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When I extended my hands outward, she dropped the fork and sprinted to me. Her long legs locked behind my waist as her arms wrapped around my shoulders, and I gripped her thighs to hold her. How did she even do that with a dress on?
“I’ve missed you so much.” She gave me quick kisses on my cheeks, then pulled back just enough to meet my gaze.
There was so much I needed to tell her, but I couldn’t find the words to say I might not come back. So I gripped the back of her neck and devoured her mouth.
She tasted like honey and milk and my kisses were seasoned with madness and desperation. This might be our last touch, last kiss. I carried her to a haystack about four feet high and lowered her back on it.
“Oh, Michael.” She moaned into my mouth.
I glided my tongue down her neck as my hand slipped up her exposed legs. Her skin felt like silk and I wanted her so bad. I rocked on top of her, my hands gently cupping her breasts. Not enough. I had to have more of her.
“You’re so beautiful, Simone.” I tugged at the fabric just enough to expose her breast and I flicked my tongue against it, teasing her.
“Michael.” My name left her mouth breathily. “What has gotten into you?” When I halted, she pulled me closer. “Don’t stop.”
What has gotten into you? My sanity came back full force and slammed into my brain. What the hell are you doing? I had never kissed her with such fervor and lust, and we were inside the barn. Her parents could walk in any second. And this was not how a gentleman treated a lady.
“I’m sorry. I lost control.”I jolted up.
I gave her my back and shoved my fingers through my hair. I also didn’t want her to see my bulge. Think about something that isn’t sexy. I didn’t have to think hard. Peter’s death and my mother and sister in that monster’s hands gave me plenty of reasons to get control of myself.
“Are you okay?” Simone’s hand slipped into mine.
I couldn’t look at her.
She stepped into my line of vision. “What’s wrong?”
“I have something to tell you.” Footsteps approached the barn, and my pulse galloped as fast as a horse sprinting. “Someone is coming.”
“How do you know …”
Before she had the chance to finish, I hid behind the tallest haystack at the back corner. I stuck out my head just enough to peek.
“Simone. Are you in here?” Her mother’s voice, just as sweet as my love.
My parents and her family were acquaintances. Simone and I met at a gathering about a year ago when our churches had a big feast at harvest time. We had enjoyed each other’s company and I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
Instead of mingling with our friends, Simone and I took a long walk along the stream, throwing pebbles and getting our feet wet. From that day, I vowed my love for her. We had planned to speak to our parents and get their blessing to get married.
“I’m here.” Simone rushed toward the door, blocking her mother from entering. “I’m doing chores.”
“It’s time for lunch. Come.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“Noon meal will get cold.”
Simone bounced on her heels and bit her bottom lip. She did that when her mind reeled with thoughts. “I’ll be there shortly. Let me wash my hands, and I need to use the basin.”
After her mother left, I came out of my hiding spot. I opened my mouth to speak, but she grabbed my hand, tugging me toward the door. She peeked out, and when the coast was clear, she led me toward the back of the barn where clusters of trees hid us well.
“I don’t have much time.” She leaned back against the tree trunk. “Tell me what’s troubling you.”
There was no way to explain the horror. I just had to say it.
I inhaled a deep breath and exhaled a longer one. “Asmodeus’s soldiers came to my home and they killed Peter.”
Simone clutched her chest, her eyelashes fluttering. “Oh, Michael. I’m so sorry.”
