A Sanctuary for Elle (11 page)
Read A Sanctuary for Elle Online
Authors: Anna Jane
Elle felt herself relax with his words and she closed her eyes and snuggled against his warm chest. He felt wonderful, smelt wonderful. She breathed in his scent, loving it, memorising it. She soon for
got to think and fell deeply asleep, sounder than she could ever recall.
Mark felt Elle's body sink into the depths of sleep. Mark exhaled letting the tension in his body release. He felt the need to punch something, shout at the heavens, demanding why t
his one women should have to endure so much when he had it all. Mark knew he sometimes took his family for granted. They were just always there, even an annoyance at times, the many people who congregated for family gatherings always managing to get on
his nerves at some point. But to imagine them not being there. Well, it was unspeakable.
He held her fragile body tight against him, felt h
er warm supple body curving around him. He could stay here forever he thought drowsily, wrapped in the woman's arms. He had enjoyed women in the past, bedded enough to feel he was well experienced. But never had he felt this connection before. It was m
o
re than just physical, it was a meeting of minds, body and soul. It scared him as well as excited him as it was very new. As he closed his eyes and began to relax he thought of Elle. And only Elle.
Elle dreamed of white picket fences and running free
around a lush, green garden. The sun was on her back and she felt so warm, so incredibly warm. As she came round she realised she was lying in Mark's arms. He was still asleep and his lashes fell darkly on his cheek. He looked so peaceful lying there.
It felt strangely right for him to be there, as if her belonged. Elle relished the moments lying warmly in his arms, feeling safe and protected. She also felt very, very warm. Almost hot. She found herself wriggling slightly as she was getting so warm.
Mark stirred and slowly awoke. His eyes flickered open, he smiled tiredly at her and then stretched, his huge arms arching out and his chest expanded. He let go of the stretch in a groan and then moved closer still to cuddle Elle. He pressed a kiss to h
er lips and then stroked her hair as she placed her head on his chest.
Mark loved the feel of her long, smooth body against his. She felt warm, pliable and soft in all the right places. He felt himself harden and eased his backside back a little to disgui
se it. He wanted to give her comfort and that was all.
Elle had other ideas though. Ever since Mark had kissed her the night before she had been aching to feel him inside her again, ached for him to hold her close and intimate. Elle knew he was restra
ining himself for her benefit and so leant back to gain eye contact. She smiled at him and then kissed him gently on his mouth. Her cast laden arm lay across his chest and his arms encircled her back.
Mark let Elle kiss him, knew her intentions. He wa
nted to stop her, take things slow. He needed time to process everything, time to get acquainted with the new feelings coursing through his body. He needed her sexually too, his body throbbed for her. One false move could send them spiralling backwards
t
hough. They needed to take things low. Knowing what she needed but also what he should avoid, Mark kissed her gently then pushed her onto her back until she was lying face up. He trailed his hands down to her breasts and took time to tantalise each one
w
ith his fingers. He then pushed her t-shirt up and sucked on each in turn, licking and pulling on them in equal measure. He then moved between her and swept her pyjama bottoms down until she was naked from the waist down.
He grasped her knees and pushe
d them apart, exposing her sex to him. He then leant down in between her legs and licked gently at the burning nub. He started out softly, licking and caressing. He soon moved more fluidly, letting the passion inside him release a little. He sucked an
d
licked with more pressure, eliciting gasps and moans from Elle who was writhing beneath him.
Elle was in heaven. To her surprise, Mark had unclothed her and was selflessly pleasuring her. She knew instinctively that he was trying to hold back and give pl
easure to her so as to take things slow. She was feeling wonderful right now so appreciated his efforts immensely.
Elle gasped as he drew her clitoris into his mouth again and sucked hard. He then moved his tongue along her sex over and over again until
she felt herself begin to spiral away. His fingers joined his mouth and he slipped two inside her opening, thrusting in and out rhythmically. Elle cried out in pleasure, shouting his name. Mark sped up his motion and Elle felt herself climax with a cry.
Over and over again she soared as he continued to lick gently now. He eased back from her and gathered her back in his arms. He kissed her mouth softly and she smiled at him, delirious with ecstasy. Mark was hard and aching but refused to acknowledge
it. He wanted this to be about Elle, and only Elle.
Yet again, Elle had different ideas and slipped her good hand downwards until she managed to wrap her hand around his length. Mark groaned. 'Elle, you don't need to do that. This was all about you.'
Elle smiled up at him though, 'and this is all about you.' Elle moved her hand until she found a rhythm he seemed to enjoy. His body arched as she moved against him and the friction made him tight with the need for release. Elle met his mouth as he arch
e
d and kissed him fiercely as she felt him tense. On and on she tormented until he felt himself arch, peak and cry out in pure ecstasy. He spilled seed into her hand and his body went into spasm in delight.
Elle fell back on the bed and chucked at the lo
ok of pure satisfaction on his face.
'So much for taking things slow, you!' Mark scolded but chuckled himself.
'I couldn't help it, you're just too damn gorgeous.'
'Ha! Come here you little minx,' Once again Mark gathered her close and their bodies warmed
each others.
Chapter 10
Elle and Mark dozed in bed for another hour. When they woke the next time they were both ready to get up for the day. Elle showered first then dressed casually in jeans. She had to wear a baggy sweatshirt as her cast was larg
e and problematic.
Mark showered too and then dressed in his clothes from the day before. He went downstairs to find Elle making coffee, struggling a little doing it one-handed.
'Here, let me help you.' Mark took the coffee maker from Elle and position
ed it correctly. Elle sat down at the table and yawned. This felt wonderfully domestic. Something she had never experienced. With her previous boyfriend, living together had been a stressful event. Nothing was ever good enough, nothing was ever up to
his impossible standards. She had never felt the kind of content feeling she had right now. Elle worried she was jumping the gun. Maybe Mark's kindness was just characteristic of him. She could be reading too much into it. She had a feeling though tha
t
he was feeling everything she was. She also knew he was desperately trying to slow things down. Maybe she should take a leaf out of his book. Take things a little slower, enjoy the moments and not think too much about where it was headed.
'This is nice
,' Elle commented.
'It is, I was thinking the same thing.'
'What are you doing today?' Elle asked, wondering if he was going into work as it was 9am already.
'I have to go into the office this afternoon but I have this morning free. I was wondering, that
is, if you're free, I wondered if you might take a walk with me. Let me explain at last. I would really appreciate it. I want to get this off my chest and if you hear me out I think we can come to an understanding.'
Elle was more than ready to find out e
xactly what had gone on while she had been gallivanting so she agreed readily. 'Of course. We could walk around the headland.'
'Perfect. Now, what would you like for breakfast?'
Mark cooked an impeccable English breakfast for them both which they devour
ed hungrily. After clearing up they headed out together, huddled into coats as the weather was worsening. The wind was strong and there was a hint of rain in the air.
Mark and Elle headed down the grassy hill towards the cliffs which overlooked the bay.
As they approached the cliff Mark started to talk.
'I've been anticipating this conversation for a while now Elle. I want you to know that you've become someone important to me over these last few weeks and I would never want to hurt you. I hope when I'm through that we can carry on as before and see wh
a
t might be happening between us.'
Elle appreciated the prelude but wondered what Mark had to say. She hoped it was something she felt would not change how she felt about him.
'When we were trapped in the landslide, I had no idea who you were Elle. Had I
any idea that you were Joy's Granddaughter then I would never have gotten involved with you before sorting this mess out. I am a ruthless business man, I admit that. I am also a man with a conscience and a heart. I would never pursue an old, frail woma
n
who I believed to be unwell. The fact is that Joy contacted me Elle. She said she had heard about my reputation in the area and wanted an idea of a price. A price to sell The Sanctuary. I came out here and met here in the house. We chatted, had tea
a
nd I offered a considerable sum for the purchase of Sanctuary. I was very keen, I admit that. I really wanted to buy it.'
'Wanted? As in past tense?' Elle enquired.
'Yes, Elle. Wanted. I now know what it means to you and no-one can take that from you.
I wouldn't want to. Anyway, your Grandmother said she would think about it and get back to me with her decision. She phoned me back the following day and said she had changed her mind, that things had changed. She no longer wanted to sell. I asked he
r
if she would reconsider. I offered her a higher price. She refused. She was very clear so I thanked her for her time and that was it. I am absolutely devastated to think that my involvement with Joy had any detrimental effect on her health. You've g
o
t to know I didn't do anything I would consider immoral or abusive towards her.'
Mark's eyes were earnest, seeking her approval and wanting for her to understand. It didn't make sense to Elle though. This wasn't how she had understood the process to have
gone. 'So you didn't call her constantly, turn up at the door at all hours pressuring her? Because that's what she had me believe. That's what she told me Mark.' Elle was confused by his admission, thinking what he had said was nothing from what she h
a
d expected.
'Elle, I only met her once when she invited me in for tea. Yes I pursue properties in my business but I never pursued an elderly woman. I would never dream of turning up on a old woman unannounced. I promise you, I didn't.'
Mark's mind was w
hirling. What she was saying was untrue. He hadn't done any of the pursuing she mentioned. He wouldn't. He had good morals at the end of the day at although he wanted The Sanctuary he didn't desperately need it for his portfolio.
'I want you to listen to something Mark. It's a voice mail. From Nen. It was what made me come home ultimately. By the time I was on the plane she was gone. Not that I knew until I landed and the hospital got through to me. It says exactly what I'm
t
rying to explain.'
Elle retrieved her phone from her pocket and dialled up the voice mail service with her saved messages. She switched the phone from handset to speaker and held it out between them for Mark to hear.
A disembodied voice informed them of th
e number the call was from and the date and time it had been sent. Her grandmother's voice then filled the air around them. 'Elle, hello sweetheart, its me. Can you phone me when you get this? I need some advice, you see I did something silly. I consi
d
ered selling Sanctuary and when I changed my mind this man. It's Mark-Anthony Hunter Properties. Well he's hounding me, its really bothering me. He keeps turning up, phoning me incessantly and I just don't feel up to it any more. There's more too Elle.
I need to speak to you about something important but it needs to be here Elle, not over the phone. Could you fly home for a bit? I would love to see you. I know its asking a lot but I thought maybe you could do with a holiday. You've been working so ha
r
d. Anyway, sorry to ramble I jut really need to speak with you. I love you sweetie. Hope to hear back from you. Bye then.' The message clicked finished and Elle put it back in her pocket.
Mark could see hearing her Grandmother's voice had bothered he
r. He looked at her concerned. He was furious though, he now had a good idea exactly where this was leading.
'Elle. It wasn't me. The man your Grandmother talks about, it wasn't me. I spoke with her twice on the phone and once in person. I think we m
ay have had crossed wires somehow. I have a feeling I know what happened though and I'm about to get really cross.'