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njf61 · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 3:26 pm Post subject:

maybe he just needs the love of a good woman, Jackie!! Wink

then he won't feel the need to kill people anymore.
The same with the Sheriff (and he needs a bath, too.)
at least Hans is very well dressed, and a ZZ Top says, every woman loves a well dressed man. Wink

( I don't know where that came from, it just popped into my brain!! sorry!)
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~~~Nora~~~
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jacksl · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 3:31 pm Post subject:

Eustacia · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 7:14 pm Post subject:

@Magenta: Glad to hear your heating is working again Smile

Thanks for the invite, I'd love to get together some time.

@Nora: Is it a spoiler when I tell you that in Chapter 5, the Sheriff is going to take a bath? Wink

By the way, it was Journalista who requested Hans. I'm optimistic she will be able to handle him.

@Marie: I already know where it's going to end - I scribbled a draft for an ending on my notepad yesterday after watching a movie that was very inspiring (not telling you which one, but it wasn't one of Alan's, although two people were in it who have been in movies with Alan before ---- ok, no real hint, that "narrows it down" to hundreds of people). But don't worry - looking at my waiting list, the day I'm going to type that ending is very far away.
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Marie · Rickmaniac Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 922 Location: Sweden

Hm, wonder what movie that can be, there sure are a few to pick from...

But it is a good thing that the end is far, far away! As anxious as I am to read chapter 4, I want the story to go on for a long, long time!
I spend my days wondering what Brandon and I are up to in your guest-room Shocked

And I'm sure journalista can handle Hans, and if she needs help, I'm always there, ready to lend a helping hand! Wink

njf61 · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 8:17 pm Post subject:

Oh, this is so fun, Eustacia!!
I wonder how many girls are needed to give the Sheriff a bath?? any volunteers for the job??
and I'm sure there are plenty of volunteers to help Journalista with Hans if he gets out of hand, I'm one, for sure!!

And Marie: you and Brandon have sure been up there a long time! I'm sure you're done reading the phone book by now!! Twisted Evil

I agree with Marie, I'm so anxious for the next chapter, but I want it to be a good long fanfic, it's too much fun for it to end too soon!
I hope you're having as much fun with it as we are, Eustacia!
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~~~Nora~~~
Thank you Centurienne for the banner!

journalista · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 2:34 am Post subject:

Marie · Rickmaniac Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 922 Location: Sweden

njf61 · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 2:28 pm Post subject:

Eustacia · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 3:12 pm Post subject:

Feeding your imagination a little... here's your update.

I am indebted to my beta goddess Semperaevitas! You rock, lady!

Chapter 4: Balance of Power

Rasputin shook his head. "So what?"
I glanced up at him dubiously. "That was so embarrassing!"
He shrugged. "I don't see the problem. This is your house and he does not have any authority over you. What does he think you are, a schoolgirl?"
I sighed. "No, but probably something else that starts with an s …"
He sat down on the floor next to me and gazed at me intensely. "Do you care?"'
"No, of course not!" I shook my head emphatically to affirm that I could not care less. It was not like I had any feelings for Severus. What was it to me what he was thinking? This was my house, after all. I was an adult. I was single. I could chain any of the men – or all of them – to my bedpost if I wanted without anyone's approval.
Rasputin's hand found my knee. "Should we move this to a more private place, then?"
I smiled weakly. "Sorry, Grigorij," I said gently. "The moment's passed."
He sighed. "I thought as much."
I rose and tried to mend my dissheveled look as well as I could. I took a few calm breaths and concentrated on sorting out my confused thoughts. From downstairs, I could hear voices arguing loudly in the living room and the clinking and clattering of dishes in the kitchen. I did not want to know what was going on down there but it was only a matter of time until the building conflicts would break out openly.
Rasputin looked at me thoughtfully. "Your sorcery has attracted a couple of very complex men, men with bad tempers, huge egos and high-running emotions. If you want to keep the peace, you will have to be very careful on whom you bestow your attentions."
"So I noticed," I replied. "But still… thank you." I bent to kiss his cheek. It was merely an affectionate gesture but it was almost enough to rekindle the fire that had been running through me only moments before. I quickly turned away from him and hurried down the stairs to check what the others were arguing about in the living room.
I could hear the agitated voices before I reached the the bottom step.
"What is taking them so long?" Harry wondered, looking up from the newspaper he was reading. From the silence, I took it that Tybalt had started crossing himself again.
"Would you mind terribly not doing that?" I heard Harry ask impatiently.
"I would not have thought the Colonel and that Russian to be her first choice," the Sheriff said sneeringly. "When do you think it is my turn?"
"Please, get your mind out of the gutter," Harry said in a repelled tone.
"What?" the Sheriff asked. "I'm just a man, and I haven't had a woman in 814 years!"
With an irritated glance, Harry tossed him the remote control. "Stacy's got cable. Why don't you busy yourself with this?"
The Sheriff blinked. "Regardless of what you might think, I am not going to use this – whatever it is - on any part of my body."
I barely suppressed a giggle.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Of course, I forget you have never used a television before. Just press a button and select a channel."
George looked at the remote indecisively for a moment, then pressed POWER.
The TV flashed to life. Britney Spears appeared clad in a black glitter bra, tight stonewashed jeans and a tiny fur top that looked as if a couple of innocent squirrels were harmed in its construction. She began to move rhythmically to her music. "I'm Miss American Dream since I was seventeen… You want a piece of me..." Her dancing elicited screams of horror from Tybalt. I must admit Britney has that effect on me, too.
"Witchcraft celebrates pale Hecate's offerings!" Tybalt shouted.
George stared at the screen incredulously. "Nonsense," he muttered, although he did not quite seem to understand what was going on yet.
Britney was swaying her hips seductively. A banner with her current chart position flashed across the screen. George suddenly realized that what he was seeing was not real.
Tybalt jumped back, drawing his rapier. He was trembling all over. "Mine eyes are made the fools o' the other senses," he whispered.
Fascinated, George crept closer to the screen. "Exactly. It is a picture. A moving picture. How odd." He touched the television screen, mesmerized by the singer's movements. "You want a piece of me…" she purred sensuously.
"Damn right," George murmured.
"Mischief! Mischief!" Tybalt roared.
Harry sighed. "And I thought Tybalt would still qualify as belonging to the MTV generation."
Tybalt shook his rapier violently in George's direction. It was he after all who had initiated the witchcraft with the remote. "Thou art a villain, and a sorcerer!"
George shrugged. "Nobody's perfect." He glanced dreamily at Britney's outfit. "Well, maybe her."
"You are a stranger here," Harry scoffed from behind his newspaper.
"Do you think Eustacia wears that kind of thing?" George wondered, gesturing at Britney's virtually non-existent bra. "I'd really like to find out. And then, this other girl, Marie… maybe Eustacia wants to bring her friend…"
"You disgust me," I was startled to hear Severus' voice. Though I had noticed that the noise of clattering dishes had stopped, I had not heard him leave the kitchen.
"A sore loser, are we?" George said provokingly.
Severus' eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"
"Stacy," George said leisurely, "She's upstairs with that miracle healer, isn't she? AND the Colonel. The ladies have always had a weakness for uniforms. Tell me, wizard, do you consider Stacy the virtuous type? Or the vicious one?"
"I'll not endure him!" Tybalt shouted and lunged at George. The Sheriff drew his sword.
"Spanish steel," he snarled. "You do not want to see it in action, boy. If you put down your rapier now, I may be able to forget we ever had this conversation."
"What, drawn, and talk of peace?" Tybalt spat, "I hate the word / As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee. Have at thee, coward!"
I was ready to rush into the room to separate them as their blades clashed but Severus was faster. He aimed his wand at Tybalt and quickly cast a jelly-legs jinx on him. He then cast a knee-reversal hex on the Sheriff.
Tybalt's expression was priceless as he looked down and watched his legs wobble uselessly.
The Sheriff glowered at the wizard and watched with increasing panic as his knees appeared on the opposite side of his legs.
A small smile played around Severus' lips.
The smile vanished as quickly as it had appeared and he was all business when I chose the moment to make my entrance. I tried not to burst out laughing at the sight of the unfortunate would-be duellers. I kept a straight face and seized the remote. Britney vanished. You could have heard a pin fall.
"Do you have any explanation for all of this?" I asked challengingly.
"I…" Tybalt began.
"We…" Harry stumbled.
"He…" George snarled with an angry glowering at Severus.
"Ah, yes, that explains it all," I said sarcastically.
"We can't allow the wizard to make fools of us!" George shouted angrily, gesturing so wildly that he lost his balance and toppled over.
"Forgive me if I do not find your threat very impressive under the circumstances," Severus said coolly.
I noticed the looks that passed between them with growing unease. Rasputin was right - I could not allow them to keep their weapons. But how was I supposed to do something about it? Marie could probably talk Brandon into surrendering his rifle and hunting knife. Not that he was likely to start a fight, but still… Of course Severus could easily disarm the Sheriff and Tybalt, but even if I could persuade him to help me after the embarrassing episode upstairs, he would still have his wand. They would think Severus and I were pitting ourselves against them. Besides, I did not really fancy talking to him after his fast exit upstairs and he was completely ignoring me now any way.
There had to be a diplomatic way to get their weapons, all of them. But I knew perfectly well that neither of them would surrender them of their own free will. I said slowly, "Will you all be good if he releases you? No more fighting or arguing?"
Reluctantly, they agreed.
"Very well." Severus said. He looked almost disappointed as he removed the jinx and the hex.
Tybalt was still trembling. His face was ghostly white, and he hardly dared to raise his eyes. It had to be frightening enough for a Renaissance man to be marooned in the 21st century, but in a house full of eccentric characters, including a real wizard? I felt sorry for him, but I did not see a way to calm him down.
George grabbed his own knees, looking them up and down, as if to reassure himself that everything was in its right place.
I chuckled a bit at that.
His next move was to make sure that his sword and dagger were ready to be drawn at the next opportunity. This was not good. He was never going to leave his weapons unattended. Unless…
Trying to ignore Severus' gaze boring into my back, I turned to George with a sweet smile. "Didn't you want to have a bath?" He couldn't take his sword into the bathtub with him could he?
Suddenly he was all charms again. He gave a little bow. "Whatever my lady desires."
"The bathroom is upstairs," I said. "I'll show you where to find the towels."
"As I suspected," George murmured to himself. "Vicious."
I knew exactly what everyone was thinking. I was well aware that this was what George was thinking too. But I had to get that sword and the dagger.
When I turned to leave with George I felt a hand on my arm.
"I need to have a word with you," Severus said in a low voice. "In the kitchen."
I couldn't speak because my treacherous heart was beating so wildly. I feared it would affect the sound of my voice so I simply nodded. Calm down, I chided myself. What was it about this man that made me lose all my inner poise? I was lucky I didn't have any feelings for Severus, it was better this way - Mr Spock was more emotional than that grumpy old bat.

*

I followed Severus to the kitchen. I had no idea what was going on upstairs. What I can tell you is based on Marie's account of the events. That is, the account Marie was ready to give only after a whole bottle of wine a few months later.

Marie was lying in the dark with only the lamp on the bedside table to give a little light. She was listening to the sounds of the wind and the rain outside, and to the sonorous voice of the man reading to her.
She was so absorbed in watching his lips move and dreaming away in the rhythm of his reading that she was barely paying attention to the words.
Only when he put down the book and glanced at her doubtfully was she torn from her reverie.
"Are you quite sure you want to hear this?"
Marie nodded. It didn't matter what he was reading as long as she could hear his voice, and as long as he was reading only to her.
"I was under the impression that you were not really listening."
"Oh yes, I am listening!" she protested and decided to force herself to pay more attention this time. "Would you please keep reading, Colonel?"
"Of course." He turned his attention back to the book. Marie noticed just how big the book was. What kind of book was he reading anyway?
As soon as he resumed reading Marie felt herself dreaming away again. She imagined that silky voice whispering secrets to her in the dark, secrets only she could hear, and she wondered what it would be like to hear the voice close to her ear. Just the memory of his arms around her as he had carried her upstairs and set her softly down on the bed was enough to make her swoon. She tried to force herself to listen. "… power flushes…"
Marie blinked. "What was that? Could you read that last paragraph again, please?"
"Certainly. Who are we? " Colonel Brandon read, "Heating and Water Comfort South East Limited is based in South East London, covering the whole of the South East of England. We offer a full range of central heating, gas and plumbing related services. This includes initial design, installation, advice and commisioning to industry recognised benchmarked standards. HWC strictly complies to the new Building Regulations, Part L. We also carry out a complete range of other plumbing and central heating services including boiler exchanges, system upgrades, power flushes…"
Marie giggled. She was a bit embarrassed that she had not noticed until now that Brandon had been reading the Yellow Pages. Still, listening to his voice had been very enjoyable. "Maybe we should note down that number, Stacy could use their services – I think her central heating isn't working properly."
"Yes, indeed," Brandon agreed, "although I am not sure what you mean by central heating. It is very hot in the upper rooms."
Marie gave him a thoughtful look. "Really? I thought it was very cold," she said innocently. "Maybe that is because I nearly froze to death…" His compassionate smile made Marie melt. She had always had a fondness for Brandon and it appeared that he liked her a lot too. Marie had many virtues but patience was not exactly one of them. Bravery, however, was. She decided it was time to encourage the Colonel in a more amourous direction . "You see, Colonel, I watched that mov… I mean, I read that book a while ago, about a young couple getting lost in the mountains, during a snowstorm… There was help on the way, but they had to try to keep warm, to avoid freezing to death. The… the book said that if possible, you should always try to transfer your own body heat…" She paused strategically to watch Brandon's reaction.
Brandon looked at her longingly for a split second then seemed remember that a gentleman should never have that kind of conversation with a lady he had any serious interest in. He stood suddenly almost knocking over his chair in the process. "Let me see if I can find another blanket and…" he frowned at the Yellow Pages, "… something else to read."
Well, it was worth a try. "Stacy's study is full of books, but the good ones are downstairs," Marie informed him. "Look for a seven volume collection that says Harry Potter."
Brandon nodded dutifully and left to fetch the books. He closed the bedroom door firmly behind him and leaned against the wall panting heavily.

*

I followed Severus to the kitchen. Leaning against the cupboard leisurely I crossed my arms in front of my chest. "I'm here," I said. "So?"
He gave me an irritated glare because I had prevented him from speaking first. "We need to talk," he said levelly.
"Really." I ignored the butterflies that had begun to dance in my stomach.
It was evident that Severus was having difficulty finding the right words for what he was going to say. He looked at me with a neutral expression and began to talk in a calm but resolved manner. "I find the situation intolerable. Some people may not have any difficulty entertaining themselves; however, others feel extremely insecure about how to handle the circumstances and might get hurt in the process. I do not think the way you have been dealing with a certain person in this house is appropriate. It is clear that he shows a certain… partiality towards you, but an interference on my part is inevitable because…"
I couldn't believe him. Was he really giving me a lecture about Rasputin? Who did he think he was?
"Hey," I interrupted him angrily, "I know exactly where this is going but I will not apologize for my conduct in my own house! It's not my fault that you chose that particular moment to show up, and if you’d had any decency, you would have turned back before you were noticed! You may be the big scary teacher at Hogwarts, but I'm not afraid of you, and I'm not a schoolgirl you can put into detention for snogging in the corridor! All right, it might have been a bit more than snogging if you hadn't shown up, but just because you haven't had a lay in sixteen years doesn't mean that everybody else can't! And instead of freely admitting that you're jealous, you claim that you are worried about me getting hurt! I'm a big girl and I certainly don't have any plans to marry Grigorij and have his children; he's just great fun! Do you even know how to spell that word?!"
His face fell for a fraction of a second. He looked genuinely surprised. Then his features resumed that slightly condescending, detached expression I had come to know so well. "As enlightening as your revelations have been, Eustacia," he said, "I was actually talking about Tybalt."
Oooooops.
"About… Tybalt?" I asked incredulously. My voice felt suddenly very small.
"Yes, Tybalt," he confirmed. "He obviously has the most trouble adjusting to the situation. Everything's new to him and he is deeply worried. He hasn't relaxed for a moment since he arrived here and, with his uncontrollable temper, I fear for his safety."
"Yes, me too," I admitted.
"You did not have the necessary ingredients for a calming draught but I have taken the liberty to concoct a potion that will relax him and ease his tension. You’ll have to persuade him to take it. He likes you and he trusts you the most; that is why I wanted to talk to you."
I suddenly felt very embarrassed. "Thank you. That was very thoughtful," I said guiltily.
He produced a small plastic bottle filled with a dark red liquid.
I grinned. "Plastic? You surprise me."
"Unfortunately, I couldn't find any vials in your kitchen."
"I'll buy you some on e-bay first thing in the morning," I joked. Severus was still playing the dour Potions master but our conversation had taken on a much lighter tone and I was grateful for it.
"That won't be necessary. Just make sure he does not take it with alcohol," Severus said warningly. "In that combination all it will do is lower his inhibitions, a lot, and we would not want that."
I smiled weakly. "Thanks for the hint." I grabbed the potion. I wanted to flee from the kitchen and his presence but he stopped me in my tracks.
"Eustacia?"
I froze. "Yes?"
"F."
I blinked. "Pardon?"
"U."
Our gazes locked.
"N."
His eyes glittered. "As you can see, I know how to spell it."
I shook my head. "Wizards are the strangest people."
I looked at him for a long moment.
He in turn looked at me as if he were seeing me for the first time; in a different light. The real me, without my irony, my playfulness, the display of self-assurance I always used to cover up my insecurities.
I had to say something, anything to break that silence. "Severus, I…" I whispered. His gaze seemed to soften as I spoke. I made a tentative step in his direction. "I didn't mean to… you know…" I said helplessly. I could not find any more words to say.
"Stacy, you should go now," he said in a low voice.
"I really should," I replied, but remained where I was, drowning in his eyes. There was a uniqueness in the moment. I knew that there was something in the air that would pass if I did not stay. I knew I had a chance to see behind the mask of his cool sarcasm.
Just then George popped his head into the kitchen.
"Stacy, didn't you want to show me the towels?"
Severus looked daggers at him but the Sheriff just grinned.
"I'll be right there," I said angrily and pushed him out of the door.
When I sought Severus' eyes again I could see that it was too late. The moment had passed.
He narrowed his eyes and his face closed like a book. "Do not keep him waiting," he said coldly and went back to checking my supplies of herbs and other useful Potions ingredients.
Whatever I thought I had seen a glimpse of, it was gone. I had probably imagined it.
I resisted the urge to drag George upstairs and drown him in the bathtub. Breathe deep. I'm in balance with myself. I'm in balance with the universe.

I walked into the living room as if I owned the place – wait a minute, I did own the place. The whole conversation with Severus had left me angry and frustrated so I decided to try Grigorij's idea and I poured myself a glass of wine to calm my nerves. I set the potion on the table for just a moment to look for the wine. BIG mistake. Rasputin seized the potion with a short "Ah, fresh supplies!" and before I could let out a strangled "No!!!!!!!" he had emptied the content of the bottle into his wine glass. It mingled with the red wine immediately.
"Sorry my dove, did you want any of that?" he asked with a shrug.
I paled and shook my head. "And neither do you because…"
Before I could tell him not to drink from the glass Colonel Brandon reappeared on the scene. He looked agitated, tense.
"How is Marie, Colonel?" I asked.
"She is recovering," he said. "She is a remarkable young woman." His voice was trembling slightly and he fought to control it.
I grinned. Someone's got a crush… "That she is," I confirmed. "How may I help you?"
"I was looking for some more books to read to her," Brandon said formally. "Is there a book called Harry Potter?"
I gestured at the bookshelf. "Be my guest."
"Much obliged."
Rasputin rose and walked up to Brandon. "My friend, you are not going to read to the pretty little rosebud all night?"
Brandon arched an eyebrow at him. "If that is her wish."
"Women have many wishes." Rasputin, who had already had too much to drink, patted Brandon's shoulder a bit too hard. "But you are all tense! Have some wine!"
And, with a shocked expression, I watched Rasputin hand his glass over to Brandon.
"Thank you sir," Brandon said politely.
"WAIT!" I yelled, but it was too late – he had downed the glass.
Severus' words echoed in my head. Just make sure he does not take it with alcohol… In that combination, all it will do is lower his inhibitions… a lot…
I gazed anxiously at Brandon.
To my relief he did not really look any different. He was perhaps a little more calm and self-assured.
He reached for a book on the shelf and gave a friendly nod to the assembled company. "If you will excuse me now I have to return to the patient. Do you mind if I borrow something from your bedroom for your friend?"
I waved dismissively. "Not at all. Take what you need."
He bowed. "Thank you. Good night."
I nodded. "Good night, Colonel."
I watched him go. He did not show any signs of strange behaviour, so I supposed Severus had exaggerated. I mean, doctors always said you weren't allowed to take any medication with alcohol either and nobody cared, did they? Colonel Brandon was an early 19th-century English gentleman. No harm could be done by lowering his inhibitions a little, could it? I glanced at the bookshelf to see which of the Harry Potter novels he had picked. I blinked in surprised. What was missing was none of JK Rowling's novels.
"Just out of curiosity," Harry asked, "What did he take?"
I stared at him with a shocked expression. "Marquis de Sade, Collected Works."
"Ah." Harry looked as surprised as I felt. "You just never quite know about people, do you?"
Oh dear. Potion. Bedroom. Borrow something. My goodie drawer. Marie. I paled. "I'll be right back."
For a moment I was resolved to warn my friend about the potion Brandon had taken – but when I made to go upstairs George snaked his arm around my waist possessively. "I will not wait any longer. You give me the towels first."
Knowing George, I realized that he would not accept a no for an answer. So I agreed. Another big mistake…

*

Marie had taken the opportunity to freshen up a little while Brandon was away. She brushed her hair back into a ponytail and checked her reflection in the mirror. When she heard steps in the corridor she quickly jumped back into bed. After all, he was supposed to believe in her sprained ankle story.
The door opened and Brandon entered. Marie was a bit puzzled when she heard him lock the door behind himself.
He gave her a small smile. "How is the invalid?"
"Much better," Marie said, smiling back, "Er… I mean, I'm still cold, and my ankle still hurts, but other than that, much better." She tried to cover her lie by asking: "Have you managed to find the right book?"
In a light tone that betrayed no emotion he replied: "I should think you will find the book satisfactory."
He made no move towards the chair but remained standing by the door.
Marie hesitated. "Are you not going to come over here and let me see it?"
His face was in darkness. Marie could not make out his expression but his voice was suddenly sounded low, mysterious, and potentially dangerous. "Come and get it."
Marie blinked. "What?"
"You heard me correctly."
"But… you know, my ankle…" Marie stumbled.
"I trust you will manage," he said silkily.
Marie's heart was pounding wildly as she rose from the bed and took a few slow steps in his direction. She knew that something was different about him but she could not put her finger on it. She asked tentatively, "Is everything alright?"
She was close enough to reach for the book but she stopped abruptly when she heard the smirk in his answer. "Of course my dear." Something about his tone was not right. It was scary, and yet, somehow, exciting. He did not wait for her to take the book. He switched on the reading lamp on the small table and walked behind her. He closed his arms around her and held the open book in front of her chest.
"Read to me," he said.
Marie was surprised by the movement. So far he had avoided physical contact with her other than carrying her upstairs. She tried to keep her hands from trembling as she reached for the book. The light was just enough for her to make out the words on the page. This was definitely not Harry Potter.
"Are you sure you want me to…" she began, but his arms closed around her more firmly and he gave no verbal reply. "All right." Marie took a deep breath then she began to read. "I did not attend supper that first day; I had simply been selected to pass the night with Dom Clement. In accordance with custom, I was outside his cell some few minutes before he was expected to return to it; the jailer opened the door, then locked it when I had gone in. Clement arrives as warm with wine as lust, he is followed by the twenty-six year-old girl who, at the time was officiating as his watch; previously informed of what I am to do, I fall to my knees as soon as I hear him coming…." She felt his breath on her neck but he was not moving, so she continued on. "He nears me, considers me in my humbled posture, then commands me to rise and kiss him upon the mouth; he savors the kiss for several moments and imparts to it all the expression... all the amplitude one could possibly conceive." Marie stopped reading when she felt him reach into her hair and remove the elastic band that held her ponytail. Her long hair fell down around her shoulders.
"Maybe we should continue tomorrow," Marie suggested trying to shut the book but Brandon's hand closed around her wrist.
"I am not quite done with you yet," he replied. "Will you read on for a while?"
Marie tried to turn her attention to the text, but she was distracted by Brandon's fingers playing with her hair. She took a deep breath to calm down and decided to relax into the flow. After all, she was the one who had started this with all her talk of snowstorms and body heat. She would not back out of it now. She read on. "Meanwhile, Armande, as his thrall was named, undresses me by stages. "
Marie’s reading was interupted again as she realized he was removing his necktie. She heard him taking something from his pocket but she could not determine what it was without stopping to read. The text became more disturbing as she went on.
"'Therese,' he says, 'you are going to suffer cruelly.' He had no need to tell me so, for his eyes declared it but too emphatically."
Brandon’s lips brushed the sensitive skin of her neck.
Marie dropped the book and turned around to face him. "Christopher," she whispered. She met his eyes and found them hooded with desire. Emboldened by his gaze, Marie slid her arms around his neck and kissed him.
He returned her kiss until he felt her relax against him. Then he gently pulled away.
She looked at him questioningly.
"I suppose your ankle is still painful?" he said in a mildly accusatory tone.
Marie was glad that the light was dim so he could not see her blush over her little white lie.
"Er… it is much better now," Marie said, unsure of how to reply.
"You should lie down," he suggested.
Marie was relieved that he did not seem to hold her slight exaggeration against her. "By all means," she agreed and tried to pull him down on the bed with her but he shook his head.
"When I served in the West Indies," he said, "one of my friends broke his ankle. The doctor implied that it would heal faster if kept completely still." He sat down on the bed next to her. "Allow me to aid you. On my way back to you I happened to find something in our host's bedroom…"
"You went into Stacy's bedroom?" Marie asked disbelievingly. So much for gentlemanly restraint.
He held out the hand he had been hiding behind his back and produced several white silk scarves and a pair of handcuffs.

TBC…

Author's note:
Harry's comment about Colonel Brandon's preferences is shamelessly copied from Nora, it was just too tempting.
The de Sade extracts are from Justine, or, Good Conduct Well Chastised.
Don't worry about the plot – I'm getting there, you'll see in the next chapter…
_________________

Avatar thanks to mushroomking1967 from glitter-graphics.com

Marie · Rickmaniac Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 922 Location: Sweden

Oh! My! God!!!! Shocked

This story is just brilliant!!! You are an amazing writer, Eustacia!
Me, the Colonel, and de Sade, the perfect combination!
As I wrote in another thread, I have been home sick today, but the story made me feel so much better! And hot all over...
Now I'm gonna read it over and over and over again! And the wait for the next chapter sure will be hard!
I'm never going to be able to watch Sense and Sensibility again without blushing!
Love you, Eustacia! Very Happy

jacksl · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 4:12 pm Post subject:

OOOhhhh!!! Intriguing!! Very very very good Eustacia!!!

You've got us all hooked BIG TIME...love it, love it, love it!!!!
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Alan Rickman...*sigh*... enough said.

Thanks to Centurienne for the bannerXXXX

Eustacia · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 5:36 pm Post subject:

LOL - "glad as always to oblige my friends and neighbours" Very Happy

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Avatar thanks to mushroomking1967 from glitter-graphics.com

njf61 · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 1:47 pm Post subject:

Harry can quote from me anytime...I'd be happy to give him, or the Colonel, any ideas they need!

Write faster, woman!! I am so hooked!
makes me want to go around opening doors in your house just to see who's in the rooms.
what nice surpises in Eustacia's house!! Twisted Evil

I have to go to bed now (just got off work this morning) wonder what I'll dream about all day???
I can only hope... Wink

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~~~Nora~~~
Thank you Centurienne for the banner!

Eustacia · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 2:41 pm Post subject:

Don't worry, already working on Chapter 5. I'm probably as addicted to writing as you are to reading. And there are many doors in this fic that haven't been opened yet.
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Avatar thanks to mushroomking1967 from glitter-graphics.com

Marie · Rickmaniac Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 922 Location: Sweden

For the first time ever, I had a naughty Alan- dream last night! (Daydreaming not included...) And it was all thanks to your story, Eustacia!
In the dream, I was a servant girl, working on a big mansion out in the country somewhere. I was wearing very little clothes for some reason, now that wouldn't have been too practical to work in, but I guess it was not the point either.
And the master of the house were of course Alan.
So, than I'm walking in the woods knowing that he is following me, but not really seeing him. But than I stop and turn around, and there he is, walking towards me. Than he pushes me against this big tree, and than... well, embrace yourselves ladies, we have sex! A lot! All hard and rough, but that is just to be expected, isn't it? Twisted Evil

It was the best dream ever!
Probably had a little something to do with me reading your story just before I went to sleep, Eustacia! Seriosly can't wait to see what Brandon is up to in the next chapter! Very Happy