by Lynn Landes
“Now the dress?” She asks excitedly. Aimee arranges the dress in the center of the bedroom so that Cassie can step into the center of it and pull it up. It is an off the shoulder design which Aimee assures her is all the rage. Her waist looks tiny cinched in the corset, and her breasts are held beautifully. She is a little shocked at the weight of the gown.
“How much did you say it weighs, Aimee?”
“I would think about thirty pounds or so. Are you okay?” She asks completely lacing the backup.
“Yes, I just need to get used to It.” She gasps aloud when she looks in the mirror. “Aimee! It is magnificent!”
“It is perfect for you. I will have the rest of your dresses in two days. We were able to modify some of the samples he brought with him, to fit your measurements. The other items we were able to be find locally. I also brought you a sleeping gown of my own design. I hope you like it.” Aimee hands her a brown paper wrapped gift.
Cassie opens it slowly and gasps. Inside is a short silk nightgown made from the leftover material of her ball gown. Aimee added black lace cups to the top of the gown and attached the silk to the bottom. “It is risqué, but I like to wear sensual clothes, even if it is only for me. You must let me know what your husband thinks?” She asks with a laugh.
“I don’t know what to say, except thank you! I do have a request for you that may seem odd. I would ask that you not tell anyone about it. If you can’t do it, I understand, of course.”
Aimee smiles, “Now I'm intrigued. Tell me?” She demands.
“I need a pair of denim pants for travel, but the mens are just too large. I was able to buy two, and I am hoping you could cut them down to fit me? I will be traveling across rough, dangerous country on horseback and it would make travel easier.” Cassie retrieves the jeans and gives them to Aimee.
“Let me see the seams.” She spreads them out and looks closely at them. “It can be done. I will put them with your other packages.”
“Now to discuss your payment. My father left me some money, and I would like for you to promise me that you will open your own shop when you are ready.” She hands Aimee a small envelope with two hundred dollars in it.
Aimee gasps in shock and begins to cry. “I can't accept it, Mrs. Rivers.” She tries to give it back, but Cassie refuses.
“I believe in you, and women are so often misjudged because of who we are. You are talented, and if you pay this gift forward by helping somebody else who may need it in the future, then, it is payment enough.” Aimee hugs her and whispers, “God bless, you.”
“God speed, my friend,” Cassie replies in perfect French.
“Where did you learn to speak French?” Aimee asks with a laugh.
“My first husband was French. He taught me before he died,” she says looking embarrassed.
“Incredible!” she declares, and they share a laugh before Aimee takes her leave.
“Have a wonderful time tonight, Mrs. Rivers.”
“I intend to,” she laughs twirling in her dress.
Cassie is standing near the windows looking out at the city streets when Dalton enters the room from his suite. He stops in his tracks and stares at her in wonder. She is dressed in her gown and is laced tightly to show off her curves. Dalton is in black tails with a crisp white shirt, and his blonde hair is slicked back. He looks to her like a dream come true.
“You are ravishing, Cassie. Surely I will be the envy of everyone tonight!” Her pale bare shoulders and the curve of her breasts beckon to him, and for a moment he has the urge to taste every inch of her. Desire flares in his eyes and she closes the distance between them, her own need reflected in her eyes.
“Dalton?” She whispers his name as he leans down and captures her mouth in a sweet, gentle kiss.
He is the first to break away, and she immediately feels the distance. Disappointment flashes through her body, “Would you think badly of me if I told you I have a desperate desire to skip the ball and spend the evening in your arms.”
His throaty laugh causes chills to break out over her body. “No, only a fool would have a problem with that, and I am no fool, Cassie. Our timing seems to be off though because I have to be at the ball tonight for business.”
“Of course, Dalton. I understand.” She turns away to put some space between them.
“No, you don't. Thanks to you my meeting went well today, but they are expecting me tonight. We don't have to stay all night, just long enough to appease the shareholders.”
“That's wonderful news. I'm glad I could help, but you did all the work, Dalton.” She says with a soft smile full of pride for him.
“Cassie you shouldn’t smile at me like that.”
Her eyes widen a fraction when he steps toward her, but she doesn’t meet him this time. He jerks her towards him this time with no gentleness. Something in him wants to claim her for himself and make her forget everything but the feel of his mouth.
Their mouths clash, and she feels his rough, calloused hands on her skin. She slips her hands up his neck and into his hair, and now her body is raging with passion and longing. A moan of desire rumbles in his chest, and she moans in ecstasy when his tongue delves inside her mouth.
Finally, he thinks. Mine, his heart tells him. He draws back and stares hard at her. “Next time, Cassie I won’t stop.” He walks off, leaving her standing with a hand to her flushed lips. “It’s time to go.”
She doubts if he will feel that way after she tells him her all the secrets in her past. Cassie collects her wrap and pulls it close around her trying to ward off the chill in her body. She takes a deep breath and follows him to the door. Before he opens the door, she turns to him.
“Dalton, I hope that when this is over, we will part as friends, but I can't give you more than that.”
“We will see, Cassandra.”
Chapter 14
The Palace Ball
The Palace Ball is a political event meant to bolster donations for the war effort. Senators, heads of state, Fashion designers, and the elite of the elite are here ready to have a good time.
The ball opens with the promenade. Couples march around the grand ballroom to the sound of the orchestra. Cassie is very nervous. She imagines a wall around her body to block her mind from everyone's thoughts as the book taught her. In a few days, she will be far away from here and finally begin her new life. The gowns around them are gorgeous, and Cassie is proud to be by Dalton's side.
Dukes and Duchesses present perfect pictures of poise and Cassie decides she would rather be under the stars with Dalton again.
He leans close and whispers, “No one’s on the roof, if we are quick, we could disappear?”
A stunned look appears on her face, did he read her mind? “How did you know what I was thinking?” she asks.
“Cassie I can read you like a book. It was easy, you had a dreamy look on your face. The same one you wore last night,” he teases.
Her blush delights him, and she smiles up at him. “You surely are a mystery to me, Mr. Rivers.”
As they make a second round, he inquires, “Are you fond of mysteries, Mrs. Rivers?” He asks reminding her once again of the charade they play.
“Not overly, but in you, I find a puzzle that screams to be solved.”
“Ah, Cassie, you just have to ask the right questions.” With that, he delivers her to the side of the ballroom reserved for the married ladies. Most married women don't dance and rarely with their husbands.
Cassie takes in all the sights. The dancing is fantastic and mesmerizing to watch. All unmarried ladies are twirling while the men stare in awe. Bare shoulders glisten, and perfume floats through the room. She turns to answer questions about her dress and the designer, her husband's occupation and as soon as she mentions ranching the conversation lags. The ladies talk about fashion and the men talk about the effect the war has had on business.
Most of those here are the elite and everyone has an agenda. Cassie is beginning to feel the pressure of all the
people about her. She picks up the snippet of comments and the wishes of those hoping to get a proficient match for their daughters. Some of the men's lustful thoughts regarding some of the young girls break through Cassie's wall, and she starts to shake.
Dalton keeps an eye on Cassie from across the ballroom. In his mind, she is the most beautiful woman in the palace ballroom. How he wishes they were on his ranch, under the stars. He imagines peeling that gorgeous dress from her body and wonders what he would see beneath it? He can almost taste her skin, the salty sweetness that he has come to savor.
Cassie's eyes snap to his, and a smile curves her lips. She wishes they were far away from all the prying eyes and political pressures. She imagines him watching her step from her dress. Would he be surprised to find a black lace bustier, underneath? She closes her eyes and sips her wine and can almost feel the press of his lips and hot tongue lapping at her body.
Shock has his eyes flying wide open, and when she looks at him, she can see that Dalton's body has gone rigid and there's no hiding the look of lust on his face. When he takes a step towards her as though coming to claim her, she shakes her head no.
A voice draws her attention, and she answers another question about her dress. Is it possible she pushed her thoughts on him? Is this another evolution? He said her gifts would continue to grow. Pushing her intentions on someone else is a unique ability. When she glances back, Dalton is in conversation with some gentlemen, and she sighs in relief. Only two more hours to go. It is going to be a very long night.
A few minutes later, Cassie hears a voice that makes her smile. “May I have the honor of this dance, Mrs. Rivers?” When she turns, she finds Mr. Wells bowing, and she smiles in delight.
“The honor would be mine, Mr. Wells,” she replies. He spins her onto the dance floor, and Cassie does not care what anyone thinks.
“Are you as bored as you appeared to be Mrs. Rivers?” He asks looking down at her.
“Not at all, Mr. Wells. It is just that I'm inexperienced with the politics of this kind of ball.”
“I am sure you are doing fine.” A tap on his shoulder has all the dancers switching partners, and suddenly Cassie finds herself in Dalton's arms. The one place she has been longing to be all day.
The men share a smile, and she knows she has Dalton to thank for rescuing her from boredom. Her smile seems to glow from the inside, and he holds her close. “Mrs. Rivers I have been waiting to dance with you all night.”
Her smile fades a little as she looks up at him. “I must confess that I was hoping to dance with you before the night ends. It will seem a dream to me once we go our separate ways.” His grip tightens on her waist at her words. Wordlessly, he spins her around wondering if that is her hope.
“Are you so ready to be rid of me then?” he asks.
“I am certain that you are ready to take your life back, Dalton. These past few weeks have been, dark, and I'm ready for some light.” The music ends before he can ask her any more questions and she is thankful for it.
He returns her to her corner and the evening has lost some of its sparkle. Dalton is greeted by Mr. Wells, who introduces him to a writer by the name of Louis Constant.
“I have had the pleasure of meeting your wife, Mr. Rivers. You are indeed a lucky man.”
“Thank you, Monsieur Constant,” Dalton replies glancing away to check on Cassie. He finds her drinking a glass of punch and speaking to some ladies. Mr. Wells takes his leave to dance with his wife, and Dalton focuses on the older man in front of him.
“Mr. Rivers, do you believe in magic?” He sips on a glass of port and waits to see the younger man’s reaction.
“Magic? A few days ago, I would have said no, most adamantly Monsieur Constant, but now…” he says, looking her way once more, “Now, I have to say, yes. I believe that magic does exist.” A smile spreads slowly across Dalton's face.
“Excellent. What I have to say to you could very well save both of your lives.” The urgent tone in his voice has Dalton turning quickly to the older man.
“What are you talking about?” Dalton asks fiercely.
Cassie is taken aback when she sees, Mr. Wells and Monsieur Constant together, but when Dalton’s body goes rigid, her shock quickly transforms to worry.
‘You must not tell him about my gifts, Monsieur Constant!’ She says forcing her thoughts to him from across the ballroom.
‘I see you have been practicing, good. Now ease your mind, my dear. Not everything is about you!’ He shoots back at her.
A few minutes later, Dalton waves to Mr. Wells. He shakes hands with the men and then turns heading straight for Cassie. When he comes to a stop in front of her, she takes his outstretched hand, and he smiles at her.
“Shall we retire for the evening?” Dread rushes through her body at the thought of being alone with him.
“Of course.” Her hand trembles in his, and he pulls her to her feet. They make their way across the ballroom and hurry into the lobby to the elevator. Alone, at last, she is thinking about the talk that is sure to come. “The ball was lovely, but I must confess Dalton, I feel strangled in a room with that many people.”
“I know what you mean, I miss my ranch. I am counting the days down until our train leaves. I meant to tell you, I acquired our tickets, and we leave the day after tomorrow.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful! I am more than ready to say goodbye to San Francisco.” The elevator doors open and he leads the way to their suite. Inside, he hurries to light a fire while she watches him.
“We need to talk Cassie. Would you care for some wine?” He says, turning to her, his mouth goes dry when she removes her black lace wrap revealing her bare shoulders.
“That would be lovely, but first I think I will change. Give me a few minutes.”
He watches her leave and decides he will need something stronger than wine. “Definitely whiskey,” he chuckles.
Cassie hurries to her room and closes the door softly. Her mind is full of how he is going to react to her past. Slowly she turns beginning to unlace her dress, then gathers the heavy material in her hand and lifts it over her head. When the weight of it is removed, she can take a breath, almost. “I hate corsets!” she mutters dropping the wire skirt. The wood and wire contraption drops to the floor around her ankles. She is standing in the black lace corset and boots when the vision hits her.
Dalton shoots his whiskey and removes his jacket and tie. He slowly pours another shot, stopping when he hears a loud thump from her room. Rushing to her doorway, he knocks calling out to her. “Cassie? Are you okay?”
Dalton is walking towards her smiling, when they strike him. The Williams brothers are waiting in the alley, and they attack him from behind. “Dalton!” she screams his name.
He rips the door open at her scream and finds her standing in front of him in a black and blue lace corset with tears flowing down her cheeks. When he steps towards her, she screams, “Behind you!”
Whirling around, he can't find the source of her panic. “Cassie, I don't see anything.” He rushes to her and grabs her by her arms. The moment he touches her, she begins to fight him with everything she has. Her feet are tangled in the wire cage on the ground causing them both to the ground. Dalton spins taking the brunt of the fall, landing with her on top of him to shield her from hitting the hard floor.
In Cassie's mind, the Williams brothers are dragging her into the alley, and she is fighting for her freedom. She strikes him in the nose before he manages to grab her arms and pins them to her side. “No, no, Dalton! You killed him!” she screams and struggles for her freedom.
“Cassie! I am here!” he snarls at her and shakes her, “Wake up! See me!”
The sound of his voice breaks through her vision, and she struggles to follow it back to him.
“See me!” Dalton calls, and she grabs hold of the thread and blinks. She's laying half-naked on his chest with her breasts spilling over her corset.
“Dalton?” she cries out, and he releases
her arms. “Oh my God, you're okay!” Unable to resist, she kisses him in relief. “You're alive!” she hiccups between kisses.
His hand latches onto the back of her neck, and he takes his time enjoying the taste of her. His other hand grabs her rear and pulls her higher up his body. Groaning, she sits up, and she wraps her now free legs around his waist.
“Cassie you're driving me mad with need!” he says ripping his mouth from hers.
The sound of his voice echoes in her ears and she realizes what she's doing. “Oh, my…” she says, looking down at their bodies. She scrambles off his amazing body and backs up grabbing the nearest thing she can to cover her body from his view.
“I’m so sorry, Dalton. I can explain! Give me a minute.” Shame forces her to run to the bathroom.
Dalton sits on the floor, struggling to hide the smile on his face. He listens to her mumbling in the bathroom as he climbs to his feet. He runs a trembling hand through his now tousled hair and goes to the living room to retrieve his whiskey. A sound behind him has him turning to look at her. She is dressed in a cotton day dress and can’t bring herself to look at him.
“Dalton, I'm sorry! My behavior is inexcusable…”
He stalks towards her and jerks her into his arms. His mouth claims her, and he takes what he has been dreaming of for days now. He tastes like whiskey and feels like sin. When he lifts his head this time, he replies, “Don't ruin it. That was the best part of my day!”
Chapter 15
Cassie knows it is time and she is terrified of how he will view her once he knows the truth. When he leans to kiss her again, she covers his mouth with her hand and shakes her head. “We need to talk.”
