THE YOU'RE IN MY HEART SERIES YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT by JoLayne and Susan Part Five ~~~~~ 12:50 PM "I haven't heard much activity in the other room," Methos told Herbert as he stood before a full length mirror straightening his cummerbund. His white shirt was stiff from too much starch, but it was the last dress shirt he had brought with him. Herbert spun Methos around to tie his black bow tie and said, "Amanda has a lot to do this morning. I checked on her, but she wasn't in her room." "Where is she?" "I checked while you were bathing. She has a full appointment calendar this morning. Massage, hair, other stuff women seem to need on special days. I am sure she has an entire team somewhere on the ship to fix her up for the ceremony." Methos could see the sorrow in Herbert's eyes, still puffy from what Methos imagined was a sleepless night. "I would suppose. Amanda's resourceful and probably has many ladies in waiting to take Lillian's place. Although, of course, Lillian is sorely missed." Herbert nodded, as he straightened the tie. "I am happy for you, Roger. This is the right thing. Lillian was looking forward to the ceremony. Anything to make Amanda happy. Although, Lillian had a hard time wondering what Amanda saw in you." Herbert's light chuckle made Methos remember how Lillian had treated him. Oh well, Methos always did have a way to make people uncomfortable and they would react in however was natural for them. In Lillian's case, it was to be grouchy. He had a hard time wondering what Amanda saw in her, but Lillian was certainly loyal. Methos patted Herbert's shoulder and said, "I'm happy you're here with me. We've seen a lot together, my friend." Methos put his tuxedo jacket on and then grabbed another tie and returned the favor for Herbert. Herbert said, "We'd better get a move on, Roger. It's almost one o'clock and you don't want to jilt the lady." "Never." Methos scanned himself in the mirror again and added, "Besides, she'd have my head if I even thought of leaving her at the altar." "As if that would happen. I've seen you with many mademoiselles, and none have made you so happy as Miss Sinclair." "You have that right." Methos took a long, deep breath, and said, "Shall we shove off then?" Herbert opened the door and said, "After you." Methos patted his pockets, and there were many in that tuxedo, and became frantic. Herbert asked, "What's the matter?" "The ring. I lost her ring. Blast it all! It has to be around here somewhere." He started fumbling through clothes laying around the room, and his trunk. He wondered if he had put it where he had stashed the Mona Lisa, behind a painting of Versailles that hung above the mantel. Herbert tapped him on the shoulder as Methos was hunched down to search under the bed. "Miss Sinclair's ring is my job, Roger." Methos turned to see Amanda's gold band in Herbert's hand. "I'm not usually this dotty." "One can be forgiven on their wedding day," Herbert said, popping Methos on the shoulder. "Come on. Let's get you married. Everything is taken care of." ~~~~~ Methos stood at the makeshift altar that had been set up in the Parisian Café after all the tables had been removed. Flowers overwhelmed the rectangular room, and there was a sparkling banner that read CONGRATULATIONS AMANDA AND ROGER along the long wall. There had been a few people that had been invited on the ship, and a few that Methos had never seen before on the chairs that had been set up as if they were pews. Most likely, they were people who just loved a wedding. Methos took a long, deep breath and looked to Herbert for strength. The butterflies in his stomach were going wild. He had been married before, but each time it was like the first. This time especially, marrying Amanda, marrying an immortal, was particularly nerve provoking. Captain Smith had been cordial and authoritative when he had shaken Methos' and Herbert's hands when they had arrived, right at one on the button. The female pianist was sitting at the piano, waiting for her cue. The guests murmured among themselves. The wait staff was leaning in the doorway to the kitchen. One of them yawned. This is an important day! Methos about screamed. How dare they yawn? Captain Smith looked at his pocket watch and whispered, "I'm sure Miss Sinclair will be here in no time." Methos spotted the time before Smith returned the watch to his pocket. It was 1:20. Methos gaped at Herbert. Where the hell is she? "Of course she will. She is just delayed," Methos spouted to the Captain. Herbert leaned over and whispered, "Should I go look for her, Roger? Perhaps she's in her room or–" "Let's give her a few more minutes." Methos glanced back at his watch. "Then I will go and look for her. She can't get too far away on a ship." "Surely, you don't think she's standing you up," Herbert protested. "She has talked of little else besides this day since you proposed. If ever a woman was ready to get married it's Amanda." "I suppose you're right," Methos backed down. "Where on earth could she be?" "I do not know her as well as you, but I have come to a conclusion about Amanda; she does have a flair for drama. I'm sure she's just waiting to make an entrance," Herbert offered. "Just take a deep breath." Methos did as he was told, but he couldn't ignore the sinking feeling at the pit of his stomach as each minute ticked by. The people gathered in the room began to whisper and point; a few even got up and left. A young couple in the back of the room began to snicker and cough, finding the situation humorous. Methos sent them a glare and they huffed as they vacated their seats. "Perhaps, you might want to look for your fiancé?" Captain Smith asked. "We can reschedule this for a later time, if it would be more convenient for the two of you, possibly tomorrow." "No," Methos barked. "The wedding was set for today and by gods, it will take place just as we had planned." "I understand your enthusiasm, however, I'm afraid I have other commitments to attend this afternoon," Captain Smith apologized. "I'm sorry, Mr. Sothem, but please let me know when you and Miss Sinclair reschedule." Methos bit back his anger. It wasn't this man's fault he'd been left standing at the altar. This has never happened to me! I can't believe it! Amanda, of all women! "Thank you for your time, Captain," Methos said, not believing how controlled he sounded. "We'll let you know." The Captain bowed formally and made his departure.  "What the hell are you staring at?" Methos growled at the remaining people gathered in the Parisian Café. "Get out of here!" Methos didn't pay attention to Herbert's desperate attempts to calm him. "GO!" "Roger, you must calm down." Herbert patted Methos' arm. "Don't, Herbert, I mean it." Methos watched the people hustle out of the room, finally leaving the two men alone. "How could she do this to me?" Herbert slapped his forehead in frustration. Sometimes his friend could be so dense. "Roger, must we go over this again. Amanda would not willingly desert you at the altar. I think she would as soon go honest." Methos laughed at the Frenchman's statement. "Then where in the bloody hell is she, Herbert?" "Might I suggest we go look for her in your rooms." Herbert raised an eyebrow. "I am sure there is a perfectly good explanation for this mess." "I hope you're right." Methos took one more look around the room. The congratulatory banner seemed to taunt him. Banners, he scoffed. Weddings... women! All for the birds! "Shall we?" ~~~~~ Amanda groaned softly as the blackness that had previously held her in its grip released her to a brilliantly lit room. Without success she tried to stand, but the effort was hampered by the fact that her hands and feet were bound together. She jerked and strained against the restraints, which only chaffed the delicate skin around her wrists and ankles. "She's awake, darling," a feminine voice called from behind her.  "Good." Amanda nearly screamed when James Wentworth entered her line of sight. "James! Elaine!" Elaine walked around the sofa and stood beside her husband. "Bright girl." "Brighter than you at least," Amanda snickered despite her less than equal footing at the moment. "Let me go!" "Uh, no," James sneered. "We have plans for you." "What time is it?" Amanda's eyes searched the room for a clock.  James casually lifted his pocket watch, "A quarter to three." Amanda's eyes widened and her struggles began in earnest. "It's almost three?! How could I have been out that long?" Elaine smiled as she held up a syringe. James said, "Elaine's sedative when she can't sleep. Worked wonders. We had to make sure you couldn't escape your bonds. We have more where this came from." Amanda jerked her hands and feet, only making the ties bite into her skin. "I was supposed to marry Roger at one!" she screamed, to which the couple just laughed. "You're a bit late," James said kneeling down beside her on the floor. "In fact, from what I understand, it's all over. My, my, my, Roger Sothem is not very happy with you. Now, I think we need to talk." Amanda looked the room over and saw that it wasn't her stateroom, or Methos', or the Wentworth's, which she saw when it was up to her to seduce Wentworth and find the painting. The Mona Lisa! That's what those imbeciles want! She defiantly focused on the far wall ignoring James. They can talk all they want, they're not going to find it. Not in a million years... I'll never tell. They can rip my fingernails off... well, let's hope it doesn't get that far... She screamed as loud and as long as she could, hoping someone would hear her. It only made Elaine come forward with a filled syringe. James said politely, "Yelling will most likely only be for naught. First class is only one third full, and this is a room far away from other occupied cabins. Now. What did you do with it?" "Do with what?" Amanda replied sweetly. "You know, you little wench!" Elaine sneered. "Me? How dare you!" Amanda struggled against her ties again as James stood up and laughed along with Elaine. Amanda paused. There was no way in hell those two were going to laugh at her! "The painting," James said. "It's ours and it was really bad form for you to take it." "Yours?" Amanda chuckled, then displayed great thought. "Oh, the painting that was laying on the table while you were exploring every inch of my voluptuous body with your hands and lips? I really couldn't blame you, James," Amanda said, with a chuckle. "If you only have that tramp in your bed, small wonder you went looking elsewhere." When she saw that Elaine didn't appreciate that remark, she continued, "I can spot frigid women almost as fast as impotent men. You two are quite the couple." James had to hold Elaine back from charging at Amanda, and Amanda laughed hardily. "Where is it?" James yelled at her, while still holding back his wife. "Where you'll never find it, you simpering clod. Besides, the painting is mine!" "Finders keepers," James said. "We will find it, and if need be, you will be dead." That sort of remark never did a thing for Amanda but be a bit apprehensive about how much being killed might hurt. This time was no exception. These Keystone Kops didn't do a thing to make her scared, only annoyed. She thought about Methos standing at the altar, and anger swelled within her. She had waited 1100 years to nab that man, and now he probably thinks she stood him up! She glared at James and tried to loosen the bounds that she now realized was a silk scarf at her wrist. One more pull at her feet made her ankles sear with pain. Damn it! They only did one thing right, these scarves aren't coming off without a knife. Methos has got to be so mad! Damn it! There was a knock at the door, and Amanda yelped from surprise that someone could rescue her. Before she could say too much, the last thing she saw was Elaine's foot coming at her head. ~~~~~ 8 PM Methos and Herbert had searched what they believed to be every nook and cranny of the ship for Amanda, and were going to meet up on the boat deck. Methos stopped by one of the covered lifeboats to see if she had by chance fallen into one. He saw that the canvas covers were tied tightly by ropes. Another dead end. Herbert walked past a couple out for a stroll in their overcoats, and only then did Methos feel the chill of the April air. He put his discomfort aside and asked Herbert as he approached, "Anything?" "Not one hair of the minx." "Hey," Methos said. He wasn't going to allow another man call her by his pet name, even if it was Herbert. Herbert smiled and shrugged. "We'll find her, Roger. She can't have..." The men's eyes met and were horribly stunned as they moved to the rail and looked down to the water. It was a long way down, at least 100 feet. There were two open decks underneath them, she could have fallen over the side. Or someone pushed her. Methos suddenly shivered violently from the thought of Amanda in the ocean, and the cold air slapping at his face. "She didn't, Roger," Herbert finally said, pulling his suit coat tighter around him. "We can't think of that possibility. She is on this ship and you will find her." Methos nodded, needing to believe that. Where is she! he screamed in his head. Then he shook even more when he finally remembered the painting. Maybe it was gone as well. Wentworth! "Idiot!" "What?" Herbert asked, taken by surprise. "Have you checked the painting? Is it there?" "I don't know, I didn't look." Methos sneered, and felt rejuvenated with thoughts of blatant revenge. "Wentworth is behind this, and if the painting's still behind the Palace of Versailles, Amanda is still on this ship. They kidnapped her to get it back. If it's not there..." He couldn't continue. There was every possibility that if they got what they wanted, Amanda was no longer useful. "If it's not there, what?" Herbert asked, excited about the new possibility. Amanda could have just been shot, which meant that she would be fine. They couldn't have known about her immortality and taken her head. Even by accident, a quickening could never have occurred on the ship without him or anyone else knowing. Methos was certain Amanda still had her head. But, they could have gotten what they wanted and thrown her overboard. Methos shook off that dreadful thought and went to the door leading to the Grand Staircase. "Mona just has to be there, that's all there is to it." ~~~~~ Methos breathed a sigh of relief as he adjusted the painting of the Palace of Versailles back into place above the fireplace in his stateroom. Wentworth hadn't found it, so Amanda was still useful to them. She had to be on board somewhere, but where? The clock chimed nine and he had thoughts of what he and Amanda were supposed to be doing at this moment. They would be in that bed, of that he was positive. He sat on the edge of it, and smiled remembering how she couldn't leave him last night. She did love him, as much as he loved her. After he and Herbert left the boat deck, they took a detour to the Wentworth suite and he picked the lock to see that it was vacant. Even their possessions had been cleared out. After leaving it, he ran into Mrs. Brown, who was just going to see if Elaine wanted to join her for a game of backgammon. You reply to that woman, and she could go on forever, all about how heartbreaking it was that the wedding never came off. Thank the gods that Herbert interrupted her to say that Mr. Sothem was needed at the Purser's Office. As they had walked away from Mrs. Brown after Methos said his regrets that they couldn't continue the conversation, Methos had asked Herbert what the Purser needed. "I don't know, but I wanted you away from that woman and back on the chase," Herbert had replied. Methos had slapped his back and they made double time back to his suite. Methos hadn't wanted to make its presence on board known, but he pulled his trunk out from under his bed and sifted through it. On the bottom was his pistol. He made sure it was loaded and turned to Herbert, who had a very surprised expression on his face. Methos handed it to him and said, "I know you know how to use this. You do not leave this room. If anyone comes for the Mona Lisa, you shoot them between the eyes. Right?" "You can count on me, Roger. I will protect that beauty with my life." "No, not with your life. If I lose it, I have a guess where it's going, thanks to you. Be careful, lock the door, and do not leave this room until you've heard from me." "I will. Go find your woman," Herbert said. He indicated the paintings above the fireplace with a tilt of his head and a smile. "I will keep this lady safe." Methos gave him an assured smile of thanks and courage, and then went out to the hall. He waited  until Herbert locked the door before leaning back against it wondering where to go next. If they had cleared out of their suite, there was no telling where they were. He had to believe that they were still on the ship, with Amanda. It was bloody unlikely that they could have gotten a ship to come for them, at least, not without the Mona Lisa. He had been so wrong about Wentworth. Methos had pegged him as a spoiled Brit living off old money. When he talked about his dream of making his own money while telling about the air conditioning idea, Methos hadn't thought Wentworth would stoop to illegal means. Wouldn't have taken advantage of him. How could he have been so wrong? That imbecile took advantage of me! Of ME! He berated himself as he started down the hallway. Just as he opened the door to the Grand Staircase to continue his search, his rapid pace was intercepted by an sudden elbow to his nose. ~~~~~ SUNDAY MORNING APRIL 14, 1912 Amanda slowly woke again and found her face on the carpet. Her body was at an impossible angle, still tied at the wrists and ankles. When she moved, pain seared through her body. She moved slowly to straighten out her body and then pulled herself up to a sitting position. What she saw across the floor from her about made her stomach lurch. "Methos!" she called out, but quickly looked around to see if anyone heard her use his real name. No one came charging to find she was awake, and Methos didn't move. He was knocked out cold, on his side, his hands and feet bound as well. Blood had oozed out of his nose forming a thick, dried mess. "What did they do to you?" He must have got it from the front while they'd came at her from behind. "You didn't see it coming? Oh, honey, you had to have been thinking too much. That would have been the only way they could have gotten you. I told you many times that thinking wasn't useful at times." She scooted on her butt across the floor to him, and was grateful that they had bound her wrists in front of her. She brushed a lock of his hair back and moved his face so she could see it. She slapped at his cheek. "Wake up!" she said in a loud whisper. Amanda slapped him a little harder when he didn't respond. "Darling, you have to wake up. Now." After several firmer slaps, Methos finally roused a bit. Amanda kept a steady stream of conversation going until his hazel eyes opened and stayed that way, all the while keeping a trained eye to the door for any arrivals. "Where are we?" He moaned and rolled over onto his back to get a better view of his surroundings. "Or do I even want to know?" "James and Elaine," Amanda related their nefarious plans to him. "They are looking for Mona even as we speak, I fear." "And that's the reason you didn't show for the wedding?" Methos asked. "They nabbed me on the way to my massage," Amanda said. "Whacked me over the head and brought me here, wherever here is. It's not their usual room." "I searched their room and it's empty," Methos related. "Mona's locked away in my room with Herbert. He's under strict orders to shoot anyone but us, so if they try to force their way in, they're in for quite the surprise." "What took you so long to find me? Did you actually think I left you at the altar? I realize that you were brought here, didn't find me, but what the hell took you so long?" Amanda continued her barrage of chatter. "I was going out of my mind all damn day." "Amanda, now is not the time to go into this," Methos quieted her. "Now, now is the perfect time," Amanda argued. "Did you think I left you at the altar? Why didn't you tear this ship apart looking for me. I've been tied here all blessed day!" "I-" Methos tried to explain. "I have loved you forever and you think I'd let you get away so easily?" Amanda's cheek flushed. "Either you're the stupidest man I've ever known, and I've known a lot of stupid men, or you have some serious issues with self esteem." "Amanda," Methos growled feeling his own anger begin to rise, "all right! I did think for a minute you'd skipped out on me, but then it occurred to me that something else had to have happened." "Well, thank you for that vote of confidence." Amanda rolled her eyes. Men! You are all such little boys, even if you're five thousand years old. "I'd have sooner quit my day job than not marry you." "Look, I'm sorry, Amanda. But, we have bigger fish to fry at the moment. We need to get loose and find James and Elaine." "I couldn't agree more, darling," Amanda nodded enthusiastically. "Scoot over here and I'll untie your hands." Methos did as instructed and Amanda used a combination of her hands and teeth loosen the knotted rope around his hands. Methos chuckled as he shook his head. "Amateurs! To tie our wrists in front..." "I know," Amanda said between biting at the silk ties. "Although, when there was just one of me, it was impossible to loosen them." As soon as he was free, he worked the ropes from his feet and began on the ropes that bound Amanda. "What next?" she asked as they sat rubbing their numb limbs. "We kill those dirty little creeps?" Methos stood up. "Bloodthirsty little wench, aren't you?" "Considering they're not only responsible for Lillian's death and stealing Mona, but now they are the ones responsible for us not getting married, bloodthirsty is too mild a word to describe the way I'm feeling at this moment." "Good." Methos glanced in a mirror. His face was a bloody mess. He yanked the handkerchief for his jacket pocket and wet it from a bottle of water on the sideboard. It wouldn't do for him to be seen with blood all over his face. "They've pushed entirely too far this time. We'll go check on Herbert and then we will find James and Elaine." Amanda enjoyed the look of pure cunning on her man's face. Methos was on the hunt. She almost felt sorry for their prey. Methos was ruthless and shrewd when his back was up and it was definitely up now. As they walked to the door, Amanda asked, "How is Herbert holding up? He's not too overwhelmed by grief, is he?" "He's a trooper. He's fine." "I'll bet he's not. His lover died, Methos. That has to have hit him hard." Methos put his hand on her back to move her to the door. "He's thinking revenge." "Oh good! Because I've been thinking about it all day. What have you been doing?" Methos opened his mouth to respond, but the doorknob twisted. They heard a key in the lock, and Methos quickly moved Amanda back to where they had woken up. "Pretend you're tied up and knocked out," he whispered. They each got into the positions they were in, on their sides, pretending their hands and feet were still bound, and Amanda wondered why they didn't just surprise them when they opened the door. She went along with it, looking at Methos out the corner of her eye as he looked dead to the world on the other side of the room. He was the master of these sorts of things; she would ride the wave with him. She moved her hands more under her body as he had so it wasn't so obvious that they weren't bound. Then she saw the scarf that had been around her feet against the wall. It was too late to move it. The door opened and she heard heavy footsteps stalking toward them. When James Wentworth came into view, she wanted to throttle him. She glanced up and saw the syringe in his hand, his eyes focused on Methos. A quick glimpse of her fiancé told her that she should just wait for the right time, as Methos obviously was. If she didn't know better, she would think that Methos was still under the influence of whatever was in that serum that the Wentworths kept injecting them with. "Just a spot more, old chap," Wentworth said as he knelt down to Methos' body. "Can't have you two up and around until we find that painting. Tomorrow you both will talk." Amanda stared open-mouthed as Methos was actually going to allow James to inject him with the syringe. She lifted herself up a bit to come at James from behind, taking a quick look around the room to see there were only three of them present. Before Amanda could get her balance on her knees to attack James though, Methos had grabbed James' arm and pulled him down. The whack that sounded after Methos' forehead connected with James' almost gave Amanda a bruising headache. James Wentworth had let out a surprised yelp before falling flat on the floor, passed out cold. Methos got to his feet, rubbing his forehead. "It's been years since I had to do that. Forgot how much that hurts." Amanda got to her feet as well, and hugged Methos. "Why did you do that? We could have gotten him as soon as he walked in." "But, he wouldn't have felt secure enough to give us information then," Methos said before kissing Amanda. "Right? We know they don't have the painting and Elaine must still be at the party." He instantly went to the door and scanned both ways down the hall. The hallway surprised him. They were on a deck he hadn't foraged into yet. Outside the door was a dead end hallway with four doors, two on each side, emptying out on it. It must be four cabins. The carpet and wood paneling of the walls looked lush, so they must still be in first class. It had to be A Deck. He pulled Amanda into the hallway and flipped the lock before closing the door. He took note of the door number, 22. He pulled Amanda into the main hallway, and saw other short halls leading to four doors along the way as he pulled her to the door at the end. When he opened it, he saw that he was at the Grand Staircase. "Let's go the other way, we don't have to pass the party through the Aft Grand Staircase." They ran down the long main hallway to the other door at the end. "Where are we going?" Amanda asked. "I have a job for Herbert." "He's protecting Mona, isn't he?" "Not for long. That will be your job." "I want to get Elaine!" Amanda stopped on the staircase. "I want to pull every hair from her head, one by one." "Later," Methos said. "For now, we have to ruin whatever reputation she's amassed with the wallets on this ship." As Methos grabbed her hand to pull her down the next flight of steps, she said, "That's why I love you! You don't just kill a person, you destroy them before killing them. I have much to learn from you!" She was almost out of breath when they got to the door of Methos' stateroom. Methos rapped on it, and said, "It's me, Herb, be calm. I'm coming in." Methos took the key out of his pocket and opened the door cautiously. He saw Herbert sitting on a chair in front of the door with the gun raised. He was sweating and the gun was shaking in his hand. Methos moved Amanda back into the hallway and slowly held up his arms. "It's me, Herbert. Put the gun down." The old Frenchman sighed with relief and dropped the gun. Methos rushed to pick it up and then asked, "What happened? I've never seen you so shook up." Amanda stepped into the doorway, and shut the door. "What happened?" Herbert hesitantly pointed to Methos' bed, and then collapsed with emotion. Amanda went to hold him for fear he would have a heart attack. "It's all right, Herbie," she comforted. "No it isn't. He came for the painting." Methos was shocked to see shoes, on feet, sticking out from under his bed. "Herbert! What did you do?" "He came for the painting. You told me..." Methos pulled the legs out to see that the body belonged to a steward. The young man's white coat had a massive bloodstain on his chest and was obviously deader than a doornail. Methos groaned with mixture of surprise and dread. "Herbert, stewards knock on doors all the time. Why did you shoot him?" "I tell you, he came for the painting. I was at the basin rinsing my face and turned around, and there he was. He demanded to know where it was, and there was a scuffle." "They must have hired him to help find it," Amanda offered, sick to her stomach that Herbert had to use that gun in defense of a painting. Methos patted Herbert's shoulder and said, "You had to, I guess. Good work. Is it still there?" He pointed to the fireplace. "Yes." Herbert did his best to pull himself together. "When did this happen?" Methos questioned wanting to get all the details straight. "I lost track of time. I am truly sorry, Roger." "Don't apologize to me, Herbert. It couldn't be avoided," Methos responded. "He was asking for it. If you can't run with the big dogs, don't get off the porch." Herbert looked a bit relieved at Methos words. "Well, I did warn him, but he would not listen to me. He kept insisting that I give him the painting. The only way he was going to get the painting was over my dead body." "It will not come to that, Herbert," Methos promised. "Don't mess with a pissed off Frenchman," Herbert laughed along with Methos.  Methos laughed. "I guess he learned his lesson the hard way." "Now that this nasty mess is settled, what do we do next?" Herbert asked. "Roger knocked out James, so he's taken care of," Amanda filled Herbert in on their recent doings. "All we need to do is take that little bitch, Elaine, out." Amanda turned her attention to Methos, master strategist. "And I take it you have a plan for that?" "Oh, I do and a very fitting one at that." Methos' evil smirk assured her it was a dozy. Amanda's eyebrows rose when Methos began shedding his clothes. "Darling, as much as I love you I don't think we have time for that right now, especially with Herbert watching." "Get your dirty little mind of the gutter, Amanda," Methos laughed as he tossed his trousers and suit coat to Herbert. His fingers sped down the row of buttons as he talked. "This all part of my plan. Get dressed Herbert. We should be about the same size." Without a moment's hesitation, the old man yanked on the pants and slipped into the shirt and jacket. Amanda helped him fasten the tie while Methos related his plans for Elaine. Amanda and Herbert found it nearly impossible to keep straight faces as Methos detailed the woman's downfall. "I'm glad I stay on your good side," Amanda laughed. "You are a truly wicked, wicked man." "Thank you," Methos said. "Now, do you think you're up to this, Herbert?" "Oh, yes," Herbert asserted. "She won't have any idea what hit her, Roger." "Good." Methos walked over to the liquor cart and poured each of them a drink. "Shall we make a toast?" Amanda took a glass and handed one to Herbert. "To the impending downfall of Elaine Wentworth." "Here, here," the men chorused.  Herbert threw back his drink with renewed vigor. He already respected Roger and his plan making abilities, but knowing that Roger cared enough to make him an integral part of their revenge made him positively glow. Lillian's needless death would be avenged and he was playing a large part in the plan. "I'm off to wreak chaos and destruction," the Frenchman smiled. His smile only grew bigger when Amanda kissed his cheek for good luck. "I shall return once the deed is completed." Methos clapped him on the back and said, "Good luck, Herbert, although I'm quite positive you're acting skills are still in top form." Herbert threw him a knowing wink. "I bid you adieu for now." The door shut behind Herbert leaving Amanda and Methos alone. "What was that all about?" Amanda had caught the look that passed between the two men. "A story for another day," Methos hedged. "Come on, tell me," Amanda whined. "It must be a good one." "It is." Methos remained tight-lipped. "But like I said it's a story for another day." Amanda's lip stuck out in a pout. "Please." "No," Methos said. "Your pouting does not work on me, Amanda." He pulled her in close. "However, your lips could be put to much better use." "I thought we had plans to fulfill," Amanda protested half-heartedly when his lips caressed her neck. "Herbert won't be back for a while and all we really have to do is guard Mona." Methos dragged his eyes back up to hers. "I don't think James is any position to make a social call and we know that Elaine will be otherwise engaged for sometime." "All right, you twisted my arm." Amanda moved her head to the side so he had better access to her neck. ~~~~~ MEANWHILE Herbert strode purposefully down the Grand Staircase. Considering his clothes and regal bearing as he crossed the room, the stewards didn't question him as they held the door open for him into the Smoking Room, turned into yet another ball room for the special evening. Herbert held his back ramrod straight and his chin high as he so often seen Roger do. No one dared to question Roger when he was in that mode. He nodded to the stewards as he made his quiet entrance into the party. No need to draw unwanted attention to himself until he had his target in his sight. Lifting a glass of champagne from the tray of a passing waiter, Herbert sipped the golden liquid with casual ease as he surveyed the room. As Roger had suspected, Elaine sat in the midst of a crowd of the ship's richest ladies laughing and talking about God only knew what. Herbert finished his glass of champagne and sat it on a table. Laugh while you can, wench, because you will not be finding anything amusing in just a little while. He straightened his tie and jacket. This was going to be fun. Smoothing what little hair he had, he took a deep breath. "Elaine!?! Is that you?" He practically yelled as he hurried through the dancing crowd. "Can it really be you?" The woman in question looked up from her conversation, puzzled by the man standing before her. "I'm sorry, sir, but you must have me confused with someone else," she politely smiled in dismissal. "No, no, I think not." Herbert put on his best leer. "Forgetting someone as luscious as you would be like forgetting how to breathe." The ladies around Elaine gasped and flitted their fans. Elaine opened then shut her mouth not knowing what to say. "Really, sir, I'm sure I don't know who you are," she finally spoke. "Come now, Elaine," Herbert began to get into the act. "Surely, you haven't forgotten your best patron. It's me, Jean-Luc." "You have me at a disadvantage, sir," Elaine responded prissily. She fanned herself as she diverted her eyes from her companions' whose were peering at her. "Not the first time," Herbert said, with a good-hearted laugh.  "Sir," one of the matrons said, looking at Herbert up and down, and didn't care to hide her disdain. "You have obviously mistaken Mrs. Wentworth for someone else." "Begging your pardon, Mrs. Wentworth," Herbert stressed her name. The bitch. "I must have mistaken you for a different whore I bedded in Paris a couple of years ago. I could have sworn you were the headliner, swinging on a chandelier, your dress cut up to there," he said as he placed his hand at his hip. "As you belted out ‘When Irish Eyes are Smiling', your voice was so sweet, you were such a vision." He turned to the ladies and said, "You may not know it by looking at her, but she's a tigress in bed." One of the matrons humphed with shock and stood up, Herbert was sure to escape his barrage. He knew he was doing well. Elaine, furious, stood up as well and moaned, "Well, I never!" "Oh yes, you did." He turned to the horrified women and said, "She did. She has the cutest mole that looks like a strawberry on her ass. I always wondered what happened to you. What brings you on the Titanic?" "My husband and I are sailing to America for business," Elaine spouted, "And I have never met you in my life! Please, go away, you filthy man." "Your husband..." Herbert pretended to ponder. "Who's the lucky devil?" "Sir, I have no idea who you are or what you're trying to pull," one woman confronted Herbert with. "Mrs. Wentworth has been more than patient with you. Why don't you return to third class where you obviously belong?" Herbert could see that Elaine was pleased to have a reinforcement, but Herbert was not finished, not by a long shot, and was almost ready to kiss that old prune with a stick up her ass for giving him an opening. "Mrs. Wentworth?! Oh, James Wentworth? Is that who you are married to?" "Yes!" Elaine looked about ready to take a swing at him. Herbert hoped she would, it would show her true colors. She continued in a venomous manner, "James would be awfully disturbed if he knew you were saying such lies about me." "James?" Herbert said with a loud laugh, that he knew had brought more eyes to their real estate in the room. "Little James Wentworth? I could buy and sell him." He saw that there were some people who were smirking. Herbert laughed harder to know that people had probably thought there was less to the couple than they presented. Herbert took great glee in continuing, "Isn't that the same James Wentworth who's been hitting on all the single ladies on board?" He tapped Willow Percy, a woman he knew was traveling with her daughter, Lily, by talking to her butler Robert. "I hope poor Lily hasn't been the focus of Wentworth's attention." He could tell by Mrs. Percy's suddenly diverted eyes that he may have hit the nail on the head. "Can you imagine that Wentworth actually made advances on Amanda Sinclair just the other day, right before her wedding!" "You mean the one that didn't take place," Elaine said weakly. Herbert could tell that she was clutching at straws, her eyes darting around to all who had amassed around them. "Ma'am," Herbert said with great bitterness. "It was because of you and your unfaithful husband that the wedding did not happen, and you know it." "Who is this man, and what is he doing here?" One of the well heeled men who had eavesdropped, without looking like he was eavesdropping, asked to the room in general. "I am a man who wants this woman arrested!" Herbert announced just as loudly as the gent before him. Elaine clutched her chest and fell back on her chair, playing for any sympathy she could get. Two women rushed to fan her face, so Herbert knew she still had friends in the room. The man demanded, "On what grounds? I say you should be taken out of here, now, as you certainly do not belong here." "Kidnapping," Herbert blurted out as two security guards rushed forward and grasped his arms. As he was being carried out, he yelled out, "Art theft!" When he was near the door, he yelled, "And murder!" A collective gasp erupted. Molly Brown came forward to ask, "Who was murdered? Not Amanda Sinclair!" "No, she was just kidnapped and drugged by the happy couple!" Herbert said as he was taken away. ~~~~~ As Amanda was happily folded up against Methos in bed, she asked, "So, why was it that you had Herbert do the deed at the party?" Methos played with a long curl that was spread on the pillow next to her. "Because I needed to be with you again, now." "All the while we were running here, you just wanted to be alone with me?" "Of course." "You are such a sweet talker! I love you!" Amanda smothered him with kisses. "When should we ask the Captain to marry us?" "As soon as possible, my love," Methos replied, kissing her forehead.  "I've never been so mad!" she spouted, taking Methos by surprise. "What did I do?" "Not you, them! Lillian and I planned the whole day out, carefully. Have you ever planned a wedding? Even though it was going to be a small affair with a bunch of strangers, we planned every nuance!" "Except two art thieves," Methos laughed. "We'll just have it tomorrow." "Really? We'll get married tomorrow?" "We have to." Methos brushed his hand against Amanda's cheek and confessed, "I couldn't live without you." A knock on the door was enough to make Amanda scream, loudly. "Go away! We're busy!" Another polite knock was heard, and Methos sighed as he got out of bed. He pulled on his robe, careful to allow Amanda to see him in his glory before hooking it around himself and answered the door. "The sign reads Do Not Disturb, which means-" He was surprised to see not Herbert, but two official that could only be policemen of some sort in the hallway. "What is this about?" One of the officers stepped forward and said, "I am Lt. Braddock, sorry to disturb you Mr. Sothem. Do you know a Jean-Luc Pichard?" Methos moaned, and knew that was a favored alias of Herbert's. "What happened?" In the pit of his stomach he assumed they were here to tell him that Herbert had a heart attack as Lillian had or something. All the years they had spent together ran through Methos' memory. "He made quite the ruckus in the Smoking Room this evening and is being detained. If you will come with me, we can sort this out?" "Give me one moment, please?" Methos asked, indicating his robe. "Of course, sir," Braddock said, stepping back in line with his silent partner. Methos shut the door and groaned when he saw Amanda looking more luminous than he had ever seen her. The minx was playing up her assets also, as she was on her side, her breasts perfectly positioned, as she sucked on her finger. "What was that about, luv?" "Herbert's been arrested." "No." Amanda sat up quickly. "What for? They can't know about–" "No. Reminds me, we have to get rid of that body." Methos ignored looking at Amanda for fear he wouldn't be able to leave and sighed as he pulled on his pants. "So much to do, so little time." "Where are you going?" "To get Herbert out of the bobbies' grasp, I suppose." "There are cops on board? I didn't know that," Amanda said, getting dressed herself. "We should just have Elaine and James arrested for what they did to me!" "But then, they might talk about what you did." "What did I do?" "Does a priceless painting that should be hanging in the Louvre ring a bell?" Methos snipped. "I didn't steal it! For the last blessed time, it just... found its way to me, and it's going back. You're like a broken Victrola." "Amanda!" Methos hollered as he pulled on his shirt. He took a breath as the last thing he wanted to do was fight with her. He went to her, and placed his hands on her shoulders. "There are bobbies right outside the door. Don't speak louder than a whisper. In fact, I have plans for you." "Can't wait to hear it," Amanda retorted. "This is our wedding night, ceremony or not, you're my wife," Methos said tenderly. "I'd like to take care of freeing Herbert from any liability he just got himself into, and then," he paused to kiss her deeply. He could feel her agitation melt away. "I will come back here, and you will be wearing that wedding dress I've been dying to see." "I'll wear it when we get married." "Come on, Amanda. Roll with me. I want to see you in it, and then rip it off you." "Oh!" She laughed, not happily. "Do you know how much that material cost, how Lillian toiled to make it?" "I'll be careful then. I was just about to ask you to put it on before we were rudely interrupted. Remember? Just after I said, ‘I couldn't live without you,' I was going to ask you to indulge my fantasy that I've been waiting for this evening to come true." "You fantasized about me in my wedding dress?" "Tearing it off you. There's nothing more exciting than... unwrapping the marital package... so to speak." "You are so insane." "But you love me. Indulge me? I don't care what you wear when we go through the ceremony. I want this night. I've been waiting-" The knock on the door signaled the officers' impatience. Amanda nodded and said, "Go. When you get back, I'll be wearing white." "You're such a love," Methos said, quickly kissing her, not wanting to wait to get back to her. He quickly buttoned his shirt and opened the door. He looked back at her one last time, and blew her a kiss, then disappeared. Amanda walked to her stateroom and opened the armoire. She fingered the silk of her wedding gown and murmured, "The things I sacrifice for him. It's such a pretty gown." With careful hands, she lifted the delicate dress out of the safety of the armoire. A thousand years of hopes and dreams were sewn up in this gown. The material caressed her body as she slipped it on, reminding her of the touch of her lover's hands. My soon to be husband, she reminded herself. He still wanted to go through with the wedding even after the humiliating debacle of this afternoon. Their wedding was written in the stars. Surely, this was their destiny. Amanda sat down at the vanity table and began to dress her hair. When Methos returned he would find her in her all her glory much like she would've been for the wedding had James and Elaine not interfered. She smoothed her hair into a becoming up do, but let several ringlets cascade down her neck knowing how much Methos adored that look on her. She could almost feel his hands brushing aside the curls to kiss her neck. She shivered in anticipation remembering his promise to ‘rip' the dress from her body. The man drove her so easily to the brink of all her emotions without even trying. Just as she was satisfied with her grooming, there was a knock on the door. She giggled and strode to it, saying, "You don't have to knock, my love." She was surprised to see a short steward with a bottle of champagne in a filled ice bucket in his arms. "Ma'am," he said, his eyes focused on her chest, holding out the bucket. "I forgot I ordered that. Thanks. We can still use it." She took the champagne and smiled at the steward as she shut the door and set it on the table. She took one last approving look in the mirror of herself in her gown and wondered if Methos really wanted her to go all out and put the veil on as well. Amanda wondered why not, more to rip off, she thought with an excited smile. She could hardly contain herself and wait for that man to return. After her dress was smoothed, her veil was pinned on straight, her bouquet of rose buds was in her hands, and she had been standing in the middle of the room waiting for her man, Amanda kept looking at that champagne. Deciding to begin the celebration without him, she expertly popped the cork and poured a glass of the bubbly liquid. Her eyes closed in appreciation as she let the chill from her drink cool her down. Thinking of Methos always made her too warm. She looked to the mantle clock in eager anticipation; he'd been gone for quite some time. Hopefully getting Herbert out of trouble wouldn't take too much longer. With or without a ceremony, this was their wedding night and she fully intended to celebrate it in the traditional manner, although Amanda was certain there was nothing traditional about either of them. She finished her first glass of champagne and poured another one. Her mind wandered to the first time she and Methos found themselves together. ~~~~~ 853 AD Amanda watched with thinly disguised jealousy as Rebecca talked to Methos. She gripped the edge of the table to quell the rise of emotion that threatened to overtake her; her heart pounding loudly in her ears. Methos chuckled softly at whatever tidbit of information Rebecca relayed to him, causing Amanda to nearly bite a hole in her lip. Unable to control herself, she flounced from the room with a huff and sought the relative safety of the outdoors. "Oh! That man!" Amanda yelled when she was outside and jabbed her toe into the dirt. "How does he do this to me? Why does he not see me?" She pouted as she paced the length of the abbey's dirt road and lush grass. "Do they really think I do not know about the two of them? Do they think they are so clever?" Amanda stopped and then screamed at the heavens, "Why am I so bothered about the two of them?!" She looked back at the abbey doors. Her ‘homecoming' hadn't gone as Amanda had hoped. She thought Rebecca would sweep her into her arms and ask her all about her travels for the last three years since she had left Rebecca's tutelage, and Amanda could tell her of her travels, the people she had come across, and the two challenges she had run from. Sure, Rebecca had hugged her, for a very long time, after Amanda rode up on her stallion without warning Rebecca of her arrival. Rebecca had made sure Amanda would have fresh linens on her bed, and told the maid to prepare Amanda a bath after her long journey. The only thing that had been a surprise was when the immortal sensation in the abbey hadn't belonged only to Rebecca. After a walk through the garden, Amanda was surprised to see Methos there. She really had to focus about where immortal buzzes originated. He had been pleased to see her, had taken her hand and kissed her palm. Blood had rushed to Amanda's cheeks, and bathed her body in heat. She hoped she hadn't acted a fool. Did he know the power he held over her? "Ugh!" She was powerless to do anything. Rebecca and Methos had a long friendship under their belt and were both older, ‘worldly', and she felt like the runt of the litter in their presence. When she heard Rebecca's light laughter inside, Amanda walked to the door and tried to make out what they were saying. "She has been moody every since you arrived, Methos," Rebecca mused. "You have not said or done anything untoward, have you?" "Oh, do not blame me for the chit's disagreeable behavior," Methos warned. "I have been friendly and amiable and that is it." "Are you sure?" Rebecca asked with a hint of disbelief. Methos teased and tormented Amanda every chance he got. "You do have a fondness for making her ill tempered." Methos growled. "No, I am innocent - this time." Amanda slammed her fists into the solid and unforgiving stonewall of the abbey. "You innocent, surely that is a first," she heard Rebecca tease. Amanda ran to the window to peek in. How they would talk without knowing she was present would be interesting. Rebecca tiptoed up and kissed his mouth chastely. "I hope you have not gone entirely innocent on me, my friend." Rebecca was rewarded with a rare smile that raced all the way to his eyes. Amanda was hot with jealousy. She loved the way Methos' nose crinkled when he laughed. Amanda's mouth fell when Rebecca asked Methos unabashedly, "Shall we adjourn to my rooms and you can show me that you are still the devilish rake you have always been?" "I believe we shall." Methos swept the red headed woman up into his arms and smiled when her arms snaked seductively around his neck. His smile turned into a moan when she pulled his mouth down to hers and thoroughly ravished his mouth. "I am not the only one who is feeling devilish today." Amanda wondered if they could feel her presence and this was all for her benefit. But then, Rebecca's eyes drifted upward in mock reverence. "Forgive me, Father, for I am about to sin." "Blasphemous wench," Methos solemnly intoned. "I shall have to have a word with-" "Shut up, Methos," Rebecca said, but Amanda wanted him to continue. She wanted to hear erotic words coming out of his mouth, even if they weren't directed at her. Methos had treated her like a younger sister, teasing and tormenting her with resounding success. To be a younger sister was nice, but she had more than sisterly feelings for the annoying and very handsome man presently seducing her best friend and mentor. "Anything you wish," Methos replied, which made Amanda fume. If she couldn't get his sweet talk first hand, the least the rake could do was let her hear it focused on Rebecca. Amanda's mouth fell again when an odd sight was beheld. Without further discussion, Methos carried Rebecca up the staircase. She had never seen Rebecca in such a way, sensual. Amanda, knowing precisely where Rebecca's bedchamber was, started up the winding outside stairs that wound up the tower of the abbey. When her window was too high, Amanda tied her skirt ends under her bottom, tossed off her shoes, and spit on her hands and rubbed the saliva on her toes and hands for grip. She was happy the abbey's stone walls made excellent hand and foot holds. She fearlessly climbed up the short distance to Rebecca's window and made sure that she wasn't too visible as she listened to them enter her room. To only hear their passion was too much to bear, so she took the chance of hiking up farther to take a look. As soon as she saw them wriggling on the bed, Amanda fell down, hitting her head on the edge of a step, and didn't know anything until she revived. She hadn't known how long she was dead, but no one had come across her while she was out. They had to still be up there. She rested her chin in her hands and she brushed her foot across the chiseled stone of the stair. No matter what she did or what she said, Methos would probably never have eyes for anyone but Rebecca. Somehow, she had to find away to catch his attention. She didn't begrudge his time with Rebecca; it was next to impossible not to love her, but she wanted Methos, preferably in her bed. Determination she had in abundance and that made up for any other skills she might lack. She could do this and if it were the last thing she ever did she would have Methos. Amanda picked herself up off the steps, untied her skirt and picked up her shoes. She brushed the tender spot on the back of her head where the fatal blow on the step had been as she sauntered into the woods to think. They obviously haven't missed her, she mused angrily as she stepped through the underbrush and bent down under the branches of the trees that circled the clearing near the pond. Amanda wondered if they even knew she knew about them. It was all so new. Amanda had suspected that Rebecca and Methos were more than friends, but this was the first time she had caught them together. Did they know I was there? Did they not feel my presence? Do they just not care? Her frustrating feelings for Methos had kept her away from the abbey for the rest of the day. Watching Rebecca and Methos together had sent a stabbing pain right to her heart. Oh they acted properly in front of her and the servants, but in private, there was no doubt they were lovers. Her spying had confirmed that in vivid detail. "Why do I even care?" Amanda muttered as she stripped off her clothes and rushed into the pond. She went under and stayed underwater as long as her lungs could take it. When she returned to the surface and sucked in crisp air, she moaned, "He is such a pain in the arse to me. Arrogant man!" Amanda made sure the blood was out of her hair as she didn't want to have to explain it if anyone saw it, then realized that it was nightfall and everyone had probably retired for the night. Rebecca rose at the crack of dawn religiously and expected the same of everyone else, so that meant early to bed. The only one she tolerated laying in bed late was Methos, much to Amanda's annoyance. Why did he get to loll around in bed when I have to be up when the rooster crowed his irritating dawn chorus? "Cause he is too tired from their carousing, no doubt." Her stomach growling reminded her of the meals she'd skipped that day. Hopefully there were leftovers to be found. Stealthily, she crept back to the abbey and in the back door. She was glad to see that neither immortal were waiting up for her. She smiled when she saw a covered plate on the long table in the dining room. Rebecca had left her something to nibble on. She grabbed the plate and carried it over to the fire and sat down on the bear pelt rug to eat. The fire had already been banked for the night, but a few rebel flames danced merrily. She munched contentedly on her dinner and then sat the plate aside to watch the fire for a while before turning in for the night. The combination of good food, a long day, and the calming quiet soothed her into near sleep. She yawned tiredly and rose to her feet. She ran her hands through her long, dark hair still a bit damp from her dip in the pond. She deposited her plate in the kitchen and started up the stairs to her room. The slamming of a door and the angry voice of Rebecca startled her. "Sod off, Methos!" The tone of Rebecca's voice assured Amanda that the red haired woman was livid. "Bastard!" "Gladly," Amanda heard Methos' equally pissed voice echoed through the quiet night. "Women!" Amanda recovered immediately from her shock. They are fighting! This might be her chance. She raced back into the main hall when she heard Methos stalking down the hall. She settled herself in one of the chairs and affected her grandest pose. She watched the staircase expectantly for Methos, but the slamming of another door meant he'd gone to his room instead. "Damn it!" Amanda hit the arm of the chair. Why was seducing him proving to be so difficult? She was just about to head back up the stairs when she heard a door open and close. Probably one of them sneaking into the other's room to apologize and makeup. She was pleasantly surprised to see a fully dressed Methos stomping down the stairs mumbling and muttering under his breath. "Methos?" He jumped at the sound of her voice. With how his eyes were darting to Rebecca's room and back at her, she could tell he was surprised she was still at the abbey. Maybe that was why he and Rebecca were so sexually conspicuous for the first time in her presence; they didn't know she was present. Her eyes drank in the sight of Methos' body and knew exactly how Rebecca could have dismissed a buzz, but how could he? Was Rebecca that grand a lay? "Amanda, do you not have anything better to do besides skulking around in the dark?" "Um, no." Amanda smiled up at him. "Apparently neither do you." "I am not skulking, I am leaving," Methos corrected her as he made for the door. Amanda jumped up from her chair and caught up with him before he reached the door. "Oh, really? Looks like skulking to me. Besides, I thought you were staying for another fortnight or so." Methos rolled his eyes. "Suddenly, I find myself needing a change of scenery." A change of scenery, hmm? Well, I certainly can give you that, Methos. Amanda reached for his hand and was glad when he didn't jerk it away from her. "I am sorry to see you go, Methos." Methos' eyebrow rose at her statement. "It is not forever." "Perhaps, but I shall miss you nonetheless." Amanda batted her long eyelashes. "You make things more interesting around here." "I thought you found me to be irksome and infuriating," Methos reminded her. "Or at least that was the impression I got." "Well, truthfully, you can be both," Amanda smiled and held his hand tighter, "but you are also fascinating and intriguing." Methos grinned, "Really? Why do I get the feeling you are up to something, darling Amanda?" "Me?" Amanda was all innocence.  "Yes, you." Amanda bit her bottom lip nervously. He seemed to be responding well to her casual flirtations, but would he if she upped the ante? You will never know, unless you try! She gathered up all her courage and threw all caution to the wind. She stood on tiptoes as she pulled his face down to hers and planted a not so innocent kiss on his inviting mouth. She closed her eyes and savored the feeling of him returning her kiss. His tongue darted into her mouth and soon she felt her knees nearly give way. This was so much better than she ever imagined. When he released her she opened her eyes. "We cannot do this, Amanda." "Why not?" "Because." "That is not a reason," Amanda argued. "Well, it has to be." Methos turned and lifted the bar on the door. "Goodbye." Amanda stubbornly followed him out into the chilly night air. "I want another reason." "You are not going to get one," Methos promised. "We just cannot." She wondered if his hesitation was because he had just ‘enjoyed' her mentor and best friend. Truth to be told, Amanda should have felt squeamish about it, but pure unadulterated lust was overpowering! She wanted him too much; he may leave for God knows how long before she saw him again. "I think you want to." Amanda pulled on his arm. "I know I want to." Methos jerked his arm loose. "Go back in the abbey." "No!" Amanda ran ahead of him and blocked his path. "You cannot make me!" "Would you care to bet on that?" "Yes." "You are an insufferable child!" "And you're a pompous, arrogant-"  Any further words were cut off when Methos pulled her forcibly against him. His lips sought hers. Amanda melted against him. Her arms curled around his neck and drew him closer. She felt herself being swept up in his arms and their lips never parted as he carried her in the direction of the stables. Her heart pounded wildly as she scurried up the ladder into the hayloft with him hot on her heels. Within seconds he had a blanket spread out on the hay and pushed her gently down onto it. Desire flooded through her while she watched him yank of the loose fitting tunic and tight trousers he wore. His bare chest was not unfamiliar to her. She had seen it many times when he trained with Rebecca's men or the rare occasions he was cajoled by Rebecca into manual labor. To see it now so close turned her insides to jelly. He bent over and removed his boots causing his muscles to ripple with the movement. Amanda blushed as wicked thoughts of him on top of her raced through her mind. Once he was completely nude, he joined her on the blanket. His hands quickly divested her of her clothing. "No undergarments?" Methos teased.  "It is much too hot," she stammered, "I mean it's summer and -" Methos laughed. "Embarrassed?" Amanda nodded. "Good." He moved so he was on top of her. Amanda's fingers traced circles along his back, while he renewed his kisses on her neck and collarbone. Her fingers stopped their motions when his mouth dipped down and captured one of her nipples and teased it into a firm peak and then moved onto its twin. Her moans grew louder as he expertly teased and caressed. She thought she would lose any grip on sanity when his mouth moved lower. Never in her life had she experienced such heady emotions. This wasn't her first time by any means, being thirty mortal years old before being turned. She'd used her body when necessary to survive, but as he continued his seduction of her, she felt like it was. Never had a man made such thorough love to her as Methos was doing. Her previous encounters had been rushed and shameful, the man only caring about his gratification and nothing about hers. She sighed contentedly as she felt him push her knees apart with one of his. Momentarily, he slipped inside of her and coaxed her hips into the rhythm his had already found. She wondered briefly where he'd learned how to do the things he was doing to her, but soon she could think of nothing but his movements inside her. She clutched at him when she felt her climax begin to build and that encouraged him to move faster and more deliberately. Her body arched and trembled as she gave into the cascade of pleasure. She felt Methos' body tense as he reached release. She held him tightly as he buried his face in her neck and calmed his breathing. Once his breathing slowed, he rolled off of her and pulled her into his arms. "No regrets?" "Never," she whispered as she snuggled in close to his warm body. "Never." They fell asleep in each other's arms and only stirred when the crowing of the rooster rang out. Amanda scrambled for her dress as Methos lazily laid back. Her dress was tugged on with trembling fingers. She didn't want anyone, especially Rebecca, to catch her like this. Although she didn't have any regrets about last night, she didn't wish to be found with Methos like this just yet. "Why the hurry, Amanda?" Methos stretched sensuously. He smiled when he saw he held Amanda's attention. "We have time for another go, if you wish." Amanda blushed. "Oh, I wish, but I have work to attend to this morning." "Suit yourself." Methos closed his eyes. "Perhaps later." "Perhaps." Amanda adjusted her dress. She knelt down beside him and kissed him quickly. "Most likely, Methos." She hurried down the ladder to the sound of his laughter. A night well spent and it would certainly not be their last if she had any say in the matter. This was only the beginning for them. Continued in Part Seven