mistress. He regretted that was all he could offer her.

  ****

  Still livid, Kate sat on the terrace peering at the star speckled sky. She took a deep breath trying to calm her temper. At the moment she would love to hit somebody. In fact David Harris would be a good start. A tear slipped over her cheek and she wiped it away. She had to pull herself together before she saw Edward and Myra. She couldn’t very well explain to them why she was upset.

  “There you are, Miss Monroe. I was wondering if you forgot about that dance you promised me.”

  Fighting her anger at David, Kate pasted a smile on her face. She replied sweetly, “How could I forget you after you so graciously forgave me for my deception?”

  He offered his hand. Without hesitation, she stuck her hand in his and he pulled her to her feet. Doctor Greene tucked his arm into hers and led her inside. The last thing she wanted was to dance and act as if she were having a good time. He threaded her through the dancers to the middle of the dance floor.

  “Where is your home, Miss Monroe?”

  Because of his extreme height, she had to tip her head back to see into his face. “My home is a small farm near Durham, North Carolina. My parents built it with their own hands. They farmed the land and made a good living. They were killed in a barn fire a year ago. My twin brother, Jake had been injured in the war and later died at home. My grandmother died just a few months ago of influenza. I had no one left. I was destitute, so I came up with the idea to dress as a man and join the infantry.”

  Curious he asked, “Why not join closer to home?”

  “I was afraid someone would recognize me or might have known Jake. I thought I would not be recognized if I joined in Virginia.”

  “I admire your courage, Miss Monroe. I knew something did not add up about you. You were much too pretty to be a boy.”

  Kate smiled. She admired him. He was a great doctor and seemed to be a decent man. “Thank you, Doctor Greene.”

  “Please, call me Jacob.”

  “Only if you will call me Kate.” Nice face thought, Kate. Sharp planes, sharp angles.

  “Are you still residing at Harris Plantation?”

  “Yes, just until I find employment. To be honest I had not planned to stay this long.”

  “Maybe I can be of some help. We are in great need of nurses at the hospital if you are interested. May I call on you Monday morning?”

  “Myra and I have a ritual of riding every morning. Why don’t you join us Monday morning at eight o’clock?”

  “I’ll be counting the minutes.” Kate laughed again. Jacob was extremely charming and she admired him. She hoped they could become great friends. She needed a friend.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mike making his way toward them. “May I have the next dance, Miss Monroe?” By his tone he was angry.

  Disappointment on his face, Jacob relinquished his hold on her, bowed, and replied, “I’ll see you Monday morning.”

  Kate blushed when Mike escorted her to the dance floor with a bit too much force. His eyes were hard and cold revealing his black mood. She could feel his strong hands gripping her waist and shoulder and knew he wanted to strangle her.

  He leaned in close and whispered, “Have you lost your mind, Kate? David is engaged to Abigail. He is only using you. I know he compromised you. What do you think is going to happen? You need to show a semblance of decency. You are going to get hurt, maybe even pregnant. How do you think polite society will treat you when you are carrying David Harris’ bastard?”

  Kate paled. His harsh words cut her deep. Stubbornly, she jutted out her chin. “I know David loves me. I can tell when he looks at me. I can tell when he makes love to me. He can’t marry Abigail. He loves me.”

  Narrowed eyes caused her to tremble. “You are so naive. I can promise you this will not end well. I don’t want to see you ruined.”

  The penetrating stares of the party guests were making Kate uncomfortable. “Please Mike, lower your voice. People are staring at us. Hide your anger.”

  He never uttered another word. They finished their dance in silence. After the dance ended, he bowed at the waist and in a sad tone replied, “It has been a pleasure, Miss Monroe. Think about your life. You need a man that can love you as you deserve.” He kissed her hand, turned, and walked away.

  Kate spent the rest of the ball thinking about Mike’s angry tirade. He was probably right. She really needed to try to forget David. It would ruin her reputation if anyone found out about their relationship. He admitted he had no plans to marry her. If he loved her as she did him, he would break his engagement with Abigail.

  ****

  Kate was having the most perfect dream. David held her in his arms, kissing her with his eager mouth. He removed her nightgown then rolled her onto her stomach. He left a trail of wet kisses down her
back to the curve of her bottom.

  Kate awoke. At first she was frightened and began to buck wildly trying to get away from the strong arms holding her down. She opened her mouth ready to scream when a soft, sexy, voice whispered seductively into her ear. “Don’t be scared. It’s me. I have to finish what we started earlier tonight. I can’t get you out of my mind.”

  Kate cooed and arched her back. Powerless to stop or resist the waves of pleasure his lips were evoking she gave in to the sensations. He continued his kisses as if they had all the time in the world. Her flesh burned where his mouth touched her damp, hot, body. She squirmed with pleasure. When he kissed the back of her neck, her whole body jerked with pure pleasure. She could feel his arousal pressed against her buttocks and melted.

  He flipped her onto her back, and turned his attention to her rosy nipples that stood stiffly at his touch. He suckled each one enjoying her supple breasts. “David, that feels amazing.” With frantic hands she clutched his head to her bosoms.

  He raised his head and stared at her with that look that made her wish she was the only woman in his life. His thumbs raked over the pink buds and they became even harder. “I’ll never forget your breasts as long as I live, Kate.” He kissed the top of her cleavage. “They are magnificent.”

  She began to shiver uncontrollably against him, needing more. He spread her legs and plunged his finger inside feeling the moisture dripping from her. “You are so wet. I do this to you, Kate. I’m the only man that will ever make you feel this ecstasy.”

  “Please David, I can’t wait any longer.” She gasped with anticipation as he moved on top of her pushing her legs further apart. The pressure of his body on hers heightened her arousal. With one lithe, fluid movement he entered her. Loud moans of pleasure broke the silence of the room. At first he moved slowly inside her as if wanting to make the sensation last as long as possible. She wrapped her legs around him and he plunged into her with more force. She began meeting his thrusts with a wild fervor until the tremors convulsed all over her body. Her eyes closed with the pleasure as each stroke became more powerful. She dug her hands into the muscles of his back, gripping, scratching, pulling him closer.

  He muffled her sobs of joy with his mouth. He kissed her deeply, powerfully, as his moans of pleasure mingled with her sobs. They moved furiously at the same moment until both were satiated and then collapsed together too tired to move. They both fell asleep wrapped in each other’s arms.

  The next morning Kate woke to the sun filtering through the drapes. Stretching like a contented cat, she moaned. They both had slept soundly clinched together in a jumble of legs, arms, and sheets. She blushed scarlet when she thought of all the things David had done to her during the night.

  She rolled onto her side to find him watching her. “Miss Monroe, that was the most exciting night of my life. I hope you enjoyed it as well.”

  She propped up on her elbow, and peered into his gorgeous blue eyes. Taking a dark curl into her fingers, she pulled and whispered, “I guess it will do.”

  He laughed. “I would love to stay and make love to you again, but I don’t think you want mother finding me in your bed.”

  With a wicked smile she stated, “Maybe I should scream so your parents will find you in bed with me. I’m sure they would demand you marry me since you took my virginity.”

  He pressed a finger to her full lips, and whispered, “Now Kate, I don’t think you want to marry me by force. Would you be happy with such circumstances?”

  Wrapping her fingers into his chest hair and tugging until he winced, she snapped, “You know Abigail is a viperous bitch.”

  “Yes, but I think I can control her.”

  “You know she is evil but you plan on marrying her anyway?” She didn’t understand his logic. “That’s ludicrous. She will make your life a living hell. Tell me why you prefer her to me. I know she is more beautiful than me, but she is selfish, petty, and downright mean. Tell me why you want to spend the rest of your life with her.”

  “First of all no one is more beautiful than you.” David kissed Kate on the cheek. He rolled onto his back and looked at the ceiling.

  After several moments he explained, “I made a promise to Abigail’s father on his death bed I would marry her. We had been sweethearts for years. I have always been fond of her. I thought I could be happy with her.” He rolled back to his side, and peered into her eyes. “I had no idea I would meet a sweet, beautiful, sensual woman like you.” His fingers touched her cheek. “Don’t you think I prefer to spend the rest of my life with you, rather than Abigail? You are everything I have ever dreamed for. I still want you to be my mistress. Sorry, but that’s all I can offer you. When I give my word to someone, I keep it.”

  She wanted to scream and yell. Anger so strong she could taste it vibrated through her body. “So be it, David. Keep your word and marry Abigail. I’ll not speak of it again, but understand this. I will never be your mistress. I want more. I want a man so devoted to me that he would die for me. I want a love like my mother and father had. You go ahead and marry Abigail and be miserable the rest of your life. I’ll find a husband who will make me happy. Don’t worry about me.”

  “I know you can find a husband, Kate. You had every man mystified last night. You were the bell of the ball. I can’t stand the thoughts of another man touching you. I feel you are mine. I was your first, I want to be your only.”

  She was off the bed like a bullet. “You can’t have your cake and eat it too, David. Do not attempt to make love to me again. If you do, I will let everyone know you took my innocence.” Too modest to show her nudity, she draped the sheet over her body, and stomped off to bathe leaving him alone.

  The room seemed so bereft after she had gone. He had definitely gotten himself in a quandary. He loved Kate, but was going to marry Abigail. How had he let his life get so complicated?

  ****

  With a heavy heart, David returned to his room. The moment he stepped over the threshold he groaned out loud. His mother and father sat on his bed. By their ominous expressions they knew he had been with Kate.

  His father’s angry voice made him cringe. “Are you crazy? You are to be married after the war, and you are dallying with Kate.”

  A man in control, he tried to keep his voice calm. “I’m sorry, Father. I didn’t mean to get involved with Kate. It just happened.”

  Edward admonished, “I’ve always thought you respectful of other people’s feelings until now. You’re ten years older than her. You should have used better judgment.”

  A stern expression on her face, his mother asked, “What are your plans for Kate?”

  Moving to the chair by the bed, David plopped down. The conversation was probably going to get ugly. His mother admired Kate. She spoke of her often in her letters. His frustration showed as he absently tapped his fingers on the arm of the chair. “I have asked her to be my mistress.”

  Myra’s breath exploded out as she hissed, “I’m sure she said no.”

  A little embarrassed to be having this conversation with his parents, he felt his cheeks redden. Of course they were shocked at him for offering such a proposal to a lady. “She said no, but I’m hoping she will come around and agree to be my mistress. It is the only way we can be together.”

  “I shouldn’t even have to ask, but I will. Was Kate a virgin?”

  “Yes, Father, but I would never have taken her virginity if I would have known. I thought since she dressed as a man and joined the infantry she was no innocent. I felt no lady would have done anything so indecent. I made a mistake and I feel terrible.”

  “You should feel terrible. I cannot believe you have such bad judgment. What are your feelings for Kate?” Edward paced the room like a caged lion ready to tear someone to shreds. David had not seen him this angry since he caught him in the barn loft with Amy Daniels when he was fifteen. He had just about talked her into giving him her innocence when his father interrupted. He didn’t sit down for a week after the whippin
g he received from his father.

  David raked his fingers through his hair. “I love her, but I cannot marry her. I have given my word to marry Abigail and I must honor my word.”

  “Son, this is the rest of your life we are talking about. Please think about what you’re doing. I have gotten to know Kate; she is a wonderful young lady.” Hand on his leg, Myra explained, “You’ve probably ruined her chances for marriage. If anyone finds out that you slept with her, no other man will have her.”

  Standing, David took his mother’s hands into his, rubbing them between his thumbs. “Mom, there is nothing I can do to change what has happened. I wish I could go back to the night I took her virginity. I would not have touched her.” He thought back on the night he first made love to Kate. Perhaps it wouldn’t have made a difference if he would have known she was a virgin. Their passion was strong and he wanted her desperately.

  In a weary tone, Myra stated, “But you did David, and because you did, your dad and I feel you should do the proper and honorable thing and marry Kate. We think you are making a huge mistake marrying Abigail. I have refrained from speaking what has been on my mind because I felt it was none of my business, but now I feel I must. Abigail is not right for you. Are you sure you want to spend the rest of your time on earth with her?”

  Edward stuffed his hands in his pockets, and rocked back on his heels. “I agree with your mom. Kate is sweet, devoted, and bright. We think she would make a better wife for you. We have both become extremely fond of her.”

  “I’m not marrying to make you two happy. I am marrying Abigail and that is all there is to it.” Weary of the discussion, David quickly moved across the room and tried to exit through the door.

  “Wait son, please there must be another reason. Please explain to us why you would want to marry a woman who will make your life miserable.” Edward walked over to David and put his hand on his shoulder. “We have always been proud of you. You have always made the right decisions and we have never doubted your judgment, until now. Please tell us why.”

  It was evident they wouldn’t relent until he explained. His voice lowered, “When Abigail’s father was on his death bed he sent for me. You know he adored Abigail, she was his baby girl. Yes, he spoiled her rotten, but he loved her more than anything. He made me give him my word that I would marry her. He knew she had always been in love with me. I probably would never have considered marriage to a woman with her temperament, but I am fond of her. I have always thought of her as nothing more than a friend. I didn’t know what to say to Mr. Weatherly, so I gave him my word. If I had known I would meet someone as vivacious and loving as Kate, I would never have promised to marry Abigail. My word is important, and I will not break a promise to a dying man. I have never told anyone of the promise because I don’t want Abigail to think that is the only reason I’m marrying her.”