Dusky Rose

by Joanna Scott

  Laura looked up as the organist played the strains of the wedding march. There were tears in her eyes as she saw Midge come floating down the aisle on the arm of Steven's father and she shot a glance at Steven as he went to receive Midge from his father's arms. The love that passed from Steven to Midge was so apparent that Laura knew her sister would have a happy married life. Even her love for Midge couldn't keep a twinge of envy from making itself felt in her heart.

  Steven led Midge to the altar and they both knelt before the reverend. He spoke to them about the sanctity of married life and Laura looked up to find David's obsidian eyes blazing into hers. She shivered as she felt him condemning her for her actions toward him. It was as if Reverend Carmichael was voicing David's accusations, chastising Laura for the terrible thing she had supposedly done. She looked away, shamed and hurt by David's low opinion of her.

  When the ceremony was over, Midge and Steven walked down the aisle, accepting everyone's good wishes. David had come up behind Laura, slipping his arm around her waist. He smiled broadly as Aunt Estelle introduced him to the other wedding guests. To all outward appearances, David and Laura were as much a loving couple as Steven and Midge. Laura's nerves grew taut under the tension generated by the situation.

  Finally, Aunt Estelle nudged Laura, "Come on, we've got to get back to the house and prepare the refreshments before our guests start to arrive." She and Laura drove in the van, and David followed in his Porsche. David made himself useful at the house, helping Aunt Estelle set up chairs and tables and acting the part of the charming host whenever the occasion called for his services. Laura smiled to herself when she thought about how distraught David's employees would be to see him performing such menial chores. The smile died on her lips as steely hands gripped her shoulders from behind and she felt David's warm breath gently caressing her earlobe.

  "Would you care to tell me just what you find so terribly amusing? I do believe this is the first time I've seen you smile since we were married."

  As Laura spun around to face him his arms dropped from her shoulders and casually encircled her waist.

  She looked up into his eyes, hoping they might reveal some clue as to his emotional state of mind, but they stared down at her impersonally, giving no indication of his carefully guarded inner thoughts and feelings.

  "It's nothing, really," Laura said. "I just never thought I'd see Mr. D. Jonathan Lattimer doing a busboy's work."

  David grimaced as he led Laura to a secluded corner of the garden. "That just shows how little you know about me. I scored very high on my Boy Scout survival tests and I always take care of my own needs when I vacation at Stinson Beach. I go there to get away from everything and just relax, so I do without any sort of domestic help. Besides, I'm just doing the things that would be expected of the best man at any wedding."

  Laura sat down on a redwood lounge and David relaxed against the trunk of an adjacent oak tree. She creased her brows as she spoke to him. "How did you get to be best man? I thought Roger was going to serve in that capacity."

  David grinned ominously and seated himself at the foot of her lounge. "I hate to disappoint you, my dear, but it seems Roger is not quite willing to fight for your loving affection. I fear my ultimatum to him yesterday scared him off. So you see, you are left with only me to warm your cold heart."

  Laura started to rise from the chair as she felt the anger rising in her at David's barely veiled insinuations. But she remained seated and only succeeded in coming up against his steely-hard chest as his arms rose up to complete his control over her movements. His dark, brooding eyes clearly hinted at the violent emotions that were churning within him, and it was only a matter of moments before she felt herself savagely clutched against the swiftly beating tattoo of his heart. His mouth descended on hers, bruising her lips with the savagery of his attack. His splayed fingers bore viciously into her back, destroying any futile hopes she had ever harbored of a tender marital relationship. She twisted in his arms, pressing her palms against his chest in an ineffective attempt to free herself. But all her efforts were in vain and she was helpless against his determination to inflict his will upon her. Finally, he relaxed his rigid grip and allowed her to fall back on the lounge. He rose and looked down at her.

  "I hope that solves any confusion you might have as to whose pleasures your body will serve. Forget about Roger, or anyone else. You're mine—for as long as I want you!" He gave her one last chilling look that shriveled her heart, then turned on his heel and headed back to the house.

  Laura closed her eyes and tried to blot out the terror she had felt only moments ago. David had made it abundantly clear what her function was to be, and she could only imagine that Amanda Tate would continue to be the recipient of his love.

  Despondently, she forced herself to rejoin the other guests and watched miserably as her husband enchanted them all with his contagiously friendly manner. When the small reception had concluded, and Steven and Midge had cut the wedding cake, Steven came over to David and Laura.

  "I want to thank you for replacing Roger at the last minute." He turned to Laura. "Did you know that Roger got called away suddenly last night, and David generously agreed to take his place as best man?" He grasped David's hand warmly. "Midge and I really appreciate all you've done for us."

  "It was my pleasure. After all, what good is a family if they don't help each other whenever they can? Now, why don't you and Midge run along. I've alerted the crew of the yacht to be ready for your arrival so enjoy your honeymoon, and we'll discuss your new position when you return."

  Steven and Midge left under a shower of rice, and soon after that most of the guests left, leaving David and Laura to help Aunt Estelle clean up and put things away. Laura was amazed at the efficiency with which David worked. She knew that he rarely had any need to clean up after himself, but he helped out as if he had been doing chores all his life. Laura had changed into her jeans again but had left her hair in the carefully curled upsweep. David had returned to the motel and changed into light colored worsted trousers with a soft beige T-shirt.

  "Well, it looks as if we've put everything away," Aunt Estelle said. "Are you two going to spend the night here? It's beginning to cloud up and we might be in for a sudden squall. I don't like the idea of you driving all the way home in a storm."

  David kissed Aunt Estelle on the cheek. "We'd love to stay, but I have important business waiting for me in San Francisco and I must get back." Then he turned to Laura, "Are you ready to go? Did you put your things in my car?"

  "No, I can't go back with you; I have the van up here and I'll have to drive back in that. I'll meet you in the city."

  David's stern, dark eyes caught hers, "I think not. You might have some trouble driving if there is a storm. Why not leave the van here? Perhaps your aunt can find some use for it. Otherwise, I'll make arrangements for someone to drive it back to the city. You and Midge have no further use for it now that the plant shop is being sold." His imperious tone of voice indicated that he was issuing a command and not a request.

  Laura didn't want to return to the city in the small sportscar with David. She didn't even like to think of the effect his nearness would have on her. She had no idea how long she could resist his physical demands, loveless as they might be. But she couldn't think of any way to resolve the situation without arousing Aunt Estelle's suspicions. "O.K., I'll just be a minute." She walked toward the bedroom. Quickly, she threw her clothing back into her suitcases and glanced lovingly about the room. She doubted now that she would be able to return here as soon as she had planned. She was sure that David would continue in his efforts to punish her even more vigorously because of her imagined tryst with Roger. Sighing deeply, she steeled herself for the onslaught and marched out of the bedroom.

  David came forward and took her luggage from her. "I'll put these in the car while you say goodbye to your aunt." Then he kissed Aunt Estelle affectionately on the cheek. "Remember, you've promised to pay us a visit as soon as you
can. And I'll keep my eyes open for anything which might be suitable for your shop, then I'll have them sent up here for your approval. I come across lots of interesting things in my travels, and I'd be delighted to bring them back for you. My mother's home is practically a museum as a result of our travels, and I'm sure you two will get along fabulously. I'll have her contact you as soon as she returns from Europe."

  Good grief, thought Laura, he's even wormed his way into Aunt Estelle's good graces. No sooner had David disappeared through the door than Laura knew she was correct.

  "Laura, David is simply enchanting. I can see why you couldn't wait to marry him. He's been so helpful to the family and you've only been married for such a short time. I'm so happy for both you and Midge. Now I feel as if we have two reliable men to look after our family. And I don't have to worry about you being alone in the city any more. But you will promise to come and see me as often as you can? David said he'd be happy to drive you here whenever you want." Then she kissed her and waved as Laura got into the car and David drove away.

  Laura sighed and settled herself deeper in the seat as David pulled the Porsche away from the small white cottage. She looked at his face, trying to read his mood, but his impassive expression told her nothing. "It's a long ride back to San Francisco. Would you like me to help with the driving?"

  "No, I think I'll be able to manage. Besides, I don't like the looks of that sky. I think we may be in for some rough weather after all. Anyway, you must be tired after all that excitement. Why don't you close your eyes and get some rest? I'll wake you up when we get home."

  It was clear to Laura that David had no desire for her active companionship on the journey home. He was merely forcing her to accompany him in order to further assert his control over her. But she was too tired to fight him any more and she closed her eyes, shutting out the misery which was enveloping her like a shroud.

  Chapter 11

  She must have dozed because she was awakened by a sharp clap of thunder vibrating in the pitch black sky. She shot up in her seat, barely stifling the scream that was about to escape from her lips. David's hand came forward to grip hers as she opened her eyes to gaze into the nearly solid sheets of water that were cascading down on them.

  "It looks like a bad storm, Laura. We probably should have stayed over in Carmel, but I really wanted to get home tonight. However, in view of these weather conditions, I don't think it would be wise to continue on to San Francisco. The roads are very slippery and driving is treacherous so I'm getting off the freeway at Hillsborough and we'll try to get to the lodge."

  Laura meekly nodded her head in agreement. David was leaning forward in his seat, trying to see the road through the river of rain that was obscuring all but the faintest gleam of headlights from the few cars that were traveling in the opposite direction. She, too, leaned forward in her seat, as if she could help him simply by providing another set of eyes.

  Laura was never sure how David managed to see the exit sign, but see it he did, and slowed down, not daring to hit the brake for fear of sending the car into a wild skid on the slippery road. He carefully maneuvered the car onto the exit ramp. His hands clutched the wheel tightly and Laura saw a look of absolute determination cover his face. As he turned off onto the road leading to Hillsborough, Laura reached out and touched his arm, trying to express her confidence in his ability to get them safely to the lodge. His hand came off the wheel for a brief moment as he placed it over hers, sharing the comfort between them, but his eyes never left the road. The car inched slowly forward along the narrow country roadway and Laura was thankful that there were no other cars on the road because David was driving over the center line in an effort to avoid the deep pools of water that were forming along the sides of the road.

  Finally, they turned into Cottingham Lane. The only light visible now came faintly from the headlights of the Porsche as Laura peered out her window, looking for the entrance to the lodge.

  Once again, David spotted it before she did and turned carefully between the pillars. He pulled the plastic identity card from his sun visor and inserted it; the gates swung open, granting the Porsche access to the grounds of the lodge.

  Laura looked over at David. "You're soaked to the skin," she said, as she saw the water glistening in his hair and on his face.

  "Yes, the rain really poured in on me when I opened the window. I'll be O.K. once we get to the lodge and I can dry off." Then, suddenly, he brought the car to a jarring halt. "There's a tree blocking the road!"

  Laura looked up to see that a huge Italian Cypress had fallen in the storm and was blocking their path to the house.

  "Stay put," David said, "I'll see if I can move it." He went out into the driving rain.

  Laura opened her door and slid out of her seat. The rain beat against her face as she came up next to him.

  "Laura, get back in the car! You'll get soaked."

  "I want to help you. That tree will be much easier to lift if we both try."

  Suddenly David grabbed her hand. "It's no use, we'll never be able to move it. It's much too heavy. As long as you're out of the car and soaking wet anyway, we might as well make a run for it." He grabbed her hand and they ran toward the house. When they were about fifty feet away, Laura caught her foot in a loose brick and stumbled, twisting her ankle. David dropped her hand and lifted her in his arms, carrying her the rest of the way to the house.

  "Reach into my pocket and get the key."

  Laura took the key from his pocket and inserted it in the lock. David walked through the open door, kicking it closed with his foot. He hesitated in the entryway and kissed Laura with firm possessive lips, then he set her down on the small settee near the wall. He looked at her through the silent darkness.

  "I've been meaning to carry you across the threshold and now I've done it." He flicked the light on, watching closely as Laura blinked against the sudden bright light. "Well, at least we've got electricity. I think the most important thing to do now is to get out of these wet clothes," he said, striding purposefully toward Laura. "Can you walk, or do you want me to carry you?"

  Laura hopped off the chair. "I can walk. My ankle is just a bit sore, but I can manage."

  "Lean on me, it will make things easier for you. The first thing we're going to do is take a warm shower." He led Laura into the master bedroom and shifted her onto an easy chair. Then he went into the bathroom. In a moment Laura heard the sound of running water. David came back and, placing his arm beneath her shoulder, gently lifted her out of the chair. "Can you manage in the shower by yourself?"

  "Of course, I just twisted my ankle. I'm not completely helpless, you know." The minute she had said that, Laura regretted it. David's expression hardened once again as he abruptly placed Laura's feet down on the floor.

  "Don't worry, I would never call you helpless, I know you too well for that. I merely thought it might be difficult for you to get around. However, since you seem to be fine, I'll leave you here and take my shower in the guest bathroom." He walked briskly toward the door, a deadly air of hatred surrounding his every step.

  "Wait," Laura called. "I left my luggage in the car. I don't have any dry clothes to change into."

  David halted and slowly turned to face her, his expression grim. "Well, I'm certainly not about to charge out into that storm just to get your luggage. But I can see where it might be embarrassing for you to spend the evening in a towel, while you waited for your clothing to dry. I'll see what I can do for you." He went to the closet and selected a deep brown terrycloth robe. "Here, see if you can wear this. It's the best I can do under the circumstances. Now hurry up and get under that shower before you catch pneumonia."

  Laura waited until David left the room, shutting the door behind him. Then she locked the bathroom door, tossed off her soaked clothes and stepped under the steamy shower. The tingling spray of hot water enveloping her skin was warm and comforting after the chilling sting of the pouring rain. She removed the pins from her hair and let the
water swirl through it, washing away the massive curls of her carefully styled hairdo. Finally, she shut off the water and began drying herself with a fluffy Turkish towel. She slipped into the robe and tied it about her waist. The robe must have been a short karate-type robe because it wasn't overly long on her. She was coming out of the bathroom, still drying her hair, when she walked straight into David. His hands came up to grasp her elbows as his lips curled in a sarcastic sneer.

  "Careful, I might think you were anxious for my company."

  Laura shrugged, attempting to free herself. "I was drying my hair. I couldn't see where I was going."

  David loosened his grip and walked toward the fireplace. "I've put some coffee on in the kitchen. Now I'm going to light a fire in the fireplace," he said, taking some logs from the firebox. He waited for the fire to catch and the blaze to begin burning brightly, then said, "I'll go into the kitchen and see if the coffee is ready."

  "Would you like me to get it for you?" she asked.

  "No, just get dry and settle yourself in front of the fire. I'll be back in a few minutes."

  Laura went into the bathroom and dropped the towel on the counter. Then she took a brush from one of the drawers and began flicking it through her tousled hair while she walked back to the comforting warmth of the fireplace. She was sitting cross-legged on the carpet in front of the blazing fire, brushing the last stubborn tangles out of her hair, when David came back into the room carrying a tray with coffee. He studied her silently for a moment.