December 15 (Saturday Night)

“Your kidding me, right?” Erin leaned into the phone. “I am completely speechless. What do I do?”

“I don’t know. But I think he is going to get himself up here, by hook or by crook if you don’t talk to him. So, either you listen to what he has to say or we face the possibility he will come up here and run into Scott and John. What do you want to do?” Amy glanced anxiously at the window, waiting for the daytime running lights to hit the glass heralding Scotts’ approach.

“Shit, I don’t want to talk to him but I don’t seem to have a choice in the matter.” Erin whispered low.

“Well Scott asked me to ask John, when I was talking to Orlando and Billy, if he wanted to go see some band tonight in New Paultz. Can we get rid of them and figure something out?” Amy kept sentry at the window.

“Let me see what I can do.” Erin set the phone on her shoulder. “Hey John, Scott wants to know if you want to see some band in New Paultz tonight.”

“I spent last night away from you, I don’t want to go to a club tonight.” John piped in from the background. “Unless, of course, you and Amy have some woman shit to catch up on, again?” He sounded hopeful.

“Well actually, if you were going to go, I was going to make some plans with Amy and a few friends in Rockland County. Its been awhile since we tormented Samantha, my ex best friend, with our presence. It’s up to you.” Erin tried not to sound too pushy.

“Damn, two nights in a row. You are going to make me start to wonder if there is someone else.” John smiled, drawing closer to her.

“Are you kidding me? You have no complaints in that department and you know exactly what I mean.” Erin gave him a chastising look.

“If you want to go out with Amy, sure, tell Scott I will be right over. I will drop you off, if I can take your car again?” John nuzzled the affectionate bite mark he left on her neck.

Erin smiled and returned the receiver from her shoulder. “Alright Amy, John and I will be right over.”

“Great, see you shortly.” Amy hung up.

Erin ran and gathered a few items to make it look like she was intent on spending the night out with Amy and Samantha. In a scant moment, John and Erin were ready to embark to Monticello, NY.

Amy tapped her foot impatiently as she dialed. “Hello?”

Orlando responded. “Hello, Amy?”

“Yeah. Erin will be here in a bit. I still don’t know if she is going to talk to you or not. She couldn’t say. Either way, I will ring you back in about half hour or so.” She grumbled. “You know, I still am pissed at you.”

“Dually noted. Talk to you in half an hour.” Orlando hung up without another word.

Amy hung up, glancing at the Call ID box. Orlando Bloom. Holy shit, its his cellphone.

Car lights reflected against glass. Scott is home, time to tell him he is going out tonight.

Erin shouldered her overnight bag as John escorted her to the door.

“Alright, so the women are heading out to Rockland County and we are on our way to New Paultz. Bitchin!” Scott clasped John by the forearm before turning to Amy. “Are you guys coming back tonight or staying down there?”

Erin and Amy exchanged glances. “Um, not sure yet. If we decide to stay down there, I will leave you a note or give you a call or something. We still have to talk out the details.” Amy smiled giving Scott a tender kiss.

“Alright, you ready?” Scott asked, turning to John.

“Yeah, lets go.” John gave Erin a soft kiss, whirling the keys to her car on his fingertips. “I love you, baby. Be good tonight.”

“Love you too.” Erin stepped into the house, closing the door behind her. “So, what the hell am I going to do?”

“I guess you have to talk to him, or something. I don’t know. Can you handle it? The guy seems like he is genuinely trying to make good on it all. Fuck it, what do you have to lose by giving him a chance at forgiveness. Its not like you ever have to see him again…well, besides the movies and interviews and stuff..” Amy shrugged her shoulders. “You realize this is the most intrigue we have ever faced, right?”

“Well your excitement is great and all, but I am still feeling pissed off and hurt. If he had a fiancee he should not have been playing around. I know I am no better, but at least there is not that level of commitment with John and I.” Erin justified herself.

Amy grasped the phone in hand and redialed the number left on her call ID box. “Alright, Erin. Here we go.” Amy listened as it rang.

“Your late.” The voice on the other end responded.

“Well we had to send the men out, Orlando. Either way, fuck you. I don’t take orders from you. You should bow down and kiss my feet that Erin is here. You owe her more than that kind of gesture.” Amy did not spare the rod when it came to her best friend.

“Is she going to talk to me?” Orlando sounded a bit worried at the thought.

“Well hold on.” Amy handed the phone to Erin.

Silence.

“Hello?” Orlando leaned in to the phone. “Erin, are you there?”

“Yeah. What do you want?” Her tone was caustic. His voice, that accent..

“Erin. Look, I am so sorry for saying what I said to you last night. I didn’t mean it, the way it came out.” Orlando paused.

“I may have a boyfriend, but you have a fucking fiancee. What the hell are you doing triffling with any girl when you have that kind of commitment. That makes you a fucking snake, you know that?” Erin let it all hang out, giving not an inch. “You have 30 seconds before I hang up on you, Mr. Bloom. Make it snappy.”

Orlando took a breath. “Erin, I know I was wrong. I hurt your feelings by saying what I said, by lying to you. I should have been honest with myself and with you. I just had such an amazing time with you and I forgot about life for awhile. You were real with me, Erin, and I was real with you. The chemistry was intense and I will not apologize for that.” His accent is so exquisite, so sincere. I am foundering for my direction. I am going to forgive him…please, don’t let me forgive him.

Erin paused, looking to her best friend Amy for support. Amys blue eyes seeming to calm her and persuade her to listen. “Do you feel better that you got that off your conscience? Now you can go back to your life and Supermodel fiancee and forget the hissy fit you pulled when life got too real for you. You wanted real? Mr. Bloom, you have real.”

“Erin you are intense You are amazing.” Orlando wanted her forgiveness, her friendship. He wanted her.

Erin paused. What the hell do I say now? “You know, you presume that last night meant so much to me. Your wrong. I made a mistake. I care about my relationship even if you don’t care about yours. Your conscience is clear, Mr. Bloom. Don’t worry about it. We are done with this conversation. Consider yourself forgiven and have a great life.”

Orlando paused on the other end. “There is a limo coming to 35 Hanover Street in Monticello NY. Should be there in about 45 minutes. I intend to make amends the right way.”

Before Erin could say another word, Orlando hung up. Dropping the phone into her hand, Erin turned to glance at Amy. “He sent a limo here, to your address, 35 Hanover St. It is going to be here in 45 minutes! What are we going to do? He wants me to go down there so he can make it up to me. Amy? What do I do?” Erin looked panicked.

“You aren’t going anywhere without me. This is too exciting. Now I can kill him in person! Come on, lets get dressed!” Amy grabbed Erin by the wrist.

“I don’t want to see him. I do want to see him but I don’t want to see him. I can’t do this.” Erin pulled back though Amy would not release her hand.

“What do you have to lose? Besides you wont be alone.” Amy drew a mischievious smile.

“What do I have to lose? Dignity, Pride. John, when he finds out I lied to him.” Erin let herself be dragged by Amys hand.

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Besides, you get to tell him off in person. Think about that.” Amy dragged Erin into the bedroom.

“Hey, your right. Lets go.” Erin smiled darkly as Amy riffled through her closet.

“And we are going to look fucking hot tonight.” Amy smiled, drawing out several bits of clothing. “Lets hurry up, time is ticking.”

The limo pulled up just short of 45 minutes, as predicted. “We are god damn impressive.” Amy smiled, fixing her chocolate brown lipstick. Her long blonde hair bound in a twist, leaving her shoulders bare with the exception of body glitter. Her dress, a short black off the shoulder number, framed every perfect curve. Black stockings and a pair of expensive Prada heels she had never before worn, completed her look. Grabbing her knee length dress jacket, she turned to Erin.

Erin shifted uncomfortably. “I look like a whale in this.” Her long burgundy mane unbound. Erin smoothed her hands down against the Black skintight PVC bell bottom pants and matching bustier above a long sleeve mesh shirt. Erin slipped her thumbs through the mesh, accentuating her long red nails.

“You are the one that opted for the Goth look tonight. You don’t look fat, you have hips girl, nothing wrong with showing what you have. Sure beats the frumpy jeans and t shirts you normally wear.” Amy held up Erins jacket.

“Well looking like a tramp in a Goth club is alright. The subculture accepts everyone into the dark depths. I am really having second thoughts about this.” Erin glanced into the mirror as Amy helped her with her jacket. Flicking an errant eyelash from under her kohl lined eyes, Erin brought her lips together to blot the dark burgundy lipstick before adding a touch of liquid diamond gloss. “Lets go before I wimp out.” God, Amy looks like a tall, slender goddess. She looks classy and sophisticated. Why couldn’t I have a body like that?

The duo recognized the driver from the previous evening. Sliding into the limo, the two prepared to encounter Orlando and Billy, one more time.

The trip into the city took shorter by car, about 70minutes. The limo turned off the West Side Highway at West 18nth St, making a right onto 10th avenue. We are going back to the Roxy, Erin looked to Amy, both sharing the same thought.

“You ready?” Amy turned to her friend. She could see Erin was shivering by the tremble of her hair-sprayed mane.

“Ready as I can be.” Erin grabbed her friends hand. “Don’t leave me alone.”

“I won’t, I promise.” Amy slid out of the limo, accepting the drivers hand as she glanced out along the line of people begging admittance to the club.

Erin joined her a moment later, slipping her hand once more into Amys. “Its going to be alright, I promise. Keep your head up. I think that’s Billy, and there is Lij!” Amy said with a smile.

“Amy? Erin?” Billy took one look and nearly disbelieved his eyes. Rushing up them with Lij in tow. “Ya both came ‘an yer lookin’ amazin’”

Lij tossed his cigarette to the curb. “It is so great to see you both again, I thought you would disappear and never want to be found again after all this bullshit.” Lij grasped them both with a smile. Sliding between the two friends, he wrapped his arms around their waists. “Lets go inside, there are some people you have to meet.”

“Yer not thinkin’ of introducin’ them to Viggo and Sean are ya?” Billy scowled toward Lij.

“Viggo Mortensen is here?” Amys’ voice turned shrill as she looked to Erin. Erin just shook her head, unable to fight off a smile. “Stay calm, girl.”

“Oh no ya don’t lass!” Billy looked dejected.

“Don’t worry Billy, Amy only has eyes for you.” Erin pat him on the shoulder before walking, entangled with Lij, into the club. Flash bulbs were cracking all around them from Paparazzi camped outside.

The friends checked their coats as Lij waited for them. Billy had run back into the club, the usual social butterfly. “Dude, I can not believe I am going to meet Viggo!” Amy placed her hand against her glitter covered throat.

“Stay calm, woman. Never, ever let a man see you sweat.” Erin winked. “I need a drink or five to prepare for this. Orlando wasn’t outside, somehow, I thought he would be.”

“Its better that way. Lets make our grand entrance. You have to make that boy suffer and I have every intention of helping you.” Amy calmed herself as she walked with Erin toward Lij.

Lij instantly wrapped his arms around the duo, giving them a grand entrance into the noisy, overcrowded club. “I need a drink.” Erin leaned into Lij. He nodded his response, steering both toward the bar and right into Liv and Ian.

“Erin!” Liv rose from the stool, grasping her as though she had known her for years. “Oh my god you are here. I didn’t think you would come! Look at you, OB is going to shit his shorts.” Liv took Erins both hands, extending them to take a look at her. “Trust me girl, he is going to plead for forgiveness on his knees!”

“You know about last night?” Erin looked at her with heavy, hurt eyes.

“I told you, I am like his big sister. He has been eating his heart out all day.” Liv gave her a warm hug and whispered into her ear, “I am so glad you came.”

Erin felt a sudden sense of comfort. Liv released her hug with a wink and turned to Amy, giving her warm greetings. Lij slipped between the duo again, this time, drinks in hand. “One vodka tonic, one jack and coke.”

“Thanks Lij.” Erin smiled, tipping her drink toward him. He seemed glad to see the two friends. The music was blaring, intense images of various artists splashing across the huge screens. The shifting lights and strobes were mesmerizing.

“Hey, I want to introduce you to someone very special.” Lij tapped the gent sitting at the bar. “Sir Ian, this is Erin and Amy.”

Amy recognized him first, extending her hand to the distinguished older gent. “Sir Ian, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

Ian kissed the bridge of her knuckles. “Please, just call me Ian. It is fantastic to meet you, Amy. I have heard quite a bit about you from our dear Billy. Quite smitten, I would say. And you must be Erin.” Ian extended his hand, accepting Erins as he placed a soft, charming kiss along her knuckles. “Permit me to introduce my partner, Nick.” Ian indicated the distinguished gent to his side. Nick made his greetings pleasantly, striking up delightful conversation amidst the blaring music.

“I am going to request some music, I will be right back. Drinks are on New Line, so feel free to order as much as you want. I am going to see if I can find Billy too. He has been waiting for Dom to return all night. Probably sitting by the door like a lost puppy. Be right back.” Lij gave a peck to each of their cheeks.

“Well, we have had our fill of drink. We have a date with Broadway. The show starts in about an hour, so please excuse us. Once more, it was a pleasure.” Ian smiled charmingly, placing a kiss on each of their hands, respectively. Nick did the same.

Erin and Amy were alone with Liv, all three tossing back their drinks at rapid speed. Erin lit up a smoke, passing the pack off to Amy and Liv. “This is girls time,” Liv smiled. “so, Billy told me you caught the special on ‘E’. I am really sorry you had to find out that way. I hope you don’t look at any of us, any different. Well except OB, which he deserves.”

“God no, everyone has been so great. None of that movie star mentality. I feel really comfortable.” Amy smiled, exhaling before taking a sip of her fresh drink.

“I don’t want to ask this, Liv, but where is Orlando?” Erin got up her nerve. “He is around here somewhere, probably scared to come out of the bathroom.” Liv smiled, flicking her cigarette and taking a drink. “Oh no, here come the gruesome twosome.” Liv rose from her seat, opening her arms to the two men approaching.

“So, who is going to dance with me?” She smiled, enveloping both gents. “Oh, let me introduce some wonderful ladies to you. Viggo, Sean this is Amy and Erin.”

Viggo, clad in jeans and a sweater with long fallen auburn hair took Amys hand with a smile. He leaned in to speak to her amidst the blaring music. “Amy, I have heard so much about you from Billy. Its great to meet some beautiful native New Yorkers. Billy could not give you enough justice, you are a vision to behold.” He was charming, his voice soft and alluring.

“I am…so happy to meet you.” Amy felt her face flush as she cast a side glance to Erin. Oh my god, he is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!! Amy felt like she could barely contain her racing heart.

Viggo paused, taking a long glance at Erin in all her form fitting splendor. It was as though, Viggo was studying her. Extending a hand, finally, Viggo smiled. “Erin. I have heard much about you today. You are most definitely, inspiring to an artists eye.”

Amy turned, giving the evil eye to Erin as Viggo spoke to her. Don’t you even think about it, I called him first! Her gaze spoke to Erin, who smiled in response.

“It is great to meet you Viggo.” Erin gave him a charming, friendly smile. Viggo nodded his head in the most gentlemanly manner and Erin realized he was the perfect embodiment of the deep seated nobility of Aragorn Telcontar for Lord of the Rings. Viggo turned to order a drink as Liv grabbed his wrist.

Sean, already deep in conversation with Amy, was laughing and charming the socks off of her. Amy turned and introduced Sean to Erin as Liv grasped her, dragging both she and Viggo to the dance floor. Both protested loudly, Amy looked back to Erin who mouthed, “I will be alright, go ahead!”

To Erins surprise, Liv also grabbed Billy and the four were dancing in one gyrating train with Amy facing Viggo, Billy at Amys’ back and Liv facing Billy. Erin could not help but laugh. Lij joined the throng, dragging Orlando with him onto the floor. There he is, Erin felt herself gasp as Sean drew closer.

Orlando glanced over to the bar. Sean and Erin were speaking, intimately. His eyes narrowed, not liking the look of it. Amy noticed that Orlando and Lij had joined the group, which now became a circle, rather than a train. She looked to Erin with wide eyes, tilting her head to indicate Orlandos’ presence. Erin nodded toward her friend.

“So, you are Erin?” Sean leaned in, kissing her hand. The charm just oozed from the gorgeous, tall gent with the strong English accent. “So glad to meet you!”

Erin and Sean chatted alone at the bar for the remainder of the song. He was truly incredible and not at all soft spoken. The next song started to blare in the background. “Groove is in the Heart” by Dee-Lite. The group was still on the floor. “Sean, would you?” Erin downed her drink, tilting her head toward the dance floor. Nothing like a little alcohol induced courage, Erin noted to herself. Sean nodded, taking her hand and leading her to the dance floor, stopping her just to the side of the crowded group. Orlando watched her, his eyes turning to Viggo and Billy, then to Amy before narrowing his gaze back toward Sean and Erin.

“The chills that you spill up my back keep me filled with satisfaction when we're done, satisfaction of what's to come. I couldn't ask for another. No, I couldn't ask for another …”

Erin and Sean were in exceptionally close contact. He knows how to dance, Erin thought to herself as she straddled his thigh. Her eyes half slit, she could feel Orlandos’ gaze on them both. I have already had three drinks on an empty stomach. I am dancing and I don’t care what he thinks.

“Your groove, I do deeply dig. No walls, only the bridge, my supper dish , my succotash wish. Singing, baby. I couldn't ask for another. No, I couldn't ask for another. Groove is in the heart, Groove is in the heart Groove is in the heart, Groove is in the heart…”

Sean swayed to the rhythm, his hands resting with friendly yet restrained comfort on her hips. Erins’ long burgundy mane was shivering in rich cascades as her rhythm found an awkward balance. To the observer, they looked as if they had been dancing together many times before.

“The depth of hula groove, move us to the nth hoop. We're going thru to, Horten hears a who. I couldn't ask for another. No, I couldn't ask for another. DJ Soul was on a roll I been told he can't be sold. Not vicious or malicious, just de-lovely and delicious. I couldn't ask for another. No, I couldn't ask for another . Groove is in the heart...”

Erin wound her nails along the back of Seans’ neck as he slowly led her in a downward driven spiral. Erin opened her eyes as the song began to wind down. All eyes were on her and Sean. Billy and Viggo were saying something to Orlando, both of their heads were pointed toward him as they danced, mouths moving quickly. Amy simply smiled, knowing.

The song came to an end and Sean released his hold on Erin, giving her a soft kiss on the cheek as he left the dance floor. The next song was in que as the screens changed. The group was heading toward the bar with Sean as Orlando broke step with them sending Sean an unfriendly glance. Sean gave a cocky, wry smile to Orlando.

Drawing up on Erin as “Objection” by Shakira blared over the speaker. Without a word, Orlando grabbed her, his eyes boring into hers.

“It's not her fault that she's so irresistible, but all the damage she's caused is unfixable. Every twenty seconds you repeat her name, but when it comes to me you don't care if I'm alive or dead, so…”

Erin tried to pull away from the force of his grasp, his hips moving into her. She closed her eyes and felt the rhythm. Turning her face from his gaze, she let her head sway, sending a shock of burgundy tendrils awash like a tide coursing the length of the sand.

“Objection, I don't want to be the exception, to get a bit of your attention. Love is for free and I'm not your mother, but you don't even bother.”

Orlando brought them even closer, causing a blush to his cheeks as a thin sheen of sweat developed over his face. His hand reached up from her hip, turning her face to him. Erin was panting, her lips parted as she rode against his body, not a breath able to press between their grinding forms. Her eyes connected with him as her nails raked into his unruly mahogany waves of hair. She had a dark, sexy and sleek look in his arms as he found himself growing more and more tempted with her provocative touch.

“Objection, I'm tired of this triangle. Got dizzy dancing tango. I'm falling apart in your hands again. No way. I've got to get away”

Orlando let his free hand delve against the back of her neck, drawing into her hair. His fingers manipulated the sway of her head as he felt tendrils whip against his face, turning her head, side to side. His control was as intoxicating as provocative.

“Next to her cheap silicone I look minimal. That's why in front of your eyes. I'm invisible. But you've got to know small things also count, better put your feet on the ground and see what it's about, so… Objection, I don't want to be the exception, to get a bit of your attention. Love is for free and I'm not your mother, but you don't even bother. Objection, the angles of this triangle. Got dizzy dancing tango. I'm falling apart in your hands again. No way. I've got to get away. I wish there was a chance for you and me. I wish you could find our place to be, away from here.”

Erin held his gaze with her own. His body was unrelenting, his chocolate gaze rife with passion and hunger. The tempo changed to a pulsing drum driven rhythm. Erin echoed the movements with provacative undulations to mimick the beat.

“This is pathetic and sardonic and sadistic and psychotic. Tango's not for three, was never meant to be. But you can try it, rehearse it, or train like a horse. But don't you count on me. Don't you count on me boy.”

As the verse ended, Erin pushed off of Orlando, walking off the dance floor. Orlando pulled her back against him. Her hand flew as Erin slapped him across the cheek, turning his head. Orlando pulled her tighter, swaying into her as the rhythm changed back to the driving dance beat. His eyes were unchanged, filled with passion and hunger. Amy, on the far corner of the bar, went to make a move toward the two, thinking Erin was struggling. Viggo grasped her by the wrist, shaking his head. His eyes cried out, “Let them be.”

“Objection, I don't want to be the exception, to get a bit of your attention. Love is for free and I'm not your mother, but you don't even bother. Objection, the angles of this triangle. Got dizzy dancing tango. I'm falling apart in your hands again. No way. I've got to get away. I wish there was a chance for you and me. I wish you could find our place to be, away from here.”

As the song ended, Orlando slowed the pressure of his hips. Grasping her by the arm, he drew her away from the crowd, into a solitary corner free from the pulse of the music. Clad in a pair of black slacks and matching black silk shirt, Orlando sat down beside her, a red mark visible on his cheek.

“I deserved that, but only this once.” He commented, sternly. His breaths were coming in soft gasps as the music blared in the background, somewhere in the distance. Alone at last and all I want to do is kiss her. “You look amazing.”

“You are such an unbelievable bastard, you have no idea. How dare you play games. How dare you lie to me.” Erin sat before him like an indignant child, arms folded over her chest as his comment washed over her. “What did you say?”

“I said, you look amazing. I wouldn’t be a man if I was not affected by the way you dress and the way you move, Erin. Your funny and obviously intelligent and caring or you wouldn’t make it as a nurse. You blow me away, you put me off guard.” Orlando was blaring the truth, shocking and real. You must seek the truth, in all things. Viggos’ words playing through his thoughts.

Erin felt speechless, her anger fading away like a the remnants of a rainstorm on a hot summer day. “Don’t you dare turn this around on me.”

“The chemistry between us is intense, don’t you see that? All I want to do is kiss you, even now. You undo me. Its that wild look in your eyes, indignant, independent and powerful. Your killing me, Erin.” Orlando was animated, his gaze holding hers. “I am sorry I said what I said to you, but I am not apologizing for what happened. If you hate me for that, then, so be it.”

Erin felt herself swept away in his eyes, his words. “You have a fucking fiancée. That goes far beyond my own relationship. You have some god damned nerve playing games like this when you are promised to be married. You just walked away from me when shit got too real for you. You ignored me like I did something wrong. You fucking hurt my feelings.”

Orlando braced his hand against her cheek. Such familiar skin. God, she is killing me. “Yes, Erin, I am engaged. I have amazing things going on in my life, more than you could possibly imagine. Damn it all if I did not dare to toss it away on a single night. I hurt your feelings. I didn’t know what else to do. You don’t know how complicated things are, you never will.”

“I know you are engaged. That is as good as married in my book.” Erin paused as a waitress gave them both drinks, ordered from the group at the bar. Erin downed hers quickly, as did Orlando.

My head is swimming. His hand on my skin feels incredible. His voice is blowing my mind. “I didn’t ask for any of this bullshit. I was just out having a good time with Amy and now, look at the situation. Just forget it, go on with your life. All is forgiven but never forgotten.”

Orlando dropped his glass, drawing his forehead against hers, their noses contacting each other, much as they had done only a night ago. “Can we let last night go and start over?”

His breath was hot on her lips, his nearness, intoxicating. Her lips were ready to receive him, moistening at the thought of tasting him. Orlandos’ eyes were closed, his fingers drawing her face closer to his. “Yes.” Erin whispered, feeling her top lip slide against his, briefly. Erin could taste his mouth, the liquor on his lips, the roll of his tongue vibrating as he spoke. “But are you sure you want that?”

“I can not offer anymore than that.” Orlando felt himself leaning in to taste her, his voice barely more than a primal growl. “I want to know everything about you.”

“That takes time...” Erin lowered her eyes, her mouth longing for the taste of him, her resolve fading and desire taking over. Her breath was coming in hot, soft gasps.

“We have that.” Orlando shivered, fighting against his will. He moistened his lips softly, his mind and body locked in deadly struggle.

Erin slid her hand along the length of his neck, fighting every urge to press her lips to his. “Then so be it.” She moaned low into his mouth, drinking his breath into her, her nails placing soft pressure on his flesh, evocatively. Orlando leaned closer, madness threatening to take hold of him.

“Your bloody killing me, Erin.” His voice was low, tortured. Madness gaining ground over sanity. Orlando could feel his blood set afire, poised to damn the world for just one more moment.

Erins lips shivered, a breath from his, her head tilting ever so softly to catch against his mouth as she spoke. Her words kissed his lips as her mouth poised against his. Any closer and I am going to give. “We should probably head back..” We have to leave now or I am going to make this worse on both of us. My lips are pleading, my body aching. Move away from me, Orlando. Move away and don’t you dare come back.

“Yes, we probably should.” His words moaned into her mouth, his lips caressing hers as he spoke. Erin moved her lips in time with his, savoring the feeling of what could have been considered a dangerously close call. Their eyes met, glinting with the depth of flickering strobes. It was evident now by the tortured, wanton, pained expressions in their eyes that the plan was going to fail.

In a heightened state of realization to both desire and damage, Erin and Orlando slowly slid back from each other. Erin brushed an errant burgundy tendril behind her ear, exhaling sharply. Orlando, leaning back on the leather settee, ran his hands through his hair, his face flushed.

“Are you ready?” Erin turned, leaning her chin on her palm to look at him.

“A moment, love. I need a moment to settle down.” Orlando flicked his eyes and Erin knew instantly the meaning behind his words.

Biting her lip softly, she rose, kissing him on the cheek. “Join us when you are ready.”

Orlando watched her walk away, lowering his eyes and cursing himself for wanting her. Gain control, mate. Think of something else. They are waiting for you.

Return to Main Page