Angel’s Seduction-Part Twenty



Angel’s Seduction copyright (c) 2006 T.A. Chase

Part Twenty-

I open my eyes to see the early morning sun shine through the crack in the curtains. My body aches in odd places and I find myself blushing as I think of what Greyson and I did last night. He promised to show me pleasure and he did.

I turn to face his side of the bed. It’s empty. I know it can’t be too late in the morning. I don’t sleep in because the earlier I get up, the more likely I am to have an hour or so of freedom. Someone knocks quietly on the door.

“Come in,” I call, making sure I’m covered. Maybe someday I’ll be comfortable in my own skin, but for now, I hide.

“Good morning, my lord.” Johnson bustles in. “I hope you slept well.”

My cheeks heat and I know I’m blushing again. “I slept fine, Johnson. Where is Greyson?”

“His Grace had some business to take care of at the Home Office. You’ll find he’s often called there to give advice.”

Johnson pulls open the curtains and then goes to the wardrobe. “His Grace said to let you know that you may have breakfast in bed or downstairs. Which ever is comfortable for you.”

I watch for a moment as Johnson sets a pile of clothes on the chair nearest the bed. A pitcher of hot water, a bowl and a towel is placed on the dresser. The valet turns to look at me, waiting for my answer.

“I’ll eat downstairs. No sense in making more work for you.” I glance out the window at the sunny day. “If I were home, I’d sneak out and go riding, but my horse isn’t here. I hope Father doesn’t harm him.” It’s something my father would do. I’m out of his reach, so he’ll take his anger out on an innocent creature that can’t fight back.

“A young stable boy showed up earlier this morning leading a horse. The lad wore your father’s livery. He explained that the horse was yours and you must have forgotten to get him when you left.” Johnson winks at me.

“Good old Jack.” At the valet’s inquiring glance, I explain, “Jack is my father’s head groom. He knows how much my gelding means to me, so he must have took it up on himself to send him here. If I may, I’d like to go for a ride.”

“My lord, you can do whatever you want. I have your riding clothes ready. While you’re getting dressed, I’ll inform the stable to have your mount saddled and waiting outside for you.” Johnson bows and leaves.

It still surprises me that I don’t have to ask for permission here. I climb out of bed, eager to go riding and feel the taste of freedom again. I stop in the middle of washing when I realize I’m not held captive here against my will. If I chose to, I can walk away. Greyson won’t hold me. I know now it would hurt him if I left, but he’d cheer me on even while he cried.

In so many ways, I’m free from the cage I’d lived in all my life, but I’m also held captive here by something deeper than shame. It’s an emotion stronger than fear. The chains holding me here are made of the softest velvet yet are harder to break than iron. I’m bound to Greyson by love and this is a restraint I gladly accept.

12 Responses “Angel’s Seduction-Part Twenty”

  1. T.A.Chase says:

    Lily..I’ve been thinking about your questions all morning. 🙂 Good job. Well..you do learn a little more about when Greyson first saw Angel in the next scene. It was several balls before Angel actually notices him.

    I think for the story that I’m posting on the blog, I’ll keep it the way it is. For the expanded version, I’ll address it a little more clearly.

    Part of it is Greyson does want to save Angel. He doesn’t want the younger man to go through what he had to. Denying himself and what/who he really loves to please society. And the rest is the fact that he knows he’ll fall in love with Angel. (Love at first sight) So he might not truly ‘love’ Angel yet, but he cares deeply for him and wants to help Angel become independent and strong.

    Does that answer your questions? Or it just make you have more? lol

  2. Lily Ashford says:

    T.A., one thing I don’t understand. You know I love the story and your characters, but I need to ask. Greyson loves Angel, or at least he says so…but does he even know him? Apparently it was love at first sight – their eyes met across a crowded ballroom… But I don’t understand “why” Greyson would suddenly make it his life’s mission to rescue this man who he doesn’t even know. He’s never really even had a conversation with him.

    I guess I understand Angel’s point of view – Greyson is the first man who has ever reached out to him and shown him any measure of kindness, so it is almost easy to “love” him, but I don’t quite grasp Greyson’s side of it… Is Angel just a man he wants to save? Or someone he wants to love as an equal and a partner? If it’s the latter, how can he, at this point? Isn’t it too soon?

  3. T.A.Chase says:

    Thanks, Sherrill. 🙂 I love that line as well.

  4. Sherrill Quinn says:

    The chains holding me here are made of the softest velvet yet are harder to break than iron.

    Just beautiful, T.A.

    I’m glad to hear the funeral went well. It’s hard to say goodbye, but it’s made easier by fond memories.

  5. T.A.Chase says:

    lol.

    You’re right about Angel having control over Greyson right now. At this point, I think Greyson is feeling a little unsure of himself. How to handle Angel because of the abuse and the low self-esteem, but I think eventually it’ll work out equal for the two of them. 🙂

  6. Anita says:

    Thanks! Work was fun! I LOVE working with my managers! *G*

    I think Angel will definitely come into his own. I can see him standing up for himself against Grey, while he may not have done so with his father. I think that if anyone had control over the other it would be Angel over Greyson.

    That’s good. I remember my father’s funeral, and it wasn’t as happy.

  7. T.A.Chase says:

    Thanks Jenna. I’ve found that the best way to get through events like that is with laughter and tears. Mourning the loss, but remembering the good times as well.

  8. Jenna Howard says:

    Oh! Angel’s strting to come into his own. Yay Angel baby!

    Oh…laughs and tears – that’s a good thing. Trust me. Hugs!

  9. T.A.Chase says:

    Have a great day at work, JJR. 🙂

    Thanks. It’s been interesting watching the evolution of Angel and how he’s slowly becoming independent. The trouble I’ve been having is making sure he isn’t too ‘weak’, I guess is the best word. I don’t want Greyson to control him.

    The funeral went well. Very smooth. laughter mixed with tears.

  10. Anita says:

    YAY for Angel!!! Great job, T.A.! They picked the perfect person to have tell their story!! This has made me happy! *G* Right before I go to work!

    I see that the funeral was yesterday. I hope that everything went as smoothly as possible. *hugs* to your whole family!

  11. T.A.Chase says:

    Angel’s finally figuring things out, S.W. Makes you want to jump for joy, doesn’t it?

    Thanks for asking. Everything’s okay. The funeral for C’s Grandpa was yesterday, so the past couple of days have been hectic. I’m hoping things will slow down and make their way back to normal (or as close to normal as they can get) I didn’t get much writing done and I want to get back to that.

  12. S. W. Vaughn says:

    HOORAY for Angel! My heart is happy now. 🙂

    [TA, everything okay with you? You’ve been so quiet lately…]

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