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Happy Wednesday!
Happy Wednesday, everyone. Woo-hoo! The work week is already half over..lol.
I’ve been writing. A little bit on a bunch of different stories. I’ve got Tony’s story started. Doing some editing and adding some more to Angel’s story. 🙂 Never satisfied, I guess.
Not much to say today, so just dream about joining this guy in the shower.
“God created love. Priests created marriage.”—Voltaire
Available Now-Here Be Dragons!
It’s out! The first book I ever finished. 🙂 Click here or on the link in the sidebar to buy it. (Not subtle at all…lol)
Here’s the blurb:
Herpetologist, Kael Hammerson is hiding in Ireland working at a research lab. While Ireland may seem a strange place for someone in his field, it was the furthest away he could get from his abusive ex-partner. Now, a year later, his heart is ready to heal.
Kael’s boss, Hugh Price, is very interested in Kael, but is afraid to cross the line from employer to lover. When a strange sea creature is brought into the lab, Hugh and Kael are swept into a fight for their lives and the lives of mankind.
Dragons have returned and the men must decide if their own love can survive the interference of a goddess.
And an excerpt:
“Hammerson, come and look at this.”
Hugh’s voice broke whatever spell had been holding Kael. He looked over to where his boss stood next to a crate. When he looked back to thank George and Ed for saving him, the men were gone. It was as if they had never been there, but he could still taste George in his mouth and feel the press of Ed’s hand against his chest. Shaking his head, he figured they moved off so they didn’t get in trouble for talking to him.
Arriving at where the captain and his boss were standing, he managed to stop a squeak when Hugh reached out, grabbed his arm and pulled him to stand in front of him. At first, he couldn’t focus on anything except his body’s fervent wish that there weren’t so many layers of clothes between his ass and Hugh’s cock.
“What do you think it is, Hammerson?” Hugh’s cinnamon-scented breath danced over his ear.
Kael had to draw on all his strength so he wouldn’t groan and rub back against the warm male body behind him.
“Kael?” His name was said in a soft whisper.
“Huh? Oh right, your snake,” he muttered, than closed his eyes with a helpless little laugh when he realized what he’d said.Opening them, he looked down at the creature placed on the crate. Within seconds, he forgot about the man behind him. He heard a sharp intake of breath as he bent forward to get a better look at the unusual specimen.
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Enjoy and I’ll try to post another excerpt later on today. 🙂
Angel’s Seduction-Part Thirty-Seven
Angel’s Seduction copyright (c)2006 T.A. Chase
Part Thirty-Seven:
I’m roused from my pain-induced stupor when Greyson hands me to a footman so the duke can climb out of the carriage. Greyson enfolds me in his arms again and moves into the house, calling for Johnson, the butler and the housekeeper.
They convene in our bedroom. Greyson lays me on my stomach in the middle of the bed. I don’t know who sobs, but I’m sure my back isn’t a pretty sight. I manage to move my head, so I can see them.
“Have a footman go for the doctor,” Greyson orders the butler. From the housekeeper, he asks for warm water and sheets torn into bandages. “We’ll have to soak your shirt off, love. It’s dried to the wounds.”
“It’s happened before.” Quite a few times, but I’m not interested in telling those stories. I close my eyes to rest.
* * * *
“Love, the doctor’s here.” Greyson’s voice and touch on my shoulder wakes me up.
I find I’m naked with a sheet covering me from the waist down. I must have lost consciousness since I never felt them cleaning or moving me.
“Fine.”
I close my eyes again. Greyson’s hand trails down my arm to grasp my hand. The mattress dips a little and I peek through half open eyes to see the duke sitting next to me. I squeeze his hand each time the doctor probes a deep wound.
Finally the doctor finishes with my back. He takes a quick glance at my nose. He rinses his hands after bandaging my torn flesh.
“Some of the wounds are deep, so I’d keep an eye on them. They might fester. You’ll get a fever. We’ll deal with that when it comes. The best I can tell you, my lord is you’ll heal, but it’ll take a while and you’ll have more scars to add to your collection.” The doctor frowns. “I’ll be back tomorrow to check on you.” He nods to both of us and Johnson escorts him out.
Greyson moves from the bed to a chair set beside it. He’s farther away than I like, but he reaches out to take my hand.
“What did he do to you, love?” His voice is broken and fills with sorrow.
“He freed me, Greyson.” My voice is hoarse from exhaustion and pain.
A puzzled frown appears on Greyson’s face. “He put you in chains and whipped you until your back looks like raw meat.” He caresses my palm. “How does this free you?”
“I no longer fear him. I no longer hate myself. I understand what love is and I’m strong enough to embrace it when I see it.” I bring his hand to my mouth and kiss it. “He has no power over me any more. I’m free.”
“What happened?”
I shake my head. I’m not ready to tell Greyson about my ordeal. Maybe I never will. “When we left Father’s house, you told Uncle to take care of him. How will he do that?”
Greyson let me change the subject. Maybe in his heart, he knows he isn’t ready to hear it. “It seems your father owed a few men quite a bit of money. So between your uncle and I , we bought the markers. As long as he leaves us alone and quits spreading rumors, we won’t call in the debts. The minute he tries anything, we send him to debtor’s prison.”
“Will it work?” I’m fighting to stay awake.
He squeezes my hand and smiles. “Rest now. I’ll be here when you wake up. You’re home.”
I allow my eyes to drift shut. For the first time I believe it’s true. I am safe and I’m home. Like a caterpillar that shed its skin to become a butterfly, I’ve had my skin stripped from me and found a beautiful being beneath it. My soul is strong now, forged by the hammer of my father’s hand and strengthened by the adoration of my lover’s heart. I am loved and I am free.
The End.
Angel’s Seduction-Part Thirty-Six
Angel’s Seduction copyright (c) 2006 T.A. Chase
Part Thirty-Six:
“You seduced my son and have perverted his immortal soul with your evil ways. He’ll be dead before I let you have him back.”
I lean against the doorframe, staring into the drawing room where my father and Greyson stand, face-to-face. Father is gesturing wildly, his anger turning his face beet red. Greyson’s eyes are as hard and cold as diamonds. He doesn’t move as my father pokes a finger at his chest.
“You were killing him anyway. All I did is love him and give him a normal life. I didn’t hold him captive or chain him in a room. I didn’t take everything away from him. Unlike you, I know how to love someone and treat him like a person.” Greyson steps closer to Father. “If you’ve harmed him in any way, I’ll kill you where you stand.”
I know the threat is real. As much as I’ve always dreamed of my father dying, I don’t want my lover to be the one who kills him. “Greyson.”
My soft voice explodes in the room. Everyone turns to look at me. Father’s eyes are filled with fear and anger. My uncle’s face holds relief. Greyson stares at me, tears making his eyes shine.
“Angel,” he whispers, taking a step towards me.
I straighten up and try to move to him, but my strength disappears. My knees buckle, but Greyson cradles me in his arms before I hit the floor. His arms wrap around me tight. I cry out as he presses against my back. He frowns, touching my face lightly with his fingers. The duke helps me sit up and then glances at my back.
In a flash, he’s on his feet and stalking towards my father. Without hesitating, he hits Father in the face with his fist. My uncle comes and kneels beside me. I try to say something, anything to make Greyson stop beating my father.
Tears roll down my cheeks. I’m tired of the anger and violence. I want to go home. I want to curl up in our bed with Greyson’s arms around me. I need to feel safe.
“No.” I moan, trying to climb to my feet. “No more.”
Uncle holds me down. “Don’t move. Greyson, get your ass over here. Angel needs you.”
Greyson pulls away from my father and races across the floor to me. He joins me on the floor, reaching out to touch my face and my chest. He’s seen the blood and I think he’s afraid that by touching me, he’ll cause me more pain.
“Oh, my beautiful Angel. How can I help you?” His voice breaks and tears stream down his face.
I lean forward, even as my back protests any movement and bring our lips together. It’s a gentle kiss, full of promise and healing.
I pull back enough to say, “I love you.”
His hands cup my face and he rests his forehead against mine. “You love me.”
“Yes. I’m sorry I didn’t say it before this. I’m sorry I was too scared to trust in myself.” I place my trembling hand over his chest where his heart beat strong and true.
“Never be sorry, Angel. You love me.” He gathers me in a soft embrace as if he held a baby bird and lifts me up. A sharp groan explodes from me. He looks down with a worried frown. “I’ll try not to hurt you, my love.” He moves slow, not jostling my body the best he can.
“Don’t be sorry. No matter what you do, I’ll hurt. Just take me home.” I rest my head on his shoulder.
“I’ll do that, love.” He glances at my uncle. “Take care of this.”
“Certainly, your grace.” My uncle brushes a hand over my shoulder. “I’ll see you in a day or two.”
“Thank you.” I smile as best I can through the pain.
A movement catches my eye and I see my brother standing at the top of the stairs. He nods and I know I’ll be seeing him again. There is nothing to be envied about being Father’s heir. I’ve discovered we might not be able to chose our relatives, but we can chose our family.
I believe my brother will reach a moment when he realizes he has nothing to lose as well. When he comes to me, I will receive him with open arms and no anger. We all do what we must to survive.
We make our way outside and settle into the carriage. I press my face above Greyson’s shirt and against his warm scent. I breathe as deep as my ribs will allow, taking in his scent. I’m safe. My heart, mind and body know it.
Angel’s Seduction-Part Thirty-Five
*borrowed the picture from Sherrill. :)*
Angel’s Seduction copyright (c)2006 T.A. Chase
Part Thirty-Five:
Who do I belong to? I know what he wants me to say. It is a game he likes to play. Before this moment I would have said what he wanted to hear, if only to try and get a reprieve from the beating. It never worked and this time I know the true answer to his question.
“Whom do you belong to?” He screams again. The other man grabs my hair at the back of my head and jerks back hard enough to make my neck hurt.
“I belong to no one.” My words are forced between gritted teeth. My back throbs with pain as blood pours down from my wounds.
“You belong to me. You carry my name. You’re mine.” Father’s face flushes red and I see the fury building in him.
“If I belong to anyone, it would be Lord Greyson. I’m not your son. I am Greyson’s lover.” These words might push him over the edge, but they are my truth.
“Pervert. That sodomite has seduced you into believing perversion is love. What is your name?” This is another game he plays with me, having me repeat my name over and over. He is re-enforcing the idea that I belong to him since our names are the same.
I stare at him and grin through my pain. “My name is Angel.”
Rage takes hold of him and his fist rams into my face. I feel my head snap back and my nose break. My knees start to buckle. I tense. There is no way I’ll allow myself to fall to my knees in front of my father. When I kneel again, it will be without pain and only to bring pleasure or comfort. I glare defiantly at him, blood dripping from my chin.
“Hit me,” I challenge him. I wave a weak hand towards the man holding me. “Beat me.” I scrub my hand over the blood on my face and hold it out towards my father. “Spill my blood until it pools beneath me. I’ll never deny my love or my lover.”
Shock pushes through the anger in my father’s eyes. He steps away from my hand.
“I no longer fear you.” I throw back my shoulders and straighten so I’m standing taller than he is. My body screams in agony. Pain is beginning to return. “I pity you. You live in fear and face the world with anger. You’ll never know love from anyone, not even your own family. At least while I’m burning in hell for my perversions, I’ll know I’m loved.”
I take a shallow breath. That’s all my battered body will allow. I look for the whip the man dropped. I spot it and make my way slowly over to it. Bending is torture. I’m afraid I’ll fall over, but I grasp the handle. I hand it to the man. When I make sure he’s holding it, I turn and offer my back to him.
“Take a pound of flesh, Father. Try to beat the demons from me. Kill me if that’s the only way you know of to drive this disease from me. It matters little to me what you think. I love Lord Greyson, and I’ll die loving him.”
In that instance with those words still ringing through the air, I feel the last chain holding my heart captive break. Fear flees before the truth I’ve spoken. In the love I have for Greyson, I’ve found the ability to love myself. No one will ever be able to make me believe I’m a monster because I love a man. No opinion will matter to me so much that I lose myself.
The man with the whip growls and I hear the leather whistle through the air. Pain rips through my body, but I accept it. I no longer fight it, not even when my legs give out and I fall to my knees. For my brain has taken the suffering away and all I can see before me is Greyson smiling and loving me.
A knock interrupts the beating. Father walks to the door while he gestures for the man to stop. “What is it? I said I didn’t want to be disturbed.” He yanks open the door.
A nervous footman shifts from side to side. “My lord, the Duke of Northamptonshire and the Earl are here. We told them you were unavailable, but they demand your presence.”
Relief surges through me. Edward kept his promise and they came. I manage a chuckle. “I told you I’d be free again.”
“That’s what you think. Come with me.” He heads out of the room with the stranger behind him. “Keep an eye on that one and make sure he doesn’t get out,” Father orders the footman.
“Yes, my lord.” The servant bows his head, but I see his gaze dart over to me.
Disgust fills the young footman’s face after my father disappears down the hall. The servant moves towards me and I find myself tensing, expecting him to hit me.
“Bastard.”
The hate-filled words surprise me. I glance up at him and see he’s staring at the slices across my back. I want to shrug my shoulders to show I didn’t care what he thought but the pain was too much. I struggle to gain my feet.
“Don’t move, my lord.” The footman touches my shoulder. “Master Edward will be here in a second. He’ll help you.”
“Shouldn’t” is all I’m able to force out.
“I turned my back for too long, brother.” Edward enters the room. He has a shirt over his arm. He hands it to the footman. “James, hold on to this. I’ll get Robert up and we can cover him with that.”
“Angel,” I hiss, his hands bracing me as I push myself off the floor.
“Right.” He manages to work the remnants off my wrists.
“I have this.” James holds up a small key.
“Good man.” Edward grabs it and frees me from the cold iron cuffs.
“You shouldn’t help me. If he knows you did it, he’ll punish you.” I wobble, trying to pull the clean shirt on.
Edward tugs it over my head and gently lays it over the wounds on my back. I can tell the fabric is soaking up the blood.
“He won’t. We’ll help you to the stairs and then we disappear. James has already been fired, though Father doesn’t remember he did it. So it won’t matter for him.” He lets me lean on him as we make our way down the hallway to the stairs.
I study the stairway. It’s the pathway to my permanent freedom, but I don’t know if my body has the strength to move.
“Where is Angel, Williamson? I demand to see him. I won’t leave without him.” Greyson’s voice drifts up to where we stood on the landing.
My love is down there and I’m not willing to wait any longer to be with him again. I take the first step towards true freedom.
Angel’s Seduction-Part Thirty-Four
*as promised, we’re having an Angel marathon. I only have a few more scenes to post so I’ll post them over this weekend* Violence (rather graphic)
Angel’s Seduction copyright (c) T.A. Chase
Part Thirty-Four:
“Wake up.”
The order breaks through the blackness clouding my mind. I moan to myself as I roll over and push myself to a sitting position. I force my gaze to meet my father’s. It is difficult since he has often punished me for daring to look him in the eye.
His grin is filled with pride. “I told you I would have you back,” he gloated.
“Yes. It seems that you were right for once.” Surprise ripples through me. Who is speaking? The boy I was would never challenge his father like that. The child knows the consequences of defiance.
He hisses and slaps me. “Don’t talk back, boy. I’m your father and I own you.”
“You don’t own me. You’ve never owned me. All you’ve done is held me captive and abused me because of your own fears and ignorance.” I find I have the strength to climb to my feet.
When I gain my feet, I see a flash of fear shoot through my father’s eyes. It is in that moment, I realize I’m taller than my father. For so long, he has played the roll of the devil in my nightmares. In those nightmares, my father was a monster, invincible and powerful. In the light of day, I see that he is old and small. His power over me lessens even more. He may hold me chained to this room, but he no longer controls my fear.
I stare at my father and I can tell he’s beginning to understand that I’ll no longer cower before him. He’s losing some of his confidence.
“Demon.” A hand grabs my collar and pushes me to my knees.
My first reaction is to tense, but I’ve decided I’ll take whatever punishment they feel fit to give me. They’re the evil ones, not me. They are the ones who take perverse joy in causing pain. Father moves to the other side of the room. The man who forces me to the floor unchains my cuffs from the ring they’re locked in. He tears my shirt so it hangs down around my waist and gathers at my wrists.
A crack breaks the air and my back begins to ache before the first blow lands. I know what is to come. I bow my head and spread my arms out, offering myself up to their hatred. I can endure this. I’ve survived thirteen years. I can take a few more hours or days. I’ve been free. I will be free again.
As the leather bites deep into my flesh for the first time, I swallow my scream. I allow my mind to bring an image of Greyson into my mind. His brilliant blue eyes fill with the love he holds for me. Fire burns over my back as another lash cuts into my skin. By the time I’m free, I’ll have scars on my scars, but I don’t think about that right now. I focus on the feel of Greyson’s arms around me. My back straightens and I lift my head to stare at my father. Just thinking of my lover gives me the courage to accept the whipping.
I know from experience that I will go numb after a while. The body can only take so much pain before the mind shuts down. Warm liquid trickles down my back and soaks into the waistband of my trousers. Another stripe is added to my lower back. This one cuts deep and I can feel it in my spine.
A sob lodges in my throat. I won’t beg. I won’t plead. I will continue to love Greyson with all of my soul and I’ll never deny what my heart says is right. The whipping continues and my mind slowly distances itself from my body.
My father says something to me, but I can’t hear his words. I’m remembering each moment with Greyson in my soul. As each touch and kiss takes away the pain, I realize that I’ve never once spoke of my love for the duke. I never told Greyson how much I love him.
The shock rippling through me has nothing to do with the leather marking my back. It comes from my heart. Why have I never told the duke how much I love him? Why haven’t I uttered anything to let Greyson know that my world ceases to exist without him?
A slap to the face brings my attention back to my father. He screams at me, but again I can’t hear the words. Spittle hits my cheek and I understand that this is why I never said I love you to Greyson. Deep inside me, I never really believed I’d be free of my father. I knew his reach is long and the chains with which I was bound to Father were strong. Maybe by not saying the words, I thought I would keep myself from falling apart when I returned to hell.
Yet here I kneel, bleeding and tortured, but not begging. Not asking forgiveness for a love so perfect that even if the Devil sent it, I’d accept it with open arms. I promise myself as soon as I am free, I’ll tell Greyson about my love.
“Whom do you belong to?” My father slaps me again and I realize the whipping has stopped for the moment.
Angel’s Seduction-Part Thirty-Three
Angel’s Seduction copyright (c) 2006 T.A. Chase
Part Thirty-Three:
The mist is hanging over the path as I ride along it. Greyson is in another meeting at the Home Office. My lover is exhausted. He spends most of his days at Whitehall, dealing with the Prime Minister and other lords in charge of the government. When he comes home, instead of resting, we make appearances at balls and soirees. Greyson knows I don’t want to go to them, but he tells me we have to go because not showing our faces would make people think my father is right.
I’m not sure why we need to worry about what other people think. The duke tells me every day that he doesn’t care, that he lives his life the way he wants now, yet each night we go out into Society. Maybe it is simply because I’m not used to being with people. I still get nervous and at times scared, but Alice and Harry are there with us and they help me overcome my awkwardness.
My mind drifts as I ride. Greyson told me this morning before he left that Shade has disappeared. I’m worried about the man. I fear that seeing me has driven him in to a depression and he might do something irrational. I laugh at myself. If Shade has managed to stay alive and not kill himself for thirteen years, I don’t think meeting me will drive him over the edge.
My heart aches for him. It can’t be easy to go through life believing your love was the reason why a man killed himself. I don’t think Shade is ready to understand that the blame needs to be shared between the three of them.
A noise catches my attention. As I turn around to look, a sharp pain splits my head and the world goes black.
* * * *
Pain chases me from the darkness and I open my eyes to find I’m lying in the middle of a room. My head aches, so I try not to move it too much as I glance around. It looks familiar to me. I flinch as I lift my head off the floor to get a better look.
Fear floods my mind and I whimper. Somehow I’m back in my room at my father’s house. Father has made his threat come true. I start to curl in on myself, instinctively protecting my stomach. A heavy weight hampers my arms. I bring my wrist into my line of sight and groan.
Cuffs and chains. My father has captured me and I don’t think he’s going to let me go this time. The cold metal rubs against my wrists, reminding me that my nightmare has just begun. I close my eyes and think about Greyson.
I wonder how long it’s been since I was brought here. Does Greyson know that I’ve been taken? Will my father brag to my lover that he’s got me back? Will he tell no one, letting them all wonder where I’ve gone?
Another thought races through my mind. Will my father let me live? Has he kidnapped me only to kill me?
My fear increases the ache in my head and body. Lowering my head to the floor, I fight to keep a sob from bursting out. I can feel despair and hopelessness trying to take a hold of me. My bid for freedom has been in vain. I should have known that I would never escape. A perverted demon like me would never be allowed to leave Hell.
A noise brings my head up. I stare across the floor to where the door is slowly opening. I cringe, expecting to see my father standing there. I wonder when he will come. I need to be prepared for the beatings. I know he won’t stop trying to whip my perversions from me.
“Edward,” I gasp as my younger brother slips into the room.
“Shh.” He places a finger over his lips as he glances down the hall. I assume he’s making sure no one sees him entering my room.
He shuts the door with barely a noise and then makes his way to me. He’s carrying a bowl and some clothes. I watch while he kneels and starts cleaning my head.
He keeps his voice low. “You have a nasty knot here. I’ll try to get as much of the blood off as I can.”
“Why?” I’m amazed that my brother would risk everything to help me. My father’s wrath isn’t something anyone in the house would wish to invoke.
“You don’t deserve this. You never have. It doesn’t matter what you do or who you love. He has no right to treat you no better than a dog.” Edward’s anger burns in his eyes.
“At least he treats his dogs better than he does me. They aren’t chained up and beaten.” I close my eyes and groan as the cool, wet cloth touches the back of my head.
“I don’t have much time. He went to a ball, but I’m sure he will be coming back early to talk to you.” He dips the cloth in the bowl and brushes it over my face. “He keeps the keys on him or I’d let you go. Is there anything I can do for you?”
I want to beg him to get those keys, but I’m not sure how far he’s willing to go to help me. “Get a message to Uncle for me. Let him know where I am.”
Edward pulls a small flask out of his pocket. He lifts my head, touching the mouth of the flask to my lips. “A little sip of whiskey should help you. Isn’t there anyone else you want me to tell?”
I stare up at him as the alcohol burns down my throat into my stomach. “If you’re willing to take a chance, take a message to Lord Greyson, Duke of Northamptonshire.”
I want Greyson to know where I am, though I’m sure he’s figured it out by now. I have no reason to run away or disappear, not when all my dreams are coming true.
“The duke. I can do that.” A soft knock breaks the silence. He gathers all his supplies and leaps to his feet. “Father’s home. I’ll try to come and see you when he leaves again.”
“Thank you.”
I watch the door close behind my younger brother. Confusion fights with the pain. Why is he helping me now? Is this a trick devised by my father to lull me into believing escape is possible?
My strength gives out and I curl up on the floor, resting my head on the cool iron cuffs. I let the darkness take me. I don’t have the energy to worry about my fate. There is nothing I can do at the moment, except to try and recover. And hold to the belief that somehow Greyson will save me.
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P.S. I’m SExing today. Stop by and say hi.
It’s Wednesday Again!
I hear he’s great at doing laundry. Even seperates the whites from the darks and folds them. 🙂
Nothing new on the writing front. Though I do have a blurb and a synopsis written for Angel’s story. Ugh! the two things I hate the most about writing. I got about 200 words written yesterday. That much closer to the end. If I finish the expanded version by tomorrow, you all might get an Angel marathon and I’ll be posting the last six or seven scenes of the blog version in a row. That way it’ll have come to an end when I’m ready to submit it.
Then you’ll have another story to look forward to. I just have to figure out what one I want to as a blog story or if I want to start a new one.
Have a great day, everyone.!
Angel’s Seduction- Part Thirty-Two
Angel’s Seduction copyright (c)2006 T.A. Chase
Part Thirty-Two:
I stare at my uncle and my hands shake from nerves. He greets us with warm affection, offering drinks and a place to sit.
“My dear boy, I must say that staying with Greyson agrees with you. I’ve never seen you look better.” He smiles at me.
“Thank you.” I struggle to find the words. I glance over at the duke.
Greyson nods to encourage me, but offers no words. He’s with me to support me. That is all. I must find out the full story on my own.
I brace myself and ask, “Are you helping me because you feel guilty about Jonathon?”
Uncle’s face pales and shock fills his eyes. I allow him time to recover. I see pain, loss, and sadness race across his face.
“I wasn’t sure you remembered him. You were so young when he died.” He stares over my shoulder, lost in memories.
“I met someone yesterday who reminded me. All I really remember is leaving your house when I was ten. You and Jonathon were arguing. Two weeks later, Father informed me my cousin was dead. It was at that moment my life turned into hell.” I jump to my feet and start to pace. “Did Father know about Jonathon and the groom? How could he know I’d want the same thing? I was only ten for the love of God.”
Greyson reaches out and takes my hand. He pulls me down to sit next to him on the couch. His touch calms me.
“He knew about my son because in my anger and grief, I turned to him. It was a mistake. See, the uncle I received the title from was a member of your brotherhood. Your father hated him and then to find out his own nephew was a sodomite caused him to snap. He feared you turning out the same way. I guess he figured by holding you captive, he could keep you from ever encountering that sort of life. He thought he could beat the demon out of you.” Uncle stares at me with remorse-filled eyes. “Can you forgive me? When I realized how much he’d isolated you, I tried to get you free, but everyone in your house feared him.”
“I forgive you. You were the only bright spot while I was growing up. I didn’t know or care if you loved me. The only thing that mattered was you didn’t hate me. There was no yelling or screaming at me. You made me feel normal and I’ll thank you forever for that.”
We’re silent for a moment. Both of us are dealing with new aspects of our relationship.
“You said you were reminded of Jonathon? How? Who would remember him?” Uncle frowns.
“I met Jonathon’s lover, the groom.” My uncle doesn’t need to know the rest.
Uncle sits forward, resting his elbows on his knees and stares at the floor. “It took me quite a few years to forgive him. In my anger, I managed to convince myself that he was the reason why my son died. I couldn’t accept my part in the tragedy. Then one morning it was as if a light came on in my head. Of all of us, the groom was the most harmed and the least to blame. He merely loved my son.”
I hear the pain in my uncle’s voice. I want to go to him and ease it, but only time can ease his memories.
“Jonathon and I were the ones to blame in the whole thing. My anger and fear of what society would think blinded me to the fact that I was denying my own son. Jonathon didn’t have the courage to face life without me supporting him. He was afraid of being poor and having to work. That fear was stronger than any love he had for the young groom.” Uncle glances up at me. “Who is he? Do you think he’d be willing to meet me so I can ask for his forgiveness?”
I shake my head. “I won’t tell you who he is, Uncle. His life is his to tell, not mine. I fear he still blames you for all of it. He isn’t ready to give you forgiveness.”
“No, I didn’t think he would be. Is he happy?” There is a need in my uncle to believe he didn’t ruin Shade’s life.
“He’s alive, that’s all I can say. I don’t know if he is happy or not, but I do know he still mourns Jonathon. Maybe someday he’ll remember the good in their relationship.” I shrug.
“My solicitor has looked over the papers you had drawn up, making Angel your heir. They’re legal and binding, so if Angel wishes, he can sign them.” Greyson enters the conversation, trying to bury the sadness for another day.
“Good. Have you decided what you’ll do, son?” Uncle leans back and relaxes.
“I have thought about it. It took a day or two to make my mind understand what you’re offering. I never expected to inherit anything. To be honest, I expected to be dead by now. My father didn’t seem to care whether I lived or died.” I rest against Greyson. “Suddenly, I find myself free of my father and being offered a title. Plus being loved by a man the likes of which I couldn’t imagine, not even in my deepest fantasies.”
“A bit overwhelming, huh?” Uncle chuckles.
“Just a bit.” I take Greyson’s hand in mine and play with his fingers. “When I survived all those brutal beatings and my own suicide attempt, I would wonder why God wouldn’t let me die. I wasn’t worth anything to anyone. It made no difference if I lived or disappeared off the face of the earth. I remember begging for my father to kill me. Put me out of my misery. End my life because Hell couldn’t be any worse than what I was living.”
The duke lifts our entwined fingers and presses a kiss on my knuckles. “I, for one, am glad that He chose to let you stay. I’m sorry for all the pain you had to suffer, love, but things are different now. No pain. No anger. Only love.”
I’m comforted by his words, even though I know there will be days when we argue. I’m tasting freedom for the first time and I have a feeling I won’t meekly accept everything he expects of me. I’ve discovered I do have a backbone after all.
Cover Exposed
Here’s the cover for Here Be Dragons. It’s scheduled to be released on Sept. 5th…which is next week. Ack! LOL. Yummy! The artist got my boys right with Hugh in the front and Kael in the back. 🙂
Oh, I got an awesome 5 Angels review for No Going Home from Teresa at Fallen Angel Reviews. She says:
“If you like to read a book with a lot of heart and a great love story, then this is the book for you. Thanks goes to T.A. Chase for writing a beautiful and fun story with enough heart to make it a keeper in anyones book collection. “
Click here to read the rest of the review. 🙂 I’m so thrilled with how well NGH has been received. I hope everyone enjoys HBD as much since it really was the first book I finished. Just didn’t get to be the first one released.
No writing got done this weekend. Too busy and we had bad storms on Saturday. I don’t like to use the computer during thunderstorms..lol. Luckily, I’m not too far from being totally finished with Angel’s story. Which has a new title by the way, but I won’t tell you what it is until it gets contracted by a publisher. See, you have something to look forward to. 😉
Have a great day, everyone.
