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Chapter 12
Antoine arrived right at one o'clock. Isabelle had her back to him, just finishing up with a phone customer. She turned around and "Hi" was all she could get out before he grabbed her in his arms and kissed her. It was almost a desperate kiss, and Isabelle held on to him as they both shut the rest of the world out, knowing only each other in this moment. Several minutes later, he finally lifted his head and looked at her. "Hi" he replied. Isabelle looked up at him, worry etched on her face. "Is everything all right?" she asked. He looked down at her, wondering at the concern he found in her eyes. "Everything is fine now" he whispered. He continued holding her in his arms, which Isabelle was thankful for because the kiss had left her weak in the knees. She clung to him a moment before she realized that a customer had just walked into the shop. She stepped back from him then and cleared her throat. "I would like to thank you for sending Andrew to us, but it really isn't necessary. We can manage along just fine. And besides, I feel bad that you're paying his wages." "You shouldn't feel bad about that. I have plenty of money and spend it where I see fit. You are in need of an extra helper, and it makes me happy to supply that need." Isabelle knew it was useless to argue with him. "I...I don't know what to say." He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her forehead. "You have already said everything that needs to be said." Isabelle stared into his dark, intense eyes and a sudden ache sprang up in her heart. How did someone this wonderful come into her life? She knew in this moment that she had deep feelings for him. She wondered. Could it be love? Could she imagine spending the rest of her life with this man? The voice inside her head calmly answered, yes. She smiled brightly as the inner turmoil that had been raging shifted to one of peacefulness. "Well, I'll just go upstairs and get the dress." She started to turn away when Antoine grabbed her arm, bringing her back to him. "Have you had lunch yet?" he asked. "No." "Good" he said. "Then you'll have lunch with me." A slight frown crossed her face. He was being imperious at a very inopportune time. "I can't. I don't have time right now. It would leave grandmother here alone in the shop...." Grandmother, who had been quietly eavesdropping while helping a customer, interrupted. "Go ahead Antoine, take her to lunch. I'll be fine here in the shop by myself. I'm a tough old bird." Antoine looked over at grandmother and smiled. "Thank you Rebecca. I won't keep her away for too long." Isabelle listened to the dialogue between the two and became indignant. They were discussing her like she wasn't even there! "Excuse me, but I think I have some say in this" began Isabelle. "Belle" said grandmother, "for once, don't be stubborn, get upstairs and change, and go to lunch." Isabelle frowned. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" "It's dirty", she said as she turned back to her customer. Isabelle looked down at herself, noticing the stains from the flower stems on her shirt and the dirt on her jeans where she wiped off her hands sometimes. She sighed and looked back to Antoine. "I'll only be a moment" she replied and she headed upstairs to freshen up. She didn't have time for a shower so she washed her face and reapplied her makeup then changed out of her jeans and tank top and put on a simple, cotton sundress and sandals. She ran a brush through her hair, parting it on the side and letting it fall around her shoulders, and sprayed on some perfume. She looked at herself in the mirror, straightening the gold rose and chain around her neck then grabbed the garment from the previous night and went back downstairs. She found Antoine and grandmother in an animated conversation. He turned to her as she walked across to him, blushing when he looked her up and down, then turned to her grandmother. "We'll be back in a while Rebecca. Would you like us to bring you something back?" Her grandmother smiled. "Oh, no, that's all right. I already ate. Have fun you two" she called out after them as Antoine escorted Isabelle out of the shop. It was a sunny day as Antoine drove her through the streets of the city. He had the top down on his sports car and Isabelle loved the feel of the wind running through her hair. When Antoine wasn't shifting gears, his hand was on Isabelle's thigh in a possessive manner, which pleased her. They pulled up in front of a small café in a nicer part of the city. Antoine walked around the car and escorted Isabelle inside. Antoine held on to Isabelle's hand as the hostess escorted them to a table on the outside terrace when he heard a familiar drawl. Antoine turned around and saw Miss Audrey sitting at a table with her private secretary. She was waving to him and he groaned inwardly as he realized he would have to introduce Isabelle to her. He could only pray that Miss Audrey wouldn't reveal his true profession. He put on a smile and brought Isabelle over to her table. "Miss Audrey, how are you doing this afternoon?" asked Antoine as casually as he could. "I'm doin' wonderf'ly well, for an old woman." She turned her attention to Isabelle. "And who is this delightful creature at your side?" What could he say that would hint to Miss Audrey to keep his profession a secret? thought Antoine. He took a deep breath. "This is my girlfriend, Isabelle Martin. Belle, this is Audrey Lebac, known to her close friends as Miss Audrey." Smiling big at his introduction of her, Isabelle held out her hand to Miss Audrey. "Pleasure to meet you Miss Lebac." Miss Audrey gave a shrewd look to Antoine and saw a subtle pleading in his eyes and guessed the truth of the situation. She took Isabelle's hand in her own. "Pleasure to meet you, Isabelle, and please, call me Miss Audrey." They smiled at each other warmly. "Why don't you two join me for lunch? My secretary was just leavin' and I hate to dine alone." Her secretary cleared the table of papers and left the café. Antoine looked at Isabelle who was smiling up at him and sighed. "Well, we still have tomorrow night to be alone" he murmured for her ears only. She blushed at this and he held out her chair for her. Isabelle sat down and Antoine sat next to her, scooting his chair close to Isabelle. Miss Audrey watched all of this with a gleam in her eyes. The waiter came with menus and they ordered their lunch. The hour passed in pleasant conversation, with Miss Audrey doing most of the talking, recounting her escapades when she was a young girl living in New Orleans. All the while, she watched Antoine and Isabelle like a hawk, noting every look they gave each other, and every touch that seemed to innocently fall on the other. Most of the time Antoine either had a hold of Isabelle's hand or had his hand on her thigh. She noticed Isabelle blush every once in a while when she glanced up at Antoine. Isabelle is definitely in love with Antoine, thought Miss Audrey, but what about my pet? Does he have any true feelings for her? She studied Antoine as they continued talking. She almost felt like she was seeing another person entirely. The hard look she had grown accustomed to seeing was gone. His expression was softer. His laughter was genuine, as was his smile, he had tender gazes for Isabelle and his possessiveness of her was endearing, to a point. Well, she thought, he couldn't help that part. After all, he is Italian. Could he be in love with this girl? She knew she wouldn't find out today. But she would find out. The lunch dishes had been cleared away and they were sitting back, drinking their coffee, when Isabelle excused herself to the powder room, leaving Miss Audrey alone with Antoine. She turned to him. "So, would you like to tell me what's goin' on?" Antoine took a sip of his coffee before replying. "We met Tuesday afternoon when I was being blackmailed by Cavendish. Belle and I had a mishap and I took it in my mind to use her to help me accomplish Cavendish's demands." "Are you still usin' her?" asked Miss Audrey quietly. Antoine looked down into his cup of coffee. "No. I failed in my mission to seduce Marilyn Kint." "So why are you still with Belle?" He looked up from his coffee and stared at Miss Audrey, trying to formulate an answer. He finally shrugged his shoulders and said softly, "I don't know. But please, don't tell her about my profession." "Don't worry pet, I won't." He paused for a moment, then continued. "Miss Audrey, Cavendish is going to have me arrested as soon as he finds out there are no pictures. You said that you possibly had connections and could maybe help..." Miss Audrey cut him off as she spied Isabelle returning to the table. "I'll help you but let's discuss this at my house tomorrow. Here's Isabelle." Antoine turned to Isabelle, standing up as she reached the table. He helped her back into her chair, then took his own seat again. "Did I miss anything?" asked Isabelle. "Only me" replied Antoine as he kissed her fingers. Miss Audrey smiled as she watched the two lovers, for that was what they were, she mused, whether Antoine realized it or not. Isabelle glanced at her watch and looked at Antoine, silently telling him that she needed to get back to the shop. Antoine understood her look, then stood up and helped Isabelle up while he spoke. "Miss Audrey, it's time for us to be leaving. Isabelle has to get back to the shop." "That's quite alright, pet. But I'll see you tomorrow afternoon." Antoine took her hand in his, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it. "I'll be there." He took Isabelle's hand and they walked out of the café, while Miss Audrey leaned back in her chair and smiled. "So, who is this Miss Audrey?" asked Isabelle once they were in the car. Antoine winced as he tried to come up with a suitable answer. "She's a wealthy widow, having been married five times, originally from New Orleans." "How did you meet her?" "I met her after the funeral of her last husband a few years ago and we've been friends ever since" said Antoine, trying to skirt around the subject. "Why were you at her husband's funeral? Did you know him?" pressed Isabelle. "Not well, but he was a potential business client I was working on for my company and when he died, I felt compelled to go to the funeral. I met Miss Audrey, we hit it off and ever since then, she's been a mentor to me." He hated the lie, but there was no way around it. "I see. Well, she's very nice and seems to think a lot about you." "Yes she does," said Antoine, giving her thigh a squeeze. Isabelle smiled and looked out the window, comfortable in the silence that followed. She had been slightly jealous of Miss Audrey at first, but after listening to her, figured there was nothing to worry about. Besides, Miss Audrey was in her late fifties. There's no way she could have been a previous girlfriend of Antoine's. Isabelle caught herself. Jealousy. It had been a long time since she'd had anything to be jealous about. She rather liked the feeling. They pulled up outside the shop and Antoine escorted her inside. Antoine spoke first. "I'm sorry Rebecca, to have brought Belle back so late from lunch." "Grandma, did everything go okay?" asked Belle anxiously. "Antoine don't worry about it. I was fine. Goodness, Belle, the way you worry you'd think I had never owned a flower shop before." Isabelle gave a chagrined look to her grandmother. "I'm sorry grandma. You're right. You've managed this shop since ever I was a little girl." "And then some", said grandmother with a wink. All three of them were smiling when the door to the shop flung open and Kathleen ran in, tears streaming down her face. She threw her books down on the counter, her notebook spitting out loose papers to fall on the floor. Grandmother started picking up the papers as Isabelle questioned Kathleen. "Kathy! What in the world is wrong?" Kathleen rounded on her, a distraught look on her face. "I hate school! I'm never going back there again! And I hate Ricky Sanders!" Isabelle grabbed Kathleen to her, holding her in a big hug and stroking her hair, trying to calm her down. "Whoa, babe! Calm down, now, and tell me what happened." Kathleen's muffled voice came from Isabelle's shoulder. "Nothing happened. I just hate school and I hate boys." Isabelle looked up at grandmother, raising her eyebrows, then concentrated back on Kathleen. "Kathy, tell me what happened. Please." Isabelle walked Kathleen over to a stool at the counter and sat her down on it. Grandmother got her a Kleenex and Kathleen wiped her face off. "Well, Kimberley and I were out on the playground during recess watching the boys play kickball and the new girl was out there too, and she sat at the other end of the bench and when Ricky kicked a homerun, he went over and talked to her instead of giving me a high-five like he always does after scoring a home-run. And then, during reading class she got there first and sat with him and then after school, he promised to walk back here to the shop and have a Pepsi with me but instead he walked home to her house to play Nintendo." Kathleen started crying again as she finished. Isabelle stroked Kathleen's hair away from her face. "Honey, it's just the thrill of seeing a new kid in the school...." "...girl", broke in Kathleen. Isabelle sighed. "Okay, a new girl in school. But that doesn't mean he doesn't like you. By Monday he will have forgotten all about it and be your beau again." "But he's supposed to be my beau now. He gave me a Valentine, not her" and the tears erupted again as Kathleen hung her head and gave in to her sorrow. Isabelle looked at grandmother, not knowing how to handle this, when Antoine stepped up to Kathleen. He sat down on the stool next to Kathleen and took her hands in his. "Kathleen." Kathleen didn't acknowledge him. "Kathleen, look at me", said Antoine in a firmer tone. His voice, which commanded obedience, made Kathleen lift her head and look at him. "I know you're upset over this, but he'll get over this infatuation with the new girl and come back to you. You and he have been friends for a long time, correct?" Kathleen sniffled. "Yes, but..." "No, you listen to me", said Antoine gently. "He is a boy and sometimes boys follow their noses without thinking, accidentally hurting someone they really care about. They don't mean to. It's just that they don't think. But he will remember what great friends you are, and start paying attention to you again." Antoine cupped her elfish face in one hand. "Remember this: each girl is special in her own way. That means that you are a very special girl, you're pretty and fun to be around and if Ricky is not the one that is meant for you, then there will be someone better out there, who will think you are the most wonderful girl in the world. Then he will start ignoring all of his friends because he will only want to be with you. He will give you Valentines and roses...." "...like Belle's golden rose?" perked up Kathleen. Antoine looked up at Isabelle then back to Kathleen. "It just might be", he said softly. He stroked Kathleen's hair once then stood up. Kathleen sat for a moment, then jumped off the stool and threw her arms around Antoine, giving him a big hug. Antoine was bewildered by this display of affection at first, but then his arms slowly came around her and he squeezed her back. Finally, grandmother interrupted the moment. "Kathy, sweety, why don't you come upstairs with me and splash some cold water on your face? It will make you feel better." "Ok", replied Kathleen, letting go of Antoine. Grandmother and Kathleen gathered up her schoolbooks and went upstairs. Antoine turned back to Isabelle to see gratitude and love pouring from her eyes. He stopped short. Love? Was she in love with him? Antoine had no time to think any further for Isabelle had come up to him and put her arms around him, holding him to her. She looked up at him, searching his dark eyes as she tried to find the words to thank him. "That was a wonderful thing you did just then, thank you so much. I think it really helped her to hear it from a man's point of view." Antoine held her close. "She needs a man in her life, since her father is gone." Isabelle grinned at him. "Are you applying for the job, Mr. Italy?" Antoine just looked at her, lost in contemplation. The grin faded from her face as she realized how that sounded. "I'm sorry. I wasn't ...implying that you should...." "I know", interrupted Antoine. He looked around the shop to make sure they were alone for the moment and then took the opportunity to kiss her. It was a deep kiss, full of emotion on both sides. After a few minutes, Antoine lifted his head and just held her tightly. Then Antoine sighed. "I must be going, I have things to do. I will see you tomorrow night at seven o'clock." "How should I dress?" asked Isabelle. "Casual, like what you have on now. We've done enough dressing up for one week. So, until tomorrow evening, my Belle" he kissed her on the forehead and walked out of the shop. Isabelle walked to the window and watched him leave, her thoughts all on Antoine and tomorrow night. Chapter 13 Saturday afternoon found Antoine driving up to Miss Audrey's front door, where the butler met him. He opened the car door for Antoine, then led the way inside the mansion. As Antoine walked through the grand hallways, he looked at the works of art that hung on the walls or stood on the floor and wondered what it would be like to be this wealthy. He wasn't envious of Miss Audrey, it just suddenly seemed surrealistic to him. He'd been around Isabelle and her shop for the past week, in a part of town that was lower-middle class and he was getting used to it. Which was strange for him, for he had always liked the best of everything, clothes, car, and material items. Now those things seemed to not matter very much. The butler led him into the parlour where Miss Audrey was pacing back and forth, dictating to her secretary. Antoine stopped at the door and waited for her to finish. The butler did a small cough into his hands and Miss Audrey turned around. "Ah! Antoine, my pet! You're fina'ly here!" Miss Audrey walked over to Antoine while her secretary gathered up her papers. "Am I interrupting anything?" inquired Antoine as Miss Audrey led him over to the sofa. "Nothin' at all. I'm just writin' my memoirs. I thought a woman with my widow-ish habits should share her wealth of knowledge with all the women of the world." Antoine looked concerned. "As long as there's not a chapter in there about me." "Hmm...what's it worth to you?" she asked seductively. Antoine didn't say anything but the worried expression on his face made Miss Audrey laugh. "Don't worry Antoine, I haven't said anythin' about our affairs." Antoine breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Miss Audrey." She smiled at him then turned to her butler. "Jason, bring us some light refreshment please." The butler bowed and walked out of the room. "So, what can I do for you, my pet?" Antoine sat beside her on the sofa. "Cavendish called me last night and told me I have less than a week to produce the photos. I told him I had everything under control and I would get the pictures. But, like I told you, I failed in my mission to seduce Marilyn Kint. So I'm in a bind. I can't go to the police for that would expose me. Is there anyway you can help me?" Miss Audrey was thoughtful for a moment. She noticed a look of defeat on his face, something that she'd never seen before. He had always been confident and charming, a man who knew where he was going. Now he just looked lost. "Antoine, let me ask you somethin'. Why didn't you succeed in seducin' Mrs. Kint?" His brows furrowed as he thought about it. "You know, I use to think that all women were alike. That their morals were low, that they were interested only in themselves, incapable of feelings, especially love", he looked at Miss Audrey. "Present company excluded, of course." "Absolutely not. I'm like that too, Antoine, and I admit it. But go on." She smiled encouragingly at him. "Marilyn is different. She truly loves her husband. She's dedicated to him and their cause in this political election coming up. She cares about other people, and she took Belle and myself into her home like old friends. She is a good woman. I did try to seduce her, but my charms didn't work on her. I failed." "A new experience for you, isn't it?" "Yes, but for some reason, it doesn't bother me that I failed. I find I don't want to hurt the Kints." "And could that be because you have feelings for Belle?" She arched an eyebrow at him. He stood up without answering and paced around the room, with his hands in his pockets, as she continued. "You know, I watched the two of you very closely yesterday at lunch." "And?" "And she definitely has feelins' for you." Antoine frowned slightly. "Yes I know, I can see it in her eyes." "Do you have feelins' for her?" Did he? He'd been asking himself that question for the past day. "I don't know" he replied. "Then why don't you get rid of her and return to your former lifestyle? Just pick up where you left off? How long has it been since you've had a client?" "It's been almost a week." "How do you feel about that?" He stopped his pacing at the front window and stared out at the gardens. "I feel like I don't care if I never have another client again. I'm not sure I want to return to that lifestyle. It suddenly doesn't seem right." "And what about Belle?" "I thought I'd experienced it all but this past week has been a new experience for me. Belle is different than anyone else I've ever come across. I know she doesn't look like what I'm used to, but that doesn't matter. She's sweet, caring, concerned about others, she's funny, she has a temper...I don't know. It's just everything put together. I'm comfortable around her." "But there is the lie." He looked at Miss Audrey, then resumed his pacing. "Yes, there is that. But I can't tell her what I am. She would never want to see me again. Although, after next Wednesday, it won't matter. Everyone will know what I am. Cavendish will go to the police with those pictures of me and his wife and I'll end up in jail." "Well then, we need to A - find someway to bring Cavendish and his sleazy group of business men to justice, B - keep the Kints safe and C - keep you and Belle together." Antoine looked shocked at that last statement. "Us? Together? I haven't had a girlfriend in years. I don't know if I could start now." "Antoine, come and sit by me, you're makin' me restless with all your pacin'." Antoine obeyed and sat next to her. She took his hands in hers as she spoke. "I think it's time you settled down. You're 35 years old and not getting' any younger. And you know what? I think you've final'y found someone you could be happy with, and rightf'ly so. Everyone deserves to be happy, even big shots like you! And I know you've been unhappy lately. So take what fate has thrown your way. If you lose her, fate might not be so inclined to send you another. Life is too short to not take advantage of what comes your way. And I like her." Antoine sighed. "I like her too." Miss Audrey smiled and put her hand on the side of his face. "I know you do, and I think if you dig deep down within yourself, you'll find that you more than like her." Antoine smiled back at her. "Thank you Miss Audrey, for your advice." "The only thing is, now that Belle is in your life, I don't know how I'm going to collect my debt you owe me", she said in mock severity. She then broke down and laughed, with Antoine finally joining in. Antoine thought about all she had said and then sobered up. "So, how do I keep Belle from finding out? And how do I take care of Cavendish?" "Pet, you're not gonna like what I say but just hear me out, okay? You need to go to the Kints and explain everythin' to them. I think they can help you deal with Cavendish and that will get him out of your hair. As far as Belle is concerned, you're gonna have to tell her about your past." "What? Miss Audrey, I can't tell her that I've been sleeping with women for money for the past five years..." began Antoine. "You have to Antoine. It's one thing to keep a few harmless secrets from your lover but this is not a harmless secret. You will undoubtedly run into past clients from time to time who wouldn't think twice about causin' mischief. You are one hunk of a man, and I'm sure many of your clients have thought about makin' you their own." Antoine frowned as he remembered Ms. Garrison's offer a week ago and realized Miss Audrey was right. He sighed. "You're right. I will have to tell her. But not until this mess is over with. Then I'll tell her." "Later, now, what's the difference? I don't think you'll have anythin' to worry about Antoine. She'll be shocked at first, but she loves you and she'll forgive you." "I hope you're right." "I know I am. Ah, here's Jason with tea" said Miss Audrey as the butler came in carrying a large silver tray. "So don't worry about it pet, everythin' will work out like it's supposed to." Antoine gave her a doubtful smile as the butler served them. Isabelle was both excited and nervous about this evening's date with Antoine. She was excited to be with him again but nervous, too. They would be alone together for the first time, on a real date. What would they talk about? What would they do together? She blushed at that last thought, but knew there was a distinct possibility that she wouldn't be coming home this evening. It was nearing seven o'clock and she was putting the finishing touches on her appearance. She had showered and reapplied her make-up while she decided what she would wear. She donned the lacy undergarments Antoine had bought for her, a sheer, flesh coloured bra with lace around the edges and matching thong underwear. Isabelle looked at herself in the mirror and could appreciate why undergarments drove men wild. She was barely covered in the see-through material but enough so that it left some to the imagination. She went to her closet and brought out her dress. He had said to keep it casual, so she chose a light blue cotton sundress, with thin shoulder straps coming from a princess neckline, a fitted bodice and a bit of a flare to the skirt which came to the middle of her thighs. She had shaved her legs and put lotion all over them so decided not to wear stockings, then she grabbed her tan sandals and slipped them on her bare feet. Her hair was pulled away from her face but left hanging down in back. She finished dressing and turned to Kathleen, who was sitting on the bed looking dejectedly out the window. "Well? How do I look?" she asked. Kathleen looked at Isabelle then turned back to stare out the window. "You look fine" she said in a monotone voice. Isabelle walked over to Kathleen and sat beside her on the bed, drawing her into her arms. "Hey, babe", she said softly, "I know you're still upset about Ricky and there's not much I can say to make you feel better. All I know is, it will get better. You just have to give it time." Kathleen sighed in Isabelle's arms. "I know you're right. And I remember what Antoine said. But it still doesn't stop the hurt inside." She put her finger up to play with Isabelle's gold rose. "Do you like Antoine, Belle?" It was Isabelle's turn to sigh. "Yes, Kathy, I like him very much." "Enough to marry him?" Isabelle gave a small smile. "I don't know if he would ever ask me to marry him, and besides, we hardly know each other." Kathleen thought for a moment. "Why do you like him Belle?" "Well, I like the way he makes me feel. He makes me feel wanted...special....I don't know how to put it....but I'm just very comfortable around him. I like the way he looks, I like the way he's sometimes demanding, even though it drives me nuts....I like the way he cares about us. I mean, none of my other boyfriends would have talked to you yesterday like he did or paid for someone to come work in the shop." "Oh", replied Kathleen quietly. "I like him, too." Isabelle gave Kathleen a big hug and held her until she heard her grandmother's voice calling from downstairs. Isabelle! Antoine is here!" Isabelle gave Kathleen a kiss on top of her head. "I gotta go babe. I'll see you later okay?" Kathleen smiled up at Isabelle. "Okay. Have fun Belle." Isabelle grabbed her purse and headed downstairs. CHAPTER 14 Antoine stood in the flower shop waiting for Isabelle as she came downstairs. He was looking at one of the displays so he didn't notice her right away, but she noticed him in every detail. He wore a black, short-sleeved, knit shirt, the tightness of it emphasizing his muscular chest and broad shoulders, black pants that molded to his firm buttocks and thighs, leaving almost nothing to the imagination, and all of this ending in black loafers. His goatee was neatly trimmed, setting off his full, pouty lips to their great advantage, while his dark hair was styled back from his face and left hanging, down so that the curly ends were brushing his shoulders. Isabelle gave a small sigh of appreciation. Nobody had the right to be that good-looking, she thought. She walked over to him and he turned around at her footsteps. Antoine watched Isabelle walk over to him, looking her up and down. Her red hair was in loose curls hanging down her back, her light blue dress showed her curvaceous figure to her advantage, with the neckline dipping into her cleavage, and the hemline stopping at mid-thigh to show off her long legs. She stepped up to him and he saw a look of shyness cross her face. She looked down for a moment, blushing at his silent appraisal of her, then gazed up at him through her eyelashes. He put his hands on her hips and brought them flush against his, pressing her to him and she inhaled sharply as she felt his hardness move against her. "Your coyness pleases me very much and makes me want to take you right here, right now" he whispered roughly in her ear. Isabelle became a bit nervous. "But I don't intentionally try to flirt with you or turn you on." He smiled at her. "I know. I think that's why I enjoy it from you so much. It comes naturally to you." It took great restraint on his part, but he gave her a sweet kiss on the lips and then took her hand. "Ready?" Isabelle smiled. "Ready." Antoine escorted Isabelle to the car, making sure she was safely inside before going around to the driver's seat. He got in, turned the engine over and took off down the street. Isabelle noticed a smile playing about his sensuous lips and decided she would try to find out what he was being so secretive about. "So, are you going to tell me where we're going for dinner?" she asked casually. He looked over at her with a gleam in his eyes as he put a hand on her thigh. "I don't want any more interruptions by anyone, so we'll dine at my apartment." Isabelle's eyebrows shot up. "Your apartment?" "The loser buys the winner a drink, remember? Well, the drinks are at my place and while we're at it, we'll just have a bite to eat" he said. "You can cook?" asked Isabelle incredulously. "Yes, and very well, so I've been told. My Mama taught me when I was young. I hope you like Italian." Isabelle put her hand on top of his. "I love Italian" she said softly. He gave her a dazzling smile and turned his attention back to the road. She looked down at his hand on her thigh as his thumb moved in small, slow circles across her skin. The butterflies inside her had gone crazy at the mention of going to his apartment. But now they were calm, and to Isabelle, this night seemed...right. It was a different experience for Isabelle, coming back to Antoine's apartment complex as his date, instead of a flower girl. Had it been only a week ago since she walked down this hallway and first laid eyes on Antoine? It seemed like months had gone by to her. She had wondered why Antoine and his last girlfriend had broken up, but then decided that the past was the past, and there was no reason for her to be jealous. Antoine put the key in the front door and paused to look down at Isabelle. She looked back at him and they both knew they would no longer be on neutral territory, but in his private domain. They would cross the threshold from a casual relationship to an intimate liaison and Isabelle realized that Antoine had hesitated to give her an opportunity to back out. She stepped up to him and gave him a light kiss on the lips, signaling to Antoine that she was his for the evening. He grabbed her fiercely, deepening the kiss, and Isabelle clung to him, reveling in the strength and possessiveness of his arms. She sighed as Antoine let her go and he chuckled. "Don't sound so dejected, bella mia. That was merely an appetizer." He opened the door and stepped back to let her in first. Isabelle walked into a spacious apartment, with very little furniture and a huge fish tank on one side of the room. Track lighting on the ceiling gave a glow to the large room and she watched Antoine walk over to the fireplace and start it. The room had an odd mixture of decorating styles. It had very modern black-and-white furnishings, but along the walls were all manner of medieval weaponry. The living and dining areas were open to each other, with sliding glass doors out to the beach from the dinning room. The kitchen, too, was modern in style and colouring. Isabelle walked by the kitchen and noticed a short hallway ending in to, what she supposed was, the bedroom. His bedroom, she thought shyly. She took all of this in and turned to Antoine, who was standing by the fireplace, watching her every move. "Do you like it?" he asked. "Yes I do. It's so big and airy. What do you do with all this space?" "I practice." Isabelle raised her eyebrows. "Practice? Practice what?" "I practice with my weapons" he pointed to the walls as he spoke. "I go through the movements here, where the weapons will be safe, instead of a gym, where they could be broken or stolen. So, shall we start with that drink I owe you?" he winked at her and she grinned. "Sure." "What will you have, signora?" he asked as he went over to the wet bar. "I'll have a tanqueray and tonic, if you have it." She walked over to Antoine and sat on a stool while he made them drinks. "Coming right up." Isabelle watched him for a moment, then looked around at the weapons on the wall. "This is quite an impressive collection you have. Where did you get them all?" He handed her drink to her and came out from behind the bar to stand by her. "I got them through various auctions from around the world. I have a real passion for antique weaponry, especially if it was used to kill." Isabelle gave him a strange look. "It increases their value" he explained hastily. "Ah" said Isabelle. She walked over to an ancient rifle that had caught her attention. She looked it up and down then turned to Antoine. "The sight on this is set differently than what I'm used to." Antoine walked over to her. "You've shot a gun before?" "My dad taught me, to protect myself. I sort of had a knack for it, so he would take me to the firing range and I went from a hand gun to a rifle." "So, what did you used to hunt?" he asked. Isabelle laughed. "Nothing but clay pigeons. Sorry to disappoint you." "You don't disappoint me at all", he said as he looked her up and down. Isabelle blushed and turned her attention back to the rifle. Antoine set his drink down and took the rifle off the wall. "Here. Try holding it and see if you can figure out how to sight it." He took her drink from her and set it out of the way. Then he took the rifle down from the wall and handed it to Isabelle. She took it from his grasp and he let go. The barrel of the rifle dropped down quickly as she took the full weight of the gun. Antoine caught the barrel with one hand, trying to help Isabelle steady it. "Sorry", she said as she gave him a hapless look. "That's okay. Just don't do it again" he replied with a wink. "Let me help you with it though." Antoine kept one hand supporting the weight of the gun while he got behind Isabelle. "Now, hold it up to your eye." She put it against her shoulder, one hand on the trigger, the other along the barrel of the gun. "Have you figured it out yet?" he asked. Isabelle grimaced in frustration as she struggled to get it up to her shoulder. She was no weakling, but this rifle was heavy! "I'm having a tough time lifting it up" she admitted. "Then I'll help you", he replied softly. He stood close behind her until she could feel his front-side against her backside. His other arm came up around her and took hold of the rifle so that she was completely enveloped in his arms. He put his hands over hers and helped her raise the rifle up to her shoulder. She leaned her head to one side so that she could look through the sight, exposing her neck. As Isabelle concentrated on the rifle, Antoine concentrated on Isabelle. He put his face against her head, breathing in the smell of her freshly washed hair. His lips found her ear and he kissed it, ever so lightly. But his lips weren't content to stop there. They moved slowly down her neck, with his tongue joining in, tracing trails across her smooth skin. He felt her tremble and noticed the front end of the rifle slowly lowering, and he let it, until it touched the ground. She had her hands on the butt of the rifle so he let go and softly ran his fingertips up and down her bare arms. Isabelle's head fell back against his shoulder, her eyes closed, as she savored the sensations running through her. She was intoxicated by the smell his cologne mixed with his body scent. His lips and tongue branded her skin like fire everywhere they touched. His hands, which had been stroking her arms, moved up to her shoulders and started a different decent towards her breasts. Her breathing was shallow as she anxiously awaited his hands to complete their journey. He teased her for a moment, stopping at her necklace and playing with it. She gave a small whimper of protest and his hands continued downward until they covered her breasts. He felt her hardened nipples through the material of her dress as he lightly stroked them. Her low moan enticed him to massage them harder, feeling the fullness of them and, in turn, exciting him. His breathing became ragged and he realized that they had to stop now or there would be no dinner that evening. He wanted Isabelle badly, but wanted to do things slowly, making it last through the night. He moved his hands away from her chest and gave her a big hug. "We'll continue this in a while" he said. Isabelle got her breathing under control. "Why do we have to wait?" she asked boldly. "Because, it's bad form to invite someone to dinner and not feed them. But I promise you, dessert will be later" he whispered wickedly as he nipped her ear. Belle sighed and smiled, as she stepped out of his embrace and gave him the rifle. Antoine put it back up on the wall and turned back to Isabelle. "Time to fix dinner" he said and walked into the kitchen. "Do you need any help?" inquired Isabelle. "No. I made most of it ahead of time. All I have to do is cook the spaghetti. Please, sit down and relax." Isabelle couldn't relax right then so she looked around the apartment until her eyes came to rest on the fish tank. She walked over to it and watched the variety of fish swimming around. She noticed several brightly coloured fish but the one that intrigued her the most was a pink and white striped fish with long spines extending out from all over its body. She put her finger against the glass but the fish shied away from her. "What kind of fish is this big one?" she asked. Antoine wiped his hands on a towel and came over to her. "Ah, that is my favourite fish, but for the life of me, I can never remember what type it is. All I know is, it's expensive." He came up to the tank and gently tapped on the glass. Isabelle watched Antoine in amazement as he softly called to the fish. "Here feeshy, feeshy, feeshy." She wasn't sure if she was more astonished that the fish came over to him, or the tender tone he used to call it. She grinned up at him. "Why Antoine!" She said in mock amazement. "You have a pet!" She giggled at that thought as he gave her a pat on her behind. "Yes, even someone like me can have a 'pet'." He smiled as he walked back into the kitchen. The spaghetti was boiling so he turned it down and fixed the sauce. "You can turn on some music if you like" he called. Isabelle walked over to his entertainment center and stared at all of the electronics in bewilderment. "How do I turn it on?" she asked. Antoine came out of the kitchen and crossed to her. He picked up one of several remote controls and pressed a button. "This one controls the stereo." The room was suddenly filled with soft jazz and Antoine grabbed Isabelle and swung her into his arms. He began slow dancing with her, moving her towards the kitchen. "Is this music all right with you?" he asked as he nuzzled her ear. "It's fine" replied Isabelle dreamily as she swayed in time with his body. This night was going perfectly, thought Isabelle. As they danced into the kitchen, Isabelle could smell the aromas coming from the stove and found that she was indeed hungry. She had been so excited for this evening that she hadn't eaten all day. "Mmm....dinner smells good." Antoine kissed her on the cheek and let go of her to turn the heat down on the sauce that was threatening to boil over. He gave it a quick stir, then put the garlic bread under the broiler. "So, how is Andrew working out?" he asked as he began setting the table. "He's doing fine. Where did you find him?" "Miss Audrey suggested him to me. He's a college student who needed a part time job, one that would work around his school schedule. He had been doing some gardening for Miss Audrey for the past few months. She trusts him, so I do, too." "Not only does he do the deliveries, but he helps out around the shop, fixing things here and there. He's nice and grandma is quite taken with him. She treats him sort of like a grandson. Today she put a little plate of cookies out for him when he returned from making deliveries and then Kathy shared some of her sacred Pepsi with him. I can't thank you enough for sending him to us. It has relieved a lot of pressure." "That was why I sent him to you. All three of you should not have to work so hard." The table was set and Antoine was bringing the dishes of food out and placing them on the table. "Are you sure I can't help with anything?" asked Isabelle once more. "I'm almost done" he replied as he opened a bottle of red wine. She watched him as he used and old-fashioned bottle-opener on it, making the muscles in his arms flex and bulge with the effort. The cork popped out and he smiled in triumph. He walked it out to the table, pouring a glass for each of them, then he came around and helped Isabelle take a seat. Once she was seated, she looked back up at him and he gave her a kiss on the lips before going to his seat. He lit the two candles on the table and sat down. "Please, help yourself." Isabelle enjoyed the dinner consisting of spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and red wine. It wasn't a heavy meal, for which she was thankful for, but it was very satisfying. As they ate, they discussed their tastes in music, in geography and other general conversation topics. They both ate their fill and when they were finished, they leaned back in their chairs, sipping their wine. Isabelle sighed in contentment. "You're right. You can cook." He inclined his head towards her. "Thank you" he said. They listened to the music for a moment, and then Antoine spoke up. "So, how is Kathy after her ordeal yesterday?" "She is still upset, but I think she gave some serious thought to what you said yesterday. She'll be okay. It will just take a little time. Although, Monday morning at school might be a different story." "If you want me to talk to her again, you let me know, okay?" "I will." Isabelle smiled at him. "Well, where should I put these dirty dishes?" she asked as she stood with her plate in her hands. "I will take care of them" he said, also rising from his chair. "Oh, no. You cooked this meal. The least I can do is help clean." She walked into the kitchen and put the dishes in the sink. They cleared the table together and then did the dishes with Antoine washing and Isabelle drying. When Antoine was finished washing, he helped her dry the rest of the dishes and put them away. She still had the towel in her hand as he reached up to put the last plate away and a wicked gleam came into her eyes as she looked at his backside. She wound the towel up in her hands and flicked it, snapping Antoine on the behind. He yelped and turned around, clapping his hands to his posterior. He saw the devilish look on her face and tried to snag his towel to defend himself, but she flicked him again and again, backing him out of the kitchen. Isabelle was laughing at him, pleased at the upper hand she had. Antoine growled in mock frustration at being beaten back. "I'm going to get you, little girl, and then, watch out!" he threatened. She backed him out to the living room, snapping him right and left. Most of the time, she flicked the air. But every once in a while, she would hit her target. Antoine kept looking for an opening to grab her towel away from her, but she was too quick. He finally found himself up against a wall. She stood before him, poised to flick him. She smiled in triumph. "I win again!" she giggled. She let her guard down as she continued speaking. "Now, what should my prize be this time?" she mused. She glanced away in thought and Antoine took that moment to grab a rapier off of the wall. Isabelle turned back at the noise and suddenly found herself at an extreme disadvantage as Antoine whipped the towel out of her hands with the end of the blade. He smiled as he pointed it at her chest and slowly advanced towards her. Isabelle retreated in a semi-circle around the room, putting her hands before her. "Now, wait a sec, that's not fair! All I had was a towel and you have a sword?" Antoine raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Then give in to me." "Never", she said with a grin. "I'm Irish. We never give up. And we hate to lose." He made a feint to try and trip her but she kept her footing and backed away until she was by the wall. She grabbed the other rapier off the wall and came en guarde to him. "Now it's a fair fight" she said. They went a few rounds across the living room floor, both being careful to stay in the wide-open space so as not to damage any of the furnishings. This was a different style of swordplay compared to fencing with foils. Rapier was more of a slashing weapon whereas a foil was a 'point and poke' weapon. Isabelle knew how to fence rapier style, but not in a dress and sandals. The carpet was slippery against the bottom of her shoes and it wasn't long before Antoine gained the upper hand. As he attacked, Isabelle's lead retreating foot slipped and she went down on her behind. She attempted to bring the rapier up to ward off another blow but he pressed his advantage by pushing her blade flat against the floor with his and held it there. "Do you give in now?" he asked. "No" said Isabelle, still struggling to get her blade free from his. Antoine shook his head in amusement at her stubbornness. Then he got down on the floor and used his body to pin her all the way to the ground. She kept struggling until his entire body covered hers and she could no longer move. "I like covering your body with mine. Now do you surrender to me?" Isabelle was aware that she had lost but her stubbornness made her defy him. She knew better than to let an opponent who was stronger than her get that close to her for just this reason. She could counter a blade, but not sheer physical force. She said nothing as she looked into his eyes. He saw the defiance in her eyes and was turned on by this struggle of wills. It had been a long time since he had been the dominating one by choice. Most of the time, he did what his clients wanted and paid for. Isabelle was not a client. They were both free to make their own decisions this night. He could feel her body beneath him as she still attempted to move from under him. His desire rose up swiftly as he held her down, changing the tone of his voice. "Surrender to me." The commanding words were filled with passion from his voice and the fire in his eyes let her know exactly what she was surrendering to. Isabelle knew that look well. She had seen his eyes glow for her before. This was the moment she had been longing for with him and she welcomed it. She stopped struggling and let her blade fall out of her hand as she gazed longingly at his full lips. Antoine shoved his blade away from them and locked hands with Isabelle. He had felt her go still and knew that this surrender was not for the game, but for the evening. The air was charged with the electricity between them as he brought his head down and claimed his prize, taking her lips in his, devouring them completely. He wasted no time as his tongue slipped between her eagerly parted lips, drinking in the sweetness of her mouth. He let go of her hands and moved them under her shoulder blades, supporting most of his weight on his elbows. After a long, drugging kiss, he lifted his head and looked into her eyes. His voice was ragged as he spoke. "Belle, I have such an overwhelming desire to be inside you right now. I'm consumed with the thought of having you naked, beneath me." She dug her hands into his silky locks, giving him a soul-searching look. "Then what are you waiting for?" she asked quietly. She closed her eyes as she started to pull his head back down to hers but he baulked from her grasp. Startled, she anxiously looked back into his eyes. "What is it?" "I don't want to take you here, on the floor, like some common wench. I want it done properly." He got up and stood looking down at her, offering her his hand. She took it and he helped her off of the floor. He left her side for a moment, walking over to the front door to make sure it was locked properly, then turned off the lights in the living room, leaving the fireplace going. It would come in handy later, he thought to himself. He came back to Isabelle and took her hand in his, raising it to his lips for a kiss. She smiled back at him and he led her down the hallway to his bedroom. Chapter 15 Once in his bedroom, Antoine let go of Isabelle's hand and walked around the bed to turn on a lamp. She looked around and found his bedroom was almost as big as the living room, with a huge bed dominating the space. Two nightstands, an antique fainting couch, a large dresser and mirrored sliding doors, which she assumed was the closet, were the entire contents of the room. Her eyes kept straying back to the bed, wondering at the sheer size of it. It was more than enough room for two, if not three, people. Antoine saw her staring at the bed. "Are you having second thoughts about tonight?" "No", she said, "Just wondering what you do with all this extra bed space." He hesitated as he answered her. "I....tend to...move around a lot... when I sleep." "Oh. I do that sometimes too." He came over to her and put her hands on her waist. "I promise you, you won't regret this night, bella mia." He brought her body into his, molding her against him, then took her hands and brought them up around his neck. She stroked his hair and face while he ran his hands across her back, her behind and up her sides. They stood staring into each other's eyes as they enjoyed the feel of each other. He finally brought his head down to hers, kissing her on the lips, nipping at them playfully until he was ready to deepen it. Isabelle waited patiently as she let him take his time with the kiss. He ran the tip of his tongue along her lips, lightly at first, teasing her, then harder as it sought access to her mouth. Her lips had barely parted when he forced his way into her mouth, plundering the now-familiar territory repeatedly. Isabelle clung to him, wondering at his expertise. Before she met Antoine, she had never been kissed this skillfully and she enjoyed his mastery over her in this aspect. So she let him ravage her mouth, eventually twining her tongue with his, drinking in his taste. His hands glided up and down her back, finally coming to rest on her shoulders. As his mouth moved down her neck, his fingers slid under the straps of her dress, slowly sliding them off of her shoulders. He stopped when he felt Isabelle freeze and lifted his head to look at her. "What is wrong Belle?" he asked. She smiled. "Nothing. I just want to show you something." She placed her hands on his chest and slowly backed him up against the bed. He wasn't sure what she was doing, but went along with what she wanted. She gave a slight push and he sat down on the bed. Then Isabelle took a step back from him. "So, now what happens?" he asked in confusion. "Just watch" she said softly. She turned her back to him and closed her eyes, silently praying that she knew what she was doing. With one hand, she reached behind her back to the top of her dress. She grabbed the zipper with her fingertips and slowly slid it down. Once it was down, she finished sliding the shoulder straps off her arms and the dress fell to the floor. She heard Antoine's sharp intake of breath and nerved herself to turn around. She did so, slowly, and stood very still, letting him look at her. She blushed as his eyes traveled up and down her rapidly, taking everything in. Antoine was surprised when she started unzipping her dress. He didn't think she would ever do something like this, and he was thrilled. It had been a long time since someone had tried to turn him on. He was the one usually doing the pleasing. When the dress fell to the floor, he saw that all she wore underneath was a bustier and a thong. Her legs were indeed long, and he gazed at them, from her waist, where the thong bared the roundness of her derriere, all the way to the floor. When Isabelle turned around, he saw that the material of her bustier was flesh-coloured and sheer enough for him to see her nipples through it. The garment accentuated her small waist and large breasts, showing off her hourglass figure nicely. He saw her blush and look down to the ground, her coyness once again bringing up the masculinity in him, and he arose from the bed to walk over to her. He lifted her head up to look at him. "Is this my private viewing?" he asked softly. "Yes. Do you...do you like it?" she asked breathlessly. Antoine walked around behind her as Isabelle stayed put. She felt him against her back, then felt his breath on her neck. He placed his hands on each cheek of her behind, and began playing with them, running his fingers across the softness of her skin. "I like it very much" he whispered in her ear. His hands moved from her backside to her hips, pulling her tightly against him and Isabelle could feel his arousal against her. His fingers slipped under the material of her thong, and she held her breath as his hands moved down to find the soft hair of her nether region. Her pulse pounded throughout her body and a dull ache sprang up between her legs as he fingered her femininity expertly. "Oh, Antoine" she exhaled. Antoine enjoyed hearing her moans as he touched her and felt her body convulsing as she leaned back against him. He didn't want to bring her to climax too soon, so he moved his hands up her body and to her breasts. He played with her hardened peaks through the fabric of her bustier, making her relax against him even more. He chuckled as he realized she was getting weak in the knees. "Stay upright for one moment longer, my love" he said as he undid the hooks of her bustier. He undid the last one and slid his hands underneath the fabric as it fell to the floor. He cupped her bare breasts, alternately kneading them and flicking her nipples back and forth with his fingers. Isabelle sagged against him, feeling a warmth inside her that spread to the rest of her body. Just when she thought her legs would give out, he scooped her up and carried her over to the bed. He set her down on her back, removing her sandals as he put her legs down. As she looked up at him from her prone position, he un-tucked his shirt, slowly raising it up and over his head, and let it fall to the floor. Her eyes devoured his chest, taking in the outline of the muscles along his stomach. Her eyes traveled upward to his broad shoulders and wonderfully long neck. She glanced up at his face and noticed a lopsided grin, then a movement with his hands drew her eyes downward. He kicked off his shoes as he began to unbuckle his belt, which made Isabelle look away. He stopped what he was doing. "Belle, look at me." Isabelle looked up to the ceiling. "I don't know if I can, Antoine." "Yes you can", he said gently. "I want you to look at me." She wanted to please him so she turned her face back to him, aware that she was blushing furiously, for she could feel the heat of it. He continued to remove his belt and then slowly began unzipping his zipper. As his pants began to open up, she realized he didn't have any underwear on. She inhaled sharply and closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened her eyes again, she noticed he had stopped to wait for her. His zipper down, he put his hands on the waistband and slowly pushed them down to his ankles, and stepped out of them. When he straightened up, Isabelle could see everything, from his muscular thighs to his erect manhood. She looked up at him as he kneeled on the bed, placing his hands on the waistband of her thong. He slowly pulled it down and off of her, gazing at every inch of her. This night was his, he thought to himself, she was his, by his choice, not because someone was paying him. He had forgotten what spontaneous desire was like and was having a hard time keeping it in check. He carefully crawled over her, placing himself directly above her. Her eyes were big as he looked into them. "Belle, I have been thinking of this moment ever since the night of the ball" he said as he lowered himself down on top of her. Isabelle was content to let him dominate her as he attacked her mouth first, hungrily, bruising her tender lips, then moved down her neck to kiss the hollow at the base of her throat. Not content to stop there, he continued down to her breasts, which were swollen with desire, nipping and sucking the fleshy mounds, the fervor building within him. Isabelle's hands dug into his hair, tightly grasping his silky locks as the roughness of the foreplay increased her desire as well. She then moved her hands along his shoulders, running her fingernails down his back and scoring his flesh as his lips found her nipples. She arched her back as he took them between his teeth, biting and sucking on them, making her writhe beneath him and cry out in ecstasy. Having thoroughly devoured her breasts, Antoine supported his weight on his elbows as his tongue traced a path down her belly. He wasted no time as he parted her thighs with his knee and Isabelle began moaning as his mouth went lower still, to taste the sweetness between her legs. Her arms flung wide to grab a hold of the blanket, of the pillow, anything she could reach, as the dull ache within her became a pulsating longing to feel him inside her. Her breathing came quicker as she realized she would soon climax. "Antoine" she gasped, "I won't be able to wait for you much longer." He kissed the inside of her thigh and all the way up her stomach until his face reached hers. "Good, because I'm ready for you." He rolled part way off of her to reach over to the drawer of his nightstand. He pulled out a condom, ripping the protective covering off of it with his teeth, and put it on in the space of a few seconds. His body covered hers once again and he placed both of his knees between her legs, spreading them apart even further, his hands gripping her hips to place her exactly how he wanted her. Isabelle bent her knees and placed her feet flat on the bed as she opened herself up to receive him. His hands moved under her back to her shoulders, gripping them tightly as he thrust himself roughly into her, his raw passion taking control, completing the act of making Isabelle his. She cried out in agonized pleasure, as she felt his hard length plunge into her. He caught her mouth in his, giving her one last kiss before he began to move his hips against hers. As his throbbing member pounded her faster, he moved his face so that they were cheek to cheek, breathing heavily in each other's ear. Soon the room was filled with the sounds of intimacy, his low groans mixing with her treble cries. The more Isabelle thrashed about underneath him, the more excited Antoine became. He lunged against her repeatedly, feeling her hips rising up to meet each thrust, until he felt her muscles contracting and knew she was ready. Antoine had been struggling to hold back as he waited for her, but now he let come, giving Isabelle a few final thrusts before they climaxed together. They held on to each other tightly as they both cried out, straining against one another in ecstasy, their bodies shuddering with the final release. They stayed locked together as the moment finished, physically spent and breathing hard, each feeling the heat and sweat from the other. Isabelle recovered first and had begun to move when he wrapped his arms tightly around her, making her wince in pain. "Don't move" he growled in her ear as he held her down. She realized he hadn't finished yet, so she kept perfectly still, not moving a single muscle, waiting until his breathing had calmed down. Antoine finally released his hold on her, his breath ragged. He looked into her eyes as he stroked her hair. "Did I hurt you my Belle?" he asked anxiously. "No," she said with a smile. "In fact, quite the opposite." He kissed her sweetly on the lips. "You are lying. I was rough with you without meaning to be. I haven't truly enjoyed sex in a very long time and your gentleness and coyness tends to bring out the savage in me. I lost control" he admitted. Isabelle stroked his face, seeing the worry in his eyes. She ran her fingers along his eyebrows and down his cheekbones. "I wouldn't say that. In fact, I thought you were very much in control of the entire situation. But don't worry about it," she said with a grin, "my turn is coming up. And then I shall get to play with you the way I want to." Antoine kissed her again, then rolled off her, quickly slipping the condom off and into the garbage. He then pulled her partially over him like a blanket, holding her in the crook of his arm. Isabelle rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, nestling against his side and savoring his body heat. Neither spoke as Isabelle slowly ran her hand across his chest and Antoine's hand caressed her shoulder. They stayed like that for a while, content to listen to the soft music coming from the living room, enjoying each other's closeness. Isabelle relived their lovemaking in her mind, smiling to herself as she remembered her reactions. She thought of his hands on her body and the look on his face as he spoke to her. She stopped in shock at the point when she remembered he had called her "my love". She tried not to get overly excited at this term of endearment, but she wondered...could he be in love with her? It's true that they had only known each other for a week, but it was a possibility. The thought thrilled Isabelle and she was longing to ask him about it, yet afraid of pushing him into saying something he didn't really mean. She gave him a kiss on his shoulder and began to rise, when he pulled her back against him. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked softly. "I'm going to go get a drink of water. Do you have a robe or something I can put on?" "You can walk around the place naked, I don't mind", he said with a wicked grin. "Well, I do mind. I'm not an exhibitionist." He smiled. "Okay, you win this time." He kissed the top of her head and rolled out of bed, walking over to the closet. Isabelle watched him in his nakedness, marveling at his wonderfully built form. He put on a blue satin robe then came back to the bed with a black one. He held it open for Isabelle and helped her put it on, reaching around her front to play with her breasts through the slippery fabric. She sighed in contentment as she leaned against him, enjoying the feel of his hands on her body. One of Antoine's hands reached inside the opening of the robe to lazily play with her bare flesh, his finger rubbing across her nipple, enticing it to harden under his expert ministrations. She couldn't believe it. They had just had fabulous sex a short while ago, and she was ready for him again! "Antoine" sighed Isabelle, "I don't know how you do it, but you certainly can turn me on at the drop of a hat." "It's not difficult, when two people enjoy each other", he mumbled in her ear. He was also getting excited again, the more he touched Isabelle, and he began to slide the robe off of her shoulders, baring more flesh for him to caress. Isabelle smiled as she stopped his hands and turned around in his arms. "Let's get a drink of water first. My throat is parched from screaming in ecstasy." "As you wish, my Belle." He put his arm around her waist and they walked into the kitchen. He went to the refrigerator to get the water while she took down two glasses from the cupboard. He poured them both a glassful and they stood in silence as they refreshed themselves, eyeing each other in a covetous manner. Isabelle blushed, finding she had to look away from his intense, dark gaze. She smiled as she walked by him, and went out to the living room to stand by the fireplace. Antoine followed her out of the kitchen and walked over to the entertainment center to put on some different music, changing the tone from the soft jazz to some new age music that Isabelle wasn't very familiar with, but she found herself enjoying it. He came around and sat down on the couch, stretching out his lean form and putting his hands behind his head. Isabelle sat down next to him, cuddling up against him with her head on his chest. Antoine smiled as he looked down on her golden red head, and a feeling of contentment washed over him. Here was a girl that didn't see him as a trophy or possession, but as a man. She had done things tonight that she most likely had never done before, trying to please him and turn him on. Her passion had been as real as his, and she had unknowingly satisfied him immensely. He brought his arms down around her in a protective manner, just content to hold her for the moment. The music drifted on the air as the light from the fireplace danced across the room, bathing all it touched in a warm glow. He felt her give a big sigh. "What is it Belle?" he asked. She tilted her head up to look at him. "Nothing. Just that ...I think I like you a lot, Mr. Italy." "Good, because I like you a lot, also." They smiled at each other and then Antoine's eyes drifted from her lips down her neck, where he noticed a small bruise forming. The smile left his face as his hand forced Isabelle's head back further for him to get a better look. He voiced his concern to her. "Belle, did I do this to you?" She involuntarily brought her hand up to finger the small patch of discolored skin. "Really, Antoine, it's nothing." He pulled her hand away from her neck, peering at it closer. "I did do this to you. Where else have I bruised you?" he asked as he pulled her onto his lap, making her straddle his legs, intent on checking her for more bruises. "Antoine, it's okay...seriously...will you...will you just stop!" exasperated, she tried to close up her robe tightly, but he was too strong and pulled it off her shoulders and down to where it pinned her arms against her sides. One of his hands held her by the arm while the other forced her chin up to the ceiling. He looked over her neck, shoulders and breasts, noting the dark marks on her tender skin from their rough lovemaking. He closed his eyes, and Isabelle watched as a pained expression crossed his face. "Belle, I'm so sorry" he whispered as he put his arms around her. The remorsefulness in his voice almost made Isabelle's heart break. She brought her hands up to his face, lifting his head up to hers. "Don't be sorry Antoine, because I'm not. They don't hurt and the marks will go away in a few days." She smiled at him, trying to get him out of his sudden depression. "I will be gentle with you from now on," he promised. "You'd better not change one thing in your foreplay, Mr. Italy, or I'll go find someone else, do you hear me? So get that sad-puppy look off of your face, or I'll....I'll....", and not being able to think of a suitable punishment, she kissed him savagely on his mouth, licking and sucking on his full bottom lip for a moment before forcing her tongue in his mouth. Antoine was shocked at first, but then recovered enough to respond. He let her lead the kiss, enjoying her passion until he remembered what she had just said. He pulled away from her and Isabelle raised an eyebrow in question. "What was that you just said, about finding someone else?" he growled. Isabelle grinned. "I figured that would bring you out of your funk." "You will not even think about having sex with anyone else. You belong to me now" and he brought her to him for a kiss, but Isabelle forced herself away from him. "Are you saying that we're a couple?" she inquired. He looked at her a full moment before answering. Is that what he was implying? He thought about it. Was he making a commitment to her? He did care for her deeply. Miss Audrey had been right about that. But could he handle having a relationship? It had been a long time since he had been monogamous. What would he do for work? He couldn't continue being a gigolo. And the truth was, he didn't want to be a gigolo anymore. It would be a big change in his life, a change he knew he needed to make, yet it frightened him a little. But when he thought of Isabelle in the arms of another man, he about went ballistic. He let out a slow breath as he answered her. "Yes, I am saying that we're a couple, we're together, whatever you want to call it. You belong to me, and no one else." Isabelle could hardly contain her joy. "Are you saying, you have some deep feelings for me?" "Yes, I have very deep feelings for you. In fact", he paused for a moment, "I think I might even...love you." There, he said it, it was out in the open. Isabelle about melted off of his lap at those words and couldn't believe it wasn't a dream. "Oh, Antoine, I think I love you, too." She kissed him again, aggressively, and as their passion mounted, she began to undo his robe, parting the halves away from his chest and off of his shoulders. She rubbed her fingers across his nipples, feeling them harden under her touch, as she kissed her way down his neck. Antoine leaned back against the couch, giving her lips easier access to his chest, and Isabelle delicately flicked her tongue across his nipples. He groaned and put his head back when she began sucking on them. Isabelle was still straddling his legs, so he felt his way along her thighs, moving his hands under her robe and around to her behind, squeezing her cheeks with his strong fingers. As Isabelle's mouth teased his chest, her hands were busy elsewhere. She slowly glided her hands down his chest to his belly, were they rested lightly for a moment. Then one of her hands slid in between his legs and gently cupped the sensitive bulge under his masculinity, massaging it carefully. Isabelle stopped kissing his chest and watched his face as she played with this delicate part of his body. Antoine had held his breath as he felt Isabelle's hand drop between his thighs and he shuddered when she took hold of him. He began breathing hard as a fire grew in the pit of his stomach, rousing his manhood to stand erect within seconds. Never before had a woman done this to him, and for Isabelle to be doing it, just blew him away. She squeezed him lightly, but enough to almost make him panic, then releasing him when he thought he could stand no more. Isabelle repeated this action for a short while and then he felt her hand move to his firm organ. He couldn't contain himself as he exclaimed loudly "Oh God...Belle!" He convulsed as her fingers stroked his length and played with the tip, making him buck underneath her. He couldn't believe how fast she had brought him to the brink of climaxing, but his iron will held him back, for he was determined that she would join him in ecstasy. Isabelle watched as he opened his eyes and lifted his head off the back of the couch. He was breathing hard and the look in his eyes was almost savage. Isabelle lowered her gaze, realizing that she was the one that brought him to this frenzied state. Her blush was the last straw for him and he reached in the pocket of his robe and took out a condom, once again putting it on within seconds. Then he ripped open her robe, pushing the sides of it away from her body, giving his hands access to her bare flesh. All thoughts of gentle foreplay left him as he grabbed her hips and, without warning, shifted them towards him, impaling her tender opening with his hard member. Isabelle cried out at the suddenness of his movements, and tried to push away from him, but he was too strong. "Wait a sec", she gasped, "it's my turn to play with you, remember?" "Too late", he growled as he held on to her tightly, moving both of them off of the couch and onto the floor. Isabelle found herself flat on her back in front of the fireplace, with her legs wrapped around Antoine. He showed no mercy as he plunged himself completely into her, making her pant as she felt every inch of him slide in and out of her. His hands covered her breasts, his palms rubbing harshly across her hardened nipples, bringing both pain and pleasure into play and all of these sensations quickly brought Isabelle to climax. He felt her body stiffen as she came and he released his own passion, both of them holding each other tightly, as they soared to new heights. Afterwards, they just lie in each other's arms as they slowly brought their breathing back to normal. Antoine put his face in the crook of Isabelle's neck, feeling the slight sheen of perspiration that covered her, and kissed her gently on her skin. He was still inside of her but as his heartbeat returned to normal, so did the rest of him. Isabelle couldn't believe everything that had happened this night. And the best part was, he had admitted to loving her! She smiled with joy as she thought about telling her grandmother and Kathy. Her grandmother would be proud that she finally had a 'beau', a very considerate, caring, handsome beau. She didn't know what she had done to deserve such a catch, but she was thankful that fate had brought him to her. She stroked his hair as she thought about all of this, when she felt him begin to move. Antoine slowly slid himself out of her and rolled off of her to take care of the condom. When he came back to her, he saw a crestfallen look on her face. He put his arms around her and asked, "What is wrong Belle?" She sighed. "I love the feeling of having you deep inside of me that I wish it didn't have to end. In fact, I don't think it's fair." "What's not fair?" he asked. "Well, you get to be inside of me, but I never get to be inside of you", she complained. Antoine gave her a searching look before he replied. "Belle, you are inside of me every waking moment of my day. There's not a moment that doesn't go by when I don't think of you." A bright smile lit up her face and Antoine brought his lips to hers, kissing her with a tenderness he hadn't felt in years. After they kissed, they both sat up, watching each other as they closed up their robes, their eyes speaking volumes to each other. Antoine leaned back against the couch and Isabelle crawled next to him, putting her arms around him and both of them stared into the fireplace, watching the flames dance in the air. The mood was rudely interrupted by the sound of the telephone ringing. Antoine paid no attention to it, letting the answering machine pick it up, until he heard the message being left. "Antoine, this is Sylvia. I need a driver tomorrow to pick me up from the airport at 2:10 p.m., and afterwards, I need some 'servicing', at your place. I don't know if you've raised your prices since last time, but if you have, it's no problem. I would pay any amount for an hour of fabulous sex with you."
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