He inhaled as if I was made of some perfume and then brought his lips to my thighs. He nibbled on my skin and lifted himself over me again, sliding his hands under my legs to hold them firmly as he moved me forcibly to make his entry easier and more comfortable for himself.

“Let’s try it with your eyes open the whole time this time,” he said. Before I could protest, he was at me again.

Maybe it was the cigar, maybe it was the lemon drink, or maybe it was the way he rushed at me this time, not smoothly and lovingly but hungrily, more like ravaging me, but it all combined to explode inside me. He wasn’t quite done before his precious lemon drink came up and out of my mouth, splattering on his chest and my breasts. However, it didn’t stop him; he didn’t pause until he was satisfied, groaning and then laughing.

“Not the most romantic time I’ve had but most interesting,” he said, rolling over onto his back.

Interesting? How could all that have been interesting?

He rose to his feet. “Just lie there. I’ll bring in a pan of warm water, a washcloth, and a towel.”

He walked out half naked and unconcerned that he’d be seen.

I groaned, closed my eyes, and lay back, turning on my side. I think I was just as sickened by how disappointing all this had been as I was from the lemon drink. My fairy-tale prince had taken advantage of me. Foxworth Hall didn’t seem like much of a castle now, either. I started to cry, sobbing quietly to myself. Everything had begun so beautifully and had come to this point so quickly.

I heard him return. He slapped the cool, damp washcloth over my forehead and eyes.

“You’ll be fine,” he said, and kissed me on the neck. “You just need some sleep. I have an idea. Why don’t you just sleep here tonight? I’ll have Lucas take you back early in the morning before your aunt and her housekeeper awaken. How’s that sound?”

“No.”

I seized the cloth and wiped off my chest. Then I reached for my clothes.

“Take me to a bathroom,” I ordered. “Take me!”

He nodded and slipped into his leggings quickly.

I put the towel around myself and embraced all my things. He led me out and down to a bathroom on the right, moving in first to light a lantern.

“Perhaps you’ll reconsider my offer once you’re more comfortable,” he said, and then left.

I cleaned myself up the best I could and dressed. When I stepped out, he wasn’t waiting. There was no one in the hallway. The candles were dim, some having gone out. Shadows seemed to be growing right before my eyes, all growing toward me. I was still quite dizzy.

“Garland?” I called.