mustache. The
kiss was gentle. The shock that run up her arm and down to her toes
was not.
“I have
water heating in the bath chamber if you like to take a
bath.”
Victoria never got so
excited about a bath before. Or was it because she was stepping out
of the room. The more freedom she got the more of the layout of the
house she'd learn, then easier it would be to escape him.
He let go of her hand.
With all the graciousness
she could muster she said, “Thank you.”
He lead her down the hall
to a small room.
“The house
was refitted with the latest contraptions two years ago.
Enjoy.”
She entered. Victoria in
less than minute striped and eased herself into the waiting water.
The relaxing scent of roses carried her away. She leaned back
against the tub and closed her eyes. She must of drifted off. As
she gained her senses she knew he was in the room.
“I'd love
to wash your back. If you'd allow me the pleasure.”
He reeked of smugness.
She pulled the wash cloth
over her breasts. What the cloth didn't cover her hands did.
Victoria's vision followed Thomas as he knelt next to the tub.
“I don't
need you to help me bathe. Please go.” There was no way to hide her
stress and nervousness. His hand slid into the water. She fought
the urge to scream. Her eyes followed the trail his hand took. It
never touched her.
“One kiss.
One willing kiss from you and I'll go.”
Victoria felt like a watch
spring wound tight enough to break and free as a bird the next
breath. His wet hand moved to her chin and guided her to face
him.
He lied. He took two before
he vacated the room. Hot salty tears covered her face and stung her
bruised lips. No one ever kissed her as he just did.
Fully clothed she left the
room and moved down the hallway. The door to the room she'd been in
was open. She daringly proceeded down the stairway. The stairs
opened to an entryway and to the right a large parlor. On the left
side of the entry sat a den or library. She couldn't be sure for
the door was half closed.
Thomas stood as she landed
on the bottom step. The movement caught her eye. He met her half
way. He held out his arm so she could take hold and be led into the
next room. Together they moved through a dining room and stopped
once they entered the kitchen.
“I laid
out a small repast for us.” Letting go of her arm he pulled out a
chair for her. She sat.
Thomas began eating and
after a few bites he asked, “Would I be wrong to assume you'd like
to leave the house for a bit? We could go for a stroll. There's a
wonderful park with a pond and willow trees just a few blocks
away.”
Her mind raced. Stay calm,
Victoria commanded herself. This might be the chance she
needed.
As sweet and innocent as
possible she smiled at him.
“Yes, I
would like that. Very much so.”
“Good. Now
understand there are rules. I will be introducing you as my fiancee
and I expect you to be agreeable and cordial to anyone who may
greet us. You will agree also not to do or say anything that might
embarrass or be considered an insult to me.”
She nodded.
“And.” He
went on.” Any and I mean, any attempts to separate yourself from me
or seek aid from anyone else will result in dire consequences for
you on our return.”
The same threat filled his
eyes as the first time she awoke in the upstairs room. There was no
denying he was threatening her with bodily harm. The monster in him
returned. Fear made Victoria want to refuse. Even if it meant she'd
remain inside. Her heart raced. A knot formed deep inside her
belly. The voice she answered him with wasn't her own. Quaking she
assured him she understood and agreed to his terms. What choice did
she have? She needed to know the lay of the town and area if she
intended to make good her escape.
By the time she returned
downstairs with her wrap the monster in him disappeared. They
exited the house and at the front gate Thomas opened it and held
his arm out for her laced her own arm in his. He smiled