Chapter 11:

I hold you frank in my heart's eye in my skin's knowing as my fingers conceive your flesh I feel your stomach moving against me. Before the moon wanes again we shall come together.


Elizabeth awakened before William. She glanced at the bedside clock then at him. Leaning on one arm, she watched him sleep. He looked peaceful in his slumber she thought while deciding if she should wake him. If she did, chances of her leaving would be slim. There was no doubt William would make it HARD for her to leave. She didn't mind being held prisoner in her blonde lover's arms but Elizabeth hadn't been home since Friday morning.

She was going to leave him note. She got out of bed and dressed without putting on her shoes. She tiptoed out of the bedroom to search for pen and paper. With success, she found some paper in a kitchen drawer and while searching for a pen she came across a photo of a younger William wearing a black leather jacket, shirt and jeans. He had a cigarette hanging out of his mouth posing in front of a black motorcycle. The picture made her mouth water. Physically William hadn't changed. He still looked as youthful as the picture and his hair was still platinum blonde. Elizabeth was unable to take her eyes off the photo. She moved her hand across it, getting lost in the intensity in his eyes. The same intensity he had showed her many times. She wondered why during their endless conversations he had given her the impression he was more of a frat boy then a rebel. She was eager to find out. She added a few more words to the note and left it with the picture on the kitchen counter then grabbed her coat and walked out the door.


William's hand anxiously searched the bed for the warmth of his blonde lover's body but she was gone. He climbed out of bed and put on his sweatpants. He noticed her clothes were missing then called out her name. There was no answer. He peeked into the bathroom then made his way down the hallway leading into the dining room and living room. Elizabeth was gone. He walked into the kitchen and grabbed the telephone. He started dialing her cell phone but stopped when he saw the note and picture of him lying on the counter. The note read she didn't want to wake him and she would call later. At the bottom of the note was a PS stating she liked the James Dean look and maybe he could show her how bad he could be. William smiled while reading the last few lines. He was seventeen when the picture was taken and a recovering bad ass. That phase of his life lasted two years. When he turned eighteen, he straightened out and graduated in the top ten percent of his senior class. At college some of his hell raising ways stuck with him because he had always been bad. He decided not to call Elizabeth, figuring she needed some time to check in with her husband. He returned to bed but cut the ringer on his bedroom phone so he wouldn't miss her call.

*~~~*

When Elizabeth arrived home, the first thing she did was check the answering machine. Rupert had called three times. The first message he reminded her she hadn't called him back. The last two messages, he was wondering where she was and that it was getting late. When she spoke to him, they talked for two hours. She reminded him she had a lot of errands to run and they had taken longer to get done then she had anticipated. She added by the time she settled in, it was too late to call him since he likes to be in bed by 9:00PM every night. She was convinced he bought it when he changed the subject to his work.

After ending the call, Elizabeth put in her Maroon 5, Lifehouse and Goo Goo Dolls CDs and turned up the volume. She danced her way up the mahogany wooden staircase and into her bedroom. She stripped down and took a hot relaxing bath. It had been so long since she had the house to herself and even longer since she could play her music as loud as she wanted. Before she couldn't because Rupert lived in his study and the music disrupted his reading. He was always reading, preferring a book to watching TV, going to the movies and concerts. When they first met, he seemed to like the things she liked to do but once the newest of their union wore off, he became this old fuddy duddy. She guessed he was always this way and being with her had awakened what ounce of young life he had left.

*~~~*

William was smiling like a kid who received a new toy. Elizabeth was standing in his doorway with a small overnight bag in one hand and a garment bag in the other. He had spoken with her earlier in the afternoon and told her he wanted her to comeback and stay until Monday. He thought it would be nice if they had breakfast together and shared a cab ride to work. He took her bags and placed them on the bed then gathered Elizabeth in his arms to kiss her lovingly on the lips.

Elizabeth went limp in William's arms overwhelmed by the gentleness of his kiss. She was glad she returned. His suggestion they go to work together was a good idea. She wanted to spend as much time as possible with him, knowing when Rupert returned things would have to go back to the way they were if they could. She was learning more about William and the more she learned, the more she realized they were perfect together. She could be herself around him and have fun without feeling like she was being critiqued or judged.

Rupert was like that with her. There were times when he would embarrass her in front of his colleagues when he felt she was making him look bad because she wasn't abreast with his work. Her way of dealing with it was to down play his comments with laughter. Elizabeth didn't think her ignorance of his work was such an embarrassment for him. What attracted her to Rupert was his passion about it and his brilliant mind. He was teaching at Columbia University where she was a student. She wasn't smart enough to be in any of his classes but her best friend was and dragged her to one of his open lectures. Elizabeth expected to be bored out of her mind but instead he captivated her and his British accent only added to his allure. After the lecture, she flirted with him and surprisingly he flirted back. Rupert opened her eyes to things she never had interest in before like the opera, museums, and classic literature.

*~~~*

While Elizabeth unpacked her overnight bag, William sat on the bed and watched then leaned over and peeked inside. Something red and lacy had caught his eye. He waited until Elizabeth turned her back to hang up her garment bag before he pulled it out. He held it up in both hands and smiled. When she turned around, he placed his hands, with the sexy garment, behind his back.

Elizabeth stopped talking when she noticed a pair of her underwear was missing. She knew she had packed her matching red panty with her bra as she thoroughly began searching the small bag for it. Suspicious, she smirked at William then held her hand out without mentioning what she wanted. He tried to play dumb asking her what she was talking about. The dumb look on his face was a dead give away. She crawled on the bed and reached around him. He shifted. Back and forth they did this until she was able to pull them out of his hand. Then William grabbed her red lace bra and leaped off the bed, holding it against his chest. She told him the lacy number wasn't his size but she thought the panties would fit. He laughed then told her naughty girls wore red and she replied, with a mischievous grin, naughty boys wore black.

William knew what his blonde sexy lover was alluding to. There was a long pause between them before he asked her if she thought she could handle it. Feeling pretty confident Elizabeth rose up on her knees and placed her hands on her hips trying to keep the smirk on her face from turning into a smile. As he walked toward her, she was sure he was going to show her how bad he could be. She stopped breathing for a moment, anticipating his touch but he walked past her and into his closet. She didn't know what to do with herself; feeling like she had said something wrong as she sat back on her heels and watched him pull a large box out of his closet. He placed it on the bed and pulled out a photo album then patted the spot beside him. She smiled then scurried over to his side.

William placed the photo album between them and told her to open it. The first section was filled with beautiful baby photos and pictures of his mother, father, sister and other relatives. She asked questions about his family and he held nothing back. While looking at the photos, it was obvious to Elizabeth he went through a geeky awkward phase like most teenagers and morphed into a handsome young man but as they got deeper into the album, she noticed a change in his appearance. His preppy look was replaced with black leather, silver jewelry, and screaming blonde hair. The photo of him in the drawer showed a young sexy James Dean. The photos in front of her, showed an angry young man. She looked up at him, waiting for him to explain.

He told her when he turned fifteen he fell in with the wrong crowd and got involved with drugs and the punk scene. He told her he use to steal from his parents and rob people on the street for fun. He explained how he turned his life around when he saw his girlfriend, pointing to a picture of a dark haired girl, OD and how he thought he was responsible because he bought the drugs. Tears filled his eyes as he further explained how he had thoughts of suicide after her death.


Elizabeth listened as he explained how the dark period lasted until he turned seventeen when he cleaned up his act and channeled his energies back into school. He told her the photo she saw in his drawer was taken during that time. She didn't say anything sensing he just needed someone to listen. When he was done talking, she cupped his cheek and smiled as he leaned into her hand, closing his eyes while getting lost in its comfort.

William was glad he shared this part of life with her. It had been awhile sense he'd opened up to someone. Wanting to lighten the mood, he closed the photo album and dug through the box. He pulled out a black ripped shirt with a hundred safety pins, a beat up long black leather trench coat, black Doc Martin boots, silver jewelry, studded leather belts and spiked dog collars, which he told her was how he got his nickname, Spike.

Elizabeth laughed at his fashion choices and laughed even harder at his nickname. Never had she thought she would meet someone with a nickname she associated with tough guys in the movies. To her William wasn't a tough guy; tough guys didn't write poetry or cry. Nonetheless, she felt honored he shared this part of his past with her. They continued talking and Elizabeth opened up. She didn't have anything in her past she considered dark unless calling the girl who beat her out for prom queen a slut while the excited blonde accepted her crown counted. She talked about how she was adopted when she was only two weeks old and how when she turned eighteen she went looking for her birth mother only to discover she had died the year before. William showed her the same comfort, placing his arm around her.


If it weren't for their growling stomachs, they would still be talking. Neither of them felt like going out for dinner so William thawed and cooked some steaks and baked potatoes while Elizabeth made salads. He slipped passed her and turned on the radio and they danced in the kitchen while they continued preparing the food.

Both would stop what they were doing to perform a silly dance move or prove who was the better singer. Then William felt he was the ultimate rock star when one of his favorite songs came on. He shouted to Elizabeth this was his song and grabbed the broom out of the hallway closet. She followed him, laughing at how excited he had gotten. He turned the volume up louder, waiting for the lead singer to belt out the lyrics.


Elizabeth couldn't contain her laughter as she watched William make a fool of himself but then decided to get in on it. She did her best air guitar and joined him on the fake microphone. She didn't know the words to the song but she had the perfect stance as she leaned against him while he sung. She really started getting into it until William pushed her out of the way. To get back at him, she dropped to her knees looking up at him with her arms in the air, pretending to be his groupie. After the song ended she stretch out on the floor in hysterics as tears of laughter rolled down her face.

William choked on his words when Elizabeth joined him with her Slash impression. He struggled through the song trying not to laugh but her air guitar sucked. He pushed her out of the way so he could get back into the song but she wouldn't let up, causing him to finally lose it when she got down on her knees in worship. He had fallen back onto the couch in laughter, having a great time.

He looked over at the woman who had molded and touched his heart the way she did his body. William adored Elizabeth and wanted to show her how much. He turned off the radio and her infectious laughter filled the room causing him to laugh some more. He extended his arm out to her to help her off the floor but she wouldn't take it while continuing to laugh. She was still in a playful mood but he was beyond that. Finally, he picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. He dropped her on the bed then lowered his head to kiss and lick up the slender column of her neck until his mouth was on hers. The kiss was hot and deep.

Elizabeth wasn't laughing anymore. The sensual assault on her neck sent her pulse racing. She was easily becoming aroused feeling William's soft lips and tongue against her skin. When he found his way to her mouth, her tongue stroked and circled his. Her hands met the sides of his face then moved and fisted into his hair.


William broke the contact from her mouth to remove his shirt and hers. He kissed her shoulders, one then the other while removing her bra straps. Elizabeth sat up to kiss and lick his hard chest and to give him access to the back clasp. When she felt it loosen from her body, she laid down and allowed him to pull the violet sexy garment down her arms. He wasted no time filling his strong hands with her tender flesh, licking from her collarbone to her nipple. She watched how the pink harden pebble disappeared into his mouth and the raw enthusiasm he showed as his head brushed from side to side. He used his teeth, tongue and lips to play passionately against the sensitive flesh, pausing only to lick the space in between.

William moved down to feast on the quivering flesh of her belly while he gripped the waistband of her jeans. He rubbed the backs of his hands along her skin before unbuttoning them. He lowered the zipper with his teeth and pulled her jeans down. He kissed her arching hips down to her thighs then climbed off the bed to remove her boots and socks before pulling her jeans off. His strong hands trailed up her inner and outer thighs then rested on her hips. He pulled her violet lace panties off to reveal her wet and inviting quim. He climbed back onto the bed and looked at her.


Elizabeth saw the unmistakable look of passion in William's blue eyes causing heat to spread at an alarming speed throughout her body. She was aroused beyond belief and wanted him inside her now. She reached and fought with the button and zipper to his jeans, pulling them down as far as she could. She stared at his erection as if it was something good to eat. It had been awhile since she last tasted him but right now William being inside her was more important. She grabbed his long thick maleness and felt it pulse and expand in her hand. She forced him down and placed it at her wet opening.


William wanted to taste Elizabeth's smooth wet cunny first but her unchecked passion wouldn't allow oral appreciation or even time for him to push his jeans further down. She tugged on his cock and he followed, pushing all the way inside her. His eyes rolled shut and he didn't move despite the tiny rolled hip movements she was making.

He returned his mouth to hers and kissed her as if he had been deprived of it for far too long. When William felt confident he wasn't going to break into pieces inside her. He began moving his hips at a slow sensual tempo until they both found their provocative rhythm. They were both helpless against what the other was doing to their body. The pleasure they created from Elizabeth rising into William's down stroke and the grab and pull of her pussy muscles on his cock caused them both to climax together, panting and perspiring.

For the next hour they laid in bed lazily stroking each other as their rapture dissolved away by slow degrees. Then Elizabeth reminded William they needed to eat. Their steaks were cold, the baked potatoes were rubbery and the lettuce in the salads had wilted but they had eaten it all. Then they shared a large bowl of ice cream while cuddling on the couch in front of the TV.


 

Chapter 12:

The sweat between his will bind
I would have you and no other
Words whispered
Demands made
I respond to you with moan sounds.


William and Elizabeth shifted in their sleep when the alarm sounded off. He hit the snooze button then pulled Elizabeth closer to him. Neither of them could get up right away due to the lack of sleep from all the love making that lasted well into the early morning hours. When the alarm sounded again, Elizabeth opened and closed her eyes, trying to focus them. She tried to get up but William had her in a death grip. She wasn't complaining but if they wanted to have breakfast together, they needed to get up now.


He wasn't making any effort so she pushed her ass against his morning wood. It wasn't a smart thing to do she thought while his hand parted and rubbed between her thighs. She only wanted to wake him not arouse him, feeling his hot breath in her hair and his soft lips and tongue on her neck. Then he pulled one of her leg over his to rub her pussy, getting her aroused. She thought, in between whimpers and moans, they didn't have time for this but his soothing strokes made her change her mind. She stretched her leg wider, placing her hand over his urging him to put his fingers inside of her. Two of them slipped in and seconds later, he was caressing her hot spot, prompting her to come. Her back arched and resumed against him as she rode her climax out of his fingers. Elizabeth was wide-awake now, wanting more.


Breakfast was out of the question the moment William felt Elizabeth's firm ass press against his cock. She knew better than that he thought now, she had to deal with the consequences. He rubbed between her legs bringing one of the delicate limbs over his own. He buried his face into her blonde locks, kissing and nuzzling down to the nape of her neck. His hand caressed the inside of her warm thighs then against the lips of her smooth cunny. He rubbed the moist intimate flesh back and forth, hearing her surrendering moans.


A smile curled at the corners of his mouth when she guided his fingers inside her. He pushed two of them then another one inside. Elizabeth was nice and wet and getting wetter with each curved stroke. He grinded his hips letting his erection receive friction from the crease in her ass. He moved back and forth while she rode the rest of her orgasm out on his fingers. Hearing her cum was all the alarm clock William needed. He was wide-awake now.


Elizabeth would take an early morning cum over early morning breakfast any day. She laid on her back and pulled him on top of her. She no longer had issues with morning breath having gotten use to it the first morning she woke up in his arms. She licked his neck then sucked on his Adams apple. She licked and sucked on his chin then bit and sucked on his bottom lip before thrusting her tongue into his mouth.


The tasting and teasing of their tongues had turned up the heat as each kiss grew hotter, longer and deeper. Lost in their full-blown passion, the lusty lovers hungrily sipped it from each other's lips mastering the art of not breathing until it became too much. They parted in synch with each other's aroused breathing. William rose to his knees and grabbed Elizabeth by her legs pulling her down to him. Before entering the place where all joy resided, he waited for her to open her eyes. When she did, he entered her staring into the green beauties, wide and wild with excitement. He kissed her with his cock throbbing insistently inside her causing him to groan deep in his throat.


Kissing William was enough to make Elizabeth come again. The rush of wet passion between her legs had robbed her of breath and sanity. She cried out no when the heat of his body deserted hers causing every bone in her body and every hair on her head to beckoned for his return. He pulled her closer to him. Her green eyes, heavy with desire, searched and found his desire deep within his blue ones. Her knees fell apart in expectation and when he entered her she pulled him to her and kissed him, tasting the sound of his groan. The deep sexual emotion she felt had brought tears to her eyes. William was the key to her ecstasy.


William was overwhelmed by the pleasure coursing through his body. He was fitting inside Elizabeth like a key to a lock. Her hungry kiss forced his tongue to take an active role as well as making it impossible for him to be gentle but he sensed she didn't want gentle. By her firm round cheeks, he lifted her at an angle, giving her one wild thrust after another while whispering to her to take it. Elizabeth was taking it and throwing it back at him. Panting and perspiring, they created a fierce rhythm leading them to orgasmic abandon.


Parting her legs wider, Elizabeth whispered to William to give it to her. She slapped his tight ass then grabbed the firm twin cheeks, pushing him in deeper. He was making her feel good and she wanted to return the favor. Using her index finger she pressed at his anus using circular motions. He moaned in her mouth. She was glad he was enjoying her careful teasing a half a centimeter at a time as she eased the tip of her finger inside, feeling him clamp around it. William broke contact with her mouth and whispered yes several times against her ear while he thrusted almost violently into her causing her to succumb to the pleasure. She let out a deep-throated scream and after several more hard thrusts William came loud then stilled. His entire body had tensed, his ass cheeks were clenched and he was numb from the neck up. It was the most intense orgasm he'd ever had.


After they regained their breaths and their heartbeats had slowed, Elizabeth looked over at William, lying beside her and thanked him for breakfast. He smiled and told her she was welcome then they both laughed. She moved closer to him and draped her arm over his damp stomach. William played in her hair with one hand while the other brush lightly over her arm. They had fallen asleep in that same position with no thoughts of work on either of their minds.

*~~~*

If it weren't for the telemarketer calling the apartment, William and Elizabeth would have been later for work. They showered together and dressed quickly then they both realized it was pointless to rush since they were already late. He helped Elizabeth with her coat then walked arm and arm to the coffee house around the corner from his place, missing the early morning rush due to their unrestrained lust.


Elizabeth stood in line in front of William, trying to decide what she wanted to order while at the same time trying to get him to keep his hands to himself. Finally she turned around and gave him the kiss he was asking for then told him to behave. After she received her coffee, she stood to the side and waited for him. She glanced out the large window and saw someone waving at her. She looked over her shoulder to make sure the woman had the right person. To be courteous, Elizabeth waved back, thinking the woman would be on her way after the acknowledgement. Instead she walked inside and Elizabeth froze with fear then looked at William who was still ordering.


As the woman approached her, it became clear to Elizabeth who she was. Gwendolyn Post was a colleague of Rupert's. She immediately engaged Elizabeth in conversation asking her how she was doing and how was Rupert getting along in California. Elizabeth was nervous but managed to hide it with a smile. She tried to move away from where she was standing all the while hoping William would know to stay away. He didn't. There was a huge smile on his face as he walked towards them. She asked Gwendolyn to walk her out but they didn't move quickly enough. William caught up to them and called her love. She and Gwen stopped.


Elizabeth's heart was trapped in her throat. She didn't know what to say. Rupert's colleague was thrilled she was meeting another Brit and waited for Elizabeth to introduce them. She didn't. Gwen extended her hand to shake his while giving William the once over. It was apparent she liked what she saw then she turned to Elizabeth wearing a curious smile. Finally, Elizabeth said she worked with William and they had bumped into each other there while on their way to work.


William kept quiet while his blonde lover explained why she was there with him. It was at that moment he thought meeting this woman wasn't a good thing. When the woman told them she needed to go, she told Elizabeth to give Rupert her best then shook William's hand again while giving him a suggestive smile. She jokingly commented if more men looked like him in England she would have never left. He smiled then told her it was nice meeting her also. Elizabeth told Gwen it was nice seeing her again and would tell Rupert she ran into her. She lied. Elizabeth had no intentions on telling Rupert anything and hoped to GOD Gwendolyn would not mention it to him but some how she doubted that.

*~~~*

Elizabeth was quite in the cab. Her mind plagued with what just happened. Her brain was working overtime as she began formulating lies to tell Rupert if he ever asked about running into Gwendolyn. She snapped out of her state when she felt William's hand on her leg. She had given him a weak smile then looked out the window.


William knew the change in Elizabeth's behavior had something to do with the woman he met. He wanted to ask her who she was but his blonde lover's change in mood caused the words to die in his throat. He never knew her husband's name assuming it was Rupert, listening to the woman. Her husband's name even sounded old as he wondered why Elizabeth was with him. When they first met, he asked her was she happy. He expected her to say no. Why wouldn't he? Happily married women didn't have affairs. Something had to be missing in her marriage. Was it sex? Love? Attention? Or all of the above and the things he was willingly providing. Maybe one day she would tell him and then maybe one day he would tell her to leave him.


He placed his hand on her leg. She smiled at him but William knew it wasn't genuine. Finally he came out and asked her who was the woman. She told him the woman worked with her husband and didn't say anymore. He nodded his head then sipped his coffee. They didn't speak again until William was dropped off in front of his building. He gave her quick kiss and told her he would see her later.


There had to be hundreds of coffee shops in New York City maybe even thousands. With that being said why did Gwendolyn Post of all people happen to be at the same one as she? She didn't even work in the area. Columbia University was on the other side of the city. Maybe Elizabeth was supposed to get caught. She and William weren't exactly being discreet with all the touching and to the people on the outside looking in, they were a couple. Elizabeth wondered how much Gwen saw. Did she see them walk in together arm and arm? Did she see William hugging her while they stood in line? Did she see Elizabeth kiss him? Or did she see her at that moment Elizabeth saw her? She would never know. Maybe it was best she mention it to Rupert so it wouldn't appear she had anything to hide. When she talked to him next, she would tell him and when Gwen mentions it to him, it wouldn't be a big deal. Besides it wasn't unusual to run into a co-worker even one as sexy and good looking as William. Still, Elizabeth couldn't help but think if she and William hadn't made love that morning, she would have never run into Rupert's ex crush.





 

Chapter 13:

If we part, you will leave with half of me
Or I with half of you, and nothing will kill
The pain of dismembering


Elizabeth had spoken to Rupert twice during the week. She made sure she told him about bumping into Gwen and was pissed he already knew about it. The bitch wasted no time telling him. She couldn't even wait until he returned from California. It bothered Elizabeth, Gwen was talking to Rupert while he was away but then shrugged it off. Why wouldn't she? They worked together and she was sure he was updating her and his other colleagues about the work he was doing out there.


She had been stressing out over nothing. Rupert dismissed her run in with Gwen as no big deal but she had to be more discreet with William. It was going to be difficult. She was too comfortable around him often letting her guard down. They had their own little world to get lost in. He made her feel special in more ways then Rupert ever did. Elizabeth sighed. She dreaded her husband's return while thinking there was no way things with William could go back to the way they were. She would have to make a choice as the thought of leaving Rupert for William entered her mind for the first time.


She was glad the workweek had come and gone. Elizabeth couldn't wait to unwind once she got to William's place. Things were hectic at work and she wasn't getting any work done. She was unfocused and tired all the time. Her days were spent talking to William on the telephone and if they weren't talking on the phone, they were having lunch every other day and some of those "lunches" were spent in their favorite hotel. She was missing important meetings and barely meeting her deadlines due to her lack of restraint with saying no when William wanted to have another go, as he would put it. As a result her one-hour lunches often turned into two and sometimes even three-hour lunches. Lucky for her she didn't have to punch a clock or she wouldn't have a job.


It was Friday night and she was headed to William's place this time with a suitcase instead of a small overnight bag. She was staying the weekend and they were eating in and going to watch two of her favorite movies, Pretty Woman and Sixteen Candles. First she needed to stop by the grocery store to pick up some things they needed for dinner.

*~~~*

William couldn't believe he still had a job. He was slacking off big time. He was logging more hours on the phone with Elizabeth then he was with his work. He ignored emails, missed meetings and missed an important deadline because she was heavy on his mind. Every day he felt like he was going through withdrawal if he didn't hear her voice or see her. They talked everyday, had lunch slash hotel dates most of those days and it still wasn't enough. If his boss knew what he was up to, William would be standing in the unemployment line.


He purchased several things he thought Elizabeth would need while she stayed at his place including a toothbrush and some of her favorite junk food. He made space for her on top of his dresser and cleaned out one of the large drawers for her things. He finally upgraded his VCR for a DVD player for the better quality and because he knew Elizabeth loved to watch her chick flick movies. He had another key made to his apartment wrapped in a box. He was going to give it to her when she arrived. She needed one since William expected her to be coming over a lot more.


Tonight they were going to stay in and make tacos and margaritas. He picked up two of her favorite movies. Of course, they were all chick flicks but next time he was choosing. William was looking forward to seeing her as if he hadn't seen her all week. He was glad she had come out of the funk she was in on Monday. That morning didn't turn out how he had planned. What happened instead was better, up until they ran into that woman. Unfortunately, there wasn't going to be a next time since they agreed she wasn't going to be staying over on Sundays any more if they ever expected to get to work on time.


One week had come and gone as he dreaded the return of her husband. There was no way he would be able to deal with things going back to the way they were. He and Elizabeth had done and shared too much. She needed to make a choice, him or the pounce.

*~~~*

Elizabeth's hands were full as she struggled with the grocery bag and her suitcase. She used her foot to knock on the door; glad William didn't keep her waiting. He took the grocery bag out of her hands and kissed her. Some of the items inside were her favorite foods he had already purchased but he didn't say anything. He wanted it to be a surprised when she opened up the refrigerator and the cupboards. He walked in the kitchen to put away the groceries and to start their dinner.


Elizabeth walked to the bedroom and placed her suitcase on the bed then laid down to rest. She looked around the bedroom. There was something different. She noticed the empty space on his dresser and one of the large drawers was pulled out with nothing in it. There was a white plastic four-drawer container on wheels beside the dresser. She smiled. She had one just like it in her closet at home. Also, there was a small two-drawer plastic container one on top of the dresser. It was perfect for make-up, nail polish, cotton balls and facial pads.


Nothing could wipe the smile off her face; William's thoughtfulness made her giddy. She began putting her things away and after she was done, she joined him in the kitchen. William was stirring the beef in the pan and sipping on a margarita. He asked her did she want one. Elizabeth didn't answer him. She had taken the wooden spoon and glass out of his hand then gave him a deep wet kiss.

*~~~*

Elizabeth's kiss had caught William off guard, causing him to stumble forward. When she released his mouth, he asked her what was the kiss for. She told him for simply being him and kissed him again. This time he was ready for it. He wrapped his arms around her tight and deepened the kiss. Without breaking contact from her mouth, he picked her up and placed her on the counter. His hands tangled in her hair while his tongue tangled with hers as they kissed while the rest of the world melted away. His hands left the softness of her golden locks to roam over her shoulders and waist. He snaked them under her top to fondle her breasts but things quickly came to a halt when the smell of burning beef overwhelmed them. They reeled their passion in and Elizabeth thanked him for the special arrangements he made in the bedroom. He gave her a quick kiss on the lips and told her there was more to come then kicked her out of the kitchen to salvage the beef.

*~~~*

They watched one of the movies while they ate and drank three margaritas apiece. Buzzing, Elizabeth was anxious to watch the next movie while playfully poking William in the side to get up and put it on. He was feeling no pain and anxious also but for a different reason. He wanted to give Elizabeth the key he had made. He got up from the couch and pulled the small wrapped box out of the hallway closet.


Deciding not to wait for William to start the movie, Elizabeth got off the couch and put it in herself. When she turned around, she saw him with a wrapped box in his hand and froze. It was too square to be a ring, which was ridiculous being that she was already married and it wasn't big enough to be a bracelet. Her heart was beating rapidly in her chest but she managed to get her feet moving so she could sit on the couch. She swallowed hard after William sat across from her, handing her the box. When she opened it, there was a silver key inside. She looked at William who was grinning from ear to ear and then she looked down at the key. She was speechless.


Her reaction had wiped the smile off of William's face. Elizabeth was acting like she had never seen a key before. He asked her what was wrong, snapping her out of her trance. He waited for a response, which he thought was long overdue. Realizing he wasn't going to get one, William snatched the box out of her hand and told Elizabeth he had made a mistake. He got off the couch and walked into the kitchen. He dropped the key in his junk drawer and threw the box into the trash. He told her he didn't feel like watching the other movie and was going to bed.


Elizabeth's lack of speech had her sitting in the dark alone, wondering what the hell just happened. One minute she and William were laughing and having a great time eating, drinking and watching the movie and the next they were in separate rooms. She turned off the TV and walked into the bedroom. William wasn't asleep. He was writing. She crawled beside him on the bed and laid her head on his arm. She told him she was sorry. William stopped writing and without saying a word, he placed his poetry journal in the bedside table drawer. He undressed, turned off the light and got under the covers with his back turned to her.



 

Chapter 14:

When flesh and flesh meet
Nothing can stop their union
When heart and heart meet
Nothing can stop the passion
When soul and soul kiss
Who can stop the love?


When Elizabeth woke, she wanted to wake up to William's soft lip kisses and begging erection but he wasn't there. Last night her nervousness and delayed reaction made sure of that. Even sleep wasn't a friend to her as she tossed and turned, wanting to reach out to him. Unfortunately, her blonde lover had made it clear he didn't want to talk to her while he slept with his back to her all night. Elizabeth hurt William and saying sorry wasn't going to fix it. She owed him more than that but the words had died in her throat. She never had a problem talking to him before, so why now? It was the key that damn key. The shiny silver metal lying in small box had signified he wanted more. Elizabeth was scared and unsure she could give William what he wanted.

Her eyes wondered around the room and focused on his bedside drawer. Last night he told her he was going to bed but when she walked into the bedroom, he was writing like a man possessed. Letting her curiosity get the better of her, Elizabeth opened the drawer and pulled out his leather journal. She opened it to the last few written pages and began to read a poem titled "I Long".


I long for whispers in the morning
about the splendor we shared
I long to tell you how I am yours
to hear how you are mine
I need to look into your eyes
so I can watch you looking back

I long for the remembering of the time
we first made love and we were still
and I was happy to be inside you
and in that moment it was enough
that connection made as we laid still
It was my heart
that pumped and pumped and pumped

I long to hear your voice in my ear
the silent speeches from your eyes
the fullness of your mouth
when holding back a torrent of things
I know you want to say "This is deep"
Baby its very grand!

I long to share my emotions with you
although spontaneous
once placed, they're unchanging
no matter what

and if I move on in life
you will always be with me
not like a ball to a chain
but like an arm to a hand
this is getting serious
doesn't look like it's going away

I long to have a life that allows my love
for you to be protected
and always to express myself
to slide my voice into your heart

I long for you to lick me with your tongue
for you to take me and never let me go inside your heaven
so that I can feel your want

I long to have your arms wrapped around me
and to watch your shadows as the sun moves
from east to west
to the night of the moon
and airy breath of the stars
my sight of them could never be impaired
by clouds
for I shall always see through them
I am invincible
and so to my love
is my affinity to life

and it's now inclusive of you
and I share with you
that I long I long
I long...


Elizabeth covered her mouth with her hand. William's beautiful words had reached inside her chest and touched her heart. She wasn't surprised by her blonde lover's words as she stared into space, seeing their entire relationship flash before her eyes. It had evolved into something much more than passionate sex. They had been together for several months now and in their stolen hours away including since Rupert's been gone, she and William had become lovers, friends and soul mates. When she was apart from him, he lingered in her thoughts like smoke in a man's pipe and when they were together, her SPIRIT was right. Every kiss, every touch, every look he gave her and just everything about him was a constant reminder she was with the wrong British man.


In the last two years, she and Rupert had forgotten the reasons why they married each other. There was no more room for them to grow. Rupert was who he was ever going to be while she stopped being who she really was. Although she was grateful for all the things she shared and learned from being with Rupert, she had to face the facts that she had lost interest in those things a long time ago. Elizabeth couldn't remember the last time she visited a museum, went to the opera or picked up a book but she could remember every single thing she and William had ever talked about and how in their stolen hours away, he made her feel like she mattered. He wanted her for her and didn't care if she knew the name of the Indian tribe that put a curse on the ancestors of the men who stole their land or that Charles Dickens was one of the greatest English novelists of all time.

Elizabeth was tired of having to be so damn serious all the time, tired of watching her manners, and speaking when she only had something interesting to say. She preferred lazy days in bed making love, watching old 80's and 90's chick flick classics and having conversations about nothing but discussing them as if they were important. She had that with William and wasn't going to let some stupid key come between them. She relaxed into the pillows and read the poem again, each word made her belly do flip flops as she smiled after reading the line about when they first made love. She closed her eyes, remembering the passion-filled encounter but the memory was short-lived when she heard William open and close the front door. She rushed to place the journal back into the drawer then positioned herself on her side, pretending to be asleep.

*~~~*

William walked towards the bedroom but stopped in the doorway. Elizabeth was still asleep. He watched her a few more seconds before coming into the room. He sat on the bed then lightly ran his hand across her face. He was no longer upset with her. The walk he had taken helped clear his head and helped him come to a decision he didn't want to make but knew it was for the best. He was going to end his relationship with Elizabeth. Things were getting deeper at least for him he discovered. He wanted more but her reaction last night told him she wasn't in the same place as he. If he didn't break things off with her now, it would just make it harder for him to get over her. He loved Elizabeth but she didn't feel the same way and he didn't want to be love's bitch.

William decided to let Elizabeth sleep. He didn't get much last night. He wanted nothing more than to get under the covers with her and hold her in his arms one last time but knowing if he did, he would lose the courage to tell her it was over. He looked at the bedside clock and that's when he noticed the table drawer wasn't completely closed. When he retrieved the leather binder this morning to finish what he had written last night and placed it back, he made sure the drawer was closed.

*~~~*

Elizabeth's heart was racing. William was so close to her and she wanted nothing more than to pull him to her and make everything all right between them again but she wasn't sure she should. She didn't know if William was still upset with her. She didn't want him to reject her like she rejected him last night. She was such a fool. She opened one eye to get a glimpse at his handsome face then closed it quickly when he turned to look at her.

William turned to look at Elizabeth, catching her looking at him. She wasn't asleep and she had read his journal. He shrugged. He didn't care. He was going to share what he had written with her, one day. Now she knew how he felt despite him telling her he loved her the day they argued over Cecily and her husband. He leaned over and whispered her name. When Elizabeth opened her eyes, he had said good morning and placed the journal on her lap. Not one to beat around the bush, William asked her what did she think. Elizabeth, knowing the jig was up, told him she thought it was one of the most beautiful things he had ever written, adding she felt the same way. His eyes watered as he tilted he head to side, staring into her eyes. If what he saw in the green depths were true, then what he was going to ask her should be the answer he was hoping for. William asked Elizabeth if she loved him. When she hesitated, his chest tightened and all he could hear was the sound of his heart pumping in his ears, waiting to be broken. He turned away but Elizabeth grabbed his hand and with her other hand, she grabbed his chin. Elizabeth told William she loved him. He shivered.

They stared into each other eyes, each seeing the love with their passion bleeding through. Elizabeth told William to take off his shirt. He did while she looked at his well-defined chest before telling him to remove his pants. She smiled as he stood to honor her request and sat back on the bed. No matter how many times Elizabeth had seen William naked; she was still awed by the sight of such male perfection. She wanted to touch him but restrained herself. She pushed back the covers and climbed out of bed to stand in front of him. William looked up at her.

*~~~*

Elizabeth placed her hands on the sides of his face. Lowering her head, she kissed his brow, his eyelids, the bridge and then the tip of his nose. She kissed his lips, his chin, and his jaw line. Looking down, she couldn't wait to kiss the rest of him as she watched his cock come to life before her eyes. Slowly, she lowered her body while she kissed his neck, shoulders and chest. When she was down on her knees, she wedged her body between his legs then placed her hand on his stomach and told him to lie back. Her lips and tongue dipped into his naval then explored the hard creases in his left and right set of abs while the smooth tip of his erection brushed her chin. Further down south, she kissed the head of his maleness resting there then snaked her tongue down the length to his sac. The tip of her tongue caressed the sensitive flesh, teasing it to produce the clear sticky excitement that oozed from the slit. Every few seconds she would trial hot wet kisses back up the length to lick it away before returning to his sac while her hands rubbed the insides of his thighs.

Elizabeth looked up to see William's handsome face change expressions while she used her hot breath to stimulate the flexing muscle before taking him into her mouth. She savored the taste of him, feeling the tiny pulse against the roof of her mouth. Her hands gathered on his cock to caress, squeeze, push and pull him deeper in rhythm with her suction. His cock was smooth over her tongue as she traveled to the underside with the tip of her tongue then with the edge of her teeth. Over and over again she took him in, gaining momentum until she his clouded excitement filled her mouth. She swallowed and kept him there as the pulse inside his cock became faint and he softened.

*~~~*

William let out a sharp hiss and his eyes rolled shut. His hips jerked upward and his mouth opened involuntarily. Elizabeth's mouth was as sweet as her quim, wet and inviting. He moaned his pleasure as she took him in deeper while her hot urgent tongue left wet trails on his entire length. Each time his hardness united with her warm oral kiss he desperately wanted to come and come he did while his hands rested on top of her head as he ejaculated into her mouth, saying her name with a slow sigh.

He pulled her on top of him and lifted one of her blonde locks and stretched it across his chest. He kissed the top of her head, feeling a ray of hope. There was a chance he and Elizabeth could be together. She loved him and he wasn't going to push her into leaving her husband, yet. Loving him was enough and it was only matter of time until she realized that happily ever after was with him.
 

Chapter 15:

We are immersed in our love and ourselves
A pleasurable drowning in love's deep waters
Drenched in passion's liquid heat
Soaked in each other's emotions


Elizabeth doubled checked her suitcase, purse, and briefcase to make sure she had everything for work and her weekend with William. She was excited and looked forward to the change in scenery, hoping it would help get her mind off of what she and Rupert discussed last night. He called to inform her he would be returning late Sunday night and she wasn't thrilled about it. She wanted to end the call quickly like all the others, but Rupert didn't catch the hint. He began telling her how much he enjoyed his stay in California and the things he accomplished. She didn't want to know about it, preferring he filled her in when he got back.

Judging by the excited way he rambled on, Elizabeth hoped he would extend his trip, so much for hoping. Quickly bored with the conversation, the urge to tune him out had taken over. He did all the talking while she looked through a fashion magazine to catch up on the latest trends but when he informed her the company who sought his expertise offered him a job he got her attention and to make matters worse, Rupert considered taking the job. Elizabeth made it clear to him she wasn't moving back to California but he ignored her and discussed how much the offer would benefit his career. Elizabeth was angry. She wanted to hang up on him but if she did, he would have an excuse to tell her she was acting like a child. She hated when he said things like that to her.

Elizabeth stared off into space, thinking how her life would be without William. The thoughts twisted her heart and she couldn't take it anymore. She abruptly ended the conversation with Rupert and hung up without waiting for him to say good-bye. She took a deep breath and called William but not to discuss what she and Rupert talked about. She wanted to be comforted by the sound of his voice and to hear the soft caress of his breath in her ear.

Without letting on something was bothering her, Elizabeth tried to sound upbeat but right way he knew something was wrong. William asked if she wanted to talk about it but she said 'no'. He didn't push her but he succeeded in cheering her up, when he suggested they go away for their last weekend together. He told her he would make all of the arrangements and the only thing she needed to do was plan to leave work early on Friday and meet him at the coffee house during lunch hour.

*~~~*

William sat back in his office chair and remembered the conversation he had with Elizabeth Thursday night. He wasn't expecting her to call since he had spoken with her earlier that night. She started off excited as if she didn't speak to him two hours before, alerting him that something was wrong. He was hesitant to ask if her mood had anything to do with her husband, so he didn't mention him. William sighed. He never understood why he and Elizabeth could talk about everything imaginable, except her relationship with her husband.

William knew he was an older, British, and distinguished looking. If he didn't know Elizabeth and saw those two walking down the street, William would have thought Rupert was her father. Then it occurred to him, maybe that was the reason why she married him. Her own dad abandoned Elizabeth and her mother when she was eight, and he rarely spent any time with her as she got older.

Despite Elizabeth telling him in the coffee house she was happily married, William wasn't convinced. A happily married woman didn't cheat on her husband, leading him to speculate all she wanted from him was sex, so naturally he assumed old Ruppie wasn't putting it to her on a regular basis or making her see stars. Elizabeth was in her prime and a woman in her prime needed to be satisfied as often as possible.

One day he let his curiosity get the better of him and decided to Goggle her husband. William found out what Rupert did for a living and was quite impressed. The man appeared to be a brilliant sought after archeologist and right away, William speculated a man in his field didn't have time for anything, except his work. What was hard for William to fathom was how could her husband not want to give his undivided attention to such a beautiful, lively, and passionate woman.

William vowed he would try to give Elizabeth all the things she needed and quickly discovered it came naturally. They were perfect together and he wanted their last weekend to be special because she was special. He made plans for them to stay at the bed and breakfast and managed to get the same cottage where they first made love. They both arranged to leave work early and meet at the coffee house and rather than take the train, William rented a car. Feeling anxious, he glanced at his watch. In less than two hours, they would be on their way.

*~~~*

Elizabeth snuggled against William. They rode in comfortable silence and twenty minutes into the drive, snow flurries began to fall. When they arrived, the area looked like a winter wonderland. Elizabeth stepped out of the car and inhaled the cool, crisp fresh air. Although it was only her second visit, she was falling in love with the place all over again. The smile of her face broadened. Elizabeth loved upstate New York and the peace and tranquility the area provided. It was a means of escape from the fast-paced city life.

A few times she discussed with Rupert moving there but he claimed the commute would be too much for him. Elizabeth thought his reason was nonsense but she knew pushing the issue was a waste of time. Rupert would have put up a brick wall and not wanting to run into it, she never mentioned moving there again.

Suddenly, thoughts of his return invaded her mind but they vanished when she felt the warmth from William's embrace. His strong arms wrapped around her like a blanket, soothing her. Elizabeth turned around to face him, placing her arms around his neck, while her fingers played with the hair at the nape. She thanked him for bringing her there, then kissed him.

William responded passionately to the kiss, deepening it as his mouth opened and closed around hers. He secured his arms tightly around her waist and pulled her closer. His hands moved to caress her back and neck. In a surprising move, he dipped her without breaking contact from her mouth while one of his hands stroked her cheek as her petite frame rested against his arm.

The compulsion to dip Elizabeth came unexpected. He guessed being there triggered his romantic side. The bed and breakfast was their sanctuary and for the next two days and two nights, William wanted to see everything Elizabeth was seeing and feel everything she was feeling. He wanted to get lost in her and erect a barbed wire fence around them, keeping out the rest of the world.

Elizabeth felt a warm tingle around her face and shoulders as her mind drifted in bliss. She didn't anticipate being dipped but William's romantic gesture did leave her weak with wanting. His tongue caressed hers and it was a struggle to tear her mouth away from his but she needed to breath. She looked into his eyes. The look of love she saw in the blue depths made her shiver and smile. Being with him in the place where she defined and hoped to redefine passion and ecstasy, was the only place she wanted to be.

*~~~*

Hand in hand, they approached the white Victorian style house but when it was time to enter, William felt Elizabeth's hand tense around his. He took that as a sign she didn't want to go in. He understood and without saying a word, he escorted her to the wooden swing on the huge wrap around porch. He kissed her on the forehead and told her he wouldn't be long.

William walked into the warm, welcoming house and right away, the friendly owner recognized him. They engaged in small talk while William registered under the names Mr. and Mrs. William Hawthorne for the second time. Out of habit, the owner viewed what he wrote then looked out the huge window at the blonde woman swinging on the porch. William followed his eyes and together, they watched Elizabeth. The old man commented on how beautiful he thought his wife was then winked at William before handing him the key.

The owner informed him lunch was still being served in the main dining area. William nodded his head and before exiting, he noticed a massive wall covered in picture frames of couples. The first time he was there, he never noticed them but time was of the essence on that day. He walked closer to the wall for further inspection then inquired about them. The owner was more than happy to share his wall of lasting love.


Elizabeth knew it was foolish not to go inside. But ever since her run-in with Gwen, she needed to be more discreet. Then she quickly realized even that was foolish since she and William were at least an hour away from the city in an almost isolated area. She rocked back and forth in the swing and scanned the grounds. She counted six small cottages then guessed there were at least five bedrooms inside the huge house. Even if the bed and breakfast was filled to capacity, there weren't a lot of people there. She took in deep breath then let it out. It was okay to let her guard down she thought. Soon, William joined her on the porch and apologized for taking so long. He asked if she was hungry. Elizabeth smirked. It was a stupid question because she was always hungry.

*~~~*

They were sitting at a table with a lovely view of the lake. They were enjoying their meals, eating and feeding each other off their plates. Elizabeth giggled and exchanged playful banter with William. She felt relaxed and happy, allowing herself to take pleasure in everything William. She focused, with interest, on his sensual mouth, longing for his kisses in every size and structure. He acknowledged her with smiles and winks, as if he could clearly see her thoughts as if she had spoken them a loud. She wanted him.

William saw the longing in Elizabeth's eyes. He was happy to be there with her, despite the nagging thoughts of her husband's return. Limits would be placed on their relationship again but that was to be expected. However, this time he could handle it. Her declaration of love would sustain him and maybe, if what the owner said was true, a little help from magic.

He chuckled to himself, remembering the wink the old man gave him. He knew Elizabeth wasn't his wife. Maybe it was the absence of a wedding ring on his finger or perhaps his first visit. William registered as Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne but only stayed a few hours. In places like this, couples usually stayed overnight. William guessed the old man saw a lot in his business and knew not to poke his nose in others.

He blinked to erase the thoughts and refocused his attention back to Elizabeth. She was staring at him again. He grabbed her hand and brought it to his mouth. William gave each finger a wet kiss with tongue.

Elizabeth sighed and pulled her licked-wet fingers from William's lips. She giggled when he pouted, noticing his bottom lip was glistening with salvia. She sucked on her own bottom lip as if stating she wanted to do the same for him. The thought put a heated blush on her face. She wanted to feel his lips on hers but resisted the urge to lean across the table, but William was making it difficult. The come hither look in his eyes were corrupted with passion, making her blush even more, but Elizabeth remained in her seat for fear of committing a live sex act on the dining room floor.

*~~~*

William held the door open for Elizabeth. She waited until the door closed before giving into the overwhelming need to feel the softness of his lips. The intensity of the soul-stirring kiss made her heart beat rapidly in her chest and her vagina.

When their lips parted, William whispered the words de ja vu. She smiled in acknowledgment and held his hand. Although heading for their cottage seemed likely, William wanted to walk along the man-made trials, leading into the woods. Elizabeth thought it was a good idea. She thought the scenery, with all the light snow about, was breathtaking and wanted to appreciate what Mother Nature created.

When they approached the trails, she released his hand and hooked her arm around his and placed her head on his shoulder. They walked arm and arm through the wintered greenery, taking it all in until the trials ended on the other side of the large white Victorian house.

Elizabeth spotted a beautiful wood carved gazebo. She shared with William her love of gazebos and how, in happier times, her parents had one built for her in the backyard of their home. She shared with him the happy memory of playing with her dolls under it as well as the unhappy memories, sitting under it for hours to avoid listening to her parents argue then she clammed up.

Sensing she needed comfort, William wrapped his arms around her shoulders. Elizabeth placed her head on his chest and they remained like that for several long minutes. Wanting to change the mood, William pulled out a Swiss army knife; he borrowed from the owner, out of his coat pocket. He stood up and grabbed Elizabeth by the hand, leading her back into the woods until he found the perfect tree.

Naturally, she asked him what was he doing but he ignored her to focus on the task of carving their initials into the tree. When he was done, William stepped away, allowing Elizabeth to see the initials WH and ES written in the center of a heart. Though her true initials were EG, she didn't feel the need to correct him and although what he did was possibly fatal to the tree, she thought it was romantic.

*~~~*

On their way back, William decided to tell Elizabeth the reason why he carved their initials into the tree. According to the owner, if the initials of lovers are carved into any of the trees in the woods, the lovers will be together forever. Elizabeth stopped and asked William did he really believe it and he told her it couldn't hurt. Elizabeth stared at him, silent in her thoughts. The only way for them to be together forever meant she had to leave Rupert. Then she wondered if William's romantic gesture was his way of asking her to do it. He stepped closer to her and looked into her eyes. Her breathing began to accelerate. She could see his longing. The same longing she read in his poetry.

Elizabeth's thoughts were so plain that William thought he was invading her privacy by looking at her. She had to know he wanted her to leave Rupert. He moved closer to her and asked her to and without waiting for an answer, he swept her up in his arms and kissed her long and deep, stealing her breath away. William poured every ounce of love he had for her into the kiss. Slowly, parting his lips from hers, he told her he truly wanted an eternity with her then captured her lips into another heated kiss.

Elizabeth was at the mercy of William's kiss. Their lips bonded as if they were made solely for each other. Tears flooded her eyes and crept out of the sides. The moist friction created from the kiss overwhelmed her with emotion. She gasped against his mouth but quickly returned her lips to his. The kiss grew deeper, wetter, and harder.

Elizabeth didn't have to say a word. William already knew she was teetering on the edge to leave Rupert and by asking her to leave him was the nudge she needed. She was going to do it. She wasn't happy despite what she told him in the coffee house. She felt love for Rupert but William's presence in her life made her realize there was a difference in loving somebody and being in love.

Her answer was 'yes' but she needed to tell him that. It was important for William to know where he stood with her. When he tore his mouth away from hers, she was prepared to speak but his whispered words worked on her like a drug. She felt them all throughout her body. She wanted and eternity with him too.

When he kissed her again, she felt his love slicing into her, leaving sweet wounds but she still needed to answer him to make the moment real and for fear it would disappear. She pulled away from him, letting her breath fan his lips. She fixed her eyes on his and told him 'yes' and at that moment, she felt like they exchanged vows and then she kissed him.

William's heart swelled and tears sprang to his eyes. He thought he would explode from happiness. He was fulfilled and the winner of the silent competition he was having with her husband. Rupert had a treasure William wanted to possess and why not, it wasn't like the sod knew her value.

The wetness on his grew wetter but not from more tears. William opened his eyes but kept on kissing her. Snow flurries began to fall again, melting on their heated faces and mixing with their shed tears.

Their mouth-tangling embrace made Elizabeth feel like she was floating but she was quickly brought back down to earth, when William broke their kiss and picked her up to carry her the short distance to their cottage.

She felt a sudden shiver of awareness. All of the small cottages looked alike from the outside but somehow Elizabeth knew the one they were approaching was the exact same one they shared their first passionate encounter. Her eyes sparked with remembered pleasure and she could feel the beating of her heart in her lips, her nipples and between her legs.

William carried her over the threshold then placed her on her feet. He removed both their coats and grabbed her by the waist, flinging them both onto the brass bed. Elizabeth felt like they were going back in time. She turned on her side and surveyed the cozy cottage. Nothing had changed. She ran her hand across the white linen, remembering how amazing they were together, lips touching, breath caressing, bodies perspiring.

William spooned her from the back, propping his head up on one elbow while his other hand rested on her stomach. They were quite. Elizabeth reached for his hand and played with his fingers. Thoughts of missing him entered her mind. He asked her what she was thinking about. She told him she was thinking about him. William removed his hand from hers and grabbed her chin, turning her face to meet his. The position was awkward but he managed to place a sweet kiss on her lips. When their lips parted, she lingered a while longer before turning her head away.

William placed a kiss to the back of her head, enjoying the ever-present fresh scent of exotic flowers trapped in her hair. He encouraged her to talk and finally they discussed Rupert's return, her departure, and what would happen in the next few days. William told her he would give her time to let everything settle and understood if they didn't talk or see each other as often. He figured she would need her space but when she was ready, he would welcome her with open arms.

*~~~*

On the sweat dampened bed, their feasting mouths probed, sucked and devoured in wild joy. William's teasing fingers delved deep followed by even deeper thrusts of his cock. The teasing and thrusting was so intense, it seared Elizabeth's soul as their bodies collided in heat.

The slick wet noise of deep penetration, the taking and releasing of breaths, and the sounds made from head-thrown-back pleasure filled the small cottage. William was drowning in Elizabeth's heat, scent, breath and taste. Their bodies made one by the joining of their sexes.

Elizabeth felt like she was sinking into a world where it was only the two of them, mouth-to-mouth and stomach-to-stomach. She was coming, voicing her ecstasy through exaggerated sounds of the letter M followed by the word 'yes' then the word 'oh' and another 'yes'. It seemed to never end. William acknowledged her pleasure with his own as the muscles in her quim squeezed, licked and tickled him to orgasm.

They remained locked long after William softened inside her and after the sweat dried. They kissed each other softly and whispered how much they loved each other. William laid his head on the small firm pillows of her breasts, quickly losing his battle with sleep.

Elizabeth welcomed the weight of his head then wrapped her small arm around him in a possessive way. A lazy smile, distorted by the call of sleep, formed on her face as she felt HIS heart beating in her chest as if they were one body. A single tear of happiness rolled down her cheek. She had found the perfect mate for her soul.
 

The last time Rupert spoke with Elizabeth was on Thursday night. He tried calling her at home and on her cell phone but she didn't answer or return his calls. Finally he gave up and boarded the plane. Maybe she would be home by the time he arrived, he thought.

He settled into his first class seat with thoughts of his wife being AWOL settling with him. He didn't like it when he couldn't get a hold of her, especially on the weekend and her job was another matter. On Friday, he tried calling her there but got her voice mail. Wondering where she could be, he called the receptionist for her floor and the young woman informed him Elizabeth was gone for the remainder of the day. Thinking maybe she left work early because she was sick, Rupert asked the young woman if Elizabeth had taken ill. The young woman couldn't confirm. After hanging up, Rupert called home again, hoping Elizabeth would pick up. He wanted to tell her he had managed to get an earlier flight.

He removed his glasses and began cleaning them, then asked the passing stewardess to bring him a cup of tea. He continued cleaning his glasses, while thinking of reasons to explain why he couldn't get a hold of Elizabeth. Maybe she was shopping, maybe she lost her cell phone, or maybe she was with friends, he thought. In his heart, Rupert knew these reasons were rubbish and finally entertained the thought that Elizabeth was indeed having an affair.

Rupert had his suspicions and they were confirmed when Gwen told him about the white-headed blonde man, with the handsomely striking features she saw Elizabeth with in the coffee house near her home. Putting two and two together, Rupert thought back on the night he saw the same man that matched Gwen's description with Elizabeth in the lobby of her building. He would never forget the way the blonde man looked at his wife.

Rupert and Gwen talked in length when she further revealed she was almost positive she saw Elizabeth with the same young man before. She stated she remembered seeing Elizabeth sitting by the window of the same coffee house several months ago. However, she did admit she couldn't get a good look because she was in a hurry to make the opening curtain of her favorite opera but she did notice the pair held hands. Suspecting Gwen was only trying to start trouble, he decided not to believe her nor ask Elizabeth about it. He and Gwen's friendship was strained ever since he married Elizabeth. The look on her face when he told her he was getting married was like the sweetest revenge.

It started when Rupert began teaching at Columbia. Gwen taught there for several months before he arrived and when they were introduced by the Dean, he was immediately smitten with her. They had to share an office for several weeks until his was ready and quickly became friends after discovering the abundance of things they had in common. She liked to read the classics, enjoyed the opera and was equally passionate about her work, as he was. Gwen was the perfect woman for him and Rupert wanted to take things further.

After several months, he finally got the nerve to ask her out. She turned him down and told him she didn't think it was wise to date someone she worked with. Rupert tried to understand but felt her reason had more to do with his looks and age. There was only a three-year age difference but Gwen looked much younger and he soon found out she also preferred younger men. On several occasions, he had the displeasure of seeing her in the company of a few younger blokes at various archeology functions and black tie affairs held by the university for the faculty, staff and alumni.

Feeling his self-esteem plummet, Rupert threw himself into his work earning prestige and recognition on several archeological discoveries. He was world-renowned in his field and even appeared on television. There were articles written about him, certifying him as an expert in his field and later he started lecturing at other universities including Columbia where he met Elizabeth. When he spotted her glowing face in the audience, it silenced him. It was the first time in years he had lost his train of thought in a room filled with students and his colleagues.

After the lecture, one of his favorite students, a red headed girl whose name he couldn't remember, introduced them. He and Elizabeth exchanged pleasantries and quickly the red headed girl began telling him how much she enjoyed the lecture. While the enthusiastic girl spoke, Elizabeth was giving him the most heart stopping stare and smile, causing him to tune her friend out. It wasn't until after several moments he realized she was silently flirting with him. He was flattered and decided to flirt back, which was certainly out of character for him but she brought out something in him he hadn't felt in ages. This young beautiful blonde girl made him feel young again. He liked the feeling and wanted to keep feeling that way, so he took a chance and asked her out to dinner. The only thing they had in common was that she thought he was brilliant.

Elizabeth was young and full of life, sexy and passionate and most of all she liked him and at the time it was enough for Rupert. For a whole year they were inseparable, then he asked her to marry him. He thrived off her youth and he enriched her with his knowledge, introducing her to the arts and literature. Two years into the marriage, Rupert realized he had made a mistake in marrying Elizabeth. She was too young for him and he was too old for her and not just in years. He couldn't keep up and he couldn't compete with her youthfulness and he didn't want to. He was too busy having a love affair with his work.

The last two years had brought more recognition and prestige then he could ever hope for, making it difficult to balance his marriage and career. He knew he needed to make a choice and before he knew it, he was spending more and more time away from Elizabeth, only occasionally trying to spend time with her when he noticed she had stopped trying. She was spending more time at work, or so he thought. She never complained or brought up the fact that he was doing the same. They were drifting apart and rather than ask for a divorce and admit he had actually failed at something, Rupert just pretended it wasn't happening and then of course, to prove the naysayers wrong, especially Gwen.

Rupert chuckled. He found it comically disturbing when Gwen started flirting with him soon after she found out he was dating Elizabeth and even more so when he and his young girlfriend got married. He refused to indulge her until one night they found themselves working on a joint project. He had received a call from Elizabeth, telling him she was going to be working late AGAIN, which was becoming more frequent than he liked as the months passed. He tried to understand, even though she was just a marketing representative at a rather small art firm. He decided to work late too but didn't bother to tell her, then asked Gwen to stay late with him. He knew she would jump at the chance. She was just as committed to her work as he was. He really liked that quality about her and that night, they managed to finish the project ahead of schedule and decided to have a drink afterwards to celebrate. One drink led to many more and before he knew it, they were back at her place, shagging their brains out.

Feeling guilty about his indiscretion with Gwen, Rupert called home to check on Elizabeth. He was surprised she wasn't home yet. It was pretty late. He couldn't reach her on her cell phone and decided to stop by her office. Since he wasn't home to prepare dinner for them, he picked up her favorite Chinese take out. When he entered her building, he recognized her standing at the security desk. He also noticed a young blonde man standing only a short distance from her. The look on the young man's face made Rupert stop in his tracks and although Elizabeth's body language appeared detached, there was no mistaking his. There was an intimate awareness about him and the look of longing on the young man's face convinced Rupert something wasn't right. He knew that look all too well. The expression on the young man's face was the same one he wore when he was fawning over Gwen and it was at that moment Rupert wanted to know who the man was and what the hell was going on.

He hoped Elizabeth would give him the answers he was seeking, but she only made him feel guilty for asking and even got angry when he suggested she wasn't telling him the truth. Besides considering what he had done, he realized he could be perpetuating his own guilt onto her. It was wise to let it go, but the memory of what he saw on the young man's face would be forever embedded in his mind.

*~~~~*

Spike and Buffy had dinner in the main dinning room then joined two other couples for drinks and charades in the parlor. After three rounds, they were victorious, having won each round. Laughing, Spike would pull Elizabeth into a tight embrace and kiss her passionately, ignoring the other couples cheering them on. It was the third kiss that convinced them it was time to call it a night. It was also their last night together before they had to return to the city and they didn't particularly want to spend those precious hours cheesing it up with strangers.

After bidding the other couples good night, William and Elizabeth practically ran the entire distance back to their cottage, stopping to kiss and fondle each other along the way as their passion flared with each step. The cottage door slammed against the unsuspecting wall but the moment it closed, raw fire erupted between them. The red-hot lovers began stripping away their clothes. There were no words just the sounds of heavy breathing, the smacking of full lips against full lips, vulnerable buttons popping, the sound of zippers unzipping and seams splitting.

*~~~~*

Rupert exited the yellow cab in front of his home. The Saturday morning paper greeted him at the front door. Entering the foyer, he stepped on the small pile of mail on the hardwood floor. He picked up the mail, placing it on the console with the newspaper. He called out Elizabeth's name but didn't get an answer. He then looked at his watch. It was 5:30 and she still wasn't home.

He cut off the light in the foyer and made a beeline for his study, stopping along the way to cut off the light in the living room. Everything was just as he left it. Nothing was out of place. He poured himself a glass of Scotch and sat in his high wingback chair. He thought about calling Elizabeth again, but changed his mind. She was clearly too busy with other things...or rather too busy with someone. His jaw tightened. He knew he shouldn't be too angry. He did shag Gwen...but at least he knew it was a mistake and one he wished to never repeat again, contrary to his wife running around like some whore, making him look like a fool. What if other colleagues besides Gwen had seen her? He would be a laughing stock. He hoped Gwen would keep her mouth shut but he knew it was unlikely. She had taken a perverse pleasure in telling him what she had witnessed. She would probably gain even more pleasure in sharing it with others, who would no doubt take pleasure in knowing how the mighty had fallen. Soon, it would be in the gossip columns and he would have to deal with people pitying him...or worse, snickering and whispering how it was bound to happen, most likely insinuating that Elizabeth was only with him for his money. Morosely he drank his scotch without stopping, pouring himself another and drinking it rapidly like the first one. He poured himself another drink, before standing. He walked into the foyer to retrieve the mail and sat at his desk. He took a large gulp of his drink and stared intently at the envelopes before him wondering why there was so much. Then it hit him. Elizabeth probably hadn't been home at all and wouldn't be coming back home anytime soon and it explained why the paper was left on the porch.

Rupert stared off into space. It made perfect sense. He hadn't spoken to her in two days and she obviously didn't have enough intelligence to hide her indiscretions properly. Tightening his hand around his glass, he placed it to his lips and gulped the rest down. He slammed the empty glass on his desk, nearly smashing it. Blindly, he reached for a piece of the mail, desperate to occupy his mind with something other than thoughts of Elizabeth with her young lover.

*~~~~*

The saltiness of sex and the sweet scent of passion permeated the twisted sheets as their twisted limbs connected in fucking awe. They were drowning in each other's heat, scent, and breath. From the movement of her lips on his shoulder to the wet rotation of his tongue on her nipples, flesh impacted flesh as Elizabeth laid bare, sweating, her thighs open and only a scream away from release.

William wanted every inch of her flesh against every inch of his flesh as they wrestled underneath the bed sheets, lost in the taste and texture of each other. A whisper of his name from her lips and a tease of her tongue increased the unrelieved pressure that flexed his spine, seeking an outlet. His thrusts increased and she was right there with him as the wet smacks of their lust finally delivered them from their sexual madness. Locked like mating insects, their bodies stilled but their tongues continued to fill each other's mouths until they parted for air then whispered how much they loved each other.

*~~~~*

Rupert opened the envelope and immediately knew something was wrong. There were numerous charges from some hotel he didn't recognize. He made a mental note to contact his credit card company about the charges, and then he saw the bill belonged to Elizabeth. He studied it more carefully. There were three separate charges from the same hotel, including other charges for various department stores and lingerie stores. His jaw tightened again when he realized what he was reading was yet more confirmation of Elizabeth's cheating. It had opened the floodgate to many others...like the classic working after hours and how it was sometimes impossible to get a hold of her on those nights. The new lingerie and how, when she would come home, she would immediately dash up the stairs to shower before greeting him with a kiss and a hug like she usually did. There were others things...like during one of their rare couplings she seemed so distant and now he knew why. Her thoughts were with someone else and that someone was the man he watched ogling her when he paid a surprise visit to her office. The same man he overheard her speaking to on the phone late one night, the same man who he heard Elizabeth whisper his name in her sleep. William was his name or rather... William, oh God William...as she had put it. Rupert needed another drink.

*~~~~*

Elizabeth gave William a long kiss goodbye before exiting the car. It was a beautiful Sunday morning and their unforgettable weekend was over. It was time for her to prepare herself for Rupert's arrival and the evitable talk they needed to have. She retrieved her suitcase from the backseat then lowered her head inside the car window to tell William she would call him later. She watched him drive off before approaching the stairs leading to her unhappy home.

One thing struck her as odd as she made her way up the stairs, dragging her suitcase and briefcase behind her. She expected to see the Saturday and Sunday morning papers on the porch but shrugged it off, thinking someone must have stolen them. She unlocked and opened the front door and froze. The light in the foyer and living room were turned off and the light in Rupert's study was on. Elizabeth deliberately left those two lights on when she left the house Friday morning. She had an uncomfortable feeling in her stomach and the sounds coming from Rupert's study only made it worse. At first she thought someone had broken into the house. Then she thought what were the odds of the thief locking her front door after taking what he wanted, but rather than face what was ahead of her now, she wished it were truly a thief. It was apparent Rupert was home, causing the uncomfortable feeling in her stomach to work in sync with the hard pounding of her heart. Elizabeth was panicking and wondering why the hell he was home. She wasn't expecting him until later, much later. She looked at her watch. It was 1pm and she had no idea how long he had been home. Why didn't he call her but then she remembered William had turned off her cell phone in a playful gesture so they wouldn't be disturbed and although she meant to turn it back on, she had gotten so lost in their magical time together, she let it slip her mind.

She heard Rupert call her name, unnerving the hell out of her even more. He didn't sound too happy. Quickly she opened the hall closet, placing her suitcase and briefcase inside before acknowledging him. She headed straight down the long hallway wiping her sweaty hands on her jeans as she struggled to make the panic recede.

The curtains in the study were closed and the room was still dark despite the small lamp. One of Rupert's precious books was lying open on his desk with a near empty bottle of scotch beside it. She marked his book before closing it and nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard his voice come out of the darkness...with the one question she never thought she would hear him utter. He asked her who the other man was. She didn't reply. He asked her the same question again but this time he was much louder. Again, Elizabeth chose silence, looking at him. She could barely see his form sitting in the chair until he stood up and walked towards her. Her instincts told her to take a step back, then another and another until her back was almost against the wall. She didn't want to talk to Rupert in the dark.

Without looking away from him, she turned on the lights. They both squinted their eyes, trying to focus on each other. Rupert's face was blank but the look in his eyes was unmistakable. He was angry and she could smell the strong liquor on his breath. She still didn't try to reply until he asked her if she was going to answer his question. Then she began to stutter but before any actual words graced her lips, he told her not to bother. Not if she thought she was going to lie her way out of it. Elizabeth went silent. Humorlessly, he laughed and walked passed her, grabbing the half-empty bottle of scotch off his desk.

Rupert flopped down in the leather chair in front of his desk and filled his empty glass. He gulped it down and then looked at her. He asked her how long has it been going on. She hesitated. Abruptly he stood, angrily demanding she answer him. She jumped, and then backed further against the wall. He rushed towards her, grabbing her by her forearms, yelling at her that he wasn't a fool. A little sob escaped her; she told him she was sorry. Rupert released her then asked her if she loved him. She hesitated then told him she was in love with the other man. He chuckled then replied that was good because HE didn't love her anymore. She wasn't shocked by his admission but what he said next did shock her. He told her he couldn't say he hadn't seen it coming and was surprised their marriage lasted as long as it did.

No longer at a loss for words, she wanted him to elaborate but she didn't wait for his answer. She answered for him, blurting out that he married her knowing the marriage would fail. She asked him then why didn't he ask her for a divorce. He told her he was too busy to deal with it and wanted her to be the one to ask first so it would look like he wasn't the one who failed. She laughed and then called him a bastard and acknowledged she was once again a poor second after his work. He told her she knew how important his work was to him before she married him and that if she wanted to screw around, he would have preferred she divorced him and spared him the embarrassment.

Elizabeth could feel herself getting angry. She folded her arms across her chest and shook her head before telling him he needed to get over himself and that everything wasn't all about him. Rupert had a smug look on his face and she itched to slap it away. Instead, she kept her arms locked to her body then acknowledged out loud that her mother and friends were right all along. She should have never married him. Still wearing the annoying smug, Rupert stood and walked over to her. He leaned into her face until their noses were almost touching and told her she should have listened to them before he pulled away, giving Elizabeth the room she needed to slap him across the face before shouting he had never loved her. Rupert didn't see that coming but couldn't help feeling satisfied that he had hurt her in the same way she hurt him. He told himself he was long over it, but acknowledged he still had feelings for Elizabeth.

No longer taking pleasure in the hurtful things he'd said to her, his face softened. He apologized to her and stated he didn't regret having her in his life. She arched a brow at him and he took that as a sign to continue. He told Elizabeth she made him feel young again and helped him recapture his youth since so much of it was spent with his nose in books. What she gave him was something he needed at the time and for that, he would forever be grateful to her and that he did love her...at least in the beginning, but those feelings were long gone. He touched her face, giving her a weak smile and told her she needed to be with someone who made her happy and that it was better if that someone was closer to her own age. After a small moment of silence, he added that he needed to be with someone his own age as well.

Elizabeth moved away from him and she responded by bringing up Gwen's name as someone he would be better off with. She watched him flinch and knew she had touched a nerve. Rupert never flinched...well, except that one time when someone questioned his findings in a study on national television. She concluded he still had feelings for the uptight bitch...but she couldn't find it in her heart to blame him. They had so much in common and seemed perfect for each other.

She remembered the first time she met Gwen. Elizabeth wanted to scratch her eyes out. They were at a one of Rupert's boring functions and Gwen was there with some guy who looked young enough to be in high school. When Rupert introduced them, she insulted and complimented Elizabeth in the same sentence and it was at that moment she knew Gwen was jealous and that was enough to keep Elizabeth from going medieval on her ass. She had something Gwen wanted. Lucky for her, the uptight bitch could have him now.

Rupert downed the rest of his drink, feeling the guilt of having slept with Gwen creeping up on him. He didn't want to engage in conversation about his ex-crush, so he said nothing. They both stood in silence because there was nothing else left to say, resulting in the silent conclusion they had both wanted a divorce but neither one of them had the balls to say it. Rupert told her he would be moving into one of the guest bedrooms and that he would make an appointment with their lawyer in the morning. Quietly he walked out of the study and up the stairs.

Elizabeth exhaled and poured herself a drink; she slowly sat down in the high wing back chair. Her marriage was over and felt regret she didn't do it sooner but then realized if she had, she would have never met William and that she would never regret.

The End