The Mistress stood in the deeper shadows of the empty barn. Now that spring was giving way to summer, the horses had been released to the pastures. The scent of earth and night blooming jasmine filled the dusty interior. Truth be told, the infinite silence appealed greatly. For just a few moments, there was peace. That was something in increasingly short supply. As days wore on and more demands were made, it seemed like her life was not her own. There were few moments where she didn't feel the weight of the world on her slender shoulders. Many of the girls attempted to share her burden. They knew the tremendous pressure she faced. No matter how much she wished to allow them to assist, she dared not. It was her place to ensure all was well. No one could be allowed to know how deeply troubled she was.

Turning back to the shadows, she allowed herself a moment to indulge in self pity. She had known from the start that the path she chose was unenviable. Her position in life was precarious, at best. She walked a fine line between acceptance and complete disdain. At times she didn't know, exactly, what was expected. Her beloved Maison as a necessary endeavor. She provided a service in a respectable manner. She treated everyone, both visitor and resident, as equals. Their miseries were her own and she worked to provide a safe haven. However, she wondered if perhaps the nay sayers were right. Perhaps she was a fallen women, a wicked harlot bent on tearing down the world around her. Fear struck at her from all sides. For a moment it was impossible to breathe. She gasped for breath as she fought back waves of panic.

"Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown." The deep voice coming from behind startled her from the unhealthy turn of her thoughts.

The words, fluently spoken in her native language, struck her momentarily speechless. She turned in a slow circle to face the last person she expected to see. He stood there, bathed in weak moonlight, resembling the ghost she believed him to be. How else could he possibly be standing before here in this dusty barn, thousands of miles from where she had last seen him? The reality of the situation was impossible to grasp. Never had she wanted to come face to face with him again. Not this eccentric character that was more than a little familiar. He had promised once he disappeared, she would be well and truly rid of him. She should have known a man such as he would some day be tempted to return. How fitting that he would pick the moment she was at her weakest?

"No need to answer, mon ami. I know far too well the albatross laid at your feet."

There was something so achingly familiar in his pattern of speech. It was soothing, almost comforting. At least, it would have been had she not known the intelligence lurking behind those shrewd eyes. The man missed nothing. It had been that way for an eternity. Bray Wyatt was an uncannily astute individual. He made it his mission to garner as much knowledge as possible. It was what he was capable of doing with that knowledge that frightened her most. He was not the kind of man she wanted to cross.

She forced herself to take a fortifying breath. It was impossible to hide her trepidation. Even if she had attempted to do so, he would have ferreted it out in no time. It was his unique gift. He could pinpoint weakness in less than a heartbeat and use it to his advantage in even less time.

"No need to be bashful. We're old friends, remember?" He lifted his hand toward her. "The night is young, and so are we. Come, walk with me."

She forced a smile as she shook her head, "I'm afraid I must decline. Duty calls."

His soft laugh drifted to her on a breeze. "Ever the studious business woman, I see. No one can fault you for putting business first."

It was on the very tip of her tongue to ask why he had returned. However, she knew in her heart he had never intended to keep his promise. The moment the words had left those lips, he'd began to dream of this day. No doubt it had given him endless pleasure to scheme and plot his reappearance into her life. Damn him! He'd picked the time when she was most vulnerable. How could she have expected anything less?

"Let me put your mind at ease. I have not returned for you."

Unbidden, a deep sigh left her. The sound did not escape him.

"No, my dear, I have come for something of far greater value."

The odd lilt in his voice sent a shiver of apprehension down his spine. She forced herself to meet his level gaze.

I stand by my word. I would ask the same of you."

He shook his head slowly as he took a step toward her. He studied her with those predatory eyes, silently daring her to flee. It would thrill him to the core to know he had affected her so deeply.

"If only it were that easy. But, nothing in life ever is. You see, as much as we may deny it, we are still connected." He motioned between the two of them with a finger. "Our history binds us still."

With a shake of her head, the Mistress took a step back. "I beg to differ, our history has no bearing on the present. When you left New Orleans, you swore never to lay your shadow at my feet again."

A dark brow rose in surprise. "Do you honestly believe I could stay away? How can you think I would abandon what is more precious to me than anything?"

His voice dropped to a disturbingly deep timbre. "You know I can't keep my word. To keep my flesh and blood from me is a sin."

Fear bloomed in her chest as he moved closer to her, one step at time. He didn't stop until he was within arm's reach.

"I know you are an honest woman. So kind, so loyal. Noble to a fault, you are. It would pain me greatly to have to resolve this in a less than friendly manner."

As if there was a friendly bone in his body! The man was cunning, calculating, deadly without a doubt. There was only one way this would end, with him getting exactly what he'd come for. Defeat moved through her as her chin dropped. She had tried with every ounce of her being to keep her promise. She swore on her life that she would protect those who called La Maison home. With every breath she took, she ensured all within her walls were safe. Yet, here she was, practically inviting the very devil himself into their midst. But what choice did she have? If she refused, he would, without a doubt, destroy everything in his path. There would be nothing left of her life's work. Of that,she was certain. It was unthinkable that she would sacrifice one soul for the greater good. Yet here she stood on the verge of doing exactly that.

She forced herself to meet his deep set eyes. "How do I know you'll depart in peace?"

His laugh was soft yet the sound of it sent chills down her spine. Goosebumps erupted on her skin.

"Because I have nothing to gain if I don't. This is a give and take affair, my sweet. Either you give me what I want or I'll take it. I will take everything and leave you with nothing." The last word was said on a whisper. "I will burn your kingdom to the ground if that's what it takes."

The sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the suddenly silent expanse. "Madam, if you will allow me, I will escort Master Wyatt to the cabins."

Relief swamped her at the sound of Laurent's voice. She knew how fortunate she was he had chosen that moment to appear. She feared her strength would not have lasted another minute. With false bravado she pulled a brass key from the depths of her pocket. She held it out to Bray as she met his eyes.

"Do no harm, Master Wyatt. Some within these walls have suffered more than their share."

"No need to warn me. Come the first light of dawn, I'll be a mere memory."

With that, Bray took the key and turned on his heel. "No time to waste, mon ami. I've waited long enough."

Laurent briefly met her eyes before turning away. The fear he saw written there made his blood freeze. He had no doubt Master Wyatt would do exactly as he said. He would burn the world around him if it meant he achieved his heart's desire. Perhaps it was time to agree with the Mistress. Maybe their days had, indeed, been numbered. With a heavy heart, he led the way down to three small cabins set near the edge of the property. This was a part of the landscape visitors were not allowed to go. This was where new lives began. These cabins were sacred spaces where babes were coddled and mothers bonded with their young. To invite him into their midst was unthinkable. But what choice did they have? He was not a man that scared easily but he truly feared the man following him. With a sense of dread, he motioned Bray forward. He turned on his heel without a word and went in search of the Mistress.

Bray waited until he could no longer hear the sound of footsteps. The quiet of the night surrounded him. In an odd way, it was soothing. He'd waited for this day for an eternity. From the instant word had reached him, he had dreamed of this. Each night he prayed he would get the chance to make this right. The need to set the past to rights consumed him; plagued him day after day. Finally, the moment was at hand. He reached for the brass knob and quietly pushed the door open. At first he heard nothing but infinite silence. Then he heard the soft strains of classical music. As the door opened fully, he felt as if he had stepped back in time. The furniture was simple and rustic yet absolutely perfect. A dark green knitted blanket was draped casually over the arm of a plush chair. A novel lay face down on the small table nearby. Undoubtedly, the room's occupant had not been absent long.

The scene felt oddly familiar. Something deep inside him flared with recognition. Drawing in a deep breath, he realized the scent of powder lingered in the air. His eyes narrowed as the scanned the small space. Surprise kept him rooted in place as he stared toward the corner of the room. A cradle sat below a small four-pane window. It was impossible to breathe as he crossed the small expanse. Kneeling beside the cradle, he stared in unabashed wonder. The baby slept soundly as if all was right in the world. Her rosebud mouth worked as she dreamed.

Pride swelled in his chest as he looked down at her. Tears burned his eyes as he reached out to stroke his palm across her downy head. When word had reached him that his child had been born, he'd vowed nothing would keep them apart. How foolish had he been to send her mother away? He should have kept her at his side. In a strange way, he felt like everything in his life had led him to this moment. His journey was now complete. The babe slumbering so peacefully meant more to him than his next breath.

"She has your eyes."

The soft voice startled him from his reverie. Blinking back the sheen of tears, he looked at the woman who had made this possible. His heart began to pound in a unsteady rhythm. Time fell away as he stared up at her. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. Her blonde hair was loose around her shoulders, the silky strands falling to her waist. Sky blue eyes looked back at him. It was like a day had not passed without her. She looked exactly as he remembered; a vision of perfection.

His lips parted to speak, however, words failed him. His gaze moved from Sera, to the babe, then back again. It was impossible to believe that the last time he had seen her, she showed no signs of impending motherhood. Yet the evidence of their passionate affair continued to slumber. She was completely oblivious to the emotions sparking between her parents. Slowly, he pulled himself to his feet. Unconsciously he smoothed a hand over his button down shirt.

"I named her Cora, after your mother." Sera's voice was tender as she looked at him.

The wealth of emotion written on his face was astonishing. He was typically reserved and gave away very little of what he felt. To see him this way made her realize how foolish she had been. She should never have agreed to leave his side. She should have fought to stay with him.

His lips curved into a smile. He had often wondered what name would be chosen. How fitting she had chosen to honor him this way. Wordlessly, he held out a hand to her. She crossed the small expanse to stand before him. Her wide eyes looked at him. He could see the disbelief shining in their depths.

He swallowed back the waves of emotions that swamped him. "I'm such a fool."

She placed a fingertip to his lips. With a shake of her head, she traced the shape of his mouth.

"You did what you thought was right."

Bray drew in a shaky breath as she placed her palm on his cheek. His beard was soft and tickled. His lips drew into a half smile as he turned and pressed a kiss to her wrist. His hand came up to rest against her waist. Slowly, he pulled her toward him.

"You should hate me." His words were low, his tone soft.

Again, she shook her head. "Never."

It was impossible to hate him. While it had hurt bitterly when he'd sent her away, she knew it was for the best. Their life was increasingly dangerous and he feared the worst. Putting her life in jeopardy had not been an option. When he'd learned of her pregnancy, he had wept bitterly. It was not for the new life he wept. He did so because he knew the time had come. He had to save her, even if that meant saving her from himself. So with a heavy heart, he had booked her passage to the one place he knew she'd be safe. From the moment she'd left his life, he'd felt like he'd died. It wasn't until this moment that he felt his lungs expand and his heart resume beating.

He pulled her tightly against him, burying his face in the tumble of her silky hair. He held her, feeling the soft weight of her body against his. Motherhood had been kind to her. She was gently rounded in ways she'd not been before. Yet, she still fit him perfectly.

Rubbing his cheek against the top of her head, he murmured to her softly. The words were nearly incoherent. The tone, however, was utterly soothing. His large hands roamed down her back, caressing her, pulling her ever closer. With a deep sigh, he pressed her head against his heart. The steady rhythm filled her with a sense of peace she'd never known. This moment was worth all of the sleepless nights. It was worth every tear shed in his absence. Having him in her arms was worth every pain of her labors.

Bray pulled back slowly, his eyes meeting hers. As if in slow motion, his lips descended. He kissed her sweetly, a low moan escaping as her flavor bloomed on his tongue. She was sweeter than nectar. How foolish of him to think he could live without her. Sera returned his embrace, her tongue moving in time with his. Surprisingly, she nipped his bottom lip. She drew the flesh between her teeth and tugged.

The look she gave him was pure invitation. As she stepped back, she took his hand.

Inclining her head, she motioned to the adjoining bedroom. He cast the cradle an uncertain glance then looked at Sera. The silent question was clear.

"She'll sleep until dawn." Sera assured him.

He hesitated a moment longer before allowing her to lead him into the bedroom. He expected something utterly feminine and delicate. Surprisingly, her inner sanctum was filled with sturdy furniture and rustic pieces. He almost felt at home within these walls.

Sera partially closed the door before turning to him. Without a word she loosened the tie of her robe. The material parted as she drew the halves apart. Bray was grateful the bed was directly behind him. As the robe fell to the floor, he was no longer able to stand. He sat on the edge and stared at her in wonder. Gone was the slender figure of the young girl he knew. In it's place was the rounded figure of a woman. Her breasts were full and beautifully round. Her nipples were darker than before. No doubt he had his daughter to thank for that.

A smile tugged at his lips as she slowly came to him. She drew him to her breasts, pressing his face into the deep valley. Stroking her fingers through his hair, she held him close.

He drew in the scent of her skin. The sweet smell reminded him of their life together. It also fanned the flames of desire that licked up his spine. He closed his eyes as he savored this moment. Without opening his eyes, he turned and placed a kiss to her breast. He drew his lips along the satiny flesh until he found her nipple. He toyed with the puckered flesh, drawing his tongue slowly across the surface. Mon Dieu! She tasted of sinful delights. Unable to resist, his lips closed over her nipple and he began to suck.

The steady pressure was delicious. Sera swayed slightly as he toyed with her, increasing the pressure by slow degrees. His tongue laved her, stroking and tugging as he suckled. Her hands tightened in his hair, holding him in place. He continued his ministrations, his free hand reaching up to lightly roll her other nipple between his fingers. Her gasp was one of pure desire. His soft laugh was music to her ears. As he pulled away, she saw the desire flashing in his eyes.

"Ah, ma petite cherie, you are killing me." His voice was full of awe as he praised her.

To drive home the meaning of his words, he drew his fingertips down the center of her body. He stopped at the juncture of her thighs. He paused a moment, savoring the feel of her silky flesh beneath his fingers. With a light touch, he drew his fingers across her mound. Her hands tugged at his hair, silently urging him on.

But, he was not yet ready to give her what she craved. Withdrawing his hands, he reached for the buttons of his shirt. He slowly released each one, allowing her the opportunity to watch. She chewed on her bottom lip as he drew off his shirt and let if fall to the floor. Instantly she reached for him, drawing her palms down the plane of his chest. As she reached for his belt, he stopped her.

"Allow me." He said as he stood.

She stayed close to him, close enough that he could feel the waves of heat pouring off her skin. With unsteady hands, he made quick work of shedding his clothes. With an economy of motion, he bared himself to her gaze.

Sera's gasp was full of appreciation. She watched in wonder as his cock lengthened. Her body clenched in anticipation as she reached for him. The weight of his cock was comforting and familiar. It was also incredibly arousing. She stroked him lightly, drawing her fingertips down the engorged length. When she reached the base, she wrapped him in her fist.

Bray hissed as she began to stroke him. The memories of their time together was nothing compared to this. The feel of her small hand gliding over his cock was a sweet torture. A growl of desire escaped as her fingers swirled over the weeping tip. She drew the liquid down his length and then resumed the agonizingly slow stroking.

Unable to resist, Bray drew her down to the bed with him. He placed her atop his, draping her creamy thighs over his. As he settled her heated core against him, he found her nipple again, taking the stiff peak in his mouth. He laved the tip before tracing it with the edge of his teeth. She drew in a sharp breath as his worked his magic. Restlessly, she moved against him, her slick paradise rubbing along his length. The friction of her flesh on his was a delicious torture. Once again his hand slipped to the juncture of her thighs. He touched her lightly, drawing his fingertips along her cleft. His thumb found her swollen nub and pressed against it. Her gasp told him exactly how much she enjoyed his touch. He would have deduced that even if she hadn't arched against his hand.

"Is that what you want, my love?" Bray's voice had grown thick with lust.

The words were fairly growled. When she didn't answer, he lightly tapped his fingers against her clit. Her hips jerked at the unexpected pressure.

"Do you need me?" He asked.

His words elicited a keening cry from Sera. She arched against his questing fingers, pushing them firmly against her flesh.

"Yes!" The response was breathless. Her body moved against him, writhing as she sought her pleasure.

"I need you so."

"If you please, my love." Bray muttered in deeply accented French. It was so easy to fall into the old ways. But nothing could compare to the new found passion between them.

She nodded quickly as she braced her hands on his chest. She leaned her weight against him and he bore it without complaint.

His broad hands skimmed down the length of her back and cupped the twin globes of her ass. Lifting her slightly, he positioned himself at her entrance. The pressure against her was slow and steady, stretching her wide until just the tip burrowed inside. He paused a moment, feeling the satiny heat of her body wrapping around him. The sweet pressure against his cock stole his breath. It had been longer than forever since he'd been with her. This moment was everything he had dreamed of. With a deep thrust, he was fully seated inside her.

Sera gasped as Bray pulled her hips against his. She felt impossibly full. The stretching bordered on painful, but as he began to slowly slide from her depths, the pain faded to blissful surrender. She moved with him, following the ebb and flow of his thrusts. She picked up his rhythm, rolling her hips to meet his.

Bray touched every inch of skin he could reach. He couldn't get enough. Pleasure licked up his spine as Sera moved. Her pace increased by slow degrees until he could no longer breathe. It was growing impossible to keep the waves of passion at bay. He refused to give in until Sera was thoroughly sated. To that end, his hand once again moved to her swollen flesh. His thumb flicked over her clit until she began to squirm in earnest. She bucked against him, taking him deep.

Her cries of satisfaction were the sweetest sound he'd ever heard. Her body bowed against him, trembling as he stroked her to the heights of passion. His name tumbled from her lips over and over as she gave in to his masterful touch. Unable to resist another second, Bray arched beneath her, driving all the way to the very heart of her. He erupted in hot bursts, bathing her depths.

With a groan he collapsed against the soft blankets. Sera burrowed against his chest, soaking up his warmth. His arms wrapped around her, anchoring her against his chest. He couldn't stop the smile that stole across his lips. He was where he was truly meant to be; in the bosom of his family. And he'd never been happier. After dropping a kiss on her shoulder, he settled against the bed. For the first time in an eternity, he felt relaxed. The reason for the deep contentment was curled against him, her breathing easing as she calmed from their euphoria. As he drifted off to sleep, he vowed he would never allow her to leave again. She would stay by his until the end of time.