Hold Me Close, Keep Us Safe.

Chapter 1.

Georg's eyes swept across the ballroom, searching for the beautiful woman who was supposed to be on his arm. He found her, standing near the ornate gilt wall, along side his best friend, her own blue eyes searching, just like his.

Their gazes met and without skipping a beat, the two began walking toward one another. She seemed to glide across the floor, more elegantly than he could have ever imagined the first time he'd seen her in the very space. The white satin gown she wore gave her form an ethereal glow, as if she were truly an angel.

As they came together, she took his hand, her other gently coming to rest on his shoulder, his arm snaking around her waist. In other circumstances it would be frowned upon, how closely he held her, their bodies in full contact. As he swept her onto the dance floor, there was only one thing on his heart and on his mind.

"Are you ready to leave this wedding celebration, and begin our marriage, my love?"

Maria blushed in his arms as they danced. "I've been waiting for you to ask."

He lowered his lips to her ear, his breath tickling her skin and threatening to melt her into a puddle right on the dance floor. "Then your wish is my command, Baroness von Trapp." Dancing them in the direction of the stairs where they would change into their going-away clothes, Georg paused to kiss his bride.

Reluctantly pulling his lips from hers for fear he'd begin unbuttoning her gown right there in front of everyone, he stroked her cheek and she nuzzled his hand in return. "Did you say something about needing help to get out of this dress?"

Maria smiled at him, and her eyes danced with excitement and anticipation.

"Yes, but I'm afraid if you do that we'll never leave." They laughed together, knowing it was most likely true. "Liesl will help me, darling."

"Mmmm, well, I'll just have to help you out of the next one then."

XxXxXx

It took quite a while for Liesl to undo the dozens of buttons down the back of Maria's gown. As she helped Maria pull off the white satin material, she let out a deep sigh. "Oh, you looked so beautiful in this dress today Fraulein Maria… uh… I mean, Mother," Liesl paused and looked at her former governess. "May I call you Mother?" she asked hesitantly.

A wide smile graced Maria's face as the beamed with pride. "Of course you can darling."

"Mother. That sounds so nice. I like calling you Mother," Liesl told Maria.

"And I like hearing it," Maria replied pulling her new daughter into a hug. As they parted, Maria noticed a sad, almost wistful look on Liesl's face as she picked up the discarded wedding gown and hung it up on a hanger. "Is there anything the matter, darling?" Maria asked.

Liesl looked up surprised, not realising she'd made her feelings so obvious. "No, not really. It's only, I…no, it's silly." The young lady blushed.

"Not silly at all," Maria replied, taking Liesl's hand and motioning for her to sit on the bed beside her. "Please tell me."

"Well, seeing you marry Father today, it was so wonderful. I only hope that one day I'll get married to someone too."

Maria wrapped one arm around Liesl's shoulders and gave her a hug. "Someday, Liesl, someday. And it will be just as wonderful for you, I promise."

"I hope so," Liesl replied before she stood up and walked away from Maria.

Maria watched her walk to the window and look out. "There's something else, isn't there?" Liesl just shrugged in reply. "Perhaps," Maria continued speaking as she stood and joined her daughter at the window, "something to do with the lack of telegrams delivered here recently?" Maria placed her hands on Liesl's shoulders,

At this, Liesl turned and threw herself into her Maria's arms. "Oh Mother! What do you do when you think you love someone, when you stop loving someone, or they stop loving you?"

Maria held Liesl close to her as the young woman shed silent tears in her arms. "Well," she soothed. "You cry a little, and wait for the sun to come out. It always does you know."

Liesl raised her head and looked at Maria. "Sometimes I feel like the world is ending…"

"… and then it's just beginning?" Maria finished the girl's thought. Liesl nodded.

"It was that way with me too," Maria began to reassure her but Liesl pulled away from her arms.

"It's just, well… I've heard things about him, from people at school you see," Liesl tried to explain her feelings. "I'm not a child anymore, I know what's about to happen in this country. So many people are being caught up in it, wanting all of us to be German, I mean. And I fear that Rolf has become part of it."

"Liesl are you sure?" Maria asked. Liesl nodded. "He spoke about it once to me, and then the other day when we were in town picking up your dress, I s-saw him with a group of men that I know are German sympathisers. That man that father doesn't like, Herr Zeller - he was with him."

"Did you tell your father?" Maria inquired, concerned. Liesl shook her head. "I didn't want to say anything that could have ruined the wedding."

"You wouldn't have ruined the wedding, darling," Maria reassured her. "But you probably should tell him before we leave today."

"I will." Liesl paused momentarily. "Mother, how long will you be gone again?"

"About two months, according to your father. Remember, we talked about it the other night over dinner."

"Yes, of course, that's right," Liesl replied absently, her eyes downcast. "Mother, do you have to go for so long, or go as far away as Paris?" Maria opened her mouth to reply but Liesl continued. "I'm worried that something might happen while you're gone."

Maria placed her arm around her daughter again and hugged her. "Nothing is going to happen, I'm sure of it. Everything will be fine. Besides, I can hardly imagine your father wanting to go so far away and for so long if he thought that… No, Liesl, there's nothing to worry about. Max will be here looking after you children and we'll only be a telephone call away if you need us."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive." Liesl let out a sigh of relief.

The suddenly realising the time, Liesl quickly got out the sophisticated golden travel suit Maria had purchased the previous week to wear as she left on her honeymoon with Georg. Maria swiftly dressed and as she was tucking the matching golden silk scarf into the bodice, Liesl smiled at Maria and gushed, "Oh Mother, you look so beautiful! I can't wait to see the look on Father's face when he sees you in this outfit!"

"Then we shouldn't keep him waiting any longer," Maria replied with a smile, as they left the room and went downstairs to meet Georg.

XxXxXxXx

Word had gotten around the villa that the newlyweds were getting ready to depart, and by the time Maria and Liesl returned to the main hall, Georg was waiting on the landing, with the rest of the children beside him, and the many guests in attendance crowded around at the bottom of the stairs.

Maria couldn't help but smile at the sight of her husband-her husband-and the thought of being alone with him for the next two months made her almost giddy with excitement. She took his outstretched hand and felt the now-familiar tingling warmth spread from his touch throughout her body. Georg winked at her before addressing the children.

"Now, while your mother and I are gone I expect you all to be on your best behavior for Uncle Max and Frau Schmidt. Friedrich, you are the man of the house while I'm gone, set an example for your brother and sisters. You, too, Liesl," he added, following a nudge from Maria.

"But who's going to look after Uncle Max?" Brigitta asked, prompting laughs from them all.

"How about if you take care of that for us, hmm?" he touched the girl's cheek, then kissed her forehead, as each of the children crowded to their parents for their own goodbye. Maria dropped his hand, and he sensed her moving to the floor, and watched as she knelt in front of Marta.

"Oh, don't cry darling," she cooed softly to the girl.

"But I don't want you to go away again. What if you don't come back this time?"

Maria felt her own eyes well up with warm tears. "Marta, sweetheart, I promise I'll come back, and then I'll never have to leave you again." She didn't think she could ever forgive herself for hurting the children and betraying their trust when she'd left without saying goodbye. Folding Marta into her arms, the feel of Georg's strong hand on her shoulder lending support was most comforting.

Gretl politely demanded her own hug which Maria happily gave before again taking Georg's hand as he helped her to her feet. Last waves and shouts of "good-bye" and "we'll miss you" continued until Franz closed the door behind them.

The click of the latch was heard as Georg pulled his wife into his arms, brushing her lips with his, gently caressing her mouth, slowly entering and exploring with his tongue until Maria moaned and he felt her knees buckle. Lifting her face to look into her eyes, he smiled at the hunger he found there.

"And that is what I plan to do tonight, all night, to every inch of you," he whispered to her. She took a few moments to compose herself enough to speak, while he swept his lips across her cheek.

"Well, then. Why are we still standing here?" They shared a soft laugh as he helped Maria into the car, and drove into Salzburg.

XxXxXx

After leaving the car with the valet and checking in for the night, the newlyweds were escorted to their suite. Maria entered the room first, astonished at the lavishness surrounding them. The entire space was decorated in rich brocades, velvets, and silks, all in tones of beige, cream, and gold. As Georg directed the bellhop where to put their overnight bags, she crossed the room to the French doors opening to a private balcony. The view of the city and the river beyond was unlike what she'd seen before.

"Beautiful." The rich baritone voice behind her thrilled her to her core.

"It is very beautiful," she agreed.

"I meant you," he said, wrapping his arms around her from behind. Maria relaxed into him, her head on his shoulder. They stood together, watching the sun set behind the mountains. Georg softly kissed her temple, her cheek, the soft patch of neck showing above her scarf. Maria turned in his arms, wrapping hers around his neck, as he ran his hands from her waist down to cup her bottom.

Before he could kiss her, she spoke. "Thank you."

The simple statement made him smile. "For what, darling?"

"For, well, everything! A beautiful wedding day, and this amazing room. For our family." He watched as tears welled in her eyes again. "For loving me. I've never been so happy in my life. I love you, Georg von Trapp."

"And I love you, Maria von Trapp. Now, I'd like to bring you back inside, and do to you all the things I've been dreaming of," he announced. "How does that sound?" He untucked her scarf, pulling one end and making her shiver as the silk slid across the back of her neck.

"You've been dreaming of me?" she asked, her voice shaky with nervous desire.

"Oh-ho-ho, yes. Sometimes even when I'm sleeping," he teased. Georg turned serious when he saw Maria had begun anxiously biting her lower lip. Putting his arm around her shoulder, he led her into the sitting area, urging her to sit while he popped the cork on the champagne and poured two flutes. Maria took one from him, snuggling into the crook of his arm when he settled in beside her.

"Maria, I love you. I want you to remember that, above all. I know you're nervous, and I'll do all I can to. . ." She silenced him with a finger to his lips.

"I know you will. It's not that, it's . . . " honesty, Maria, be honest with him, she told herself. Taking a deep breath she blurted her worry out. "I'm afraid I won't be able to. . .please you." She closed her eyes and waited for laughter that never came. When Georg didn't respond, she opened her eyes and looked up at him, smiling the seductive half-smile he often gave when only she could see.

"Darling, there is nothing you could do that wouldn't please me. I think you'll find things will come very naturally. You're a passionate woman, Maria. I don't expect that part of who you are will stop at the bedroom door." He tapped the crystal flute against hers, then sipped at the bubbly elixir, as she did the same. They chatted a bit about the events of the day, Maria relaxing as she finished the champagne. Georg took their glasses and set them on the table in front of them. Standing up, he pulled her to her feet and took her mouth with his, making sweeping, swirling motions with his tongue before she sought to do the same. Lifting her effortlessly off her feet, he carried his wife to the enormous bed in the next room where he lay her down gently, before finally ending their kiss.

He kicked off his own shoes then sat beside her on the bed, where he softly stroked her legs and removed her shoes as well. Making quick work ridding himself of his jacket and tie, Georg then concentrated on removing his bride's garments, as he'd promised earlier. The suit jacket was first, the three small buttons like pebbles between his fingers. To his surprise there was only her lace brassiere beneath it.

"Now I know why you had that scarf, you little minx," he smiled, as he maneuvered her arms out of the jacket with her help. Maria was surprised to find her nerves were completely gone, replaced by feelings of longing and desire for her husband. It felt completely natural to want to undress him just has he was undressing her. Maria, therefore, took the initiative to open a few of his shirt buttons while he went to work on her skirt fastenings. They paused again briefly, Maria slinking out of the skirt as Georg removed his cufflinks and his dress shirt.

Looking up to find him bare-chested for the first time, she gasped aloud. She hadn't known what to expect, but seeing her husband as well-muscled as any statue she'd seen took her breath away. A smattering of dark curls across his chest narrowed to a path that disappeared below the waist of his pants. The warmth that swept through her left her wanting nothing more than to follow where it went.

The heat of his fingers tracing the edge of her garter belt distracted her. The feeling that had consumed her moments before was now concentrated in one place, just inches from his hand. His touch seemed to be on her everywhere and only there at the same time. Maria was only dimly aware of him unhooking her garters, sliding the silk stockings off of her legs-was it with his fingers? His mouth? She wanted more of whatever it was he was doing to her. Once he removed the last of her underthings she moved to remove his pants to find him naked already.

He was hard everywhere she touched, from his broad shoulders and strong back; his lean, muscular legs entangling with her own. She raked her fingers through the brown curls on his chest, surprised to find even his nipples were hardened nubs. As she moved her hand away, Georg took it and moved it back. "Yes" was all he said before moving his head down her body.

The hot wetness of his mouth on her breast brought yet another completely new sensation that made her moan from somewhere deep within. He moved from one to the other, sucking, licking, even using his teeth until she wondered if it were possible to die of pleasure.

Maria's fingers raking through his hair was wonderful, but when he felt her stop and tug he knew she was enjoying his ministrations. Her body was perfect-lean, strong legs, soft but gentle curves, and skin that felt like velvet beneath his fingers; but more importantly, she herself was perfect for him - - - wise, witty, passionate, with a natural curiosity to turn her from inexperienced bride to adventurous lover. Already she was getting more comfortable and exploring his body as he delighted in hers.

Georg was sensitive to her innocence, and tried mightily to control himself, not take her before she was ready and begging for him. He'd been controlling himself for quite a bit longer than Maria knew; he'd been open with her about his desire after their engagement but she had no idea how long he had wanted her, how many nights he'd walked toward the room where she slept only to stop himself, turn back to his own suite and go straight to a cold shower.

Now he didn't have to stop. As his wife found his erection and wrapped her hand around his pulsing hardness, he smiled. That was what he'd been waiting for. His mouth found hers as he slipped his free hand between her legs, the other pulling her closer to him. Maria parted her thighs, welcoming him inside. Gently pumping one finger in and out, she tightened her grip on his shaft when he added a second. When she raised her hips to meet his hand, he removed it.

She objected verbally. "No! Don't . ." He silenced her with a kiss, parting her legs wider and kneeling between them. Maria realized and smiled. Her eyes were dark and stormy, and her voice matched. "Oh, Georg, I . . .ow!" His heart broke when the light caresses on his back turned to sharp fingernails digging in pain.

"Shhh, shhh, it's okay. It's only for a moment. I love you, Maria. Stay still, shhh," he whispered over and over again, kissing her cheeks, her neck, her lips as he buried himself deep within her thrusting gently, grunting with the effort to stay still as he shuddered with his own release. He waited a moment to withdraw, and she flinched again as he left her empty.

When he could speak again, he opened his eyes to see Maria's head turned toward the wall, her eyes closed. "Maria?"

He was relieved when she turned to look at him. "I'm sorry, Georg."

"Darling, no, why would you be sorry?" He gathered her into his arms, and she melted against him.

"I didn't think it would hurt, sting so much." She kissed his bare chest, and he held her closer. "… and I'm sorry that I wasn't..." her voice trailed off.

Georg at once shifted positions so that he could look into his wife's eyes. "You weren't what? Wonderful? Perfect? Everything I could have wanted and dreamed of?" Maria looked away embarrassed and nodded faintly.

For a moment Georg felt confused. He'd been waiting impatiently over the past few months of their engagement to make love to Maria, and he knew she felt just as eager as him longing for their wedding night. But now, she seemed unhappy – almost regretful and he wondered why. Then he remembered their conversation from earlier that night. Georg's heart was full of emotion when he suddenly realized Maria felt like she'd disappointed him. He knew he had to reassure her. "Maria, look at me." Georg placed one finger underneath her chin and gently tilted her face towards his. "Maria, you were all of those things."

"But…" she began to protest before he silenced her with the sweetest, most tender kiss he'd ever given her.

As he pulled away, he swept a stray hair off her forehead before gently caressing her face with his hand. "Maria, honestly and truly. You were perfect."

"I just thought it might have been… uh… better," Maria admitted, blushing furiously. "I'm sorry."

"Oh, my love, please don't apologize." He kissed her softly once again in reassurance. "But in actual fact, you, ah… pleased me very much, in case you failed to notice." This time it was Georg's cheeks that flushed faintly.

"Actually yes, I did notice that," Maria replied straightaway. There was a long moment of silence before they both suddenly laughed out loud.

"You know," he told her after they'd stopped laughing. "It will only get better from here, for both of us."

Maria's eyes brightened. "Really?" Georg winked at her. "All we need is lots and lots of practice."

"Oh," Maria replied. She paused in contemplation as she licked her lips. "Well, how long until we can, ah… practice again?"

Georg pulled Maria on top of him and kissed her deeply and passionately, running his hands lightly up and down her sides. "Hmm… how about right now?" he asked playfully.

"Oh I'd like that a lot," Maria breathed as she kissed her husband once again.

XxXxXxXx

In a darkened office on the other side of Salzburg, a telephone rang. The man sitting at the desk answered it immediately. "Zeller."

Herr Zeller listened to the message relayed to him by his informant. For a man in his position of power, it paid to have people everywhere and anywhere giving him information at any time of day or night. "Yes, thank you. I will get onto that right way," Zeller told his informant. "You must keep up your cover and wait for further instructions." As Zeller put down the receiver, he called Karl into his office.

"Karl, that was Franz, the butler at the von Trapp residence. He told me that Captain von Trapp and his new wife will be travelling to Paris tomorrow on the noon train. Have one of your men follow them. Make sure they keep close, but out of sight. They need to be ready to move in and take the Captain as soon as we get our orders."

"Yes sir," Karl saluted his superior with the Hitler salute before leaving the office.

Zeller smiled to himself. It would give him great pleasure to see the great and famous Captain von Trapp serve in the ranks of the Third Reich, but he knew the Captain would not come easily or quietly. But he had his orders from above and he was going to do everything in his power to make sure he carried out those orders.

A/N: We're really excited to team up and write together again. We really hope you enjoy this new story. Please send us a review and let us know what you think!

"OhCaptain" (utility-singer and charleybec)