Expecting The Fellani Heir. Lucy Gordon

said it with a smile that made the word humorous.

      ‘In that case I’d better obey,’ she chuckled.

      A few minutes’ drive brought them home. He saw her to her bedroom door.

      ‘Is there anything I can do for you?’

      ‘No, thank you. I have all I need.’

      ‘Go to bed, then.’

      For a moment he seemed on the verge of kissing her, but he only opened the door and indicated for her to go in.

      ‘Goodnight,’ he said softly. ‘Sleep well.’

      ‘And you.’

      She slipped inside and closed the door.

      Now she could go to bed and try to come to terms with everything that was happening to her. It was hard because so many things in her mind seemed to direct her two ways. Some were troublesome, others suggested the hope of happiness if only she could understand many ideas. Still trying to get clear, she faded into sleep.

      Suddenly she found herself in a new place, one where there were no boundaries, no definite positions. Here there was only mist and sensation, leading her forward into an unknown world.

      But she realised that it wasn’t completely unknown. She had been here once before in another life, another universe, one that was still offering intriguing possibilities. She could feel again the sweetness that had tempted her, the touch so different from anything she had known.

      But there was also the apprehension at the way she was losing control. Deep inside her a nervous voice was crying out.

      ‘What am I doing? Do I dare do this? Am I just a little mad? Or am I turning into somebody else—somebody I don’t know? I mustn’t do this...not now—not this time—’

      Even as she spoke, she gasped with the tremor of remembered sensation that possessed her.

      Be strong, whispered the warning voice. Stay in control. You lost control that time and you’re paying for it. You know that.

      ‘Yes, I do. And I mustn’t—no—no!’

      Then everything changed. There was a pounding on her door. The next moment Leonizio was there, leaning over her, taking her in his arms.

      ‘Ellie,’ he said hoarsely. ‘Ellie! Wake up!’

      The sound of his voice startled her awake. Gradually her breathing slowed and the world came back into focus. She found that she was clinging to him.