"We have a lot of estates with different tenants and farms." Atlas whispered, cupping her face as he kissed her.

"We do?" Lavender whispered, kissing his neck as she straddled him on his chair.

Atlas moaned and nodded as his hands drifted down her back. "Yes, and overseers and sometimes people----" he cut off his words and kissed her deeply as he grabbed her ass. "Get greedy and we have to fix it." He groaned the last two words as he threw his head back and stared at the ceiling.

His wife had pulled out his dick with determination.

When Lavender had asked him to explain what it was he actually did on his errands and meetings with different people in different areas. She'd been attentive for about half an hour until the moment she sat on his lap. He'd lost his train of thoughts as his need for her coursed through his body.

"And that's all your order of business?" she asked moving her hand up and down his length with a tight grip.

Atlas' lips parted as he stared down and moved his hips in the same rhythm. "No. Well Matthew actually suggest we invest in an industry. We're thinking coal-------fuck Lavender!" He wrapped his arms around her pulling her flush against his body as he kissed her. His hand slid between her parted thighs. Fingers immediately moistened by her arousal. His mouth entranced her at a constant pull and suck motion as his fingers slid through her folds, so warm and soft and inviting. His index finger circled her clit as his middle finger slid a little further down. Finding the entrance it sought it slowly entered her as he slipped his tongue in her mouth.

Lavender moved her hips as she kept kissing him. He was doing something different. So different, but it didn't hurt. She felt his finger slowly pull out and with the same speed enter her once more. She moaned into his kiss. Something really different. She just needed a little more----Lavender moaned as she rolled her hip, her hand moving faster on his shaft.

Atlas bit her lip as he tugged it between his teeth. He kissed his way down her neck and sucked the tender flesh as he slid his finger in and out of her. Her moans in his ear caused him to add his ring finger to the equation. His wife rolled her hips back and forth, her eyes closing. Atlas pressed his face against her neck as he moved his fingers faster. After a couple seconds he moved his hand and added index finger inside her, spreading them slightly, moving around her walls.

Lavender panted as her arms wrapped around his neck tightly.

"You like it?" He whispered breathlessly. "You like it love?"

Lavender nodded as Atlas lowered his head more, moving her back slightly as he bit her breast and sought her nipple through the thin material.

"Trust me..." He whispered, his voice laced with desire as he slipped his fingers out of her. "Trust me, please...." he brought his head all the way up and kissed her. "I need you...." He breathed against her lips and kissed her again.

Lavender matched his kiss as she rocked her hips, his hand moving between their bodies. They deepened the kiss, their tongues teasingly stroking the other. She felt him press his smooth flesh against her. It was automatic the way her body froze.

Atlas pulled back, but she quickly wrapped her arms tighter around his neck and kissed him more. Her thighs squeezing around him, wanting him to continue.

For lack of air, they broke the kiss panting. She could feel him sliding the head of his dick back and forth over her entrance.

Lavender moaned and opened her eyes. He was watching her intensely. His mouth parted as he slid his dick slower, applying more pressure. Atlas bit his bottom lip and groaned.

"You're so wet..." he closed his eyes and panted as he threw his head back. "So....wet...." he brought his head forward and tilted it slightly so their foreheads rested together. "Bumblebee...." He clenched his jaw and closed his eyes as she watched him, their noses touching slightly. "Stop me now, or I'm afraid, I will not be able to stop..."

She took a deep breath, her hips pressing down on him. Her body buzzing with pleasure laced with anxiety. It's okay. It's him. It's okay, even if it hurts. It's Atlas...it's Atlas. She smiled. "Do not stop my Lord..." She whispered.

He licked his bottom lip and squeezed his eyes tighter as he poked her entrance. "Relax...." He whispered, though neither were sure if it were meant for Lavender or himself. They moved their heads slightly to the side, their lips enclosing over the other as he slid slowly inside her. Filling her inch by inch, but she was so wet, it was an effortless intrusion.

"God...."Atlas gasped as he continued arching his hip into her. He inhaled sharply and grabbed her hips. Finally he opened his eyes to stare at her. "Are you okay?" He whispered voice uneven.

Lavender nodded. "A bit.....strange...." She admitted.

Atlas pulled out very slowly to his tip and then filled her once more inch by inch. "You're so wet." He whispered against her lips as his hand on her waist directed her body, slowly and patiently.

Lavender smiled and followed his lead, their movements a simple drawn out rocking back and forth. She squeezed her thighs and Atlas moaned, speeding up slightly. They smiled and kissed each other softly. Curious she rolled her hips. His groan as his hand tightened around her caused her to smile. His hands aiding her hips up and down his length slightly faster.

She pressed her tongue against his and moved her hips again. Pressing down against him she felt him dig deeper inside her. She stopped slightly and turned her lips against. She lifted her ass and brought it back down slowly. Moving her thighs, she shifted just a fraction to the right and moaned, feeling her pussy throb.

Lavender opened her eyes, her lips parted as she stared right back into Atlas dark grey eyes. She moved her hips again how she'd just done. His hands still on her, he no longer directed as he followed her lead, letting her role and bounce experimentally on his dick.

Then his wife's moaning grew louder and her rocking faster. "This feels....really good..." She whispered, her body movement would put a serpent to shame.

"Good." He whispered back slowly, picking up the pace slightly as he slid in and out of her.

Lavender's chest rose and fell as wet sounds filled the room. Her unrestrained moans taking over his senses.

He gripped her hips above him, His waist thrusting faster upwards as he watched her carefully. He slowed down and moved her hips in a circular motion above him. Atlas gritted his teeth as her chin lifted to the sky, her mouth parting in shock.

He smiled as moved faster. Her walls clenching around him.

"A--At----Atlas...." she gasped, holding on to him.

"Cum for me." He whispered, holding her tight, his eyes trained on her, refusing to miss a second of her orgasming on his dick. He fucked her harder and deeper and watched in pleasure as her pussy throbbed around him. Whimpering and moans filling her vocal cords as she bucked along with him. Her eyes shut tight. "OHMY----ohMy----ohmygod....."

"Just like that...." He moaned as he continued his pace through it until she became limp almost falling back if he hadn't caught her in time.

Atlas stopped moving his hips and hugged her to him as her body shivered against him. Her outburst turning into small whimpers and much needed inhaling.

It took her a couple seconds for her body to regulate itself. She lifted her head to him in confusion. Lips parted and eyes seemingly glazed over.

Atlas' slowly lifted her hip up and brought it back down with the same precision as he slid in and out of her again. His dick, just as hard, just as throbbing. He smiled at her and she kissed his bottom lip.

"Oh my God..." she whispered.

Atlas kept his slow rhythm as he watched her with the warmest of expressions on his face. "Did you like that?"

Lavender responded by kissing him passionately. He smiled against her lips and kissed her back. This...this is what it was supposed to feel like. Her body had felt electric. And now as he kissed her and moved in and out of her the feeling was returning once more. She moved her hips to match his thrusts. She noticed his moans of approval every time she did so. She squeezed her thighs against his hips as rocked above him. His hands now grabbing her ass through her dress, and seemingly scooping her into him. His member rubbing against her walls, the ridges on his dick making each movement elicit a moan from her.

"So tight and so wet." He whispered against her neck as he held her hips and thrusted rapidly inside her before slowing down and resuming his slow strokes. "Perfect, so fucking perfect..." He trailed his lips against her collarbone. He thrusted deeper, his breathing harsher as he kissed her chest. Her top half moving back slightly to give him access to her breasts as her ass scooted closer, allow him an even better angle.

He closed his eyes and sucked her nipple through her dress, biting slightly on the erect nub. Lavender gasped, the sensation shooting directly to her pulsating center. Her body seemingly overflowing with senses. She moved her hips faster and he followed suit. This time his grip a little tighter.

He lifted his head to look at her. "Cum for me again." He whispered.

Lavender let go as he fucked her faster. "Atlas....Atlas.....god.....please...." she straightened her back and put her hands on his chest, rocking her hips to follow him, she rolled into him.

Her husband gripped her thighs, his lips parted as stared at her. Eyebrows furrowed in slight confusion. "Laven-----" He swallowed hard.

Her eyes closed on it's on accord as she bounced up and down on him. Each second bringing her closer and closer to the sensation she had experience just 10 minutes prior. "Please....yes....."

Atlas groaned loudly as he pressed his face against her neck. His hips moving uncontrollably. "UUhhhhh......aahhh......uuuhhh....."

Fuck! This was different! Lavender cried out as a new sensation exploded inside her. Their climax had them clinging to each other, eyes squeezed shut. Atlas sinking balls deep into her as his dick twitched every drop of his seed. They moved their heads blindly, lips sucking on each other once more.

A couple seconds later they both slowed down, exhaustion flowing over their bodies as they held each other softly. Unable to talk, only their heavy breathing now filled the room.

Moppy lifted his head curiously from the couch. He stood and wagged around happily in a circle before sitting back down in contentment that his masters were happy.

There was a loud knock at the door. "My Lord, Sir Jacobs is here for his quarter past three meeting."

Lavender's eyes widened. "I forgot." She whispered, covering her mouth.

"Tell him to come back tomorrow, I'm fucking my wife!" Atlas called back.

Lavender gasped, but through the door Vera's reaction was even louder. "My Lord!"

Embarrassed, Lavender laughed and buried her face in the crook of his neck. She felt his dick grow limp, slowly sliding out as she moved her hips.

Atlas stopped her. "I was serious." He whispered against her ear. Her eyes shot open. "Would you like to do it again bumblebee?"

She lifted her head. "Are you not a tadbit sore?"

He blinked in confusion and then quickly straightened up. "Yes. Yes." He responded fast. "Slightly sore...maybe we should rest...." he stared at her apologetically. "Sorry, I didn't----"

"No...I mean...."

"Of course you're sore----"

"But not a bad sore----" she replied quickly. "I mean I would do it-----"

Atlas laughed and cupped her face as he kissed her soundly. "No, I need to give you some time." he kissed her again. "I'll go see Sir Jacobs...and...." he smiled. "Maybe....see you for afternoon tea?"

Lavender nodded happily as she kissed him back. "And what would you like for afternoon tea my Lord?"

He bit his bottom lip, his eyes boring into hers with lust. His dick hardened beneath her. "To cum inside you again."

**

"A'ight your Grace, believes we prepared to set sail."

Pablo turned to Captain Flaming. He nodded to the 55 year old man with the long shaggy grey hair and just as grey beard. "To Sardinia..." He exhaled. "Home sweet home...." he whispered under his breath. He stared out at the dock as Captain Flaming shouted orders to the crew.

He didn't know what he was looking for, nor what he expected to find. But nonetheless as he scanned the faces on the dock as the ship pulled away he shoved away the lingering sense of regret.

"Your Grace you cannot enter----"

"Sara....Sara...." Pablo rushed to his wife's bed. His heart racing as he watched her small body looking even smaller in her white night dress. The material clung to her wet body, her legs propped up, blood overflowing on the bed, the nurse and doctor scrambling, shouting orders.

Sara weakly turned her head to her husband. "I---can't----" she whispered breathlessly. Her face sullen, eyes red from her tears.

"Push your grace, one more push." The doctor encouraged, but even his voice was full of doubt.

Pablo kissed her wet forehead. "It's okay il mio amore..." He whispered. "It will be fine." he kissed her hard, as his tears mixed with her. "Just live for me, just for me...please."

Sara tried to smile.

"One push! Just one more! Your grace."

Sara gritted her teeth and screamed as she pushed. Her grip tightening on Pablo's hand which he kissed lovingly.

Silence filled the room as the nurse looked at the doctor and vice versa. Sara panted softly, her grip loosening. "Is he here?" she whispered her eyes closing.

Pablo not having heard a sound looked back. The doctor lowered his gaze and he watched as the nurse quickly covered the purple-hued baby with tears in her eyes.

"Yes." Pablo whispered, his bottom lip trembling as he squeezed her hand in encouragement.

"A boy?"

The duke nodded as he caressed her face. Warm tears running down his cheek.

"An heir?"

He nodded, smiling painfully at her. "Mio amore...."He whispered kissing her. "Stay with me."

Sara smiled and let her body relax.

The Duke shook his head. "No....no....Sara...."

The Duke slowly opened his eyes, a heavy presence falling over him. The castle was too big. The paintings, the hallways the chambers haunted him. He sighed.

Taking a step back, the frantic waving from the distant dock brought his attention. They were too far away that he couldn't make out what the guy------no Robert that was Robert Worthington. He couldn't make out what Robert Worthington was yelling as he waved his arms back and forth desperately trying to be seen.

Pablo squinted and waved back.

"Should we turn back your grace?" Captain Flaming called back as the ship turned.

Robert Worthington rested his hands on top of his head in defeat as the ship sailed further away from the docks.

"No." Pablo replied. He was pretty sure it was a letter or parcel from Lizzie Worthington. He chuckled to himself. They were all the same those Worthingtons. Right down to the stubborn, outspoken little sister. He stared at the water.

Sitting in his box that night, it had been the first time since Sara that a simple smile had caught his attention. It hadn't even been targeted to him. She'd been talking with her brothers . But the way those hazel eyes had lit up, the softness of her skin, the movements of those pink puckered lips, his body's reaction had caught him off guard.

And when she looked his way and their eyes met just for a second his heart skipped one beat. He looked away in shame. No.

And he had thought no was enough. But he should have known she was a Worthington. Just like their father, the entire lot did not understand the meaning of that word if it didn't pertain to their own satisfaction. So he avoided her, the best he could. Until he couldn't. Until she'd grabbed his coat and kissed him. Soft needy lips pressed against him. He had not kissed another woman since Sara. The whores and the widowed Lady Sophia's lips found their place elsewhere on his body.

Desire he'd buried and a strange ancient feeling had crept up that night. And she walked away, teasing him just as coyly as Sara had done during her debut.

He sighed, but it didn't matter. It was over with. He shouldn't have to return to London in the next couple of years anyways.

"What in bloody hell is going on me here ship!" Captain Flaming hollered down deck.

Pablo turned his attention to the usually calm crew he'd hired over the years. The commotion made him walk down the stairs to the crowd of guys surrounding Emmanuel, one of his most trusted guards.

"Che, c'e Emmanuel?" The Duke of Jensen made his way towards them.

Emmanuel turned around shaking a slim, kid in a slightly oversized expensive traveling attire with a gray hat perched low on his head.

"Questo ragazzino sta sconfinando." Emmanuel shook him angrily.

"Ow...ow...." The kid muttered trying to pull away.

Pablo sighed. "You're just a kid....why are you stowing away on a ship to Italy?"

The boy lowered his head and shrugged.

The Duke stared at him momentarily a strange urge to see the young teen's face. "Well, I don't give passage for free." He nodded at Emmanuel. "Release him, let him work below docks."

"Thank you----" the boy coughed and lowered his voice. "Thank you, your grace, but I have money. I will pay."

Pablo turned around in amusement at the kid trying to seem more manly. "Don't thank me just yet. You're going to need that money in Sardinia."

"Let's go stowaway." Emmanuel grumbled.

The young teen winced as he almost fell, as the older bulkier guy dragged him off. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry."

"Next time, I so much as see you look at the Duke's quarters again, I'll cut off your balls." Emmanuel warned.

Pablo tilted his head to the side as he watched the young boy. He shook his head and chuckled. The poor kid walked like an awkward duck, trying to imitate Emmanuel's long strides.

"And give me that." Emmanuel growled as he ripped the hat off the skinny boy's head to reveal a rather raggedy, uneven haircut that did not at all match the expensive clothes he wore.

"Hey that's mine!" the boy protested actually jumping up to try and snatch the hat back. Emmanuel pushed him away. It was merely a slight tap, but the kid actually fell back, wailing as he tried to keep his balance.

"Non più." Emmanuel responded as he kept walking.

The little boy looked back but quickly averted his head, placing his slender hand over the side of his face, having seen the duke watching him. He scrambled up and hugged his clothes tighter. His hand feeling on the side of his pants as he rushed forward to follow Emmanuel.

Pablo shook his head. The kid was a living and breathing target, with his expensive clothes and clearly by the way he held the side of his pants indicating the money he had for his travels. It will be gone by the night, if not in an hour or so.

He sighed and made his way to his quarters.

**

"Aaahhh yes...." Lady Helen smirked as she settled in the back of the shop. "Imagine my dear surprise at having been summoned by a little girl."

Azalea wrapped her cape around her tighter, looking backwards at the door that the seamstress had so elegantly closed after Azalea handed her the coins.

"But you have gossip and I do so love a gossip." Her eyes gleamed. "So different from your drag of an older sister."

Azalea's heart raced as she clasped her hands to her side. "He means to kill you!" she whispered harshly.

Lady Helen rolled her eyes. "Who?"

"You---your husband." She sputtered as she hugged herself. She looked down in shame.

The French lady shrugged. "Ah, he's been wanting to kill me for years." she stared boringly at her nails.

"He doesn't love you." Azalea shouted. "He hates you! Why won't you just let him go?"

Lady Helen tilted her head in amusement as she stared at the young women in front of her. "Is that so?" She asked. "And pray do tell....is it you....he loves?"

The teenage girl nodded rapidly.

"Ahhh....does he now?" Lady Helen's smile grew. "How splendid."

"I'm not a murderer." Azalea gasped. "I do not want to hurt you. I do not want to hurt anybody. I love him and he loves me----"

"You and every other whore in this country, stupid enough to listen to his lies." Lady Helen smirked.

Azalea's heart dropped as she stared at the more mature woman before her. "That's not true!"

The french lady cocked her head to the side. "Oh?" she widened her eyes. "Pray do tell Miss. Azalea Candlewood, what makes you so special?"

Azalea panted as she hugged herself. "I----I'm----I'm pregnant with his child."

Lady Helen arched an eyebrow. "Join the club, young one." she whispered. "He has 11 more bastards in this city." she sneered.

Azalea blinked back in confusion. "No---no, that's not...."

"But the only ones who count are mine." Lady Helen sighed and stood up. "He has the properties and I have the purse...I would have gotten rid of him a long time ago if my very livelihood did not depend on his name."

Azalea stared at her furiously. "You're just jealous!----"

Lady Helen put her finger over Azalea's lips to shut her up. "Maybe not as boorish as your sister but equally as naïve." She whispered. "The only things that makes you Candlewood girls so appealing are...the diamonds in your dowries."

Azalea shook her head in confusion.

Lady Helen laughed. "Oh you don't know? Well a certain late banker, with loose lips told a few of his friends." she caressed Azalea's cheek and stepped even closer. "There are two things my husband loves and it's money and pussy." she whispered. "And occasionally stupid, naïve rich girls.....I was just like you."

Azalea lowered her head slowly as Lady Helen's words washed over her.

**

Lavender's nails scraped down his back as he pressed his palms against the headboard. Atlas looked down at her, lust clouding his vision as he rolled his hips. Digging deep inside her. Wanting to feel every possible inch. With one hand, he lifted her ass off the bed.

She cried out and arched towards him. Her eyes closed to try and slow down the pleasure. It was so much. So intense. She wanted more. Her hands slipped down and grabbed his firm ass.

Atlas groaned in approval as he sped up.

She never knew she wanted this, that she needed this. She opened her eyes to look up at him. He smiled down at her. "You're so beautiful." He whispered and groaned as he sped up. "I want to bury myself between your legs."

"Please do...." she begged.

Atlas brought his head down and kissed her happily. He pulled back and lifted one of her legs from around his waist, up to his chest and then his shoulders.

She gasped at the fact that he was able to go even deeper.

"Ooh.....fuck..." he moaned rolling his hips. He moved his head and kissed her calf, grabbing her ankle.

The hold there caused another jolt through her body. "Atlas......" she begged.

"Yes my lady...." He moaned as he gripped the headboard for support as he thrusted deeper and faster.

Lavender immediately brought the other leg up to his shoulder.

"Fuck.....yes....yes..." He grabbed her legs and rocked his hips. He circled his fingers against her clit as he fucked her. Lavender bucked as she exploded under his fingertips. Gasping Atlas released her and brought her legs down. Grabbing her hips he swung her around on the bed so she was laying on her stomach. Without hesitation he slipped back inside her, gripping her ass tightly as she arched back on him. "ohh.....Lavender....." He moaned, pressing into her back. His thighs straddling her. "My sweet, sweet...Lavender...." he groaned, his face in her hair as he shot his seed inside her. He grabbed her ass for support as he sunk deeper, not wanting a drop to escape.

His wife. The mother of his children.

Atlas collapsed on top of her, eyes closing as they both panted from exhaustion.

**

"Let me in! Please! Please Let me in!"

The duke looked to his door in surprise. He calmly got up and opened it, only for the young lad to bomb rush his door. He quickly grabbed the young teen's collar. "And where do you think you're going?"

"Please!" the boy lowered his head and rubbed his hands together pleadingly. "Your grace, may I please sleep in your quarters?" He cried.

The duke arched an eyebrow in confusion. "I don't take to little boys."

The young lad looked back on deck. The Duke followed his gaze to see Stoop watching them. Seeing the Duke's gaze, the large overweight man averted his gaze and rubbed his belly.

"He does...he takes to little boys." The lad said quickly. "He dared to press his dick against my backside!" He accused.

He resisted the urge to chuckle. "Is that so? Then you should learn to carry a knife."

The young teen turned back to him, head still bowed, his unevenly cut auburn colored hair sheilding a part of his face. "I uhm....your grace....you see...uhm...I must have left it on the dock with my....my belongings...because I....I had to rush....rush on the boat----"

"Look up when you address me." The Duke ordered.

The young teen hesitated.

"That's an order." Pablo instructed. "And what's clearly a young boy of your stature doing as a stowaway on my ship?" He demanded. "Do your parents know?"

The kid seemed to shrink even more. "I uh----"

"I said look up, when you address me." The duke reached out and yanked the boy's face up by his chin.

The young teen looked back in fear. His hair falling away from his face. Hazel eyes blinking rapidly. He bit down on his lips. His cheeks turning a beautiful blush color. "I----"

The duke blinked in confusion. "Lizzie?"

The teen swallowed hard. "Uh....no...no....uhm....Lo---Logan..." he stammered nervously.

Duke's eyes drifted down and he angrily grabbed the boy's chest. His eyes widened and he quickly drew his hand back as if he'd gotten burned.

"I uh.....I can explain."

Pablo looked out of his quarters. Stoop still craning his neck, waiting to see when the boy would be released. He met the Duke's hard gaze and quickly looked away, finally walking towards the lower deck. He yanked him inside and the kid slid to the floor, hands out trying to stop his fall, but failing.

The Duke of Jensen angrily slammed his door and locked it. Heaving momentarily before whirling around. "Are you insane!" he demanded.

Lizzie winced as she cradled her painful wrist. "I didn't think it through." she whispered as tears filled her eyes. "But.....I think I broke my wrist...." she cried the tears releasing.

"You wrist is the least of your worries." He hissed as he dropped to his knees and took the cradled hand in his.

"Ow...ow..." she whispered trying to pull away.

Pablo sighed as he touched it gently.

She cried out. "That really hurts.....like really, really hurts."

"Good." He said. "Then it's just sprained, not broken. The worst the pain on the wrist, the less likely it's broken." He replied, slightly relieved. He stood up. "Emmanuel will take care of it."

"No." Lizzie protested "He hates me."

"Again." The duke sighed heavily as he unlocked his door. "The least of our worries." He looked out. "Emmanuel venire qui!"

**

Robert took a deep breath as he looked at their grand home. "I'm dead." He whispered as Matthew trotted forth and got off his horse.

His older brother who was still not speaking to him, barely gave him a backwards glance as he marched up the stairs.

"Matt...." Robert called out hopelessly.

Matthew froze on the next step. He took a deep breath and then continued up.

"She told me she was going out for a ride with you today!" He called out desperately. "That's why I left, just for a couple hours."

Matthew turned from the door in confusion. "What the fuck are you talking about."

Robert stared up at him and dropped to his knees. "I only came back because I left my wallet after a couple rounds with the guys----"

Matthew groaned and shook his head. "Whatever issue----"

"Lizzie goddammit! Lizzie is fucking gone!" He took the letter from his chest pocket and shook it in the air. "Papa will have my head! Why did you leave her with me? WHy? You know she's sneaky! What did I ever do to be born?"

"What are you talking about?" Matthew demanded rushing down the stairs. He grabbed the letter from his brother's hand angrily and looked at his little sister's handwriting.

Deares Robert and Matthew,

Do not panic, But I have decided to run away.

"Jesus Christ..." Matthew whispered reading the first line.

"Oh it gets worse...." Robert whispered as he pointed. "Keep reading..."

Matthew frowned and continued reading, his eyes moving rapidly, heading going side to side. His lips parting in shock, eyes wide. "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!" He yelled looking at his younger brother.

Robert prostrated himself on the ground. "Barnaby old friend, please come shoot me."

Matthew ran to the horse that was getting taken away and immediately climbed back on. "Hi yah!"

"The ship already sailed!"

"Then we fucking buy the next trip!" Matthew yelled as he galloped away.

Robert sighed and sat up. "I'm not stupid. I already did. It's in two weeks!"

Matthew abruptly stopped his horse and turned it around. His face wrought with fear. "Fuck..." he whispered.

**

"I love you so much." Atlas whispered as he gently caressed her face.

Lavender smiled as she looked up at him. She was sleepy, as if she could close her eyes and sleep for a lifetime. "I love you too."

Atlas lowered his head and affectionately nuzzled her neck. Lavender giggled.

"Give me children, love." He whispered.

Her eyes widened as her smile grew.

"A little bee?" He kissed her chin.

She laughed and nodded. He was so gentle and sweet after sex. "I would very much like that." she grinned.

She leaned over to kiss him but he cupped her face. His grey eyes staring at her with the most somber of expressions. His lips moved a couple times before words came out. "Don't die....okay."

She reached out to touch his cheek. He closed his eyes, shielding the pain away as he kissed her wrists. "I won't die Atlas....we'll live a long and healthy life, together."

He opened his mouth to say something when they heard shouting from outside.

They stared at each other in confusion for a brief second.

"What was that?" She whispered.

Atlas climbed out of bed, and quickly grabbed his pants and rushed them on. "I don't kn----"

Lavender screamed as a gunshot was fired. Her head whirling to the window.

"Stay here!" He ordered as he opened the drawer near the bed. In the dark, she couldn't make out what it was he got but he rushed to the door.

"Atlas please----"

"I'm serious, do not move from this room!" He ordered her again before rushing out of the chambers.

Lavender nodded as she held the sheets close to her chin. The anxiety preventing her from being able to breathe.

**

"My Lord...."

The Earl of Yetty whirled around, gun drawn.

Azalea stepped out from behind the curtain.

The Earl sighed and chuckled. "Azalea....whatever are you doing in my office?" He asked affectionately. "I replied and said I will spare a few minutes for you tomorrow."

"You weren't at home and it was urgent." She whispered rushing to him, her arms immediately around his neck as she kissed him hard. "I remember you sometimes work much later on Thursdays when most ships sail."

He kissed her briefly and moved away.

Azalea stared at the ground before her as he passed.

"Not now Azalea." He went to his desk. "You mustn't be here unaccompanied."

"I came through the back door, like always. Nobody will know I'm here." she put a smile on her face and whirled around. "I did it my Lord."

Ethan pulled out the brandy. "Did what?"

"I killed her."

He lifted his eyes, his hand shaking slightly. "Killed who?" He asked as he slowly uncapped his drink. Azalea watched carefully as he took his time and poured the brandy into his glass.

"Your wife. You should hear about it in tomorrow's paper."

Ethan arched an eyebrow and took a good swig of his drink. "Are you bullshitting me?"

Azalea shook her head and sat before him. "She's out of the way. We can get married now and be a family."

Ethan drank the rest of his drink and took a while to answer. "You sure you killed her?"

"Well was she not the one staying in your chambers in your lovely room tonight?" Azalea asked.

Ethan widened his eyes in surprise.

"Well if it wasn't her than I definitely killed somebody today." She remarked.

"How?" Ethan questioned as he put his hands together, his smile stretching a little. "With the poison?"

Azalea nodded and leaned forward. "In her brandy....my Lord...." she whispered. "She loves brandy."

Ethan frowned. "No, that's not true. She doesn't love br-----" He blinked and slowly looked down at his now empty glass. He looked up at the young teenage girl in front of him.

She blinked back at him with an innocent expression. "Where you ever going to marry me?"

Ethan quickly grabbed his bottle and looked at it. He panicked. "You fucking bitch!"

Azalea stood up. "I lied! There is no poison!" she yelled. "None at all! All it was was a meeting with your lovely wife earlier today who told me everything!"

"Sir!" His office door yanked open as his friend entered in panic. Lord Hammond looked back in forth at the young teen in the room. He gave Ethan a sly look.

Ethan sighed and sat back down. "It's fine. She was just seeing her way out. Little girls these days are too demanding."

Lord Hammond chuckled. "I bet they are." He rubbed himself and winked at Azalea.

"See your way out Miss. Candlewood...matter of fact, why don't you go through the front door. I'll have Hammond summon you a carriage." Ethan smirked.

Azalea bowed politely and smiled at him, her light brown eyes blazing. She rushed over and kissed his cheek.

Ethan smirked and Lord Hammond chuckled again.

Azalea picked up the brandy and walked over to Lord Hammond. "My Lord..." she took a large sip of the brandy and to Lord Hammond's surprise, the young girl grabbed his head and stood on tiptoes as she kissed him passionately, transferring the brandy to his mouth.

He accepted hungrily and she pulled back handing him the bottle.

"I'm guessing you're done with Ethan here huh?" Lord Hammond grabbed her ass hard. She smiled and walked past him.

"Damn you sure know how to pick them." Lord Hammond laughed as he brought the brandy to his lips. "Fucking gold."

Azalea walked a little faster as she turned down the hallway, lowering her head at the gentlemen staring at her unaccompanied.

She twirled and grabbed the long awaited side door and rushed out. Not wasting another moment, she doubled over and tried to spit as much as she could. She heaved and tried to make more saliva to spit. Her heart raced as she looked back. Fixing her black hat, she rushed over to the carriage waiting for her.

"Miss. Candle-----"

"Let's go George!" She whispered frantically as she hopped in. Confused George turned and moved as fast as his legs would allow.

Azalea panted in the seat, feeling as if she'd allowed herself to breathe for the first time. Warm tears fell down her face as her heart raced. "Oh my god, ohmygod....ohmygod...what did I do...whatdidido...." She trembled as the carriage rushed away.