by Vikki Vaught
After she closed the door, she leaned back against it and took several deep, cleansing breaths to slow her pounding heart, which she greatly feared might jump out of her chest. She hurried through her ablutions and once she was dressed in a sheer, white lawn night rail, she placed a few drops of perfume behind her ears and between her breasts.
She left her long hair hanging down her back, feeling that her husband would want to see it unbound. Most men did, at least Kendall had. Oh, dear, she did not want to think of him. She needed to concentrate on her new husband and what he would like.
With trembling hands, she opened the door and crossed the threshold. Alex leaned against the fluffy pillows with the covers barely covering his lower torso. Needle pricks danced along her arms and down her spine at the sight of his magnificent bare chest. All the candles were out, except for one on the nightstand by the bed, which cast a soft glow over her delectable husband.
Giving her a devilish grin, he said, “Come to bed darlin’…I promise I don’t bite.”
With her knees shaking and her palms sweating, she walked over to her side of the bed and slid under the covers. Alex reached for her and pulled her into his arms. He lowered his head and kissed her. It was a slow, exploratory kiss, asking rather than taking. She parted her lips, and he slipped his tongue inside, stroking over the roof of her mouth and her teeth, then gently sucking on her tongue.
Tingles spread along the side of her neck as his lips traveled to her earlobe. He took his time and built her anticipation to an even higher realm. Shivers of desire raced through her body and soon his mouth returned to her lips, devouring them, their tongues dueling. His hands untied the ribbons of her gown, and he slowly pushed the material back, as if he were unwrapping a present. She moaned as his burning gaze fell on her bare breasts.
His nostrils flared. “You’re so beautiful, even more beautiful than I imagined.” Lowering his head, he took one of her nipples into his mouth and began to suck gently as his finger and thumb plucked at the other one. Then his other hand roamed down her side and pulled her night rail slowly up her body, exposing first her calves and then her thighs. The silk slid across her skin, skin so sensitive to the slightest touch.
Lifting his head, he murmured, “I don’t think you need this anymore, do you?” Then he slipped her gown off, tossing it to the floor. Returning to her breasts, he rolled a nipple between his fingers. It tightened and turned a darker shade of rose. “Ah, so responsive.”
By this time, she could barely breathe as he trailed hot kisses up her chest and sucked her earlobe into his mouth again, gently nibbling on it, sending more chills throughout her body. His hand traveled lower and came to rest on her mound. The anticipation was maddening, but finally he nudged her thighs apart and slipped a finger into her slickness. He teased her passage, sliding his finger in and out, adding another finger as he continued to play her like a harp.
He licked and sucked his way down her body, past her breasts, then her navel, and finally her damp curls at the apex of her thighs. Tenderly pushing her legs further apart, he lowered his head and sucked on her pearl, licking and nibbling, sending sparks and shivers to her limbs. Desire shot through her as the roughness of his tongue gave another swipe at her womanly flesh, sending her over the edge into a climax so intense it stole her breath.
He slid up her body and took her mouth in a ravenous kiss as he replaced his mouth with his thick shaft. At an excruciatingly slow pace, he inched into her tight sheath, one inch at a time. Finally, he buried himself deep inside her. She reveled in the feel of having him embedded so deep. Slowly, he moved with sure, powerful strokes, creating delicious friction. Her inner muscles tightened around his cock, as she ran her hands up and down his back, glorying in the feel of his strong, muscular body. Parting her thighs wider, she wrapped her legs around his slim hips and dug her heels into the small of his back.
Reaching around, she toyed with his flat nipples, and he gasped as he began to move faster and deeper into her dripping wet channel. She crossed her ankles and gripped tighter, picking up his rhythm. Clinging to his damp chest, a deep spring coiled tighter and tighter within her the faster Alex moved, and then she went flying up into the clouds, higher than she had ever flown before, as she flung herself over the cliff and into the void. Falling faster and faster, her breathing so rapid, she feared her chest might explode. She landed softly, feeling more sated than she could remember feeling in her life.
Once Alex realized she had found her release, he devoured her, pumping faster and harder, then his body stiffened as the warmth of his essence filled her belly. His breath came in harsh, rasping gasps as he pulled out from her body and rolled to the side, pulling her with him. Laying her head against his massive, heaving chest, she listened to the rapid beat of his heart. Eventually, his breathing evened out, his heartbeat slowed, and she knew he had fallen asleep. She lay there marveling at the intensity of their passion as she slowly allowed sleep to take her away.
The next afternoon, Alex took her to the President’s House. After the butler admitted them, he showed them into a drawing room. They did not have long to wait before the president and his secretary of state entered, along with an attractive older woman on the secretary’s arm.
President Jefferson came forward and extended his hand to Alex. “Welcome. It’s such a pleasure to see you again. It has been far too long my friend. And this must be your lovely bride. Good afternoon, Mrs. Hawks, it’s so nice to make your acquaintance. Please, let me introduce you to James Madison and his lovely wife. Mrs. Madison is kind enough to serve as my hostess, since I am a widower.”
Not sure of the protocol, but knowing Americans did not curtsey, she offered her hand. Deciding to relax her speech a bit she echoed back to him in the manner more in line to how he had addressed to her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. President.” Then inclining her head toward the couple standing beside him, she said, “And you as well, Mr. and Mrs. Madison.”
Mrs. Madison smiled. “The pleasure is all mine. You are English, are you not? Welcome to our country. I understand congratulations are in order. I wish you happiness in your recent marriage. Please…sit. Refreshments should be here shortly.”
Once Anissa took a seat on the sofa next to Mrs. Madison, a servant entered with a tea tray and set it on the low table in front of the woman. While Mrs. Madison poured tea and filled plates with an assortment of cakes, Anissa glanced around the room. It was a spacious area with several large paintings tastefully arranged on the wall. Whoever had decorated the room had a good eye for color.
“This is a lovely room, Mrs. Madison. Someone did an excellent job of blending the red tones. Did you have a hand in decorating it?”
Mrs. Madison set her cup down and smiled. “Actually, Mrs. Adams, she is John Adam’s wife, who was the president before Mr. Jefferson took office, she did the decorating, and I agree with you. Abigail has a keen eye with color. This is called the Red Room.” She gave Anissa a questioning look and asked, “What brought you to America and how did you meet Captain Hawks, if I may ask?”
Recalling what she had told others, she said, “I lost my first husband last year, and one of his fondest wishes was to travel to America. After he passed, I decided to fulfill that desire in memory of him. The captain offered me passage on his ship, the Renegade. On the voyage over, we developed a close friendship.”
“A shipboard romance, how delightful.” A servant entered the room and began to remove the tea tray. “Now, I shall be happy to give you a tour of the house.”
With tea at an end, President Jefferson and Mr. Madison excused themselves because the president had a meeting with some of the other cabinet members. Mrs. Madison gave them a tour of the residence, telling some charming stories of Abigail Adams, who had moved into the house while it was still under construction. She had a delightful afternoon and found Mrs. Madison very gracious.
After they left the President’s House, they returned to the Willard Hotel. After enjoying another
excellent meal, they retired to their suite, where they made love well into the night. The following morning, they returned to Meadow Grove. Georgia welcomed them home, wanting to know all the news regarding their visit to the President’s House.
When Harry came in from playing outside with Melanie, he ran to Anissa and threw his arms around her waist. “Mama, I missed you so much, but I’ve had a good time with my new sister. Freddie’s father took us to the pond yesterday, and I caught bunches of fish, even more than Mr. Winters.” Then looking at Alex, he added, “I have taken good care of all the horses, as you asked me to, sir. I hope you will take me riding. I have improved greatly since you first taught me how to ride.”
Smiling, Alex ruffled his pale, blond curls. “I think I can do that.” Then with his arm around Melanie’s shoulder, he added, “Did you miss me as much as I missed you, sweetheart?”
Grinning up at her father, she answered, “I missed you bunches and bunches, Daddy, but Harry wasn’t the only one to catch fish. I almost caught as many as he did. In fact, Mrs. A said she would make fish chowder to use them all up. We’re having it for supper. I helped take care of the horses as well, so I want to go riding too. Can I, Daddy?”
“Of course you can. In fact, we shall all go tomorrow mornin’. As hot as it is, a nice cool jump in the pond would be great.”
Over the next six days, they spent each day with the children and each night, they let their passions sweep them away. The intensity of their desire for each other felt so overwhelming at times, it brought tears to her eyes.
On Sunday morning, she and Alex attended church with Georgia and the children. After the midday meal, her husband and mother-in-law got ready to leave for Baltimore. Melanie would remain at Meadow Grove. She had pleaded with her father to let her, and Alex—ever the indulgent father—agreed.
While Alex went upstairs to retrieve his valise, she went with him for a private farewell. Once they were behind closed doors, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a bruising kiss. “God, I’m going to miss you. I will try to return next weekend, but I’ll have to play it by ear. It depends on whether Captain Murray has everything ready for his return voyage to the West Indies. Are you sure you don’t mind Melanie staying? I don’t want you wearing yourself out in your condition. I know how tired you get.”
“Of course not, I shall be fine, Alex. I promise I will take care of myself. Harry loves spending time with Melanie. He told me that even though she is a girl, she is great fun. I’m glad you were able to get another pony for her to use while she is here. I hope you can return next weekend, but I will understand if you cannot. I will miss you while you are gone.”
Determined to remain cheerful and not let Alex know how much it pained her for them to be apart, she smiled and then reached up and gave him a gentle kiss, holding him in her arms as he held her, feeling safe and protected.
“Darlin’, if I don’t let you go, I’ll never get Ma home before dark. God, I’m going to miss you. I wish we could chance taking you back to Baltimore, but…I should have already told you—”
He took her hand and then a grave expression marred his handsome face. A sense of impending doom had her belly tensing, and it felt as if a large stone had taken up residence. Obviously, he dreaded telling her something. It could only be bad news.
Fear gripped her heart.
Lord Howard must be in America!
“Oh, Lord, he has arrived, has he not?” Terror colored her tone as she waited for the inevitable tingles of anxiety racing up her spine.
“Now, darlin’, you don’t need to worry.”
“Not worry! Are you insane? Of course I will worry. The man wants my son dead. How can you expect me to remain calm?” She slapped his hand away, then wrapped her shaking arms around her middle.
Alex pulled her into his arms. “Listen. Yes, Lord Howard did show up, but I told him we parted company, and as far as I knew, you went to Boston. I’m sure he’s on his way there as we speak, and it will be weeks, if not longer, before he finds out you’re not there.”
“You cannot know that,” she spat out, pushing against his chest, not wanting to be touched at that moment. He ignored her protests and pulled her closer. Giving up her struggle she told him, “He may very well have figured out it was a false trail and has returned already. You should have told me he had arrived as soon as you arrived!”
He stroked her back, but she no longer felt safe. She pushed against him again, and this time he let her go and she moved back.
A mantra played in her head: Her son was not safe. Her son was not safe.
Fear clawed at her throat.
“I’m sorry,” he pleaded as he stepped toward her. “You’re right, I should have, but you have to admit, you did distract me with the news of the babe. Once you agreed to marry me, I didn’t want to cause you further anxiety. Then with the wedding. Well, I couldn’t find the right moment. Can you understand?”
“Understand? Understand? That man wants my son dead!” Her voice shook along with her knees.
Approaching her cautiously, he lifted her chin so she had to meet his gaze. “There’s no need to panic. There is no way he can find you. Very few of my associates know of my connections here, only Bridges and Maynard know, and they won’t tell him. I will keep your son safe. I promised, and I do not break my promises. Trust me.”
As he continued to comfort her, the fear gripping her eased a bit. She swallowed the lump in her throat. “I will try. I know you will do whatever is necessary to keep us safe. It is just so hard.”
He pulled her close as tears rolled down her cheeks. They stood there for several minutes with Alex murmuring soft words of comfort, assuring her he would keep Harry safe and her as well.
Finally, she gained her composure, and he released her, then smiled. “Now, I shall either see you next weekend or the weekend after that. Take care of yourself and try not to worry over much, even though I know you will.”
They made their way back downstairs and out to the waiting carriage. Alex gave Melanie a hug and a kiss and made her promise to mind her mama, then turning back to her, he leaned in close and whispered, “I will not let anything happen to Harry. You can count on me. I will keep him safe and you as well.” Then he mounted Blazer and followed the carriage as it left Meadow Grove.
Anissa and the children waved until the carriage traveled out of sight. While fear still threatened to overpower her, she had no choice. She had to trust Alex to keep them safe. Besides, what choice did she have?
To take her mind off his frightening news, she turned to the children. “Shall we take a ride to the pond? I’m sure you would like a cool dip in the water on this hot day.”
Both children cheered, “Yea,” and ran into the house to get ready. She went back upstairs and changed into her old gown, so she could swim with the children. Since the oppressive heat had her wilting under the blaze of the sun, and no one ever saw her when they went to the pond, she now wore a lightweight summer gown, instead of her heavy riding habit.
They spent a pleasant hour playing in the pond. Although she tried to relax and enjoy herself, her mind kept going back to the news of Lord Howard’s return. She valiantly pushed these thoughts away. She could not give in the despair. The children did not need to know how frightened she was. She would trust Alex. Her heart ached for him already. She sighed. At least the children were having a good time. At three o’clock, she gathered them up and went back to the house.
After supper, she read to Harry and Melanie and played a game with them. When the clock in the hall chimed the eight o’clock hour, she took the children upstairs and put them to bed, kissing them each good night. Once she had them settled down for the night, she went to her lonely room. After her nightly ritual, she climbed into bed. She grabbed Alex’s pillow. Sniffing his sandalwood cologne, she hugged it to her breast. How she longed for the safety of his arms. She desperately prayed her husband could protect them. After a few minutes, God’s peace entered her soul and she se
ttled down under the covers and let sleep pull her into oblivion.
Chapter Seventeen
The trip back to Baltimore took longer than usual, since he needed to stop frequently for his mother. After the first couple of hours, Alex joined her in the carriage.
As soon as the carriage started up again, his mother asked, “Now, how are things between you and Anissa? She seemed cheerful enough, but I saw worry in her eyes. She’s hiding something.”
He stretched out his legs, trying to get comfort after having been in the saddle for several hours. “Everything is fine, Ma. I think you saw worry. Even though she tries to put all our issues out of her mind, I know they trouble her. To be honest, I don’t know how to fix them. After all, her place is in England and mine is here. I think we’re both too worried over these issues to allow our attachment to deepen. She knows she will be returning to England next year, and I won’t be able to stay with her.”
“But Alex, does she really have to leave? It will be years before Harry will be ready to take up his responsibilities. What harm would it do if they lived here until then? I’m so sorry the shipping company ties you down. If it weren’t for that, you could stay in England. Oh, why did John have to take off like he did and to never even write to let us know whether he’s alive or dead?”
Sliding across the seat, he put his arm around his mother’s shoulders. “Ma, I know how hard his disappearance has been on you. Anissa gave me an idea I never thought to explore. When I told her how much John had loved the sea, she asked if he could have possibly signed on with a ship instead of going west. That could be a possibility, so I’ve put the word out that I’m looking for him in the seafaring community.”
