Note: This chapter contains violence.
Chapter 31
Enrique met them that morning as was scheduled, in his own car, together with officer Sanchez and Santiago Reynoso, who was a member of a special unit and the godfather of one of his children. After making the introductions, Enrique showed them the trunk of his car.
Richard whistled in amazement. "You've got an arsenal here."
Santiago grinned proudly. "This is my personal collection."
William paled at the sight. "You are not expecting to use this, are you?"
"I don't think so. But I'd like to be protected if we find ourselves in trouble."
Enrique laughed. "Santiago is part of the GEOF group, something similar to SWAT in the US. He is on vacation now but volunteered to accompany us. He is a kind of a gun freak."
Eduardo and William, the only ones whose profession was not related with security, looked at each other dubiously, wondering why these guys were so happy to be surrounded by weapons.
"We'll go in two cars," Christopher commented. "You will stay at a hotel in Lima and I'll continue alone to Ramallo and contact them. Let's go. We have a 5 hour drive ahead."
Brandon entered the small hotel room and found the others playing cards.
"Well?" William looked up.
"I leave for a couple of hours and you already turned this place into a gambling house."
"Sanchez here has all the luck," Richard remarked. "I've already lost all my cash."
"That's because you didn't pay attention to the game. I learned to play this today like you and already won 50 dollars." William continued, "Chris, did you close the deal?"
"Yes. I met Denny and George and one of their 'assistants'." He laughed. "This guy is so fat that his shirt was about to explode whenever he inhaled. George will not be trouble. I swear that the poor bastard had never supposed he would be involved in something like this. But this Denny might -he believes himself so smart and so above all of them that he may try something stupid."
"How much?" William asked.
"100.000 dollars." Brandon smiled proudly.
"Are you crazy? It's my money you are spending!" William exploded and all the others laughed.
"You are not going to pay anyway, so what's the problem? The bastards asked $ 500.000. They don't have an idea of how the world works. I told them I wanted to see the trees first and invented some crap about tests to prove their capacity of production and they said they would pick me up and take me to the site."
"That wouldn't be safe," Richard said.
"I know, so I said that I would meet them there." Brandon was barely containing his laughter.
"How are you going to find the place?" Santiago asked.
"Denny ordered the fat man to send me a fax at exactly 6.00 PM with a map, and said that I would have only 15 minutes to reach the place, or else they'll burn the trees."
"Goodness, they are stupid," Enrique commented.
"But they have no scruples," William said with a frown.
"It's 2 o'clock." Brandon sat by the table. "We have plenty of time. Now tell me how to play this nice game of yours."
At six o'clock they were all silently expecting the call. The phone rang and they allowed the fax to answer it and in 10 seconds they had the map in their hands.
"Let's go, gentlemen," Santiago said as he hid his gun inside the jacket. "It's time for the action."
The ride to the place on the map took about 15 minutes and the adrenaline grew with every second. Brandon went in the first car with Santiago and Enrique hidden on the back seat while the others followed them in the other car. It was agreed that William, Richard and Eduardo would stay at a safe distance and let the police work until everything was concluded.
They reached a big barn in the middle of a forested area. As soon as they parked Christopher recognized the fat policeman (wearing his uniform). On seeing him, he came to greet him with a smile and a homemade cigar on his mouth, followed closely behind by an anxious and scared George Wickham. As soon as they were close enough, Santiago and Enrique bolted out of the car and, protected by the doors, pointed their guns at the astonished men and began their, 'freeze!', 'police!', 'you are under arrest!' speech.
The poor fat man was too shocked to react, so, slack jawed and cigar falling from his mouth, he raised his hands and surrendered. George wasn't in a much different state. Completely confused, put his hands over his head and accepted his fate.
But the others inside the barn had a different idea. Not ten seconds after that, they heard four shots coming from inside and the fat man and George immediately threw themselves onto the ground and began to cry in panic.
"Those idiots don't know with whom they are messing with." Sanchez drove the car beside the other. "Stay protected. I'll help the others."
"So, you want it the tough way? You'll have it," Santiago said and picked up a rifle of greater caliber. He fired three shots and then everything turned silent.
"We are coming out!" came a voice in Spanish from inside.
"Everyone outside with your hands over your heads!" Santiago commanded.
They didn't have to wait long to see two men and a girl, whom William recognized as Lydia, walking out of the barn wearing terrified expressions. Santiago ordered them to walk in their direction with their hands on their heads and continued pointing his rifle at them until they were arrested by Sanchez and Enrique.
"Denny is still inside, I can feel it," Christopher commented.
William and Richard were peering over each door of their car, which was parked more to the left than the other and permitted them to see the side of the barn. Protected by the left door, William looked up and saw a dark figure stepping out from a tall window of the barn and jumping to the floor.
"He is trying to escape!" Without even thinking, William opened the door and sprinted after him on seeing that the others were busy handcuffing the criminals.
"Will! What the fuck, come here!" Richard called out but when he realized that William was leaving, he was already far away.
William reached Denny not 30 meters away from the barn in less than 5 seconds. He jumped over him and they rolled on the ground in a tangle of arms, legs and dirt that made impossible to discern who was who. Though William was strong, Denny was a professional in the art of fighting and had a gun. They wrestled and exchanged a few blows until enraged by the 'delay', Denny managed to get up and released a violent kick on William's ribs. But William was determined to stop him. Ignoring the pain in his side, he kicked him behind the knees and made him collapse to the ground. Now Denny was furious. From his lying position, he pointed the 9mm caliber pistol at William's chest and didn't hesitate.
A cannon pointing a him, a finger pulling the trigger and Elizabeth. He would never see her again. Thunder, Elizabeth and darkness.
"Will, are you all right?" Richard yelled as he secured Denny's limp body with his belt. "Dammit William, answer me! Someone come here!"
Richard had reached them the instant that Denny fired the shot and knocked him off. He heard William moan weakly and thanked God that he was still alive. Picking up the gun, he hurried to render aid.
"Easy, cousin, let me see that." Richard rolled him onto his back and was relieved when he didn't see blood on his chest, but his arm was an entirely different matter.
Santiago was there immediately, grabbed the semi unconscious Denny by the hair and took him with the others. "I'll be back as soon as I lock him up and help you with William."
Richard ripped the sleeve of William's shirt and frowned. "You did it nicely. Your father will kill me when he finds out about this."
"Don't worry." He swallowed. "He will kill me first."
"Is it bad?" Santiago reappeared by his side and looked at the wound.
"Not that bad, but he is bleeding too much and I think he has a cracked rib. Help me take him to the car-we must go to the hospital. Will, can you stand up?"
"I guess so." William cried out when he sat up.
"I called the Misiones Police on the radio and they are on their way. Enrique will take you to the hospital, we'll stay here until they arrive." Santiago helped William to put an arm over Richard's shoulder and supported him standing up as he looked he was about to faint at any moment.
While the criminals lay on the floor facing the ground closely watched by Santiago, Sanchez, Eduardo and Christopher; the others parted hastily to Misiones' hospital to tend to William.
"Well gentlemen," Christopher commented, "I think that now you will obtain your promotions."
Chapter 32
"Liz! It was the police! They found everything, they found the trees!" Jane called her enthusiastically.
"What?" Elizabeth came from the kitchen.
"Yes, captain Gomez called. They found everything! It seems that they were in Ramallo. I can't believe it! He is coming around 5 to explain everything to you. The stuff is in custody of the judge now and you will be able to have them back soon. It's great!"
Elizabeth sat on the couch, feeling like a puddle. "Goodness, I thought I'd lost them."
Captain Gomez arrived at 5.30 together with officer Sanchez. Charles was there with them as he didn't want the girls to face the police alone. He called Eduardo too but he said that he couldn't come, but that he already contacted the prosecutor's office and everything was being resolved.
"Miss Bennet," Captain Gomez began. "All your stuff was found in Ramallo two days ago with many other stolen things. We are investigating a connection with the local police now, but in this case in particular there were other individuals involved. Do you know someone called George Wickham?"
Elizabeth paled.
"Mr. Wickham works for us at Celulosa. But he asked for a week off and he is not here," Charles replied.
"It seems that Mr. Wickham was associated with an ex police officer and they stole your trees and tried to sell them outside the country. The robbery at your house was done to distract the attention from the main crime. We found a girl called Lydia Perez with him."
Jane covered her mouth and took Charles' hand. "She used to work for us, cleaning the house, but she hasn't come for at least a week."
"I don't understand." Elizabeth was still in shock. "Lydia? She's known us since she was born. She was raised in this house."
"This Wickham promised her a good sum when the trees were sold. She was the one that told him the way into the house and into the lab. But that wasn't all, they were associated with a gang of corrupt police officers from Ramallo. They cleared their way. Ex police officer Denny -he works for you, Mr. Bingley- is part of a gang that steals in Ramallo and Lima under the protection of the police. He was the leader of the operation at your farm-it seems that the robbery was his idea."
"But, how did you find them?" Elizabeth asked, not able to conceal her astonishment.
"If it weren't for those two Englishmen that followed the track from the US, I'm not sure we would be able to locate them," Officer Sanchez explained.
"Englishmen?" Elizabeth now was puzzled.
"Well, there were these two guys, and one from the States that discovered where they were and contacted Officer and Dr. Giardino. I believe they are your cousins, Miss Bennet. I thought they told you what happened."
"Eduardo Giardino is our lawyer, he is coming tomorrow to explain us everything. He had been in the city," Charles answered and squeezed Elizabeth's hand. "But, please, tell us more about it."
"I don't know how they knew they were trying to sell the trees in the United States," Sanchez continued. "But Darcy brought someone called Brandon from the US to act as a potential buyer."
Elizabeth's eyes widened.
"Of course." Charles tried to look calm. "Chris Brandon from the US office. I suppose it was easy to locate them after that."
"I wouldn't say it was easy," Sanchez proceeded. "It seems that these scoundrels were convinced that the trees were worth thousands of dollars. The place was a fortress. We exchanged some shots before they surrendered and Darcy was wounded in his arm when Denny tried to escape."
Elizabeth's blood drained from her face. "William," she whispered.
"Yes, that is his name. Denny jumped out one of the windows. He noticed it and tried to stop him, but this Denny was armed and shot him. A big hole but he is fine now. Fortunately his cousin, Richard Fitz …" He faltered with the name.
"Richard Fitzwilliam," Charles commented.
"Yes, Fitzwilliam. He and one of the officers appeared in time and were able to arrest Denny before things could get worse."
"Is Darcy still in Santo Domingo?" Charles asked, worried.
"He was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon. Brandon returned today to the States, but I believe Darcy and his cousin are still in Misiones," Officer Sanchez finished.
"We must go now. We'll call you when we need you to go to the police station." Captain Gomez rose and they walked to the door. "Your trees will be retained as an evidence for a couple of weeks, but I think that if you talk to the judge he can give them back to you sooner. They seem to be very valuable to risk them dying from lack of watering."
"Thank you." Elizabeth walked them to the door, still in shock for everything he disclosed. "I … thank you."
"Good day." And they left.
"I can't believe it!" Charles leaned on the door and ran his hand through his hair.
"Liz, are you all right?" Jane put her hand on her sisters shoulder as she noticed her sister's trembling lips.
"Jane, I … I can't …this is all too much … Lydia … George …William is injured." Elizabeth began to cry and embraced her sister.
Jane stroked her back. "Everything is fine now. We'll find out where William is and go to him." She looked at Charles over Elizabeth's shoulder. "Everything is fine now."
Chapter 33
"Rich? It's that you? It's Charles Bingley." Charles was relieved when he heard Richard's voice on the phone.
"Charles, good to hear you."
"Fuck you, Richard, why didn't you call me?" Charles asked accusatorily.
"I guess from your tone that you already know the news."
"Of course I do, I called every hotel in Misiones searching for you. I'll kill you for not telling me." He smiled when he heard Richard's laugh on the other end. "How's Will?"
"Much better now. He didn't tolerate the first antibiotics well and was feeling sick yesterday, but they changed the medication and he's fine now, a little weak but fine. The doctor recommended him to rest for a couple of days before travelling."
Charles frowned. "I'll come to get you."
"It's kind of late and William is sleeping. It would be better if you come tomorrow."
"OK. I'll be there at 9. Bye."
Elizabeth was sitting on the porch drinking mate with a knot in her stomach. William was coming. It was almost eleven and still no sign of them. When they parted almost two weeks ago she thought she would never see him again. So she was resentful because he left and didn't continue a relationship he never promised. She felt so guilty. She loved him but she did not believe him. Her private and loyal William was risking his life for her while she was doubting his word. How would she face him now?
"Liz, they are here!" Jane called from the front gate when she caught sight of the Rover up on the road.
Elizabeth jumped from her seat and ran towards the approaching vehicle, reaching it when Charles was passing the front gate. He slowed down and parked near the girls.
She caught her breath when she saw him stepping out the Rover. "Will," she whispered and covered her mouth.
She was not prepared for this. He was so pale, with a two day growth of beard, a small bruise on his chin and very tired eyes. As soon as he was out, he stood there looking at her, measuring her reaction, unsure of her reception. Would she be angry because he didn't call while he was there? For not telling her what he was about to do?
Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears and he opened his arms, silently asking her to hold him.
"Oh God, Will. Look at you." She sobbed on his chest. "Why did you do that?"
"I'm all right, my love, I'm fine. Nothing happened." He whispered against her hair and stroked her back. How he loved her, how he needed her. He just wanted to hold her tight and never let go.
"Yes it did!" She pulled back abruptly. "You were at the hospital and didn't even call me! How dare you William Darcy! You can't just get yourself into trouble and then appear here as if anything had happened and …"
William took hold of her chin and stopped her. "Elizabeth, shut up and kiss me."
She smiled broadly and to everyone's astonishment, he engaged her lips in a long and ardent kiss.
Chapter 34
The arrival of the men put the house in uproar. Elizabeth prepared coffee and a light brunch for them and was solicitous and dedicated to tending William. With a concerned brow, she would sit by his side and look at him with nervous eyes, take his slightly cold hand and offer him something to drink or eat that he would refuse with a fatigued smile.
Despite how ill he was feeling, William was happy to be there with her. He needed, he wanted her comfort and warmth so badly now that he couldn't stop himself from showing his love for her in front of everyone. He would kiss her hair every now and then, and he tried to embrace her a couple of times but she was too fidgety to stay still.
"Will, are you feeling all right?" Elizabeth asked when he rubbed his eyes.
He shook his head. "I'm tired."
"Do you want to lie down?"
He nodded.
"I'll take you to the house," Charles volunteered and everyone glared at him. "I … I guess I'll take Richard there and leave the bags and … I'm going to the plant for a couple of hours, do you want to come along, Richard?"
"Of course. I'm really interested in seeing the place."
"I'm going to the market," Jane commented.
William rose slowly from the couch and put his arm around Elizabeth's shoulder as they climbed the stairs, too tired to notice the others' scheme to allow them some privacy. With her arm around his waist, Elizabeth led the way with a worried smile.
They walked together to the guest's room and William sat on the bed and began to unbutton his shirt but stopped immediately as Elizabeth remained there, helping him to remove his shoes.
"Take your shirt off," she told him. "You'll be more comfortable."
"I … I'm cold." He didn't want her to see the bruises and bandages.
Elizabeth looked at him with concern. "You are not feverish, are you?" She put her hand on his forehead and sighed in relief. "Come on, I'll help you."
William rolled his eyes in frustration and prepared himself for what was about to come. Elizabeth carefully opened the shirt and gasped with her hand on her mouth.
"Will," she whispered on seeing the purple mark on his side
"It's not completely broken, you know, just … a little."
Her eyes brightened with tears and she tried to remain unmoved by the bruise while she removed the shirt. William shrugged off the sleeve covering his good arm; she pulled his shirt around gently, revealing the thick bandage that was covering the wound on his other arm. Elizabeth wasn't one to be weak or easily scared with a sight like that, but the thought of the man she loved in pain and risking his life got the better of her and she began to cry.
William pulled her into his arms. "Please don't cry, my love," he said softly. "It isn't serious."
"I will hurt you." Elizabeth tried to pull back but he didn't allow her.
"No, you won't." He looked at her. "You are the only remedy I need." His lips descended to hers and kissed her.
Elizabeth buried her face in his neck and sobbed quietly. "Oh, Will, I thought I would never see you again."
William smiled and stroked her back. She was concerned about my health. Then her meaning sank in. He was not at his intellectual peak because of his fatigue and medication, but was lucid enough to know that she knew about his injury after he was released from the hospital.
He became tense. "Why would you think that?"
"Everything was so awkward when I left London. I was rude to you and you were so serious …"
"You thought I wouldn't come back to you?" He eased his hold on her.
"I … you said you wouldn't be able to call when we talked on phone and …"
William's eyes filled with pain. Despite of his past mistakes, he was a man of his word. "I promised I would come and you didn't believe me. You thought I had vanished again, didn't you?"
Elizabeth looked at him with big scared eyes. "William, I ..."
"Have I ever lied to you?" William looked at her coldly and then averted his eyes.
God, he was exhausted. All he wanted, all he needed was a shoulder to lean on, someone who loved him, for once. How long would it take to earn her forgiveness and trust? He had suffered for so long, he was so tired. Would he ever be able to be happy, comforted and loved? He fell in love with the most wonderful woman in the world but he failed once, and he would pay his mistake for the rest of his life.
"You don't trust me. You still don't trust me." He closed his eyes and sighed. He just wanted to sleep.
"William, No! I mean, yes! I trust you. I love you!" Elizabeth hiccuped. "William, don't!" She took his face in her hands. "Will please, por favor, te amo, I love you, please love me."
Elizabeth pressed her mouth against his with a desperate cry. She panicked at his unresponsiveness, at the dry coarseness of his lips but she insisted until she felt him kiss her back. And he did it with the same desperation of hers. He was crying, laughing, trembling and moaning as he released the emotions and anguish he had been holding back for weeks. He found her, he lost her, he faced his death and she loved him. The kiss turned from violent to fervent, deep and sensual. He ignored his pain and held her close, he needed to feel her, to be sure she was real and to know she was there.
He pulled back and smiled. "I love you."
"I love you too." She smiled back.
"I will never let you go." He dried a tear with his thumb.
"I know."
"I will never leave you. Do you understand?"
Elizabeth dried his cheek. "I do."
"Never."
She grinned.
"Have I made myself clear?"
"Absolutely. I just want to be with you. Forever."
Once again their lips met, but this time with serenity and conviction that they would never be apart. Elizabeth felt his smile against her lips and smiled too.
"Time for bed, my love."
William smiled tenderly. "Will you stay with me?"
"Will you behave?" she grinned.
"No." He laughed and kissed her nose when she frowned. "All right, I'll try."
She caressed his hair. "I'll stay just for a while. This bed is too narrow for the two of us and I want you to rest."
With a satisfied grin, William rose to remove his jeans with Elizabeth's help as he had some trouble in bending over. They were a couple, mates, they loved each other and there were no inhibitions in their behavior. Elizabeth opened the bed for him and turned to help him lay down when William put his hand behind her neck and pulled her to him once again.
"I love you." He kissed her. "Don't you ever forget about that."
"I will not." She caressed his cheek. "Come, I want you in bed. I don't know how is that you are still standing."
One hand descended to her hip and pulled her closer while the other caressed the nape of her neck. "I'm much better now that you are here with me."
Elizabeth smiled as he rubbed himself gently against her. "I can see that."
His mouth descended to hers and kissed her deeply, parting and nibbling her lips, playing with her tongue as his strength and vigor was restored with her proximity. Elizabeth's response was careful but passionate, pressing her body sensuously against his, her hands moving up and down his back or stroking his firm buttocks over the silk boxers. William knew that he wouldn't be able to stop if things progressed any further so, still determined to respect her until she was ready, he preferred to end the delightful exchange before it became painful. With a few more kisses, he pulled back and released his hold on her.
"I'll better go to bed now," he said in a hoarse voice. "Go, there is no need for you to stay."
"I want to stay."
"I don't think it would be wise." He knew he would not hold back if she went into bed with him.
She cupped his cheeks and looked at him seriously. "William, I'm staying in this bed with you whether you want to sleep or not. Have I made myself clear?"
"Absolutely."
Grinning broadly, he pulled her close and embraced her tightly, stroking her back and leaning his cheek on her head. How he had missed her. He missed everything about her, her laughter, their chats, the scent of her hair, and that open and unselfish way that had enchanted him from the beginning.
Elizabeth took his hands and led him to the bed. He sat facing her, she stood in front of him and unbuttoned her shirt. She was beautiful, perfect. He held her waist and kissed her stomach, buried his face in her breasts and held her close until they were both burning inside. She removed her jeans and stood there for him to admire.
"You are so beautiful, my love. I love you so much."
His hands traveled over her possessively. Despite the discomfort he felt in his arm when he moved it, he couldn't stop himself from holding her. He touched her everywhere, back, sides, breasts, stomach and grabbed her buttocks firmly as his mouth satiated the need to taste her. Unable to hold back any longer, Elizabeth removed her last garments and bent over to kiss him and tried to push him down on the bed, but William remained seated. Lying down wasn't that easy for him in his condition so he pulled back from the kiss. He studied the ways to accomplish the task but there was no way to escape it. It was going to be painful and she was going to see it. As carefully as he could, he supported his weight on his good arm and slowly lowered his body while frowning, gasping, and cursing until he was lying flat on the bed.
"Are you sure you can do anything besides sleep?" She laughed and removed his boxers.
"I'll show you." He took her hands and brought her over him.
Elizabeth placed both hands on each side of his head and her knees on each side of his hips. She wanted to love him, to please him, to ease his pain. Keeping her body apart from his, she kissed his mouth, his face, his rough chin and throat, his broad chest and worked her magic over his aching body. William's hands entangled with her hair and he closed his eyes in heartfelt delight. He loved her and she loved him and nothing would separate them now.
Her lips continued her tempting discovery, moving slowly down his body, reaching his stomach until he held her face and pulled her closer to his lips.
"Come here, my love," he asked her gently. "Come close to me."
This time she slid her body up until their lips met fully, kissing wildly. William's hands traveled down her body, capturing the round softness of her breasts, caressing her sides and then moving her hips to his, aligning her for his entrance. He was searching for her and he found her, wet and ready.
He held back as much as he could, but she was deciding how and when. She continued until she saw him tense and moan and as her own tension grew to limits she couldn't control, she increased her pace and moved against him until she exploded in a violent convulsion.
What followed next she couldn't recall for sure. She vaguely remembered William's hands holding her as she collapsed over him, a hoarse 'oh, God' against her hair, and the intense contractions of their fleshes as she regained her senses. They remained that way for a while, Elizabeth resting over him while his fingertips traveled up and down her back, caressing her with feathery softness.
Aware that he was becoming sleepy, Elizabeth removed herself from over him and lay by his side, pulling the covers over them. As she turned her back to him, William immediately adjusted his body around hers, carefully resting the hand of his wounded arm over her hip as he sighed in absolute joy. Not one minute later she smiled when she heard his soft snores against her shoulder.
William slept for more than three hours and woke up rested, hungry and alone. Though the mobility of his arm was improving day after day and the rib wasn't a problem if he moved carefully, dressing himself was not an easy task. Anyway, he managed to do it without help though not as neatly as he would have wished. He couldn't tuck the shirt inside the trousers and the laces of his tennis shoes remained untied.
As soon as he was downstairs, he wandered around looking for Elizabeth and found her drinking mate in the porch, with Attila lying at her feet. She smiled up at him and rose to kiss him while the dog wagged his tail from his lazy position.
"Will you help me with this?" He opened his arms and looked down at himself.
"Sit down," she planted a soft kiss on his lips. "I'll tie your shoes, but leave the shirt that way. I don't want to touch that bruise." She took his hand and helped him to sit down. "Do you want something to eat? I made some muffins."
"I'm starving." Just a little love and care and he recovered his appetite. "Where's everyone?"
"Jane went to the market and Charles and Richard to the plant. I guess they will come back anytime now." She brushed his lips quickly after tying his shoes. "I'll get you those muffins and warm the water for the mate."
William watched her go and leaned back carefully. Attila immediately took the opportunity to use his foot as a pillow and leaned his huge head with a moan. William couldn't but smile. He was happier than he had ever been in his life. He was finally there, with her, and there was nothing that could break them apart now.
Elizabeth appeared carrying a tray and sat beside him after laying it over the table and stepping over Attila's body. William's arm went around her shoulders and he kissed her hair.
"Elizabeth."
"Mmmmm." She rested her head on his shoulder.
"I love you."
She raised her head and looked at him. "I love you too."
He kissed her softly. "What are we going to do now? I don't want to be apart from you."
"Neither do I. I missed you so much when I left London."
"Me too. Had I not been busy with this matter of the trees I would have gone mad. I can't think of my life without you."
Elizabeth sighed in happiness and carefully wrapped her arms around his waist. William held her close for a long while, pondering his next words, fearing it wasn't yet the right time, but not wanting to left unsaid what he felt. He swallowed and met her eyes in hopeful inquiry.
"Elizabeth, I told you before, I want this to last forever. I know I should wait until you are sure that you trust me, and that perhaps I'm rushing you, but we have been through so much and we love each other…"
"Say it, William." She bit her lip and grinned.
"I want to marry you, to be with you the rest of my life." His gaze was the most loving and determined she had ever seen. "Will you be my wife?"
Her eyes filled with happy tears and impulsively wrapped her arms around his neck. "I will, William Darcy, I'll be your wife."
"Soon?" He raised his eyebrows.
"Very soon."
They smiled at each other and exchanged a long series of kisses. Elizabeth pulled back and leaned her head on his shoulder. She remained silent for some time, looking at the horizon. Something was troubling her and she was afraid of asking, not wanting to ruin this special moment.
"Liz, is there something wrong?" William sensed immediately her change of mood.
"Not now."
"Say it, Elizabeth."
She moved in her seat and faced him. "Why did you risk yourself in that way? Why didn't you tell me what you were doing?"
William sighed and looked down. "You were upset enough about this matter. What would be the point in telling you that I suspected George was responsible? That your trees were stolen by the man I brought into your house and that he injured your housekeeper and your dog? I never thought something like this would happen when we began the investigation."
"You realize that I would have known about it one way or another."
He laughed softly and pulled her close. "Yes. But I never expected to be shot in the process. I thought at the time that I would come here a couple of days later with a tree in my hand, asking you to marry me."
She smiled at the picture but her eyes saddened at the thought of him in pain. "But, why didn't you call me from hospital?"
"Well..." He bit his lip shifted his position. He was not very comfortable telling her this. "It was kind of late when they … finished and I slept almost all of the next day."
He went into surgery. Her eyes were filling with worried tears again. "And the day after that?"
"I was sick until they changed the medication."
He had a good and painful excuse for each question so she preferred not to ask anything else. "You should have called. I would have taken care of you."
He smiled guiltily. "I was afraid that you would be angry at me for getting into that mess."
She grinned. "You were right. I would. I am!"
Now he was flushed. "So I preferred to wait for a couple of days until I was better recovered for the confrontation."
Elizabeth gasped. "Confrontation indeed, William Darcy. Am I that bad that you have to recover your strength to face me?"
"Well," he smiled, "you can be kind of unapproachable when you are angry. I was even planning to arrive after lunch so I wouldn't risk you being hungry."
They laughed at their silliness and kissed until they were interrupted by the untimely growl of William's stomach. Laughing harder, Elizabeth moved the tray with muffins and bread closer for him to eat.
"Come on, eat something. I want to see you well soon."
He smiled wickedly. "Yes. I need my strength back."
"I can't complain so far."
Chapter 35
The weather was rather chilly in that early winter afternoon, so the arrival of the others found William and Elizabeth were cozily cuddled on the couch talking in hushed tones. They finally found their way to love, and there was no reason to repress or conceal what they felt, and if they hadn't known the others were to arrive at any moment, the would have been in the bedroom making love until exhaustion.
Jane came first from the market and Charles and Richard were there not 20 minutes later. It was very odd for them to see the couple behaving that way, exchanging tender glances and kissing softly every five minutes. Before this morning, they were completely unaware of their relationship -they didn't have one anyway- so it was amazing to see them so entranced with each other.
"But I don't understand how was that you found out that he was selling the trees in the US?" Jane asked.
"The night after Elizabeth's birthday," William explained, "I had some trouble sleeping; so I went to my computer to check the mail and found the site of a Citrus Company."
"You were checking your mail at 3 in the morning?" Elizabeth asked from her current position, comfortably nestled under his good arm.
"My mind was too agreeably engaged to sleep." He smiled down at her and kissed her seductively.
"Will, please!" Charles protested and Richard laughed. "We are trying to follow the story!"
With a satisfied smile, William continued. "I forgot about that at the moment but I remembered it after Elizabeth left England." He looked down at her. "You go on Richard. I don't want to talk anymore," he said against Elizabeth's smiling lips.
At that moment they heard a car coming and Jane walked to the door. "It's Eduardo." She turned to the newcomer. "Hi, Edu. Did you bring your armor? Someone is going to kill you here."
He kissed Jane's cheek and walked inside. Much to William's amusement, Elizabeth gave him a soft kiss and carefully removed herself from under his arm, only to walk decidedly in Eduardo's direction and slap him violently on the shoulder.
"How could you! You are my family, and my lawyer, and you were my favorite cousin!" She beat him again while he laughed as he tried to avoid her blows. "You knew about this and didn't even tell me!" The last four words were enhanced by a slap. "You and Enrique are out of my will. I'll tell my mother, aunt Maria and aunt Felisa and all Jurassic Park about this and they will torture you at every family event for the rest of your life!"
Eduardo embraced her (in order to secure her arms) and kissed her cheek. "I love you too, darling."
"Elizabeth," William called from his seat, "I asked him not to say anything, so leave him alone and come here."
She walked to the couch and pointed her finger at him. "You will have your punishment once you are recovered." She sat beside him.
William smiled. "What are you planning to do? I trust you'll be very wicked." He brushed her lips with his.
"I have a few things in mind."
"I'm looking forward to it." William kissed her, trying to keep the use of his tongue as inconspicuous as possible.
"This is disgusting." Charles rose. "Jane, let's see if dinner is ready. Those antibiotics are affecting William's behavior."
During dinner, Eduardo and Richard told them the rest of the story in full detail, mentioning briefly the section where William was shot and skipping completely the part when he fainted in the car due to the blood loss.
"How is Anselmo doing?" William asked as he rose slowly from the table and walked to the couch. Elizabeth was beside him all the way.
"He is more upset about this Lydia matter than about his broken arm," Jane answered. "He doesn't forgive himself for not suspecting that she was involved in something like this. It seems that Lydia had been asking him some very odd questions during the last month."
"He shouldn't be mad at himself. It isn't his fault."
"I'm driving Richard to the airport tomorrow," Charles announced as he sat on the armchair.
"Don't we have to talk to the police?" William asked.
"No. Not him," Eduardo commented. "But they need your statement so we'll have to go to Misiones on Monday."
"I have to go the hospital on Monday too. The doctor said he wanted to check on the wound in a couple of days so we can attend both matters while there."
"I'll go with you." Elizabeth rubbed his leg.
William grinned and kissed her for the eleventh time.
"Are you two going to be glued to each other for the rest of the day?" Charles said in mock exasperation.
William released her lips and asked very close to her ear. "What do you think?"
"I think he is jealous," she answered.
Charles laughed. "I'm not. Anyway, it is strange to see you acting this way, Will, the last time I saw you, I thought you would commit suicide."
Elizabeth looked at William with big surprised eyes and he shook his head quickly mouthing a 'no'. They smiled at each other and kissed again.
"How long are you staying this time?" Jane asked while sitting on the armrest of Charles's seat.
William turned to Elizabeth again and asked her in a very intimate way. "How long?"
Elizabeth pretended to do a lot of thinking and responded. "I don't know. Two months?"
William shook his head.
"One month?"
He nodded. "I suppose I'll stay until the wedding," William answered to Jane.
"Will, but we are marrying in three months," Charles commented.
"I know that. I wasn't talking about your wedding." William and Elizabeth were smiling at each other.
"You two are getting married?" Richard asked, astonished. "In a month?"
"If everything is ready, we are. And if it's not, we are marrying anyway so it is not a point open to discussion."
"And, where?" Charles asked.
William turned to Elizabeth again, eyebrows up. "So?"
"I don't care. But I would like my family to be present."
William nodded and looked at Charles. "Here."
Elizabeth began to giggle at his playfulness.
"I suppose that it will be too much if I ask where are you going to live," Charles continued.
This time William shot Elizabeth a quick glance and she just shrugged. "We'll see. I suppose in England."
"And what does your father say about this?"
William's mouth opened to answer when his cell-phone rang. He checked the caller ID and frowned. "I'll tell you in a moment. Hello Meg." He rolled his eyes on hearing what her father's secretary said. "How did he …? Never mind, transfer him, thank you." He waited for a few seconds. "Dad? What a coincidence, we were talking about you."
"William! Where the hell are you?" Mr. Darcy sounded really angry.
William's eyebrows shot up. "In Santo Domingo."
"I've been informed about that. But not by you."
William immediately looked at Charles and Richard with a frown and they shook their heads.
"Well, something happened and I had to travel down here. Dad, I was about to call you and tell you …"
"Fitzwilliam, I'm not expecting you to inform me the details of your private matters. You can disappear whenever you want and do whatever you please, but as your father, at least I expect to know when you are hospitalized!"
William bit his lip. "Nothing serious happened. I'll tell you …."
"Nothing serious? George is in jail and you were in hospital. I know perfectly well what happened. You were SHOT! Now I want to hear your side of the story."
"Dad, I'll be there on …Friday?" He looked at Elizabeth and she nodded. "…Friday with Elizabeth and you'll know everything."
"Elizabeth?"
William smiled. "Yes."
"The girl from the picture, I suppose."
"The same one."
"The one you were pining for."
"Yes." He grinned broadly. "We are getting married."
Long pause. "I see." Pause again. "She seems to be a good girl."
"The best one."
"And I suppose that you two are in love."
"Absolutely."
"You sound very well and relaxed, but I would like to talk to her, if you don't mind."
"I don't. I'll put her through. Richard can give you an advance when he returns. He'll fly back tomorrow. Bye, Dad." He handed the phone to an amazed Elizabeth.
"Hello, Mr. Darcy." She sat up.
"So, Elizabeth. I've heard so much about you."
"And I about you, Mr. Darcy. It's a pleasure to talk to you at last."
"My empty headed son sounds very happy now. You must be something very special if he made such a long flight just to be with you."
Elizabeth laughed. "We are indeed very happy, sir."
"I know that I don't know you, but as you are marrying my beloved son, I think I'm in the position to ask you something." Elizabeth now listened carefully. "Will might seem very powerful and self sufficient, but he is a very pure hearted and sensible man, so I beg you to take good care of him."
Elizabeth's eyes brightened with tears and she looked at William with a loving smile. "I will, sir. I love him very much."
"I'm glad you do, my dear, Fitzwilliam needs to be loved for once."
"Fitzwho?" Elizabeth knitted her brows and William lowered his head and put his hand over his eyes.
"Fitzwilliam."
"Richard?" She was still at loss.
"No, my son, Fitzwilliam."
"That is his name?" She turned to William, who refused to look at her.
"Yes, after his grandfather."
Elizabeth kissed William's cheek. "I will take good care of him. You can be assured of that."
"Thank you, my dear. I'm looking forward to meeting you next week."
She closed the mobile and put her arms around his neck. "I love you, Fitzwilliam."
"Don't you dare call me that."
Chapter 36
As Charles had to leave early to take Richard to the airport on the next morning, they agreed that Jane would stay and sleep in his house and accompany him to the city while William stayed with Elizabeth at the farm. The couple was thrilled with the prospect of being alone for the weekend and now that matters were settled between them they were anxious for privacy. The only thing that crossed their minds at the moment was how to get rid of their company.
"Virgen Santa! I thought that they would be staying all night!" Elizabeth exclaimed when she closed the door.
"Alone at last." William embraced her and kissed her.
"At last, my love. At last you are mine," she said with a low voice.
"I've been yours for a long time."
Elizabeth put her arms around him gently. "Come, I'll take you to bed. You look tired."
William allowed her to lead the way to the bedroom. Once in the upper floor, she stopped in the corridor and studied her options with a frown.
"What?" he asked against her hair.
"I don't know which bedroom. Both mine and the guest-room have single beds. We won't be able to sleep comfortably. We'll have to use my parents' bedroom."
"Are you sure? I know it's very important for you."
"Absolutely." She smiled and took his hand to lead the way.
Elizabeth turned on the lights of the bedroom and walked inside slowly, still holding William's hand. The room was a chilly as it had been closed for a long time. It was a very handsome room. The walls were painted in a pale yellow, enhancing the matching covers and curtains imprinted in tiny daisies. A big hearth commanded the right side and the French doors on the opposite wall showed the way to a private terrace.
"It's cold in here." Elizabeth went to the closet for clean blankets. "Will you help me with this?"
William opened his side of the covers and together they made the bed. "I'd never imagined that it could be so cold here in June."
Elizabeth smiled. "We are closer to the winter now and it gets really cold in July and August. This room is colder than the rest of the house because it has been closed for over a year now. We only open it once a month for cleaning, but nobody has slept in here since my mother moved to the city. Come," she extended her hand, "let's go for some wood for the hearth."
They carried a basket upstairs with wood for the whole night, and William knelt near the hearth to set the fire with Elizabeth's help.
"Thank God the chimney is clean!" Elizabeth was kneeling in front of the growing fire.
The flames illuminated her features creating auburn and golden sparkles in her hair and eyes. William held his breath, she was so beautiful. She looked at him and smiled back, with a calm, confident smile.
"I love you, Elizabeth." William extended his hand to touch her cheek.
"I love you, William."
Their lips met in a long and tender kiss. William moved closer to her, enveloping her in his arms, holding her as tightly as he could. Soon their clothes were a bother, an obstacle, and it was Elizabeth's task to remove them.
William was happy and it was obvious. To Elizabeth's joy, the smile that never left his eyes was there to show her that he loved her, that he needed her and that he would never let go of her again.
Elizabeth pulled back again to remove the rest of their clothing. She helped him to lie down over the fluffy rug, both of them laughing softly when he cursed under his breath, and she lay by his side, with her back to the fire. It wasn't easy for William to move and caress her the way he wanted with only one good arm, but he accomplished the task efficiently until the need to join her became unbearable. Once again she rode him, sensuously, slowly moving up and down him until they reached their limits together and let go in powerful release.
As she felt cold in front of the dying fire, Elizabeth removed herself from over him and went to the bed for blankets and pillows while William stirred the hearth. They cuddled together and observed how the sparkles lightened their private world with a happiness that was unable to disguise.
"Elizabeth ..." William's voice was serious against her hair.
"Yes?"
"I love you."
"I love you too." She smiled at the conviction in his tone.
William moved from his lying position and rested his body on his elbow, looking at her with determined eyes. "I never felt this way before. Never, not even in the past. I thought I was in love at the time but I wasn't. It can't be compared to this."
"I understand how you feel, because I feel the same way," she said softly.
"You will always love me, won't you?" He knitted his brows.
"Always." She smiled at his candor.
He smiled down to her and kissed her softly before lying on his back again, satisfied by her answer.
"My love, we have to decide what we want to do." He pulled her close so she was resting her head on his shoulder. "As much as I enjoyed making everyone nervous this afternoon, we must decide where are we going to live. I can quit the Division if you want me to do it. Not right now, but once my father finds a replacement, I'll quit. I can't ask you to follow me around the world." He said with his eyes fixed on the ceiling.
Elizabeth turned to him. "I'll follow you to the end of the world if necessary, William."
He rolled to his side and caressed her cheek. "I'll never ask you to leave your work, you love it too much."
"William, listen to me." She held his gaze. "You will be my husband and I'll be with you no matter where you go. I'll always find something to do as long as I have a garden and a lab of my own. I can study and improve my knowledge while in England. I could never access those kinds of Universities here."
He smiled at her. She had such a generous nature.
"I'm sure I can find a job and continue with my work, perhaps not in orange trees, or forestation, but I'm sure I'll find other species I can research and develop. What kind of trees do they grow in Derbyshire?"
He began to laugh. "Jesus, you know what you want, don't you?"
"I always knew what I wanted. I love you, more than you can imagine. I know I'll miss my life in Encarnación, but I'll be fine as long as I am with you." She looked at him seriously.
William's eyes brightened in joy and happiness. "You are wonderful. I was so stupid ..."
"Forget about that. We are together now and that is all what matters." She stroked his chest gently. "Now my main concern is to see you recovered and well. You are so much thinner than when you left."
"That's because I don't have anyone to take care of me." He pouted charmingly.
Elizabeth giggled. "I'll cook for you, and take care of you and love you."
William leaned over her and kissed her. "Will you? Will you do all that, just for me?"
"Just for you. Forever." She smiled against his mouth.
Supported on one elbow, he moved the hand of his injured harm slowly down her body sensuously, caressing her skin with his fingertips, feeling the firm roundness of her breasts, and teasing her velvety stomach. His eyes marveled at every reaction and movement. He bit his lip and felt himself growing hard as her body undulated sensually under his touch. Elizabeth lay there enjoying his soft caresses until the need to feel him became irresistible. She reached down searching for his stiffness and found him, sighing in pure sexual desire.
She had never touched a man before, not in this way. In their previous encounters, he had noticed she had been reluctant to do it and knowing of her inexperience, he had never asked. But now she was masterfully stroking him, hardening and exciting him to his limit. Elizabeth was amazed at his response to her touch, how he grew hot, hard and large, how his eyes closed and his hips moved into her grip. He looked at her then, she saw him swallow and knit his brows as the hand that had been resting on her pubis moved urgently between her thighs. His finger found her so wet and aroused that she almost cried when he touched her.
"I want you. I need you." He rolled over her.
"Are you sure?" she asked with worried eyes when he winced once.
"I am."
He entered decidedly and remained still for a while. She was so soft, wet and tight that he almost lost himself inside. And he rode her, in and endless ride, with her legs embracing him, her hands caressing him as her body arched, shuddered, tensed and relaxed in frantic consequence of his love. He sensed her pleasure once and almost gave in to her siren call, but resisting the need to follow her, he held on and prolonged their union to the limits of tolerance. A pause to regain control, a kiss, a smile and then in determined and powerful pace, William began to build the tension that drove them both to fulfillment, and with groans and cries they exploded together in ecstasy.
He fell and she held him, the pulsing evidence of their love still beating madly against each other. Breathless and satisfied, they continued embracing, kissing, whispering their love until they fell asleep in each other arms.
Chapter 37
Saturday morning began rather late for the couple as the previous nights activities and William's still semi-weak condition produced a long and restful sleep and a late awakening with tender lovemaking. Sweatshirt in hand, William walked into the kitchen dressed in jeans and tennis shoes, shaved and with a refreshed and healthy appearance after a shower. A night of love, rest and love again had improved his condition and looks significantly.
"Hello boy." He greeted Attila as he stepped over him and went to embrace his Elizabeth. "Something smells good," he said as he grazed her neck.
"I made some bread. How did that work?" She turned around and removed the plastic film that was covering the bandages on his arm. "Great. They are dry. I was afraid that this wouldn't work but it did."
"You are very smart, I was desperate for a shower." He attacked her earlobe. "How is it that you manage to look even more beautiful in the mornings?"
Elizabeth giggled when he pressed himself against her. "William, we left the bed only an hour ago."
"So?"
"You are supposed to be weak and in convalescence. Don't you ever tire of this?"
"No." He smiled against her neck. "You are too sexy, and I love you. I'll never get tired of making love to you."
She gasped when his hand cupped her breast and his thumb teased her nipple. "What would the doctor say if he knew this?" She removed the hand from its current position but he redirected it to her bottom.
"That I'm extremely lucky." His lips moved to the place where her neck met her shoulder.
She squirmed and freed herself from his hold. "Come here, put that sweatshirt on and sit down. I want you to have some breakfast first. If you continue in this way you'll never gain weight. What do you want, tea of coffee?"
"Coffee with milk, no sugar."
She served him his coffee and sat beside him. "I'll talk to Charles tomorrow. I'm quitting my job at the lab," she said as she buttered him a toast.
"What? Elizabeth, you love that job."
"Will, we talked about this last night. We're leaving for England on Thursday and we are marrying in a month so I don't see the point of keeping the job. I've already thought of a replacement. I have a friend at the Institute that might be interested. You pay very good salaries at Celulosa."
"When did you think about all this? I've been keeping you entertained since yesterday." He smiled.
"While you were in the shower." She was about to put the toast in his mouth when he spoke.
"Liz, I know it will be hard for you; wouldn't you prefer if you do it gradually?" William was aware of the sacrifice she was making, leaving all her life behind to follow him, but he couldn't understand how could she be so calm about it. He opened his mouth and allowed her to feed him.
"My love, I won't be able to work full time this week because you are here and I have to take care of you." He smiled and kissed her softly as the toast crunched in his mouth. "If my replacement starts right away she might learn the most important things before we depart to England, and that way I won't leave Charles with the trouble of finding someone."
"That's a good point." He watched how she buttered him another toast, his heart bursting in happiness that someone was taking care of him.
"How long are we staying in England?"
"I'm not sure, for a week or two. I want to settle some matters at the office and ready things for my absence. I want a long honeymoon. We can look for a new house and an estate when we are already settled."
"Estate?" She raised her eyebrows.
"Yes, a place in where you can have your trees and horses. I want you to feel comfortable at home. You might look calm and composed now but I sense you will have a tough time when you leave all this. Anyway, we'll travel down here once or twice a year."
"But, Will, that might cost a fortune."
He looked at her seriously. "Elizabeth, you are marrying a very wealthy man. You will not have to worry about money. Now, where do you want to go for our honeymoon?"
Elizabeth blinked and tried to think about possible places to go. She didn't know the size of William's fortune but by the way he talked, he was giving her the idea that it was much larger than she had imagined. "I don't know, I'd never been out of the country, with the exception of my time at Uni and the trip to Europe where we found each other." He grinned at the memory. "I don't have an idea of where to go."
"We'll think about it later." He sipped his coffee. "When do you want to take Attila?"
Elizabeth was surprised with his comment. "He can't go with us."
"Why not?"
Her eyes filled with tears when she told him that she should leave him behind. "Will, he is almost 8 years old, you have a six months quarantine in England and he has lived all his life in a farm without fences, I can't do that to him."
William looked at the dog and then at her. "We'll come three times a year."
Elizabeth erupted in laugher and threw her arms around his neck pushing him carefully back on his seat. "You are an extraordinary man, Fitzwilliam Darcy. I love you so much."
As William was feeling much better now and needed to stretch his legs, Elizabeth insisted on a walk through the farm. It wasn't too cold, just chilly enough for a sweater as the sun was shining so brightly that it warmed up the early winter morning. William was helping her to feed the horses when an '64 Ford Falcon that had seen better times, drove into the farm.
"That's Anselmo," Elizabeth explained to him. "I told him not to come to work for a while but he insisted. I need him to see Black's horseshoes. He lost one."
"He drives with a cast on his arm?" William asked, amused.
Elizabeth laughed. "Of course. He doesn't have a license anyway so it doesn't matter."
William shot his eyebrows up. "Without a driving license? He is crazy!"
"No, he only uses the car to go to the market or to come here when he doesn't want to ride on horseback. He lives only 5 kilometers away on a road that has less traffic than this one."
"But, it's ridiculous!" William followed her as she walked to talk to the elder man. "What if the police stops him?"
"Oh, they know about his driving, the chief told him that there won't be any trouble. Everyone in Encarnación knows him."
Anselmo walked to them with that peaceful way of his and kissed Elizabeth's cheek and shook William's hand. Both men studied each other for a while and then laughed at the awkward situation, as both of them had an injured arm.
Noticing that Elizabeth wasn't saying anything about their relationship and with the scene with the knife still playing in his mind, William put his arm around her shoulders in a very territorial way. Elizabeth giggled and Anselmo raised an amused eyebrow. With a radiant smile, Elizabeth put her arms around William's waist and announced the news.
"We are getting married, Anselmo."
Much to William's surprise, Anselmo's eyes filled with happy tears and embraced Elizabeth and them him, muttering in very emotional Spanish.
"I knew it, I knew you two were meant for each other since the day you met, I only wondered how long would it take for you to realize it. You will be taking my little girl away, but I can't think of anyone worthier."
William thanked him heartily, promising he would take good care of her and they would visit him whenever they could. Elizabeth left them for a moment to warm some water to ready mate and returned five minutes later, only to find William, Anselmo and Attila in the garden, all three relaxed, enjoying each other's company under the morning sun. She observed the touching scene and smiled proudly at the three males that had risked their lives for her, and that loved her so unconditionally. Grinning broadly, she walked in their direction, feeling happy and complete, knowing that she would never be alone again.