She could hear the soft music playing in the background.

Lord Candlewood smiled as he extended his arm.

Lavender smiled at her uncle as she slipped her hand through the gap.

"You look absolutely stunning." Lord Candlewood replied emotionally.

Lavender placed her head briefly on his shoulder and he kissed the top of her head.

"Your father----would be so proud." His voice broke.

Lavender inhaled deeply. She swore to no longer cry. She wasn't going to. She didn't deserve this life that was handed to her. She had a husband, she had the perfect dress, and her family surrounded her. She didn't deserve any of this. She owed them so much.

She owed him so much.

She will forever be indebted to him.

Him whom she hadn't seen in a week.

Mother said it was good for the blushing bride and groom to be separated.

No, Lavender knew the truth.

He was immediately filled with regret. But he couldn't take it back now. No, the deal was set in stone. The lie was ingrained in both families' mind. The only ones who knew the truth were her, Atlas, and her mother.

Well and Lord Campote who'd met a most untimely death in an alleyway because of his gambling problems. One in which he seemed to have followed in his father's footsteps much closer than many had anticipated. Not a single word was spoke about any type of duel.

"Well the apple sure doesn't fall far from the tree."

And that sickened Lavender. Because if she was pregnant with his child. She now carried the devil's spawn. She wouldn't think about it. She couldn't think about it. She could not. She could not hate an innocent life. She had to be better than this. She had to be better.

"Ready?"

Lavender looked up at her uncle and nodded. He patted her hand as they rounded the corner and stepped into the aisle. Her breath caught in her throat as the intimate group present immediately stood up. Her mother and sisters on one side. Rose Candlewood wiping her tears through her smile. Azalea beaming and Daisy stood on the pew, shaking her hands excitedly because mother told her she couldn't clap in the church.

On the other side were the Worthingtons. The Marquess of Shirewest stood and smiled softly, giving Lavender a nod. Matthew, Robert and especially Lizzie were grinning from ear to ear.

But the most important face to her right now, was the man who stood in his black suit down the aisle. The man who turned to face her. His grey eyes wide and mouth slightly parted.

The man who looked like he would move heaven and earth for her. The man who'd actually done that. He smiled and if Lavender were not holding on to her uncle, she was sure her knees would have buckled.

Why did he have to be so perfect? He gave her this moment, and yet she'd taken this moment from him. It was Miss. Charter he was supposed to be watching coming towards him down the aisle. Not a defiled soul, carrying another man's child.

Robert nudged his little sister and they both turned to stare at their older brother who looked completely mesmerized. They looked at each other and giggled.

"How many times do you think he'll cum tonight?" Robert whispered in Lizzie's ear.

Lizzie blushed and giggled. Covering her mouth. She knew way more than probably the entire female population of her time. And that was only because she had a brother two years her senior named Robert Worthington who unabashedly answered every single question she threw his way, with more details than necessary.

Lizzie smirked as she stared at her best friend. Whom she hoped had the best wedding night of her life. Lizzie knew whores didn't fight over her eldest brother for nothing.

Now with Atlas going to the family castle for a couple months. That left Robert and Matthew to take care of. Well Robert, you only had to push him in the right direction for distraction. Matthew on the other hand was proving to be the real problem. Once she figured how to handle him, she could have as many callers as she wanted. She took a deep breath as her mind drifted back to the tall, dark and handsome Duke of Jensen. Wouldn't it be simply lovely if she were to be walking down the aisle to become his new Duchess? She smiled as her mind drifted off.

Lord Candlewood took Lavender's hand and gave it one last squeeze before he placed it in Atlas' outstretched hand. He nodded and went to set on the pew with the rest of the family.

Atlas took Lavender's hand and they turned back around to face the priest. Their arms lowered as they stood side to side. Their hands slowly separated, until only their middle fingers touched for a couple seconds longer until the contact was lost.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to unite these two families in holy matrimony."

Atlas snuck her a look as the priest talked. Lavender looked absolutely terrified. She was nervously sucking on her bottom lip. Her brows furrowed in confusion. He slowly moved his hand against hers, his index finger smoothing her thumb.

Lavender looked down at the gesture and then up at him. He offered her a smile. She smiled back hesitantly. She was sad. He saw it in her eyes. Lavender looked away and turned her attention back to the priest as Atlas kept staring at her.

If he wanted to be honest, he hadn't seen her real smile or heard her laughter since that night at the castle. His eyes flashed as he faced the priest. His lips tight. Was it possible to bring somebody back to life, only so he could kill him again? This time a long drawn out painful death.

The rest of the day happened so fast, lavender felt like she was living in a dream. From the moment he slid the gloves off her hand and put the gold diamond ring on her finger, the world began to spin. It was as if she was on a horse, going in circles, everybody gay and merry. Talking to her, excitement, well wishes. But their faces were blurred because they were moving so fast.

When he was instructed to kiss the bride, she sensed his hesitation. The world wasn't spinning fast enough. Then she felt his soft lips on her cheek.

"Booooo!" Robert shouted from behind them.

People giggled, there was clapping. There was joy. And the spinning returned full force. She couldn't separate the faces. Not even her family members. She couldn't remember the words spoken. Her smile permanent on her face. Her nods, her gratefulness, her acceptance of this new life. Lavender felt like she was disappearing little by little. A small piece of her chipping away with every strike from the clock.

But then she saw him. The only one not spinning. His expression forlorn as he stared back at her.

Maybe if she focused on him. If she only focused on him, then maybe it would be okay. Maybe...just maybe....her heart constricted as she gasped loudly.

Now they were in a carriage. Where did her family go? She had no idea.

"Are you okay Lavender?"

"You're going to be just fine."

"Sister you were the most splendid bride ever."

"Enjoy tonight."

She took another deep breath, the only thing moving was the carriage. The only thing moving was the carriage. The only thing moving was...

Atlas sat across from her, his gaze focused on the country road. When was the last time they'd spoken? The last words they'd said?

She couldn't remember.

Holding herself straight she. She looked down at her lap. She'd been unable to stop rubbing her fingers. Why couldn't she stop? She needed the comfort from that distraction. Did soothing her fingers, ease an unknown ache?

Lavender looked up to Atlas watching her wring her fingers merciless in her lap. Ashamed she formed fists and pressed them into her lap, willing herself to stop acting like this. To stop feeling like this.

How did one stop feeling like the worst being alive?

Atlas sighed and resumed looking out the window.

He hated her. Lavender simply knew it. He was just flirting casually, she got in way over her head, she trapped him and now he hated her. Because she was nothing. Absolutely nothing. She had nothing to bring to this pity party of a marriage. What good was----

"Ow." Lavender looked up and rubbed her forehead. "What was that?"

"Just....stop overthinking, you're making me depressed." Atlas replied before turning his attention back outside.

Lavender looked around frantically. "But what was------ow!"

She rubbed her neck and glared accusingly at Atlas.

He smiled innocently at her.

"What are you throwing at me?" she asked.

He shook his head. "I'm doing no such thing."

She looked down trying to find the weapon. "You just threw-----ow!" she looked back up and touched her nose. "Stop throwing things at me."

He flicked something at her and she blinked but it hit her mouth. She quickly looked down at her lap and stared at the small strange circular.....sweet? She looked up in shock. "Lizzie was tallking endlessly about these every since they came into town."

"We had them at our celebration." Atlas remarked. "I don't think you saw them. It was quite the success."

Lavender smiled. As she held the small sweet in her hand. Lizzie had the sweetest tooth known to man kind. She was sure she'd stuffed her face.

"It's pretty good." Atlas stated as he popped one in his mouth. "I brought us back some." he patted his jacket. "Taste it."

Lavender brought the small red sweet to her mouth and placed it on her tongue. Atlas watched her carefully. She closed her mouth and sucked on it gently. Moving her tongue around. Her eyes lit up. "It's delightful."

"It is." he responded watching her mouth. He quickly looked down and reached into his pocket. "Oh, well I guess the rest is for me."

"May I have one more?"

"Uh.....no...."He shrugged.

"But you asked me to try it." Lavander's mouth dropped open. "You shouldn't have told me to try it, if you weren't going to give me more."

He chuckled. "I just wanted you to see what you were missing out."

Lavender stretched out her hand. "One more please."

Atlas brought his hand out and shook her hand exaggeratingly. "Atlas Worthington, a pleasure Lady Worthington."

Lady Worthington? Lavender blushed and pulled her hand away. "A sweet if you may." Her heart raced. He'd just addressed her as....Lady Worthington."

"There's no more." He stated simply.

"You're lying."

He gasped. "My lady, are you calling your lord a liar?" his grey eyes sparkled as he leaned forward.

"Humph...." Lavender lifted her chin and looked to the side. "One must not tell tales, my Lord."

"I don't have anymore sweets." He insisted as she felt something else hit her chin.

Lavender whipped her head back to him. "If you no longer have sweets, how are you still throwing them at me?" she demanded.

"Throwing what?" He had the audacity to look baffled at her accusations.

"Atlas....." Lavender glared right before, ridiculously thinking it was a great idea to stand in the carriage to confront him. "Whe----woo----" she swayed, losing her balance. Miscalculating how bumpy the ride was.

Atlas grabbed her waist to steady her and yanked her down. Not so much on the seat, where she was but on his lap.

She plopped down, startled.

"I believe a certain Marchioness was accusing me of falsehoods." Atlas whispered in her ear.

Lavender tried to turn to reach his coat pockets. He laughed as he turned her back forward. "If you have nothing to hide my Lord, let me see." she insisted, twisting in his lap, to try and reach inside his pocket.

Atlas chuckled as he kept her reaching hand at bay. As she giggled, her hands grappling at him, his eyes drifted down to his lap. Her ass was mostly on his thigh, so he shifted her body, slightly so as not to alert her. His crotch was now nestled exactly where he wanted it. And as she wiggled above him, he moved his hip to keep the pressure.

"Don't be greedy my Lord. Pass it along. You did say you got it for us. Come on, give it to me."

He wanted to kiss the back of the neck, she presented before him, but didn't think it would be wise as he grew beneath her. He spread his legs to accommodate his bulge. But he just wanted a bit more friction. He secured his arm around her waist, and with the other hand dug into his coat pocket and he took out a sweet.

"oh would you look at that?" He grinned. "One more."

Lavender turned her head, her eyes narrowed. Their lips so close, he could have tasted them with a slight stretch of his neck.

"Oh, yes, how convenient my Lord." She snatched the sweet and popped it in her mouth. Grinning, Lavender put her hands on his knee for support in getting up, but Atlas locked her in place.

She turned her head to look at him in confusion.

"You can stay on my lap, my lady." he whispered.

Lavender's lips parted as he scooted her further against his body. He locked eyes with her as he placed a hand on her knee. Her eyes drifted to it as he scrunched the dress slightly, and then a little bit more. Her dress raising above her ankles.

He pressed his head against her neck as his hand slid her dress even further up, and up---

Fear crept into Lavender's psych as her mind flashed to another time her dress was yanked up.

She jumped out of his lap and immediately settled across from her. Her breathing labored as she adjusted her dress and pressed her thighs together. She kept her hands in her lap as she looked down, unable to meet his gaze.

Atlas, rubbed his thigh before folding his hands in his lap. "I'm sorry, bumblebee, I didn't-----"

"Are we almost there?" Lavender asked as she cut him off and looked out the window. "It's a really beautiful countryside. It's quite long no?" she stretched and yawned. "I'm feeling just a tad bit sleepy. I believe I may need a quick rest." She quickly turned on her side, laying her head on the hard interior, she shut her eyes tightly, willing her body to fall asleep.

Atlas sighed and settled back in his seat as he watched her. He grabbed himself almost painfully, praying for his erection to go down. He closed his eyes, taking controlled breaths so the blood could stop rushing to his dick and instead back to his head.

After 10 minutes of silence, Lavender curiously opened her eyes and looked across from her. Atlas had actually fallen asleep it seemed. His legs were parted, his hand over the crotch of his pants and his head lazily to the side. Closed eyelids, revealed an abundant amount of eyelashes on the lid. His lips were slightly parted, giving him the innocent look of a sleeping child.

Lavender smiled. A sleeping child. Her smile faded as she stared down at her flat stomach, but not his child. She hugged herself, the shame resurfacing.

He was a man. He had needs.

"Men loooove sex."

"Lizzie! You mustn't talk of these things."

"But it's true. I have reliable sources."

And she Lavender couldn't even provide those needs. Couldn't even....

She rubbed her face. Why was it Lord Campote's touches overpowering her mind. Why wasn't she able to focus on how Atlas' touches had felt like. How it had made her feel, all light and hot and wanting. Not this ....dirty. she sighed and closed her eyes. What was she going to do?

"My Lord, welcome back. I see you've brought a wife."

"Evening Vera....."

"It's an awfully late time for you to arrive. I told you to stop at an inn on the way and continue the rest of the journey tomorrow. You never listen. That's why you're now carrying our poor lady----oh what if you awaken her?"

"I will not Vera, I've just discovered my wife sleeps like the dead." Atlas grunted as he made his way up the stairs. "I hit her head against the carriage door and she has yet to wake."

"Oh you scoundrel, this journey is long for anybody. Poor thing she must be exhausted."

"Where are our-----"

"Oh right this way my Lord, we've rearranged everything to your specification. The lady's chambers are here and yours are just down the hall."

"Hummmm....I like hers better."

"Don't be silly, this is the lady's chambers. Lay her there gently....gently my Lord..."

"Trust Vera, I've laid a many women down on beds. I know what I'm doing."

"Oh you! Haven't changed at all. Every bit the rascal like your father."

Atlas chuckled.

"Alright, move along...I'll take it from here. I assume she came with her own personal maid."

"Hello Ms. Vera, I'm Fiona."

"Oh golly me, have you been behind us this whole time? Speak up there, just as quiet as a mouse."

"Yes, Ms."

"Alright my Lord, let us change our lady----"

"I'll change her."

Vera frowned.

"It is my wedding night." Atlas grinned at her charmingly.

"Humph....Fiona give the Lord, the lady's nightwear....and you, no funny business..."

"Seriously? I'm hurt Vera. Who do you take me for?"

The old lady smirked and bowed at her Lord. "Call us shall you need anything."

Atlas carefully took his time to remove her garments, making sure not to wake her. "This is as close to you undressing for me as we'll get huh?" He whispered, carefully laying her head back on the pillow. He took off her slip, grateful that she wasn't actually wearing that much clothes. But alas, he was still a man. His eyes zeroing in on the patch of hair covering her sex. His dick immediately hardening. He avoided touching there even though his fingers itched to dig into her sex. He took off the rest of her layers and simply stared at her.

She was beautiful, laying naked against the sheets. Like a painting, money couldn't afford.

Lavender moaned and hugged herself, curling into the fetal position a slight chill running through her body.

Seeing her shiver, Atlas quickly grabbed her nightgown that Fiona had laid out. He put it over her head, lifted her head gently and pulled it down. He worked her arms through it by moving her on her side and back again. Finally he pulled the long dress all the way down. He moved to pull up the covers and cover her body.

He smiled, proud at his work and the fact that he was able to do it all with his dick throbbing with need. He pulled his boots off and quickly got undressed, yanking his shirt off. He reached to untie his pants and then stopped. Plus he was still sporting a major boner. He hated sleeping with clothes on but this would have to do for now. She would probably scream bloody murder if she woke up with him naked next to her. Keeping his pants on, he climbed into bed and laid on his side, smiling at his new wife. She looked so peaceful, unbothered.

He leaned over and pressed his lips gently against hers. Smiling at the soft sigh that escaped her lips, he kissed her again. He couldn't help himself, his hand came up and through the night grown he grabbed the voluptuous brown breast he'd seen while dressing her. He squeezed it, she shifted into his hand.

Atlas groaned and released her, as he laid on his back and stared up at the ceiling. He brought his hand down and palmed his erection a couple times. He turned his head to watch her, his eyes drifting to her lips. He tugged at his dick, twisting slightly as he stared at her neck, lowering his gaze to the rise and fall of her chest. To the hardened nipples against the sheer night gown.

He groaned again and sat up, the covers falling as he stared down at his crotch. This wasn't going to work. He needed release. And this was his wedding night. Was he seriously going to jerk himself off instead of falling into the wet, warm tunnel of his wife's sex? He looked at her, his memory taking him back to her sprawled naked on the bed.

He sighed and gave up. Yes that's exactly how he was spending his wedding night. He quietly exited her bedroom, making sure not to wake her. He walked the familiar dark hallway to the room a little further down.

He groaned and laid back on the bed. Gasping as he released his throbbing member. Eyes closed he immediately rubbed his dick as he squeezed his balls. God, he'd wanted to fuck her for hours now. Her ass against him in the carriage. Those parted full lips. Her round breasts with dark nipples. Her sweet, sweet sex. He wrapped both hands around his dick as he fucked his hand. He knew her sex was warm, and wet and pulsating, tightening around his dick, she would be moaning his name, telling him to go deeper, to go harder, fucking her harder, and faster, telling her how much she wanted him, how much she needed him, filling her up.

"Fuck!" He gasped, spasming slightly as he came on his abs. He twitched and chuckled in disbelief. He hadn't masturbated in so long, he'd almost forgotten how a hand and an imagination could get him just as far. He used his sheets to wipe himself and sat up, still trying to catch his breath. His high wearing off. He had a feeling, he was going to have to use his hand an imagination a couple more times before she let him in. He groaned and fell back on the bed. "Please don't make me wait long bumblebee." he whispered.

**

There were so many people here. So many that Lavender felt overwhelmed. How ever was she going to remember any of their names. Well she knew Vera. The old lady was tough, her face grim and not a single smile as she barked out orders. And she did not want Lavender to interfere is how Lavender would translate it, even though she kept insisting that the Marchioness of Shirewest needed to rest and not bother with such things.

No, she wanted to bother with such things and she felt like an absolute baby following Vera around, as she spouted out orders.

"Maybe I should redecorate." Lavender suggested.

Vera whirled around. "Well my lady it's been like this for years----"

"Yeah, but I don't particular like red...." Lavender was surprised at herself. She had no idea were that thought or even that fact that she didn't like red came from. "Maybe....a little more sun."

The old lady's mouth twitched as if about to break into a smile but then tilted her head up. "As you say my Lady. You are the lady."

Lavender almost jogged to keep up with her. Vera hid her chuckle and sped up a little more.

**

Lavender grabbed Fiona and pulled her personal maid into the corner. She shook her head breathlessly. "Fiona I don't think I can do this----"

The maid chuckled. "They're testing you my lady. It's wonderful here....they like you." she winked.

"FIONA!"

Both girls jumped hearing Vera's shout vibrate through the hallway.

"Yes Ms." She shot Lavender a look and hurried off.

**

"How was your first day?"

"Simply splendid." Lavender beamed as Atlas entered the dining room, rolling up his sleeves. She hadn't seen him at all today. In fact the last time she'd seen him, they'd been in the carriage. "And thank you for carrying me to my room."

Atlas walked over to her and took her hand. He turned it over and kissed her wrists. "You're as heavy as an elephant, bumblee bee, but I got my work out for the month."

She giggled but tried to scowl as she retreated her hand back to her lap. Her finger subconsciously rubbing the spot he kissed and trying not to smile.

He sat at the other end of the table and the servants finally opened their plates.

"Oh and Azalea was not joking....I am absolutely horrible at the piano. Vera came and uh....banned me from it today....already....my first day." Lavender informed him. "So there shall be no music in our house....at least not from me."

Atlas laughed loudly. "No worries, I can play the piano."

Lavender's mouth dropped open. "You can not!" she accused.

"I can too."

"Can not!"

"Who do you think oversaw Lizzie when the music teacher left for the day?" Atlas asked.

Lavender gasped. "My Lord....."

"If you ask nicely, I might give you free lessons." Atlas grinned right before tearing into his chicken.

Lavender watched him eat.

"What?"

"You eat like a bear." she stated.

Atlas growled and munched loudly on the meat.

Lavender laughed and shook her head. "Don't be a savage."

He smiled and put the chicken bone down. He took the napkin and wiped the corners of his mouth as he watched the smile on her face. She carefully cut her meat and opened her mouth to place it on her tongue, before closing it chewing slowly.

It was such a strange thing to notice, but he noticed. She always ate like this hadn't she. She doesn't simply put the food in her mouth. No, she places it on her tongue and the eats. He shifted in his seat and leaned forward as she did the same with the potato.

He truly wouldn't mind placing something else on her tongue and having her swallow.

"What?" Lavender asked seeing him watching her.

Atlas grinned and stuck his tongue out at her. Startled she scoffed and shook her head. She stuck her tongue out at him and that's exactly what he wanted.

**

He watched her from his desk as she was engrossed in the book of Jane Eyre: An autobiography, by Currer Bell. A book he himself had never actually read, but heard sparked a great deal of debates, especially a rumor that it was written by a woman.

Lavender had picked it up out of curiosity half an hour ago and must be enjoying it.

He wanted to enjoy her.

And felt horrible for wanting so.

Atlas was going to try and focus on the letter in front of him when he saw Lavender yawn. He took a deep breath, willing himself to let the opportunity past....but maybe he could loosen her up. Maybe it would suffice with just a couple kisses until she was comfortable. They needn't go further.

He put his pen down. "Should we retire?"

He noticed the way her hand gripped the book just a little tighter, before bringing it down.

"Yes, it's getting rather late is it not?" Lavender asked, placing the book on the table in front of her. She smiled, her hands behind her back as she gave him a nod. "My Lord, I shall head to bed. I will see you in the morning."

Ouch. Atlas nodded slowly and watched her turn around, swiftly exiting his office. He sighed and leaned back in his chair "See you in the morning."

**

Atlas wasn't used to waiting this long to get anything. But he pushed himself. And he practiced patience. But the more he saw his wife roaming the hallways of their new life. Her smiles and lively conversation at the dinner table, her fleeting glances that held so many promises. The more his want turned into need. Three more days she evaded him. He wouldn't push her and he promised that he wouldn't.

Was it he, she was afraid of? He would never hurt her and he tried to tell her yesterday when they were sitting out on the front lawn overlooking the pond.

He brought his hand up to caress her cheek. She turned to him and smiled. "it's lovely isn't it?" she asked, leaning in his touch.

She stretched her neck to look at the ducklings and he took in the smoothness and elegance of her neck. He was way in over his head when he felt himself stir. This was getting too much. He never remembered being aroused by a neck, but that smooth piece of flesh was begging to be touched, to be kissed. So his fingers trailed down her neck. Her eyelashes fluttered at the gesture and he leaned in pressed his lips against it. He hardened even more hearing her breathless exhale. So he kissed her neck some more. Her breathing getting louder, he scraped his teeth against it, his tongue flat, he licked where her vein throbbed and sucked on it. Finally he was going to taste her honey on their honeymoon.

Lavender's fingers sank dug into his thigh and maybe that's when he lost temporary control as he brought her body flush against his persons and descended her to the ground. When she grabbed his shoulders, he didn't realize she was trying to push him off, not pull him down. So his mouth claimed hers as he started to climb on top of her.

"No!" her arm pressing against his neck startled him and he quickly opened his eyes and sat up.

Lavender scrambled to her feet, clutching her pounding chest. "I'm---sor---sorry." she stammered fearfully.

Fuck. "Lavender, I'll never hurt you." He pleaded, his dick throbbing.

She tried to smile but took a couple steps. "I know...I uh....I'm feeling a bit faint. Maybe some tea."

He watched as she fled back towards the castle. He cursed himself as he fell back to the ground. His heart racing as he stared up at the sky.

He later tried to apologize but she wasn't letting him. Changing the subject as she had done many times before. Atlas watched her walk away, feeling like shit. He couldn't help her if she didn't talk.

So imagine his surprise that night when he entered his chambers after a bath to see her sitting in her nightgown in the middle of his bed.

He held his towel tight and swallowed hard. "Bumblebee, what are you doing?"

She rubbed her arm and smiled. "I'm sorry....I uh.....I'm ready...." she swallowed hard.

He moved towards the bed as she watched his every move. He had an idea of what she was saying but wanted her to say it. "You're ready for what?" he asked standing beside her. She was staring at his chest. Her mouth parted. Her breathing hitched.

Atlas held his towel tighter. The way she was staring at him was making him harden and he didn't think she was ready for that right now. He was too aroused to slow down. He wanted to fuck her hard and fast and find release inside her warm channels. The way his dick sprung to life beneath his towel, one would be led to believe he hadn't jacked off in the bath. But he had. He surely had, but apparently it didn't matter.

Lavender's gaze dropped to the towel hanging dangerously low around his waist. Sprinkles of black hair covered below his belly button and disappeared underneath the towel. She moved her head to the side, because the dent----"

"You're ready for what?" Atlas asked again, his voice low and uneven. She had to stop staring at him in that manner, or he would drop his towel.

Lavender's eyes lifted up to him. She'd never seen a naked man in her life. Ever. And now her breasts seemed to be tightening. The slightest move made her nipples sensitive against her nightgown. His body took her breath away.

"Lavender.." Atlas spoke harsher than he wanted.

Her eyes drifted back down to the dent in his towel. Had it gotten bigger? It was...pointing at her...

"Oh, sweet jesus help me...." Atlas whispered desperately as he closed his eyes to calm down.

....like....like a carrot...a thick carrot was pointing at her beneath his towel. She felt proud for having found a description for the shape.

"LAVENDER!"

Lavender jumped and shot her eyes back up to his face. Atlas was breathing hard, chest rising and falling, his grey eyes darker than usual, his lips parted.

"....please...." He swallowed hard. "Say or do something, besides just staring at my dick."

The dark-skinned girl blushed, feeling the heat go to her head. She looked down and blinked, resisting the urge but she couldn't her gaze once again traveling down his body. From his neck, to his pecs also dusted with fine hair, down his abs as if created by Michaleangelo himself. His hair getting thicker as her gaze lowered. The deep line on either side of his torso disappearing into the towel. Wait the towel seemed lower. The hair was thicker, and slightly curled. Her eyes widened as the towel seemed to slid lower. Revealing the sides of his muscled butt.

"You're going to be the death of me." Atlas spoke into the silent room, releasing his towel.

Lavender immediately shut her eyes. Just a flash, just a simple flash of hair and flesh colored.... she slowly opened one eye and then the other. Her mouth also followed suit in a wide O. It was shorter than a carrot but thicker than a carrot with veins and a complexion darker than the rest of his body. His dick actually wasn't pointing straight at her. It started and then slightly curved up. Followed by two circular sacs. Lavender didn't realize her movement was in slow motion as she brought her hands up to her cover her mouth and nose.

What was that?

Atlas looked down at his erection, proudly but straightened up at the shock on her face. He crossed his arms over his chest. "Is your husband not to your liking?" He teased.

Her dark brown eyes finally lifted to meet his.

"It's....big...." she whispered. She dropped her gaze again. "How do you hide that in your pants?" she lifted her eyes to him again.

Atlas chuckled proudly and then cleared his throat. "Uh....it uhm...goes down, when I'm not....not aroused." He explained with a smile. Jesus he wanted to fuck her badly. When her mouth opened wide, he wanted to put his dick inside. His dick twitched.

Lavender finally exhaled and Atlas wondered if she'd been breathing the entire time or she'd stopped. His ego boasted as she looked around the bed and scooted back.

He watched as she laid down cautiously on her back and stared up at the ceiling without looking at him.

"What are you doing?" He asked.

Lavender swallowed hard and put her hands on her chest. "Performing...my...my wifely duties my lord..." her voice shook and she squeezed her eyes shut. "Please make it fast okay." she whispered, her eyes still closed tight.

Atlas' dick immediately lowered as he stared at his wife looking like a corpse in his bed. By the time he bent down to pick up his towel, his dick hung limp as he covered himself. Lavender hadn't moved and neither had she opened her eyes.

"Bumblebee...." Atlas sighed. "We don't have to do this."

"Okay." she exhaled in relief, immediately shooting up and climbing out of bed. She bowed to him. "Goodnight my Lord, I'll see you tomorrow." she ran out of his chambers, leaving him to stare in despair at the floor.

Atlas sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. "Goodnight." He whispered.

**

Something was wrong. He said they didn't have to do this but Lavender sensed something was wrong. They still laughed and joked and stayed in each other's presence, but it seemed overnight there was a shift in the Marquess.

And she wasn't sure she liked it.

But she knew why.

It was her.

She couldn't perform her wifely duties.

She'd wanted to. She'd even talked herself through it for an entire hour.

She knew it was his right to take of her body.

But she just couldn't do it.

Pass the kisses and the light touches, she couldn't do it.

But it looked like she didn't need to even worry about that anymore.

The only thing she'd received the past three days were a chaste kiss on the cheek every morning and every night. Just like he'd done the day of their wedding.

She'd disappointed him, like she knew she would. She had to fix this.

Swallowing hard she walked into his office and stood in front of his desk.

Atlas lifted his head and gave her a soft smile. "My lady....are you retiring for the night?"

Lavender nodded and exhaled. "Atlas...I just....I want to say something."

He straightened up in concern. "Is everything alright?" He asked. "Are you unwell?"

"I'm fine." Lavender nodded. "But I know you're not...." she tried to swallow the ball in her throat. "I uh...I know as a man....that you have needs...and you were ever so gracious to save me...but I cannot fulfill those needs for you."

"Lavender...it's fine. You need time." he went back to his letters.

Lavender shook her head. "No...I don't...I don't want to...fulfill those needs...."

Atlas slowly lifted his head. ".....Ever?" He questioned, his voice cracking at the simple word.

Lavender wrung her hands together. "I just....I believe it's best...if you do like you've always done....if you....you know....fulfill those needs in...bro---brothels and...." she looked down in shame. "And...minus that and...and musical entertainment, I promise...i will try to be the best wife I can."

Atlas had lowered his head but this time didn't look up. He dipped his quill in the ink. "You...you prefer I frequent brothels...than....than lie with you?" he asked slowly, bringing his quill to paper.

"I----I uh----I fear it's for the best." Lavender responded.

Atlas's hand stilled for only two seconds before resuming his writing. "Thank you Lavender. Now If you don't mind, I need to....finish this. Letter." He responded coolly.

Lavender nodded and gave him a slight bow. "Good night my Lord." she turned and feeling a little bravery exited his office.

Atlas' hand stilled once more on the paper before him. His jaws locked, as he tried to remember the letter he was writing. But his mind went to the earlier conversation. He blinked rapidly, trying to clear his thoughts. He threw his quill across the room and in frustration swiped his hand over his desk, spilling his ink and letters to the ground.

**

Lavender tossed and turned, unable to sleep, she sat up and leaned over and lit the lantern. Maybe a glass of warm milk and bread will help. She felt uncomfortable. Restless. She pulled her covers back and stopped. She looked down at her bed sheets and gasped. She looked around the empty room, her heart racing. Lavender looked down at her nightdress and it was spotless. Nervously she lifted her dress and slid her fingers quickly through her sex and brought her hand up. She gasped in disbelief at her red stained fingertips.