Disclaimers ~ These characters belong to me. If they have a passing resemblance to you or share your name, it's purely coincidental.
Violence/ bad language ~ Spousal abuse, and some fighting scenes. Some bad language.
Love/sex ~ Romance between consenting women. Relations between a man & woman. If this offends you, you won't like this story. Well...maybe you will, but you'll just be tutting a lot at what my imagination conjured up. Am I ashamed? Nah, not really.
Author's note ~ Questions, comments & thoughts all welcome. Loves_to_write_fic@yahoo.co.uk
Copyright © December 2008
Chapter Ten
Ackerley jumped down from his cart, having returned from town with the supplies he had gone to get. He was drunk and reeked of the cheap perfume worn by the whore he had spent the night with. Swaying all over the place, glazed brown eyes landed on his young wife, standing back looking worried and afraid. What's wrong with her? Useless, whore! He spat on the ground, suddenly feeling annoyed. If she would give me an heir, I wouldn't have to drink so much! I wouldn't be so keen to share a whore's bed! He turned and glared at Hudson who walked out of the stable. Damn man! He is far too friendly with my wife! Looking at her with soft eyes, laughing with her, talking with her! Ackerley swivelled around and saw his wife talking to one of his workers, the man standing far too close to her for Ackerley's liking. Growling, he stormed towards his house, intent on getting a drink.
Sitting at the kitchen table with a full mug of wine, Ackerley grew angrier and angrier as he thought of his wife making a fool of him. With one of his workers, no less!
"Husband," Lindsey said softly, as she stepped into the house. "Do you wish for the men to start unloading the cart?" She eyed Ackerley cautiously, recognising the signs of a bad mood.
"No, I shall do it later."
Lindsey stepped a little closer. "How was your trip? Did you get everything you needed?"
Standing suddenly, convinced Lindsey had strayed away with at least one of his workers, Ackerley laid into her viciously, his fists hitting their mark over and over, his angry spit showering her as he yelled abuse at her.
Lindsey cried out frantically, cries of pain and pleas for him to stop. It saved her life. Hudson charged into the kitchen and with one swift punch, knocked the bigger man out. With sad eyes, the brunette offered a hand to Lindsey and helped her to her feet. Practically holding the strawberry-blonde up as her legs trembled, Hudson led Lindsey outside to the well and sat her down, bringing up a pail of water.
"I'm sorry," Hudson said quietly. "I should have been here! I should have known he would come back drunk and looking for a fight." She took out her handkerchief and dipped it into the water.
"You came, Hudson. That is what counts. He...he surely would have killed me this time," Lindsey's voice shook, her hands trembled, and tears welled up in her eyes.
Her heart breaking, Hudson tenderly started cleaning up the blood on Lindsey's face and looking over her wounds, while softly talking to her about anything other than what had just taken place. "Perhaps I could write to Ripley and suggest an invitation to the castle. You would like to see your sister, wouldn't you?"
"I...oh, Hudson! I hate facing her when I...when I look like this!" Tears trailed slowly down her cheeks, quickly followed by others as Hudson gently swiped them away with a gentle thumb. "She warned me, you know. She tried, I mean. I...I wouldn't listen!"
Hudson pulled the distraught woman to her, holding her tightly in her strong embrace, soft hands rubbing slowly up and down the younger woman's back. "I am here, Lindsey. I know I...wasn't on time on this occasion, I promise I will do better."
* * * * *
Lindsey lay in bed wide-awake, her eyes stinging from lack of sleep, yet still she was unable to drift off. The bedroom was hot and stifling after another beautiful summer's day. Her husband's hot, sweaty body lying next to her, shaking with each rumbling snore, made it more uncomfortable. She sighed as she looked over to the window, looking out at the star-lit night. He could sleep, she couldn't. Haunted by memories of the beating she had taken from him. She thought back to Hudson's tenderness with her, his gentle touch, his loving eyes. He is a true gentleman, she thought. I don't think he would ever be one to raise his fists at a woman. Lindsey sighed heavily, heart hurting at what could never be. If only....No, it does no one any good going along the if only road. I am stuck with what I have, for better or...worse.
She glanced at her sleeping husband in distaste. She remembered liking him once. Remembered when she had wanted to marry him, when she looked forward to being a wife. The good times, when he had been courting her, even in the early days of their marriage, but then he had started showing his true colours. First, it was harsh words belittling her, that evolved to beatings when her courses arrived each new moon and she still wasn't with child and when he thought she was cheating with other men.
Now, gone was the gentle man she had wanted to marry and raise a family with. He was drinking more and more, he disappeared for days and was always in a nasty mood. Hudson hovered close to the house, sensing the big man's hatred. That irked Ackerley more. Knowing that Hudson would come to his wife's aid, he started punching, pinching and slapping Lindsey in places the bruises wouldn't be seen. He forcibly took her whenever the urge struck him, no matter the time of day or where they were on his property. He forced himself on her and in her leaving behind his evil seed, words of abuse ringing in her ears, a burning between her legs.
She hated him. On the one hand, Lindsey prayed she would fall pregnant, knowing that the beating and ravaging would stop, but on the other hand, she wasn't sure she wanted Ackerley's child. Should a child be brought into a hostile environment? And if I do get pregnant, he will surely want more than the one so the ravaging will start again. And if I was to have a son, surely the boy will be moulded into Ackerley's image! I would be unleashing misery on to some poor unsuspecting girl in the future! Sighing heavily and knowing sleep wouldn't be coming any time soon, Lindsey slowly slid out of bed and made her way downstairs. She started a fire in the living room and sat in front of the flickering flames, wondering if she would ever know happiness again.
* * * * *
As Lindsey made breakfast the next morning, she kept stealing glances over her shoulder at Ackerley, who sat at the table reading a message that had just been delivered by one of the King's messengers. Knowing the note was either from King Edward or Prince Ripley, Lindsey was first concerned for her sister, then worried about Hudson leaving. She hoped not, the two had become close.
"Were you aware that...friend...of yours has been corresponding with the King?" he asked snidely.
Lindsey turned away from the stove to look at Ackerley. "How would I know that, husband?"
Ackerley smiled nastily. "You are friends, aren't you? I have seen you talking. I thought perhaps he might have mentioned something to you."
Lindsey felt flustered, nervous, and afraid, despite knowing she had done nothing wrong. She had been unaware of her husband observing her chats with the soldier. If she said something wrong now, he would surely kill her. "We...we only speak of the horses. Sometimes Hud-...Mr. Darnley will ask what I am preparing for lunch. That is all."
"Hmm." Ackerley didn't look convinced.
"What...did King Edward have to say?" Lindsey asked slowly, not wanting to anger her husband. She turned back around to face the stove, crossing her fingers in hope that the King wasn't calling Hudson home.
"He appreciates me taking the boy on and he says he received a letter from Hudson, who told him how he likes the work and that we're both fine people." Ackerley looked at his wife, her back to him as she prepared his breakfast. "Am I having breakfast some time today? Or are you perhaps preparing that for Mr. Darnley?"
Unseen to the brown-haired man, Lindsey rolled her eyes as she started serving the food up. Setting the plate down in front of Ackerley, she gasped as he grabbed her wrist in a firm hold.
"I don't trust you, Lindsey. My gut tells me you are playing me for a fool," he dug his fingers in before he dropped her wrist. "I'll be watching you, remember that."
Not realising she had been holding her breath, Lindsey inhaled deeply as she turned back to the stove to prepare herself something.
"Is there anything you need in town?" Ackerley asked around a mouthful of food.
Lindsey turned to look at him in surprise. "You are going back so soon?"
Ackerley's face darkened. "Not that it is your business," he growled. "but 'tis the cattle sale. If you wish to keep living as we do, I am going to have to go and do some business."
Knowing he was looking to start a fight, Lindsey turned back to face the stove. "We could do with a new pan." It would help if I didn't have to cook everything separate for him! Her frumenty ready, she poured the wheat porridge into a bowl and walked over to the table. Sitting down, she bit back a sigh as Ackerley belched loudly and stood up, ready to leave for the morning. She missed Hudson's good company, the brunette having been banned from the house after knocking Ackerley out.
"I'll be back for lunch," Ackerley stated, disappearing out the back door and leaving her alone.
As Lindsey ate her breakfast, she noticed Hudson stepping out of the stable, her heart fluttering as she took in his physique. There was no denying he was a handsome man, and strong too, from his life as a soldier, but with his strength came a softness, a softness Ackerley didn't have. I wonder if Hudson has a girl back at the castle? She felt a pang of hurt as she thought that, then wondered why. Lord above, I am a married woman! Finishing her breakfast, she stood to take her bowl over to the sink, jumping when there was a knock at the back door.
Her heart leapt into her throat when her blue eyes locked onto Hudson's dark green. She smiled and saw the same mirrored back at her. "Mr. Darnley," she said upon opening the door, glancing over his shoulder to see if Ackerley was anywhere in sight. Remember, I'll be watching you. "What can I do for you this morn?" she asked, eyes drifting back to green.
"I brought you a bucket of water," Hudson said, watching blue eyes fall to the bucket she held. "I noticed you were holding yourself funny the other day and assumed he had hurt your ribs." She watched Lindsey blush and knew the truth to her words. Letting out an angry growl, she was surprised to feel a gentle hand on her arm.
"You cannot say or do anything about it, Hudson, please! He will suspect...he already suspects something is...happening between us, please, just let it be!"
"But, Lindsey, he..."
"Please, Hudson, I beg of you," blue eyes watered in fear. "Don't give him a reason to send you away! I...I like having you here, knowing you are on my side, I...I can't lose you, I'll be alone! All alone!"
Putting the bucket of water down, Hudson took the trembling girl into her arms, not caring who saw them. "Shh, sweetheart. I'll let it be, Lindsey. Shh. I'll leave it, I promise you."
"He...he is going away...for a week or two," Lindsey stammered. "'Tis the cattle sale."
"Okay." Hudson reluctantly let go of Lindsey and stepped back, nodding sadly. "Okay. I uhm...I have to get to work. Have a good day, Mrs. Meadows."
Lindsey stood at the back door and watched the soldier hastily stride towards the stable, wishing his arms were still around her, wishing her life were different, and wishing she hadn't seen the want in the soldier's eyes.
* * * * *
Ackerley had been gone two days when Lindsey decided she was going to invite Hudson in for an evening meal. She wasn't sure how the soldier had been getting a hot meal in the evenings since being banned from the house by Ackerley, or what he did for breakfast. With Ackerley away in town, he could have no say in who she kept company with. This was her chance to spoil the soldier and show her appreciation to him for the job he was doing. It didn't hurt that she enjoyed the brunette's company. He always listened to what she had to say and he treated her kindly.
Leaning against one of the stall doors, Lindsey watched Hudson as he worked. With the sleeves of his once-white shirt rolled up, she watched his arms in rapt fascination, eyes fixed to the bunching and rippling muscles, the way his tanned skin moved, as he shifted hay. Her gaze slowly drifted down, settling on his firm buttocks as he bent and his powerful thighs. She watched him closely, her body becoming heated, her cheeks flushed, and wondered why she was so drawn to him.
Unable to answer her own question, Lindsey cleared her throat to alert the man to her presence.
Hudson straightened and turned around, eyes wide in surprise until she saw who was standing behind her in the open doorway. Dark green eyes softened and a warm smile played along her lips as she saw Lindsey's amusement. "Milady, you startled me!"
Lindsey laughed softly. "I am not surprised, Mr. Darnley. You were engrossed in your work. So much so that I have been standing here for the last hour just observing you," she teased.
Hudson grinned. "I must call you a liar, milady. For I would surely have noticed a beauty such as you long before an hour passed."
Lindsey felt her cheeks redden at the compliment.
Hudson set her spade against the stall wall, figuring she had earned a break. "I have to confess, Lindsey. I enjoy your company immensely when your husband is not around. You are...light-hearted. Almost like...you are free."
"I am free, Hudson! Free to be the woman I really am, rather than the timid, afraid girl, my husband has turned me into." Lindsey smiled. "In fact, that is the reason I came looking for you. With Ackerley gone, I wish to invite you to dinner this evening. Sort of a thank you for..."
"You don't need to thank me," Hudson interrupted.
"Well I don't want to just cook for myself, how about that being the reason?"
Hudson smiled and nodded. "A proper home cooked meal from your hand, how can I refuse?"
Lindsey smiled, her heart light with the knowledge Hudson would be her dinner guest. Especially without Ackerley around to grumble and complain or get angry with her. "There is one condition though, sir."
A dark eyebrow lifted in question. "Yes, milady?"
"You must stay for dessert as well. I plan to make an apple pie or cherry, if you prefer?"
Hudson smiled. "An apple pie sounds delicious."
"Very well. I shall see you this evening, an hour after everyone has left."
* * * * *
Lindsey spent the rest of her day preparing a full roast dinner with all the trimmings. Keeping an eye on the food, she pulled out the old bathtub from the cupboard and had a quick soak, then put the tub away and set about scrubbing the kitchen clean. She boiled some lavender, letting the scent fill the kitchen, and laid the table with her best tablecloth and cutlery. Nearing Hudson's arrival, Lindsey ran upstairs to change her dress again, not once stopping to wonder why she was making such an effort. She didn't question why she wanted to look nice for Hudson, or why she wanted everything perfect.
Unbeknownst to her, Hudson was the same over in the stables. She had hurried all day to finish her chores, then cleaned up as best she could using water warmed from the afternoon sun. She dressed in a clean shirt and her smartest trousers, and to finish, she ran a comb through her short locks. As ready as she could be, she nervously made her way over to the main house. As the back door was opened to her knock, Hudson smiled and held out the small bunch of flowers she had gathered from her trip to the fields that afternoon, frowning as the beautiful strawberry-blonde stifled a sob. "Lindsey? I...I am sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. Are you all right?"
"Oh, Hudson! I haven't...I never..." Lindsey sniffed and wiped the tears from her eyes. "No one ever brought me flowers before."
Hudson's heart ached for the young woman. She deserved so much better than what she had ended up with. "Then I am glad I could be the first."
Smiling, Lindsey took the flowers and lifted them to her nose, inhaling the aroma. "Thank you, Hudson. 'Twas a lovely gesture." She walked over to the sink, wanting to put them in water. "Come in and get comfortable," she said over her shoulder. "I hope you're hungry, I have made quite the feast!"
Closing the back door behind her, Hudson looked to Lindsey. "You are a wonderful cook. I am sure I will leave here stuffed!" She smiled as Lindsey smiled at her. "Is there anything I can do?"
"Uhm..." Lindsey finished positioning her flowers in the glass vase she had pulled out of a cupboard and walked over to the table, placing them in the middle as a centrepiece. "If I get the meat out, do you want to start carving?"
"I can do that."
The kitchen had a romantic glow to it, candles and the fire in the stove lighting the room. Hudson commented on the lovely smell and was pleased to see Lindsey smile proudly. After serving up the meal, the pair sat down opposite each other and tucked into the delicious food. Lindsey had prepared roast venison, young wild Roe deer, that she had marinated in bay leaves, onions, rosemary and a couple of cloves of garlic to give it some body. The meat was lean and tasty after being basted throughout the day. Along with the venison, she had prepared roast potatoes, boiled carrots, peas and cabbage, and made a luscious gravy using the juices from the meat. And for dessert, she had an apple pie baking as promised.
"This is really good, Lindsey. You're a wonderful cook," Hudson praised after a couple of mouthfuls. "And I know what I'm talking about after growing up at the castle."
"Thank you," Lindsey replied quietly, cheeks turning crimson. Why does Ackerley never say things like that? He just occasionally grunts a thanks before inhaling his food! "Have you heard from Ripley lately? Or King Edward?"
"I received a letter from Ripley the other week. He is off on a tour of our lands to check on the troops we have stationed here and there."
"Oh, I'm sorry!" Lindsey exclaimed. "I am sure you would rather be off doing that than staying here working on my husband's land!"
Hudson shook her head. "Not at all. I am enjoying my time here, the work, the food...the people," she finished softly.
Lindsey smiled, happy about that statement in ways she couldn't explain. "May I enquire..." she ducked her head in embarrassment, before deciding she just had to know and looking up to meet green eyes, "do you perhaps have a girl awaiting your return at the castle?"
Hudson smiled and looked down at her plate. "No, milady. There is no one back home. I have...always distanced myself and got on with my job. The ladies at the castle seem to prefer the dashing knights, anyway."
Are the ladies at the castle all foolish? Hudson will be a great catch for one lucky lady. If only they would give him a chance. Though, their foolishness and his single status has brought him to my door, and I certainly won't be complaining any time soon! "Do you have any washing you need doing, Hudson?" she asked. "I am doing a basket tomorrow and would be happy to do yours as well."
"Oh, I couldn't ask you to do that."
"I'm offering, Hudson. Really, I don't mind." I can pretend that you are my kind and loving husband as I wash your shirts.
The brunette smiled charmingly. "That would be wonderful. I do rather dislike that chore!"
Lindsey smiled as she stood up, picking up their two empty plates. She walked across to the sink. "Can I tempt you with a slice of apple pie?" she asked, bending to take the dessert out of the stove. "Perhaps after your food has settled?"
"Lovely." Hudson stood up, taking a couple of dishes with her. "Can I help you wash-up?"
Lindsey stared at the soldier in open-mouthed shock. What man offers to help a woman? He is unlike any man I know! "That...that would be wonderful, Hudson. But you..."
"I offered," Hudson replied, grinning. "I like to be useful."
"Would you like to wash while I dry and put things away?" she asked hesitantly.
"Good idea."
Lindsey heated a couple of pans of water and emptied the hot water into the sink, Hudson putting in their dirty plates and cutlery, as well as the pots and pans used in the meal's preparation.
While waiting for the water to cool down a bit, Hudson couldn't help but watch Lindsey. The soldier knew she was attracted to the beautiful strawberry-blonde. She had been when she first met Lindsey at the castle. Since arriving to do this special job for Ripley, her attraction had grown stronger. She often found herself daydreaming instead of working. She imagined a different life for them - the pair meeting and falling in love, sharing kisses and making love; the pair confessing their love and running away together. Hudson leaving to return to her life at the castle and Lindsey following and confessing her feelings; having Lindsey this close to her, all the soldier could think about was her soft lips, kissing them, tasting them, wrapping her arms around the slight and vulnerable frame of the smaller woman. Her favourite daydream was of them running away together.
Lindsey was lost in thoughts of her own. Hudson was unlike any man she had ever known. Unlike Ackerley and some of the men who worked for him, Hudson was caring and always polite; he praised her with kind words, his touch gentle when he cleaned her wounds. She found herself watching him closely, his hands, rough but soft, his muscular body; she daydreamed about him kissing her, about making love with him, about running away with him. As a married woman, she knew she shouldn't be having such thoughts about him, but she couldn't help it. She couldn't help but wonder why they hadn't met before, and what would have happened between them if they had.
Once the water was cool enough, Hudson got started with her task. It was as Hudson passed Lindsey a plate that they both felt the spark of electricity as their hands brushed. Neither was sure how it happened, but one of them set aside the plate and their fingers suddenly entwined. Lost in each other's eyes, they closed the gap between them, their lips suddenly meeting and pressing together. Hudson bit back a groan. The lips that had been taunting her all evening were so soft, so delectable, and it felt so right to be kissing them. Parting her own lips slightly, Hudson ran her tongue along Lindsey's top lip and down to her bottom, seeking entrance.
Lindsey couldn't believe she was kissing the handsome brunette. She had been thinking about it, wondering what it would be like, wondering how different his kiss would be to Ackerley's. Then when their hands had touched, she had known something was going to happen. If asked, she couldn't say who moved first, but that didn't matter, all that mattered was that one of them had. Feeling Hudson's tongue dancing along her lips, she opened her mouth and felt the appendage slip inside her mouth, gliding softly over her own tongue. She wrapped her arms around Hudson's shoulders and pulled him closer as she moaned her delight into his mouth.
Hearing Lindsey's moan, Hudson came back to her senses. She remembered suddenly whom it was she was kissing, who Lindsey was married to. Breathing heavily, the soldier stepped back quickly, putting space between them. What she had done and what it could mean making her panic. Dark green eyes, previously filled with want and need, but now wide in panic, Hudson backed her way over to the kitchen door. "I...I'm sorry." With that, she yanked the door open and hurried out.
Lindsey watched the brunette hurry away in startled surprise. She slowly walked over to the door and stared out into the dark, across the courtyard to the stable where Hudson was striding towards. Once Hudson disappeared inside, she shut the back door, but remained where she was, a hand lifting to her face, fingers tracing her kiss-swollen lips. She could still feel the gentle but sure pressure of Hudson's lips, could still feel his tongue caressing her own. I should feel guilty, but I don't.
* * * * *
Hudson lay on her back in the hayloft, the hay beneath her soft, her woollen blanket kicked down to her feet. She moaned and lifted her head to meet the kiss. Her hand moving to the nape of her lover's neck, stroking the fine silky hair there. The lips pressed against hers were soft and willing. She moaned again and pulled her lover closer, wanting more, needing more. She felt a hot tongue move across her lips, begging entrance. Wanting the gentle caress of her lover's tongue, she parted her lips slightly and groaned aloud as the exploring muscle eagerly filled her mouth. With her eyes closed, she held her lover's head close, fingers tangled in silky hair, her tongue entwined with her lover's.
She felt the gentle caress of a hand on her breast, hesitant fingers tweaking her hard nipple, rolling it, squeezing it. Hudson arched and moaned, seeking more contact. She wanted her lover's mouth upon her, wanting to feel a hot tongue teasing the hard, aching bud. The soldier twitched and gasped with each gentle caress, desire coursing through her whole body and settling in the growing heat of her loins. She arched and cried out as she felt gentle pressure between her legs, her hips quickly beginning to move of their own accord, grinding her against the exploring hand.
Dark green eyes popped open, Hudson breathing heavily from the very erotic fantasy. Jesus Christ! What the hell am I doing! The soldier removed her hand from between her legs reluctantly, resting the offending appendage on her heaving chest. I'm fantasizing about a married woman! A married woman I am here to protect, whom I am here to be a friend to. She sighed and slowly got up. I have to stop thinking of Lindsey in any other way than as a friend. Ripley would go mad at me if she knew what I was thinking.
She walked over to the open hay door and stared out at the star-lit sky. This is becoming a habit, she thought pensively. Being attracted to women I have no chance with. First Ripley and now Lindsey, a married woman! Hudson closed her eyes and immediately conjured up the image of how Lindsey had looked that evening. Her hair neatly tied back away from her face, her soft pink lips, slightly parted, blue eyes filled with want. Opening her eyes, Hudson growled. It can never be and yet I torture myself so! Dear Lord, is this to be my life? A life of wishing and hoping for someone I cannot have? Surely, I deserve someone to love? She thought again, of how Lindsey had reciprocated the kiss instead of backing away. How she moaned at the touch of the soldier's tongue. Jesus, what the hell was I thinking? she thought, rubbing her brow. What was Lindsey thinking? Why did she let me kiss her? Why didn't she back away and slap me for my forwardness? What will happen now? Can I still work here and carry on as though nothing happened? I suppose we will see in time. And of course, once Ackerley is back from town it will be easier to stay away from her.
Walking back to her simple bed, Hudson lay down, knowing she had to try to sleep or she wouldn't wake up the next morning. Hands behind her head, she started counting stars, hoping that would knock her out.
* * * * *
The next morning was as bright as the previous day had been, the sky blue, the birds singing, and the men working hard. Lindsey sat outside washing clothes, her blue eyes constantly drifting over to the closed doors of the stable as she searched for Hudson, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. Finally, getting to the bottom of her basket and knowing she should return inside to her other chores, Lindsey remembered her offer to wash any dirty clothes Hudson had. That at least gives me an excuse to go over there, she thought nervously.
She'd had a restless night thinking over and over the kiss. When she had finally drifted to sleep, she had dreamed of a faceless lover who had set her body aflame with desire. Just as morning broke and the rooster gave his cry of good morn, Lindsey had been startled awake by discovering her faceless lover was in fact Hudson. She had climbed out of bed on shaky legs and wondered, all through breakfast, what the dream meant, if anything.
Having woken from a restless night, Hudson threw herself into her work, trying to get a certain married woman out of her thoughts. She thought about how much trouble she would have if anyone found out about their kiss, the angry rage Ackerley would surely go into, Lindsey being attacked by her husband for the foolish mistake. She tried to not think of the kiss, the softness of Lindsey's lips, the intensity of her feelings, the desire for more.
Getting the feeling someone was watching her Hudson turned around and swallowed nervously when she found the sweetest of visions giving her a soft, shy smile.
"I...brought you some...apple pie," Lindsey stammered, wiggling the plate she held. "I made it special last night, but you...didn't have any."
Hudson couldn't stand it. Blue eyes searching her green, silently pleading not to be turned away, not to be hated or despised. The soldier moved forward, closing the gap between them to take the plate that held the slice of apple pie and a fork. She set the plate aside without a second glance on the nearest bale of hay and looked deeply into Lindsey's eyes, her own eyes flicking left and right as she searched for any sign she shouldn't do what she was about to do.
Lindsey licked her lips in anticipation. Hudson's breathing was ragged, eyes hungry. He seemed desperate to possess her as he leaned forward and wrapped his strong arms around her slim frame, holding her in place as his lips claimed hers. She sank into the kiss, as she had the night before, wanting it as much as Hudson did. She'd had a restless night imaging what if.
Pushing Lindsey back against the closed stall door behind her, Hudson reached down to grab the hem of her skirts. Yanking them up, the brunette slid a muscular thigh between Lindsey's legs, hearing a deep moan as she pressed against the woman's core. She broke their long kiss, breathing heavily, and searched Lindsey's eyes for any sign she should stop. "Are you sure?" she asked huskily.
I have never been so sure of something in my life! Lindsey thought, but didn't say. Smiling lovingly, eyes filled with more than just her desire, she nodded.
Knowing she couldn't go slow this time, Hudson sealed their mouths together in a possessive kiss, while reaching down to unbutton her trousers. She withdrew the phallus she wore and positioned herself between Lindsey's parted legs, slowly easing upwards.
Lindsey groaned as Hudson slipped inside her gently, something she wasn't used to, her fingers digging into his shoulders as his lips found her neck. She wanted more of him, all of him, and couldn't have him from the position they stood in. Her want and need overruling her inhibition, she lifted a leg and hooked it around Hudson, feeling him move deeper within. "Oh!" Never before had she felt the sensations that now coursed through her body. She hadn't known such feelings were possible. Her mother had warned her how horrid the act was, and Ackerley had lived up to those warnings, but this...she had never dreamed she would experience lovemaking like this.
Planting her feet, Hudson grasped the younger woman's buttocks as Lindsey lifted her other leg up. Lindsey moaning aloud as Hudson plunged in all the way. She clasped the brunette's head, both of them panting for breath as Hudson thrust frantically. Lindsey felt an unfamiliar warmth spreading throughout her body and couldn't stop her trembling as Hudson jerked in climax, his body stiff. "Oh...Hudson!" she groaned as her insides quivered.
Hudson breathed heavily against Lindsey's neck, holding on to the smaller woman tightly as her own legs trembled. Her heart thundered from their hasty joining, and though not yet recovered, Hudson knew she wanted Lindsey again. She wanted to explore every inch of her young lover's body, wanted to learn all the places that made her moan and sigh, wanted to bring her the pleasure her husband didn't. Setting Lindsey back on her own feet, Hudson quickly tucked away the phallus and moved into the nearest empty stall, lying down on the fresh hay.
"Hudson? Are you all right?" Lindsey asked, her voice tremulous.
The soldier smiled up at the unsure woman. "Fine, Lindsey. I am fine. My legs are shaking though, so I thought it best to lie down for a moment."
Smiling lovingly, Lindsey walked into the stall, pulling the door shut behind her. Not sure if her company was welcome or wanted, she slowly made her way next to Hudson and sat down when no protest came.
Content for the first time in a very long time, Hudson smiled and lifted an arm. "Come here," she said quietly, watching Lindsey grin and move to lay down with her. She wrapped her arm around Lindsey as the young woman snuggled against her side.
"Would you like that slice of pie now?" Lindsey asked quietly, the mood calling for soft voices.
Having forgotten about the dessert, Hudson nodded. "That sounds nice."
Lindsey got up and disappeared to recover the plate. She returned quickly and handed it to the brunette, taking a seat next to him. She smiled as Hudson hummed his delight at the first bite and gratefully accepted the next forkful. For the time being, she was happy, she could pretend this was her life, Hudson her loving husband who doted on her. She would deal with reality when she had to.
They made quick work of devouring the dessert and Lindsey took the empty plate to set it aside. She gasped in surprise as warm lips suddenly pressed against her neck while she was turned away, hot little kisses beginning to trail up. She moaned and moved her head further to the side as the kisses trailed back down again. Slowly, she started to lay back, a soft smile gracing her lips as Hudson followed her descent.
Hovering over Lindsey, Hudson hungrily claimed soft lips, kissing her passionately as she worked loose the buttons on Lindsey's dress. If this was to be the only opportunity she had to show Lindsey real love, tenderness and passion, she wanted to do it right.
Lindsey arched, her arms wrapping tightly around Hudson, her hands tangling in dark locks as the soldier kissed her bare breast, warm lips exploring the fleshy mound. "Oh, Hudson! What a thing to do!" she moaned breathlessly. She whimpered as she felt Hudson's tongue on her hard nipple, circling, flicking, teasing, before suckling her breast like a newborn babe seeking nourishment. "Oh, please! Hudson, please!" she pleaded desperately, though for what she wasn't sure.
Hudson knew. She knew what the young woman craved as her body arched and her hips rocked. She knew what Lindsey desired as her breathing became laboured, her moans and whimpers more frequent. The brunette trailed a callused hand up beneath Lindsey's skirts, caressing the smooth thigh with a gentleness that betrayed her male image. She delighted in each of Lindsey's moans, delighted in each panted breath of her name slipping from soft lips, and the whimpers as she moved her hand higher and ever closer to where Lindsey ached to be touch, ached to be stroked.
Lindsey's hips jerked as gentle fingers found the wet pool of her womanhood, jerked as they stroked up to her hard bundle of nerves, never acknowledged before by her husband. Her hips rocked frantically at the pleasure Hudson's fingers brought, her body suffused with heat as she raced towards something she had never experienced. She couldn't help but whimper in protest as the talented fingers went away, leaving her wanting.
Hudson kissed her way up Lindsey's chest and claimed parted lips, softly sucking on Lindsey's bottom lip to distract her from the brunette's plight to once again free her phallus. Moving on top of Lindsey, lying between eagerly parted legs, Hudson guided her phallus to Lindsey's sopping wet womanhood and slid easily inside.
Moaning as she was filled for a second time, Lindsey bent her knees and lifted her legs, bringing them back towards her and feeling Hudson penetrate deeper than before. "Oh, God, Hudson! Yes!" Never before had she felt the urge to writhe and move her hips so wantonly and in such a lustful way. Ackerley had never provoked such desires in her.
With a hand covering one of Lindsey's breasts, they both moaned as Hudson started thrusting, both aching with need, both seeking release. They moved together smoothly, as if they were experienced lovers. Lindsey's arms wrapped firmly around Hudson's torso, fingers digging into his shirt-covered back. Hudson groaned and started moving frantically, Lindsey panted and moaned, reaching down to clasp the soldier's firm buttocks, pulling him to her as she quivered and arched, finally crying out in climax again and again.
They lay quietly, Hudson on her back with Lindsey pressed tight to her side, both tired but sated and content. Realising it must be getting late in the day, Hudson kissed Lindsey's soft hair. "You should probably get back," she said reluctantly.
Lindsey snuggled closer. "I know. Though I am reluctant to move."
Hudson smiled and placed another kiss on Lindsey's head. "I know what you mean, but I really should get back to work."
"And I should go and prepare lunch for the workers," Lindsey replied, sitting up. "You don't think the men will mind cold meat sandwiches, do you?" she asked as she did up her dress.
"Of course not, sweetheart. They are grateful to get anything in truth. Your husband..."
Lindsey placed her fingers against Hudson's lips. "Let's not talk of him." She stood up and offered the still reclining brunette her hand. "In fact, I want to invite you in for dinner tonight, and tomorrow, and the day after. Along with that, I hope you will join me for breakfast too," she smiled.
Chuckling, Hudson stood. "How can I resist you or your fine cooking, milady?"
Blushing, Lindsey dropped Hudson's hand. "Come on, we both have things to do."