Dark Passions

22.

Derek pushed harder against Satan's flanks, demanding more of the horse. Satan surged ahead, responding eagerly to the challenge. Wind tore through Derek's hair, and tugged at his shirt. He knew the big animal needed this, just as much as he did, to get out and clear his head. Damnation, but he would be happy to see Addison's coach leave, with her in it. And as of yet, it was still here. It vexed him no end that she wasn't gone, and his eyes darkened in frustration. Remembering her silly game of the previous night, her attempt to seduce him, only fueled his anger.

At one time, he had to admit to himself, she had been able to arouse him. She had even seemed to love him, but it had not been love, he realized now. The woman had played her games with his emotions, hiding her true character beneath a false sweetness.

His thoughts shifted to Meredith, knowing that her affection for him was real, that she would never betray him. He eased Satan into an easy canter, letting the horse catch his breath. They were at the clearing now where he and Meredith had made love, and the memory made him smile, erasing away the anger. The little pond, with it's splashing waterfall, had been created by his father, for Eleanor. Derek knew his parents had shared a deep and strong love, and he hoped for the same thing with Meredith. Then he grinned, wondering if his parents had shared afternoon trysts in the same manner.

With that thought in mind, he turned Satan to head back to the manor. His eyes swept across the fields, and towards the roadway, hoping to see the coach leaving. But there was no sign of anything, and he swore under his breath, kicking Satan into a gallop again. What the devil was taking her so long?

As he reached the main gates, he could see Addison descending the broad steps leading down to the coach. Hodges stood impassively at the main door, watching her leave. The driver jumped down to open the door for her, as the footmen piled the luggage onto the back, strapping it down. Derek slowly rode up the curved drive, raking his hand through his hair. He stopped beside the coach, and Addison pushed the curtain aside. "Come to gloat, Derek?" she snapped. "I am leaving, as ordered."

Derek crossed his hands over the saddle, holding Satan's reins loosely in his elegant fingers, as he leaned forward slightly. Addison could see the fine sheen of sweat dampening his broad chest, the scent of him and sweat and horses filling her nostrils. He was so perfectly masculine, so sure of himself, that she just could not let it go. She wanted him in her bed again, no matter what. Then Satan tossed his head, the bridle jingling in the cool morning silence. "Not to gloat, just to bid farewell," Derek said finally.

"We may meet again, Derek. Do not count me out yet," Addison said flirtatiously, her fingers toying with the emerald necklace. Then her eyes were drawn to the small figure standing at the top of the stairs, and she sucked in a hot breath. Damn Meredith, having to show up and ruin her moment with Derek. "Well, your little bride-to-be is waiting for you, Derek. Best you run along to her."

Derek laughed, as he dismounted, landing lightly on the cobblestones. "I intend to. Good bye, Addison," he said, turning his back, and leading Satan away to the waiting groom. Then he ran easily up the steps, to Meredith's side, catching her around the waist and pulling her close. She looked up into his searching gaze, and her heart caught. He only had eyes for her then, as she melted against him.

The driver of the coach flicked the reins over the horses, and urged them to move. As the coach rumbled down the drive, Addison tried to resist the urge to look back, only to find herself unable to. Peering out the window, she saw Derek kissing Meredith then, sweeping the girl off her feet. She flopped back against the seat cushion, silently fuming, as the green devil twisted around her heart once more.

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"Thank god," Derek breathed, as he set Meredith down gently. "She is finally gone."