He moved into a fierce rhythm, as hard on her as he might be on his horse, each thrust a punishment for the situation he himself had put her in.
‘Hurt me, John,’ she sighed. ‘Bruise me. I want those marks on me. Fuck me so hard I’ll feel it every time another man’s cock is in me. I only want to feel you.’
But he wouldn’t hurt her. His power in reserve, he undid her with pleasure instead, three climaxes before he ended the fuck with his own spending.
They lay, entwined and sweating, on the verge, smelling of sap and juices, hearts hammering in time, floating half on the Earth and half off it.
‘It’ll be soon,’ whispered Evie, clinging to him as if afraid he would disappear before her eyes. ‘He’s here. But I’m scared.’
‘Take heart. Your work is almost done. Such a long, lonely job you’ve had. You have earned your reward.’
‘What if he – knows?’
‘How can he know? He’s a mere human; he has no contact with his descendant.’
‘There is something about him, John. He is so very like …’
She broke off and shuddered.
John squeezed her tighter, his arm protective.
‘I warrant it recalls memories you would prefer buried, love. And I would it must not needs be so. But it must. There is no other path.’
‘He is the one, John. Every time I’m with him I’m so scared. I have to try and chase the fear away by being cheeky.’
‘You’re good at that.’ Lightly he tapped her wrist in mock reproof.
‘Yes, but it’s so hard. I want to kill him.’
‘Well, you mustn’t do that. That would finish us for good. The time is coming, and I am with you always, in spirit. Think of me when the fear is upon you.’
‘I will. I’ll think of you.’
‘This week you have the May Fair, don’t you?’
‘Yes, on Saturday. I’ll take as many as I can, John. I’ll keep you strong.’
‘Make sure you enjoy it, love.’
‘I will.’
‘The pleasure is what sustains me.’
‘I know. Every time I take another man, it’s like I’m with you. Because I’m doing it for you.’
Beneath the moon, they lay together, exchanging memories and kisses until John began to fade and Evie was left alone once more.
Adam was surprised to see Evie at the meeting.
‘You want to protest against your, ah, employer?’ he asked, cornering her by the tea table where Julia Shields was in charge of the kettle.
‘No, just making sure both sides are represented,’ she said. ‘I reckon Seb and Kasia’ll be along later too.’
‘Well, they can’t,’ said Adam, somewhat agitated at this prospect.
‘Why not? It’s a free country, ennit?’
She picked up her plastic cup of tea and seated herself resolutely in the front row.