"Dear God, Nicholas," she pleaded. "Will you stop torturing me like this? I need you."

"Not just yet, sweet witch," he rasped. His slid one hand up over a supple leg until his fingers parted her already slick folds. She moaned, and he breathed in the soft musk of her desire then dipped his tongue into her tangy heat.

"Oh my God," she cried out, and her body writhed at his intimate caress. His teeth scraped over the nub at the top of her sex then flicked his tongue over the plump flesh. Hands sliding up over her hips, he captured the swollen nub with his lips and sucked. Another sharp cry echoed out of her, and triumph surged through him at the sound.

He'd always loved hearing her cries of pleasure. She shuddered against his mouth, and his tongue continued to swirl and lap at her tangy sex. With another cry, she stiffened then bucked against him once more as her hot cream washed over his tongue. The sharp bite of her in his mouth was one he remembered in the deep recesses of his mind.

With one last flick of his tongue against her sex, Nick kissed her inner thigh then her hip. He loved every inch of her. Another moan eased out of her, and his body responded with a renewed demand to satisfy his own needs. As his mouth reached one breast he took her in his mouth and swirled his tongue around the stiff nipple. He jerked as a warm hand slid between them to encircle his cock.

"I want you, Nicholas," she said with a note of urgency in her voice, and he lifted his head to stare down at her.

Passion darkened her blue eyes, while her breasts rose and fell rapidly. Desire and need, born of a love that had crossed time, surged through his veins. With a quick thrust, he buried himself inside her and smothered her small cry of pleasure in a hard kiss. Keeping his strokes slow and measured, he slid in and out of her slick core.

Nick could feel her tighten around his cock, and he growled deep in his chest at the pleasurable sensation. As their tongues mated and danced with raw passion, he increased the tempo of his thrusts. The white hot heat of her clutched at him with every hard caress of his body against hers. Raw and visceral, his emotions and physical need rose to a point of no return.

Somewhere in the back of his mind the words French letter tried to filter its way into his head, but caught up in a firestorm of need, he ignored the thought. With one hard thrust after another, his body was no longer his own. Blind to everything but her, he no longer knew where she began and he ended. The sensations pounding against him were mind-numbing. Suddenly, her body arched violently up into his and she climaxed around him.

One spasm after another clutched at his cock as she clung to him. Nick braced his hands on either side of her as he felt the ripples of her climax clutching at him. The ferocity of her spasms seized his cock with an ever increasing intensity. With her name on his lips, he slammed his cock into her one last time and throbbed inside her.

The strength of the emotions engulfing him shook him to the depths of his soul. As his body slowly came down off the sharp pinnacle he'd reached, he slowly lowered himself down until he was pressed into her soft, silky skin. Her eyes were closed but the satiated expression on her face made him smile.

"Happy?"

"Gloriously," she said with a sigh. Her eyelids fluttered open, and there was a fearful look in her blue eyes. "You?"

"Hmm..." Nick chuckled as she playfully punched his arm. "Unbelievably happy."

"Good," she murmured as she closed her eyes again and smiled.

"I love you, Victoria," he said softly. "The moment you came into the gallery that day, I knew you were mine. I didn't understand how, but I'd never been so sure of anything in my entire life. You're mine forever and always no matter what life we find each other in."

The love in her gaze as she looked up at him was deep and pure. She reached up to touch his face and tears glistened in her blue eyes. Her lips moved, but no words came out. Nick kissed her slowly and deeply. Words were no longer necessary between them. One look was all it would ever take for them to know how the other felt. She was his for eternity.

The End.

Dear Reader, The following are a selection of entries from the journals Nicholas wrote to Victoria during the years they were separated. WARNING, you might like to have a tissue handy. These journal entries are poignant and heartfelt.

Extracts from the Daily Journals of Nicholas Thornhill.

Earl of Guildford.

August 30, 1900.

My darling sweet witch, Today is the second anniversary of that night in the Priory when you were taken from me. These past two years have been difficult. When I lost you, I wanted to die with you. But as each day passed, the agony eased. It has never gone away, nor will it ever. I loved you too much to never feel the pain of your loss. But time has made me realize that you are not gone, simply unseen. I feel you looking over my shoulder, chiding me when I am too inflexible in my attitude toward something or laughing at me when I've done something most ridiculous.

Whenever I hold Andrew, I remember what you said the night you died, that he was your gift to me. It's true. When he smiles at me I see your smile. When he laughs and looks at me with his sapphire eyes that are just like yours, I see you every day. You are always with me, and your gift to me has kept me sane.

I miss you madam wife, but I know you are still with me wherever you are. And know this. I will find you again. Of that, I promise you. I will find you even if it takes an eternity to do so.

Your loving husband, Nicholas.

September 14, 1900.

Dearest Sweet Witch, Today was a good day. Our son is a delightful little chap. He is as smart as a whip. We were in the salon this evening, and he toddled over to stand beneath the portrait of you. He pointed at you and said, "Mama." Edmund was beside himself with excitement at our son's observation skills. My brother and Andrew are inseparable. They have a connection that is amazing to watch. You are in my heart always, sweet witch and are forever mine.

Nicholas.

February 23, 1901.

My darling wife, Edmund and I took Andrew to Goodman Cottage today for his first ice skating lesson. The pond was frozen over, and our son took to the ice as if he'd been born there. You never told me if you knew how to skate on ice, but I know he did not acquire his skill from me. I can only assume it is from you. Edmund and I were the ones who have sore asses this evening, and like you would have, Andrew took great delight in watching his father and uncle fall down today. His laughter is infectious, my love. It is hard to be miserable when I'm in his company. You are with me whenever he is near, madam wife.

Love always, Nicholas.

August 30, 1903.

My beloved sweet witch, It is the fifth anniversary of your death. With each passing year, I grow stronger in the belief that you are waiting for me somewhere in the future. I don't know how I've come to believe this, but perhaps it is the strength of your conviction in who you were and where you came from that has fostered my own beliefs.

I have often thought about what might have happened to you when you were missing for those three weeks. I have considered numerous possibilities, some more outlandish than others. However, I have come to the conclusion that it matters not how things happened. What is important is that they did happen, that I was fortunate to have you as my beloved wife, friend, confidante, and the mother of my son.

Although our time together was short, we lived a thousand lifetimes in those few short hours. I would not trade the pain of your loss even one second of those precious moments with you. They are gifts in my life that I will cherish until the end of my days and that wonderful moment when we see each other again. I miss you, and when you find these journals, I hope you will know that your time with me, no matter how short, has made me a better man.

I am forever yours, Nicholas July 5, 1905 Dearest sweet witch Sebastian and Anna came for a visit. Their oldest child, Jane is as unrepentant as her mother. Sebastian is plagued with two women in his house that he swears will drive him into his grave. Jane and Andrew are inseparable. They are overjoyed to see each other at each new visit, and both are so desolate the moment they are parted. Edmund is convinced they will marry when they grow up. I confess to thinking the same.

I love and miss you my darling, beautiful Victoria. Tonight I wish you were here with me. I was seated in my chair by the fire, and I confess that the memory of our moments there made me miss you more than I can say. I am not without my methods of easing my suffering, but to hold you in my arms again would be like heaven itself had opened its arms to welcome me.

Yours forever, Nicholas November 12, 1906 My darling sweet witch, Today was a sad day. We laid Sebastian and Anna's oldest boy to rest this morning. Our friends are grief stricken, and I am at a loss as to how to help them in their time of need. Sebastian is taking it the hardest, and he refuses to speak with anyone. He has even shut Anna out. I can only imagine what it would be like to lose Andrew. The pain of losing you was deep and crippling enough, I do not know how I would find myself dealing with the loss of our boy.

I am forever yours, Nicholas January 25, 1907 My darling, beloved wife, Edmund has been ill. He took a cold over Christmas and has been fighting it for weeks now. Bertram says it is now pneumonia, and Mrs. Beechum and the rest of the staff are watching over him like angels determined to keep him here with us. I pray they will succeed. Andrew is even more distraught than I. I wish you were here to offer your love and comfort, but I fear it would devastate you to see Edmund the way he is. Perhaps it is good that you do not have to endure this pain.

Always and forever, Nicholas May 22, 1907 My darling Victoria, my sweet witch, Today was a good day, Edmund is almost fully recovered. It has been a difficult illness for him, but he grows stronger each day. Sebastian and Anna came for a visit. We spent the afternoon at the pond. Jane and Andrew had a small spat, which resulted in Jane pushing our son into the pond. Denying our boy was undeserving of the punishment would be wrong.

However, I know Anna and Sebastian wished young Jane had been less, shall we say less unladylike in her behavior. Poor Edmund didn't feel well enough to rally to his nephew's aid in helping him out of the pond, but your brother-in-law did manage to chastise sweet Jane severely. His words were enough to make Jane quite penitent, so much so that Anna and Sebastian were compelled not to say hardly a word to her.

Even Andrew pleaded with his uncle not to think so harshly of Jane and confessed to his own contribution to the fiasco, to which Edmund expressed his displeasure. Anna, Sebastian, and I all found the episode most amusing, and it was the highlight of a most pleasant afternoon.

Forever your, Nicholas May 23, 1907 My beloved, darling wife, Sebastian took the children riding this afternoon. As my leg was hurting me quite a bit, I chose not to ride. Anna immediately offered to stay behind and keep me company. We talked about many things. She shared with me that she had a vision about a young woman named Nora. In her vision, Anna said that she met you. It has convinced her that you are alive in the future and that you and I will find each other. Her words have only strengthened my belief that we are destined to be together.

Sebastian and Anna are still grieving for their son, but Sebastian continues to be distant with everyone, except perhaps with Jane. He spends as much time as he can with her. I've noticed a great deal of tension between my friends, and I fear for their marriage. However, I cannot interfere. I miss you sweet witch. Wherever you are, do not forget me.

Your loving husband, Nicholas June 1, 1907 Dear sweet witch, Today there was a slight upheaval here at Brentwood Park. While out riding, Andrew was thrown from his horse and broke his arm. The lad is in a great deal of pain, but admits that the injury is his own fault. Although he is as equally skilled at riding as his mother, he chose a fractious animal to ride, just as you would have, my love. Nonetheless, I have no doubt that our son will ride the blasted animal again the moment his arm is healed. He reminds me of you every day. He seems to have sprouted up almost a foot since winter. I imagine he shall be as tall as I within the year.

Forever and always, Nicholas October 5, 1907 My beloved sweet witch, You would be as proud as a peacock if you had been here this evening. Andrew beat me at chess. Our young man plays better than both his parents, and I imagine when he goes off to Eton, in another year or so, he will no doubt be on the chess team. Edmund took great pleasure in my humiliating defeat. Although my pride in our son knows no bounds at this wonderful accomplishment of his.

Your loving husband, and an extremely proud father, Nicholas December 6, 1907 My dearest of loves, Today was an exciting day. We have arrived at Guildford House in preparation for the holidays with Abigail and her family. It is certain to be a jovial affair. Sebastian and Anna called upon me this afternoon with news that will delight you. They are expecting their third child. It has been a long time since I've seen Sebastian so happy. I think the child will serve as a healing branch between my friends. Anna has despaired of the way Sebastian has distanced himself from the world, but I think perhaps the worst of it is over for him. Although you and I both know he will never stop feeling the pain.

Even now, almost ten years after your death, there are still moments when I find myself desolate with grief. They often occur over the most unexpected things. Perhaps something Edmund says when he speaks of you, which is most regularly. Then one of the staff will make a remark that reminds me of something you would say or do in response. They are little things that make the pain come rushing back, but I go to your room, and sit quietly on your couch, looking out over the pastures of Brentwood Park. I close my eyes, and I can feel your hand on my shoulder. I miss you, my love.

Nicholas August 5, 1908 Today is our son's tenth birthday, my darling wife. He is on pins and needles as to his present. I have been extravagant, and no doubt you would not be happy with me at what I have done. I found a young colt at Tattersall's a month ago. The animal reminds me much of Zeus in temperament, and I am certain the minute Andrew sees the animal, he will be jubilant. Edmund has been thrilled to be in on the secret, and he has taken great pleasure in teasing his nephew with the fact that he knows the secret.

Your loving husband, Nicholas August 30, 1908 My darling sweetest of witches, It is the tenth anniversary of your death. I decided to spend time alone in your room as I grieved for you. While I was there, I felt an unusual warmth fill the room. It was as if you had come into the room. Then as if someone were actually in the room with me, the secret cubby hole Edmund told me about popped open.

I am not a man who finds himself frightened by much, but it did startle me. I immediately went to the cubby hole to ascertain what might have caused it to open. Unable to determine the reason for its opening, I closed the compartment. As I turned around I caught a glimpse of you in the sunlight streaming through the window. You were as beautiful as I remembered. It was as if you knew I would need sustenance to ease the pain your loss has meant to me.

It made me believe that you are there waiting for me in the future, that you truly will find the journals I am writing of you. I think you will enjoy the locket I have had made for you. So far, Lockwood has made four miniatures of Andrew for the inside of the locket. It's a rather clever design as it opens up to show four portraits on the front and four on the back. I am holding spaces for our son's school days at Eton, the day he becomes a man, the day he marries and the day he becomes a father. This way, you will see him as he grows up.

He is a boy you can be proud of, Victoria. He is honorable, thoughtful, kind and has a mischievous sense of humor that has him pulling pranks on a regular basis. However, do not think he is without fault. Our son is stubborn, commanding, and has a tendency to brood on occasion. Does that remind you of anyone? I can hear your laugh now, sweet witch, and know that I am smiling with you. I love and miss you my dearest of hearts, sweet witch.

Yours always, Nicholas.

March 19, 1909.

My darling wife, As you know from previous entries, Edmund has been ill for some time. He never fully recovered from his bout with the flu last year, and his body was incapable of warding off this most recent illness. He died quietly in his sleep last night. I am grateful for these few years I had with my brother. I have never met a more gentle soul or kinder heart. That he will be missed does not do justice to the feelings the entire household is dealing with at the moment.

Andrew is beside himself with grief. He and Edmund were like brothers, and it pains me to see our son hurting so badly. My experience tells me that his grief will ebb leaving a bittersweet pain that will remain with him always, but that the joyous moments are the ones that will shine through in the months and years to come. Such is my experience of loving you.

I wish you were here, my love. I know you would be the stalwart one of us who would mourn with us, but remind us all that Edmund was the best of us.

Always and forever, Nicholas.

September 1, 1910.

Dearest sweet witch, Today is the first day of Eton for Andrew. I would have sent him to school last year, but I was certain you would have vehemently protested sending him away so soon after Edmund's death. So I decided to keep his tutor on for one more year.

I bought a Rolls-Royce recently. I am told that automobiles will be the transportation mode of the century, but I prefer trains and carriages. There is change in the air. Still, the automobile allows me to bring Andrew home for visits whenever he has time. If he is like his mother, I believe those visits will become more infrequent as he makes his way in the world.

I believe our boy's gregarious personality will serve him well. He is certain to make a great number of friends. Sebastian and I first met at Eton. The two of us have been friends ever since. With Andrew in school and Edmund gone, I find myself with little to do, so I have decided to take a more active role in Parliament. To date, I have participated on a small level, but I intend to take up a cause I think would be dear to your heart.

The suffragette movement is still in need of support. There is a growing antipathy toward the leaders and followers of the movement. While I will be in the minority in my support of women's causes, I shall do my best to persuade members of the House of Lords to do what is right. See, my love, even though you are not here, you are persuading me to do what you believe is right. You are smiling right now, are you not, my love? I know you are. I love you, madam wife. You are forever mine, no matter where you are.

Your loving husband, Nicholas.

September 20, 1925.

Well, my love, tonight was the announcement of Andrew and Jane's impending nuptials. I am as delighted as Sebastian and Anna. It is really not a surprise, but Jane did manage to bring our boy up to snuff when he seemed to be hedging on a marriage proposal. She simply began to be seen with other young men, which promptly made Andrew stake his claim.

I know your heart would be swelling with love and pride if you had been standing at my side this evening. Sebastian and Anna put on a splendid affair. I have no doubt it will be the talk of the season. There is only one more miniature to add to your locket, my sweet witch. Lockwood has developed arthritis, and has taken on a protegee who will do the final two portraits of Andrew. I imagine the man will work on the miniature shortly after Andrew and Jane return from their wedding trip.

I must close now. Keeping my eyes open is a difficult matter at the moment. Sebastian and I celebrated our pleasure at the joining of our two houses a bit more than we should have. I have not drunk this much since that terrible night my words made you flee to Brentwood Park. I miss you still my love. But I will find you in your future. I believe this with all my heart.

Always and forever, Nicholas.

November 22, 1927.

My darling wife, You are a grandmother. The Honorable Sarah Jane Thornhill was born at twenty after one this afternoon. Jane apparently suffered a great deal, much to Andrew's dismay. But she is doing well, and our granddaughter is beautiful.

Sebastian and I have been debating which side of the family she looks the most like. It is clear that she looks like you. Do not laugh, my love. I am in earnest when I say this as she has your sapphire eyes, and there is a distinct auburn cast to her hair.

Your loving husband and the proud grandfather of a baby girl, Nicholas October 30, 1933.

Dearest sweet witch, As I always do at this time of year, I visit Goodman Cottage and walk the path around the pond thinking of you and my refusal to believe that you weren't Vickie. I am still amazed at my stubbornness to not recognize the truth more quickly. Nonetheless, this is my favorite time of year because it reminds me of how fortunate I am at having had you to love. What we shared was something few find in this world, and when we meet again in your world, I know we will be equally fortunate then. Despite my inability to see, hear, or touch you, you are always with me. I feel you in the dark just before dawn is about to break. I breathe you in whenever I smell the scent of lemons with honey. And I hear your laughter whenever young Sarah runs through the halls with her grandfather chasing her. My beloved wife, when you read these journals, I pray that I am with you, holding you. I know you will laugh and cry, and I want to be the one kissing your brow as you read what a wonderful legacy you left behind. I adore you, my beloved wife.

You are forever mine, your husband Nicholas.

February 10, 1940.

My darling sweet witch, I have been ill. Bertram is uncertain as to what is wrong with me, but I am adamant that he is not to send for any experts from London. I have lived a good life, had a wife I loved and who loved me, a son who has made me proud and a granddaughter who is the apple of my eye. I can think of only one thing now, and that is you. I am eager to join you in whatever grand adventure awaits us in your time period.

I love you, my darling Victoria. No matter how far the distance that time itself puts between us, I will never stop loving you. You are still more dear to me than my life itself, and I believe with all my heart that I will be with you soon. I shall hold you again, and we will have the chance to love again and experience together all the things I've shared with you in these journal entries.

I love you, Victoria. You bewitched me all those years ago and each thought of you ensures you remain in my heart. It won't be long now, my love. I am eager to be with you again.

Forever and always, Nicholas .

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6. Read on to enjoy a special preview of HIS TO COMMAND Book 2 (Novella) in the Self-made Man series and featured in the Wanton Christmas Wishes Anthology!.

Special Preview of His To Command.

Book 2 (Novella) Self-Made Men Series.

Part of the Wanton Christmas Wishes Anthology.

From the moment John Fordyce saved Charlotte Clayworth from drowning at the age of five, the two of them have been inseparable. Trapped in a deserted farmhouse on a blizzardy Christmas Eve, John desperately struggles to control his desire for the woman he's grown up with. When a small act of discipline compromises Charlotte, honor requires John to make a marriage proposal different from the one he intended.

When Charlotte realizes she's in love with her best friend, she can't contemplate another man caressing her the way John does. But when he states they must marry to save her reputation and satisfy his honor, she refuses. The thought of their friendship dissolving into a marriage embittered by a single indiscretion horrifies her.

Their friendship crumbles as they go their separate ways until a close-knit group of Self-Made Men decide to meddle in their mentor's love life and reunite the two lovers. But will John and Charlotte realize they both have the same wish-that the best of friends make the best of lovers?