Beauty's Deception (closed for Poohlive and Myself)

[TinyDuchess]

The room was still, save for the quiet whisper of ribbon being laced against silk. Amara stood before the mirror admiring her reflection as she prepared for this evenings ball. Her thick black curls were piled atop her head, secured by a dazzling emerald comb. An emerald gown of the finest silk encased her slender frame, giving a warm bronzed glow to her honey like skin. As the last of her lacings were pulled tight, she gave a soft gasp, her ample bosom heaving. With one final glance at her perfection, she left the safety of her domicile and made her way out into the night to her awaiting carriage.

The carriage ride proved short, within no time at all Amara had arrived at the manor. She entered the opulent hall with catlike grace, the picture of demure, feminine elegance. A low hush fell of the crowd and a small smirk tugged at her lips as she noted with great satisfaction that she had the attention of every man and woman in attendance. While the women regarded her with great speculation and contempt, the looks coming from the men present were of something all together different. There was pure lust in their eyes. To them she was a vision, the object of desire in their every fantasy. No one questioned her right to being present, to them she was there simply because she was one of them. Looking at her no one ever think that the beauty before them was not born of their high blood. None would guess that she was a product of the vile ghettos of the city. Their willingness to accept her as one of their own pleased Amara to no end. It was their blind trusting nature that always led to their destruction.

Her amber colored eyes scanned the room in search of her newest victim. Though allowing oneself to fall prey to her wiles, was not what Amara considered a terrible fate. Her search continued until her eyes came to rest upon an older gentleman standing off to the side of the hall. His eyes were on her and she feinged a blush and looked away quickly. Her lips curled upwards in a smile, he was her next target. Attractive though he may be it was not his looks that had drawn her to him. Handsome men were often a dime a dozen at such gatherings, but he stood out from the rest. People seemed to flock to him, desperate to be in his presence. After years of perfecting her craft, Amara knew such attention amongst nobles could mean only one thing, excessive wealth. He seemed bored by their vain attempts at flattery, and Amara gave a knowing smirk. That was her window, by engaging him she would be the escape he so desperately craved.

Now all she had to do was get his attention. She made her way across the hall to the outer terrace, certain to be in his line of sight. When she felt his eyes on her again, she threw a quick glance in his direction, their eyes locking for a few moments before she looked away. That brief moment was all she needed, he would seek her out, she was sure of it.

 

[poohlive]

He found himself yawning before the last of the guests arrived at the ball tonight. His tight jaw could barely contain it, a single hand coming up to his high cheeks, covering up as he let loose the boredom.

The same people, the same faces, the same dull dreary conversations they all had at the banquet last month, or the garden party last summer.

He hadn't even wanted to come to this one, but the world he lived in swam with sharks, and nothing else they kept eyes on appearances. Either he came here expressing his interest in dull and dreary topics that bored him to death, or he was absent, and the next day everyone made sure they spoke of him in their little circles.

He would be the talk of the town.

Yet, when he saw her, something happened. He felt it, some dark awakening deep within him. Just a soft sideways glance into those crystal blue eyes tore him away from whatever he had been thinking.

In truth, someone had begun to talk about something almost important. He had stopped in mid sentence, his thought like a young starling threatening to leave its next. It fluttered, floating towards the ground on underdeveloped wings.

"If you'll excuse me," He spoke, not even looking at his friends. He left them, the group that had formed around him. Wherever he went groups formed around him, trying to make him the center of attention. He had been in a world that tried to make him the center of attention.

He stopped, just outside of the veranda, watching her lean against the rail. She looked like liquid sex, pooling together in the moonlight above her. His breath caught as she turned, just to see him, to capture him once more in her stare.

Something motioned him forward. An old aquaintance tried to inform him of the latest in exports, but he didn't even bother with an excuse as he slipped passed the man. How many obstacles would there be between them, before he could meet her gaze, before he could ask for her name.

His hand touched against the small of her back, tiny rivets of electricity running through his fingers as they played against the back of the dress.

"Thank you," He whispered against her ear, standing next to her, leaning against the rail as he saw her for the first time. Her hair had been fixed up, an entire thicket of curls he could get lost in. Dark, pitch hair. He wanted to smell it, run his hands through it.

Her pale skin, and those pursing eyes that gave him only the meagerest of glances.

Her body lithe, slender, gorgeous. The dress hung to her like a second skin, his fingers playing with that soft silk, not wanting to leave her, that luscious heat he could feel just beneath the cloth.

"These things can get so boring... I've never seen you here before. I had to meet you... I don't know why."

He bowed his head, reaching for her hand, kissing her oh so lightly, his lips like the touch of a butterfly.

"I am Sir Emerald, Jack Emerald. It is a pleasure, an honor to meet you."

 

[TinyDuchess]

A hand at her back, a whisper at her ear, both sent shivers of pleasure down her spine. Her eyes closed briefly as she drank in the power that only came from having a man completely emamored with you.

Turning her body to him, she noted how close he stood, the way his hand lingered at her waist. Almost as though they were old friends, lovers even, long accustomed to the proximity of the other's body.

She gave the briefest of smiles, delighted as he thanked her for being his salvation. She fought the urge to chuckle at the way his words came rushing out.

When he took her hand only to press his lips to her wrist, she sighed as though on cue and inclinded her head.

"The pleasure, Sir Emerald, is all mine. But I must admit, your flattery, enchanting though it may be, confuses me. To what do I owe your thanks?"

She smiled then, casting a knowing glance back to the crowds contained within the hall.

"Surely your friends cannot be that dreadful, that you seek refuge outdoors."

 

[poohlive]

"No, not at all," He smiled, and when he did it was light, careful, as if his smile were practiced and precision to convery exactly how he felt at this moment. And she should know, even his eyes smiled when he looked upon her.

"They are simply... boring. Nothing bad, or disrespectful. These parties have all been done before. They have their own pulse, their own repitition. If you had been going to them as long as I have, you'd see. Everyone plays their own part, no one deviates from the script."

And then her. He turned back, finding himself once more touching her. Had his hands ever left her since he came out here? He looked down between them, her tender hand still catpured in his own, one dainty white glove covered such a lithe appendage, while his own hands were bronze, large, muscular in comparison.

He felt a sudden shudder of loss when he did let her hand go, only standing beside her now, their touch severed, something most unique and innocent about them lost.

He found the urge to want to hold her hand once more, as he looked back to the growing group of people now trying oh so very hard not to be noticed as they stared out at the two of them.

"I've never seen you before. Never here or anywhere else. You are new, surprising, fantastic. No matter what you say I will have never heard it said just that way before, no matter what you do, no one will have done it before you, before us, before just now."

He leaned in, against her neck, his cheek nestled as his trembling lips kissed her cheek. He found hold, glancing into her eyes, his whole body threatening to tremble as he did so.

"That, is why I thank you..."

 

[TinyDuchess]

"Ahhh, so it is the novelty of my presence and not I, myself that intrigues you." she whispered softly, finding it so easy to tease him.

When his lips brushed her cheek a faint blush rose in them. Her eyes, with a thousand and one secrets dancing in their depths, held his as he stared deep into her.

She was dimly aware of the crowd that had now gathered on the once vacant terrace. Aware of the scrutiny of their gaze, as they watched them.

"You, Sir Emerald, are far too charming. Yet I find it oddly attractive. Perhaps it is because your words are tinged with sincerity."

She smiled then, a dazzling smile meant only for him. Then lifted an hand to stroke a finger lightly down his cheek.

"Will you tell me one thing? Are you always so familiar with a woman you've only just met?"

 

[poohlive]

"Too charming?" He had to pause, looking out into the deep blue night, wondering whether or not that was a compliment. She seemed interested, and interesting, both of them being very similiar and yet somehow they could be at complete opposites in a person.

"I do not think someone can be too charming. There is never enough charm in the world, or in one man. All I have done is use you to get away from my friends and then kiss you simply to spur up rumors inside of their little heads which they will talk about inexahaustably all night. How charming is that? Why, when you get down to it, I am down right rude."

Still, he inched closer, not that there was a lot of distance between them now. His body, slow and tempting. He could feel her as he pressed against her, her body tight, athletic. The smooth curve her her breast as it pressed into his own chest.

"But, like you said, you are a stranger. And I did not kiss you for that. I kissed you because I wanted too... and because you look so beautiful I do not think I could have lasted another moment without kissing you. In that case, the kiss wasn't charming, it was simply selfish, and I took it without even asking of you."

She would play with him, flirt, and tease. Yet, he could as well. He didn't know if he wanted to. Part of him wanted her right here and now, to just take her, even if others were allowed to watch. Another part thrilled at the aspect of a chase, playing with her and teasing, driving each other wild all night with their own coy game.

Still, he found his hands once more on her.

"I tell you what, let us play a game. I will answer a question truthfully, whichever question you wish me to answer. Ask anything, no matter how private or personal, I will answer. So long as you answer a question of mine. We can go back and forth as long as you like, satisfied of each other and our own curiousity."

He knew he would never be satisfied with her though, she would always fill his thoughts.

"Anything," He whispered, the word heavy on his lips, filling with temptation and danger.

 

[TinyDuchess]

She couldnt hold back the laughter that bubbled from deep inside her as she listened to him recap his actions and their motives. Her head fell back exposing the graceful line of her neck.

"A game, you say" she said pretending to ponder at his proposition. Her eyes slid back to his, their molten golden depths twinkling with mischief.

"I sounds simple enough. Shall I go first?"

When he made no attempt to stop her, she smiled then asked "What made you want to kiss me?"

 

[poohlive]

"Oh, see you've lost with just the first question. I already told you why I kissed you."

He wore a suit, dark and gray, almost a black. It matched his eyes, something of coal buried deep within the earth, black and intrepid, hard, concentrated. When he smiled, they shone like pools of rich venom, the darkest of recesses one could and would easily want to get lost in.

He held her gaze now, as he looked down to the sparkling dress she wore, "I kissed you because I am selfish, and you looked too good not to be kissed. Like you do now."

With that he moved in again. His neck strained only a moment, rugged shoulders matching hers as he ushered to her embrace. His lips, quiet, reserved, speaking such witty banter as if it were poetry caressed her own, the softest of kisses, stolen from the sky and brought down all too suddenly, a rush of falling stars.

His breath had been taken away as he pulled back. Such a light kiss, almost a whisper, almost a touch. Still, he lingered, refusing to step back where he was supposed to, afraid of losing this moment forever and living the rest of his life in regret.

"And now my question," He said, eyes still closed, still remembering the moment before, his voice only a whisper. He bit his lower lip, to taste her on him, sweet as honey.

"Why did you not stop me?"

 

[TinyDuchess]

"Ahh but I did not lose, good sir." she said, an indulgent smile dancing upon her lips. "For in your earlier explanations, you only expressed why you kissed me, when my question was why you wanted to? And now I have the answer, you simply find my lips to be..."

Her words were cut of by the sudden, light pressure of his lips upon hers. Save for a soft gasp, she didnt move. She didnt make an effort to recoil from his touch, nor did she offer any encouragement. She simply held still, her eyes open, watching him.

As briefly as it had started, the kiss ended. yet still he made no move to pull away. He simply remained close, his eyes shut tight as though he were in a dream and to open them would mean the end of his adventures.

"Irresistible..." she whispered, watching as his lower lips trembled. She saw the way he caught it with his teeth, and imagined his tongue sliding against the soft flesh, tasting the sweetness of her lips.

She smiled then, he was falling deeper and deeper into her by the minute. She loved it, the power she felt in that moment.

He asked his question then, and she paused before answering, searching for a suitable reply.

Leaning in, her lips at his ear she whispered softly, "Perhaps, I is because I too am selfish. I simply wanted your kiss."

 

[poohlive]

"Is that true?" He had to catch his breath, seeing her come in close to him. She was like nothing he could ever imagine. Fun, flirtatious, why had he not seen her here before?

How could she be everything this place was not? He stared back through the gaping windows, to where more and more people began to crowd around. Some of them didn't even pretend they were doing anything more than being scandalous and leering out.

"I don't even know your name," He had another question to ask, he wished to know so many things about her. Yet, for some reason, her name did not seem that important. She was here, with him, wanting, inviting.

She had him wrapped around her finger.

"Could you tell me?" He asked, smelling her hair, it was wonderful. The black forest of curls had an intoxicating aroma, as did she, and he could not escape it no matter if he tried.

"Tell me why you're here, if you're with anyone..."

He wanted to ask if she could be his, if he could take her home, or take her upstairs, or just take here right here over the balconey, but his tongue stopped short of spilling everything.

 

[TinyDuchess]

"Tsk tsk tsk." she clucked her tongue at him, pulling back so he could she her frown of disapproval.

"You arent abiding by the rules of your own game, Sir Emerald."

When a look of hazy confusion marred his features, she added "I believe I am to ask the next question."

He frowned then, saddened that she would not answer, would not give him the knowledge he sought.

Deciding to take pity on him, she said, "Oh alright, I shall tell you what you wish to know. You asked my name, I am Contessa Amara Francesa de Sabatini"

It was a lie, an old one, but a favourite of hers nonetheless. She was no more a Contessa than she was Duchess, or any of the other titles she saw fit to use from time to time. But that was the beauty of the tales she told, no one ever questioned them. He would be no different, she was sure.

"As for your other question, I am here, alone..." she stressed the word deliberately "because I choose to be.

"And because..." her lips found his ear once more "you need me to be."

"Now, my dear Sir Emerald, I have a question for you" she stepped closer to him, her hand going to his shoulder, dusting lightly at some unseen particle. "Other than a slight kiss of my lips, what is it you desire of me?"

 

[poohlive]

"To be alone with me," He said, content that for the moment, his own selfish wish had been fulfilled. He didn't like the question she asked though. Too open, too involved. He had to answer truthfully and yet he did not want to. He didn't want to tell her how deeply he had fallen for her in such a short time.

"I want you," He said, words betraying, his eyes speaking more truth than his forsaken lips could ever provide. He would tell the truth, he must.

"I want you here, and now. I want to look upon you in the moonlight. I want to take you away, I want to taste you. I want to feel you in my arms, I want to run my fingers through your hair."

She had status, she had looks, she had poise. She could think this childish game silly at any moment and stroll back into the party with no more a look back than to see his heart breaking and his entire night falling between her cold eyes.

"Let me take you away. These parties are so dreary and dull. More old people speaking of more old nonsense. Please, come back to my place. Would you? Let me escort you?"

More questions, more offers, his tongue tied at her touch, his heart leaping bounds inside of his chest.

 

[TinyDuchess]

She couldnt help but give a chuckle at the honesty of his words. The sound was languid, rich, husky with what seemed to be desire. Looking into his eyes she gauged the thunderstorm of emotions she saw swimming in those steely grey depths.

His lips parted as though he meant to say more, but a single gloved finger pressed against them, holding back whatever it was he meant to say.

She smiled at him then, her eyes dancing with mischief.

"That will be enough for now." she whispered, her face inches from his. She could see the way his eyes clouded over, as though uncertain as to when she had pressed so close to him.

"Tonight, I shall grant you your wish. I am yours... take me away. Do with me as you will."

Her words were soft, barely a whisper, but she was sure he had heard them.

 

[poohlive]

It did not take long at all for his carriage to be prepped. Indeed, he had asked them earlier to make sure it was ready, he had planned to leave as early as possible.

He went inside, with her in tow, arm in arm. Some stopped, asking benign questions that would have lead to that they were doing, but he bothered with none of it. Instead, he swept through the party, the people, the boring nonsense running around them.

And, he helped her into his dark chariot, plush comforters and elegant silken windows.

"Home, as fast as possible," He said, stepping in with her. His hands never left her, arms caressing and running up the smooth tanned skin she had. Oh, to kiss that skin.

"You are a dream, you know. Some wonderful dream that has come to me. I thank you."

 

[TinyDuchess]

Swept away. That was the part she was expected to play. The part he and those around him shoved upon her with their every look. Nonetheless she played it well, if only they knew it was all in her plans.

When he helped her into the carriage, she smiled obligingly, her hand coming up to stroke at his cheek before she settled into her seat.

Judging from the interior of the coach, she had chosen well. He was indeed a wealthly man.

He settled in beside her, his hand finding hers once more, as though he couldnt bear to be parted from her touch. She said nothing as his fingertips slid along her warm skin.

The carriage bounced and swayed as it made its way along the streets as they journeyed to his home. He spoke, his words causing her to chuckle lightly.

"I have been called many things, but never before have I been called a dream." she whispered

She turned to him then, her face hidden by the shadows of the night. She leaned in brushing her lips against his, her tongue licking teasingly at his lower lip.

Pulling back she said to him, "There... a kiss to assure you that you are wide awake and far from dreams."

 

[poohlive]

He smiled, eyes closed lost in that touch of a kiss. The remnant, on his lips longer than her lips had been.

"No, only a dream kisses like that. Only a dream is as perfect as this. Be my dream, just for the night, just for me. Let me pretend this is no reality, and you... are someone I've been waiting for all my life."

And he kissed her just like that. Without reserve, without abandon. He kissed her the way he wanted to kiss in his dream, the way he should be kissed. His hands coming to touch around her neck, lips hard upon her, bringing the full passion out. Tongue curious, touching, licking, finding her own, playing along it.

 

[TinyDuchess]

In the blink of an eye he was upon her, pouncing like some jungle cat. His lips firm and demanding against hers, the hand at her neck holding her captive.

She yielded to him, moaning softly as she melted into the kiss. Her tongue dancing with his, stoking the fire she could feel building within him. Their breath mingled, his taste, his scent surrounded her, as she was certain hers did him.

She didnt cower at the force of his kiss, a kiss that seemed neverending. She met his passion with passion of her own. Her hands cupped his face, her lips kissed at his wantonly, her breathing heavy.

Her every move was a promise, a promise of things yet to come.

 

[poohlive]

His lips were on fire, diving into hers. She had the kiss of a girl, curious and timid, as well as a woman, hot and deep. Everything about her was dual, nothing he could ever pin down. His fingers glided over his skin with experience, but the moan in the back of her throat threatened how new and exciting this all was.

He wished he knew more about her, knew the truth of her. But, part of him didn't know. Part of him didn't even want to know her name. She was here, and she wanted him. There didn't need to be anything else.

They stopped at his house all too soon. It was away from the city. A mansion at the edge of a wood, with a small lake just to the right. Down on the gravel driveway stood an old tall balding man who looked even sharper dressed then even Jack.

"I do hope that Sir at least try to stay for part of the ceremony. You know how much is riding on..." The man stopped, as he saw that the carriage contained more than one soul.

His eyes betrayed surprise, but no other part of him did, "Ma'am," He bowed, low and servantile.

"This is my manservant, Tristan. Tristan, this is the wonderful Amara, and she will be stayin with us."

"How well, Sir," Even though the way he said it conveyed nothing of the sort. Still, he opened the door for them and let them out.

 

[TinyDuchess]

The feel of his kiss still lingered at her now slightly swollen lips. Her chest heaved with effort as she tried to restore some sense of calm to her breathing. His lips had scarcely left hers since they had embarked on their journey to his home.

When the carriage drew to a halt before a large manor, Amara noted with great appreciation that they were far from the city.

Accepting the helping hand Sir Emerald hel out to her, she stepped from the carriage. The chill of the night air enveloped her, its freshness flooding her
senses with her every breath. She smiled politely at the servant standing a few feet in front of her, inclining her head when he offered a bow.

The bow itself was shallow and curt, as was his tone. Amara had expected no less, servants were never trusting of new faces. She had caught the surprise and suspicion that swam in his eyes when he first saw her.

She doubted highly that Sir Emerald had noticed, but she had. There was no doubt in her mind that Tristan, as Sir Emerald had called him, would her major obstacle.

 

[poohlive]

Jack took her inside, the huge oak double doors opening up to a grande hallway. The walls were decorates with paintings, deco and artwork that spanned many generations and impressions.

Tristan took her shawl, his fingers wrapping around the tight lace as if to make a noose, and bowed when he went to put it away.

"Will you have something to eat?"

"Drink," He said, "Wine. Bring it out to the garden."

Jack too his dream by the hand, and swept her through the house. The living room, the dining room, a sitting room with a grand piano to entertain guests. More art, scupltures, grand drapery flowered everything. Even the pillows that adorned chairs seemed works of art.

And in the back, lattice woven doors gave way to marble floor that stepped down to a beautiful green garden. It was luscious, divine, wild plants growing everywhere. Some were hedged back in perfect design, others allowed to flow free as they wished.

Flowers were in bloom. Roses peaked red and yellow and white around them. He took this to her, showing her, wanting her to see.

Then he came up against her, his hands running up her sides. He stopped, as if to say something, to mark this moment in some way, but words failed him. The moment would be spoiled if he spoke.

Instead, he kissed her, until Tristan announced himself with a very loud and abrupt cough.

"Wine," He set it, chilling upon a table, two glasses. Jack went to pour them both one, handing it to her.

"Do you like it?"

 

[TinyDuchess]

She sipped lightly at the wine he had offered, her lips still tingling where his own had touched only a moment before. Her eyes sparkled, entranced by the sheer opulence of the manor house and the surrounding gardens.

She smiled at his question, saw his desire to impress her, to please her, radiate from his eyes.

"It's beautiful" she whispered, her lips curving slightly. "Is it always like this? Such beauty in one's home is uncommon for a single man. Or do you keep it like this to entice your guests of the fairer sex?"

She was unable to keep the teasing lilt from her voice, nor a twinkle from her eyes as she spoke the last few words.

 

[poohlive]

"I believe a man's home is an extension of his style. Beautiful, elegant, perhaps seductive? I am glad that you approve."

He drank from the glass. It was a wonderful dinner wine, nice and airy, not too bottled down. If anything it had a playful tint to it. He sipped it from his lips, entranced by the evening.

"I do not feel like this was just happenstance for you to be here with me. I think... I think it was meant to be. Don't you feel that? This night, this moment, with us, together."

He looked deeply in her eyes, as if star gazing on a beautiful meadow. He reached up a single hand, tracing the line of her jaw, as his kissed landed playfully, deliciously upon her sweet crimson lips.

"I want to live for this night, I want to feel this night with you. With whatever possibilities we have."

 

[TinyDuchess]

"I do not feel like this was just happenstance for you to be here with me. I think... I think it was meant to be. Don't you feel that? This night, this moment, with us, together."

Amara said nothing, only smiled at his words before lowering her eyes. She too believed that it was more than mere fate that she had fcome across him tonight, but for an entirely different reason.

He was smitten with her she realized, easily bewitched by her charms, same as all the others. Yet she felt as though there was something different about him, there seemed to be sincerity in his words, passion in his eyes rather than mere lust. Perhaps he was different. She cast the thought from her head.

She felt his fingers graze her chin and she turned her head to his hand. Looking up, she could barely recall when he had stepped so close. She welcomed his kiss, the light touch of his lips upon hers.

"I want to live for this night, I want to feel this night with you. With whatever possibilities we have."

She paused, breathing deep before speaking. "That is also my wish."

She kissed him once more before pressing her cheek to his, her lips and warm breath at his ear. "As for possibilities, I hope that for us, there are many."

 

[poohlive]

"There could be," He said, sighing upon her lips. How sweet they were, a treasure of taste and touch he could not get away from as soon as their lips parted. He lingered, his lips running along her cheek, finding their resting place in the curve of her neck.

How slender, the delicate curve up from the shoulder, away from that dress and up to her mess of hair. He moaned against her skin, lips devouring such sweet flesh.

"The night is ours, and we are here alone. It is just you and I, whatever you wish to happen, can... will, just tell me and I promise to make it come true."

He turned so he was behind her now, his body pressing up against hers. He still got to linger against her neck, his hands running over her shoulders, holding her, keeping her close to him. She felt good, warm, her body eletrified against his own.

He felt himself grow hard against such a touch, and did not move to shy away if she were to feel.

 

[TinyDuchess]

Her neck arched to his mouth, silently asking for more. His stiffled moan at her flesh brought yet another satisfied smile to her lips.

"whatever you wish to happen, can... will, just tell me and I promise to make it come true."

As he came up behind her, she couldnt help but lean against him, her eyes closing as the magic and power of his words washed over her. She had him exactly where she wanted him, for her he would do anything.

She stiffened slightly, then shivered as she felt the evidence of his desire pressing against the delicate curve of her derriere. He wanted, it was a want that had been growing steadily all night.

Her hand fell to her side, the wine glass it once held now perched upon the table, how it had gotten there she could not recall. Gently she trailed her fingers along his thigh, while pressing herself more firmly against him. For a brief moment she contemplated shifting her hand to caress him, but thought it best not to scare him with so bold a move.

Her other hand came up to stroke his cheek, even as he nuzzled his face into the crook of her shoulder. She turned her head towards him and spoke softly.

"At this moment all I want... is you." She paused letting the weight of her words settle upon him, then whispered "Take me to bed... please."