S p l i n t e r . I n . T i m e . ||

1

AD 1551, July 4th2

Naomi was getting used to the fact that women had to wear machinery to keep their waists small. She also refused to wear it. Lord Bradshaw intended to have Naomi dress like a lady, and he would fix her brash and unruly tongue and have her be an obedient...what was she? Maybe he could acquire a violin and have her prove her skills. As of now Naomi was descending the stairs in a crimson dress, stylishly cut low to show off her luscious chocolate cleavage. Her flesh, once again he imagined it glistening beneath him and for a moment he immersed himself in the carnal thought and before he knew it, she was standing at the bottom of the stairs, her silken obsidian hair piled into a lovely array of curls and ringlets. It was also decorated in jasmine blossoms and it brought out her lovely features beyond belief. He was taken aback, by this dark goddess who had invaded his home and she stared at him, a neutral expression.3

"Well, are you happy or are you going to start your own wading pool staring at my breasts all afternoon?" She demanded her velvet sleeved arms crossing beneath the object of his gaze. Lord Bradshaw sucked in a dignified breath and stood to his full height.4

"You will learn to not be so unseemly in the presence of your---"5

"Fuck unseemly. You're no better than I am and you know it. If you were you'd be more than a meager Earl." She spat before he could finish. Lord Bradshaw gasped.6

"You speak treason Miss Sullivan."7

"I speak the truth. If you were so great in Queen Elizabeth's eyes she wouldn't be mopping the floor with your ass."8

"I beg your pardon? I am the richest man in England! Her Majesty needs my financial aid to help her keep the throne secure."9

"That's all she needs is your money. She doesn't need you to be giving it to her. She could just take it. The point is, you're as useful as a sack of pig shit."10

"You will not speak in such a way to me! I should whip and brand your dark arse now! I will break you and make you do the most drudging work in this household." Naomi stared at him coolly.11

"You won't whip anything but eggs, you won't brand anything but cattle, and you won't break anything but your face when I take you to the floor for saying such things." God she was infuriating. He had it in his mind to strike her down! Naomi kept her cool and raised a narrow brow, the one that was not stitched.12

"What in the name of hellfire are you? You are certainly no ordinary darkie nor are you a woman!" William cried. Naomi laughed bitingly.13

"Admit it, the dark skin thing turns you on. The way you keep referring to the color of my skin indicates you admire it. Though I am no ordinary woman, I'm probably more interesting than the empty headed pieces of fluff you hang out with." She said it with such casually put tones that William was shocked by her frankness, by her outspoken personality. She was a piece of work this dark woman. He smiled. Naomi smirked back. And then, they began to laugh.14

"Well, you have a point Miss Sullivan, the 'empty-headed pieces of fluff' you speak of are certainly not likely to say anything to anger me. You, Naomi have managed to infuriate and amuse me the past few days you have been here." He said as he led Naomi outside for a walk. Naomi smirked.15

"You know, I'm going to have to go home soon."16

"Atlanta...Georgia?"17

"Yes."18

"In the United States of America?"19

"The one and only."20

"Tell me about yourself Naomi, before you go...if you ever find your way back." His voice took on a gentle tone and Naomi's eyes fluttered in surprise.21

"Well, I was born in a little town called Dalton Georgia. I always loved music as a child so I started taking violin lessons when I was six." Naomi bit her lip. "My mother and father split up and the money troubles cancelled my violin lessons for a while. So, my older sisters got a job at the grocery store and telemarketing to bring in money. My mother worked over time in the office while I was at home with a nanny. when I turned ten we were back on our feet and I could start my lessons again. We soon moved when I turned 15. To Atlanta..." She smiled proudly and William couldn't help but note how lovely her cheeks dimpled when she did. He chuckled.22

"And then...?"23

"We lived happily ever after. My sister went to college, I was finishing high school and I became an excellent violinist. Now I am called upon to play in random places. I had planned to play at the Ritz three days ago but...somehow, I ended up in this nightmare." At this William stopped and looked to her.24

"Do you really think this is just a nightmare?" He asked her, his voice gentle. Naomi smiled grimly.25

"My life was fine until that car accident. Then by some freak accident I end up in Elizabethan England. Could this possibly not be a nightmare?" She asked him. William took her face in his hands gently and Naomi went rigid.26

"Miss Sull--- Naomi listen. Before I happened upon you I was bored to tears in the Royal Court. It was always the same, brainless women batting their eyelashes and giggling behind their fans, men talking about the same political struggles and wars, and of course, of women they'd like to fuck. But now you have come, and I have never met a woman so dark, headstrong, stubborn, and beautiful." Naomi opened her mouth to respond but William's mouth had already happened upon it, his tongue pleading entry. Naomi let him and for a while was lost in the euphoria of the kiss. Then, she realized what she was doing. he pulled away from him, glaring but not quite sure of what to say. The kiss was harmless but it was Lord Bradshaw! The jack ass who use her skin color as a tool to infuriate her. She hastily decided to slap him but he caught her hand and smiled.27

"Do not be angry with me Naomi, 'twas a mere kiss, nothing more." He took her fingers and kissed them and Naomi gasped and tried to snatch her hand away. 28

"You fucking pig! How dare you try something so sneaky and under-handed! Burn in hell!" She cried and William laughed at her, pulling her body to his and smiling down at her. 29

"My dear, you enjoyed the kiss as much as I. Your lips taste of honey, I would like you to be my escort to the masquerade tomorrow evening. Will you at least do me that honor?" He was gentle, soothing her as she worked herself into a passionate rage. Lord Bradshaw kissed the tip of her nose and she tried to spit in his face but he covered her mouth. Then, he released her.30

And she slapped him.31

"I'll go to your stupid party but don't expect them to like me!" She snapped.32

AD1551, July 5th33

The night of the masquerade came, the theme was Mythological Gods and Goddesses. Naomi reluctantly decided to go as Isis while Lord Bradshaw dressed as Osiris. As Naomi descended the large staircase clad in her silk, velvet, and lace costume with the scandalous bodice, Lord Bradshaw's eyes widened. Suddenly, he was jealous. What if other men saw her? Why the hell should he care it wasn't as if they were a couple right?34

Right.35

Naomi held her mask in her hand and smiled at him. She had done her make up herself and she looked ravishing. William gulped and regained composure as she approached him. 36

"Well? I hope you're happy. I am only doing this because you've been kind enough to house me until I recovered." He noticed the stitches on her head were barely visible. She had covered that part in make up. Naomi smirked.37

"The year 2004 has wonders for the skin." She said plainly and she indicated the coach waiting out front.38

"That our ride Cinderella?" She asked. William cleared his throat.39

"Yes. Now, do try and behave like a proper lady while we're there." Naomi shrugged.40

"Whatever, it's not like I'll have much in common with anyone in the room with the exception of I'm human." At this William chuckled and took her by the arm, guiding her to the coach.41

"Well Lady Sullivan, shall we?"42

"Let's do it."43

Naomi had never seen such snotty people in her life. But the costumes were amazing. None, however, compared to the bejeweled Queen Elizabeth herself and Naomi was suddenly relieved. If she had come while Elizabeth's father was alive, lord knows she would have been up to her eyes in trouble. Maybe, just maybe, she'd find a way to live like this until she could find out what happened to her. She was aware of the gazes upon her. She realized she was on the arm of the richest man in England. Heir to the Earldom of Bradshaw! Ha! She walked proudly, trying to breathe in the damned corset but still, her dark skin was attracting attention. Three men approached Bradshaw with sly smiles.44

"Bradshaw you devil! Good to see you. And who is this exotic morsel you've got with you?" The first man, a heavyset blond dressed as Cupid, asked. Naomi managed to hold her tongue, waiting to see what Bradshaw would say.45

"She's my escort. Lovely isn't she? Lady Sullivan introduce yourself." Naomi gave him a condescending look from behind her golden mask but she cleared her throat and said her name as if she were rehearsing it.46

"I am Naomi Sullivan, and I am the goddess Isis." She smirked when Bradshaw gritted his teeth. The three men laughed.47

"Well, Brad, is she taken or are you just going to monopolize the most seductive woman in the room?" Lord Bradshaw coughed and blinked.48

"Oh no, I'm going to monopolize her, because she's my escort." He said simply. The musicians were tuning up and Naomi couldn't help but covet the lead violinist's violin. Oh dear God in heaven she could see herself holding it, her fingers flying over the strings, her bow gliding to and fro...49

"Naomi come, I must introduce you to the rest of nobility."50

"You mean immobility. It wouldn't hurt some of these people to stop eating would it?" Lord Bradshaw wrinkled his nose.51

"You say the most outrageous things."52

"Welcome to the club." Naomi said back, still casting a hungry gaze to the violin. Lord Bradshaw took her to a gaggle of young women and men who turned their attentions to the dark goddess at his side.53

"Brad, is that a...?" William silenced Lady Beaumont.54

"She is dark but despite the color of her skin, her blood is most likely bluer than that of the Queen herself. So, I'd advise you to show some respect to Lady Sullivan. She's most likely the most attractive woman in here." Naomi gazed at William in shock, her lips parted but then she smiled charmingly at the group and they smiled nervously back. 55

As Bradshaw led her away Naomi chuckled.56

"What in the hell was that all about?" She asked as she danced with him. Surprisingly, she was able to follow the ridiculous organized dance quite well.57

"Well, I wanted to show you off but you're so damn unruly they were intimidated."58

"But I never said anything..,"59

"It's your skin tone damn you..." As the dance ended Bradshaw and Naomi slipped out into the courtyard.60

"What do you mean it's my skin tone? Like you said, I've probably got bluer blood than the Queen herself! Why are you being such a lout? I am not some prize you can go show off to just about anyone!" She ranted and Bradshaw grabbed her and kissed her. This time the kisses were furious and angry but the passion raging between them was all too blatant. Naomi returned his kisses fervently and her arms encircled his neck as his kisses ravaged the flesh of her neck.61

William had never felt skin so smooth, so dark, and she smelled of jasmine! God she was intoxicating! He had it in his mind to tear her bodice open to expose her luscious breasts but the unmasking was only minutes away and they had to be there. So, painfully, reluctantly, he pulled away, leaving both of them panting and staring at one another. Then, the sounds of cheers went up and Bradshaw and Naomi headed back inside. 62

The masks came off. Naomi slipped hers off as well.63

A gasp went up as several saw Naomi's face.64

"What on earth...?"65

"She's a darkie..."66

"This is an outrage..."67

"She'll run the whole celebration..."68

"I thought she was quite lovely...."69

Naomi gritted her teeth. She had had it up to her neck with this.70

"Will you all just shut up!" She yelled and a deadly silence fell over the room. The Queen was no where to be seen just yet.71

"I have had it with all the skin tone remarks from you stuck up in the ass 'nobles'! If you guys are so great, how come I happen to be the one with all my teeth still in my mouth? Or I can read and write? Or that I can predict that half the women in here are lying about their age?"72

A gasp from a few outraged women was heard. A few chuckles managed to be heard too. Naomi continued despite William's actions to try and stop her.73

"For years I've lived my life pay check by pay check and I'm a damn good violinist now! I work my ass off everyday playing music written in this time period, and the future, and even before this time! So, before you start judging me based on the color of my skin, look at yourselves and say it with me: sun." And the Queen had come in at exactly that moment. Naomi turned, as did everyone else, and bowed.74

"Your Majesty, it's an honor to meet what history named the best damn Queen of England ever. I hope you're in a good mood." She said boldly and the Court looked at her so strangely. She was speaking her mind to the Queen! Elizabeth smiled.75

"Bradshaw, where did you find this one? She's dark, beautiful, and witty. My advice would be to keep her." She said as she descended the steps from the dais. Lord Bradshaw kneeled and smiled. 76

"She's my escort, and she found me. I don't know if I could handle her." And he Queen laughed. The party resumed and Naomi slipped off to find the violin she had coveted earlier.77

"May I help you...miss?" The lead violinist asked. Naomi smirked.78

Lord Bradshaw was engaged in a seemingly meaningless conversation with Lady De Murray. As she flirted witlessly with him he heard music from a single violin. Everyone in the room began to turn towards the violinist. There was Naomi, eyes closed, smile full and bright, playing the violin as if it were part of her. Lord Bradshaw's mouth opened as she bowed a flawless violin solo by Mozart. Lady De Murray was furious. How dare that little darkie steal her catch from her! She marched towards Naomi who was finishing the piece with a flourish of bow strokes and rigorous dexterity patterns. Lucitia snatched the violin and threw it on the ground. Naomi stared at her.79

"You devious little bitch! How dare you come in with your unholy blood and bewitch my William!" She turned to the party goers. 80

"You let this...this darkie come in and just have her way with our lives? She should be working in the kitchens not frolicking with those of us of noble blood!" She cried and Naomi lost it. This time, William was proud. 81

Go to it Naomi...He thought as she spun Lucitia around.82

"Now you listen here you powder faced cry baby! You don't even deserve the title of bitch! I worked damn hard in my life to get where I am, with out biased fuck wits like you ruining it for me! If they can see past the color of my skin then I think the only one in here who is a fool is you. Now, Lord Bradshaw never mentioned you, and by the looks of it, he hates your guts. So, before you go around claiming he's yours, you'd better make sure he's in on it first. Clear?" She said. But before Lucitia could answer she smirked.83

"Thought so. Good night everyone." She looked to William as she let herself out the door, doing an odd hand shake with the doorman as she walked away proudly.84

"Naomi that was bloody brilliant! You gave that witch a fine dressing down! How did you do it?" Lord Bradshaw asked as they were safely inside his castle late that night. Naomi smirked.85

"It comes with being an intelligent, independent woman. " She said simply as the y headed upstairs. He walked her to her own room and stood by the door. Lord Bradshaw smiled.86

"What is a Cinderella?" He asked and Naomi laughed.87

"I will tell you all about it once I've gotten some sleep. My feet are killing me!"88

"Are you dying?"89

"It was a figure of speech William. Now, I must get out of this damn corset lest I be emaciated and deformed tomorrow." She said and went inside. William followed her. Naomi stopped and turned around as he shut and locked the door behind him.90

"Naomi...come..." He said and Naomi walked towards him as if in a trance. She looked up at him and his mouth claimed hers even before they realized what was happening. Her arms encircled his neck, his arms encircled her slender shoulders. 91

"Brad...no...we can't..." She protested but even now she couldn't deny herself the pleasure could she? William moved to push the dress from her shoulders and he heard he gasp and felt her shudder as she was bared from the waist up. He deftly rid her of the corset and vowed he'd never make her wear one again. The dress pooled around her feet and she stood in her black lace stockings and red garters now. He was in awe as he watched her. She was a sight of ethereal loveliness.  Her heart shaped faced capped with a glorious mane of onyx hair highlighted with a light brown. Her slender neck, to her small shoulders. Her high, proud breasts tipped with dark chocolate nipples. He knew he was craving chocolate. Her waist wasn't too small, nor was it misshapen or large. In fact, it was slender and taut. Her hips were not like the ones he'd seen. Wide and rounded like a globe. With thighs wide and alluringly sexy. Her knees were a shade darker, and her calves were sexy. Her feet flawless and dainty and her toenails were painted a brilliant shade of red and the big toenails were lined with diamonds. How could he let something so wonderful go?92

"Like what you see?" She asked noting his awestruck gaze. William nodded.93

"How could I not have bedded you from day one? How could I let you go about untouched? I must have you for myself..." He said as he removed his own garments. Naomi blinked as he now stood as naked as she. It was her turn to study him. He was large, muscled, and a bit fuzzy. He had hair on his chest, that narrowed to a fine line and joined the hair in his pubic area. Oh dear God his endowment was anything but small. In fact, the way it stood out proudly was what intimidated her. She took a step back, biting her lip. William was on her, scooping her up in his arms and showering her face with kisses. Naomi laughed as he lay her upon the bed and stripped off her black lace stockings. Naomi gasped. He took in her bare legs, ran his large hard hands up the smooth flesh, grabbed her waist and dragged her into his lap. Naomi bit her lip and blushed, her face hot. She shuddered as he kissed her neck, moving lower to her collar bone. Naomi felt her blood set on fire. Never had she been handled this way before. William's kisses trailed from one shoulder to the other before he trailed down her chest to kiss the upper rise of her breast. She smelled so delicious. He could just eat her. A dark nipple was enveloped by the warmth of his mouth and Naomi let out a lusty cry. Her nails dug a little into his flesh and in turn her nipple was bitten. 94

"Aiya! William..." She groaned as he pushed her onto her back. Her thighs fell apart for him and he glimpsed the dark vortex that he knew awaited him.95

Only him.96

Naomi was in a state of frenzied passion as William slid his pale, lean body along her soft, luscious dark one. His hands slid slowly to clasp her own and push her arms above her head. His mouth found hers always and he took time to whisper against her lips. Sweet nothings really, but in Naomi's present condition these "sweet nothings" were like teasing honey treats he was holding out before her. She felt the pulsating heat of his manhood throbbing against her inner thigh and as she moved her leg to gently caress the organ it responded and William sucked in a breath.97

"Naomi you are a wicked one to tease me so..."98

"You're the one whose got me pinned down. I have to do something..." She said back, sly as a cat. William chuckled and he released her hands and slid his own down to grasp her hips, relishing in the silken texture of her dark, chocolate skin. He pulled her towards him and at the same time thrust his own hips forward. Naomi arched instinctively and William had never seen such beauty on a woman. Her belly pressed against him and for a moment he held their position, her beneath him, her lips parted in an oncoming moan, him watching her, awestruck, and they, connected as one. Then his hips began to move and Naomi had to think the way this man moved was almost god like. Her moans were long, drawn out, heavy with lust. William in turn voiced his own pleasure to her, covering her mouth mid-moan to kiss her lips. Her long legs linked about his waist and he continued his ruthless thrusting, sliding in to the hilt, sliding out to the tip in one fluid movement. Naomi threw her head back and groaned, in turn, her body began to sweat from its exertions. It seemed an eternity was passing as they coupled fiercely. William got his fantasy, he watched her dark, flawless skin glisten with sweat and this served as an aphrodisiac to fuel his passion and he sat up, pulling her with him, holding onto her slender waist. He had to admit, Naomi could move and as they reached the pique of their pleasure Naomi bit into his shoulder. William growled savagely and together they seemed to touch the very stars themselves.99

Later, as Naomi slept, William lay awake, watching her. Her back was to him, and he took the time to admire it. Her spine curved nicely in this position, her long onyx her matted to her wet flesh that still glistened. He reached out to touch her, his calloused fingertips tracing along her flesh in wonder. The bed sheets had her covered from the waist down and William smiled. He admired how her back curved and swept gracefully into the deep valley curve of her small waist and swept again into the high sensuous curve of her hip.  All of this he explored with one hand and he could not help but caress her rear and thigh. He felt himself aroused yet again. Naomi stirred a bit but only to roll over and face him, still asleep. He saw her hair falling gently over her face, her eyes, almond shaped, were tipped with dark obsidian lashes which fanned out and curved upward, casting a slight shadow over her cheeks. Her eyes were accented with shapely onyx eyebrows. Her nose was not the small thin nose of most women. Instead, the bridge was thin but not so thin as to be aquiline and the tip was rounded slightly. Her lips....there was no other way to describe such sensual tiers. Her lips right now were slightly curved into a serene smile and he ran his fingers over those smooth tiers and the corner of her lips twitched slightly. Her chin had a beauty mark on it, right in the middle, barely visible. He knew what the rest of her looked like and he realized that she was his. How could one man get so lucky to have some Nubian goddess come to him during such a crucial time? 100

"William? What is it?" She mumbled, her eyes half opened. He admired the color, not dark brown but caramel colored rimmed in gray. William smiled.101

"Just admiring the view..."102

"Oh yeah? You mind admiring with your eyes and not your hands? I'm trying to sleep..." She muttered already her eyes had closed and her voice faded as she was sleeping again and William moved close to take her in his arms. He too, was beginning to fall asleep and he barely heard it but he knew it was he that said it.103

"I love you Naomi Sullivan..."104