Thread: A Belle seeks Liberty (Wolvenrogue and Whispered Desire)

Eliza heard movement from behind her and the sounds of clothing being removed. She as much as had guessed that Nathaniel had shed the shorts he'd donned after bathing in the creek. She leaned forward slightly allowing his access to slip into the luke warm water behind her, grateful that he could not see her face with the slight rosy blush that had risen to her cheeks. In all honesty though, the situation didn't afford her even a small moment to become overly embarrassed as it was born out of necessity. He settled in behind her and she felt his warmth but despite that she continued to shiver, the cool air on the material of the wet shirt only adding to her discomfort but she said nothing. To suggest that she removed the very last stitch of clothing that concealed her young named form would have been deemed unladylike of her, but Nathaniel must have been reading her mind as it were because she felt the tug of the shirt as he began to pull it upward. Eliza didn't resist and aided him the best that she could. She leaned her head forward, trying hard not to tremble as those strong arms wrapped around her naked form and across her breasts in a what appeared to be a genuinely indifferent manner. Nathaniel had may attempt to touch her in any way that would have been different than any man wrapping his arms around a woman had she been fully clothed and Eliza was grateful that he was being such a gentleman. She shifted slightly into those warms arms almost settling herself back against him as though it was a natural thing to do and as though she'd possibly known him all of her life. She was still slightly torn about the situation. It was improper but it was deemed necessary. But in light of the reasons for it happening would it truly be deemed improper? The dark haired beauties pale skin illuminated by the moonlight appeared even paler than it normally did to her. Mother had refused to allow her to go outside without her parasol let alone with any of her skin barely allowed to having been shown, other than perhaps her forearms and the rounded curve of her breasts against the cut of the dress. Mother had always said a dress should only be low enough to entice a man yet never too low be considered unladylike. It was hard for Eliza to be bound in Nathaniel's arms and not allow her mind to wander and wonder about the warmth of his touch as his hands and arms wrapped her in a blanket of warmth. She could feel how powerful yet his touch was gentle and that was only with him holding her. She wondered what it would be like...and then she scolded herself. Here Nathaniel was being a perfect gentleman and she was having improper thoughts. Brushing the thoughts from her mind she leaned back further completely resting against him as she focused on other things. Her freedom being the main one. Of course as soon as she could she would get word to her parents that she was safe and well and would be in touch with them when she found a place to settle, but she had no intentions of living in their home again. She could always go home to the plantation to visit. Eliza had not slept well since having left home, always fearful for what may happen to her as she traveled but she'd not allowed it to deter her, always pressing forward until she fell and Nathaniel had entered her life. Being in his arms felt comfortable to her and coupled with the fact that his skin was warm pressed against her and that she was very sleepy, those dark locks rested back against him, Eliza closing her eyes and trying not to think about his warm arms wrapped around her breasts. Although her heart raced from the close proximity to him and her mind flying with all of the what if's, she forced herself to take deep breaths, focus and try to relax. The warmth permeated her skin and not long after her breathing slowed, as did her heart and Eliza drifted into a dreamless sleep feeling uncommonly safe as though as long as Nathaniel were near here nothing would ever possibly hurt her. Odd, considering just hours ago she wasn't certain if she should fear him or not. Eliza no longer feared him and the fact that she fell asleep curled up against him was a testament to that. When morning came the sun filtering through the trees woke her and for a few moments Eliza remained perfectly still in the cool water. Somehow Nathaniel still felt warm against her and she snuggled into those arms, her hands coming up and covering his with her own almost instinctively, the slightest gesture of her comfort and reluctance to wish to move from within that warmth. She shifted in the water, making sure the injured leg remained under the water but turned more so to her side in a manner in which her cheek now lay against his chest, one hand still resting on his arm and the other coming to rest upon his chest close to her cheek. Eliza Belle Carter wanted to say something to him, anything but words refused to present themselves to her so she remained still and quiet for a few moments, her repositioning having also inadvertently repositioned his hands against her bare skin along her side at the curve of her breast. For one second her breath caught in her throat as she trembled ever so lightly. It was just the cold water. Nestling her cheek into that strong chest she finally spoke, her voice slightly shaking but filled with appreciation for all he had put himself through on her behalf. Thank you, Nathaniel, for all that you've done at my expense and for sharing your the word body almost slipped out but she'd stopped herself then finishing with for sharing your warmth with me. For Eliza it wasn't just his body warmth she was referring to but also, it was his mannerisms and for that he'd quickly endeared himself to her.