17 comments/ 13786 views/ 42 favorites The Original Sin Ch. 01 By: damissita One afternoon I had come home from a run around the park and outside my apartment was a glass vase filled with two dozen beautiful red roses. Confused I thought it might have been a mix up between me and my neighbors but as a bent over to pick it up a tag attached to the vase caught my eye. On the crisp white card in elegant black cursive was my name. Evangeline. I had blushed, of course, I was very flustered entering my home that day. Never in my life had I received flowers, from anyone, ever. I had just turned twenty two and moved into my first apartment by myself in a town I didn't really know. And despite the protest from my very overprotective sister and mother I was determined to make the most of it. To be honest as flattered as I was I just wanted to find the person who had sent them and tell them that, while I was gracious that they had thought to send me such a beautiful gift, I didn't want whatever expectations came with it. I had placed the flowers on my kitchen table and picked up the card attached to the vase. On the inside were the words "Your smile is as beautiful as your soul". I won't lie. It warmed my heart that anyone would have noticed my smile none the less my soul. I didn't talk much at work and I didn't really have any close friends in college or high school that I still talked to. Which, meant that it must have been a joke, a prank maybe. But by who? Just like I didn't have friends I didn't have enemies either. I was alone except for my family and even they were two states away. I ended up ignoring the flowers and leaving them to wilt on my kitchen table. And a week later when I received another vase this time the note saying "seeing you makes me feel alive again" I ignored them too. As the months past it became a sort of routine. I would bring the flowers into my apartment from outside my door. Replace the dying ones from last week with ones I had brought in. I had even begun to fantasize about what my mysterious admirer looked like. Maybe I did have the time for a few dates after all. Especially with someone who could feel about me the way their notes expressed. The same notes that I kept in the drawer next to my bed. Some nights I'd take them out and read them over to myself. Just to make sure they were real. That someone could notice me. That someone did notice me. Running around the part always gave me a sense of release. It's not that a ran particularly fast, but I was in my own world. A world where I was untouchable. A world where it was better to be alone then to have to deal with someone next to you trying to talk your ear off. Slowing down to a light jog I wiped the sweat from my brow and approached one of the parks drinking fountains. Gulping down the cool liquid I almost didn't hear someone calling my name. I looked up noticing someone jogging over to me. I stood up and eyed the man approaching my warily. "You're the librarian at the library on Jackson street right?" he asked, his breath labored from the short jog over to me. "I'm one of them yes." I crossed my arms in from of me. Looking around the park quickly. There were people around close enough to see if something happened. "Right my daughter told me that you came to her school to talk to her class about getting a library card and now she won't stop talking about it." He gave me a wiry smile that reeked of exasperation. "But I guess there are worst things that she could be caught up on right." "Ha-ha yeah that is true." I gave him a small smile. "Is she here with you?" because if she wasn't I had no idea how he would have known who I was. "Yeah she's over there with her mother and she pointed you out to me." He pointed behind him to the right and I spotted to figures sitting on a bench. The shorter one, obviously the daughter could been seen throwing bread crumbs at a gaggle of ducks in front of her. "I was just wondering about the card. Is it true that It's free or do you also have to pay a membership fee?" The man was looking at me intently as my attention was snapped back to him. "Well sir as a way to get younger kids in the middle and elementary schools reading more we offer free memberships as long as you bring in a proof of enrollment from the surrounding schools. Such as a class schedule or school id." The man looked troubled and he stayed quite for a few. "Will a report card work? Her school doesn't give out schedules or ID's." "Yes that should be fine." I had forgotten that most elementary schools on this area didn't give out ID's. "Ok. Sounds good, thanks for the information and enjoy your run." I watched as he ran back over to his family, picking up his daughter from behind the bench and spin her around. I smiled at the sight before continuing my run in the same direction at before. When I had come home from the library later that afternoon just like the first day it started a vase of two dozen pristine red roses stood in front of my door. Bringing them in I placed them on the counter. With a rush of giddiness that I hadn't felt in god knows now long I snatched the little white card from the vase. "Don't talk to other men." The words were slanted, rushed it seemed like. And angry. The word 'don't' gone over so many times I was surprised that they didn't make a hole in the note. I was even more surprised by the hurt that clenched my gut. The number of excuses that crossed my brain. It wasn't even like that. I didn't approach him he came to me. I was uncomfortable with the situation. I- Wait. What the fuck was I doing? Trying to explain myself to... what a fucking piece of paper? Gone was the hurt. Replaced now by blazing anger. Standing up I haphazardly grabbed the vase in my arms spilling water all over my legs. Ripping open my door with a strength I didn't know I had my bare feet slapped against the metal stair case as all but ran down towards the communal garbage dump. I ignored the chilled wind brushing against my bare shoulders and when I was a few feet away I chucked the vase flowers and all into the open lid of the dumpster. I listened for the satisfying sound of glass breaking before marching back into my apartment feeling overly content with my actions. But the flowers kept coming and every time I left for work there was a new vase waiting outside my door. Every note worst the one before it. "I'm watching you." "STOP throwing out my roses!" "Don't cry my love, I hate seeing you cry." "I will make you feel better." "I'm coming to get you!" It had gotten so bad that I didn't want to leave my apartment at all. I called in sick and stayed at home wrapped up in my comforter with my curtains drawn. Then as I was in my kitchen I heard a shuffling outside my door. I listened to see if they would move past my door maybe on their way to a neighbors or something but the steps paused. And I heard the clink of glass on cement. He was there. Outside my door. Leaving those damn flowers that bad me afraid to leave my room. I didn't even give a second to think when I walked to the door. I didn't falter in my movement as my hand twisted the doorknob. And didn't halt the anger I wasn't aware had been seeping under my skin like lava until my eyes met the piercing greens of the man knelt down at my feet. He stood up, towering over my five foot two inches by at least another foot. His blonde mane was pulled into a low pony behind his back underneath a khaki colored cap. He smiled at me, the vase still wrapped around one arm. Apparently he had picked it back up after resting it in front of my door. "Nice to finally meet you Evangeline." His voice was smoother than silk as he extended his hand to me. I stared at it as if it was covered in maggots. "And you must be my stalker." I spat out. The smile fell from his face and he lowered his arm slowly. I saw something, maybe annoyance, flash in his eyes before he let out a small chuckle. "Well I've been called a few things but uh that's a first." He adjusted his cap with his free hand. "Actually my name is Adam. And I deliver flowers." He said while tapping the right side of his chest where a logo that stated Ciderman Flowers had been printed. I narrowed my eyes at the logo and then at his face. "Then how do you know my name?" He held up familiar white card and pointed to the black ink. "I mean I don't read inside the card but it's kinda hard to miss that." Oh. "Right." I flushed embarrassed at my actions. I opened my mouth to apologize but was cut off before I could make a sound. "Oh and before you ask I only know where you live because it's my job to know. As in my job as a delivery man, not a stalker" I could literally feel my face burning. "Right...I'll just uh take those now." He raised an eyebrow at me before handing the flowers over. "Sorry for the...um ...mix up." He looked like he was about to say something else but I closed the door and let my forehead lean against it. There was a pause and then a shuffling outside the door that I assumed was him leaving. Turning around and sliding my back against the door until I was sitting in an L position I let out a groan while placing the flowers next to me. Way to make a fool of yourself Evangeline. I brought my knees to my chest and banged my head against them lightly. Looking over towards the vase my eyes zeroed in on the note card. Strangely over the next few months I would see Adam almost daily around my apartment complex. I found out, after getting over the embarrassment of our first meeting enough to talk to him, that the company that be worked for was in charge of the renovations in the landscape of my complex. So to earn a little extra money he was helping out when deliveries were slow. It was almost as if things had gone back to normal. The flowers still came of course but to my relief the notes were blank every time. Actually it was almost as if Adam were giving me the flowers himself. A prospect that I didn't mind at all. The times when he'd deliver the flowers and I'd be home I'd invite him in and we would sit and talk about anything and everything until the sun set through my kitchen window. It was a Tuesday. Three days before I had final worked up the courage to ask Adam over for dinner which had been set for tonight. I was at a local farmers market just blocks away from my building, picking out some fresh meat and vegetables. Luckily for me my neighbor had offered up her sixteen year old son to help me take the bags back to my apartment. Jimmie didn't seem to be too happy to be pulled away from his video games, so for his sake I didn't take too long. Jimmie and I walked up to my apartment building. Outside I saw Adam pulling weeds from the flowerbed on the side of the building. I called his name and waved watching as his head snapped up and turned towards me. I saw a smile tug at his lips before his eyes shifted towards Jimmie. His face view stony and I looked back at Jimmie to see if the boy had done something to make him upset. Jimmie wasn't even looking in Adams direction and when I looked back Adam had already resumed his task. Though with more severity than before. Jimmie shifted the bags in his hands and cleared his throat. Sending one last glance towards Adam I opened my building doors for Jimmie and followed him in. I thanked him as he put the paper bags on to the kitchen table and left. I glanced at the roses on my table as I took the carton of milk from one of the plastic bags. This one had arrived just three days ago the note again blank as if my stalker had run out of things to say. My phone rang and I glanced at the caller ID. It was my sister. I let out a sigh and picked up. "No Emily, its nothing for you to worry about." I said as I leaned against my kitchen counter top, already guessing what she was going to say before she said it. The phone was held in between my shoulder and ear as I washed my plate and cup in the sink. "Could you just tell me what going on? I mean really texting me in the middle of the day asking me if I've been sending you flowers for the past half a year. That weird. What wrong with the flowers and how do you know they are even for you? Maybe they are just a mistake. They're probably for your neighbors, you know." "They have my name on it em. I just thought it might have been you and John playing a stupid joke. Honestly it's not that bad. Besides I sent you that text weeks ago." "John and I have better things to do then send you flowers for six straight months little sis, like planning a wedding, which by the way is the reason it took me so long to respond to you. Ugh I can't take this stress. Maybe mom was right you might be a little too young to live on your own. Listen pack some stuff up and I'll have John take the trip down to get you this weekend." " Emily, I'm nineteen I can take care of myself, it's just a couple of flowers that's all. I'm not leaving my apartment." I contemplated taking the phone away from my ear as her voice raised in volume. "If it were just a couple of flowers then you wouldn't have texted. I know you better than that Evie. You make it sound like you're being stalked. Is that what it is cause now I'm definitely gunna tell John to come get you. And you need to call the police pronto. " I let out a sigh. Now I have her started. "I really shouldn't have called you Em. Sorry to worry you." I hung up the phone and rinsed the soap off of my dishes. With my luck she'd speed dial mom and then I'd have to deal with her going off in my ear. A few hours later and thankfully no call from mom, I heard the doorbell ring and tuned off the oven. Just in time. I opened the door tentatively I peeked through the crack. It was Adam of course holding a bouquet of roses in his hands a charming smile on his face. He must have gotten over whatever had upset him earlier. I opened the door wider to let him in. He walked in and presented the flowers to me. "Flowers, from your impatient lover" he said with a wink. "I wouldn't call him that." I muttered shoving the disappointment to the back of my mind. "Impatient?" "My lover." I said dryly turning away from him. "Let me go put these somewhere special." Like the garbage can. "You should smell them first. The scent has been genetically modified." He shot me an encouraging grin. I raised an eyebrow." I guess some people don't think that roses actually smell good naturally." I laughed and shook my head. Leaning closer I inhaled the sweet aroma of the altered roses. My mouth watered at the honeyed fragrance and I inhaled again practically shoving the roses in my face. "Good right, I even brought plant feed along so they would last longer" he patted his pockets and frowned. "Crap I must of left in the car. I be right back." He held out his hand in a 'don't move' motion and walked out the door. I walked into the kitchen with a dreamy smile on my face. Unwrapping the plastic surrounding the flowers I almost slipped on the note that had fallen to the ground. I bent over and picked it up. Noticing a little dirt on the inside I opened it it wipe it off. The flowers feel from my hand as I stared at the note in horror. "You Are Mine." Dropping the note I turned around and rushed out the door. I had to find Adam. That was a threat. I wasn't stupid. It was a threat against me and Adam and oh god why. Why couldn't they leave me alone? My eyes burned as tears gathered in my eyes. I brought my arm up to clear my blurry vision. And screamed when someone grabbed hold of my shoulders. "Hey hey hey, calm down eve it's me." I stopped struggling when I made out Adams voice which was full of worry. "Eve what's the matter with you?" "Adam the note. I was so worried about you...I can't do this anymore my sister was right I have to get to the police." I looked into his calm eyes and frowned. Did he not get it? My heart was pounding against my chest and I could hear it loudly in my ears. "Shhhhh" he rubbed up and down my arms and pulled me towards him. "Calm down it will be ok nobody is going to the police." I tried to pull away from him "no you don't understand." He kept me to him. "Shhhh just take few seconds to slow down ok" he rubbed my back in a comforting manner. As annoyed as I was getting from him shushing me my body listened to him. My heart slowed down and my breathing evened out. "That's good. Do you feel better?" I nodded into his chest. "Good," he pulled away from me and looked into my tear stained eyes. He was so calm and even though I was grateful for it. I didn't understand it. My head felt foggy. I looked away from his eyes a shook my head to try to clear it. It didn't work. "Adam we need-" He placed his thumb on my bottom lip and I stopped talking to look back at his face. His eyes were smoldering. Burning with a hunger I hadn't seen in him before. Or maybe I wasn't looking. In seconds Adam's hand wrapped around my hair and he crushed his lips to mine. He let out a low groan as he backed me into the brick wall of my building. My mind was running sluggishly slow as I tried to comprehend what was going on. My body felt like my nerves we pulsing sending tiny electric shocks down in between my legs. His other hand found its way underneath my shirt rubbing a nipple through the thin fabric of my bra. "Adam?" It had meant to pose a question but it came out like a breathy moan instead. He parted my lips with vigor twisting his tongue into my mouth. The feel of velvet twisting and massaging my own tongue caused me to moan out for real this time. Chuckling he stepped back from me. I slid down the wall, my legs to unsteady to hold myself up. My body now felt like it was weighed down by sand bags. Adam squatted in front of me. Pathetically I tried to move towards him only for me to fall forward almost hitting my face if he hadn't caught me by my shoulders. He brought one hand up to caress my face as I tried to focus my eyes on his. I couldn't my vision was too blurry and I found that each time I blinked to clear it, the harder it was to open my eyes again. "Oh Evangeline." I closed my eyes as his hand traveled to my hair petting it softly before taking the hair closest to my skull in a savage grip. He yanked my head towards him and I felt his breath against my ear. "I thought I told you not to talk to other men." He let me go and I passed out before my head hit the floor. The Original Sin Ch. 01 Marguerite was never quite sure what made her stir from the mists of darkness that enveloped her mind. The faint echoes of female whimpering or the insistent whispering of her name. A light tapping of her face strengthened the effort to open her eyes, the struggle against heavy lids for vision. "William..what is happening?" Marguerite could not recognise her voice, a slurred wisp. William had a wild look of despair in his eyes. "I am so sorry. I should never have..." "Troubled by doubts, my dear Strafford?" The note of mockery was unmistakable in the strange disembodied voice that suddenly rang out. William visibly stiffened at the sound of the voice. "Please, let us stop this. She has not seen any of the members nor does she know what is taking place," William pleaded as he turned to face the speaker. Marguerite faintly glimpsed a masked figure all in black that stood to the front of William. Abruptly aware of the strange surroundings, Marguerite tried to focus on the flickers of light on the unfamiliar walls. Walls that looked roughly hewn out of stone. The first slivers of panic sliced through her. "Have you forgotten, my dear Strafford, how you were ranting about this whore just this fortnight past. How this faithless whore threw you over for a duke." The ugly sneer was clear. "Have you grown soft? Remember, she weds Monmouth in a week." William's face flushed a dark red as he snapped at the figure in black. "I recall all of that perfectly, but this was not what I had in mind when you proposed punishment. Nor did I think that this was what the Brotherhood meant." Cold steel ran in the dark figure's voice as he gripped William's shoulder. "It is too late, my dear Strafford. The brothers have gathered and I would not try to deny them if I were you." The slump in William's shoulders reflected the triumph in the figure's voice. "What is happening, William?" Panic lent strength to her voice as Marguerite tried to make sense of a situation that was rapidly becoming sinister. The tears gathering in William's eyes as he stared in defeat made her blood run cold. Suddenly, she noted what had been a niggling thought at the edge of her mind. He was in black robes like the strange figure, only his face was not covered by a mask. "Ahh, my dear, you've woken from your slumber in time to join us for the main event of our congregation." As he drew closer, Marguerite noticed the ornate black mask that obscured half of the man's face, leaving only a glimpse of thin lips drawn into an ugly sneer beneath cold eyes. Eyes hidden in the shadows of the mask tied tightly over a head of light brown hair. "Welcome, my brothers, as we celebrate this holy day, you are all invited to partake of this feast that our new member has provided for us as a fitting end to his novitiate." The flare of light, as numerous candles were brought into the dark room, illuminated the dark room. However, the light did little for Marguerite, who found herself staring into a pit of black despair as she noted the group of nine men in masks and full black robes with the sign of a flame emblazoned on the front of their robes and masks. They were flanked by a larger group of men dressed in black shirts and breeches loosely secured by black ties roped around them. Her eyes widened as she glimpsed the origin of the whimpers that prompted her return to consciousness. Stretched out and bound to wooden pillars on a raised platform was the lithe figure of her cousin, Cicely. Uncomprehending terror stared out of those beautiful green eyes, so like her own, as barely muffled screams alternating with whimpers streamed out of her gagged mouth. Recollection descended swiftly to fill the blank of Marguerite's mind as she took in details of the scene before her. William had begged for a meeting near the gardens they frequented as children after she had rejected his numerous letters pleading for her to call off the wedding. She had brought her maid and Cicely who was curious about his persistence, having met William briefly at her first ball in the last month. William had launched into the usual pleas and despite her kind intentions, Marguerite was starting to feel irritated. Before she could make her excuses and politely leave, they were set upon by three men, whose faces were concealed by handkerchiefs. As she started to scream, a damp sweet smelling cloth was pressed to her face and all faded into darkness. As realisation dawned, Marguerite turned her head to stare accusingly at her childhood friend, who was studiously avoiding her eyes. "Why?" The question went unanswered as regret flashed across William's face. The sneering figure in black stroked his fingers down Marguerite's chest, bringing instant recognition of her state of undress. Panic coursed through her veins as she realised she was bound like her cousin and spread naked in front of the restive, leering male audience. The smell of fear mixed with that of male arousal as Marguerite struggled in vain with the ties that bound her to the wooden pillars of the surface she was laid out upon. The sneering figure raised the wooden support under Marguerite's neck and shoulders, giving her a clearer of the audience and her cousin. "You should not waste your energy, my dear. You will want to conserve your strength for enjoying the festivities of the night," he mocked as he proceeded to pinch her nipple. He cruelly increased the pressure of his grasping fingers as pain flashed in her eyes. "No!" That scream merely brought laughter from the male audience surrounding her. Another figure in black emerged from the group and addressed the audience. The air of command was unmistakable in his stance. Light reflected off his blonde hair and the ring on his hand, swallowed eventually by the black robes that swirled around him. "Our brothers, as you have probably heard, our latest member and the master celebrant have arranged a surprise for our celebration this Midsummer's Eve," he announced amid cheers from the audience. "However, this surprise necessitates some special rules." Looking at each of the leaders, he continued in deliberate, harsh tones that brooked no argument. "This lady is the reserve of the leadership of our brotherhood and the member whose guest she is. No one, not even the leadership, is allowed to leave bruises on her in any way." He held up his hand as murmurs swept through the crowd, halting the rising dissent that had the sneering figure starting forward in protest. "You do not wish to challenge me, do you, master celebrant?" The menace in his voice and manner warded off further protest from the brown-haired figure with the ugly sneer. Sulking, the master celebrant backed off with obvious reluctance. Hope rose in Marguerite's heart as she pleaded with the blonde leader who was inexplicably familiar. "Please, please, cease this and release us, we will never mention this to anyone." The blonde man visibly winced as he cast his eyes upon Marguerite and glanced round the audience. In a soft voice laced with regret that reached only her ears, he crushed the last flickers of hope in her breast. "I am sorry, my dear, making you the reserve is the best I can do. There is nothing I can do to completely deny the brotherhood its enjoyment of the Midsummer feast." As Marguerite's eyes went flat with despair, he sought to increase what little comfort he could throw her way. "I will not be part of it, but I cannot say the same for the rest of the leaders or," he flicked a scornful glance in William's direction, "indeed, your friend who has brought you and your companions as sacrifice on this day." Marguerite turned her head away in fear and despair. The clink of cups brought her attention back to the scene. The sneering figure was raising a toast, "Drink up my brothers, for our annual feast shall begin." Marguerite raised her head and stared in horror as the men swallowed drams of powder mixed into their cups of mead. Only the blonde leader abstained. The smell of male arousal rose and was overwhelming as the front of their robes tented with obvious animal desire. Despite her determination not to allow visible signs of her fear to appear in front of the audience, the blonde leader saw the slight trembling that had began in her limbs. Taking pity on her, he brought a cup to her lips. "Drink this, it will help. A sedative has been added and it will help with the pain. You do not want to be fully conscious for what is to come." Although she turned her head away from the cup, the man held her nose and forced half the liquid down her throat. The glint that played off the ring caught her attention, but the numbing effect of the drink and drug took effect even as she tried to recall where she had seen the ring. A terrifying scream tore through the air as the blonde leader turned away from Marguerite. Her head whipped round as a scene of terror unfolded before her eyes. The sneering figure had taken off her cousin's gag even as he bent and bit savagely into Cicely's breast. When he lifted his cruel mouth, blood started to well around Cicely's left nipple. Cicely's voice pitched higher as she begged him piteously between sobs. "Please cease, please.. I am untouched.. please..." Her attacker paid no need to her cries. He had parted his robes with one hand and was stroking the weapon between his legs with the other. It was an ugly red monster curved like a scimitar that leaked whitish fluid as it grew more erect. Cicely's cries and struggles became frantic as she stared in horror as the weapon between her assailant's legs as he advanced upon her. Marguerite closed her eyes in helpless despair even as Cicely wailed. "Save me, Marguerite! God, please save us!" The attacker paused only to gesture an offer to the blonde leader to begin the proceedings. Upon the refusal of the leader, he advanced on his prey with a cruel smile of anticipation. "You would do better to pray that Priapus and Dionysus do not visit a babe upon you after we initiate you on this holy eve!" Cicely's prayers turned into choked screams as the cruel assailant threw himself upon her and brutally thrust himself into the tender nether lips and rammed past her maidenhead. As he pounded her relentlessly, screams of pain erupted from Cicely's throat, which, perversely, excited the rest of the group. They stroked themselves, groaning lewdly as they watched the male figure bite and grope Cicely's white breasts whilst he battered her lower portal. The animalistic shout he gave as he came inside Cicely was echoed by their cheers as he collapsed upon the shaking girl. Cheers that turned into unrestrained lust as Marguerite's maid, Mary was dragged naked into the crowd and bent over the platform next to Cicely. Two impatient members of the audience began savaging Mary. When he finally pulled out of the poor girl, a stream of blood and cum dribbled out of Cicely's bruised nether lips. Smiling cruelly at both women, the rapist walked towards Cicely's face, contorted in pain and overrun with tears. "You will clean me with your mouth and do not think of biting me unless you want a further lesson in pain." Cicely's face was obscured from Marguerite's view as the rapist thrust his weapon into her mouth. Another leader took his place between Cicely's thighs and resumed her torture. Marguerite had squeezed her eyes close, refusing to bear witness to her cousin's ordeal. Her eyes sprang open, however, as she felt something slap her cheek. She opened her eyes to find the ugly weapon of Cicely's first assailant in her face as he leered at her. "Your friend has made me hard again to plough your noble little cunt, should you not thank her?" The rapist mockingly asked. Marguerite steeled herself for what was to come. Yet, the brutal thrust of his male weapon into Marguerite's dry portal tore a muffled scream from her throat. The attacker stared down at himself, seeing no visible signs of a ruptured maidenhead. "So the rumours are true, you are no virgin, you are a dirty whore!", he leered as he laughed derisively in the direction of William. "She's been plying her wares to the duke, my friend. You were right to bring her in for our feast. We will punish this dirty whore as we enjoy a duke's preserve!" Marguerite sought to detach herself as the assault continued, willing her body into unresponsive numbness and filling her mind with images of her fiancé's beautiful, kind face. When her attacker grunted and came in her, she barely flinched. Even as the rest of the leaders took their turns rutting on her, she was unresponsive. Only when William took his place between her thighs, did she allow any expression to cross her face. The look of contempt perversely triggered the hidden cruelty in William, who poured the rage, jealousy and disappointment of the last months into his rape of the woman he believed he loved above himself. Mindless thrusting and punishing her, he came without joy. Terrible shame followed as he snapped out of his madness and was aware of Marguerite's scorn and hatred. He looked down at himself with disgust as cum dripped off him. "I_I_ am so sorry..." he stuttered. "You animal..." Marguerite spat out before merciful darkness claimed her. Searing pain brought Marguerite back to the nightmarish world she had briefly escaped. The source of it was made clear when she raised her head and saw the red brand on her left thigh, it was the flame that marked the masks and robes of the Brotherhood. They had marked her like an animal. Before pain sent her back into oblivion, Marguerite glanced round and glimpsed the horror that had been visited upon Cicely. Blood smeared her mound and covered her legs, forming a pool intermingled with white cum. Her pale, lithe form was covered in bruises and bites. Her swollen mouth covered in crusts of dried blood and cum. Her eyes, while open, were blank and unseeing. Only the slight rise of her chest as she breathed indicated any signs of life. Even when they applied the brand to her, Cicely made no sound. Mary, who appeared in a similar state, had curled up, her limbs not being bound to the pillars as Marguerite's and Cicely's were. Her eyes were closed as tremors shook her body and her face contorted in pain. A hoarse croak of pain barely audible came from the girl as they branded her. "I said no one was to leave any marks on her," the blonde leader roared in fury as he returned and saw the brand that had been applied to Marguerite. The argument between the leadership made little impression on Marguerite as darkness started to reclaim her senses. When Marguerite woke to the new dawn on the steps of her fiancé's residence, she found herself gripped in his shaking embrace.The new dawn had brought the darkness of the new life that one fateful night had bestowed upon her. The Original Sin Ch. 02 Ultimately, it was the stab of light that tore at the veil of darkness Marguerite had chosen to draw over her consciousness. The veil that blocked out the pain. The pain of memories, the pain that wrecked her body, the pain that was barely concealed in Henry's eyes every time she regained consciousness and gazed at his face. She did not wish to confront the darkness that had been visited upon her scarcely a month ago. She chose the darkness of sleep and oblivion. Burrowing deep into that black pit, she wished it would allow her to deny the tragedy of her continuing existence. And a tragedy it was, a lesson her own family taught her in recent weeks. She remembered the first meeting with her parents after she was returned to Henry's estate. While her parents had been civil in Henry's presence, it had been very different when Henry excused himself to allow them some privacy. Her mother had dissolved into tears as she decried her misfortune in having such a daughter that brought disgrace and misfortune to the family. Growing increasingly hysterical, Lady Crofts asked what had been so wrong in Marguerite's conduct that brought such disaster upon her and her companions. The blame that Cicely's parents had heaped upon Lady Crofts for their daughter's suffering was unloaded in its entirety upon Marguerite. Not quite believing her ears, Marguerite looked to her father. A glance at his implacable expression made Marguerite's heart sink. Deliberately avoiding even looking in her direction, Lord Crofts announced in a dispassionate and cold voice that Marguerite was henceforth on her own, disavowed by the family and forbidden to contact or make claims on them. Stunned into silence, Marguerite tried to defend herself. "Why? Why are you doing this to me?" "It is not my lack of...morals, or my behaviour that brought this disaster. It was William, the son of your friend, who caused this. He kidnapped Cicely, Mary and me and offered us to the Brotherhood... All because I refused his offer of marriage." Marguerite fairly screamed those last words as tears obscured her view of her parents. Her father's shaking of his head and the look of disbelief on his face brought a wave of nausea that almost overwhelmed Marguerite. "No, William is too honourable a young man to have done what you accuse him of. I have known his father for decades, his son will never do something so despicable. Marguerite, how could you cast such imputations upon the character of such an honourable gentleman just to save yourself. Do you really think anyone will believe the lies you weave?" The look of disgust and the cruel sneer upon her father's face, accompanied by her mother's endless sniffles, made Marguerite double over in dry heaves. Fortunately, she was spared the need to respond by Henry's sudden entry. The punch he threw at Lord Crofts made it clear he had heard much of the conversation. "What is the meaning of this, your Grace? Surely, you do not believe the lies of this little trollop. She is merely attempting to rescue herself." "You, sir, will leave my estate and never set foot upon it for the rest of your life. And if you ever besmirch Marguerite with your blind aspersions, you will suffer the consequences." "Your Grace, surely you do not believe her or intend to continue the engagement, not when she has been so disgraced. She will only bring dishonour upon you." Lord Crofts continued unwisely, as he lay sprawled across the floor. "You will leave before you test my patience any further. I will communicate in future only through my solicitors." Henry pronounced coldly as the sputtering Lord Crofts was assisted by his wife. "And Crofts," the duke continued, fixing his glare on the man who he once regarded as his future father. "You will do as I say or face ruin. And you know I am certainly capable of ruining you." Henry watched dispassionately as Lord Crofts paled. The old man evidently wanted to defend himself but thought the better of it and scurried out the door with his wife. The tension in Henry's shoulders ebbed slightly as he turned back to Marguerite, whose dry heaving had turned to silent tears. Uncertain of what he could possibly say to comfort her, Henry could only hold her till her tears ceased. When Marguerite moved out of his embrace to sit upright, Henry spoke his first words after the altercation with her parents. "My love, have no fear, I will ensure your family accepts you once again. I will do all within my power.." Marguerite's finger against his lips stopped Henry from speaking further. " No, Henry. That is of little use, I have lived among strangers all my life it seems and I have no wish to foist myself upon them any longer." The silent question of what Marguerite's future would be lingered in the air between them. Aware that Marguerite did not wish to address that issue at present, Henry gave Marguerite her dose of sleeping draught that had become almost customary. Trying not to show his awareness of her shrinking away from his touch, Henry pressed a chaste kiss to Marguerite's forehead before leaving the chamber. *** The hysterical screams and sobs that echoed through the mansion brought Marguerite to her feet. Tearing through the hallway, she reached the guestroom where two maids, with the assistance of Mary, were trying to restrain Cicely who was in one of her outbursts that had grown more frequent in recent days. "Begging pardon milady, Miss is trying to throw herself out the window again." A maid tried to explain after Marguerite had helped calm Cicely as they coaxed and put her back in bed. The pain etched on Cicely's face and the wild state of her hair brought new pain to Marguerite. Biting back useless tears, Marguerite stroked Cicely's hair, noting the new spots of blood that dotted Cicely's nightgown. Without flinching, Marguerite looked to check that the stitches on Cicely's mound had not been torn in one of her frenzied outbursts as had happened only three days ago. Cicely was starting to heal physically but Marguerite feared the same could not be said for her mind. Noting the worry on Marguerite's face, Mary tried to reassure her mistress. "My lady, do not worry, time will heal us all." Grateful for the loyalty of her maid where only condemnation came from her own family, Marguerite hugged the maid who was barely a year older than her. "Are you still troubled by those night fears?" Marguerite asked with trepidation, knowing all three were plagued by night fears frequently in their first weeks of recovery. Mary shook her head even as her trembling hands proved her lie. "Mary, you need not comfort me by concealing those fears," Marguerite said softly as she gripped her maid's hands. "No, my lady, they are truly fading. I...I am uneasy because I have not had my courses since...since that night." Staring in horror at Mary, Marguerite realised the import of her words. At Mary's pointed glance at Cicely, Marguerite's horror grew. With some effort, Marguerite stemmed the bile that threatened to rise and reassured the worried maid that she would find a solution. *** Marguerite was not surprised to find Henry waiting for her outside the guestroom. They had become accustomed to these night rituals, Marguerite thought with bitter irony. The lines of exhaustion that ran along Henry's beautiful face brought a familiar ache to Marguerite's chest. They also brought an understanding that the present situation was untenable. Marguerite's request to retire to the study for a discussion surprised Henry. Seeing the firmness and resolve in her expression that had disappeared since that disastrous night brought both relief and unease to Henry. As he watched Marguerite seat herself across from him, Henry felt himself dreading what she had to say. Forcing herself to get the words out of her mouth rapidly, Marguerite spoke without hesitation, avoiding Henry's gaze. "Henry, you must announce that our engagement is off." Holding up her hand to forestall his protest even as Henry jumped to his feet, Marguerite soldiered on. "You must, Henry. You know, the ton has heard the gossip that has spread since that morning I arrived on your doorstep with Cicely and Mary." "You know I do not care for the ton or its opinion-" "I care, Henry. And unless you wish to increase my misery, you will not insist on continuing our engagement. For all purposes, Marguerite Crofts, your fiancée, has ceased to exist since the attack." "No, you are alive and I still love you, that is all that matters." "Stop fooling yourself, Henry. You know that even your position and power cannot completely protect me from society. The best I can hope for is to disappear from society and for all to regard Marguerite Crofts as one who has never existed in this world." "No! That cannot be. I will not allow that! No one would dare to insult me or my family, they will accept what I say." Glancing with weariness at her fiancé, Marguerite knew he was in denial. "You know the truth is far from what you have said. The ton will condemn me if I dare to defy the rules and reenter society. A ruined woman will never be accepted back into its fold. This is something we have to accept. Not even a duke can change that." Grasping desperately for a solution, Henry's next words came without thought. "Why will you not reveal the names of your attackers? Surely you know some of them. Was William Wentworth not one of them? Marguerite, I heard his name among others that you kept repeating when you were in a delirium those first days after you returned. Once they are brought to justice, things will be..." Henry's voice trailed off as even he realised how impractical his words were. No, Marguerite was right, the ton would never accept her again, however unjust it may be. "Henry, you have seen how my own father reacted to the truth I revealed of William. Do you really think society will react differently? Gentlemen are rarely doubted or blamed but for women, that is hardly the case. They will excuse William and the Brotherhood, but they will never excuse me for my loss of virtue even if I did not cause it." "Henry, you must let me go. I could not bear it if I dragged you into the mud along with me." The stubborn set of Henry's jaw told Marguerite he was unconvinced. Swiftly snatching up the sharp letter opener on his desk, Marguerite held it to her neck before Henry could react. "Promise me, Henry, you will make the announcement soon." Fearful of triggering an act of desperation, Henry sought to distract Marguerite. "Where can you possibly go? You have seen your parents' reactions, they will not offer you safe haven." "They will, if you convince them. I doubt my father prefers ruin to sacrificing a small estate. Swear you will do what I ask of you, now, Henry." Henry nodded slowly, hoping to placate her. Even as Henry's hands wrestled with hers for control of the letter opener, Marguerite stared intently at his face and features, etching his image into her memory for all the lonely years that stretched in front of her in her mind's eye. Henry's triumph at having successfully gaining control over her weapon was short-lived. "Henry, remember your vow. You must fulfill your oath. If you do not, you will find me dead. You may watch me to prevent that but you cannot watch me all the time. " The steely look in Marguerite's eyes made Henry realise she was deadly serious. Crushing her frail frame to his, he cried, "How am I to live the rest of my life without you? It is too much to ask of me. Please..." Restraining the emotions and tears that threatened her resolve, Marguerite replied shakily. "We will learn to live without each other if that is what it takes to ensure you are untouched by this horror." Meaning to offer only consolation, Marguerite lifted her lips to Henry's for the first time since the attack. The bittersweet kiss exploded into carnal desire as Marguerite sought to push the awful memories of the attack out of her head and Henry sought to reclaim what was his. As his lips trailed down her neck and his hands caressed her nipples into aching points, Marguerite drew back as apprehension filled her. Henry looked up with some disappointment, but concern quickly tempered his rampant desire. "Did I cause you pain? I am sorry. Is it too soon?" "No, no..." Marguerite moved to reassure him. "Do-ddon't you find me dirty? All those men..that night," she asked hesitatingly, her eyes cast down, in fear of seeing disgust enter his face. Lifting her chin, Henry stared into the face of his beloved fiancée and said steadily, "No. And nothing will ever change what is between us. I was the first to take you and since then, nothing has or will ever stand between us." With tears in her eyes, Marguerite moved sensually down the front of Henry. She knew her boldness pleased him as he sprang to life in her hands when she freed him from his dressing gown. Staring at the growing proof of his desire, she willed away the unbidden images of the grotesque tools of the men of the Brotherhood who raped her. As her lips tentatively closed upon the bulbous head of Henry's arousal, she heard a groan from deep inside his throat and was amazed how such a sound that had disgusted her the night of the attack was now reaffirming her prowess as a female. Desperately wishing to give Henry as much pleasure as possible, she tried to take as much of him into her mouth as possible, almost gagging as its swelling head hit the back of her throat. Henry knew he was near spending as he jerked frantically in Marguerite's mouth. Growing lust battled the initial surprise he felt when Marguerite took him into her mouth, she had been hesitant and reluctant when he had first taught her to please him that way. Now, she seemed almost desperate to bring him to climax in this fashion. A sudden flash of realization crossed Henry's mind, she was trying to reaffirm herself as a woman. The emotional force of that realization barely had time to register itself in his brain before a rainbow of pleasure took its place as he exploded in her mouth. Marguerite swallowed the copious flow from Henry's manhood, letting it chase away the bitterness of the attack, replacing it with the tart tang of Henry. Pulling away at last, Henry lifted Marguerite onto his table, sweeping away all objects and obstacles before laying her on its surface. The beauty of Marguerite had never failed to amaze him and her delicate condition upon recovery merely enhanced that. As his semi-hard manhood started to flex at the sight of his fiancée spread out before him, covered only by a diaphanous nightgown that concealed but also suggested the treasures underneath it, Henry gave himself a stern warning to slow his pace lest he scare her. Kissing the mouth that brought him such pleasure just moments ago, he tasted himself and was surprised to find it more arousing than previous experiences had been. Skilfully using his hands and lips to bring her breasts and its sensitive points to aching desire, he sought to revive the desire that had lain dormant since the attack, buried under the pain, horror and fear that the attack had brought. Slowly and carefully, he raised and bent her knees before his lips moved down in a trail across her thighs. Feeling his lips on the raised skin of the hideous brand, Marguerite cried out in panic, "No!" "My love, do not be ashamed of something you were not responsible for, let me love you and heal you." As Marguerite's protests subsided, Henry moved to the apex of her thighs and started to explore her core, starting with her outer lips. Marguerite's gasp of pleasure as his tongue licked skilfully at her portal, making the lips tingly and plump even as his fingers stroked across the nub hidden in her hood. Henry could feel her edging closer to climax as she bucked and thrust towards his mouth. He felt triumphant when she cried out in pleasure and her juices poured into his mouth. Watching as the last tremors ran through her, Henry moved to place himself right at the entrance to her portal. While Marguerite did not flinch, her stiff stillness was clear indication of her fear. Henry watched her intently as he rubbed the head of his manhood across her wet lips and lodged just the head of it in her portal. Marguerite braced herself for the pain she expected but was surprised by the tiny sparks of pleasure as Henry glided slowly into her. All thoughts of proceeding slowly vanished as Marguerite raised her legs and locked him in. "Love, no, I do not wish to hurt you..." Henry's voice trailed off into a groan as Marguerite began thrusting her hips towards him. Watching Henry's face closely, Marguerite realised that the wonderful tendrils of pleasure spreading through her were mirrored in his face as he seemed to delight in her response. Though he was larger than her abusers, Henry was careful not to allow himself to hurt her. Thrusting slowly till he felt her impatience, Henry brought Marguerite to the brink of pleasure, without allowing either of them to tip over. He softly asked her to open her eyes. "Look at me, love, from this moment, you will only remember me." Marguerite felt the moment sear itself into her memory as both were lost in the moment of pleasure. Refusing to let the precious moment slip from her grasp, Marguerite clasped both her legs around Henry's waist, locking him within her. If only she had not lost the babe, she would have a small part of Henry for herself through all the dark years ahead, she thought with grief and bitterness. Henry roused himself, fearing he was crushing her. Marguerite's refusal to release him brought a rueful smile as he shifted them onto their sides, still locked together. Perhaps there was a way to change her mind after all... To be continued... *** Thank you to readers for suggestions and responses via email and comments. Hope you like the direction this story has taken. As this is not part of the original storyline, I'm still undecided about the revenge angle though the basic structure is already there. The next two chapters may be a bit more violent and hopefully they won't put off too many readers. For readers who like the original story, part 2 is out in stores! The Original Sin Ch. 03 Marguerite stood in front of the windows in the library of Henry's house, gazing at the deepening shades of twilight. She hated the impenetrable darkness of night that descended inevitably after the light of day had faded. Leaning her forehead against the cool window panel, she reflected upon the irony of her life mirroring the routine of day and night. Except the darkness in my life will be nigh impossible to dispel. The last month had flown by with arrangements for her "retirement" to the country. A permanent retirement that appeased the sensibilities of the ton which were affronted by the protection Henry had extended to her after the disaster that had befallen her. Cicely was slowly recovering physically though the night terrors still haunted her. Marguerite had been at a loss when it came to procuring the abortifacient for Mary and Cicely as a precaution against the potential, unwanted consequences of the attack. Henry had come to the rescue once again with a bottle obtained from a madame who ran one of the biggest brothels in London. A woman who, it was rumoured, was a squire's daughter who had herself fallen victim to the Brotherhood some years ago. In exchange for her help, Henry had agreed to sponsor her daughter, effectively rescuing her from circumstances which would otherwise condemn the child to a similar fate as her mother's. The foul-smelling liquid worked rapidly, both Cicely and Mary were wrecked with spasms of pain. It seemed like a torrent of blood poured from them, so horrifying was the sight that the maids and even the midwife Henry had arranged to attend to the two women were white-faced when they emerged from the rooms with bloodstained cloths and water pails. Henry had been fearful of Margaret suffering further trauma and had insisted she sit with him in the library as the abortifacient was administered. Marguerite's nerves were so overwrought she jumped at every sound. Noting her knuckles turning white as her hands clasped tight in anxiety, Henry pressed a glass of whisky into her hands and insisted she drank it. The alcohol worked its magic, but the tension did not fully ebb till a maid reported that the ordeal was over and both women were asleep. Only then did Marguerite let the warm languor of the alcohol lull her into a fuzzy state of near sleep. Chuckling as he swung her up into his arms, Henry whispered into the whorl of her ear, "Love, hold on just a little while, let me get you to bed, you will feel more comfortable there." The feel of Henry's warm breath on her ear summoned a fiery tingle that ran from the pit of Marguerite's stomach to her cheeks. Snuggling closer to the warmth of his embrace, she turned her head and pressed her soft lips to his. Not wishing to frighten her, Henry kept the kiss soft and sweet, holding the surge of desire in check. What he had not anticipated was Marguerite thwarting his honourable intentions. Having reached the door of her bedroom, Henry had thought to end the kiss when Marguerite wound her arms around his shoulders and deepened the kiss, rubbing her tongue against his. Shifting a hand higher to turn the doorknob, the brush of her round soft bottom against his wrist made his blood sing with desire. Henry barely remembered walking into the bedroom as his head spun with the heat of Marguerite's kiss. "Love, are you sure?" he mumbled between kisses as he slowly lowered Marguerite. Marguerite's answer was a sensual glide of her hips as she slid down his body when he lowered her from his embrace. Pressing forward, she felt his body's answer in the growing bulge that she felt against her belly. Feeling wanton impulse overtake her inhibitions, she moved her open palms from Henry's face to his broad chest, smiling at the quickening beat she felt beneath her hands. Tracing the path of her hands with her lips, she felt Henry tense as her hands moved past the top of his breeches and caressed his growing desire through the cloth. Henry's hands wound themselves in her hair as her lips closed upon the cloth-covered proof of his arousal. Undoing his breeches, Marguerite tried to conceal her nerves when he sprang forth, rigid and swollen. Tipping her head up, Henry said in a voice gruff with desire, " Love, you do not have to.." The thought died on a groan as Henry's tenderness proved to be the answer to Marguerite's nerves, her lips lightly kissing the head of his arousal before her tongue darted out to taste the pearly drop on its tip. "Oh God..." Henry groaned as Marguerite licked and lightly sucked from the tip of his arousal to its base while her hands caressed the round sac at the base. To Marguerite's amazement, his arousal seemed to grow and twitch as Henry's stomach muscles trembled while his breath came out as a hiss. Henry could feel droplets of sweat form on his forehead as Marguerite's mouth worked its exquisite torture over his throbbing organ. Feeling himself teetering on the edge, he tried to pull out of Marguerite's mouth. "Love, no, I cannot hold back..." Marguerite's hands held onto Henry's bottom, effectively trapping him. "Love, no..." The feel of Marguerite's lips and warm mouth across half his length as she moved her head in a dance around his arousal, concentrating on its sensitive head, proved to be Henry's undoing. Shouting his satisfaction, his stomach muscles shaking, Henry flooded Marguerite's mouth. Realising she would gag as Henry's release threatened to overflow her mouth, Marguerite swallowed instinctively as she moved her lips to encompass his swollen tip, watching it jerk as Henry climaxed. His warm, salty essence filled her mouth as she swallowed as much as she could. Watching Henry's face, Marguerite marveled at the pleasure she had brought to her lover. Pulling away after she felt his tremors subside, Marguerite was surprised to find Henry was still half rigid. Henry did not give her much time to wonder as he lay her on the bed, his hands making quick work of her clothes. Marguerite's mind fogged over with desire as Henry's thumb teased a peak while his mouth closed in on her other breast, teasingly close to the peak but not on it. Henry smiled as the peak pebbled beneath his circling thumb and an involuntary moan escaped Marguerite's lips as he finally suckled the aching peak he had teased. Keeping one hand on her breast, Henry switched his attention to her nether portal. Starting with long licks on her outer lips, Henry gently stroked into her channel with his other hand. The tension building in Marguerite revealed itself in the increasingly frantic moans that came from her throat even as her thighs trembled with the effort not to close round Henry. The knot of tension in the pit of Marguerite's stomach wound tighter till she thought she might burst. Henry sucked gently at the nub hidden between the folds of her hood while his fingers thrust into her snug channel. The sensation of both Henry's mouth and fingers drove Marguerite over the edge. Her strangled scream as spasms ran through her body made Henry lap greedily at the salty sweet essence that poured out of Marguerite over his fingers and across her thighs. As the last of the tremors ran through Marguerite's limbs, Henry rose and thrust himself forcefully into her snug, wet portal. Her gasp made him still, hesitant in the fear that he had hurt her. Seeing the concern in his eyes, Marguerite was so moved that tears rose to her eyes. Mistaking them as signs of pain, he moved to withdraw. "I am so sorry, love, I should not have..." His words of regret were lost in the groan of pleasure that erupted as Marguerite drew her thighs up, locking them high up on Henry's hips and thrusting her hips upward, effectively trapping him completely in her. Kissing him forcefully, she felt the taste of Henry that lingered on her tongue mingle with the taste of herself that filled Henry's mouth. Mimicking the thrusting motion of her hips, Marguerite ensured the erotic mingling of their essences in their warm wet mouths reflected the smoldering union in the depths of Marguerite. The creaking of the bed as Henry's speed increased was accompanied by the sound of wet slapping flesh as they danced a universal primitive dance. Rearing up, Henry watched Marguerite's eyes glaze over with passion and desire as his thrusts alternated between maddeningly slow, deep strokes and shallow, rapid movements that made his glistening organ pure blurred motion. Relishing the sight of Marguerite's shaking breasts, Henry cupped them as his thrusts deepened. Noting how their perfect peaks stood firm as the pale mounds quiver, he worshiped them with his tongue and lips, drawing cries from Marguerite. Reaching for the elusive edge, Marguerite matched Henry's force as she thrust up. The grinding of their pelvic bones pushed Marguerite over the edge. Her spasms and tightening muscles clamped down around Henry and milked him. Shouting his pleasure, he held still in her vise-like grip as he shot deep into her. Reluctant to part, Henry collapsed into Marguerite's arms while their mingled essence bathed them both in the most intimate of ways. As Henry slid off to sleep in her embrace, Marguerite stroke softly down his back. She fought back tears as the thought of their impending parting rose unbidden. Marguerite Crofts, you must let him go, for both your sakes, you must. She stared into the dying embers of the fire with growing bitterness. To be continued...