Maiden Voyage
Jan. 27th, 2011 11:35 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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marysuevirusTitle: Maiden Voyage
Chapter Five: Star Crossed
Fandom: the Marvel Universe, specifically an AU version featuring the Mutant Sues
Rating: mature.
Warnings: there will be mild violence and sex. maybe some language. blatant abuse of history
Disclaimer: the Marvel men do not belong to me. they belong to Marvel and whoever the hell else owns them. i'm simply borrowing them for the fun of it. i like putting them through hell, don't you know? i'm not making money from this, either. so don't even consider what you can score off me. i'm broke. not a penny to my name. the Sues belong to the women who thought them up, namely Dazzledfirestar, Nan, SFC, Gin and myself. don't steal them. they'll kick your ass. the name and concept of the Mary Sue Virus belong to Daz, who graciously allowed me to use it for my own personal pleasure.
A/Ns: this is an idea that's been rattling around in my head for some time. and it all started when i happened to be watching a movie. yeah, you know the one. the thought came to me... "What would Dare look like in Edwardian clothes?" and it just kind of took off after that. while i don't claim to be an expert on history by any stretch of the imagination, i used a couple of reference sites for the factual information. not that i've given much of it because to do so would suggest that i know what the fuck i'm going on about. so take it all with a grain of salt. here's hoping that this won't be a hideous mess. and that it won't be an epic of goat fuck proportions.
Maiden Voyage - the Index
The Al A Carte Restaurant was as grand and luxurious as any she'd ever visited, either in New York City or in the big capital cities of Europe. She and Warren had explored many sections of the ship, even going so far as to going far below decks to see what the Second and Third class areas looked like. Even Warren, who had decided that he wanted to explore the world of aviation, was impressed with the things they'd seen. But none of it could compare with the opulence of the Al A Carte.
The tables were covered with pristine white clothes, polished silver, sparkling crystal and finely wrought china plates. A steward showed her group to their table, weaving amidst the tables and the people who sat at them. All of those people were dressed in their finest evening wear. The men's tuxedos were of the most expensive materials, tailored perfectly to each wearer's physical form. The women's gowns were the latest fashions in all the colors of the rainbows. Gem stones to match adorned necks and ears, wrists and fingers. There was plenty of chatter going on, the sound a dull just as rich and lush as their surroundings.
"This place is amazing!" she told Warren, eyes wide as she tried to take it all in at once. If not for his hand on her arm, she was sure she would have run into a few tables or people or walls or whatever else happened to get in her way.
"I've heard some of the passengers calling it 'The Ritz' of the ship. I don't think they're that mistaken." Warren sounded as if he was in as much awe as she was.
"Look, Haley. Isn't that Alasdare over there?" Her mother was gesturing toward a table on the other side of the room, near the corner. Haley's gaze followed her mother's hand to find a dark headed woman sitting with a blonde man. While he wore a very finely crafted tuxedo, there was something about him that made it appear as if the garment was ill fitting. Sitting across from him, pale face tipped down toward the table's surface, was a woman in a bloody red silk that accented just how dark her hair was next to the lightness of her skin.
"It is. I must say, she doesn't look happy."
"Your father has been telling me some awful things about this Creed person she's married to." Her mother's voice made it clear to her just what kind of person she thought Alasdare's husband was. Haley wished she could correct her mother, but the truth was that she hadn't seen her friend in some time and was fairly certain that had something to do with her spouse. "Perhaps you should tell her parents about him. You know that she'd never mention it to them."
Haley smiled at her mother. Charlotte Stone was as forward thinking as any man and her husband did nothing to discourage her thoughts. No doubt anything she'd heard about Victor Creed had been less than flattering. Haley had heard a few things herself and wondered from time to time what the Scotts had been thinking when they'd allowed that marriage to take place. "I'll be sure to mention it the next time I see them."
They arrived at their table before there was time for anymore discussion about the marital problems of her childhood friend. Warren, ever a gentleman, held her chair for her before taking his own. Her father did the same for his wife, more out of a sense of routine than any kind of chivalrous behavior. Haley sat across from her mother with Warren on her left and her father on her right. The steward handed each of them a menu, then turned and retraced his step to his position by the door. Warren set his menu down on the table top. Haley did the same. Her parents followed suit and the four of them sank into conversation while they waited for their server to come ask for their order. Most of it centered around onboard gossip. This was a topic neither of the men took part in.
When the steward in the white coat arrived, Warren was the one who placed the order for a bottle of their best champagne. Both of her parents raised an eyebrow at that, but said nothing. The steward offered them a brilliant smile, then hurried off to retrieve the requested bottle. While they waited, Warren's foot brushed against hers under the table. She cast him a look out of the corner of her eye, letting her mouth turn up ever so slightly. Before he could do anything else, the steward returned with the bottle of champagne Warren had ordered.
They each held their flutes up for the steward as he poured a measure of the golden beverage into their glasses. When he'd filled everyone's glass, he settled the bottle in a silver ice bucket and then left them alone. Seeing their opportunity, Haley tapped his foot with her own a signal that he should go ahead with their plan. He picked up his spoon and tapped it lightly against his champagne flute, at the same time clearing his throat to ensure that he had everyone's attention. A quick glance around the table showed Haley that her parents were looking.
"Howard. Charlotte. You've been like parents to me for as long as I can remember. You were there for me when my own parents were killed. You've accepted me into your family without question." Warren's hand reached into an interior pocket as he spoke. "After some serious consideration, I've come to realize that I'd like to make that familial claim legitimate."
"Oh my!" Haley's mother reached for her champagne and took a sip. "Warren, are you?..."
He withdrew the ring from his pocket with a nod and turned toward Haley. "Haley, you've been my best friend since I was old enough to pull your pig tails. I can't think of a woman I'd rather spend my life with than you. If you'll have me, that is. And if Howard will give us his blessings, of course."
Almost as one, Haley and Warren turned to look at her father. He was watching them closely, an inscrutable look on his face. Finally, he spoke. His tone of voice suggested that he wasn't sure about the union. "What about your would be suitor at home, Haley?" Howard Stone turned to look at his wife. "What was his name again?"
"Erik Lehnsherr, dear."
"Of course. Thank you, my darling." He tossed a smile at his spouse before turning his attention back to his daughter."What about him, Haley? He's already asked for your hand. It would be a good match. He's a well respected industrialist with a large household and plenty of money. You'd be well taken care of for the rest of your life."
"And he's already got children who are older than me, Papa." Haley explained. "I want to grow old with my husband. Not bury him before I get old. I want to have children with him. Not play mother to the ones he already has."
Warren reached out and took hold of Haley's hand. "I want to give Haley all those things she wants. I plan to give them to her. I also plan to spend the rest of my life making her happy. This is important to us, Howard. We want to get married. We simply need your blessing to make it happen."
"I don't know, Warren. I've never thought you would be the one she'd marry. You two are more like siblings than lovers."
"Stop teasing the children, Howard. You know that you've always wanted Haley and Warren to make a life together. Now give them your blessing so that you men can go smoke and brag about your manliness while we women talk about how we're really the ones who make the world go round."
Her father was still for a few more moments, then he smiled and nodded. "Of course you children have my blessing. Charlotte and I couldn't be happier to welcome you into the family, Warren. A toast to your coming union. May it be as joyous and blessed.as my marriage to Charlotte." He lifted his champagne. One by one, Haley, Warren and her mother followed. The delicate glasses chimed musically when they tapped one against the others. After finishing the drink, Warren took Haley's hand in his and slid the ring onto her finger.
The ring was platinum, with an open cut design that looked like scrolling vines and leaves. Set in the center was a fabulous sapphire. It was oval cut and a pure dark blue that she'd never seen before. But the sapphire wasn't the only stone. There were over twenty diamonds set into the interwoven leaves and vines. The ring fit perfectly to her finger. All she could do for a minute or two was stare at the way the light caught on the gems. "Its positively beautiful, Warren."
"Not half so beautiful as you, my dear." He leaned across the distance to press a kiss to her cheek. She ignored the way that kiss felt more brotherly than passionate. Passion would come with time. Wouldn't it? "Now be good while I go brag about my manliness to the other men when I tell them I'm marrying the most beautiful girl in the world. Try not to cause problems."
"Your faith in me is overwhelming, Warren."
"He's right. You always were a hellion, Haley." Her father was smiling at her when he said it. "Do try to behave yourself. Come along, Charlotte. Our reservation is in half an hour. I don't want to be late."
"Yes, Papa." She returned her father's smile. "You boys do the same." Her father stood. Warren joined him. While her father kissed her cheek, Warren did the same with her mother. The two men wandered some distance from the table. Haley watched them go, certain that her father was giving her future husband a speech that involved his little girl and taking good care of her and most likely mentions of bodily harm. Haley turned to her mother. "What do you suppose those two are talking about, Mama?"
"I'm sure your father is simply welcoming Warren to the family. I plan on convincing him to come back to the cabin with me after our dinner. You, my dear, should go over and say hello to your friend while Warren is off being a man. Spend some time with her. She looks as if she could use an understanding shoulder." Haley watched as her mother rose to her feet. She did the same. "There'll be time to discuss this crazy plan you and Warren have concocted later. I do hope you know what you're doing, darling. You know your father and I love Warren as if he was our own. But we also want you to be happy. And I know you aren't in love with Warren, child. Think about this."
Her mother was gone without another word. Charlotte joined her husband and, together, the two of them left the dining room. Haley stared after them for a few moments, then rose and made her way over to Alasdare's table.
~*~
Her time with her friend was much shorter than she wanted to spend with the other woman. But the appearance of Victor Creed ended their little chat. Alasdare hurried off without much fight, making Haley wish for a moment that she was a man so that she could do to him what he was obviously doing to her childhood friend. Haley was about to find her way inside when the doors opened up and allowed Victor Creed back out onto the deck. A quick glance around told Haley that there was no one around. She was on her own with a monster.
Head held high, she made for the doors as if he wasn't standing there, staring at her like she was some kind of fresh meal to be consumed. His hand reached out and took hold of her arm when she was standing right next to him, halting her in her tracks. Turning, she gave him her best haughty stare. "Release me or I shall inform the Master at Arms that you are molesting your betters."
"What kind of nonsense have you been filling my wife's head with?" If he was worried about her threat, it didn't show.
"Alasdare is my oldest friend. I was merely visiting with her. I haven't seen her since you and she were married last year. Any ideas she may have in her head are purely her own, I assure you."
He glared at her, as if that one look was all it would take to intimidate her. Haley maintained a cool stare. She could smell the alcohol on his breath. No doubt that was what had helped him throw caution to the wind. "There's a reason she hasn't accepted your invitations, ya know."
"Of course I know. You're an overbearing, controlling son of a bitch. You've done your very best to keep her locked away from the world. Have you managed to beat the spirit out of her yet?"
"I don't want you coming near my wife again. If I see ya hanging around her, I'll show you how controlling I am."
"You may frighten her, sir, but you don't frighten me."
Victor leaned closer to her, snarling at her as if he was an animal. "Give me time and I'll make ya frightened of me."
"Lay a hand on me and I will see to it that you regret it." Haley tilted her head up just a bit. "In fact, if you lay a hand on Alasdare again, I'll see to it that you regret it."
"And what do you think you're going to do about it, girl? Who's going to believe you? She's my wife and I got a right to deal with her as I see fit." He started walking as he spoke, pushing her backward until she was up against the wall. This was getting a little too close for her comfort. She tried to look around for help while still maintaining her air of superiority. She was rapidly losing her cool, fear climbing up her throat to choke her, to take control of her very mind. "You women. You ain't nothing but property. Things for us men to own and use as we see fit. Like horses and cattle. I can do anything to my wife that I want. Ain't no one gonna stop me, either. Not you and not your new fiance. He ain't man enough to do anything to me."
"Perhaps not physically, Mr. Creed. But he can ruin your reputation. He can destroy you in the business world. He and my father both can damage you so irreparably that you'll never recover from it. Raise a fist to me just once, touch Alasdare again, and I'll ensure that you're ruined."
Creed laughed at her threat, a low, growling sound that sent chills down her spine. How had Alasdare managed to live with the man for the past year without being hurt more seriously than she had? Haley felt real fear slide down her spine when he leaned in until his face was almost touching hers. "Stay away from my wife, bitch, or I'll show you just what it is I'm capable of. That pretty boy of yours won't be able to recognize you when I get done with ya."
"You should know, Mr. Creed, that I am not swayed so easily with threats. I am not afraid of you."
The look he gave her would have made her shudder if she was willing to let him know that she was afraid of him. As it was, she did her best not to react to him in any way. His body closed the scant distance between them until he was almost touching her. The hand that had been holding her against the wall let go, only to climb higher so that his fingers could circle her throat. His hold cut some of her air supply off, sending a skitter of panic rushing through her.
His free hand lifted, his knuckles trailing against the curve of her cheek and down until they grazed against the swell of her breast. "You'd better watch yer back there, princess. There are worse things I can do to you than hit you and mar your pretty face."
"If you don't let me go right now, Mr. Creed, I shall scream loud enough that they'll hear me all the way back to England." she promised.
"Open your mouth and I'll find a way to shut you up."
She had no doubt that he would, too. She was on the verge of losing her cool and if he didn't let her go, she was going to do something very girlish and start screaming her head off. This wasn't something she'd considered when he'd grabbed hold of her and it made her wish that he'd just hit her and be done with it. How was she supposed to get out of this?
"I think you should let the lady go." The strange voice pulled Creed around so that Haley could see her rescuer. He was tall and tan, his blonde hair glinting in the golden light put out by the electric lanterns that illuminated the deck. He was wearing a rather plain pair of trousers in brown and an off white shirt that looked as if it had seen much use. The man looked at ease and completely unafraid of Creed.
"Stay out of this, boy. This isn't any of your concern." Haley noted that Alasdare's husband was back to sounding cultured. Apparently, it was bad form to let the under class know that he wasn't what he seemed. And while his hands released their hold on her, he didn't back off to a more comfortable distance.
"The lady doesn't want you to touch her. Let her go."
Haley watched the two men size one another up. She could tell that Alasdare's husband thought that the other man would be an easy defeat. The stranger wasn't quite as tall as Victor Creed, nor did he look to be as heavy. But Haley didn't think that the stranger would be so easily taken down. There was something about him that suggested he could be just as dangerous and deadly in a fight as the larger man. It was there in the lose stance the man took up, in the way he watched the larger man. She held her breath while they stared at each other.
Finally, Creed stepped away from her, leaving Haley pressed up against the wall simply because she didn't think she would be able to stand if she moved. After one last look at the stranger, Creed pinned her with a stare that started her heart pounding again. "Stay away from my wife or you'll get some of what she got." Without another word, the man disappeared through the doors and left Haley with her savior.
When the man was sure that Creed was gone, he stepped closer to her. "Are you okay, miss? He didn't hurt you, did he?"
"No." She shook her head and tried to smile. But her heart was pounding in her chest so hard that she thought it might burst through her ribs. Instead, she searched discretely for something to hold on to. It felt as if her knees were going to give out on her at any second. "He didn't... He didn't... He..." She broke off and let her gaze skim the deck, looking for the nearest deck chair. "I'm sorry. I think I might need to sit down."
She turned toward the lounger, intent on settling down until she no longer shook. But the fear had left her almost unable to remain standing. And the tight lacing on her corset was making it hard to draw a full breath. When her feet tangled in the hem of her evening gown, she thought she was going to fall over. But the kind stranger who'd already come to her aide once was there to catch her. He helped her over to the lounge chair she'd been heading for and then lowered her into it. She offered him a pained smile. "Thank you for your help. I wasn't sure how I was going to get away from him."
He turned to look toward the door that Creed had disappeared through, as if he expected the man to reappear. After a second or two, he gave his attention back to her. "He didn't hurt you, did he?" He was studying her carefully, as if he was looking for proof that the other man had harmed her.
"I... No. I don't think so. He frightened me more than anything else." She lifted a hand to her throat, fingers lightly feeling for proof that his hand had been there. And to try and hide the fact that her pulse was pounding madly in her throat. She'd been more than frightened.
She watched as her savior's hand reached up and took hold of her wrist, his touch light and gentle. It brought a slight tingle to life just under her skin. That sensation shocked her enough that she made no protest when he pulled her hand away from her throat. Then his fingers grasped her chin so that he could tilt her head up until the light shone over it. His lips flattened in displeasure. "He's left a red mark on your throat. It should go away in a little bit but I don't think you should go inside until it fades. There's no need to draw attention to yourself."
His words reminded her that she was in a public face. Eyes wide in horror, she stared around her. She hoped fervently that no one had seen her exchange with Victor Creed or the following events involving the stranger presently staring at her so intently. No one seemed to be present, something for which she was terribly grateful. She couldn't imagine how she would explain away the entire encounter. "Who was the man? And what is his wife to you?"
"His name is Victor Creed. He's a man pretending to have class and sophistication. He came into money by marrying it. His wife is one of my oldest and dearest friends." Haley frowned. It seemed that she had no right to call Alasdare on old and dear friend. She hadn't been much of one to the other woman lately. "The man is doing his best to beat everything I love about Alasdare right out of her. Including her life."
The blonde made a face at that. "And she lets him because she has no other choice."
"She lets him because she's much too accepting of everything. She never should have married him. She told me she had doubts and fears. Instead of telling her that they were natural for a new bride, I should have encouraged her to go to her parents and tell them that she didn't wish to marry him."
"You and I both know that the rules of society are much stronger than the rules of love. No doubt her parents would have brushed her concerns aside. The rich are bound by a code that is as unbendable as steel." There was a touch of contempt in his voice at that. Haley frowned and glared up at him.
"Don't you dare judge me or my friends!" she snapped at him and rose to her feet. "You know nothing about us. We aren't given any choices about who we can marry. Dynasties are built on political matches and our parents maneuver for the best match. Women are nothing more than tools. Tools to be used by first our fathers and then our husbands. We don't have any say in the matter. You can pick and choose a wife as you please. As a man and as a person without social obligations."
"You think its that easy?" he asked her with a snort of disbelief. "Do you know what its like to go without? Without food or a new change of clothes or any of your high society parties? When have you ever had to work for a thing in your life? No doubt you simply smiled at your father and he gave you that horse or shoes or new dress you wanted. You've never had to fight for anything in your whole, pampered life."
The rush of adrenalin was replaced by a surge of anger. How could one person go from being polite and concerned to rude and overbearing in just a moment. Vibrating with rage, she rose to her feet. In the process, she invaded his personal space and forced him to step back. "You, sir, are the rudest, most unpleasant person I've ever had the misfortune to meet. Thank you for coming to my aid. Now you may return to your place below decks with the rest of the Third Class passengers."
She stepped past him, intent on returning to her cabin, but stopped and whirled to face him. "I don't ever want to see you again."
~*~
She wanted to see him again. What in the world was wrong with her? The man was arrogant and loathsome. He'd all but come out and said that she was shallow and spoilt. What would he know of it? Men weren't bought and sold like cattle the way women were. It was the Twentieth century, for heaven's sake, and women were still considered little more than property. The man was as low brow as the rest of his kind. She should hate the man, should hate everything about him. She shouldn't want to see him. And yet...
In the middle of their argument, when she should have been at her most incensed, she finally took note of just how broad his shoulders were, how tall he was, how blue his eyes were. How golden his hair was. He was gorgeous, the most beautiful man she'd ever laid eyes on in her entire life. That same tingle that had erupted when his hand had touched her skin had come roaring back to life when she simply looked at him. It was a surprising sensation, one that should have been forbidden and wrong. And wasn't. Even worse, she had really liked it.
She had no business liking that sensation. She had no business wanting to see the man again. He was beneath her. Society said he was barely good enough to wait on her. They likely would never have met if not for this trip and Victor Creed. That idea made her sad. She wanted badly to see him again.
And she should have felt guilty about that. She didn't. What made her feel guilty was that she'd just gotten officially engaged to Warren. She should be thinking about him and their wedding, about their life together. She should be thinking about dresses and invitations and everything that went along with planning a wedding. She shouldn't be thinking about the muscular arms of a strange man. A man who hadn't even given her his name. Chances were good she'd still be up on deck, arguing about the lack of rights women had in comparison to men, if his dark haired young friend hadn't come to collect him.
Damn it, she wanted to see him again.
"Haley?" Warren's voice cut across her thoughts, pulling her attention back to the here and now. She glanced up at him to find that he was watching her with concern. She offered him a smile and rose from the dressing table. "Are you alright? You've been distracted since you returned to the cabin."
"I'm sorry. I'm just concerned about Alasdare." It was a lie and she hated telling it. But if she told Warren where her thoughts really were, she'd have to tell him about what had happened between herself and Victor Creed. Warren reached out and drew her into his embrace. She went, suddenly in need of his touch and the comfort it would provide.
"There isn't anything we can do about it here at sea. But when we reach New York, you and I will do everything we can to get her away from that animal." He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his hands stroking down her back gently.
Haley drew back and looked up at him. "Do you really mean that?" There was hope in her voice and eyes, she knew. But she couldn't quite help it. Alasdare had been there for her as long as Warren had. She needed the assurance that they'd do whatever they could to keep their friend safe. He smiled at her, but she saw the determination in his gaze that hardened the blue of his eyes.
"I really mean that, Haley. We can't leave her to that monster any longer. We'll be lucky if he doesn't kill her baby before she can bring it into the world. That would destroy her." The hardness softened, taking the steel from his gaze. His smile grew, became something more intimate. "Just think, my darling. In a year's time, Deirdre could have a playmate."
His eyes darkened again, but this time it was with something other than anger. She'd never seen that look in his eyes before. Not when it was directed at her. In the blink of an eye, their spacious cabin was far too small. And very hot. Because she was suddenly too warm in her nightgown and robe. "Warren..."
"We're getting married, Haley. This isn't the medieval era. There's nothing wrong with this." He drew her toward him again until their bodies touched. She'd never been this close to an aroused man before. She could feel him pressed against her. His hand came to rest on her belly, fingers splayed wide. "I can already picture you with our child growing inside of you. You'll be beautiful."
"But we..." Her protest died on her lips when he leaned down toward her. His lips brushed softly against hers, sending a strange thrill through her. She felt her eyes drift shut, as if they understood better than she what was going to happen, and her body swayed ever so slightly into his. He must have taken that as her assent because he wrapped his arms around her until she was held tightly in his embrace. His mouth covered hers in a kiss that was exquisitely sweet.
His hands traced her spine, slid down until they could cup the cheeks of her backside. He molded her body to his until she was crushed against him. She found herself awash in strange, exciting emotions that she'd never felt before. She found her hands wandering, exploring the muscles stretched across his shoulder blades and the curve of his back. When she touched his arse, she was surprised by the firmness of them.
His mouth ate at hers as he walked her backward. She thrilled at the way his tongue probed at her lips before dipping past her lips to explore the interior of her mouth. It felt as if flames were eating her up from the inside out, consuming her. It felt as if those flames would burst through her skin and consume him with her. She dragged her mouth away from his, gasped sharply for breath. "Warren. I don't... Please."
Her legs touched the bed a moment before he took her down so that she lay sprawled across the surface of it. When he climbed in next to her, climbed over her so that he covered her, she welcomed him with open arms and, shamefully, open legs. One hand rested against mattress beside her while the other hand found her ankle, teased it gently before gliding slowly up over the curve of her calf. Before dipping into the bend of her knee. Before continuing on until he had the hem of her nightgown pushed up to her waist and his hand was under the silk of her tap pants.
She gasped softly the moment she felt his fingers brushing against the curls between her thighs. A pair of those fingers slipped between the folds of her flesh, drawing a louder gasp of sound from her throat. Her eyes flew wide to find him staring down at her. His smile was gentle and soft. "God, Haley. You're beautiful. There's a soft flush of color across your cheeks right now and your eyes are so dark with need. Let me please you, my darling. Let me love you."
She couldn't speak. She had no words. Some part of her brain that still functioned said that they shouldn't do this, that it wasn't proper until they were well and truly wed. But her body... She'd never felt the things that were currently racing through her. It was as if her entire being had been turned into a feeling thing that needed to be fed with touch and sensation. All she could do was nod at him.
Warren leaned down and pressed his lips to hers again. When he drew back, his hands were reaching for the pure, virginal white of her nightgown. "Relax, Haley. This will feel so good. You'll see."
She let him undress her, let him pull the gown from her body. Let him slide the tap pants to her ankles where the garment could simply drop to the floor. When she was as naked as the day she'd been born, he sat back and stared down at her. She watched as his eyes roved the length of her body, lingering at her breasts and the juncture of her thighs. "You're so beautiful. So perfect."
His head dipped, his lips barely touching one of her nipples. Then his tongue darted out to trace a wet circle around the rigid peak. She moaned softly, back arching with the touch. One of his hands reached out to cup the neglected twin, his fingers pulling at its tip. She writhed against him, her body telling her that it needed things she couldn't put a name to. His hair was silky soft under her hand, the strands sliding through her grasp as her hands moved restlessly. She wanted to touch him, but she didn't know what she should do.
Warren raised his head and stared down at her. "You can touch me, Haley. Let your hands go where they will. I promise its okay." It was as if he knew what was going through her mind. She hesitated just a moment, then she reached up and laid her hand against his cheek. There was a bit of stubble there, rough against the smoothness of her palm. Her hand trailed down, felt the firmness of his chest and the flat plane of his stomach. A quiver ran under his skin as she moved further and allowed her fingertips to graze the rigid length of his arousal.
A moment later, she found herself crushed against him. His mouth was hot and heavy on hers. The feel of his erection against her thigh, pressing and shifting and moving, drove her mad with need. She reached for one of his hands, took hold of it and urged it lower. He lifted his head and stared down at her. "Are you sure, love?"
"I'm sure," she gasped, head barely jiggling with a nod. "I need... something. Please, Warren."
"Of course, my sweet." He settled her back against the bed and took another minute or two to simply stare down at her. His hand lifted and stroked her hair, allowed the silken strands to run through his fingers. When he got to the ends, he used them to tease her skin. They stroked and tickled across her flesh until they found her nipple. She moaned and shuddered softly. The sensation was so much that her hands crept across her belly, trying to go in two different directions at once. As if they didn't know what they wanted to do.
"Patience, my sweet." Warren's voice was soft and soothing. He dropped her hair and instead skimmed his hand over the swell of her breast, allowed his touch to grate ever so slightly against her nipple. She shifted wantonly in response. "You should see how lovely you are, Haley. I could spend the entire night pleasuring you."
"The night has begun, Warren."
He chuckled softly, then dipped his hand between her thighs. She gasped when his fingers slid ever so slightly inside of her, stroked against her flesh and teased her. With that touch, all of the feelings that had been building inside of her drifted south until it felt like every one of her nerves was centered just where his fingers were touching her. When his thumb pressed against a small nub of flesh, her back arched up off the bed and she swore lights flashed behind her eyes. Warren chuckled again. "That was far too easy, Haley. Perhaps I should do it again."
And he did. He did it again and again. Each time, he made the lights flash and her body shake. And each time, he coaxed her hand into touching him. His skin was silky smooth and hard against her palm. And he moaned so loudly that she worried she was hurting him. But he whispered encouragements and dirty things in her ear. She wanted to do all of those things he was talking about.
His fingers were at it again, teasing and coaxing another lightning storm from her. Haley closed her eyes and lay back against the bed, her grip on him loosening. He still talked to her, his voice low and hoarse with his mounting desire.
Suddenly, it wasn't Warren talking to her. Wasn't Warren's fingers that teased her. Wasn't Warren laying next to her in the bed. It was his voice. The stranger who had saved her from Creed. It was his voice in her ear while his hand manipulated her flesh. And it was his body that she wanted covering hers. Inside of hers. The lightning hit again, taking thought away from her for a moment or two. When she came back to herself, her hand had fallen away from Warren's body and he was staring down at her almost anxiously.
"Haley? Are you okay? Do you hear me?"
"Yes. Yes. I'm here. I'm fine," she replied, doing her best to keep the annoyance out of her voice. She didn't understand why she was thinking of the stranger when she was with Warren. And she didn't want him to find out. She offered him what felt like a weak smile. "I'm sorry, Warren. I'm just... a little tired after my stroll on the deck."
She thought he looked like he was going to be upset, but he smiled instead and leaned down to press a kiss to her lips. "Of course, my dear. How silly of me. Its been a long day. I'll go into the other room and read. You get some rest. There'll be more time for this later."
Warren helped her back into her night clothes, then helped her into bed. When he was gone, when she was alone in the dark, she curled up on her side and tried to figure out what was wrong with her. She had everything she'd ever wanted. She had a man who obviously cared about her. She was going to marry him and he would respect her as both his wife and a person. She should be the happiest woman in the world.
So why did she wish she was in the arms of a complete stranger? And why did she want to cry?
Chapter Five: Star Crossed
Fandom: the Marvel Universe, specifically an AU version featuring the Mutant Sues
Rating: mature.
Warnings: there will be mild violence and sex. maybe some language. blatant abuse of history
Disclaimer: the Marvel men do not belong to me. they belong to Marvel and whoever the hell else owns them. i'm simply borrowing them for the fun of it. i like putting them through hell, don't you know? i'm not making money from this, either. so don't even consider what you can score off me. i'm broke. not a penny to my name. the Sues belong to the women who thought them up, namely Dazzledfirestar, Nan, SFC, Gin and myself. don't steal them. they'll kick your ass. the name and concept of the Mary Sue Virus belong to Daz, who graciously allowed me to use it for my own personal pleasure.
A/Ns: this is an idea that's been rattling around in my head for some time. and it all started when i happened to be watching a movie. yeah, you know the one. the thought came to me... "What would Dare look like in Edwardian clothes?" and it just kind of took off after that. while i don't claim to be an expert on history by any stretch of the imagination, i used a couple of reference sites for the factual information. not that i've given much of it because to do so would suggest that i know what the fuck i'm going on about. so take it all with a grain of salt. here's hoping that this won't be a hideous mess. and that it won't be an epic of goat fuck proportions.
Maiden Voyage - the Index
The Al A Carte Restaurant was as grand and luxurious as any she'd ever visited, either in New York City or in the big capital cities of Europe. She and Warren had explored many sections of the ship, even going so far as to going far below decks to see what the Second and Third class areas looked like. Even Warren, who had decided that he wanted to explore the world of aviation, was impressed with the things they'd seen. But none of it could compare with the opulence of the Al A Carte.
The tables were covered with pristine white clothes, polished silver, sparkling crystal and finely wrought china plates. A steward showed her group to their table, weaving amidst the tables and the people who sat at them. All of those people were dressed in their finest evening wear. The men's tuxedos were of the most expensive materials, tailored perfectly to each wearer's physical form. The women's gowns were the latest fashions in all the colors of the rainbows. Gem stones to match adorned necks and ears, wrists and fingers. There was plenty of chatter going on, the sound a dull just as rich and lush as their surroundings.
"This place is amazing!" she told Warren, eyes wide as she tried to take it all in at once. If not for his hand on her arm, she was sure she would have run into a few tables or people or walls or whatever else happened to get in her way.
"I've heard some of the passengers calling it 'The Ritz' of the ship. I don't think they're that mistaken." Warren sounded as if he was in as much awe as she was.
"Look, Haley. Isn't that Alasdare over there?" Her mother was gesturing toward a table on the other side of the room, near the corner. Haley's gaze followed her mother's hand to find a dark headed woman sitting with a blonde man. While he wore a very finely crafted tuxedo, there was something about him that made it appear as if the garment was ill fitting. Sitting across from him, pale face tipped down toward the table's surface, was a woman in a bloody red silk that accented just how dark her hair was next to the lightness of her skin.
"It is. I must say, she doesn't look happy."
"Your father has been telling me some awful things about this Creed person she's married to." Her mother's voice made it clear to her just what kind of person she thought Alasdare's husband was. Haley wished she could correct her mother, but the truth was that she hadn't seen her friend in some time and was fairly certain that had something to do with her spouse. "Perhaps you should tell her parents about him. You know that she'd never mention it to them."
Haley smiled at her mother. Charlotte Stone was as forward thinking as any man and her husband did nothing to discourage her thoughts. No doubt anything she'd heard about Victor Creed had been less than flattering. Haley had heard a few things herself and wondered from time to time what the Scotts had been thinking when they'd allowed that marriage to take place. "I'll be sure to mention it the next time I see them."
They arrived at their table before there was time for anymore discussion about the marital problems of her childhood friend. Warren, ever a gentleman, held her chair for her before taking his own. Her father did the same for his wife, more out of a sense of routine than any kind of chivalrous behavior. Haley sat across from her mother with Warren on her left and her father on her right. The steward handed each of them a menu, then turned and retraced his step to his position by the door. Warren set his menu down on the table top. Haley did the same. Her parents followed suit and the four of them sank into conversation while they waited for their server to come ask for their order. Most of it centered around onboard gossip. This was a topic neither of the men took part in.
When the steward in the white coat arrived, Warren was the one who placed the order for a bottle of their best champagne. Both of her parents raised an eyebrow at that, but said nothing. The steward offered them a brilliant smile, then hurried off to retrieve the requested bottle. While they waited, Warren's foot brushed against hers under the table. She cast him a look out of the corner of her eye, letting her mouth turn up ever so slightly. Before he could do anything else, the steward returned with the bottle of champagne Warren had ordered.
They each held their flutes up for the steward as he poured a measure of the golden beverage into their glasses. When he'd filled everyone's glass, he settled the bottle in a silver ice bucket and then left them alone. Seeing their opportunity, Haley tapped his foot with her own a signal that he should go ahead with their plan. He picked up his spoon and tapped it lightly against his champagne flute, at the same time clearing his throat to ensure that he had everyone's attention. A quick glance around the table showed Haley that her parents were looking.
"Howard. Charlotte. You've been like parents to me for as long as I can remember. You were there for me when my own parents were killed. You've accepted me into your family without question." Warren's hand reached into an interior pocket as he spoke. "After some serious consideration, I've come to realize that I'd like to make that familial claim legitimate."
"Oh my!" Haley's mother reached for her champagne and took a sip. "Warren, are you?..."
He withdrew the ring from his pocket with a nod and turned toward Haley. "Haley, you've been my best friend since I was old enough to pull your pig tails. I can't think of a woman I'd rather spend my life with than you. If you'll have me, that is. And if Howard will give us his blessings, of course."
Almost as one, Haley and Warren turned to look at her father. He was watching them closely, an inscrutable look on his face. Finally, he spoke. His tone of voice suggested that he wasn't sure about the union. "What about your would be suitor at home, Haley?" Howard Stone turned to look at his wife. "What was his name again?"
"Erik Lehnsherr, dear."
"Of course. Thank you, my darling." He tossed a smile at his spouse before turning his attention back to his daughter."What about him, Haley? He's already asked for your hand. It would be a good match. He's a well respected industrialist with a large household and plenty of money. You'd be well taken care of for the rest of your life."
"And he's already got children who are older than me, Papa." Haley explained. "I want to grow old with my husband. Not bury him before I get old. I want to have children with him. Not play mother to the ones he already has."
Warren reached out and took hold of Haley's hand. "I want to give Haley all those things she wants. I plan to give them to her. I also plan to spend the rest of my life making her happy. This is important to us, Howard. We want to get married. We simply need your blessing to make it happen."
"I don't know, Warren. I've never thought you would be the one she'd marry. You two are more like siblings than lovers."
"Stop teasing the children, Howard. You know that you've always wanted Haley and Warren to make a life together. Now give them your blessing so that you men can go smoke and brag about your manliness while we women talk about how we're really the ones who make the world go round."
Her father was still for a few more moments, then he smiled and nodded. "Of course you children have my blessing. Charlotte and I couldn't be happier to welcome you into the family, Warren. A toast to your coming union. May it be as joyous and blessed.as my marriage to Charlotte." He lifted his champagne. One by one, Haley, Warren and her mother followed. The delicate glasses chimed musically when they tapped one against the others. After finishing the drink, Warren took Haley's hand in his and slid the ring onto her finger.
The ring was platinum, with an open cut design that looked like scrolling vines and leaves. Set in the center was a fabulous sapphire. It was oval cut and a pure dark blue that she'd never seen before. But the sapphire wasn't the only stone. There were over twenty diamonds set into the interwoven leaves and vines. The ring fit perfectly to her finger. All she could do for a minute or two was stare at the way the light caught on the gems. "Its positively beautiful, Warren."
"Not half so beautiful as you, my dear." He leaned across the distance to press a kiss to her cheek. She ignored the way that kiss felt more brotherly than passionate. Passion would come with time. Wouldn't it? "Now be good while I go brag about my manliness to the other men when I tell them I'm marrying the most beautiful girl in the world. Try not to cause problems."
"Your faith in me is overwhelming, Warren."
"He's right. You always were a hellion, Haley." Her father was smiling at her when he said it. "Do try to behave yourself. Come along, Charlotte. Our reservation is in half an hour. I don't want to be late."
"Yes, Papa." She returned her father's smile. "You boys do the same." Her father stood. Warren joined him. While her father kissed her cheek, Warren did the same with her mother. The two men wandered some distance from the table. Haley watched them go, certain that her father was giving her future husband a speech that involved his little girl and taking good care of her and most likely mentions of bodily harm. Haley turned to her mother. "What do you suppose those two are talking about, Mama?"
"I'm sure your father is simply welcoming Warren to the family. I plan on convincing him to come back to the cabin with me after our dinner. You, my dear, should go over and say hello to your friend while Warren is off being a man. Spend some time with her. She looks as if she could use an understanding shoulder." Haley watched as her mother rose to her feet. She did the same. "There'll be time to discuss this crazy plan you and Warren have concocted later. I do hope you know what you're doing, darling. You know your father and I love Warren as if he was our own. But we also want you to be happy. And I know you aren't in love with Warren, child. Think about this."
Her mother was gone without another word. Charlotte joined her husband and, together, the two of them left the dining room. Haley stared after them for a few moments, then rose and made her way over to Alasdare's table.
~*~
Her time with her friend was much shorter than she wanted to spend with the other woman. But the appearance of Victor Creed ended their little chat. Alasdare hurried off without much fight, making Haley wish for a moment that she was a man so that she could do to him what he was obviously doing to her childhood friend. Haley was about to find her way inside when the doors opened up and allowed Victor Creed back out onto the deck. A quick glance around told Haley that there was no one around. She was on her own with a monster.
Head held high, she made for the doors as if he wasn't standing there, staring at her like she was some kind of fresh meal to be consumed. His hand reached out and took hold of her arm when she was standing right next to him, halting her in her tracks. Turning, she gave him her best haughty stare. "Release me or I shall inform the Master at Arms that you are molesting your betters."
"What kind of nonsense have you been filling my wife's head with?" If he was worried about her threat, it didn't show.
"Alasdare is my oldest friend. I was merely visiting with her. I haven't seen her since you and she were married last year. Any ideas she may have in her head are purely her own, I assure you."
He glared at her, as if that one look was all it would take to intimidate her. Haley maintained a cool stare. She could smell the alcohol on his breath. No doubt that was what had helped him throw caution to the wind. "There's a reason she hasn't accepted your invitations, ya know."
"Of course I know. You're an overbearing, controlling son of a bitch. You've done your very best to keep her locked away from the world. Have you managed to beat the spirit out of her yet?"
"I don't want you coming near my wife again. If I see ya hanging around her, I'll show you how controlling I am."
"You may frighten her, sir, but you don't frighten me."
Victor leaned closer to her, snarling at her as if he was an animal. "Give me time and I'll make ya frightened of me."
"Lay a hand on me and I will see to it that you regret it." Haley tilted her head up just a bit. "In fact, if you lay a hand on Alasdare again, I'll see to it that you regret it."
"And what do you think you're going to do about it, girl? Who's going to believe you? She's my wife and I got a right to deal with her as I see fit." He started walking as he spoke, pushing her backward until she was up against the wall. This was getting a little too close for her comfort. She tried to look around for help while still maintaining her air of superiority. She was rapidly losing her cool, fear climbing up her throat to choke her, to take control of her very mind. "You women. You ain't nothing but property. Things for us men to own and use as we see fit. Like horses and cattle. I can do anything to my wife that I want. Ain't no one gonna stop me, either. Not you and not your new fiance. He ain't man enough to do anything to me."
"Perhaps not physically, Mr. Creed. But he can ruin your reputation. He can destroy you in the business world. He and my father both can damage you so irreparably that you'll never recover from it. Raise a fist to me just once, touch Alasdare again, and I'll ensure that you're ruined."
Creed laughed at her threat, a low, growling sound that sent chills down her spine. How had Alasdare managed to live with the man for the past year without being hurt more seriously than she had? Haley felt real fear slide down her spine when he leaned in until his face was almost touching hers. "Stay away from my wife, bitch, or I'll show you just what it is I'm capable of. That pretty boy of yours won't be able to recognize you when I get done with ya."
"You should know, Mr. Creed, that I am not swayed so easily with threats. I am not afraid of you."
The look he gave her would have made her shudder if she was willing to let him know that she was afraid of him. As it was, she did her best not to react to him in any way. His body closed the scant distance between them until he was almost touching her. The hand that had been holding her against the wall let go, only to climb higher so that his fingers could circle her throat. His hold cut some of her air supply off, sending a skitter of panic rushing through her.
His free hand lifted, his knuckles trailing against the curve of her cheek and down until they grazed against the swell of her breast. "You'd better watch yer back there, princess. There are worse things I can do to you than hit you and mar your pretty face."
"If you don't let me go right now, Mr. Creed, I shall scream loud enough that they'll hear me all the way back to England." she promised.
"Open your mouth and I'll find a way to shut you up."
She had no doubt that he would, too. She was on the verge of losing her cool and if he didn't let her go, she was going to do something very girlish and start screaming her head off. This wasn't something she'd considered when he'd grabbed hold of her and it made her wish that he'd just hit her and be done with it. How was she supposed to get out of this?
"I think you should let the lady go." The strange voice pulled Creed around so that Haley could see her rescuer. He was tall and tan, his blonde hair glinting in the golden light put out by the electric lanterns that illuminated the deck. He was wearing a rather plain pair of trousers in brown and an off white shirt that looked as if it had seen much use. The man looked at ease and completely unafraid of Creed.
"Stay out of this, boy. This isn't any of your concern." Haley noted that Alasdare's husband was back to sounding cultured. Apparently, it was bad form to let the under class know that he wasn't what he seemed. And while his hands released their hold on her, he didn't back off to a more comfortable distance.
"The lady doesn't want you to touch her. Let her go."
Haley watched the two men size one another up. She could tell that Alasdare's husband thought that the other man would be an easy defeat. The stranger wasn't quite as tall as Victor Creed, nor did he look to be as heavy. But Haley didn't think that the stranger would be so easily taken down. There was something about him that suggested he could be just as dangerous and deadly in a fight as the larger man. It was there in the lose stance the man took up, in the way he watched the larger man. She held her breath while they stared at each other.
Finally, Creed stepped away from her, leaving Haley pressed up against the wall simply because she didn't think she would be able to stand if she moved. After one last look at the stranger, Creed pinned her with a stare that started her heart pounding again. "Stay away from my wife or you'll get some of what she got." Without another word, the man disappeared through the doors and left Haley with her savior.
When the man was sure that Creed was gone, he stepped closer to her. "Are you okay, miss? He didn't hurt you, did he?"
"No." She shook her head and tried to smile. But her heart was pounding in her chest so hard that she thought it might burst through her ribs. Instead, she searched discretely for something to hold on to. It felt as if her knees were going to give out on her at any second. "He didn't... He didn't... He..." She broke off and let her gaze skim the deck, looking for the nearest deck chair. "I'm sorry. I think I might need to sit down."
She turned toward the lounger, intent on settling down until she no longer shook. But the fear had left her almost unable to remain standing. And the tight lacing on her corset was making it hard to draw a full breath. When her feet tangled in the hem of her evening gown, she thought she was going to fall over. But the kind stranger who'd already come to her aide once was there to catch her. He helped her over to the lounge chair she'd been heading for and then lowered her into it. She offered him a pained smile. "Thank you for your help. I wasn't sure how I was going to get away from him."
He turned to look toward the door that Creed had disappeared through, as if he expected the man to reappear. After a second or two, he gave his attention back to her. "He didn't hurt you, did he?" He was studying her carefully, as if he was looking for proof that the other man had harmed her.
"I... No. I don't think so. He frightened me more than anything else." She lifted a hand to her throat, fingers lightly feeling for proof that his hand had been there. And to try and hide the fact that her pulse was pounding madly in her throat. She'd been more than frightened.
She watched as her savior's hand reached up and took hold of her wrist, his touch light and gentle. It brought a slight tingle to life just under her skin. That sensation shocked her enough that she made no protest when he pulled her hand away from her throat. Then his fingers grasped her chin so that he could tilt her head up until the light shone over it. His lips flattened in displeasure. "He's left a red mark on your throat. It should go away in a little bit but I don't think you should go inside until it fades. There's no need to draw attention to yourself."
His words reminded her that she was in a public face. Eyes wide in horror, she stared around her. She hoped fervently that no one had seen her exchange with Victor Creed or the following events involving the stranger presently staring at her so intently. No one seemed to be present, something for which she was terribly grateful. She couldn't imagine how she would explain away the entire encounter. "Who was the man? And what is his wife to you?"
"His name is Victor Creed. He's a man pretending to have class and sophistication. He came into money by marrying it. His wife is one of my oldest and dearest friends." Haley frowned. It seemed that she had no right to call Alasdare on old and dear friend. She hadn't been much of one to the other woman lately. "The man is doing his best to beat everything I love about Alasdare right out of her. Including her life."
The blonde made a face at that. "And she lets him because she has no other choice."
"She lets him because she's much too accepting of everything. She never should have married him. She told me she had doubts and fears. Instead of telling her that they were natural for a new bride, I should have encouraged her to go to her parents and tell them that she didn't wish to marry him."
"You and I both know that the rules of society are much stronger than the rules of love. No doubt her parents would have brushed her concerns aside. The rich are bound by a code that is as unbendable as steel." There was a touch of contempt in his voice at that. Haley frowned and glared up at him.
"Don't you dare judge me or my friends!" she snapped at him and rose to her feet. "You know nothing about us. We aren't given any choices about who we can marry. Dynasties are built on political matches and our parents maneuver for the best match. Women are nothing more than tools. Tools to be used by first our fathers and then our husbands. We don't have any say in the matter. You can pick and choose a wife as you please. As a man and as a person without social obligations."
"You think its that easy?" he asked her with a snort of disbelief. "Do you know what its like to go without? Without food or a new change of clothes or any of your high society parties? When have you ever had to work for a thing in your life? No doubt you simply smiled at your father and he gave you that horse or shoes or new dress you wanted. You've never had to fight for anything in your whole, pampered life."
The rush of adrenalin was replaced by a surge of anger. How could one person go from being polite and concerned to rude and overbearing in just a moment. Vibrating with rage, she rose to her feet. In the process, she invaded his personal space and forced him to step back. "You, sir, are the rudest, most unpleasant person I've ever had the misfortune to meet. Thank you for coming to my aid. Now you may return to your place below decks with the rest of the Third Class passengers."
She stepped past him, intent on returning to her cabin, but stopped and whirled to face him. "I don't ever want to see you again."
~*~
She wanted to see him again. What in the world was wrong with her? The man was arrogant and loathsome. He'd all but come out and said that she was shallow and spoilt. What would he know of it? Men weren't bought and sold like cattle the way women were. It was the Twentieth century, for heaven's sake, and women were still considered little more than property. The man was as low brow as the rest of his kind. She should hate the man, should hate everything about him. She shouldn't want to see him. And yet...
In the middle of their argument, when she should have been at her most incensed, she finally took note of just how broad his shoulders were, how tall he was, how blue his eyes were. How golden his hair was. He was gorgeous, the most beautiful man she'd ever laid eyes on in her entire life. That same tingle that had erupted when his hand had touched her skin had come roaring back to life when she simply looked at him. It was a surprising sensation, one that should have been forbidden and wrong. And wasn't. Even worse, she had really liked it.
She had no business liking that sensation. She had no business wanting to see the man again. He was beneath her. Society said he was barely good enough to wait on her. They likely would never have met if not for this trip and Victor Creed. That idea made her sad. She wanted badly to see him again.
And she should have felt guilty about that. She didn't. What made her feel guilty was that she'd just gotten officially engaged to Warren. She should be thinking about him and their wedding, about their life together. She should be thinking about dresses and invitations and everything that went along with planning a wedding. She shouldn't be thinking about the muscular arms of a strange man. A man who hadn't even given her his name. Chances were good she'd still be up on deck, arguing about the lack of rights women had in comparison to men, if his dark haired young friend hadn't come to collect him.
Damn it, she wanted to see him again.
"Haley?" Warren's voice cut across her thoughts, pulling her attention back to the here and now. She glanced up at him to find that he was watching her with concern. She offered him a smile and rose from the dressing table. "Are you alright? You've been distracted since you returned to the cabin."
"I'm sorry. I'm just concerned about Alasdare." It was a lie and she hated telling it. But if she told Warren where her thoughts really were, she'd have to tell him about what had happened between herself and Victor Creed. Warren reached out and drew her into his embrace. She went, suddenly in need of his touch and the comfort it would provide.
"There isn't anything we can do about it here at sea. But when we reach New York, you and I will do everything we can to get her away from that animal." He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his hands stroking down her back gently.
Haley drew back and looked up at him. "Do you really mean that?" There was hope in her voice and eyes, she knew. But she couldn't quite help it. Alasdare had been there for her as long as Warren had. She needed the assurance that they'd do whatever they could to keep their friend safe. He smiled at her, but she saw the determination in his gaze that hardened the blue of his eyes.
"I really mean that, Haley. We can't leave her to that monster any longer. We'll be lucky if he doesn't kill her baby before she can bring it into the world. That would destroy her." The hardness softened, taking the steel from his gaze. His smile grew, became something more intimate. "Just think, my darling. In a year's time, Deirdre could have a playmate."
His eyes darkened again, but this time it was with something other than anger. She'd never seen that look in his eyes before. Not when it was directed at her. In the blink of an eye, their spacious cabin was far too small. And very hot. Because she was suddenly too warm in her nightgown and robe. "Warren..."
"We're getting married, Haley. This isn't the medieval era. There's nothing wrong with this." He drew her toward him again until their bodies touched. She'd never been this close to an aroused man before. She could feel him pressed against her. His hand came to rest on her belly, fingers splayed wide. "I can already picture you with our child growing inside of you. You'll be beautiful."
"But we..." Her protest died on her lips when he leaned down toward her. His lips brushed softly against hers, sending a strange thrill through her. She felt her eyes drift shut, as if they understood better than she what was going to happen, and her body swayed ever so slightly into his. He must have taken that as her assent because he wrapped his arms around her until she was held tightly in his embrace. His mouth covered hers in a kiss that was exquisitely sweet.
His hands traced her spine, slid down until they could cup the cheeks of her backside. He molded her body to his until she was crushed against him. She found herself awash in strange, exciting emotions that she'd never felt before. She found her hands wandering, exploring the muscles stretched across his shoulder blades and the curve of his back. When she touched his arse, she was surprised by the firmness of them.
His mouth ate at hers as he walked her backward. She thrilled at the way his tongue probed at her lips before dipping past her lips to explore the interior of her mouth. It felt as if flames were eating her up from the inside out, consuming her. It felt as if those flames would burst through her skin and consume him with her. She dragged her mouth away from his, gasped sharply for breath. "Warren. I don't... Please."
Her legs touched the bed a moment before he took her down so that she lay sprawled across the surface of it. When he climbed in next to her, climbed over her so that he covered her, she welcomed him with open arms and, shamefully, open legs. One hand rested against mattress beside her while the other hand found her ankle, teased it gently before gliding slowly up over the curve of her calf. Before dipping into the bend of her knee. Before continuing on until he had the hem of her nightgown pushed up to her waist and his hand was under the silk of her tap pants.
She gasped softly the moment she felt his fingers brushing against the curls between her thighs. A pair of those fingers slipped between the folds of her flesh, drawing a louder gasp of sound from her throat. Her eyes flew wide to find him staring down at her. His smile was gentle and soft. "God, Haley. You're beautiful. There's a soft flush of color across your cheeks right now and your eyes are so dark with need. Let me please you, my darling. Let me love you."
She couldn't speak. She had no words. Some part of her brain that still functioned said that they shouldn't do this, that it wasn't proper until they were well and truly wed. But her body... She'd never felt the things that were currently racing through her. It was as if her entire being had been turned into a feeling thing that needed to be fed with touch and sensation. All she could do was nod at him.
Warren leaned down and pressed his lips to hers again. When he drew back, his hands were reaching for the pure, virginal white of her nightgown. "Relax, Haley. This will feel so good. You'll see."
She let him undress her, let him pull the gown from her body. Let him slide the tap pants to her ankles where the garment could simply drop to the floor. When she was as naked as the day she'd been born, he sat back and stared down at her. She watched as his eyes roved the length of her body, lingering at her breasts and the juncture of her thighs. "You're so beautiful. So perfect."
His head dipped, his lips barely touching one of her nipples. Then his tongue darted out to trace a wet circle around the rigid peak. She moaned softly, back arching with the touch. One of his hands reached out to cup the neglected twin, his fingers pulling at its tip. She writhed against him, her body telling her that it needed things she couldn't put a name to. His hair was silky soft under her hand, the strands sliding through her grasp as her hands moved restlessly. She wanted to touch him, but she didn't know what she should do.
Warren raised his head and stared down at her. "You can touch me, Haley. Let your hands go where they will. I promise its okay." It was as if he knew what was going through her mind. She hesitated just a moment, then she reached up and laid her hand against his cheek. There was a bit of stubble there, rough against the smoothness of her palm. Her hand trailed down, felt the firmness of his chest and the flat plane of his stomach. A quiver ran under his skin as she moved further and allowed her fingertips to graze the rigid length of his arousal.
A moment later, she found herself crushed against him. His mouth was hot and heavy on hers. The feel of his erection against her thigh, pressing and shifting and moving, drove her mad with need. She reached for one of his hands, took hold of it and urged it lower. He lifted his head and stared down at her. "Are you sure, love?"
"I'm sure," she gasped, head barely jiggling with a nod. "I need... something. Please, Warren."
"Of course, my sweet." He settled her back against the bed and took another minute or two to simply stare down at her. His hand lifted and stroked her hair, allowed the silken strands to run through his fingers. When he got to the ends, he used them to tease her skin. They stroked and tickled across her flesh until they found her nipple. She moaned and shuddered softly. The sensation was so much that her hands crept across her belly, trying to go in two different directions at once. As if they didn't know what they wanted to do.
"Patience, my sweet." Warren's voice was soft and soothing. He dropped her hair and instead skimmed his hand over the swell of her breast, allowed his touch to grate ever so slightly against her nipple. She shifted wantonly in response. "You should see how lovely you are, Haley. I could spend the entire night pleasuring you."
"The night has begun, Warren."
He chuckled softly, then dipped his hand between her thighs. She gasped when his fingers slid ever so slightly inside of her, stroked against her flesh and teased her. With that touch, all of the feelings that had been building inside of her drifted south until it felt like every one of her nerves was centered just where his fingers were touching her. When his thumb pressed against a small nub of flesh, her back arched up off the bed and she swore lights flashed behind her eyes. Warren chuckled again. "That was far too easy, Haley. Perhaps I should do it again."
And he did. He did it again and again. Each time, he made the lights flash and her body shake. And each time, he coaxed her hand into touching him. His skin was silky smooth and hard against her palm. And he moaned so loudly that she worried she was hurting him. But he whispered encouragements and dirty things in her ear. She wanted to do all of those things he was talking about.
His fingers were at it again, teasing and coaxing another lightning storm from her. Haley closed her eyes and lay back against the bed, her grip on him loosening. He still talked to her, his voice low and hoarse with his mounting desire.
Suddenly, it wasn't Warren talking to her. Wasn't Warren's fingers that teased her. Wasn't Warren laying next to her in the bed. It was his voice. The stranger who had saved her from Creed. It was his voice in her ear while his hand manipulated her flesh. And it was his body that she wanted covering hers. Inside of hers. The lightning hit again, taking thought away from her for a moment or two. When she came back to herself, her hand had fallen away from Warren's body and he was staring down at her almost anxiously.
"Haley? Are you okay? Do you hear me?"
"Yes. Yes. I'm here. I'm fine," she replied, doing her best to keep the annoyance out of her voice. She didn't understand why she was thinking of the stranger when she was with Warren. And she didn't want him to find out. She offered him what felt like a weak smile. "I'm sorry, Warren. I'm just... a little tired after my stroll on the deck."
She thought he looked like he was going to be upset, but he smiled instead and leaned down to press a kiss to her lips. "Of course, my dear. How silly of me. Its been a long day. I'll go into the other room and read. You get some rest. There'll be more time for this later."
Warren helped her back into her night clothes, then helped her into bed. When he was gone, when she was alone in the dark, she curled up on her side and tried to figure out what was wrong with her. She had everything she'd ever wanted. She had a man who obviously cared about her. She was going to marry him and he would respect her as both his wife and a person. She should be the happiest woman in the world.
So why did she wish she was in the arms of a complete stranger? And why did she want to cry?
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(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-28 06:39 am (UTC)The tension level with Victor was amazing! Absolutely off the scales amazing... and oh! :D Those boys do know how to rescue a girl don't they? ;)
"I don't ever want to see you again."
~*~
She wanted to see him again.
Oh Haley! LMAO I know i told you this already but that's so... HALEY! LOL
And may I just say... had she never met this "mystery man", I think she could have been pretty damn happy and content with Warren! LOL WOW! Mmm...
Again, great work, hun! :) Can't wait to see what comes next!
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-28 06:42 am (UTC)yeah. i wanted Victor to be just a little more than scary. i think she'd have been okay if he was just threatening to hit her because there are a few who wouldn't have stood for it. but the rest... yeah. that would scare the crap out of anyone.
yes. i figured Haley would be all conflicted about everything. and the thing with Warren... i really wanted her confused about it all. because one minute, she's enjoying it and she knows its him. then BAM! it isn't him that she wants to be doing those things with her and... yeah.
kind of feel bad about everything. you know?
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-28 07:20 am (UTC)Yeah... Victor... yeesh. O_O Not much more to say on that one. lol
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-29 12:37 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-29 01:16 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-29 01:50 am (UTC)Sigh...Haley may be falling for Mr. Third Class, but I think I'm falling for Warren. Delightful.
I'm loving all these glimpses, I think the tension is building nicely. I'll be eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-29 01:58 am (UTC)i don't know where that came from but i'm glad it worked. i kind of let Warren do the driving there. no doubt he was not happy that i cut it off where i did.
i kind of like the idea of showing each girl's voyage from boarding until the big event. its a little less confusing than maybe splicing scenes together and all.
hopefully i'll find some brains soon with which to write the next chapter.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-29 04:45 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-29 05:11 am (UTC)glad you're enjoying, sweetie. there's still more to come.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-29 04:48 am (UTC)I have one thought after reading this chapter, and that is: Warren has to die now. Isn't that horrible of me? But how else can Haley be happy with her mystery man?
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-29 05:20 am (UTC)what puzzle? i didn't think there was a puzzle to be put together here. but maybe that's because i know what's going to happen where the girls are concerned.
i will neither confirm nor deny that thought. you'll have to wait and see to know for sure.
glad you're enjoying, sweetie.