Dark Seduction (closed)

[silvertongue217]

The cobblestone street was dark and empty twisting before him like a snake as it wound its way through the high-class streets. He faintly heard the sounds of a horse nearby hooves clattering at a steady rhythm as its driver spurred it on. The air had a slight electric edge to it and he some how knew that a storm was coming. He looked up at the heaven his electric green eyes watching as a few stray bolts of lightning cracked overhead and confirmed his suspicions. He was by no means a “religious” man but he decided to take it as a good sign instead of a bad.

It’s fate the romantic in him argued causing a small scoff to fall from his soft but firm lips. Adam Strange had thought that part of him dead the old him… The him before the accident would have been swept up in the romantics of it the minute he first laid eyes on her at the ball would have made some big romantic gesture the minute he saw those beautiful eyes cross his…..

“I’m not that man any more” he angrily snapped at himself his rage boiling over as well as his grief “he died the same day the factory died” He whispered half to himself and half to the shadows as he gently brought his nimble elegant fingers to his face. It was there he found the bumps and scars the ugly patchwork of skin that made up his burnt face. He knew if he looked in a mirror what would meet him was a monster a monster that know one especially a beauty like her could ever look at with out revolution or fear. Even he couldn’t stand the sight of himself and it was only after he had ordered every mirror in his house shattered that he had been able to find some respite from the haunting face that now tormented his dreams.

He had survived the accident that burned down his father’s old mill but could he really say he had? The world was cruel and the high society life even more so the people he called “friends” now looked at him with disgust and openly mocked him behind his back. He was a noble man only in tittle know invited to the social parties out of obligation and looking right than for his company. The girl SHOULD have been his by all rights but because of his looks her father had openly laughed at his offer of her hand. Why wouldn’t he though? Who would give their daughter to a monster?

Of course if they wanted him to be a monster he would be

He felt a few drops of rain splatter down onto the stone walkway and he scowled. The descent up would be harder now and he was wasting valuable time with his thoughts. The family manner she lived in was made of marble and the smooth surface would be difficult to climb if it was slick with rain. If he didn’t make the climb before it began to really pour down he would miss his chance for the night. Luckily the thought spurred him into action and he quickly ducked into the alleyway pausing to shake his dark black coat off of any lingering rain. His duffel bag dropped down to the stone and he paused checking to make sure his outfit was ready for her. It had taken him a long time to figure out just what to wear finally he had settled on a pair of black slacks and a matching shirt, along with his long black cloak it would work perfectly both for blending into the shadows and giving him a smoky corporeal appearance. A pair of sturdy work boots were laced up looking out of place but needed for the climb above.

The only thing that was left was the mask

He pulled it out of the bag and unwrapped the silk like cloth keeping it safe. He pulled it out and starred at it for a moment committing its appearance to memory. The mask was a simple full face one with a line split down the middle in perfect symmetry on one side a angel stared back white happy and pure on the other a demon glared back at him red with angry eyes and a hollow horn poking out. It had been made from a sculpt of his face and fit perfectly and without slipping as long as she made no moves to unite it he would be fine.

He pulled it on and felt a sigh of relief when it fit snuggly against his face he didn’t like his own face to be free for very long and the reassuring press of the mask against his face clamed him in a way. THIS was his true face would be the one SHE fell in love with and the one SHE made love to. She would never see the burnt husk of his face not if he could help it.

The sky cracked above him and rumbled as if chiding him again. He sensed his own impatience mounting and so he quickly moved his fingers up to tie the mask twice making sure it was twice secured before moving over to the wall. His hands easily found the foot holes of the building and he paused making sure he was ready before starting the climb.

It was a fairly easy climb with only the water making it difficult and slow. The noble family was a lover of the gothic architects and so Adam had plenty of handholds and corners to use to aid his climb. The object of his adoration lived on the third floor with a room over looking the garden and the streets. He managed to reach the third floor just as the bell of Notre Dame began toiling for midnight. With any luck she would be sleeping and he would be able to slip into her bed and position himself with out her waking. It was all part of his plan to seduce her and gain her affection if he could just do that he could convince her to go with him and defy her father……

There was a deep rumble of thunder making the glass window next to him shudder. He quickly climbed the last remaining steps and turned moving to the right until he reached her window. He took a deep breath to steady his nerves and reached over gently grasping it and pulling it out. He wasn’t surprised when it easily opened granting him the access he so desperately craved. Why would she keep the window unlatched?

Who could get to her on the third floor

Adam slid in silently and paused waiting for any sound or his presence to be found after several long seconds of waiting he finally relaxed and closed the window latching it and moving to lock the door before he turned and starred at the object of his affection.

Now the game begins

 

[Sinful_whispers]

Miss Madeline Elizabeth Ashborn descended the steps of the ball in her beautiful white and pink ball gown. The puffed shoulders fit tightly around the tops of her arms, the bustle made the back stick out but it wasn't big enough to stop the train from dragging the floor as it draped over the back of her and along the floor. The corset pushed up her breasts as they spilled ever so slightly upon the top exposing just enough to entice a handsome young suitor.

She was now eighteen and her father had held a ball to find her a husband who was good enough to take her hand in marriage. Madeline's hair was French braided as the long braid was twisted up upon her head held by gold combs with pink roses woven into her golden locks. Her beautiful eyes of blue sparkled as she reached the bottom step where her father stood and graciously took her slander glove covered hand and walked her onto the ball room as couples with young sons stood watching the young beauty in awe. each hoped to win her hand, but for that was not for her choosing, it was her father that picked the one that would become his son-in-law and his daughter's husband and father his grandchildren.

Madeline as alabaster skin, causing the high lights in her blonde hair to stand out just like her eyes. The music started and her father took her hands and they danced around the floor in a slow waltz. The corset accentuated her slender hourglass figure as she moved with grace. She had the best schooling, she was taught how to walk, speak, dance and more. it was pressed into her head that any sexual activity outside marriage was judged to be immoral. her father was proud her daughter was still a virgin, hence the white gown with touches of pink to keep it from looking like a wedding dress.

As they danced an assortment of young handsome suitors of all ages stood in a row shoulder to shoulder as her father went down the line and picked one here and there to dance with his lovely daughter and by the end of the ball Madeline had danced with many but whether she approved or not her father would choose. The ball went on for hours, Madeline felt tired as it came to an end and she was ready to bid everyone goodnight and ascended the spiral stair case to her bedroom where she was helped to undress and redressed for bed.

She sat there at her dressing table dressed in a mint green silk nightgown with thin straps that rested upon her shoulders and a matching lace robe handcrafted to match the gown made of the perfect matching green lace with a silk tie and long flowing arms that covered her slander hands.

Reaching up she unpinned her tress and locks of long flowing spring like curls fell from the top of her head and cascaded over her shoulders and covered her breasts. The back curls fell to almost her waist as she began to tease them and brush them till her hair was long and flowing with a slight wave.

Madeline thought back of a young man that she saw across the room in a row waiting to dance with her yet her father had not chosen him. She could see the love within his eyes, a soft soul as well as the scars upon his face. She heard the gossip about him as she danced the night away, the accident, and how other's could not believe she showed to actually stand and await his turn.

She stood and walked to the window and pushed them open letting the night's warm breeze blow across her soft flesh. She looked to the moon and she wondered who her father would choose to take her hand. In her mind she could see each face of each man she shared a dance with and none captured her eye or her heart.

The moon was full, it had a red hint to it, a blood moon she thought as she gazed upon it hardly able to draw her eyes away from it but she was tired, her body ached as she turned leaving the windows open and untied the robe and felt it fall around her thin wrists and dropped it from her hands and caught it within her fingers as she placed it upon the tall dark post of her bed and turned her covers down as she lay there starring as the dark clouds covered the moon and listened as soft pelts of rain fell upon the roof and along the sill creating a blanket of darkness within the night sky.

Madeline chose to stay in bed instead of getting up and closing the windows. She loved the sound the drops made when they hit and splattered, they were soothing and eventually they put her into a deep relaxing sleep.

Morning had come as she had dressed and met her father down stairs, she over heard him speaking to another about the men who he had chosen for her hand with his friend. Madeline knew it wasn't proper for a lady to eavesdrop but she could not help it, this was her future husband. She found it rude when they discussed the man with the scared face. She was displeased with the way he spoke, and walked into the room as they stopped the conversation and greeted her a good morning.

"Good morning father, Mr. Black. I do hope this day finds you and your lovely wife quite well."

"Aye, it does. Thank you for asking. You have grow into quite the beautiful woman young Madeline. Your father is very proud of you." Mr. Black replied as she blushed.

"Yes, Yes, I am quite proud of her as her mother would have been as well. Now, Madeline run along we have business to discuss." He said as she nodded.

"Yes father. Mr. Black please have a wonderful day." it was then she took her leave and went to have breakfast.

The day went by and again she stared into the night from her window, no choice had been made yet and in a way Madeline felt relief. Another night the moon hide behind a blanket of darkness as she wished the choice would be made instead of placing her through all the waiting a stress though perhaps it was a good thing, maybe he had not found a good man. That caused her to smile slightly because she knew eventually he would. The night closed with her eyes and the next day was no different.

That evening she heard a knock at her bedroom door, her father entered and he had given her the news that he has chosen a suitor and he would arrive in two weeks from tomorrow. Madeline nodded, "thank you father." she replied and watched as he walked out of her bedroom as she softly cried herself into a deep sleep.

 

[silvertongue217]

Beaute Rayonnante

That was the sight that greeted Lord Strange as he carefully turned and looked at the girl he thought could be the love of his life and soul mate. Her beauty was so captivating and radiant that he quickly looked away deciding to stare at her room and its contents before he got lost in the work of art sleeping peacefully a few feet from him that was his to feast on tonight. He felt his long black traveling cloak swishing at his feet as he moved across her rather large and spacious room. He gave every object and piece of furniture in the room a quick glance before looking away and moving on to the next piece. What he was doing was not only a invasion of her privacy but a high breach in decorum and so he did not want to over step to much with her and risk her being angry at him later down the line. If his father knew what he was doing he would surely…….

“No!” Alex hissed angrily to himself keeping his voice down it was so low that only his ears heard the ghost of it and he wasn’t even quite sure it had spilled from his lips or not. His father was a touchy subject and wit hgreat effort he pushed the memories of his father and the belt away and watched instead as the rain began to beat heavily on the huge panes of her window knocking endlessly and some times even tapping a soft rhythm against the glass. Was it telling him to turn back perhaps? Was god trying to save the fate of this young girl from him and his scars? Was he a monster in this father’s eye as well the almighty father? The thought made Adam angry and his electric green eyes narrowed dangerously….. why shouldn’t he be allowed to win her hand and marry her! The others at the party were old and stuffy not capable of providing her the light she so desperately wanted and needed! Not like him! He deserved happiness!

The thoughts were only making him angrier and he could feel the famous Strange temper coming out. Adam didn’t want to hurt or scare his love so he quickly banished the anger pushing another memory a more recent one that was sure to fill him with happiness and would clam and center him.

Later at the party

He stood in the shadows of the arched pillars his body half hidden in shadows and darkness as he admired the richness even as he snorted behind his mask. He knew Mr. Ashburn was merely renting the grand ball room for the night and that a man of his stature could not afford a place this grand with his modicum of wealth even if it was fairly substantial and large. It was a common practice for the “lower” higher class to pretend to be higher while they were trying to “sell” their daughter in some desperate bid to make them look more appealing or to provide every one with a grander setting to conduct the business.

Of course Adam found the whole act detestable and gag worthy a young woman should be allowed to make her choice on who or who not she was lying with in her bed and was spending the rest of her life with. This party was akin to some one selling land and cattle for more land and cattle yet these were peoples sons and daughters! He shook his head and tightening his mouth deciding to get it over with and make his appearance as quickly as possible and be done with the farce.

As he climbed the marble steps (He counted 25 in total) Adam asked himself for perhaps the thousandth time that night why he was here and coming out of seclusion. Mr. Ashburn was a nice man as far as nobles went but he didn’t want him here any ways and Adam could almost guarantee that! His invitation was out of respect for his tittle and his father and not for him to actually come and make a claim for his daughter. The great and powerful Strange family needed to be at this party and social event even if he was scarred and a freak to every one else in London. Of course he could have declined politely and had his bulter take care of it as he often found himself doing of late but if he did that then he would be plagued and haunted by the memories of his father drilling in him the important of the tittle Lord and what the name Strange meant to London and to him. Even as the belt stung and kissed his body and he could smell his father’s alcohol caressing him the thing he remembered the most vividly was his father insisting that a Strange would always be a Lord.

He reached the entrance way to the ballroom and paused watching as the dancers moved around in intricate and complex circles to a live band with golden instruments. He watched them admiring them moving and flowing like water around the marble dance floor moving as if their feet weren’t touching the ground. How long had it been since he last danced with a pretty girl? He struggled to remember and his frown deepened into a full blown scowl as he realized he had no idea when that was. Surely after the accident he had danced at some point? There was a time right after it happened when people used to look at him with sadness and pity surely he had gotten a few sympathy dances back then or some thing…….

Before he could dwell on it and let it ruin his mood Mr. Ashburn’s daughter was announced to cheers and applauses as the band picked up again. Adam moved his head startled looking at her for the first time and trying to show some interest.

What he saw changed his life forever

Standing there was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen every thing about her from her captivating eyes to her pale skin both captivated and left him speechless. The dress she was wearing was obviously a custom piece meant to accent her beauty while being modest and made to show her off normally the thought would have made Adam mad but he could hardly complain when he was so captivated by the vision before him and speechless. Adams jaw worked up and down as if trying to ascertain the new situation he felt some thing stirring some thing deep inside of him he hadn’t felt before in a long time. His heart? Was it awakening?

Sure enough the organ began pumping noticeably as if to answer him with a responding yes! Suddenly he knew it was love at first sight, knew that he had to have her. She was a radiant angel meant to save him and heal him some how he knew his scars wouldn’t matter to her some how he knew she would want to be his.

Now to deal with her father

…………………………………

Adam shook himself out of the memory deciding to end it on the high before he got to the low. He pushed her father away and walked to the foot of her bed nervously wringing his hands as he reached it. It was only know that he was standing before her ready to move into his plan that he realized just how crazy this was. If he startled her and she screamed then he would be arrested and surely hung for being in her room. A part of him screamed to run even as his hand stretched out reaching for her before recoiling as if he couldn’t touch her.

Adam shook himself and tried again walking to her side of the bed and gently kneeling he reached out with tentative and shaking hands and his nimbly fingers gently stroked her hair trying to be as gentle as possible. A part of him wanted to try and wake her but he was worried of how she would react. Instead he decided to gently stroke her hair and sing to her a old lullaby that his mother used to sing to him before she died.

The same one her mother sang to her all those years ago

 

[Sinful_whispers]

Madeline's mind was in a place that was dark and destructive. Her dreams were not of good thing but more of darkness and sadness. She had no idea who her father had chosen for her and she had a feeling this was more of a business dealing than actually a man that would bring her happiness.

She knew what status meant to her father, in fact he was always telling her all about it to the point where she considered herself just that, a piece of property he owned to wheel and deal with. Madeline was sent to the best schools to become educated, she was worldly in some people's eyes, she presented herself as a lady full of grace and confidence when she walked into a room she knew to be quiet unless she was spoken to, and before she was to answer she was to think first before opening her mouth.

If her mother had been alive perhaps things would be much different. maybe, just maybe she would have stood up against her husband and allowed her daughter to have a hand in the choosing but those were things, question she would never know answers to, a void left within her that would never be filled.

Madeline tossed and turned in her bed, the silk night gown wrapping around her making her feel as if she was struggling, fighting in her sleep, almost choking as she turned and lay flat upon her back and returned to those ugly dark dreams of gray.

Turning to her side she laid there softly breathing and sleeping, her eyes fluttered, her long lashes like butterflies flying within the soft breeze. Her mind was in turmoil like her life at this point.

A warm calming came over her suddenly, she could feel it within her whole body and her mind seemed to move from gray to color in her dreams. Out of nowhere her mind heard a voice, unknown to her yet the words, they were a lullaby her mother once sang to her when she was a little girl.

Madeline opened her eyes slightly, she was in that state of sleep and dreaming, she could see a dark figure aside her bed, she starred at it for what seemed a very long time. her room was almost pitch dark from the night and the overcast of the clouds hiding the brightness of the moon.

She wanted to reach out and touch it but didn't she could only listen to the words, to the song that put her at such an ease it was almost unreal...or was it real? That would remain a mystery as she closed her eyes once again and fell back to sleep only this time, it was the opposite, it was serene feeling.

 

[silvertongue217]

Adam could hardly believe it he watched almost as if out of his body as he gently stroked the face of his believed. His nimble fingers one of the few things left of him that hadn’t been burned or scarred in the accident slowly slide up and down her silky locks softly parting the pieces of hair. It seemed like a lifetime ago that he had starred at her watching in envy as she danced and flirted with her many male suitors. One of them a young strapping boy Adam suddenly couldn’t stand even touched her hair quickly as if trying to pull her in for a kiss. IF only he knew Adam was watching from the shadows of the columns if only he knew he had to resist the urge to tear him limb from limb. If it hadn’t been for memories of his father and his violent temper and the reminder of where that path had led him Adam would have in a second in jealous rage.

All he did instead was hide in the shadows and watch

Adam continued to sing stroking her hair and trying his best to calm her. He felt a instinctual reasoning that her twisting and turning was because of a nightmare and his body automatically responded doing his best to soothe her as he kneeled at the foot of her bed and freely calmed her he allowed himself the small fantasy one day he would be doing it in THEIR bed while his love slept on his shoulder blades naked even. He HAD come here to win her hand to seduce her to him her father denied him but maybe if he worked hard……..

Of course that would require waking her up a action that both scared and terrified the noble man. If he woke her to soon and she reacted badly the consequences could potentially be fatal but if he continued to just do this then he would lose his window of opportunity. Her father knew he was in possession of a prize and was smart enough to sell her quickly. If he wanted her he would have to work fast have her fall in love with him and then steal her in the night.

All while convincing her to shame her family

Adam leaned in ignoring the deliciously smooth skin of her neck and instead planting his lips against her cheek. Her cheek was smooth but warm slightly flushed no doubt from the nightmare. He moved his lips back slowly following the trail to her ear he gently kissed right below her lobe then brought his lips to her ear lobe making no move to bite or suck it.

He began to sing her lullaby again a soft whisper in the dark as his hands continued to stroke her hair

 

[Sinful_whispers]

Madeline's dreams were serene, her sleep was calming and then suddenly everything changed like when a thunderstorm came in from out of nowhere causing the sky to darken as it stole the sunlight away capturing it an bringing lightning, loud thunder, anger swirling around just waiting and wanting to cause damage to whatever was in its path, not caring if it was human or not.

She twisted left and then right, she cried and whimpered in her sleep as she was in a dark hallway, she was backed against it, not being able to see as she used her hands to feel along what seemed to be cold stone. There was a chill in the air, one that caused small bumps to appear upon her skin.

No idea where she was it reminded her of a dungeon, now and then there was a flicker of light, like fire calling her to it as she moved cautiously towards it. Madeline stumbled and curled herself up in a ball and cried out yet nobody came to her rescue.

She had no idea another was in her room watching her seeing her sleep, seeing her sweating profusely, her gown and hair sticking to her body as he caressed her hair and most likely wondered what was in the beautiful young girls dreams that would torment her so much.

Her dream continued, she stood, her face like the rest of her filthy from where she was being kept, and her salted tears that streamed down her cheek. Finally the light was growing brighter and brighter as if it was guiding her to it. She pushed from the wall and ran towards it, and then stopped seeing the end of the hallway and looking down it was a pitfall.

There she stood looking down, her clothing was made from dirty rags, her feet and hands filthy from dirt like she was cleaning on her hands and knees perhaps sleeping on nothing but a dirt floor.

Madeline closed her eyes and she opened them once again and everything changed. She was now back in her home, descending the stairwell and she could hear male voices speaking and then heard jolly laughter. When she was able to see who it was, it was her father and another man she couldn't tell who it was for his back was to her.

They stopped speaking as her father looked to her and came to the steps, he offered her his hand and when she took it he led her across the grand room to this man and as he turned around Madeline felt like she was about to be sick. "Daughter this is him, your new husband."

The man had salt and peppered hair, showing it was once a dark black. His face was wrinkled like her grandfather. She couldn't speak, as her father placed her hand into this man's. it was then Madeline started crying out, whimpers released from her lips and her body felt if she was tossed into a pool from her sweating.

Then she felt her hair stroked, her skin gently touched and the words to a song sung to her by her mother once again and the dream swirled and changed, she was in a field of wildflowers with her mother, they were laughing and running.

When she caught up to her mother they stopped and her mother knelt down and she stroked her face, her hair tucking it behind her ears as she told her, 'it will be okay Madeline, I am always watching over you.' She kissed her and then disappeared leaving madeline standing there calling for her as she did in real, wanting her mother who was no longer walking the earthHer breathing calmed, she went back into a sleep that was serene once again.

 

[silvertongue217]

Adam watched her fall back into sweet serenity. A part of him wanted to think her touch was what calmed her and let her sleep peacefully. She must have felt him at least a little bit felt his presence and his love. Suddenly Adam was very aware of how wrong this was. What was he thinking? He would sweep in wear his mask and whisk her away? Where would they go? Where would they live? He would have to reveal who he truly was he couldn’t be the masked man forever. No he had to leave had to get out of there before she awoke and he had to figure some thing out to tell her. The young scarred Lord jumped up quickly pulling out the single blood red rose he bought for her and placing it on the pillow across from her. He bent down planting a swift kiss on her forehead before he quickly stole across the room and flung the window open. He felt the wind and storm greet him and sighed realizing once again how dumb his idea was. He mentally prepared himself for the climb and in seconds was out the window and quickly descending back down. Ten minutes later he hit the ground rolling to a stop and groaning as water dripped down his body in small rivers. He reached into his jacket pulling out a small metal flask and taking a large sip feeling the warm whiskey burn through his blood. He looked at her room one more time wishing he could be with her. “no” he whispered to himself shaking his head “you will stay away from her you will not interact and you will be alone” He said murmuring it to himself as he started up the cobblestone street alone soaking wet and miserable.

 

[Sinful_whispers]

Madeline woke and sat up it was still dark outside and still rain was falling. She walked over to the window and saw the puddle upon the floor and yet it was nowhere else. She brushed it off and closed the windows afraid to go back to sleep.

She reached and lit a small oil lamp and looked for her book and as she turned she saw the rose upon her bed. it was a blood red one like the moon. She picked it up and poked her finger with a thorn and placed it back down as she tended to the blood and then walked back to her bed, looked to the window, the puddle and she wondered if they were related. was another there? had to be. She carefully picked up the rose again and placed it aside her on the bed and she broke open the book and tried to read.

Her thoughts were of her dreams, not the darker ones but more what her mother had said to her. Was she sending her a message from above? She was not sure, perhaps the rose was a symbol? Did it have a symbolic reason ?

Madeline couldn't make sense of it. then she started thinking back of the men she met tonight and the one that stuck out the most was the man her father refused her to dance with. it upset her that he hasn't picked him, from what she understood he was from a very wealthy family so was wasn't she permitted? Madeline knew of the accident, it was not his fault, but what she remembered most was not the scars but the way her looked at her and she him. The way their eyes connected from across the room.

He stuck within her mind the rest of the evening till the sun came up. Her father was an early riser. Madeline filled the basin and washed, she did her hair and placed on a dress that was not very fancy but one could tell she was from a noble family and walked down stairs to greet her father good morning.

Madeline approached him, took her place at the table as breakfast was served. She picked at her food and finally got up the nerve to ask him about the man of mystery. "Father, last night who was the man you argued with? He was scared upon half his face?"

"Madeline, that is none of your concern. It was a disgrace he even showed here to wish to take you as his wife. That man has no reason to be alive, apparently he is being punished for something. Look at him, he is an outcast in this town. if it was not for his family lineage he would have been drove out of town, cast away from all."

"That is not fair father, he cannot help if something happened to him!" She said in a huff.

"Young lady, do NOT raise your voice to me, I am your father and you do not use that tone of voice towards me. That is disrespectful. I did not raise you to be unlady-like. Go, go to your room, we will not discuss Mr. Strange anymore in this house. Do you understand?" He said as he slammed his fists upon the table and everything upon it jumped into the air, the vase falling over as water flowed across it onto the floor causing his anger to grow.

"Father..."

"I said go to your room and stop this foolishness NOW!" He yelled and stood up as Madeline took leave running from the table and back up to her room. The only good thing about it was she had a name of sorts. Once in her room she slammed the door and sat upon her bed. She felt bad the man was treated as he was by her father and those who were there. Something was drawing her to him, his eyes were soft when he looked at her. She grabbed a hat and placed it over upon her head and took the rose between her fingertips and she headed out quietly.

Madeline used the back staircase making sure help nor her father saw her as she left the house and ran through the woods and then walked a path that lead along side the small town where she couldn't be seen by anyone. The walk was long, she stopped here and there to sit upon a rock and take a break. Once another was seen as she ducked within the brush and hid till he was past and then continued her journey.

She stood looking at the man's house. it was big and showed his wealth. carefully and nervously she walks up the drive to the front stairs and stands there looking around wondering if this was the right house. She was about to turn and run and then changed her mind. Madeline through how he was treated even thought not from her she had at least needed to apologize to him.

Taking in a deep breath she walks up the steps and lifts the heavy metal knocker on the door and hits it against the door a few times listening to it echo around her as her stomach knotted up.

 

[silvertongue217]

There was a slight scrapping sound and seconds later the heavy door opened revealing an almost entirely dark and empty hallway. A man stood in front of her wearing a slightly faded gray suit and with soft grey eyes. He looked shocked that any one was at the door but his shock grew even more as he took in the beautiful girl in front of him. He cleared his throat and with a wave invited the girl to step in as he lit a candle and placed it on a small black table. The hallway was well maintained and had not a speck of dust but it was also devoid of any thing that would give sense to the person living there. The rest of the house was just as dark and there was a slight groaning sound coming from the room at the end of the hall.

“If you are here to see Lord Strange I suggest you leave girl” He said sighing softly and flashing the girl a wary smile “he is….. Ill”

In the room down the hall Adam groaned feeling his body beginning to wake up and protesting what he did last night. After he got home he spent all night drinking copious amount’s of alcohol and drinking himself into a coma. Now his body was protesting said act. He thought about living with the pain and going about his day before the rest of the night flashed before his eyes.

He had done it and failed

Went over there intent on having her and then balked at the last minute and ran away. He pictured his father calling him a failure and making fun of him and he quickly plucked the wine back from the floor. He quickly tipped the bottle back and gulped it down as fast as he could before he began searching for the next bottle. He didn’t want to think nor feel only wanted to drink until every thing faded away. He finished the next bottle just as fast and found the vodka next finishing it in one easy gulp.

Three bottles of heavy alcohol later he groaned as he felt the liquor coursing through his body. He rose to his feet unsteadily his vision blurring in and out as he started to go get more alcohol. He was halfway (or maybe he hadn’t moved at all) to the kitchen when he heard the door opening and osme one coming in.

Who was here

“Who is here Mark!” He said slurring his words and tripping over to the hallway “More men here to see the scarred man!” He snapped hitting the entrance way and leaning against it.

Then he saw her

“Send her away” He growled narrowing his eyes and starring at her or at least attempting to.

 

[Sinful_whispers]

Madeline pondered if there was anyone home as she stood there with that blood red rose within her fingertips as she removed the thorns. Just as she was about to turn around she heard the sound of the metal scrapping sound sending a chill down her spine as the door opened slowly. She could see it was heavy, it was thick and as she stood there she peered inside the opening seeing nothing but a dark hallway, nobody or nothing inside it.

She wondered if she should run, or just enter. She turned her head and looked behind her at the woods which held the path she walked to get there and as her head turned back around there stood a man, older man, in a light grey suit, looking more worn and faded than the actually light grey color. With the look on his face, his expression Madeline didn't know what to think. Was he upset she had trespassed? His eyes moved down her then back up as he cleared his throat and they stood in silence.

With the wave of his arm he motioned her to enter the large home. She watched as he closed the door and lit a candle that was upon some sort of old antique table. Madeline looked around and wondered if she really had the right home, she believed she did. The house was so dark inside, no lighting except the candle the older man had lit on the table. The hallway was clean, but there was nothing personal on the walls or nothing. Then a groan came from down the hallway, she turned her head as her heart beat a tad faster.

“If you are here to see Lord Strange I suggest you leave girl...he is ill." The man said with a little sigh and a odd little smile at her.

Madeline looked down the hallway from where the noises were coming from and then back to the older man as she tried to make heads or tails out of the situation. Then she turned as his voice was deep and angry asking the man Madeline was standing with who she now knew was named Mark, who was here. She could tell he had been hitting the spirits way to much as his words were slurred. They stood at the end of each hallway, him at one her at another and just starred for a moment.

Madeline looked at him, and it was him, the man from the ball at her home that her father threw in her honor to find her a husband. "Send her away!" He told the older man. Madeline was in disbelief, she came to apologize and he wanted her to go away and she knew he meant it from the way he growled with his words and the look he gave her was nothing like the one where their eyes connected from across the ball room.

She dropped the red blood rose at her feet on the floor and turned around and tugged her hardest to open the door just enough where she could slip out it in tears and ran down the lawn to the entrance of the path through the woods and didn't look back.

 

[silvertongue217]

The following day

Adam slumped in his massive chair iddlying wondering how much time had passed. The last thing he remembered was watching his flower run out of the room tears in her eyes as he screamed at her. After that the rest of the time was a blur of drink after drink hot tears and strangely enough blood. It was only the ticking of the clock that brought him back into a state of awareness. It haunted him annoyed him even ticking away with out a care in the world. The clock itself was worth a fine penny made of rich warm wood, specks and fringes of gold in laid in it and two jeweled arrows that spun around a fancy picture of London.

Who bought it? His father no doubt his mother wasn’t as interested in such trinkets. She preferred to spend her time in the garden humming to her self as she went about her projects. Adam once again found himself wondering why in the world her mother was with the mean drunk that was her father. She died when he was just shy of six years old a victim of a runaway horse. Adam was sad to admit he barely remembered his mother by now his memories to fragmented and hidden to fully piece together who Elaina Strange was. Years of mental and physical abuse by his dad as a child meant most of his memories were hidden or locked away preventing him from getting hurt again.

He closed his eyes willing the pain to go away. Memories of his flower drifted in front of him her scared face the way she ran out of the house. He groaned and pulled the nearest bottle of alcohol into his hands and uncorking the top. He immediately tipped it back waiting for the cold splash of liquid to burn inside of him…..

But there was none

One, Two, Three, finally four bottles later and Adam finally realized he had no more alcohol. He gave a scream of anger and began tossing the bottles breaking them before he began kicking the books and junk around the house. His rage so apparent he didn’t even realize what was going on around him or who was entering his house.

 

[Sinful_whispers]

Madeline went back home, she ran all the way through the woods, almost falling down a null and rolling into the creek, she hurt her ankle and now she was wondering if it was all worth it. That man was not the man that she connected with at the dance with her eyes, he was a beast today as he stood there filled with the evil of spirits slurring his words and yelling at her to go away with a loud voice filled with so much anger.

She was out of breath as she reached her own home, she quietly went inside the back way hoping to sneak in and there he was standing there waiting for her. The look on his face was complete anger and disgust. She quietly stepped in and closed the door behind her, she watched as the help scamper away like little rats from a prowling cat.

Madeline went to walk forth as her father's eyes were filled with so much anger and maybe even hate at her. "Don't you move! Where were you?" He asked, more yelled the question as she could see his fists ball up at his sides.

"I-I was in town Father. I wanted to go look at fabric." Madeline said as she lied to him.

He walked up to her and for the first time ever he slapped her face hard, so hard her whole body turned to the right as she fell to the floor where she laid and pushed up with her right hand but knew better than to move. "You went to see him didn't you girl?" He asked, once more yelling.

Her left hand reached up to where he had hit her and she could feel the pain, the hurt as her cheek began to swell and she began to cry from not only pain but fear. "Answer me girl!" he said as he was now standing over her reaching down as he grabbed her by the hair and yanked her head back looking into her eyes.

"Y-yes father. I went to see him." She cried out as he yanked her by the hair across the floor to the bottom of the steps.

"You will marry who I choose girl! You will not go back there again do you hear me?" he barked rolling her long locks within his hand as he yanked her to her feet and slapped her again in the same cheek with his free hand.

She had never seen her father like this. Madeline was scared to speak but she did so anyways. "Father he is not an outcast, though everyone treats him just so. Nobody gives him a chance, his father was a founder, a great man and..." before he had a chance to say anything else he tossed her against the steps

"I do NOT want that monster as my son-in-law, in this family. I do not want grandchildren of that blood! You know nothing girl! Get to your room and stay there!"

He released her hair and she scampered like the hired help up the steps where she ran into her bedroom and closed the door behind her as she cried herself to sleep for half the night. When she woke she lit the lamp and looked into the mirror and saw her face, the bruises, the swelling and poured water into the basin and washed it softly, carefully as she cried in pain.

She changed her clothing and she brushed her long hair once again pinning it up as she placed a bonnet type hat upon her head and tried to hide the bruising but she couldn't hide the swelling and slight discoloration around her eye. She wasnlt listening to her father, she was going back again today. It was still dark outside, so she took a candle from her other reading lamp and quietly snuck out of the house and once again she walked through the woods.

It was pitch dark, the sun was just about to rise as she made her way through the woods with a candle. By the time she got to his door she was even more scared than ever. She picked up the knocker and let it fall, repeating that over and over as the elder man mark opened the door and looked at her. She wasn't sure if it was because of her face or because he couldn't believe she had returned again after the day before. "I'm here to see..." before she could finish her sentence Mark finished it for her as she tried to smile but it hurt so badly.

 

[silvertongue217]

“Come in come in” Mark said in a hurried voice opening the door wide and all but yanking the girl inside of the house. He closed the door quickly and lit more candles this time bathing the entrance hallway with warm soft light. He turned looking at her with a practiced eye as if he had done this before many times. “Go in the cellar and I will bring the things to care for you” He said softly stroking a few locks of her hair back before leaving and disappearing into the kitchen.

Adam heard people in the hall again and got up teetering dangerously as he stood. He groaned form the pain and began to limp forward moving slowly over to the light in the hall to snuff it out and yell at Mark. Why he didn’t know but maybe it was just because he was truly the monster every one said he was. He knew that thought would only lead to more hard drinking so he pushed it away instead leaning on the frame tiredly and opening his mouth to yell at Mark.

Instead he froze seeing her again. He opened his mouth again to ask her why she was back before he finally realized and saw the bruises on her face. The bottle in his hands dropped tumbling to the floor and then shattering into a million small pieces. He starred in shock shaking his head and frowning at the bruises. A white hot all encompassing anger pushed through him and he growled his eyes narrowing as he moved into the candle light for once not caring about his scarred face.

“Who did this to you?” He growled his voice deadly and a hiss. He saw mark come in with the medical supplies and his hand shot out grabbing the bowl and then gripping her arm hard as he all but dragged her into the living room. He pushed her into his chair and kicked the bottles away before turning and quickly lighting up the room. He finally made his way back to her towering over her as he looked at her bruises.

 

[Sinful_whispers]

“Come in come in,” Mark said to her as she did not shy away, she didn't not even think about it as she stepped in and stood to the side looking down but there was no way that even a man his age and even if he had bad eye sight could miss what her face had looked like. The dark black and purple coloring and the swelling made it impossible for her to hide even under the bonnet type hat that she used to try and cover her face the best she could.

She heard the door close and jumped slightly startled even though she knew it was going to happen. Madeline stood there before him as he looked her over quickly lighting more candles to most likely make sure he was seeing what he thought he was. She untied the bonnet from under her chin and pushed it back letting it rest upon her shoulders and around her neck feeling embarrassed that he was seeing her like this. “Go in the cellar and I will bring the things to care for you” mark told her as she had no idea where the cellar even was.

Madeline started to walk down the hallway slowly, she never even asked if the man she came to see was even home, she walked by the candles and heard groaning, shuffling and stopped in her tracks as she slowly reached for her bonnet and was about to pull it back up over her head till he came out into the hallway. She knew he had been drinking again and she started to step backwards knowing he was going to yell at her at the top of his angry lungs to leave again.

Their eye contact held, another stand still between them once more. What broke it was the bottle hitting the floor that fell from his hand and smashed into pieces. Madeline watched as he starred at her face, her eye swollen and bruised as was the whole side on her face. She lowered her eyes and could see his shadows upon the floor as he shook his head and she heard him growl as she stood there in fear of him.

She tried not to show it but she was tired and hurting, she had a heavy heart upon all of this because of how this man had made her feel the first time she laid eyes upon him at the ball. he stepped even closer as she stood there not moving, she raised her eyes and looked to him, she seen the scars on the side of his face but to her they were invisible. it was more so what she saw deep within those angry eyes, she remembered the warmth, the sparkle when theirs connected from across the room.

“Who did this to you?” he said in the deepest as well as angriest voice she had ever heard, even worse than her father's when he was doing this to her. She did not wish to tell, it wasn't important because then she would need to tell him why and she knew he had enough upon his shoulders to weight them down heavily.

She was saved from answering as mark returned with medical supplies. She watched as the man pushed his arm quickly past her and grabbed the bowl and supplied from Mark and she felt her arm grabbed by his larger one and he literally drug her into the living room and pushed her into his chair as he cleared away the empty bottles of alcohol with his foot. he placed everything down and he lit more candles to brighten the room as she saw him again, no fear from his face, he was so handsome in her eyes.

Madeline slipped her bonnet from around her neck and shoulders, she untied her cape and pushed it from her shoulders as her long locks were pulled back to cover a small area on her hair where there was no longer hair from the way her father grabbed it and used her hair to drag her to the steps. Madeline lowered her eyes as they both stood there starring at her face. No matter the emotion she made, it hurt that one side of her face terribly. They could see as a tear fell from her eye and it rolled slowly down her puffed cheek.

 

[silvertongue217]

“Leave us Mark” Adam whispered shaking his head. The butler opened his mouth to protect that his young master might need his help but stopped seeing the look on his face and nodding. He shot her one last smile before bowing and making his leave. Finally alone with her he reached over and captured her tear on his finger before he gently cupped her cheek and turned so he could get a good look at her.

He opened his mouth to ask her again but saw more tears coming and snapped it shut. He cleared his throat and instead reached over pulling the cold rag out and wringing it of water. There were so many things he wanted to say to her be he couldn’t bring him self to speak. It seemed fate was funny how many times had he though about talking to her fantasized about it even? Yet here they were and he found he couldn’t speak.


He cleaned up the dried blood and then reached for the small bucket of ice Mark brought. He poured the ice into the rag and wrapped it up making sure it was secure before pressing it against her swollen eye. He shifted it to make sure it was okay before he got up frowning and biting his lip.

“Keep that there” He whispered clearing his throat “I’ll be right back” He said reaching over and surprising him self by kissing the top of her head. He felt himself beginning to blush and quickly turned heading into the kitchen. A few minutes later he came back holding a glass of scotch in his hand and returning to her. He kneeled in front of her again and handed her the drink nodding and encouraging her to drink it.

 

[Sinful_whispers]

[M]“Leave us Mark.”[/B] Madeline heard him say in a tone that was not like before or yesterday. His tone was warm, caring and it was the voice she heard in her dream singing to her. Then it hit her. He was in her bedroom, it was him singing, touching her hair as she dreamed in turmoil calming her and allowing her mother to appear taking away the dark and bringing her into the light telling her it will be okay.

She said nothing about it, this was not the time to confront him for she wasn't sure she would anger him. Madeline looked up, her head tilted back ever so slightly as she looked at Mark and watched as he closed his mouth and silently looked at her as he turned and gave her a smile as she smiled back at him watching him bow then turned her eyes back looking to the man before her.

His finger brushed her cheek as she winced and he took her salted drop and wiped it away. Madeline wondered if her cheek bone was broken, fracture as she felt his large hand cup her face as he eyed her up, looking at the damage that another had left behind upon her face. Madeline looked at the scars along the whole side of his face, they seemed to both be in the same boat with the exception hers will heal and go away, his were forever.

He stayed silent as her tears fell from her eyes and dropped to her upper chest. She heard him clear his throat and wanted to reach for him and let him know it was okay, she was okay. Madeline could smell the alcohol on his breath as she wasn't a drinker, only having two glass of wine ever she didn't like the feeling it gave her when finished. She had liked being in control of her mind and body.

Her eyes dropped as she watched him wet the cloth, wring it out and as it came to her face she held her breath knowing when he touched it the pain would be almost unbearable. He was caring and gently, he reminded her of a gentle giant, a large man with a good heart just lost on his path in a world of darkness.

Madeline sat still and silent, nothing said except words in her head. She was afraid to say anything to anger him but she felt feelings for him. Nothing out of pity, yet hardly knowing him it was that love mother's told their daughters about it being at first sight. Madeline felt it the minute their eyes connected. She felt the cloth filled with ice against her eyes as he told her to hold it there.

He cleared his throat, and told her he would be right back. Madeline nodded and closed her eyes and as she did she placed a kiss to the top of her head, a warm loving gesture that surprised her as she smiled as her eyes opened and she thought he blushed but wasn't sure as he turned quickly and left the room.

Madeline rested her bruised swollen eye, letting it closed as she held the ice upon it, she looked at him through her good one as he came back and knelt before her holding a glass of whiskey before her. He wanted her to drink it, but she knew she had to leave soon enough and find her way back home through the woods. "I-I cannot drink that. I must return home in a short amount of time. I walk the path through the woods and spirits don't do well with my head."

Her one hand held the pack to her eye as she raised her other hand, she caressed the scared side of his face with her soft hand waiting to see if he would pull away from her as she looked at him. "I need to know, was it you in my room that night? Did you sing to me and leave that rose on my pillow?"

Madeline placed the rag of ice down as her fingertips moved along his face touching him. The night of the dance. You came, my father refused you a dance with me. I came here for that dance with you yesterday."

Meanwhile at home Madeline's father was raising hell looking for his daughter. he scoffed around, stomping his feet screaming her name as he went room by room and didn't find her. He stormed into the kitchen and looked. The only one there was Mary the cook. He glared at her, his nostrils flared out with each breath. Mary saw her leave, she also witnessed what the father did to his daughter the previous day. "Have you seen my daughter?" He said to her in a very angry voice making Mary lie knowing where the stubborn yet bright girl went.

"Yes Sir, I just sent her to the store with a list of things to pick up for the kitchen and for the seamstress for her dress she wishes to meet her soon to be husband in"

The veins in his neck seemed to go down as she covered for the girl making sure he didn't know where she really was. At one time when Mary was young, younger than Madeline even she worked for the Strange family in their house as a laundry girl. The family was a good family till darkness set in. She left along with her mother who was the cook after the father had passed and the son had the accident. he was fowl, angry and the servants became scared of him. She knew he was a good man deep within and Madeline may be the one to calm the beast.

After her father seemed appeased with the answer he walked away. Mary quickly got a basket of fruits, vegetables and other things and wrote a note as she set it at the path opening. far enough in where nobody would see it but Madeline and she would understand. Mary could not watch the beautiful girl get another abusive beating she did not deserve. The man who she called father did not deserve such a daughter as Madeline.

 

[silvertongue217]

“It is nothing strong my lady” Adam said handing her the drink any ways and reaching over for the medical salve Mark brought “it is enough to dull the pain but not enough to put you under its influence” he explained as he pulled the bandages out as well and prepared himself to get her cheek all fixed. He felt the anger still rolling and once again resisted the urge to demand who did this to her. By the tone of her talking about her father he had a sinking feeling he knew who the culprit was….. so her father wanted to hurt his flower? He would tear him limb from limb then in retaliation.

Suddenly her hand was on his cheek and he froze his first human contact and touch in almost ten or fifteen years. He felt her touching his scars and resisted the urge to run instead squirting the salve into his hand and reaching over to cup hero own cheek. The numbing agent would take the pain away and starting healing it but at least provide her with instant relief. He froze even more however as he spoke of that night and asked him if it had been him that visited her room. A part of him wanted to tell her no and shake his head but another part of him knew he wouldn’t be bale to hide it on his face.

“It was” Adam finally said evenly putting more ointment on “I put the rose on your pillow and sang to you” he murmured not knowing if he should explain himself but instead deciding to continue on “your father refused me a dance because he doesn’t want to give your self to me it would be a shameful thing and he would be made fun of for it” he admitted his eyes narrowing as the anger flickered back “He would not want me to have that dance” He admitted darkly

 

[Sinful_whispers]

“It is nothing strong my lady”He had said to her as she looked to the drink and decided that this was about him trusting her and visa versa. She did as he asked her and she drank it and nearly gagged and tossed it back up on him as she quickly covered her mouth.

Madeline was surprised that he had not pulled away, she didn't see the scar, well yes she saw it visually but the scar was not what made this man who he was. This man, she had not even know his name, she had only known that his last name was Strange, literally. Her fingers traced the scar as she looked into his eyes and he back at her now and then, he used the salve and bandages and was taking care of her, like a lover would, a man who cared for another as she would have done for him.

She wondered if he was going to answer her or not. In her gut she knew it was him and hoped he would be honest enough to tell her as this was a ground floor a basement to this whatever it was between them.

"It was," he said as he worked the salve across her bruised flesh. He went on to explain that he placed the rose on her pillow as well and even that she was right he was the voice she heard singing to her ever so softly taking her turmoil from her mind.

“your father refused me a dance because he doesn’t want to give your self to me it would be a shameful thing and he would be made fun of for it. He would not want me to have that dance." He said to her and he was right.

"I am not my father, I have the heart of my mother, she was wonderful and kind, oh, so caring. She would have left you take my hand and dance with me. I like her don't see such things as your scar, or a man who is missing a leg. It's the person within the body, the shell."

The drink was working as she was able to smile and speak freely without wincing and a shooting pain going through her cheek or around her eye giving her a bad headache. "I had to come, yesterday you chased me away and today I was going to refuse to let it happen again. I wish to have that dance...though I do wish to know your name first. Please?"

Her hand stayed to his face, she raised her other after placing the glass down and lifted his face to look into her eyes. "Please trust me on this, I wanted that dance with all of my being. I defied my father, because I felt something that evening. I am here so you can either take the dance or ask me to go away and if so I shall not return. take it and I shall be back everyday to see you." he cupped his face not releasing it till he stopped looking away and looked at her , directly into her eyes so she could read his face, his emotions. His scars didn't hide it all only some.

 

[silvertongue217]

It would be easy

He could send her away she said she wouldn’t return so if he said no and sent her away she would leave. Adam knew now more than ever that her father had done this to her and because she HAD come and seen him. He felt the anger rolling inside and clenched his jaw forcing it back and pushing against it. She did not need the monster right now it would do them both no good for him to stomp and shout. Instead he had a choice a choice that would either lead him down a lifetime of loneliness and pain or give him some modicum of happiness. He knew he was messed up knew he was no good but he couldn’t help but want her. The ticking of the clock brought him back and he starred at her before wordlessly placing the bandage on her cheek and using the medical tape to seal it up.

“You are making a mistake” He finally said getting up and standing over her tall dark brooding “but I will not turn you away” He admitted in a whisper as he gathered the bowls and put them on a small table. He turned running a hand through his unruly unkempt black hair “My name” he finally said pinching the bridge of his nose “my name is Adam Strange Lord Strange is my title” he murmured not meeting her eyes know as he gave her what she asked. Some thing told him it wouldn’t be the last time that he would never be able to deny his flower if asked. He was smitten so completely smitten and in love it made him mad some times.

He turned and saw another red rose and quickly plucked it up thanking mark silently for continuing to take care of the house. He walked over and handed it to her knowing how messed up he looked.

“Can I have this dance?” He asked reaching over and holding out his hand for her

 

[Sinful_whispers]

Madeline felt him emotionally he was having a hard time making a choice and for what reason she did not know. maybe he didn't wish to take her hand that evening, maybe he just came to make trouble, she wasn't exactly sure but the longer it took him to answer the more upset she was beginning to get but she was not backing down from him unless he said no and that would be the finality of it all.

“You are making a mistake” he said to her as she looked at him, he told her he would not turn her away and that was all she needed to hear. That was what sealed the deal for her, and her heart. He had no idea that she cared for him as much as she did but she will show him and prove to him if that is what she needs to do.

He stood up, he towered over her as he removed the bowls and placed them aside on the table not far from where she was sitting and he was just kneeling before her. His large hand raised as his thick long fingers went through his beautiful black hair as he then pinched his nose and told her his name and his title. The title was never anything that Madeline cared about, that was her father and so many other's she was so different from them.

he turned from her and took a few steps, she looked down and caressed her face where he had placed the bandage and placed the rag of ice aside putting it in the glass that held the drink her talked her into drinking. When she raised her head there he was standing as handsome as ever with another blood red rose offering it to her as she smiled as he asked her for that dance, the one they should have had originally. His hand was out reaching for hers and she placed her small lithe hand within his and stood.

"I will take this dance and any other's that you offer that follow it Mr. Adam Strange. it would always be an honor and a pleasure."

 

[silvertongue217]

“No” Adam whispered drawing her into his arms in the classic beginners dancing pose. He looked into her eyes once again wondering if this was the right thing to but he was in to deep now to drawn in. He had her in her arms and he knew without a shadow of a doubt he wouldn’t be able to let her go. She wanted him wanted the monster and even though he wasn’t sure he deserved her he would give her what she wanted. He sighed and placed his hand on the small of her back took a deep breath and looked in her eyes.

“The pleasure will always be mine Lady Madeline” Adam said looking into her eyes “it’s a true honor” He whispered before he began to move. They danced to imaginary music moving and gliding across the room. Adam for his part remained slightly closed off smiling softly some times but other times looking deadly serious. Even though his picture and tone was serious his eyes had certain fiery warmth to them. He moved her expertly his years of solitude seemingly not affecting his ability to dance and move across the small sitting room. He sighed and spun her and tipped her before finishing the dance and moving away to watch her intently.

“Thank you” He finally said glad the scars prevented him from blushing “you’re a wonderful partner” He said looking as if he wanted to touch her but still remaining closed off.

 

[Sinful_whispers]

Madeline felt him take her hand tighter, not anything bone crushing but the typical classical waltz dance and then she felt his other large hand upon her lower back settling comfortably upon it as there was space between them. He was so much taller than her that it almost made her chuckle when she had to lean her head back to look up at him but that was okay it was all very well worth it she thought.

“The pleasure will always be mine Lady Madeline. It’s a true honor”She saw a bit of hesitation within him as they stood there and then she left him lead, the male always took the first step and the lady followed along avoiding stepping on each other's toes. There was enough air space that their bodies didn't touch, not even close. And it was then she forgot about the pain on the side of her face and around the eye. She believed it was him and not what he had given her to drink. Madeline looked on the brighter side of things, again there were so opposite and she understood why he was that way.

The waltz is a smooth progressive dance, characterized by long, flowing movements, continuous turns and rise and fall. She was surprised that he was rather a pretty good dancer. Madeline was taught dance by her mother and in school, she danced by herself when alone in her room or when nobody was around but the help and now and then one of them would join her and be her partner. Dancing was something she loved to do especially the waltz, it was graceful and elegant, and currently they were both with a little bit of a hiccup here and there but they never stopped. Adam glided along the floor taking her with him. It was almost magical for Madeline.

In her head she could hear the music, the tempo was slow at best, but expressive like their dance as it should have been and was. The waltz invites very powerful and dynamic movement from those whom dance it, and in that small room lit by candles alone they were doing very well. it was like he was in her head keeping the beat to the song that looped.

They spoke no words, the dance was their voice as they smiled to each other now and then. She could see his emotions, sometimes he would look serious and other times he looked like a man that loved holding her closer even with the space between them it was as close as they ever were before now. Adam spun her and she move out, her arms went out and her hand and fingers looked poised like the rest of her even in the dress she was wearing. They were a sight to see, both damaged in their own ways inside and out. She spun back in as she looked into his eyes seeing the warmth she knew was there within him and smiled as their hands met again, and his went to her back as they stopped then dropped to his side as he released her hand.

“Thank you. You’re a wonderful partner” He said to her as she looked into his eyes and reached up to touch his face with her hands, cupping it. Madeline's eyes never left his as she spoke, her thumbs and fingertips caressing the softness on one side of his face and then the semi-roughness on the other and it didn't matter she didn't care, again the scars were not there to her his left and right looked whole in her eyes.

"It takes two Adam, we dance well together which is a good thing because next dance I'd like to have music with it." She smiled and softly laughed. "It was beautiful, thank you as well. It was as I knew it would be." Madeline sighed softly as she pulled her hands back and dropped her eyes. "For now I must take my leave. I need to be home very shortly before father figures out I have been here again."

Her eyes lifted and smiled. "I will be back again tomorrow about the same time Adam, I promise you that. Thank you for everything you have done for me and please thank Mark for his help as well. He's a very nice man Adam you are lucky to have him and I'm sure him you as well. Till tomorrow, " she said and leaned up and placed a kiss to his face. Not on the lips nor just one but she placed one on each side of his face and turned and quickly grabbed her bonnet and cape and headed to the door trying not to look back for she would have not wanted to leave.

Yanking on the heavy door she slipped out the crack just big enough for her to fit through and closed it and ran to the path and back through the woods. It felt like it took a bit longer to get home this time as she ran back. By the time she was about to reach the end of the path she saw the basket there. Stopping she looked seeing a note wondering if he had left it there for her but when she opened it she read it and smiled, Mary was covering for her. She knew. She took the basket and ran through the grass and entered this time through the kitchen.

"Dear sweet child look at that face. Are you okay?" Mary asked in a soft voice not knowing where the master of the house was.

"Oh yes Mary I am fine." She answered and smiled, "thank you so much for what you did. I wish to speak with you later please ?"

"Yes child anytime you want, I think i know what it's about..." she said and looked past the girl to her father.

Madeline turned around as she took off the bonnet and cape. "Hello father," she said to him as he starred at her. He seen the basket had food within it and just turned around and walked away without even looking at his own daughter.

"Later child for I need to finish lunch for you and your father."

"Yes Ma'am," she replied and hurried to her bedroom before her father had time to stop and ask her questions. Once in her room she flopped on her bed and just laid there thinking of him, the one that stole her heart, her soul, every bit of her being.

 

[silvertongue217]

Adam watched as she left standing there in the sitting room of his house and completely floored. Fragments of her parting words flitted across his mind trying to make sense of what she had said. Of course above that one thought rose out of the jumbled sea that was his thoughts making it self known as it pulsated like a fire.

She had a good time with him

What had he gotten himself and more importantly her into? Adam fell back into his chair blinking in shock. He ran his fingers through his long hair and looked up at the ceiling some how in hopes it would give him answers. Now that he had her in his arms and felt her lips against his body he knew he wanted no needed to possess her. Even though it would be going against a fathers issue the young scarred lord was never surer of what he needed now. Staying away from her now would be impossible like trying to be without ones heart for very long. It was not his fault she had captured him so…..

He shot back up hearing Mark coming in and grabbing the bowls and other things. He said no word but watched Adam nervously the whole entire time as if afraid he would sink back into one of his moods. Adam felt guilty and cleared his throat gaining the butlers intention.

“Thank you Mark” Adam said nodding at him “can you help me clean up the manor tonight?” he asked noticing the mess and realizing he had less than 24 hours before she would return.

He refused to look like a damn slob

Noon the following day

“You look handsome sir”

“Shut it Mark” Adam growled dipping the straight razor into the water one final time and shaving the last few hairs gracing his chin. He grabbed the washcloth and dried his face off sighing in happiness as he rubbed his smooth chin. He admired his work in the sink before turning and grabbing the offered black shirt out of Marks hands. He quickly pulled the simple shirt on and smoothed it out admiring the black pants that went with it and slipping on the soft red vest Mark had readied. He admired himself in the mirror and made sure he looked presentable before turning and going downstairs waiting for her to return again.

 

[Sinful_whispers]

Madeline stayed up in her room as she removed the bandages and washed up, her face wasn't as swollen but it was a deep dark black and purple combination color wise. There wasn't anything that could bring her down from a place she currently was, or so she thought.

Lunch was called as she finished washing up and went down to the table where her father was sitting and began lunch without her which wasn't something he normally did. he would not look at her, not once, as she wasn't sure if he wished to look to the damage he had done out of a angry rage, or perhaps he was at a point where she was just in the way and he wanted her gone but then he could have gave her hand to Adam but alas, he would see them in town, his daughter and the deformed monster. Her father makes her ill.

They sat that the table and ate in silence, her father finished and never excused himself as he just got up and left. She heard the door to his private office slam shut and then Mary came in and smiled to her as she cleared the dishes away.

"Child, we cannot help who we love. I see it in your eyes when you returned both days. Your father will never accept him so one day shortly you will need to choose. You need to choose by the heart, not who your father's chooses for you Child."

Mary looked around making sure they were still alone as she placed her hands on the table and sighed. "Long time ago I worked for the Strange family and they were very nice people, the mother like yours, the son, but the father was brutal and a man who drank, not a little but a lot and took it out on his son making him a not so good person, making him mean and angry just like him. Then the accident happened and he turned dark. It's not his fault child, just the circumstances he was in for oh so long."

Her head shook back and forth as she gathered the lunch dishes and she smiled, "I think you can be the one for him. You are like your mother, beautiful and kind, you only see the world in a positive light." She smiled and cleared the dishes as the office door opened and slammed closed as the footsteps grew louder with each step and there her father stood.

"The deal is sealed, two weeks from today you will be given to your new husband. Make sure you are packed and ready by that day noon." He turned and walked away as she looked to Mary and began to cry.

"Don't cry child, you'll see, it will ...all...work...out." She kissed her upon the head as she removed the dishes.

The day went by slow, she went through the same thing at dinner with her father and then went to bed, the house was filled with silence, but in her head as she laid in bed she could see them dancing, she could hear the music and laughter even thought he had only smiled now and then, she knew it was within him...somewhere.

Night settled in and Madeline slept off and on, her mind twisting and turning about her father and his plans to give her hand to a man that was not even from around there. A man she had never met before.

She woke, washed and dressed in a long dress, with her hair up. nothing fancy just more normal day fashion not wanting to give away a clue when she left. She went down to breakfast and Mary informed her that her father had already left and would be returning early evening. She was to stay home, and not leave for any reason.

Mary gave her a few words of advice, "Be home before sundown child." She smiled and her as she watched the young girl eat, she looked at her and how much she looked like her mother and had a stubborn streak just the same. "Be cautious Girl and listen to my words."

"Yes Ma'am and thank you Mary." She replied as Mary handed her a basket.

"Mr. Strange always loved my home made sweet rolls as a young boy. I would help the cook after launder time. He will remember them when he smells and tastes them, trust me." The woman said and smiled.

Madeline put on her cape and bonnet, grabbed the basket and went out the door to the path and ran all the way to the Strange estate and knocked upon the door as she promised returning again the next day. She watched and waited to see Mark. Her face less swollen but the color was there, the salve and bandages, ice worked enough that her face was slowly returning to normal but would still take a week or so to heal fully.

 

[silvertongue217]

The door once again opened revealing Mark. The young butler looked happy strangely he even winked at her before pulling her in and closing the door behind him. The hallway was lit up this time giving the room a happy and warm feeling. The room was freshly cleaned as well the brass and metal shining softly and giving a warm glow. There was a lack of mirrors in the hall way but a few more painting were hung up showing off different estates in the country.

He was waiting for her his long hair freshly cleaned his dark stormy violet eyes unreadable as he starred at her. He was wearing fresh clothes and looked as clean as he looked when they were at her ball. He continued to stare at her his expression unreadable his hands tucked in his pockets almost looking…. Normal for once.

Adam stepped forward clearing his throat realizing for the first time he had no idea how to go about…. Courting her. Did he take her out for a walk? No if he did she could get in trouble. He could take her out to diner but once again they ran into the problem of some one finding out and bringing word back to her. No it was best they stay in the house of course that begged the question on what to do……

“You brought some thing?” Adam noted nodding at the basket and raising one eyebrow “would you like to join me out in the garden?” He asked nodding at Mark that he was fine and watching as the man disappeared into the shadows. He knew he was going to make sure the house was secure from her father as well as hang by to make sure he didn’t slip into his rage. Adam tried to resist the feeling of shame that he needed a “babysitter” to make sure he didn’t hurt the woman he loved.

But it was for the best

He walked over and took her hand trying to resist the urge to blush. He led her out to the sitting room, which was just as clean before leading her out to the porch in the back. There was a table waiting on the balcony all set up for them but with out food.

“Is here good?” Adam asked shuffling nervously