Netherby Halls

She knew in this dream they were already lovers. Wait, more than lovers. She knew it in her innermost heart.

He stood before her, staring at her breasts, reaching for them, as he said, “Sassy, my own dear heart …” Then he bent his head as she lifted hers, ready, so ready for his kiss. When his lips parted hers and his tongue slowly met and made love to her, she felt a surge of passion for more. So real—how could it be so real?

His hand was on her breast. His body, no longer covered by his clothing, was naked, and she noticed as she had not in her other dreams that he sported an unusual tattoo on his bicep. She knew what it was, as though he had told her at another time. It was the secret sign of his warlock coven, a dagger crossed over ancient runes.

She fingered it as his lips found her pert nipples and he began to suckle there. Heat rushed through her body, melting bones, and her knees turned into mush and gave way. She felt herself meld and become one with him in that moment.

He lifted her and put her onto his bed, and she stared at his manhood, big, hard, and throbbing. She felt like a wanton woman. It felt wonderful and right.

“Mine,” he whispered into her ear and nibbled there as he covered her body with his. “Mine,” he repeated as he put his shaft between her legs.

Sassy awoke with a start and sat up. Her nipples were hard, and she had to clench her thighs against the heat she felt between them. This had been her dream—had she sent it to him? So real, and she knew something else. Her magic was moving her to a time when she would go to him and conclude her transition. It was as though she did not have a choice!

~ Twenty ~

SASSY SKIPPED LUNCH and made her way outdoors. She had not slept well and needed fresh air. She picked her way over the puddles left still by the storm the day before and took a path near the school’s long front drive.

She heard the sound of wheels and picked up her skirts to hurry through the trees. She wanted to observe who it was, though she knew already who it would be. Their eyes met.

His blue orbs glittered appreciatively, and the sight of his face seemed actually to still the quiet ache that had been nagging at her stomach all morning. She automatically, without meaning to, allowed him a warm, inviting smile.

He reined in his team, and his eyes stroked her face tenderly, bringing heat to her cheeks. He jumped down from his phaeton, showing to perfection his athletic proportions. He lightly said, “Walk them, lad,” as he put the reins in his tiger’s hands.

“Sassy.” The sound of her name on his lips seemed to stroke her sweetly, and she almost closed her eyes at the sound.

His strides were hard and long, and the entire time he kept his eyes on her face. When he reached her side, he took her elbow. He led her back down the trail to a deer path off the main footpath. Within a moment they were in the thick of the woods.

He didn’t try to speak to her. He didn’t wait for her to find her voice. He simply pulled her into his arms, locked her there as he bent her to receive his kiss.

His lips parted hers, and his tongue gently waltzed with her own, never letting go as it caressed hers. She tasted him, and he tasted of sweet honey—delicious and familiar. She gave in to his kiss and matched it with her own. Oddly enough, he pulled away from their embrace, groaning as he set her aside.

He pulled her scarf from his pocket and handed it to her. “You left this in my phaeton the other day.” His voice was low and husky.

She cleared her throat. “Ah … thank you. How kind to bring it back to me,” she managed.

“I am anything but kind, though I think you could teach me to be,” he answered softly.

She laughed. “I think you are past the age of being taught very much. You are what you are, and one of those things, though you deny it, is kind.” She hesitated and added, “I see it in your eyes.”

“And we see quite a bit more than meets the eye, don’t we, Sassy Winthrop?”

“How is Mr. Lutterel? I haven’t heard a word from Sophy and have been worrying a bit about them,” she asked, changing the subject, wondering how she could speak so casually after his kiss.

He frowned. “Odd. I thought Sophy said she sent you round a note?” He waved this off and smiled as he put her hand through his arm and led her away from the thick woods. “You will be happy to learn that Percy and Sophia are to be wed.”

“Oh! Oh, I am so very happy,” Sassy exclaimed sincerely. “Mr. Lutterel is precisely what Sophy needs to steady her.” She eyed him. “Why do you look so sardonic?”

“Because, my sweet, Sophy’s mother has been posing a problem. Luckily, Mr. Delleson is determined to stand by his decision to accept the match and has silenced his wife by a posting of the banns. Not much she can do, but still, Percy is my friend, and I cannot help but wonder if he will find the entire situation tiresome in the end.”

“Oh, no, not Percy. He has a very sweet nature. He will do, and Mrs. Delleson will as well. She will come to love Percy.”

“Well, she will have to or find her daughter dragging Percy off to Gretna Green,” he said with a shake of his head.

“Oh no, she must not do that. It would ruin them both,” cried Sassy. “No doubt Sophy

is probably just trying to worry her mother into accepting the match.”

“Who knows? Love is so foolish.” The marquis sighed.