Haunted Past

Ok, here's the second chapter and I'm glad that some of you seemed to like it so far! Thanks to you guys who reviewed and please continue! Anyway, here you go, tell me what you think.

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She hadn’t given him any time to respond at all to her statement. Soon after her maddening words she had had him sent away. He couldn’t even get his question to her as two of her guards ushered him from the room, blocking his view of her completely. He was being toyed with again, and he was almost at the end of his rope where this woman was concerned. Luckily they would be departing very shortly and then he wouldn’t have to deal with this obnoxious ordeal any longer.

Before he knew what had happened he was left on his own outside of her door, confused and angry he marched silently to his room. Her words hung over him as he prepared himself for bed in the dark spacious room. With a groan he crawled into the cold regal bed he had been assigned to. It was much more satisfying than anything the Vatican had to offer, but not even its luxuriousness could tempt him into a slumber. He couldn’t get his mind off of the Duchess and thoughts of Nora didn’t settle him. He missed her dreadfully and longed to hear her comforting voice telling him that this woman was only attempting to provoke him. The thought of her soft finger tips caressing against his forehead through his soft hair almost made him sigh. He could almost feel her now, the warmth from her body so close, the sound of her heart beat as she held him to her chest.

His deep green eyes began to lose focus and exhaustion settled into his limbs. Soon he would be back within the Vatican walls and in the arms of his lover. Things would undoubtedly quiet down once the Duchess was safely within the safety of Rome and Hugue would undoubtedly get time with Nora.

He could talk with her about this entire situation in less than a day. Maybe she could help him sort through this woman’s words and motives. For now however he didn’t want to think of the Duchess, he had spent the entire night with her after all.

He allowed his thoughts to drift to more satisfying things once again and soon drifted off to a light sleep.

It had felt like mere minutes when he was roused by the robotic voice of his companion.
“Father Hugue, we will be departing from the estate in one hour. The craft still requires inspection before we may leave.”

A sigh left him as he sat up wearily, glaring at his partner. Of course he was so awake, he was a machine. Sometimes he wished his arms weren’t the only thing not human about him. It would be nice. With a groan he pushed himself from the bed and prepared his things to leave. He made short work of his task and within minutes Gunslinger and himself departed to the air craft.

Tampering had become a common occurrence and every air craft had to be fully inspected by trusted officials. Since Gunslinger and he were her escorts, they would be the ones to inspect. Not only that, but Gunslinger would be the most efficient out of anyone in the vicinity.

Surprisingly it hadn’t taken long and before he knew it he was almost done. Without turning around he felt the machine approach him and stop at a decent distance, waiting for acknowledgement from the blonde.

Patiently he turned to regard him, and as suspected all was well.

“Report on the craft Tres.”

“Positive. There were no defaults within the craft. All machines are operating properly. No tampering detected.”

With a nod he left the android to monitor the loading of the ship as he left to retrieve the Duchess and her personal assistants.

No words were exchanged between them, yet he could still feel her presence envelope him. The sooner he was in Rome the better. Then he could finally be away from her for good, or at least distanced.

Without any problems the craft was boarded and they set off for Rome. It would only take about eight hours. He could last that long.

Hopefully.

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Nora walked quietly down the hall, ignoring the bright sunshine coming in through the massive windows. Her head throbbed at the insistent light cascading through the open windows and desperately she craved to go back to her dark room. Caterina had sent for her though, who knows what for, but she knew that arguing would get her nowhere. Besides, she didn’t really want her sister to know she wasn’t quite at her best. She had pretty much given up yelling and fussing for not being able to go on the mission so she would probably mistake her unusual appearance as defeat. Hopefully there was news as to the progress and if Hugue and Tres would be back soon.

Suddenly she was there, the door looming at her, waiting for her to enter into Caterina’s chambers and deal with another hour lecture about her conduct most likely. Esther had come to her earlier that morning and she had sent her away without being as polite as she should have been. With a sigh she grabbed the handle and pushed open the door, walking straight in and up to the desk her sister was sitting at.

She was perusing papers like usual, and for quite a while she merely let her stand there in complete silence. She swore she did it on purpose, it was some sort of tactic, and would make most people squirm in discomfort. For her she only found it irritating now.

Nora could swear the room was closing in on her. The room was drastically hot and she felt light headed suddenly. Irritation got the best of her when the silence was too much and without a second thought she addressed the Cardinal a bit harshly.

“WHAT!” she yelled, the Cardinal’s blonde head jerking up in surprise. A stunned expression came over her and Nora almost felt bad.

She changed her tone before speaking again.

“My apologies sister, it’s just that I am a little anxious.”

A smile came over the Cardinal and she set her papers down to turn her attention more properly to the woman standing in front of her desk. Of course she was, her lover had been gone for over two weeks and they hadn’t been able to be together for most likely a month due to the amount of work the Vatican had.

“It’s all right. I called you here so you could get preparations ready. The Duchess will be arriving today. I want you and Leon to ready the East corner room. Make sure the heavy drapes are up, and outside there will be tint added to the windows for extra precaution. Please over look that, I don’t want Leon to get distracted, it is of the utmost importance that everything runs smoothly.”

“Yes ma’am. I’ll go collect Leon and begin with the preparations. How soon with the Duchess be arriving?”

“Most likely in two hours.”

Nora nodded her understanding and began to leave, relieved that Esther hadn’t commented on her conduct, she probably thought she was just irritable due to the loss of her normal partner. Ah, her partner, that thought alone was enough to produce a smile on her face. Soon the mission would be over and the top priority would be the Duchess’s safety, which meant that most AX members would be confined to Vatican walls. She was feeling better all ready.

Caterina’s voice called to her once more though, “Nora, please make sure this gets done properly.”

She was a bit desperate in her tone. This must be quite important. With a nod she turned from her sister once more and retreated to find Leon.

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Somehow the flight had been a quick one. Of course that could be because he fell asleep through most of the flight. Before he knew it they were in Rome and the air craft had landed.

“Father Watteau we have landed ahead of schedule. We are now in Rome.” Slowly he let his eyes open to regard the android standing before him. Silently he rose from his position and exited the craft without a word to anyone.

The Duchess was successfully loaded into her carriage, Tres joining her as he quickly got into the other carriage to ride with her entourage. He wanted some time away from the Duchess after all. The journey to the Vatican went smoothly. Before he knew it the gates were in sight and he almost got out and ran through them out of anticipation. He was so close. He never imagined he would ever be so happy to be here, but everyone knew it wasn’t the Vatican he wanted to get to. At last the carriages pulled up to the steps and there was Caterina waiting their arrival.

Tres exited the first carriage the same time he did and together they helped the ladies out of the carriages. The Duchess walked away from Tres and approached him, taking his arm so he could lead her to the Cardinal. It was eerie, her touch. He wanted it to repulse him, but it didn’t. He had no idea why it was so hard to be disgusted with this woman, but no matter how hard he tried he almost enjoyed her around him. She wasn’t obnoxious really, even when she was asking him questions. No, he didn’t like her, but that was because she was a Methuselah and he had sworn to hate them all. Not that he would ever admit it to anyone, but the Duchess was probably the only vampire he would ever find suitable to be around. That unnerved him beyond belief, especially with the games she had been playing for the past week.

He turned to regard her and allowed her to take his arm more comfortably. Tres escorted the Duchess’s ladies to Caterina to get instructions as to where to take them. Once Tres departed he walked the Duchess to the Cardinal.

“Duchess, we are pleased to welcome you to the Vatican. How was your journey? Were there any problems?”

“No no, not at all. You sent me excellent guards, thank you for your kindness Cardinal. But I would like to retire to my room if at all possible; the sun is beginning to get to me. Perhaps we can begin our talks after I’ve rested.”

“Of course, Father Havel here will escort you to your chambers. I hope you find them to your liking. There will be guards posted outside of your doors, just let one of them know when you’re ready for us.”

“Of course. Thank you.”

She turned to Hugue and though he couldn’t see her face he felt her smile. Without another word she took Vaclav’s arm and let herself be led to her chambers for a rest.

Once she was clearly gone Caterina turned to regard him, stopping him from leaving to find Nora. She was deliberately torturing him, and he knew it.

“Report Father Hugue. Did everything go smoothly?”

“Yes my lady. Everything ran smoothly, there were no problems at all.”

“Very good.” She paused, gazing down at him.

He wasn’t fidgeting, but she knew on the inside he was anxious to get away from her and hunt down her sister. Taking pity on the priest she at last gave him a nod to dismiss him. She hadn’t ever seen someone move that fast in her life, not even Abel when food was involved.

“Oh Hugue,” she called out to him, making him stop dead in his tracks. “She’s around back making sure the East room is being prepared properly.

A smirk came to his face and with that he left Caterina to go inside alone.

The East room. There were a lot of trees around that room. How perfect he thought, a naughty smile curving his full lips.

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“Well Leon, is there much sunlight coming into the room?” Nora asked, holding her hand over her brow as she watched the workers layer on the tint for the windows.

It was ungodly hot outside and this had been taking forever, she felt as though she could pass out. Leon of course had messed around and now they were behind schedule which had left her outside for quite sometime now. Not only that but the Duchess would be here any minute. Caterina wasn’t going to be pleased.

“Excellent. That’s just enough. Oh don’t be so pissy Nora, we finished just in time. The Duchess just walked in.”

With that she watched the curtains close and could hear the Duchess speaking to Leon. Great, just what they all needed. The last person in the entire Vatican she needed to talk to was that man. She knew it was a bad idea to let him stand in the room. He should’ve been outside not her. The heat was smothering and she wasn’t sure if she would make it to the inside of the building without collapsing. She must be coming down with something. Again she cursed her ape of a partner. Had he just gone outside this wouldn’t be happening. Of course he had argued with her though, which wasted too much time and at last she had conceded and walked out into the inferno that was the Vatican grounds. Caterina was going to hear about this.

With a sigh she tucked her mouth piece down toward her chin, but left the ear piece on so she could still hear what was going on in the room. It didn’t sound very good in her opinion. Caterina was going to have a lot to explain to the Duchess.

“Ok, that’s enough. Thank you for all your hard work.” The workers turned to regard her and without another word they loaded up their equipment and left the premises.

At last she could get out of this heat. It hadn’t even entered her mind that the Duchess was there, meaning the mission was over. As she started to move sluggishly toward the building she heard something rustling in the bushes.

This couldn’t possibly be happening. They had been having problems with some of the children jumping the back gates in getting into the Vatican yard. With the immense heat the sensors were all messed up and sometimes the security would shut down at times. The professor said he was working on a solution, but for now Caterina had posted guards more securely at doors leading into the Vatican. It was too hot to put them along the wall, but everyone wasn’t supposed to leave the safety of the building without another person.

Now here she was, outside, alone. Rolling her eyes she walked toward the bushes to apprehend the little rascal pulling his prank. As she neared the area she had heard the noise come from a hand shot out, grabbing her roughly and pushed her face into the bark of a tall tree.

The East room was covered in trees and bushes, and from just the right angle you couldn’t see anything in them or past them. She was a dead woman. She tried to scream, but a hand was forcefully held over her mouth keeping any sound held in her panicked body. A tall strong body was pressed against her only adding to the heat she was overwhelmed with. She felt faint and lightheaded, her legs began to tremble under the weight of her exhausted body, but terror kept her awake. How could she have been so stupid, it was only a matter of time before a crazed maniac got over the walls?

She could feel his breath on her neck and slowly his other hand slid up her back to her neck. He wore no gloves and the feel of his cool hands felt good on her heated flesh. A sigh escaped her but her breath stopped in her throat as she felt his fingers slip over her earpiece removing it completely from her and dropping it to the ground at her feet. Well that was her last hope, but something was odd about this anyway. This person seemed familiar… wait… the Duchess… she was here… that meant…

‘Hugue.’ What a little bastard. Narrowing her eyes she let a smile curve her guarded mouth and without hesitation slipped her tongue to run over the man’s palm. A moan was loosed from him and her ear was treated to his assault.

He let the tip of his warm tongue trace the shell of her ear down to the soft spot behind her ear. Latching his lips to it he suckled upon her, letting his hand fall from her mouth.

“I’m so glad you’re back.” She murmured, pushing back against his body. She could feel him, he was ready for her. With a nip to her ear he grinding against her, snaking his hand to rest against her stomach, holding her to him fully.

“How did you know it was me?” she heard him ask, his voice husky in her ear sending a chill straight up her spine despite the heat. It had been so long since she had heard the gruffness in his voice and she practically melted in anticipation at what she knew he had in store for her.

“Oh please, I know these hands well.”

“Very true.” He murmured into her ear, sliding the hand that had covered her mouth to her neck, holding her head back toward his so he could look at her.

“Did I hurt you?”

“No, just startled me.”

“Shall I apologize then?” He murmured sliding his hand from her stomach up to grasp her breast, palming it gently.

It had been so long since his hands had touched her intimately and even through the clothes it felt perfect. His fingertips grazed ever so slightly over her nipple, and with that she could feel heat pool in her belly and she almost came right on the spot, but she knew he had more planned for her. Moaning softly she let her head tilt back more to rest on his shoulder, rolling to face him. His strong green gaze met hers and she melted under the intensity of his heated stare. His lips curved into a devious smile and slowly he descended upon her. She practically whimpered in anticipation for the touch of his lips.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, running his nose against hers, grazing her lips ever so slightly. She could feel his breath on her and the smell of him was overwhelming to her senses. This was torturous and achingly she moved toward him desperately craving a kiss.

His hand closed over her neck more securely, holding her in place. She was unable to move toward him. She grunted her disapproval and he merely smiled at her. The look of utter need was enough to undo him completely. He loved her this way, so desperate… so intoxicating. He couldn’t get enough of her. No matter how often they were together it was pure ecstasy each and every time.

Taking pity upon the frustrated woman he held and at last relieving his own desires he pressed his mouth to hers. A moan came from her and hungrily he slipped his tongue within her mouth without a bit of resistance. Evidentially she wasn’t in the mood to tease him in return. Good.

The taste of her was indescribable and a moan was pulled instantly from him, he knew it had been far too long. Without mercy he attacked her, sliding his tongue against hers passionately. Her hair was loose and free for his hands to slide into and tenderly he threaded his fingers through her golden locks and pulled her head back further, changing the angle letting him reach deeper into her moist cavern. She moaned quietly and sensuously he stroked her fully, tasting every inch she had to offer. She trembled in his arms and shakily pressed her body against his as best she could.

Without pulling from her mouth he gathered her skirts in his free hand, pulling them up her creamy skin until he held them hem in his palm. Slowly he let his fingertips trail over her quivering skin, gaining a desperate whimper from her. He had tortured her enough, and without another moment’s hesitation he let her skirts drop as he slid his hand inside them.

She tried to pull away from him, but he held her mouth steady against his continuing to explore her slowly. For a moment he pulled back, allowing her to breathe. Her eyes opened, glazed in her passion and lazily she smiled to him, enjoying the feel of his hands on her bare flesh. Sliding his hand up her thigh he let his palm cup her bare sex gently. A smile curved her lips as she watched the shock settle in over her lover, she wasn’t wearing anything under her clothes.

Hugue strained against his pants at the knowledge of how improper his lover was being. She was completely helpless within his grasp, but like usual she had undone him entirely, threatening to push him over the edge without knowing it at all. Heat flooded his veins and a desire so intense coursed through his very being. They didn’t have much time before someone would come looking for them, but he could at least have one pleasure before they had to go back inside. He didn’t care if the guards would hear either; she would scream him name when he was done with her.

“You’re always ready for me aren’t you?” Hugue all but growled this at Nora, sliding his finger inside of her wet lips, earning a strangled groan at his touch. All she could do was nod before he attacked her once again.

His fingers threaded into her hair tighter, pulling her head back so her mouth was where he wanted it as he slanted his own over hers demandingly.

She was on fire in more ways than one, but she managed to ignore the discomfort of the heat outside and concentrated fully on his skilled fingertips stroking her. The feel of his tongue greedily invading her mouth and the feel of his hands against her aching center was almost unbearable. She could feel another finger slide inside of her drenched flower and achingly she felt him slip both coated fingers inside of her body. She couldn’t breathe, it had been so long since she had been touched so and her body clamped down on him immediately. She was close, it wouldn’t take much more. Wrenching her head away she gasped in a deep breath, resting her head against the tree trunk and he pumped his slick fingers in and out of her quickly.

Shakily she glided against his invading digits, his hand on her hip steadied her and a whimper fell from her closed lips. The feel of his heavy body and the weight of her clothes and the heat he created within her body were almost too much for her to take. Surely she would die if something didn’t happen soon. Intense wasn’t the word to describe what he did to her. The feel of his breath against her ear and the wetness of his mouth suckling on her neck was utter bliss, it almost hurt. Still he wouldn’t touch her throbbing nub. That would be just enough, but he avoided it, torturing her with his actions. She knew her lover well; he wanted something, but what?

“Say it,” he whispered to her, stopping his movements. His tongue snaked out to lick her jaw as he pressed her hip down fully on the hand that invaded her. She screamed quietly, her hands coming up to grip against the bark of the tree, her nails digging in. She was trying desperately to move against him and to think of what he wanted. She couldn’t she was so unbearably close.

“Please…” she murmured as he rolled her hips against him, giving her the friction she craved, hoping that would appease him. He was the only person who could make her beg.

“My name… say my name.” he whispered, helping her, knowing just how close his little angel was. Once again he began thrusting his fingers deep inside of her tight passage quickly giving her the incentive to comply. She was in no mood to play today however; his name fell easily from her lips. How sweet it was.

“Hugue…” she groaned, feeling her climax bearing down at her, just waiting to smother her completely, relieved that he began his movements again.

“Once more.” He growled into her ear, biting down upon it as his thumb pressed harshly against her aching clit.

That was all she needed. His name was screamed from her lips as her orgasm claimed her. It felt as though her blood was boiling and suddenly she couldn’t see and her body crumbled to the ground beneath the intensity of her finish.

That was just what Hugue needed. It had been far too long since he touched her. Gently he lowered himself and the woman in his arms to the ground, ignoring his own need for the time being. He could have her tonight, but for now this was enough. It had been so long since he held her and he wanted that luxury at the moment. A smirk came to his face as he guided her head to rest against his chest; her eyes were closed to his and she was completely limp within his grasp.

She had passed out. Between the heat outside and their activities it had been too much.

Gently he wiped her matted hair from her forehead, gazing down upon her peaceful face. He allowed himself the pleasure of watching her a few moments more before he decided that he should get inside. Gathering his own strength he lifted his sated lover in his arms and snuck them into her room.

Shutting the door he laid her gently down on her bed, sinking down beside her, and waited for her to wake up.
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There it is... hope you enjoyed, let me know!

There is a point to this I promise!