Jill Noelle's blog: "Into the Mystique II"

A group of frogs were hopping contentedly through the woods, going about their froggy business, when two of them fell into a deep pit. All of the other frogs gathered around the pit to see what could be done to help their companions. When they saw how deep the pit was, they agreed that it was hopeless and told the two frogs in the pit that they should prepare themselves for their fate, because they were as good as dead. Unwilling to accept this terrible fate, the two frogs began to jump with all of their might. Some of the frogs shouted into the pit that it was hopeless, and that the two frogs wouldn't be in that situation if they had been more careful, more obedient to the froggy rules, and more responsible. The other frogs continued sorrowfully shouting that they should save their energy and give up, since they were already as good as dead. The two frogs continued jumping with all their might, and after several hours of this, were quite weary. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to the calls of his fellow frogs. Exhausted, he quietly resolved himself to his fate, lay down at the bottom of the pit, and died. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could, although his body was wracked with pain and he was quite exhausted. Once again, his companions began yelling for him to accept his fate, stop the pain and just die. The weary frog jumped harder and harder and, wonder of wonders, finally leaped so high that he sprang from the pit. Amazed, the other frogs celebrated his freedom and then gathering around him asked, "Why did you continue jumping when we told you it was impossible?" The astonished frog explained to them that he was deaf, and as he saw their gestures and shouting, he thought they were cheering him on. What he had perceived as encouragement inspired him to try harder and to succeed against all odds. This simple story contains a powerful lesson. The book of Proverbs says, "There is death and life in the power of the tongue". Your encouraging words can lift someone up and help them make it through the day. Your destructive words can cause deep wounds; they may be the weapons that destroy someone's desire to continue trying - or even their life. Your destructive, careless word can diminish someone in the eyes of others, destroy their influence and have a lasting impact on the way others respond to them. Be careful what you say. Speak life to and about those who cross your path. There is enormous power in words. If you have words of kindness, praise or encouragement - speak them now to, and about, others. Listen to your heart and respond.
Copyright 2004-2005, Joel Garfinkle, All Rights Reserved This article may be reprinted or forwarded to colleagues and friends as long as the above copyright notice and contact information is attached.

Do you like it rough or sensual?: Yes. ;-) Do you prefer to be with the opposite sex or the same sex? or both?: The opposite How often do you like to have sex?: 23 1/2 times a day. Is sex a top priority for you?: Yes. Ranks right up there with laughter, fine wine, air and sunshine. ;-) Do you have sex face to face with your partner?: Um, yeah...that's one way How often do you get drunk and have wild, crazy sexy with a complete stranger?: Never How do you feel about one night stands?: I'm not particularly fond of them. How many one night stands have you had?: Zero What's your favorite position?: From behind Where's your favorite place to have sex?: Azteca Mexican Restaurant Do you prefer to make love or f*uck?: Again, yes. Have you ever watched porn while having sex?: Yes, but not for long... How long do you usually fore-play b4 doing the deed?: That depends on my mood...sometimes, it's better to just get right down to it. ;-) Do you get off first or do they?: I better! :-) Do you like kissing during sex?: That's a must Do you moan? If so, are you loud or quiet?: Moan is my middle name. How loud depends on how good it is. :-) Do you prefer your partner to be loud or quite?: I like to hear him voice his pleasure. Does size matter (for girlz-- dicks/for guyz-- boobs)?: Not really. There are so many ways to make up for a lack of size. How old were you when you lost your virginity?: 16ish What does your favorite fore-play include?: Kissing, oral, sexy talk, lots of teasing in public places is nice. ;-) Do you ever play with yourself during the act?: Yup Do you prefer to sleep with one or several people?: One person Have you ever done anal? If so, did you like it?: Yes, and yes When and where was your wildest sex ever?: See "favorite place" above. LMAO. What's your ultimate sexual fantasy?: Forced seduction. Have you ever done porn?: No Have you ever had sex for money?: Nope Have you ever bribed someone to sleep with you?: Do I *look* like I'd need to bribe someone for sex? :-) Is the sex still good when you're cheating?: I DON'T cheat. During sex... what are you thinking about?: Thinking? Who's thinking? Do you prefer the top or the bottom at first?: Bottom at first How many positions do you like to do during one episode?: Depends on my mood, and what's feeling especially good at the time. Do you ever worry about how you're pleasing your partner?: Nope Could you live without sex?: Not for much longer, no. LOL. I'm guesstimating about 4 more nights. How often do you find sex boring?: Never. How long does a typical sexual episode last for you?: Hours...sometimes days. Do you like to perform oral sex?: Yup Do you like to receive oral sex?: Depends on how well I know the man, and how comfortable I am. Have you ever taped yourself in the act?: No Have you ever had interracial sex?: No Have you ever been caught in the act? If so, by whom?: Not that I recall. Have you ever had sex while at work?: No. Have you ever had sex while at school?: No What is something that you would never consider doing?: Bestiality. Incest. Under-age. All the usual illegal/too gross to contemplate stuff. Have you ever had sex on drugs?: Yes Would you ever have sex in public?: See answer to "favorite place" above. What's your biggest turn on?: A dominant male who knows exactly what to say and do. Do you spit or swallow?: I don't believe in waste. How many times have you gotten off in one night?: Can't remember...but I did say "stop" :-) Would you let other people watch you have sex live?: I have. Have you have ever sex in front of your best friend?: Yes Have you ever had sex with your best friend's b/f or g/f?: NO Do you ever have sex in the shower?: Yes What's the weirdest place you've ever done it?: See "favorite place" above. What was the biggest age difference with a partner?: 3 years younger. Do you feel you're up to par in bed?: Up to par? I'm the best! ;-) Are you still gonna have sex when your 70?: No doubt What was your most embarrassing sexual moment?: I really don't think I've ever had one. How old is "too young" to have sex your in opinion?: Looking back, I wish I had waited. So, I'll just say, the older the better. Do you like to be completely naked or half-assed?: Depends on my mood. Have you ever done it at your grandparent's?: Um, no. Have you ever done it on a boat/yacht?: No What's the most public place that you can think of that you've had sex?: See "favorite place" above Do you like having sex in cars? If so, driver seat, passenger, or back?: I'd rather not, but if it's the only convenient spot at the time.... Do you prefer to sleep with someone older or younger than you?: Depends on the man. What's the perfect size? (for girlz-- inches in dicks/for guyz-- cup size)?: There is no perfect size or shape, imo. Have you ever done bondage sex (chains,whips,etc.)? If not, would you?: Yes Have you ever slept with someone out of pity?: No. Can you remember who gave you the best sex of your life?: So far? Yes. Unfortunately, I still can remember... Hoping I'll find something to erase those memories soon. LOL If you could sleep with ANYONE, who would it be?: I'm not naming names...he knows who he is, and that's all that matters.

Excerpt - Unedited Work In Progress - Best in Breed This is an excerpt from the sequel to MINE. The book is called Best in Breed...and it's incomplete. Enjoy! Chapter Two Like prized pets competing for Best in Breed, the men were paraded before the Assembly. Their handlers kept them close, tethered on short, jewel-studded leashes. Down the center aisle they came, single-file, their oiled bodies glistening, their finely honed muscles rippling with every step. Malique watched as they circled the room, eyeing them closely as they climbed the red-velvet covered stairs to line up center stage. She examined each head-to-toe, not particularly impressed, but hopeful just the same. Most of the captives were well-trained, and having accepted their fate, would approach their assignments with gentleness and even enthusiastic tenderness. Malique quickly recognized, and then dismissed, these more domesticated candidates. She had a yearning for something a little more exciting, a little edgier…perhaps even a bit dangerous. "Look there, darling. Isn't he simply glorious?" Ambrosia, Malique's sister, pointed toward the far end of the stage. Malique turned, taking in the tall, broad-shouldered man who, along with his trainer, stood off to her right. She squinted against the spotlights' glare, examining the man's hard, unforgiving features. Covered in nothing more than a breechcloth, his silky black hair hanging long and loose, tousling about his shoulders as he gave a quick shake of his head in response to something his trainer said to him, the man looked more feral cat than human. His brows were like dark slashes over hooded, breathtaking green eyes. Even at this distance, Malique could see them sparkling in the theater lights, reflecting a coldly calculating intelligence. She could almost see his mind working, taking everything in, plotting… "Gloriously dangerous. That one is not fully broke." Malique kept her voice low. If one of the trainers were to overhear such an analysis, their discipline of the offending candidate would be swift and harsh. "From where does he hail?" "According to Captain Stillwell, he was captured outside the badlands, wandering near the Prism River. By the looks of him, he'd been traveling for weeks, most likely on foot." "By the looks of him?" Malique once again eyed the tall, dark candidate. "He looks in fine shape, to me." "He's been here nearly three months." "Three months! And I am only just now learning of his presence?" Malique started to rise. "I'll have Bradley's head for this –" "Malique, no!" Malique paused, glancing down at her sister. "Bradley knows I am to have first choice and a personal say in all new candidates' training. He knows the rules." "The man was ill, near death, truth be told, and spent more than two months in the infirmary. He's only been with his handler for a few days. Look at him. You can see he's still wild, untamed." Sinking back into her chair at the high table, Malique exhaled sharply, releasing her anger. She'd been like this for days, on edge, constantly ready to fly off on a tangent at the slightest provocation. Her gaze once again returned to the object of her interest. "If he's been in the infirmary, then you cared for him. You knew about him, too, and you didn't tell me." "It wouldn't have mattered. He wasn't ready for you." "Does he have a name?" "He has not given it." Ambrosia chose a succulent piece of fruit from an overflowing trencher and popped it in her mouth. She chewed carefully and swallowed before she continued. "And since I released him to his handler, he's been quite uncooperative. I fear for his life." Malique raised a brow. "His life? We're not barbarians, 'Brosia. A candidate has not been executed for disobedience since before my reign." "I am only relating –" "If you raise that whip to me again, I'm going to shove it up your ass!" The venomous, masculine voice rang through the Assembly, causing a collective gasp from the audience. Malique didn't have to look to know who had dared to speak so outrageously. She leapt to her feet and raced down the stairs, ignoring Ambrosia's warning to be careful. "Nay! Do not strike him again," she said, striding across the stage. She held out a hand. "Give me his lead." "But my lady, he's dangerous. I don't think --" "I didn't ask you to think!" Malique shouted, her temper once again getting the best of her. Belatedly, she remembered her position and regained her composure. She lowered her voice and spoke through clenched teeth. "Give me his lead." "Yes, my lady." The trainer reluctantly handed over the bejeweled leash, and then stepped back, as if preparing to run at the first sign of trouble. Malique wrapped the leather rope around her hand, then eyed its length, following it up – and up – until she found herself staring into the angriest eyes she'd ever seen. If looks could kill… "I would have your name," she said, holding his icy stare. To her surprise, the candidate smiled, though the action held no warmth. He bowed deeply, his dark head coming within a hair's breadth of her waist. "Beaufort LeBlanc, at your service." He straightened. "And who are you, gorgeous?" Another round of gasps and excited whispers filled the room. Malique's cheeks grew warm. From anger, or excitement? Beaufort LeBlanc's cool appraisal set her heart pounding, but his familiarity, at least his public familiarity, had to be checked. "I am Malique Carlisle, Empress of Sutherland, and you may address me as Empress or my lady. Understood?" She gave a light tug on his lead to emphasize her words. When he didn't answer right away, she took a step closer and lowered her voice. "Listen and listen well, Beaufort LeBlanc. I am trying to save your incredibly sexy ass here. Do not fight me – especially not in public – or I shan't be able to halt your execution." For the first time since she'd set eyes on him, the candidate smiled in earnest. The warmth of it – the purely sexy hotness of it – set Malique's blood on fire, and her damn knees grew weak. "My incredibly sexy ass and I thank you for your intervention," he said, he, too, keeping his voice low. "What now?" "Now, you pretend to be properly chastised, and don't you dare contradict me." Without giving him a chance to respond, Malique turned back to the frightened handler, holding out Beaufort Le Blanc's lead. "I claim this candidate as my own. Take him to my suite, immediately. I'll be there to relieve you shortly." Without a word, the handler took up the leash and turned away, giving a sharp tug to indicate the candidate should follow. Malique held her breath, but then released it in relief when her newly acquired playmate docilely followed his handler down from the stage and out a back entrance. Ignoring the curious stares from the members of her court, Malique returned to her seat. She slipped into her chair, casting a sidelong glance at Ambrosia. "Don't say a word. Not one word." "I wasn't going to say anything," Ambrosia said, and then chuckled loud enough to draw more attention their way. "Not a thing. I knew, from the moment I set eyes on him, you'd find him exceptional. However, when you're through with him, can you pass him on to me?" Malique sipped her wine, pretending an interest as the entertainment began in earnest, with handlers taking center stage, one after the other, to put their candidates through their paces. Finally, she turned to Ambrosia with a grin. "Of course you can have him when I've finished with him. If there's anything left, that is." ### "Where is he?" Malique swept into her apartment, slamming the door behind her. The startled trainer jumped and spun around, nearly losing his footing. "He – he is in your bedroom, my lady." "Really?" She drew off her long, white, kid-leather gloves and tossed them on a nearby chair. "How interesting. And you left him alone?" "He said he wished to nap, my lady." Shuffling his feet, the trainer stared at the ground. "Well, if he wished to nap, by all means, he should nap. Did you offer him some of my finest wine before tucking him in for the night?" Malique's voice rose with every word. "Leave me, now!" "But my lady, what if he should wake, what if --?" "What if, what? He needs a midnight snack? Needs you to scrub his back?" She waved off the red-faced trainer, giving him her back. "I said, leave, you useless moron. I'm certain I can handle my new candidate's needs from here." Without waiting for a response, she stalked down the hallway, her fists balled in anger, nails digging into her palms. Handsome he might be, spectacular, even, but her new playmate needed to be brought down a few pegs and put in his place. Men were only useful when they were brought under control. She wouldn't break his spirit, but he'd have to learn to behave. Pushing open her bedroom door, she glanced in, prepared to blast candidate LeBlanc for his temerity. Instead, she moved into the room, quietly closing the door behind her. He lay atop the bedding, sprawled on his back, one tanned, muscular arm thrown over his eyes. His broad chest rose and fell in a deep, regular rhythm, which told her he was, indeed, fast asleep. Malique let her gaze drift lower, drinking in his glorious abs, which were covered by a light trail of hair, leading down to a thick, curly, dark bush. Nestled between his outstretched thighs, his flaccid cock drew and held her attention. Malique closed in on the bed, moving quietly so as not to awaken him. Standing over him, she removed her dress, the zipper's slide sounding overly loud in the silent room. Her gown dropped to the floor in a puddle at her feet, and she bent down, started to remove her sandals, but then thought better of it. He could remove them for her, later, when she'd draped her legs over his shoulders and spread herself open for that enormous cock. Nude, she climbed onto the bed, straddling her new candidate's steely thighs. He didn't stir, not even when she positioned her dripping pussy directly atop his groin. Malique raised a brow, certain he was awake. What game did he think to play with her now? "Beaufort LeBlanc, look at me." He opened one eye, his full lips twisting in a half-grin that did crazy things to her heartbeat. "Yes, my lady, what can I do for you?" His question came out in a sleep-roughened whisper, and the way he said 'my lady'…my God. "I think the answer to your question should be quite obvious." Thrown off kilter by both his behavior and her reaction to the man, Malique spoke more harshly than she intended. "Unless, of course, all of this—" She indicated his body with a wave of her hand. "—is just for show?" "Not for show, my lady," he said, "but not for sale, either." "Who said anything about purchasing your services? You silly man, I own you already. You're mine…lock, stock," she paused, rubbing herself over his still-flaccid member to emphasize her words, "and cock." Beau raised a brow. "Surely you've heard that ancient expression? You can lead a horse to water…" Malique grinned. So, she'd found herself a man who thought he could outsmart a woman, had she? A challenge. What fun! "Oh, Beau, I'll lead you to the water, all right, and by the time I'm done with you, you'll be begging me to let you drink." Without hesitation, Malique slipped lower, coming to her knees between his legs. She held his gaze as she dipped her head, dragging her tongue along the length of him. He sucked in his breath, his cock twitched, and Malique smiled inwardly. This would be no contest, but she'd known that from the start. All men were the same, at their core. Absolutely perfect and necessary for some things, but completely predictable in almost every way. With a sigh of pleasure, she took him in her mouth, sucking him deep. He grew instantly, ragingly hard, and he fisted his hands in her hair, pulling her closer. Malique took him all in, allowed him to thrust against her face, allowed the head of his cock to slide down her throat. Purposefully she milked him with her mouth, showing him just how good it could be, how good it could feel, and how powerless he was to resist her. With every long, languid thrust of his hips, Beau moaned, the sound rumbling in his chest, and everywhere their bodies touched, Malique felt his muscles tense and quiver, like tightly strung bows. She continued her ministrations, giving him pleasure, waiting…waiting… "Enough." She suddenly released him, sitting back on her heels and licking her swollen lips. "Now, about that drink?" With a low growl, he sat up, gripping her shoulders and tossing her to her back on the bed. Roughly, he spread her thighs and rolled between them, entering her in one swift, harsh thrust. Malique cried out, grasping his shoulders and digging in her nails as he stretched and filled her and pounded into her as if driven by demons. He didn't kiss her, hell, didn't even look at her, while he pumped and withdrew and pumped and withdrew, battering her willing flesh, deeper and deeper still. Malique's legs began to tremble, and her toes grew numb as her orgasm built, low and intense. "Oh, yes! That's right. Oh. I knew you'd be good." Beau looked down, finally looked at her, and the expression in his eyes made her want to scream. "No! Don't you dare! Beau, I demand --." And then it was over. One moment she'd been enjoying a glorious fuck – a never-before-experienced-one-of-a-kind-amazing fuck – and the next, she lay naked, alone and exposed on the bed, her entire body trembling with unsatisfied need. Oh, he'd come alright. Quick as a cat, he'd found his release, the evidence of which mostly dribbled down her left thigh. He'd pulled out at the last moment, taking himself in his fist and finishing himself off, leaving her aching and empty and angry as hell. Beau stood beside the bed, and when she looked up at him, he leaned over, placing a chaste kiss on the tip of her nose. "Thank you," he said, "that was wonderful. Just what I needed. Man, you give great head. Never would have expected it from a lady like you." "You son-of-a-bitch." Malique struggled into a sitting position, brushing her hair from her eyes. "How dare you? I could have you beaten to within an inch of your life." Beau bent over and retrieved his breechcloth. When he straightened, his expression had turned serious. Deadly serious. "You could, but you won't." "What makes you so sure?" Malique's voice wavered and she cursed inwardly. How the hell had he managed to turn the tables on her so completely? "Because you chose me for a reason. Because you recognized something in me that none of those other men have." "Oh? And what's that?" Malique raised a brow. The man had an ego the size of the Euliptic Ocean. "A brain, and a strength of will to match your own." Beau sat on the edge of the bed. Leaning over, he ran his thumb across one of her hardened nipples. He sat back and smiled. "Not to mention my incredibly sexy ass." Malique shook her head. Delusional. He had to be crazy. She'd chosen him for his brain? But she had noticed his confidence, had sensed the dark edges to his personality. His strength of will? His pride? Perhaps. She stretched lazily then reached for his hand. "I think we should start over, Beaufort LeBlanc. I would like very much for you to make love to me." She paused as he met her gaze. "If you're willing." He answered her by reaching over and extinguishing the light.

This book is available at www.loose-id.com From MINE - by Jill Noelle "Good morning," he said, his words catching as she released him and sat back on her heels. "Good morning, Michel," she answered him solemnly, but then flashed him a mischievous grin. "Did you sleep well?" "Mmmm...come here, you minx." Michel grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her down into his arms. "Yes, I slept well. For an entire hour." She snuggled against him, soft and warm and incredibly desirable. Michel took her hand and brought it down between them. "I want you. Again." "So I feel," she said, grasping his hard cock in her fist and caressing it lightly. "Michel, we have to talk." "Later," he said, thrusting his hips into her downward stroke. "No. Now." She stilled, but didnt release him. "It's morning, Michel. We only have a few days. You must begin my training." It took a moment for her words to penetrate his lust-clouded mind, but when they did, he shifted away from her touch, rolling onto his side so he could face her. "If I found a way for you to avoid it, would you still go to the king?" She averted her gaze, but nodded. "Yes. I have to." A wave of anger and disgust drove him from the bed, and he paced away from her, clenching his fists as he struggled to control the violent impulses that raged through his body. He wanted to break something, anything, to pound his fist into the nearest wall or into the face of his liege. "Michel, its my duty. You know I dont have a choice." He turned, studying her silently for a moment, wondering if she could see the pain, the revulsion he felt at the thought of her with another man, any other man, let alone the depraved and sadistic lunatic who was their king. "Last night," he began, and then stopped. He shook his head. Last night had been a dream, not to be repeated. "Never mind. You're right." He returned to the bed, sprawling on his back, one arm thrown across his eyes. He couldnt, wouldnt, look at her. "Finish what you started." Several moments passed, and then he felt her move closer, smelled her essence as she bent over him, held his breath as he anticipated her touch. "Our king has very specific tastes," he told her, keeping his voice carefully neutral. "You must be boldly aggressive, and very creative in your lovemaking." Again, her lips touched his chest, only this time her kisses were firmer, less tentative. Struggling to detach himself from the situation, Michel continued his monologue. "He will require you to speak to him. He receives great pleasure in hearing a woman express her desire to be with him, to hear what she has planned for their time together." Another beat of silence, and then, "I want you." She spoke the words in a rush, her voice cracking, and Michel sighed. "I'm afraid you'll have to be a bit more convincing, Brie. Come on. Tell me what youre feeling, what you want, what you'll do to me." "I can't." Michel moved his arm away from his eyes and found her once again sitting back on her heels. "Sure you can." "No, I can't. I don't know what to say. I know I know the mechanics of it all, and I know what we did last night, but I dont know what turns a man on." "First of all, you dont need to know what turns a man on. The only thing you need to worry about -- the only thing you need to learn -- is what turns the king on." He took her hand. "Come here. Sit on me so I can feel your hot, wet pussy." She straddled his waist, bracing herself with her palms flat against his chest. Michel wanted to reach out and touch her, to capture her breasts in his palms, to hear her moan with desire, but he pushed those thoughts away and focused on the task at hand. "Now move. Slide your ass back and forth and rub yourself against my cock." Gabriella slid down, and then back, caressing him with her pussy, bathing him in her slick, hot juices. Her head fell back, her lips parted, and she released a soft moan. Michel stared, transfixed by her beauty, by the wanton expression on her face. His cock twitched, and he fought the urge to thrust into her, to bury himself in her heat and forget. About Beau, about kings and kingdoms and other people's suffering. Instead, he called on his anger, using it as a shield. "Now talk to me. Tell me my hard cock feels good." Silence, broken only by her harsh breathing as she continued to move against him. "Gabriella. Say it. Now." She looked at him, staring into his eyes, and he caught his breath at the passion he saw reflected in her gaze. "Your cock feels so good against my pussy. You make me so hot...so wet. I want you. I want to take your hard cock inside me." Fuck. Michel cleared his throat. "Now lean forward. Offer me your breasts and tell me you want to ride me." She drifted forward, bringing her breasts to his lips. Michel captured one puckered nipple between his lips, laving it gently with the tip of his tongue. "Oh, God. I want your cock. I want you inside me, now, please." Her ass slid back, and she squirmed against him, whimpering softly. Michel grasped her hips, lifting her roughly and then bringing her back down, impaling her on his hard shaft. He thrust upward, hard, and she cried out, digging her nails into his chest. "Now ride me, Gabriella. Fuck my cock." She sat back, lifting herself up slowly, then sliding back down, awkwardly at first and then, after a few strokes, setting a rhythm that left him breathless. "That's it, baby." He reached to caress her breasts, molding them in his palms. "Oh, Michel, your cock feels so good. You're so big, so hard." She increased her pace, bouncing up and down, her eyes closed. Calling on strength he hadn't known he possessed, Michel lay still, allowing her to control the moment. Their bodies slapped together with each downward stroke, and her pussy grasped his shaft, tight and hot. "Oh, God." She gasped. "Oh, my God." Michel felt her spasm against him, wave after rippling wave as she found her release. He grasped her waist, thrusting upward to meet her. "Tell me, Brie. Tell me what you want." "I want you to come inside me. Please, Michel, come. Let me feel it, hot and hard." Her words threw him over the edged, shattering his control, and he flipped her onto her back. He captured her lips, pouring all of his emotions into a kiss, swallowing her cries as he slammed into her again and again. His vision went black, and then he exploded, pumping his hips, filling her with his seed. Mine, he thought, as he collapsed on top of her, gasping for breath. "You're mine." What did you say? Michel shook his head, realizing hed spoken his thoughts aloud. He nuzzled her neck, breathing in the scent of woman that was uniquely Gabriella. A sense of sadness, of longing for what could never be, washed over him, and he pulled away. He rolled into a sitting position on the edge of the bed and reached for his pants. Drawing them on, he stood and buttoned them, then reached for his shirt.