Bound by Love by Emily Jane Trent Page A

was just kidding herself. Maybe the early life trauma would win. Maybe it was stronger than her love for him, and would win out, in the end.
    S he mustered her resolve. That wouldn’t happen. She wouldn’t let it. She loved Tanner too much to let him suffer without her. In her state of vulnerability, she followed Tanner into the cottage.
    The quaint cottage, set in the green grass of the countryside, was a classic English style, pale gray outside and all white inside. Natalie walked through with Tanner behind her.
    All the walls were stark white , the floors blond wood, and windows everywhere were decorated with pale blue curtains that were likely never closed. Even the bedding was white, and the bathroom marble was gray and white.
    Casually, Natalie opened the closets. She noticed women’s clothing and looked at Tanner, inquiringly. He just shrugged, giving it no significance. She didn’t pursue it.
    The kitchen had been fully remodeled within the past few years. It was all dark appliances, still the wood floors and white countertops. The glossy black kitchen was upgraded and modern, in contrast with the lovely period features and rich woodwork. Natalie looked down at the polished wood floor.
    “Under -floor heating,” Tanner informed her, casually.
    Natalie smiled. England was cold and wet. Heated wood floors sounded heavenly.
    The front room had a white stone fireplace. What caught Natalie’s attention was a beautiful, antique, white baby grand piano in the corner of the room. The lid was open, the piano ready for use, indicating the rare antique was not just decorative.
    “I didn’t know you played,” she said, turning to look at Tanner.
    “A little,” he responded. “William taught me. He was the talented musician. At one time, concert level, but he never pursued it.”
    D espite Tanner’s stellar qualities, he could be modest, never seeming to brag, but understating. She decided to call his bluff.
    “Play something for me,” she asked, sweetly.
    Tanner shrugged. He pulled out the piano seat, and sat to open the keyboard. He cracked his knuckles and rolled his wrists. Playing a song he knew well, he had no need of sheet music. Natalie leaned against the piano and looked down at Tanner to watch him as he played.
    Elegantly, he began to play Beethoven’s classic Moonlight Sonata, smoothly, perfectly, start to finish. The classical harmony , with its inner dark resonance, matched Tanner. His emotion seemed embodied in the piece, and came through in his performance, clutching at Natalie’s heart, pulling her into his mood.
    When he finished, he sat very still.
     

18 – Losing Control
                  The sad beauty of the song, the quaintness of the cottage, the lovely countryside and Tanner’s newfound trust in Natalie to reveal more about himself, left them both raw with feeling. Every nerve in their bodies seemed tuned to desire for each other.
                  A distant birdcall pierced the tranquility. Tanner looked up into Natalie’s deep brown eyes. She stood and gently lowered the lid of the piano. Without needing his command, she boosted herself up, onto the wooden piano top, and slid over in front of Tanner.
                  She’d worn a soft jersey, travel skirt. Tanner reached under and ran his hands up her thighs. She pulled her knees up, placing her feet on his solid thighs. He removed her soft leather ankle boots and socks, and placed her bare feet, back on his thighs. His baby blue eyes darkened, and he lifted her skirt, laying it back to reveal her lace panties.
                  Natalie leaned back, holding herself up with her arms, watching Tanner’s every move. He reached under her skirt, and Natalie lifted her bottom off the piano lid, so he could pull her panties down. He tossed them aside and took the liberty of gazing, without embarrassment, at her naked pussy. The sight of her sitting fully clothed on the exotic piano, except for her