First Bite

CHAPTER FOUR

That was their first meeting after so many years. Agnes groaned with embarrassment when she remembered her misadventure yesterday with Chris. She needs time to think and get away from the castle.

She was wearing her old white nightdress and too fragile from being overused. Her hair flowed down on her back, black and silky straight. Yesterday she wore it in a braided bun, courtesy by her aunt and their distinguished guest. Today, her carefree self was once again out. Agnes opens the glass door, letting in the morning breeze caress her skin. She can see the sun slowly creeping out. This moment is the time of day Agnes loves to step out of her bedroom and walk out to the lawn. Agnes closed her eyes and bathed from the rays of the sun. Unaware of the world around her, except her dreamland.

Chris did not sleep well last night. He was re-plotting his strategy. Marriage is now part of the equation. He rearranged his chess piece to deliver a brutal blow to his enemies. He had another plan for Agnes, but now that she would be his wife, a much better scenario presented itself.

Surprisingly, he was looking forward to introducing himself to Agnes Walden during dinner.  Like the last time, Smith the butler announced that he lost her somewhere again. He realized that the plain Agnes is not simple at all. She is something else. He has encountered a lot of women, a number of them, but this one was different. Even Lea cannot hold a candle to her sisters' unpredictability. He can easily read Lea's next move. "I'm about to pee." What kind of excuse was that before you fled? He almost choked with his private joke. It was hilarious, and somehow it leaves an impression on him. An impression that, for some unknown reason, he does not want to analyze.

"Care to share your thoughts, Duvier? It seems like your mood is getting lighter now." Lady Elizabeth observed her guest. The glimmer of amusement in his eyes was not lost to the Grand Lady. Whatever it is, it bodes goodwill. She wanted him to stay here. This way, she can control the situation. If he is back in his world, she is afraid that he will change his mind. Even if he signed the contract, it's still not binding until he says his "I do."

"You also want my thought, milady? Haven't I paid enough already?" he said sarcastically.

"If you think marrying my niece is too high as payment of being the new master of Winshord Castle, then you can leave. I won't hold it against you. However, I'm not offering you this opportunity again."

Chris holds his emotion passively. His tone never changes, but inside he was simmering. "Who would not love being married to your niece, my Lady. She is quite a charmer."

"So, you've met her." She was taken aback by his answer. Now, she was worried. She wondered what Agnes had done this time. The agreement could be over before it even started.

Amused by her reaction, Chris watched her squirm in her seat. So even her aunt found Agnes a handful. This reaction is interesting. "Don't worry too much, my Lady. She presented herself well as a gift." He cannot hold himself with a smile when he remembers their first meeting.

"She must leave a good impression on you, Duvier." The old Lady watches his smile happily.

"Oh no, I'm just thinking how unlucky the man he will marry. He will have to call all the angels and saints to survive her."

"In case you forgot, she will be your wife, Duvier. Don't disrespect her!"

"In case you forgot my Lady, I can still back out from our agreement. I can disrespect her all I want. Your niece is just an acquisition. A business venture with my money and time."

His statement ended their dinner. He stood up and left the Lady by herself. He strode back to the appointed room Smith prepared for him and banged the door close. Gone was the humor. Anger and frustration of his present predicament replaced the excellent vibe he felt earlier.

He was still wide awake when the morning came. His mind was busy plotting his next move until the wee hour. Satisfied with his alternative plan, it is then he took notice of his surroundings. His appointed bedroom has a beautiful view facing the expansive lawn and spreading out to the great forest. He enjoyed the panoramic beauty that spread out for his eyes to feast.

Feast? His eyes narrowed. He saw a vision—a girl strolling to the edge of the cliff, wearing almost nothing at all. The morning breeze gently blows her long dark hair. She was walking with the same grace he observed the last time they met. His nostrils frilled at the sight of her. His mouth went suddenly dry, and his heart stopped beating for a second. It thudded so loudly that he thought his going deaf. Chris Duvier, primal instinct, awoken from a deep slumber. What was about this girl? He wanted to resist, but his thoughts towards her now were unholy.

"Breathtaking!" he gasped. His body seems to have a mind of his own. Silently, he approached Agnes from behind. He watched the sun gently caress her skin. The thin material covering her disappeared when the sunlight touched her body. Her body is amazing. How can Agnes be plain? The arc of her back, the contour of her body curve — nothing sharp except for her nipples that jutted out inviting the sun. Her neck gracefully stretches out while her face receives the sun. Her eyes were closed, and her long lashes fan over her rosy cheeks—Agnes lips, good God. Chris's eyes fell on her lips. It reminded him of the forbidden fruit. So, this must be how temptation looks.

She feels a warm breath hovering over her and a shadow blocking the sunlight that poured on her face. Alarm, she opened her eyes and gasped, "You!"

"Good morning. What a nice view we got here?" Chris doesn't know where he found his voice. But the eyes looking back at him are mesmerizing. He remembered it now. The owner of the green eyes peeped when he cleaned the stables and showered. She was constantly watching him. 

"What are you doing here?", she said annoyed at his presence that hampered her morning ritual. "Why are you still here?" Agnes crossed her arm, trying to cover herself when she realized that her clothing was inappropriate to meet their guest.

When he saw her reaction, it amused him. She blushed, "Have enough, or you want more show!" she spat. 

"I do not mind seeing more," he said throatily. His eyes roamed at Agnes' beautiful body like he was memorizing it. Soon this woman would be his too — for a year. Chris possessively wandered on her form. Delicious--- luscious---is it possible a man can drool like a hungry animal? 

She recognized that look. It made her feel weak and out of breath. So, this is how it feels when a man looks at a woman he desires. Desire?! Stop dreaming. The only woman in Duvier's life is Lea. A sensible voice screams inside her head. Agnes stepped back and almost sprinted back to the comfort of her bedroom, but she stopped on her track when he said, "Coward!"

 She turned around and raised her chin. Her eyes turned into a stormy green. He had not seen eyes like that before, and it fascinated him. "I am no coward!" she hissed.

 "What would you like me to call you when you ran away every time you sense danger?"

Cheeks were flaming hot with embarrassment; she stood her ground. Men like Chris should be taught a lesson. "I am not afraid of you, Mister Duvier. I do not think you are a dangerous man, nor do I run away whenever you're near. Men like you do not break me."

Bravo! He silently applauded the woman in front of him. This future bride is getting on him. He wanted to tease her. Test her until she hurt. He said, "Prove it then. Did you expect me to believe that, Agnes? Words are just words. But I can feel your fear from up here."

"Okay then, if you insist." Agnes swallowed hard. What must she do to prove she was not afraid of him?

"Did you say you want to see everything?" She asked coolly.

Chris felt like his soul separated from his body. It's surreal but true. Agnes slowly undressed in front of him, down to the last covering of her gorgeous body. She stood there naked and proud. "Look at me. Memorized everything because this is the last time you see me naked in front of you. Enjoy!" And with that, she left him dumbfounded again.