Princess Ces'alena (64 page)

“I bet you hungry ain’t you?”

“I am. What you cook me?” He asked still holding on to her. “I ain’t cook nothin’. I just hear all the commotion and come to see what’s going on. And now I see. Welcome home darlin’…we sure did miss you.” She added pulling him down for another hug. Manny stood there a moment holding her, missing her; she didn’t seem to treat him as she had before Mike had been sold, something happened between them then. Even now, he could not put his finger on it, there was still something not quite right.

“Here, give me that, I get Leon to take it up to your room.” She offered grabbing his duffel bag. “You go get comf’table. You home now… Ferrus gone fix you your favorite drink.” She stated, ever the missus of the house despite Katherine’s presence. Ferrus led the way to the drawing room as Manny followed him cheerfully, “Ferrus, why so silent, how are things?”

“I been just fine. Place ain’t the same with you gone though. I sure hope you bein’ home…mean you fixin’ta stay.”

“Well travel’s been mighty tiring. I think I may stick around a bit.”

“That’s good, ‘cause right here, where you belong.” Ferrus returned, handing him a drink, then went right into fixing Morris one.

“You tell’im Ferrus, no more of this taking off!” Morris needed to add.

Thomas walked up to the bar fixing himself one smiling at Ferrus, “I’ll take it to him.” Thomas volunteered referring to Morris’ drink. Manny was once again surprised; his drink held in suspension on the way to his mouth to see him so comfortable within the drawing room; sauntering up to the bar for a drink as if at home. To see his father allowing Thomas freedom to socialize with them as equals sent many questions through his mind. Like…who was this man really? And how had he managed to shape Morris into the thoughtful conduct he now witnessed?

Thomas handed the drink to Morris, who asked, “How long is dinner gone be?” Thomas strolled over to lean on the fireplace mantel.

“Ceś alena -…” Thomas said her name, pausing for effect, testing reactions, “…-was half through it when I was in the kitchen with her earlier, before - you- arrived.” He nodded to indicate Manny, who visibly stiffened at the mention of her name.

“Shouldn’t be long then son; you can sit and tell us about where you’ve been, and what’s been happening.” Morris settled in and invited. Manny took a seat, and threw his head back sending the smooth brandy down with one swig.

Noticing, Thomas commented, “Should I fix you another? It is rather smooth, goes down nicely. We do have similar taste I see, both of us enjoying something so warm, smooth and…brown.” Thomas straightened from the mantel, heading for the bar to pour Manny another. “You might want to sip this one. Enjoy it a bit…no rush, I don’t.” The innuendo could not be missed. Manny took the brandy, but his eyes narrowed. Thomas pretended ignorance and returned to the mantel. The tension between the two was building so quickly Morris could feel it.

“Um um…” Morris stammered. “…Thomas, why don’t you check and see if dinner is almost ready.” Something was happening between his son and Thomas - and suddenly he realized - they were like two roosters in a cock fight pen, sizing each other up. Then the next thing occurred to him Ceś alena. It was no secret that Thomas had been pursuing her.

Morris suddenly shifted uncomfortable.

“No problem. Maybe I can help her along
or
something.” He nodded to Manny, “Excuse my rudeness, this is after all - a family reunion. I’m certain you wish to be alone with your father, and your -
wife
. I’ll go see about Ceś alena.” He turned to Katherine then, “Ms Katherine.” She smiled up at him and nodded.

Thomas walked away with a strut that flaunted his confidence and arrogance. Manny didn’t like him. Right then and there…he knew a surge so strong that it bordered on raging - violent jealousy. He held his glass of brandy so tightly he had to collect himself not to break it. He licked his teeth beneath his upper lip to loosen his tightly set jaw. He’d been home only twenty minutes and already he was on the verge of blinding rage, all because of her.

He looked down at his drink and thought about Thomas’s comment on the things they liked in common.
“Warm, smooth and - brown.”
He knew he was referring to Lena. ‘
So — now she’s messing with the accountant. What happened to her other lover? How many have you had in my absence? The bitch!’
He couldn’t help shaking his head.
‘What a damn fool you are - a damn fool! Why did you come back here?’

“Son?” Morris call out to him twice to get his attention.

“Yes?”

“I ask you, where you been? I hear you got a pretty nice business now.” Morris asked to break the uncomfortable silence. Manny took a sip of his drink, twisted his head, to the left, and then right to loosen the tension there in an attempt to relax. “Yes - umm, a while back, I asked Charles’s advice concerning the merchant business, and he informed me-…”

He went on to explain to his father as Katherine sat listening, willing to remain silent as long as he stayed in the room.

She’d seen his reaction to Thomas’s taunting, and did all she could not to connect the source of the look that crossed his features. Longingly she gazed at him, so much in love. When she’d stepped out on the porch and got her first look at him, the glory of all she remembered about him came back in startling color.

She couldn’t get over how wonderfully rugged and masculine he looked. Every inch of his sculptured physique screamed out to be touched. The close crop of his hair, bleached startling blonde by the sun, framing a face deeply tanned, and bearded to make him even more splendid — primitive and sexually erotic. Eyes so cool, a bold blue with a hint of green that she felt weak from just a glance from them. The more she stared at him, the wilder her thoughts became. Suddenly, a fantasy of him stretched out upon their bed materialized. Him nude and her astride as she rubbed his rock hard, sinewy torso with fragrant oils. Her slender white hands, caressing and stroking every pulsing inch of his form. Back and forth, from side to side she’d rub him down, across his prominent chest; working slowly down his hard stomach, and further still - to his well endowed manhood; over his thick strong thighs.

She could see him turning over to administer the same, working back up again, the back of his thighs - his taut buttocks, and up to his broad back. Until his body was glistening with it. He’d turn over then, looking up at her. There kneeling beside him, she would peal away her sheer wrap - revealing herself to him. One look at her translucent white skin, full breasts and the thatch of darkness hiding what throbbed with heat for him, would send him over the edge. He would reach up with those big calloused hands, grabbing her to bring her body close to his. Then she would tease him, gliding her body over his. Every luscious curve of her, would tantalize his senses until he was clamoring to take her. As both of them shook with a desire so intense, she would pull her knees up beside him as he pushed her down to impale her.

Katherine made a small whimpering sound as she unconsciously, with blazing wantonness licked her lips, drawing his attention to her. She wanted him…as she’d never wanted anything in her life. She wanted to taste him, feel him, be ravaged by him. He was her husband…and that was her right. Over and over her mind screamed as the message carried from her eyes to his.
‘I want you…I want you…I want you!’

“Katherine?”

She snapped her head around to Morris, her face flaming from the very vivid daydream, ashamed of being caught with such thoughts filling her mind and body. “Yes?” She answered. “Shouldn’t you see to Manny’s room? Make sure it’s freshened for him? Maybe have a bath prepared for him? So he can freshen up before dinner.” Morris suggested.

She stared for a moment. “I’m certain Kayleen has seen to that.” She didn’t want to leave him, even for a moment.

“Still…it is your place to see that it is done.” He pushed. She stared at him with guarded hostility, looking away from him back to Manny.

“Yes, well… I shall see to that for you.” She smiled standing, nodding to him with her heart in her eyes. Manny nodded back without a word to her. He hadn’t missed that look in her eyes as she devoured him. He’d seen that look plenty enough over the years to know when he was being lusted over.

She was another dilemma for him. With other women, if there had been a need for relief, he would take what was offered. To do so with his wife was out of the question, he had no intention of going anywhere near her. The fact was, he was trying to figure out how to divorce her without it becoming public knowledge. His life was scandalous enough.

“Interesting man, Maynard Webster. There’s a certain look about him, I can’t quite find the right words to describe him. Big…brutish, sinister looking. Not quite what I expected.” Thomas leaned against the counter, picked up a biscuit from the platter, and munched on it.

“Please don’t do that. He’s a big eater.” Lena rebuked him.

“To hell with him! What is it that I care at the amount he consumes.” Thomas snapped petulantly.

Lena was trying to hurry and finish and he was in her way, back to antagonize her. She wanted to put everything in the servers, place them on the table, so she could slip away. “If you’re going to stand there, at least grab the platter and take it-…”

“I’m not his servant! Do not trust me with his food, especially with the care you’ve taken in preparing it.”

“Fine! I’m perfectly capable of doing so myself. Your food is over there.” She informed him. “I’m contemplating eating with them-…”

“Don’t be absurd! Do you wish to make a fool of yourself?”

“A fool? The feeling is becoming a familiar one. Funny, but I think I’m getting used to it.” He announced sourly. Lena shook her head, pouring the soup into the large ceramic soup bowl. “Why do you do this?” She asked.

“I don’t know why. I’m obviously wasting my time. Here you stand executing more energy concerning a meal than I’ve ever seen you do in the past. It must be your way of burning up the need to go in for a peak at him.”

“
Would it make you happy if I ran in there and jumped on his lap? Maybe give him a big hug and kiss, as I tell him in front of his wife and father, how much I missed and love him.” She argued sarcastically. Thomas was bristling, “Of course not! No matter how much it’s killing you to!”

“Leave it - alone!” She ground out.

“I can’t. I hate that he is back. I hate what his return may mean for us! Leave with me now Ceś alena. We can go to the Indian village, and stay there until I’m done. Then we can be out of here.” Thomas impulsively pressed, feeling sudden anxiety. “No.” She answered softly.

He walked up to her, looking down into her eyes. “Do you want him to find out about Hope? Is that what you’re waiting for? How much longer do you think you can go on hiding her? She’s walking, talking and into everything. The longer you stay here, the greater your risk.”

She had no answer for him, her mind denying his words, because they rang with truth. “If you’ll excuse me.”

Just then Kayleen walked into the kitchen. Thomas turned as she stood in the door. “You done cooking?” She asked looking from Lena to Thomas. “Yes, I am. Would you mind serving? I’d like to get out of here.” Lena asked softly. Kayleen sighed nodding. “You go on.” Lena reached behind her untying her apron, then hung it by the door and left. Thomas stood a moment staring at Kayleen. “Help me - get her to leave here.”

“I don’t want nothing to do with that.” Kayleen admitted. Picking up the bowl of soup and carrying it into the dining room. Thomas grabbed a platter and followed her in. “I thought you wanted to protect Hope from them?” He said placing the platter where she indicated.

“I do.” She answered simply, turning back to get more. Thomas followed closely. “Then surely you see that what I offer is best for her.”

“That may be.” Kayleen said taking two more servers.

“Then why won’t you help me?”

She placed the other food as Ferrus approached correcting the china and placing the glasses. She turned re-entering the kitchen with him tagging along. “Why?” He asked again. Kayleen suddenly stopped, and turned to him, he had to halt not to collide into her. “She don’t love you. She ain’t gonna ever love you. She ain’t gonna ever leave here. And I love that man in there. I done enough to him already to hurt him. I ain’t aiming to do no more.” Kayleen stared at him a moment more thinking, then shook her head. “I can’t help you. What you do…you got to do yo’self.”

“I can’t believe, you would choose your master, over me…one of your own.”

“That’s cause blood thicker than water. He
is
one of my own. That man ain’t my master - he my nephew. His mama, my blood sister…half, but still enough. I’m trying to help
him
- by keeping his chile from him. Not hurt him. Helping you…now that would -
be
hurtin’ him. I have no plan to do that. Now if you excuse me.”

Chapter Fifteen