Hello all, thank you very much for your sweet comments! I decided to bite the bullet and present you part two of this heat wave. It goes a bit further than the people who know my work are used from me...but it has a purpose. This is a very long chapter but I thought it would be better to present it as a whole. I wouldn't know at which point to break it off so...

Well enough with the rambling, Joseph and Clarisse are ready...you too?

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It took her one second to think, one long second to consider her options. She could step forward and leave him and everything about him behind, without ever knowing what could have been. She knew that this was what it came down to; if she would break the spell and step away the door would be sealed shut forever. His intentions weren't hard to understand; he was giving her the choice to either accept what was happening, or avoid it for the rest of her life. She would grow older, so would he, but the want and need would never grow weaker. No matter where he'd go, he would forever be in her head no matter what. She pressed her lips, exhaling slowly through her mouth.

A small smile curved his lips as she slowly turned in his arms so she came to face him. He caught her expression in a sudden flash of lightning. Her eyes glittered in the blue light, a sight that he would remember for the rest of his life. Slowly but determined he leaned in, she moaned as his hot mouth covered hers and he pulled her away from the doorframe, pressing her tightly against his body. The kiss deepened in seconds, he forced her to open up for him as the need to taste her was unbearable. She responded, breathing heavily and the rush that shot through her lower body made very clear what was about to happen. She pulled back, looked intently at his eyes and then she moved for a second kiss, more urgent this time. Their lips found each other again and he took control over her body and mind, acting fast. With possessive urgency they touched each other, too impatient and hasty to fully undress. He slipped his hand under the back of her dress and unfastened her undergarment, freeing her breasts for his eager exploration. His hand went lower, moving from side to side in a steady deliberate way and he caught the appreciative moan that escaped her lips.

She tugged his shirt up and found bare skin, stroking his back and sides with maddening hunger. She'd dreamed of this, imagined this moment so often, it was happening and there was not a chance she would be able to stop it.

His hands trailed over her body, possessive and claiming, pushing her dress upwards in a demanding manner. Her nails found his back, pulling on the soft cotton of his shirt, tugging it impatiently. With a frustration she didn't recognize as her own she finally managed to pull it over his head.

"You drive me insane," he panted, covering her mouth once more. She tasted the wine in his mouth, a spicy sweet taste. Combined with his natural scent it was enough to make her shudder under his skillful hands.

"Oh dear God…" she moaned, feeling how his hand had found the zipper on the back of her dress, pulling it down impatiently. She gasped and broke their kiss, instinctively gripping onto the soft fabric of her dress.

"Clarisse, don't ask me to stop, please." His voice was hoarse, breathless and he reached out to her, tugging the fabric away from her, finding it difficult to take his time. It slid down, covering her feet and exposing more beauty than he'd ever imagined. But he didn't take the time to look at her.

He was slowly pushing her down on the floor; she felt it and she allowed him, taking him with her as she lost her balance. She didn't even know where they were, all she was aware of was the sudden loss of her underwear, the soft rug underneath her bare back, the man being half on top of her now and mostly his demanding mouth claiming hers once again. His hands trailed over her stomach, soon being followed by his mouth, caressing every inch of Clarisse he could find. He tasted her bare salty skin, licking, eating, teasing, and making her whimper softly. She arched herself upwards, making him lose his balance with her weight and they ended up rolling on the soft carpet, taking turns in taking control.

He pinned her down on the floor, teasingly overpowering her and she laughed, kissing him once more. She felt the tensed muscles underneath her exploring fingers and his heart was pounding.

"Come here," she whispered against his lips and the shiver that ran through his body didn't escape her attention.

He could only nod and when she shifted he climbed between her legs, allowing her to push down his shorts with her feet. The tension was unbearable now.

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"Clarisse," he groaned, shuddering against her and he kissed her out of breath. "Oh my love, I missed you so much."

She couldn't stop trembling underneath him and her hands stroked his back gently now, feeling the tremble in his muscles. She held onto him, not willing to let go, not ready to feel him leave her. She buried her face in his neck, sweating, shivering and out of control. When he finally moved away from her, her hands came up to her face, covering her sweaty eyelids with her shaking palms. Her heart was still pounding, unable to calm down.

"Darling…" he panted. "Darling, are you…my God…" He moved until he came to lie next to her and she turned, hiding in the safety of his embrace once more.

"I just need a moment, I need…" She was still shaking; the sweet wave still hadn't left her completely, sending tiny shocks through her body. Now she felt how warm she was, how wet her body, how alive she felt with the blood pumping through her veins.

"My love…" he repeated over and over again, pressing her tightly against him. "My darling…"

She heard the fast rhythm of his heartbeat in his chest and she placed her ear just so she could listen, her arm around his neck, bathing in his warmth. Slowly they calmed down and they stayed for a bit, still, resting against each other.

Maybe they had dozed off for a while, she wasn't sure, all she knew is when she opened her eyes again, the rain had vanished, the thunder had stopped and the moon created a shaft of blue clear light in the living room. For one moment she felt a strange sense of relief when she could see him, see his body, smell his scent, observing what she had touched and tasted just a short time before. It was like she needed to be convinced that what happened wasn't just another dream. Yet, this evening had completely surpassed any dream or fantasy she might have had. She glanced up and smiled, his eyes were closed but he opened them when he caught her sudden shiver, immediately making an attempt to move. She stopped him by placing a warm hand on his arm.

"Stay with me," she whispered.

He shook his head. "You're on the floor Clarisse, please let me take you to a more comfortable place."

"I have all the comfort I need right here," she said, gently patting his chest.

"Very well," he sighed and he gave up and allowed her to pull him back so she could nestle against him. Her warm cheek rested on his chest and he reached out to touch her hair, stroking it carefully behind her ear. He bit his lip; this feeling was maybe even more breathtaking than the mind-blowing events before. He raised a brow when he heard her low chuckle.

"Something funny?" he asked, looking down at her.

She inhaled deeply but couldn't suppress another giggle. "You're a very bad man," she grinned, shifting so she could place a kiss on his chest.

"Oh, now I'm a bad man?" he asked, tilting her head back a little so she faced him. Her eyes were sparkling in the moonlight and he held back a smile with difficulty. "Because I seduced the Queen?"

"Yes that too. But also because we did it on the floor," she grinned, placing a well-manicured fingertip on his lips. He kissed it. "On the floor Joseph…at our age!" she repeated.

"My back is killing me," he groaned.

"I can't feel my legs," she laughed, "Tomorrow neither of us will be able to walk."

"Well I can act like an old war wound is acting up, what excuse will you have?" he grinned, feeling how her body rocked from deep, uncontrolled laughter. She didn't answer him. "You're still set on staying here?" he asked, "Or can I please invite you into my bedroom so we can finish this talk in comfort?"

She could only nod, wiping the tears from her cheeks.

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By the time they reached the second floor yet another half an hour had passed and she smiled when she felt him behind her, pulling her close to his body again.

"You think I need assistance to walk now?" she grinned, tilting her head so he could kiss her neck.

"No but I do," he said in a low voice and felt how she eased into him. He graced her earlobe with his teeth, making her giggle.

Step by step they crossed the long, dark corridor that led to the main bedroom and she raised a brow when she encountered a few closed doors.

"What, you're not giving me the grand tour?" she asked when he kept on moving and she stopped in her tracks so he bumped into her even closer. She giggled without sound.

He groaned impatient in her ear, squeezing her hips to force her to keep walking. As they passed the doors he rattled off what was hiding inside. "Guestroom, guest bathroom, restroom, gym, study and…" his hand reached out to the handle of the last room in the south of the corridor, "…the ultimate destination."

She breathed in deeply as he opened the door for her and all of a sudden her giddy mood disappeared, this was getting more intimate than she'd realized downstairs. The room was dark and the drapes were open, but the moon didn't provide enough light so she could see where she was slowly walking into. A soft breeze moved her hair and she stopped when she realized that he didn't move along with her. She glanced over her shoulder, seeing his dark profile.

"Welcome," he simply said and he cleared his throat, reaching out to a light switch nearby. The light was soft and very subtle, yet she blinked at the unexpected knock back to reality. She was standing in the middle of a man's bedroom and she was wearing nothing but a bathrobe, his bathrobe. The room was big but it held surprisingly little furniture. A small bookcase stood against the far end wall, holding an impressive collection of movies, old classics as far as she could tell. Right next to it was a big television set that seemed older than the one downstairs, several empty DVD cases resting on top of it. Another wall held a few framed pictures, she felt the curiosity to study them closely but she decided not to, diverting her gaze. She swallowed when she encountered the biggest and most important piece in the bedroom, his bed was bigger than she'd imagined. It was made of dark, shiny, mahogany wood and it was solid and secure, just as the owner she realized. Two nightstands of the same material flanked the bed, two similar lamps standing on top of it. Right above her head a fan was turning, creating that soft cooling breeze she cherished in her neck.

"Well…" she sighed and from the corner of her eye she saw him approaching her, walking at the slow pace that was so unmistakable his.

"Well?" he asked, reaching out to encircle her waist with his arms. She welcomed his touch, closing her eyes as she leaned into him. "I can't believe I'm here," she said softly.

He could do this all day, just hold her, look at her, and be with her. Queen Clarisse could wear absolutely everything and dazzle the world with her beautiful appearance, but the way she was wearing his robe robbed him from any coherent speech. He wanted to say so much but instead he found himself slowly pushing her forward, gratefully feeling how she led him lead her.

"Your sheets are a mess," she said after a short pause and he looked up, surprised at the tender tone in her voice. She met his gaze briefly and then turned, sitting herself down on the edge of his bed and she pulled him down next to her, smiling sweetly at him. He was amazed how relaxed she seemed and in an odd way, how real she was.

"I wasn't exactly prepared for royal company," he said, reaching out to put a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His face turned serious. "You surprised me tonight you know."

Her cheeks reddened but she didn't break their gaze. "I'm glad I came," she said in a low voice, seeking something in his eyes he couldn't describe. Reassurance maybe?

He smiled, sliding his fingers to touch the softness of her cheek. "Glad is an understatement for what I feel," he whispered. He couldn't resist her lips and moved forward, kissing her tenderly, slowly, softly, no tongues, just lips, pulling her as close as he could get her. His hands drew shapes on the back of her neck, her back, stroking her hair. Her lips were soft and yielding, tasting faintly of wine. He had no idea how long that kiss lasted, it felt like forever and no time all at once.He placed one last kiss on the soft center of her bottom lip before he pulled back to look at the beautiful, sexual woman who was sitting there, gazing deeply into his eyes.

Being slightly overwhelmed, she bit her lip when he smiled at her and took her warm hands into his.

"Are you all right?" he asked, bringing her hands up to his mouth to brush the soft skin with his lips. "Not too warm?"

Her smile was apologetic. "I'm a little thirsty," she said softly.

"So you are too warm," he stated, grinning when she opened her mouth to respond but she didn't protest. "I can fix that, I'll be right back."

She bounced a little on the soft mattress as he got up after squeezing her hand one last time. And then she was alone.

She heaved a big sigh, reaching out with one hand to rub her shoulder – feeling how it already protested against the wild actions earlier. Her cheeks reddened when she recalled her behavior, so completely out of control that she couldn't even imagine doing it ever again. And yet it had felt so good, the physical aspect of love had never seemed more appealing to her. During her marriage and even before that, consummating a relationship had been nice, comforting and sweet. Even though they didn't seek each other often, it had felt good to feel the arms of a man around her, to find shelter and comfort for a while. Every once in a while, when an evening had been exceptionally pleasant, the night would turn out quite nice and she had enjoyed it. But never, not ever had she experienced how wonderful it could be as with the man who was rumbling in the kitchen downstairs. She wasn't used to complete surrender and as she was lying there underneath him, for a moment she'd seemed to leave everything that was hers. Only he was capable making her forget who she was and what was expected of her; a realization that was a little scary but it warmed her heart all the same.

She sighed once more, climbing back on the soft mattrass, and after a little hesitation she tumbled backwards. His soft pillow seemed to embrace her neck and she turned, deeply inhaling his typical scent. She moaned softly, realizing how tired she actually was. If she could just lie back for a while, resting her back for just a moment…

"Here we go…" Her eyes shot open when she heard him enter the room and immediately she sat up straight.

"Hello," she muttered, smiling gratefully when she saw the tray he was holding, carrying two glasses and a jug holding a clear yellow fluid, ice tinkling against the cold glass. "Fancy…" she chuckled.

"It's just lemonade," he grinned and placed down the tray on the floor, sitting back on the bed himself. He didn't comment on her change of position, he just bent down to pour two glasses of the cool fluid and handed her one.

"Thank you," she said, accepting it with a smile and immediately she took a gulp, satisfying her thirst.

"Not too sweet?" he asked, taking a sip himself as she shook her head. The ice cold fluid tickled in his throat and he coughed, shifting a little.

For a moment they sat there, still, watching each other as they drank. The soft light coming from a shaded lamp in the corner caught her beauty in its sutble glow and he couldn't stop looking at her, memorizing every inch about her. Her hair was slightly ruffled and her cheeks glowing, soft as velvet. The dark navy color cotton of his bathrobe deepened the blue of her eyes and oh, he could drown in those eyes. She kept on drinking in an uncharacteristically eager way, her teeth hit the glass and he listened to the tinkling sound of the icecubes falling back.

"You were indeed thirsty," he smiled as she looked around and placed her empty glass on his nightstand. His golden watch was resting on top of his alarm clock and quickly she turned her head, she didn't dare to look at the time. When she encountered his gaze again a small smile tugged on her lips and as in a dare she shifted, moving closer to him. She was only inches away from his face and his want for her made a sudden jump, feeling how the tension inside him returned in hot waves.

"Joseph…," she whispered, taking his glass away from him and placing it next to hers. His hands rested on his lap but instinctively they came up when she lowered her face to place her moist lips on his shoulder blade, brushing his skin like a feather. His fingers brushed through her hair, meeting each other on the back of her head as she steadily added more pressure, gracing his neck with her teeth. His breathing deepened and his pulse quickened, realizing her intentions. She let her tongue run across his neck, tasting the saltiness of his skin, the masculine smell reaching her nose. Her eyes were slightly dazed as he reached out to tilt her head backwards, his hands framing her warm cheeks. The kiss that followed seemed inevitable. Her lips were moist, pink, soft and he let his tongue run over them before he covered her mouth completely. Her hand closed around the back of his neck, steering their kiss in the way she wanted. Slowly the kiss became more urgent as the passion awoke inside her again, quickening her pulse bit by bit.

"Your mouth is cold," she murmured while kissing, nibbling, licking.

"So is yours. Ice tends to do that," he responded, letting his hand trail over her back, moving from side to side until he reached the small of her back. She was breathing a little faster now, acting more freely than she did before.

"I like it," she moaned softly against his lips, eyes closed, "it's too hot in here."

"That's because you're wearing too much," he said, pulling back from her kiss and she gasped when he pulled her bathrobe loose in one quick movement. It fell open, uncovering her nudity underneath but she didn't care as the want and need took over again.

"Doesn't make much of a difference," she teased and her cheeks reddened under his approving stare.

Undressing her was just a matter of peeling the robe off her and he threw it impatiently on the floor. Sliding his hand from her sides to her back, he traced his way across her body, touching softly but with pressure and her body responded by arching her back a little.

He pushed her down on her back with his weight, moving half on top and half next to her, his face close to hers. "Still warm?" he asked, nuzzling her nose.

"Still hot," she responded, tilting her head a little upwards in at attempt to kiss him but he pulled back, smiling at her.

"Now what can I do to change that?" he asked in a low voice, enjoying how soft she felt underneath him. He wanted to take his time with her now, to be one with her as long as the night was willing to give them.

"Install air-conditioning," she said but her voice melted into a soft moan as his trailing hand found the curve of her breast.

"I have a better idea," he responded and she opened her eyes when he reached out above her head, to return a few seconds later.

He lowered his head to kiss her but he didn't aim for her eager lips, he moved his caresses straight to the soft skin of her neck and she almost jumped into him when she felt the cold sensation on her burning skin.

"Oh you bad boy," she laughed, shivering from tip to toe as he slid down slowly, tracing a wet trail of melting ice with his mouth.

"Mmm…," he went from her neck to her chest, sliding from side to side and he heard the faintest sigh coming from her lips as a drop of water slowly found its way down. Her hand found the back of his head again, stroking it, playing with the back of his ear. Slowly he made his way down, teasingly sliding down her breast, hearing her frustrated gasp as he moved further down. He followed the soft curve of her stomach, tracing it with caution, feeling how her muscles contracted in a reaction to the cold sensation.

Her head moved on his pillow, tilting from one side to the other, slowly, restless. He continued his caresses, leaving the remaining part of the ice in her belly button, drinking it eagerly. She moaned, he was treating her like a goddess but it was raw and primitive at the same time. He continued to kiss her stomach, finding the cold streams of water and he tickled her in his mission to drink it all.

He retraced his path, going back up to find her chest, brushing her breast but not quite touching and he came back to her lips, kissing her once more. She was breathing heavily now, reaching out for him and inviting him into her mouth, her legs weak from the way he was skillfully meeting her every need. He pulled back, smiling as her eyes pleaded him to do what he knew she wanted.

"I missed you," he softly said, stroking her hair back.

"I missed you too," she whispered, folding one warm hand around his cheek.

"Why Clarisse?" he suddenly asked, his hands still, frozen on her body. "Why did you come here tonight?" He held his breath, waiting for her answer. He never intended to push her but he felt the urge to hear more, know more…yes, have more.

She bit her bottom lip, staring in the loving eyes of the man who she trusted with nothing less than her life. "Could you turn off the light please?" she asked, holding on to his gaze but her look was less confident than before. "Please?" she repeated, her voice weak.

He inhaled deeply and got up from the bed, darkening the room as she requested. For a moment it was silent and he heard the rustling sound of his sheets when she lay down. She was preparing for something, that much he realized as he returned to the bed.

Slowly he sat down on the soft mattress again and he inhaled deeply when he felt her hand on his shoulder, pulling him down next to her. He lay down on his back, feeling how she pushed herself upwards and came to lie on his chest. He opened his arms instinctively, stroking her hair as she nestled closely against him. They echoed the pose of roughly an hour ago but the atmosphere was completely different now.

"When I was a child I used to have this dream," she suddenly said, her voice hoarse. "I dreamed about my future, I had it all figured out. I would either be a world famous ballet dancer or a stewardess." He smiled, feeling her soft chuckle before she continued. "And I would marry the perfect man and have two perfect children, twins of course, and live in a castle and wear the most beautiful gowns." Her voice changed a little, getting darker. "Little did I know how prophetic that dream was. I never became a ballet dancer or a stewardess but I did have my two children and the castle. I have more gowns than I can count."

He didn't speak, sensed that this was the time to listen.

She inhaled deeply. "And I got married," she said, "He was a nice man, a decent man. My best friend."

He stroked the back of her hair, feeling how her fingers drew circles on his chest.

"I tried to be a good wife and he was a good husband to me, taking care of me, willing to give me everything. I tried to return…but I couldn't give him what he wanted mostly." She drew a shaky breath as she pushed the last words out. "My heart."

She shifted a little, trying to meet his eyes in the darkness. "Yet I stayed in the marriage and we found a way to make it work. It was drummed into me my whole life. I'm trained to ignore what my heart is telling me Joseph…"

He inhaled deeply, breathing out through his mouth as she placed her head down again.

"But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't forget our night," she finally whispered and the silence that followed was more loaded than ever before.

He pressed his lips together and his voice sounded hoarse as he spoke. "I was afraid you wanted to forget."

She shook her head almost unnoticable. "It was too soon after he…," she swallowed, "…died. I wasn't ready for it Joseph. And yet…"

She was telling the truth and yet it felt like a lie. That one night in which she finally let all the hurt and grief in; that one night in which she let go of every emotional barrier. She remembered how loaded the past few weeks had been, the whole country being in turmoil over the sudden death of the King. Every minute was filled, one meeting after the other, making decisions on her own and being strong for her sons. She recalled how choked up she was as she walked to her private chambers after yet another night of discussing the future of the country. Her husband had died only a few weeks prior and she was convinced she wouldn't be able to handle everything on her own. She was crying even before the door fell shut and it came out, loud and desperate. She had felt so alone, so abandoned, so in need of someone close… and suddenly there he was. She hadn't even heard him come in but Joseph's arms were around her even before she understood what was happening. He'd let her cry, he'd let her talk and swear, making her speak out everything that burdened her soul. It had felt so good to share, to have someone there with her. As time went by her mood enlightened and she had opened a bottle of white wine, sharing it with her friend. As the contents of the bottle diminished, her gratitude grew and she had reached out to him, hugging him closely.

When things shifted she didn't know but suddenly, in the midst of the embrace their lips had found each other and their kiss melted away everything around her. She had begged him to stay, not out loud but with her eyes and she knew he wouldn't be able to reject her. Not once had she acted on impulse but this time she couldn't get herself to think. She could just feel, live and be…for once in her life acting on impulse and emotions rather than doubts and fears. It had felt good, too good. Their lovemaking had been quiet, short but intense and by the time she let him out she couldn't even look him in the eyes. But not because of regret or because she felt they had done something wrong. No, because from that moment on she knew she wanted him and everything about him. Yet, dealing with two so contradicting emotions had been too much. Until this evening.

She blinked, realizing he was still waiting for her to finish her sentence. "I have to listen this time. You're right, it won't go away. I've never felt this way before."

He kissed her forehead, pulling her closer. "It's too strong," he whispered. "Clarisse, I…" He broke off his sentence and she heard his broken gasp, a heartbreaking sound.

"Don't do this," she said, pushing herself upwards so she came to face him. Her voice came out a little stronger. "You don't have to protect me from you," she said, shaking her head slightly.

He cupped her face with his free hand, stroking the softness of her skin with his thumb. "Who's going to protect me from you?" he whispered, tilting his head to kiss her swollen lips once more. He had no idea how long it lasted, unspoken promises filled the air as their lips and tongues played a loving game and when they parted her voice sounded confident and sincere.

"Make love to me Joseph…"

He gladly obeyed her orders.

THE END.

Authors note: I apologize if you thought this would be a long story but it was just something I did for fun. I hope it gave you joy as well. Please leave a review if you have comments for me! Until next time...love, Janet.