#(( i've been doing a running challenge with day and between us we have run/walked nearly 80km in about four days ))

[deathswcrn]

sorry i haven't been around much! i fell ill after i got back from comic con with vix and day, and since then i've been trying to redecorate our kitchen largely on my own

[alj4890]

Wash Away Your Troubles

(Trystan Thorne x F!MC) in a Choices Crimes of Passion drabble

Thirty Kisses in Thirty Days Challenge with the prompt: kissing down their lover's body

A/N I haven't ever written for this pair before. While waiting for the release of book 2, I couldn't resist making a fic between that next story and the previous one.

Rating: Mature for some sexual content

Masterlist

"I can't believe you went without me."

Trystan tried to help Cameron over to his couch. She winced when he touched her back. After finding a way to sit on her left hip without being in too much agony, she rolled her eyes at him.

"Our cases don't pause just because you take a personal day off." She reminded him.

"I know that." He grumbled. "Mags said it was urgent I meet with her."

Cameron felt her heart clinch. The thought that her banished prince might be forced to return home sooner than they expected made her stomach churn with anxiety. She didn't know what awaited him there, she only knew she had to be by his side when he went.

Trystan watched her facial expressions flicker between worry and fear. He knelt down in front of her to take her battered hand in his. He pressed a tender kiss to her scraped knuckles then rubbed his cheek against her hand.

He realized he was taking comfort from her touch more so than making certain she was comforted with his.

"It wasn't about my parents' demand I return home."

Cameron released the breath she didn't realize she had been holding.

"Is everything else okay?" She asked.

"Yes." He attempted to lie.

"Trystan." She closed her eyes. "I am so not in the mood to drag information out of you."

"No?" He teased. "I thought you rather enjoyed our interrogation tactics we use on each other."

Cameron's lips curved some despite her trying to not to react to his charm.

"I never said I don't. Right now though, I can still feel the two flights of stairs I fell down and that's enough to kill any energy I have to question you thoroughly."

"Wait here." He left her on his couch.

"I hope wherever you're going ends up with you bringing me a drink." She sucked in a pained breath as she tried to take her jacket off. "Cause I've never needed one more than I do right now."

"It actually does." He returned empty handed.

"I didn't think I hit my head that hard." She tilted her head in question. "Where's the drink?"

"Waiting on you." He helped her stand. "Come with me."

He led her into the master bathroom. "I think it's time to help you destress."

The room was already steamy from the multiple shower heads running. Two glasses of Drakovian whiskey sat on the countertop.

"All this for me?" She asked.

"Yes, though I will be on hand for whatever you need."

"My own attendant huh?" A whimper slipped out of her lips when she tried to pull her t-shirt over her head.

"Stop." He commanded in a tone of one used to having people obey. "That's why I'm here."

Cameron sighed. She still wasn't used to having someone fuss over her. She could feel a blush spread all over her face and neck from his attention. His smirk let her know he noticed just what having him this close did to her.

"You alright there, detective?" Trystan teased.

"Shut up." She crossed her arms over her chest.

"Haven't you noticed that is impossible?" His breath tickled her ear as he leaned closer to unhook her bra.

"I've noticed."

He knelt down once more to help her with her shoes and pants. He looked up at her, his charm once again on full blast.

"Stop." She said on a laugh. "Enough with the eyes already!"

He chuckled, knowing he won that round.

"There." He stepped back to look her over.

His brow furrowed with every bruise and cut he noticed on her skin. He circled her, softly cursing when he saw that her back was nearly black and blue with the number of bruises covering most of it.

"Does it look as bad as it feels?" She asked.

"Worse." He snapped. "So much worse. Why didn't you go to the hospital?"

"Because." She mumbled. "I was able to walk. I'll be fine."

Cameron reached for her drink. She avoided looking directly into his eyes while taking a sip.

"Look. In a few days, I'll be good as new."

He snorted his doubt.

"Anyway." She slipped into the shower. "I'm going to do my best to enjoy this.

Cameron eyed Trystan still standing there watching her. She couldn't tell what he was thinking with such a shuttered expression upon his handsome face.

"I bet you could stand to destress too."

His eyebrow quirked. "You bet, hmm?"

She nodded. "Why don't you enjoy this with me? We'll wash today's troubles away."

"Far be it from me to turn down an invitation like that." He winked at her as his hands went to unbutton his shirt.

She turned back to enjoy the warm water hitting all the right spots on her sore muscles.

Trystan slipped in behind her. His hands settled on her waist as he pressed a kiss to the top of her shoulder.

Cameron turned in his arms, her head tilted at the ready for a kiss.

His smug smirk was nowhere to be found. Instead, he simply kissed her lips.

She gasped from the sheer sweetness she could feel in his touch. More of the same types of kisses followed as he slowly moved down her body.

Each bruise received a delicate brush of his lips and a more heated kiss was pressed against the unblemished areas.

Cameron's head dropped back. With the soothing water and the warmth of his mouth, she didn't know which would make her melt faster.

Trystan got to his feet and reached for some scented body wash that she preferred. He lathered his hands with the scents of lavender and jasmine to begin to gently smooth the soap all over her back.

His fingers barely grazed her achy body. The light touch made her sway for more contact.

"Be still." He pressed another kiss against her ear. "I'm almost done."

His hands drifted around to her front. They ghosted over her chest and stomach, pausing here and there to draw gasps from her lips. When they settled between her legs, she leaned back against Trystan.

Her eyes closed tight. She moaned with each tender touch meant to drive her crazier and crazier than the one before.

Without any warning, she came apart in his arms. He gently held her upright, his mouth covering hers.

Cameron could hardly move. Her muscles were useless now. With hooded eyes; she watched Trystan dry her off, get her dressed in a tshirt of his, then carry her to his bed. He poured her another drink, setting the cut crystal glass on her nightstand.

"Now my favorite detective," he kissed her lips, "I want you to sleep."

She couldn't fight back a yawn as she relaxed even more in the plush bed.

"What about you?"

He glanced down at the evidence of his own desire on full display.

"I'll be able to take care of that once I have you better."

Cameron smiled sleepily at him. "I'll make it up to you."

He leaned over to kiss her cheek and whispered, "I intend on holding you to that."

"And I intend to find out what you and Margurite talked about." She told him.

Trystan sighed. He shook his head on his way to get dressed for bed.

"We'll discuss it in the morning, Cameron."

"I know we will, Trystan." She snuggled under the covers. "I always find out the truth."

[headspaceinanutshell]

Wholesome but holey

Since my last post, there has been a few significant changes in my life. My new relationship is still going well, we've even hit 6 months which I never believed would be possible after so much heartbreak in previous relationships.

Since me and my partner have been together, we have been on a holiday abroad, met each others families and even made the decision to move in together. I think the world of him and love him dearly. These are big leaps of faith for us both but so far it's working. Don't get me wrong, its not all been plain sailing. Whilst getting to know each other better, we've had a few and quite firey arguments. One of which resulted in me walking back to my parent’s house in tears. We both said things we didn't mean but it still hurt. To this day, I often replay what he said to me in my head. We both apologised and moved on from it knowing how much was on the line after how far we both have come. I hate the thought of us loosing each other over something so stupid.

The arguments do seem to be alcohol fuelled but I suppose, speaking for myself, that's when my guard comes down and my feelings come out. In most instances where something is said or I'm overthinking a situation, I won't speak up to save the drama. So, when I drink, I open up my heart and the tears start falling.

When something is bothering me, I've been encouraged to talk about it by my therapist, so I have been trying to work on it for some time now. I am not one to sit on an argument and fall asleep. I always want it to be resolved before we wake up the next day and the only way to do that is to talk it out. My boyfriend, however, is a closed book. With any conflict between us, he shuts down. Closes me out and will easily fall asleep and request to forget it all the next day.

Whilst forgetting it is good and a sign of moving on from it to me I feel that we are not moving past it. Those issues will resurface and relive again and again.

I have been asked to move into his flat with him at the end of January. I'm excited knowing that we can build our own space together and for my doggy to join me. My only worry is that it's such a small apartment that if an argument does arise, there is no other rooms to retreat to if we need space. And for him, I know this is what he wants when he's overwhelmed.

I'm sure it will all work out. I need to tame my over-active mind which is much easier typed than done.

On the plus side, 2 days ago, I had the news of which I've been waiting for since what feels like forever! I am now officially and legally divorced. When that email came through and I took it in. I immediately felt like a huge, heavy weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

Even though, I have no contact with my NOW ex-husband, I always felt like he still had control of me somehow just by that stupid piece of paper. Just another manipulation technique added to the huge list. Honestly, it feels like such a relief knowing that part of my life is NEARLY closed.

I say nearly because until my surname has been changed by Deed poll back to my maiden name, it will be a constant reminder of him. Now I'm back on social media, I ensured that my maiden name was public because I just don't want to be associated with that part of my life anymore.

So, hears to the future. We are nearly at the end of another whirlwind year. Let’s hope that 2024 brings me new challenges (Good ones) and lots of happiness. I just want to make as many memories as I can before my time runs out.

[youbloodymadgenius]

Ivarello (Modern!Ivar x reader) Chapter 3

Moodboard by @quantumlocked310

Ivarello's masterpost here

A/N: This is my entry for @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie 500 Followers Fairy Tale Challenge. It's a retelling of Cinderella. Congrats again, darling 💖

A huge thank you to @mrsalwayswrite , who's a great beta reader and an even greater cheerleader 😂

A massive thank you to @quantumlocked310 , @vikingstrash and @serasvictoria . Thank you for agreeing to collaborate and for sharing your talent with me. Your moodboards are beyond amazing 🤩

In this story, Sigurd is alive. Ragnar and Aslaug are dead, but Lagertha didn't kill her. I took a lot of liberties with the show, I hope you won't mind.

Unlike the tale, there will be no magic involved. Not everything will be realistic, however. It's a fayritale, after all!

Let me know if you want to be tagged ���

Summary: Orphaned five years ago, Ivar and his brothers have been living with Lagertha ever since. Now 16 years old, he wants to attend Harald's traditional Midsummer party, but obstacles stand in his way.

Warnings: description of car crash; orphaned kids; Sigurd being Sigurd; OOC characters.

Words: 3497 (oops 🙈)

Additional note: what you’re going to read is not realistic.

Enjoy 🙂

🛡⚔️🛡

With his stomach in knots and a frown on his face, Ivar watches closely his godfather, who enters the living-room, wheeling a large trolley case behind him.

"Hello, Ivar." Floki looks around, an eyebrow raised questioningly, "Lagertha isn't here?", before flopping down on the corner sofa.

"No," Ivar shakes his head, wheeling up next to him, "She's out on a date with this English guy... Hammond, Halmund or whatever his name is."

Scratching his ear, Floki tilts his head, "but she knows you're going, right?" He pulls the trolley case closer and then snorts, mumbling under his breath, "don't think I can't see you rolling your eyes!"

"What do you think? Of course, she knows. She said, and I quote," Ivar raises his hands to make air quotes, his voice tinged with obvious annoyance, "'Of course you can go, sweetie, you know I don't want to be the one holding you back. Call me if anything goes wrong. And don't forget to take your meds.'"

"She cares, Ivar." Floki's tone is soft as he places a hand on his godson's shoulder.

Ivar lowers his gaze. "You should have taken me in." His words are barely audible and suddenly he feels like he's eleven again and he has to swallow against the sudden dryness in his throat.

"You do know that back then I wasn't in a good place." Floki's sad sigh almost gets Ivar in tears as memories of his parents and Helga flood his mind. The pain in his heart becomes nearly unbearable but he fights it off with all his might. He never wants to feel broken and lost again.

Ivar lifts his head up and Floki can see the stubbornness in his eyes. "I could live with you now."

"No, you could not, and you know it!" Floki smiles and taps Ivar on the cheek. "Ivar, I live between two flights, today in Norway, yesterday in Iceland and after-tomorrow in Canada. What kind of life would this be for you, huh? And besides, living with Lagertha is not that bad."

But living with Sigurd is! Ivar wants to shout. He keeps quiet, though, shrugging before eventually mumbling. "Guess not..."

"So," Floki starts, eager to change the subject, "where are your brothers, by the way?"

"Where do you think they are, huh, you knock-kneed fool? They're already there." Ivar glances at his watch, furrowing his brow. "Harald's party started twenty minutes ago."

"We better hurry up, then!" Crouching down, Floki slowly opens the suitcase under Ivar's scrutinizing gaze.

"Quick!" Ivar commands, barely able to contain his impatience, his nervous fingers tapping his push rims. "What do you have for me, old man, huh?" He even contemplates climbing out of his chair to open it himself, but the fear of breaking a bone at the worst possible time is stronger than his eagerness.

"You're going to calm down, young Padawan." Floki quips, slowly moving his hand in front of Ivar with eyes full of mischief. Ivar immediately slaps his godfather's hand away, mumbling under his breath, "I'd rather be a Sith Lord." That earns him a loud, hysterical laugh from his godfather.

Ivar grunts, ready to protest, but all thoughts leave his mind as soon as he's able to see what is in the trolley case. The scowl on his face obvious, he doesn't even try to hide his disappointment as he utters, "you made me braces?"

He hates braces with a passion. Along with underarm crutches, he had some, as a child. They were bulky, stiff, painful and walking with them was tedious, agonizingly slow, and exhausting. Ragnar had been adamant that he wanted his youngest to walk, no matter the struggles, no matter the nearly unbearable pain. Ivar had settled his ass in a wheelchair the day of his father's funeral, getting rid of his braces shortly after, a decision he had never regretted. So no, such torture devices were not at all what he was hoping for.

"Have a little faith in me," Floki rolls his eyes. "These," he looks lovingly at the strange contraptions in his hands, "are not braces, Ivar. Have you and your crippled ass ever heard of exoskeleton?"

Ivar's eyes widen. "It's that thing used in rehab that allows paraplegics to walk, right?" As Floki nods, Ivar gives him a puzzled glance. "But, erm, you do know I don't have a spinal cord injury, don't you? Or are you suffering from memory loss? Maybe it's your age?"

Dismissing the remark with an exasperated wave of his hand, Floki hisses, "I'm well aware that you don't, godson dearest," before narrowing his eyes, his voice now serious, "you may have full sensation in both legs, yet they can't exactly support your weight and your lack of motor function can't be denied. Not really different from some paraplegic dudes, what do you think?"

Feeling a heavy lump in his throat, Ivar frowns, not pleased with the idea of him being like a paraplegic. Almost without thinking, he contracts his quads as best he can, as if he wants to make sure he's still able to do it.

Floki doesn't miss the barely-there movements in his thighs, though, and his voice softens. "Look Ivar, you're not a paraplegic, okay? But I used the exoskeleton technology. And since you're not paralyzed, I was able to make a smaller device that you can wear underneath your clothes, and you're going to walk. I mean, really walk, not just like those guys in rehab, between parallels bars and with a PT right behind them."

Ivar, his eyes bright, stares at his godfather, slack-jawed with amazement. "I'm..." He begins to sputter, voice filled with emotion, "I'm really going to walk?" Feeling like his heart is pounding out of his chest, he fails to contain his excitement, drumming the fingers of his right hand on his lap. He'd tap his feet if only he could.

"You are." Floki nods before taking out of the trolley case a pair of dress shoes. "I put dozens of sensors in the insole of these shoes, which will enable the exoskeleton to correct your stance practically every second. Therefore, you won't need crutches, although I would say it's safer for you to use this." Reaching down, he grabs a black derby-style cane, simple and sleek in design. "You know," he shrugs, "just for extra support. Better safe than sorry, hmh?"

Ivar, who doesn't even flinch when he sees the walking stick, just reaches out, his hand grazing the carbon fiber exoskeleton. "Is it really for me?" His eyes filled with wonder, his voice trembling, his lips stretch across his face as his godfather nods. "And you made this in what?... four, five days?"

Letting out his signature giggle, Floki waggles his fingers in front of his face. "Even I couldn't make this in such a short time. No, the truth is, I've been working on it for a while. Let's say your phone call just sped things up. Though I must say, this marvel of technology is not flawless... It has a really low battery life, like four hours of autonomy at best. If I had more time, I certainly could have done better, but for now, it is what it is and you'll have to make do with what you've got." Pursing his lips, he glances at his watch, "So, just so you know, if you put this on now, you'll have to come back around midnight if you don't want to have to crawl around. And if you hear a beep, you'd better hurry, okay?"

As Ivar just nods, his beaming smile never fading, Floki adds, tilting his head, "and now, go get ready, young Padawan, you have a party to attend!"

***

Sitting on a bench at the seaside, Ivar watches the party from afar, a feeling of uneasiness tightening his chest. It was a mistake. Attending to this party was a mistake. Despite the exoskeleton, despite the fact that he walks almost normally, it was a mistake. He shouldn't have come. He shouldn't be here. Anxiety surges like the swell of a wave, and he struggles to breathe. Sigurd was right: he doesn't belong here, doesn't belong to this life.

A part of him wants to leave. It would be better to run away, to go hide in his room. But he won't. He can't. Because just a moment ago he saw you. Because he's not ready to give up on you now that he is here, eventually close to you.

He recognized you the moment his eyes fell on you. Looking radiant in a polka dot dress, you're as pretty as he remembers. Pretty? Who's he kidding? The girl you were six years ago was pretty. You're a woman now, and one of the most beautiful he's ever seen.

Glowing, smiling at everyone, you didn't even see him. In his head, of course, he makes plans to approach you, even if deep down, he knows all too well he'll never muster enough courage to talk to you. You probably wouldn't want him to anyway. After all, he may be standing tall today, yet he's still a freak, a fucking cripple. He's still cursed with his bony, twisted, useless legs. He's still a burden.

Yet, there's this little voice inside of him, barely audible, whispering that you're not like this, that you never were in the first place; and that's partly why the ten-year-old boy he was when he first met you felt drawn to you almost instantly.

Closing his eyes, he focuses on his breathing and decides to take a little trip down memory lane, bringing him back to that sunny, summer day of his first – and only – encounter with you. His memory so vivid it's like it happened only yesterday.

He can't hear the chirping of birds as his brothers are loudly playing and bickering in the pool. His beloved mother is nowhere to be seen and he's willing to bet she's taking a nap, but not without first making sure he has everything he could possibly need. Lying on a sunbed in the shade of an oak, a glass of lemonade within reach and a thick book on his lap, he hardly notices his father coming into the backyard, Harald Hårfager following close behind.

Since Ivar knows Harald is here to talk business with his father, he pays no attention to the two men, who take their seats at the patio dining table.

He nearly falls off the sunbed when a tiny voice startles him. "Hello!"

Stunned, he turns his head towards the voice and comes face to face with a smiling girl he doesn't know. You. He'd say you're about his age.

"I'm Y/N," you tell him, waving your hand shyly. "I'm at my uncle's for the weekend," you keep going, pointing your finger at Harald, "and I was wondering... May I join you?" You finally ask, dragging a second sunbed closer to his.

His first instinct is to look around, because you can't possibly be talking to him. Why would you? Surely you can't have failed to spot his leg braces, nor his hideous orthopedic shoes. You can't have missed that he's a cripple.

Frowning as he sees that no one is around, he snorts, his nostrils flaring. He can tell you're wearing a swimsuit under your pink dress. What do you want, then? Are you here to mock and ridicule him or what?

"You better get in the pool with my brothers." He knows he sounds rude, not answering nor greeting you, but he doesn't care. He doesn't want to be made fun of and doesn't intend to give you the chance to do it.

Seemingly undeterred, you speak with a soft voice. "No, I'd rather not." Your smile is so genuine he can't help but think you mean no harm. "Actually," you shrug, sitting next to him, "I'd rather stay here with you, if you don't mind. What are you reading?"

Gobsmacked, he just looks at you – and gods, how pretty you are! – for a long time, unable to utter a single word. Are you truly interested in what he's reading? Interested in him? He swallows hard, his heart racing. A small smile dancing on your lips, your kind eyes never leave his as you wait, full of hope, for him to finally talk to you.

And that's what he ends up doing, almost in spite of himself. For the next two hours, he shows you his astronomy book, a gift from his godfather for his tenth birthday, and tells you about the stars, the constellations and the nights he spends watching the sky, when his mother allows him to. And for two hours you listen to him, asking a question here or there and always smiling. He's pretty sure you're not faking being interested in what he's saying.

All too soon, your uncle tells you it's time to go and you stand up with a scowl, letting out a sigh of regret. The next moment, you flash Ivar a grin. "I had a really great time with you, thanks! I'm going back to my mom's tomorrow but I hope we can spend time together again sometime, maybe next summer. I'd love to stargaze with you, you know?" With that, you lean forward and as your lips touch his cheek, Ivar's breath catches in his throat, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest.

Ivar inhales deeply. That kiss... That's when he fell madly and hopelessly in love with you. If he concentrates enough, he can still feel the softness of your lips against his skin, still smell your sweet, flowery scent.

That day, he had watched you leave with a smile on your face, already dreaming of the day he would see you again. You had said "next summer" and even though it was a long time away, he was willing to wait. In the meantime, he would have plenty of memories to recall - your joyful voice, your sparkling eyes, your lovely smile... Sure, he could wait.

And he had waited, hopeful and happier than he had been in a long time.

Not long after, however, his life had been turned upside down, his father being murdered and his mother dying in a car crash. Lost, angry, broken, and infinitely sad, he had gone through the following months as if anesthetized - barely living, hardly functioning, sometimes feeling as if the memory of you was the only thing keeping him from drowning.

Yet, and he doesn't know why – or perhaps simply because Ragnar being dead, Harald had no reason to visit anymore – he had never seen you again.

"Hello!"

His whole body freezes and he stops breathing. This voice... Your voice... He'd know it anywhere. Yet, it can't be, right? Did he fall asleep? Is he dreaming? Is one of his brothers tricking him? Why would you talk to the cripple?

"My name is Y/N." He can hear the smile in your voice. "I was wondering... May I join you?"

Summoning the courage he's not sure he has, Ivar looks tentatively toward you.

Gods! You're even more beautiful up close. Fuck. Now that you're here, right next to him, he doesn't know what to say, what to do. Panic seizes his hammering heart as a lump rises in his throat. He attempts to swallow around it to speak, to say something, anything, but the words won't come out and he finally just nods, his hand gesturing to the bench for you to sit on.

"Thanks," you give him a broad smile before taking your seat.

Ivar cannot believe his eyes. What are you doing? Did you recognize him? Why are you here, with him?

"Woul–", he sputters, struggling to find his voice, "Wouldn't you rather be there?" Pointing his index finger at the crowd gathered in front of the makeshift stage just a few meters away. He frowns, tilting his head, "the party is in full swing."

"No, I'd rather not." You shrug and as you turn your head toward him, he breathes in your sweet scent, suddenly feeling dizzy. "The guys are already drunk and really have one thing on their minds. And those who are not are boring." You lower your gaze, as if embarrassed, and it's so adorable Ivar feels like his heart is melting. "I'd rather stay here with you, if you don't mind."

Oh, he doesn't. He doesn't mind at all. The truth is, there's a fucking firework inside of him, and he barely contains the screams of happiness that threaten to escape his lips. "That's okay, you can stay," he says instead, his fidgeting fingers dancing on his lap.

Over the next hour or so, the conversation flows easily as you speak about Karasjok, the small town where you live, telling him about your mother's people, the Sami, their culture and customs.

Ivar shares with you bits and pieces of his life too, speaking about his passion for the Viking culture and about his belief in the ancient gods. The night, his night, is full of your laughs, full of your smiles, full of you. He wants it to never end.

He's still trying to figure out if you know who he is, if you remember meeting him once when you rise to your feet, almost bouncing with enthusiasm. "Walk with me, will you?"

He's about to break the truth about his inability to walk when he remembers that actually, thanks to Floki, he can. His eyes never leave yours as he grabs his cane with a little bit of self-consciousness, wincing as he stands up, but he can't see disgust, contempt, or disappointment on your face and your smile doesn't falter as you delicately slip your hand under his free arm, curling your fingers back over it. Shaken by your sudden proximity, Ivar feels goosebumps rising on his skin.

"It's such a lovely night and I'm so happy spending it with you."

Your words leave him speechless as you lead him close to the water. A bunch of guys can be seen in the distance and Ivar is pretty sure his brothers are among them. He can feel their heavy stares on him and doesn't need to hear them to know what they're saying. "Who's this dude? Do we know him?" Standing tall, with his braided hair and a blue suit, he knows he doesn't look like himself. Yet, as he locks eyes with Hvitserk for a second, he'd sworn he sees a hint of recognition crossing his brother's face. And as the latter gives him a thumbs up, he knows his mind is not playing tricks with him.

"Oh, I love this song!" You clap your hands twice before shrugging shyly. "Let's dance, please!"

Ivar's heart breaks. Scared out of his wits, he swallows hard, his breathing uneven. "I... I can't." It's a painful admission, and he wishes the ground would just swallow him up.

He realizes you pay no mind to his defeated tone, though, as you grab his cane, leaning it against a nearby tree. "We'll go slow, I promise."

Almost in spite of himself, he places his hands on your hips as you wrap your arms around his neck. Gently – cautiously – swaying to the music, Ivar leans in close and, inhaling deeply your delightful scent, he feels like he's going to spontaneously combust. Your head resting on his chest, he's sure you can hear his frantic, pounding heartbeat. But he can't bring himself to care, not when you're finally exactly where he wants you to be. In his arms.

That's why he doesn't hear the first beep, or if he does, he doesn't pay any attention, entranced by your beauty, your kindness and the mesmerizing color of your eyes.

But when you stop dancing, your eyebrows raised, "What's that beeping noise? It doesn't stop," he hears it too, cold sweats washing over him as panic courses through his body.

"I... I must... I must go," he stammers, and honestly he's about to throw up. He can't think, can't speak. All he knows is that he doesn't want you seeing him crawling around. He won't allow it. He can't.

Fuck.

That's why he leaves. He just strolls off. He doesn't see the appalled look you're giving him, doesn’t' realize he's leaving his black cane behind, doesn't hear the despair in your tone as you shout, "wait, please! I don't even know your name!"

He has only taken a few steps when crocodile tears run down his cheeks, blurring his sight. It hurts so much he could scream, and he can barely breathe as the realization starts to sink in. Who was he trying to fool? Sigurd had been right all along. No matter the exoskeleton, no matter the genius of his godfather, he's still a freak. A monster. An abnormality.

He doesn't belong. He's not worthy.

Fuck.

His heart shatters in a thousand pieces.

Fuck.

Y/N.

Fuck.

🛡⚔️🛡

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[ask-runaan-anything]

Blush challenge? When’s the first time Ethari threatened someone to protect you?

He threatened Tiadrin, and I nearly had a heart attack.

I'd been to see him at his workshop the day before, for... weapon reasons... and when I followed my feet back to drink in the sight of him pick up my repaired sword, I walked in on him planting his feet and standing between her and my sword on his worktable. He was pointing imperiously at her, and then toward the door where I'd just walked in, and his voice had gone deliciously burry.

I froze in my tracks, entirely lost as to what I'd walked in on, but I needn't have worried. Ethari wasn't looking my way. He was tearing Tiadrin a new one for overworking me so often! He called her irresponsible and callous, and he compared her unfavorably to a "warmongering fool," which set her right eye twitching dangerously.

That's when I nearly had my heart attack. Tiadrin doesn't give much warning before she strikes, and you have to know what you're looking for or you'll miss it.

I was mid-calculation on which of them to hold back first when Tiadrin sensed me and asked me, while holding eye contact with Ethari, "Is that true, Runaan? You feel overworked?"

Little shadow, I did not feel overworked. I felt overwhelmed with feelings that I did not know how to express, and this moment was no different. I knew my damaged weapons were 90% ruse in order to plant me in front of Ethari again and again, with a reasonable excuse that even I could wink at. So, naturally, I couldn't just out my entire convoluted scheme in front of him. Or in front of her.

But I didn't have to. Ethari shifted to stand between Tiadrin and me. When he spoke, his voice was still soft, but it carried a dangerous steely glint. "You need to let him rest. He's no good to you exhausted."

Her gaze bored into him, slipped past his ear and stabbed me, and returned to his face. It took me far longer than I like to admit, to understand that she sized us up in that moment in a way we couldn't manage ourselves. "He's no good to anyone exhausted," she told him. "Runaan, you're excused from training today. But stay here and make sure this lazy craftsman completes the work you asked of him. I expect you back tomorrow."

And she stalked out.

That left Ethari and me standing awkwardly in his workshop. I tucked my arms behind my back out of habit, but he approached me slowly. "You really do look tired. I promise you, your sword is ready. I was just stalling... I didn't mean to get you in trouble."

"You stalled an assassin... you stalled Tiadrin... for... me?" I managed.

He nodded. "So you might get a lighter day in training. If you're damaging your weapons so regularly, she must be pushing you way too hard. I thought, if I just... didn't give it back to you quite yet... she couldn't run you into the ground for a day." His eyes searched my face, and his dark brows lifted under his shaggy fringe. "You really do look tired. Does Tiadrin really expect you to stay here all day and monitor me?"

I nodded. "Tiadrin expects everything she says to be followed to the letter."

He shot a smoldering glare after her and grumbled, "Well, she's not the boss of me. My workshop, my rules."

I nodded swiftly, not wanting him to think I sided with Tiadrin on this issue. "You can work on other projects today, yes? And I can, ah..." I searched the room for somewhere unobtrusive to tuck myself out of his way.

"Do you want to sleep? You can use my bed. Tiadrin can glare at me all she likes, but I'd never rat on you. I've got a nice soft pillow, if you like your pillows soft... Runaan?"

Little shadow, when I tell you that my cheeks turned moonberry red at the thought of sleeping in the same place where Ethari slept... I could not breathe, I could not feel my feet, I had no idea where to point my eyes, and I let out the most undignified little squeak I've possibly ever made in my life.

"The mouse is back," Ethari teased me, and I nearly perished on the spot. "Don't worry, if you're not actually tired - even though you should be! - then you can just... Is it going to be too boring if you just... watch me work? I can tell you what I'm working on, if you like."

"Please-" I blurted, desperate for any idea to fill my mind with that didn't involve lying down and smelling Ethari's scent all around me.

His smile at my eagerness was so soft and happy that I tried to think of something else to say to please him. But he spoke first. "Let me make you some tea, then, and we'll get started."

We.

He said we.

I nodded, and he popped out to fetch the tea, and I stood in his workshop with moonberry cheeks and a heart that was determined to yank me up to the Moon itself.

Ethari wanted to spend the day with me, wanted to protect me, wanted to take care of me. I couldn't quite accept that at the time, but now I know what he was truly saying.

My cheeks were right all along.

[boxofbadaddiction]

A Likely Story

Fred Weasley x Reader

Warnings: Swearing.

This story is inspired from a request of my F.R.I.E.N.D.S Themed Prompt List.

Prompts: 9, 16 & 18

"They don't know that we know they know"

"DANGER!"

"What a small world./Yet I never run into Beyoncè"

"What'd you tell George?"

"Told him I had detention with Snape for setting off Dungbombs in his Second Years class."

"Hmm, very believable."

"That's because it's true."

"Why am I not surprised?"

"What'd you tell your mates?"

"Just said I was going for a walk."

"Guess that'll do. Remind me to give you some pointers on how to lie when we get back."

"Very funny."

Every word spoken echoed off the damp walls of the One Eyed Witch Passage as Fred and Y/n made their way through the dark tunnel. The only source of light being the soft glow emitting from the tips of their wands, allowing only enough visibility to see just infront of them as they walked.

The pair were currently sneaking from the Castle on a day which were not allocated for any Hogsmead Visitations. It were a school day. However, rather than sitting about the Castle grounds for the two free periods in their schedules, Fred had the brilliant idea of escaping the unbearable reign of Umbridge - even if only for a few hours, by taking a trip into town.

"You know they know, right?"

"Ahh, but they don't know that we know they know. Now do they?" Fred grinned as he shoved y/ns shoulder with his own playfully, before intertwining their cold fingers. "I fail to see how that matters" "makes it all the more fun." "Whatever makes you happy, Big Guy." "You mean, aside from you?"

Y/n rolled her eyes at his cheesiness, but smiled nonetheless. Stopping abruptly from a harsh tug at her hand, one that had her being pulled flush against Fred - chest to chest.

Threading his wand between his fingers, he brought his other hand to the back of y/ns neck and kissed her deeply.

The kiss left her flushed, biting her lip to suppress a giddy smile which naturally only caused a smug grin to appear on the face of her partner.

Sensing how inflated his ego was becoming y/n stepped back, shoving his chest, "Hurry up and get me out of here, loverboy, I'm freezing."

This wasn't the first time the two had been in a situation such as this. They had been in a relationship for quite a few months now but were keeping it secret - for the most part anyway, but they knew the others were suspicious.

There were several reasons why they felt their relationship needed to remain secret. One being for the fact Y/n were a Slytherin. Whom for as long as anyone could remember had despised the Weasleys, and vice versa. The second, and most crucial reason was due to y/ns family. She was a Y/l/n. A family who, like the Malfoys and LeStrange, were blood purists and for that matter hated Muggles, Muggleborns and Blood Traitors alike. A trait not inherited by that of the y/l/ns only daughter. Y/n.

After overcoming the years of conditioning by her parents; painting the Weasleys, anyone alike and Muggleborns as the enemy or lessers, she'd surrounded herself with friends of all houses and blood-status.

She even discovered there to be a remarkable amount of similarities between herself and that of the Redheaded family. Soon enough finding herself regularly in comfortable conversation with the Twins during their shared classes, after years of the ridiculous feud between them buried itself in the past. It then naturally didn't take long for her to start falling for the older, louder, Twin.

Though people acknowledged she were different to her family the pair were still hesitant about the reaction they'd receive being together in public, so they thought it best to keep to themselves. Which lead to a lot of sneaking around. Hence todays secret date in Hogsmead.

A few moments later Fred and Y/n reached the trap door of Honeydukes Cellar. Fred was the one to check the coast were clear. Smiling as he watched the owners feet retreating up the basements staircase to the store above. Piece of Cauldron Cake he thought. They silently slipped through the shop, completely unnoticed.

Glad to finally have the freedom to be with one another openly the two let out relieved breaths upon being met with the chilly fresh air of Hogsmead.

They happily strolled throughout the streets hand-in-hand going about their usual routine. A quick stop to The Three Broomsticks for a couple Butterbeers then off to what they'd deemed as "their spot", a clearing by the forest over looking the Shrieking Shack where they regularly met of a weekend for lunch and much needed time together.

Fred was spinning his girlfriend as if dancing as they walked, smiling, laughing and unashamedly flirting loudly as they did so.

The two were in a world of their own as they rough housed in the soft snow, throwing handfuls at one another. Unfortunately, blissfully unaware of the approaching complication in their secret rendezvous.

"Well, well, well." Came a cold voice from behind them, one which sent chills down y/ns spine - she would know that voice anywhere. Lucius Malfoy.

The teenagers turned with identical deadpan expressions to the man before them. "What a small world." "And yet I never run into Beyoncè" y/n countered sarcastically, her tone bitter and harsh.

"Whatever would one make of this, Hmm? A y/l/n fraternising with a Weasley..." Luicus eyed Fred with distaste, as if it were unsettling to simply be in his presence.

Fred stood tall and firm in place; a murderous glare thrown towards the arrogant man as he grit his teeth.

"One?" Y/ns brow raised in question, her voice drawing Malfoys attention back to her. He simply nodded in response, causing the girl to scoff as realisation struck. An exasperated smile tugging at her lips whilst she spoke, "Right. Going to rat me out to Daddy for having a friend, Lucius?" "But of course not." He took a step closer to the couple, "for being outside the grounds of Hogwarts, accompanied by an irresponsible and perpetually reckless boy however..." y/n swallowed harshly, a wave of fear coursing through her veins as her confidence faltered.

"Well, one might say it were my responsibility to report your little...adventure today. My, I can't begin to imagine the misfortune one might be subjected to less the High Inquisitor learn of such a blatant disregard for school protocols. Those for the offenders...or the Headmaster for that matter."

Y/n was silently panicking at these words. Dumbledore has already been on thin ice with the Ministry recently. If anyone finds out, well...that'd be the end of him.

"Of course however, y/n, you would be forgiven on account of your-" "Father." "-innocence, clearly under the manipulation of this one, whom would naturally be expelled." Lucius lazily waved his hand towards Fred. "You don't even know which Weasley 'this one' is." Y/n snapped. "Unimportant. I imagine Delores will be thrilled at the opportunity of finally ridding both from the school. And as for Dumbledore-"

"You're getting ahead of yourself, Malfoy." Fred finally spoke. Stepping forward to stand slightly infront of y/n protectively. His jaw and fists were clenched in rage, knuckles turning ghostly white under the strain in his grip. "Am I?" "Yes. To snitch on us you'd first need proof we were here in the first place." "You Weasleys truly are daft. I believe I have all the 'proof' I'll be needing. Given the fact you are stood right here before me, far from the saftey of the school grounds." "Are we?" Fred subtly reached for y/ns hand as he spoke, holding her palm tight behind his back, eyes staring directly into Malfoys challenging his dominance.

"Because I'm sure if you were to go to the Castle right now; I could be found with my brother and y/n here...undoubtedly studying in the Library." "Is that so?" Lucius had a rather done and ugly expression on his face at Freds antics, whom began smiling wickedly. Uttering a simple "yep." In response.

Their stare-off was broken as Fred glanced over Malfoys shoulder, raising his free arm to wave he greeted loudly, "Hello, Hagrid!" This causing the blonde man to turn in his direction. That was Fred's cue. Taking advantage of the moment and apparating the pair to the passage of the Shrieking Shack.

They took off running, hand-in-hand as they manoeuvred the winding tunnel to the school. Sprinting so quickly that even the Whomping Willow were too slow to react to their sudden appearance as they breached the grounds.

As they reached the, thankfully empty, courtyard they finally allowed themselves the opportunity to breathe and dropped the hold of one anothers hand. Fred swallowed thickly to ease the burning in his throat, "you have to-" "yeah. And you need to-" "yeah."

Exhausted and amused chuckles fell from their lips at the understanding shared between them. Placing one final, frantic, kiss to one anothers lips as goodbye they held each other close not wanting to let go. One of y/ns hands gripped Freds hair tightly whilst the other bunched in the fabric of his shirts collar. Both his hands placed securely on her waist. Y/n whines, knowing he won't be able to break the kiss himself, focusing all her strength she pushed from his chest, "Go" she whispered. Sighing frustratedly from the loss of his lips on hers he nods in agreement before both begin running in opposite directions.

Now thankful he had such a large family Fred was quickly successful in finding a family member to cling himself to. Barrelling down the corridor to where Ron and Harry were walking and conversing over whatever, with their backs to him. Overestimating the force of his current momentum he collided forcefully with the boys shoulders in attempt to steady himself, nearly toppling all three.

"What's your problem!?" Ron snapped angrily. "DANGER!" Fred whisper yelled, very out of breath. The scene brought a rather wide smile to Harrys face, watching as the Twin clutched his side painfully and tried to speak. "If-If anyone asks. I've been here the whole-WHOLE time. Okay!?" He was gesturing wildly between the three of them as he spoke, appearing desperate.

"Oh yeah? And what's in it for us?" Ron asked cockily. "For you, little Brother..." "anything?" He smiled smugly, earning a clap on the shoulder from his flustered older brother. "Not quite, Ronniekins."

Fred's eyes turned dark as he straightened himself, grip tightening on Rons shoulder like a vice. "Cover for me this time and you get to live another day." Ron was wincing at the pain being inflicted by the hold on his shoulder, "You-you can't do anything to me." Harry looked sceptical at this, it was Fred Weasley afterall.

"Can't I? It's a big Castle, Ronnie. Accidents happen." Fred's stare hadn't left Ron's eyes the whole time he spoke. A smirk forming on his face as if taking joy in the countless possibilities he had playing on his mind.

Noticing the poorly restrained fear spreading through his brother as Ron gulped thickly he lightened his grip knowing he's won.

"F-fine. Doesn't bother me anyway. Not like it's a huge inconvenience is it, Harry?" Ron tried to play the moment off cooly, though the panic was evident on his voice. "Not at all" Harry laughed but suddenly his expression soured. Looking forward to the entrance of the hall.

"Is that...Lucius?" The Weasleys heads turned to see the pale face of Malfoy striding towards them accompanied by Delores and...oh God. Freds blood ran cold.

"It is, and Titus Y/l/n! What are they doing here?" Ron growled.

"Danger. Danger. Danger." Fred mumbled from the side of his mouth, avoiding eye contact and looking quite nervous, though he played it off much better than his brother had. The boys looked up to him "You didn't..." they spat. Fred cleared his throat as a warning, and it worked just as well as a confession in Harry and Rons opinion, as the three adults approached.

"Potter." "Malfoy."

"Weasley." "Y/l/n."

"Eh-hem" the teens rolled their eyes. "Professor?"

"Tell me, Mr Weasley" she began, looking straight to Fred, "can you account for your whereabouts this afternoon?" "With these two."

"Where's your Twin?" Lucius rudely interrupted. "Haven't the foggiest. Since, ya know...I'm not with him." "It is strange" Umbridge began, "that you are without your Twin, seeing as how you are rarely to find one without the other." She giggled sickly. "Yeah, rarely. But not never."

At his words Lucius' expression became proud and more confident, turning to Delores now to speak. "He's the one. I'm sure of it." "The one what?"

"Enough of this. My daughter, where is she?" Titus interjects. "What...y/n? Stuffed if I know. Don't fancy myself much a snake charmer. What's with the interrogation?"

"Well it would seem, Mr Malfoy here has a rather interesting story to share on the topic of two seventh years strolling about Hogsmead not even an hour ago. A Weasley and-"

"My daughter. Where is she!?"

"I've already told you. I don't know!" Titus began advancing on Fred, rage burning clear in his eyes, "I'm warning you, Weasley. If you've in anyway involved yourself with y/n I will-"

"Dad?" A soft voice called from the end of the corridor. "Y/n." The girl looked around at the gathered group confusedly before stepping between Fred, Harry and Ron to embrace her Father in a quick greeting. "What are you doing here?" "Where have you been?" "Where-what? I've been-" "the Library perhaps?" Lucius raised a mocking brow. "What? No I-I was taking a walk by the Lake." "A likely story."

"Lucius here, tells me you were in Hogsmead with this boy." Titus gestures to Fred a venom held behind his voice.

Y/n looks over Fred with visible disgust, whilst he smiles coldly back. "Why on Earth would I ever surround myself with the likes of them?" She spits. Looking back to her Father as if highly insulted by his accusation.

Titus observes the interaction carefully as if watching for any weakness in their story. But he finds none. His expression softens as he turns back to his daughter completely. "I apologise, y/n/n. Lucius was obviously mistaken." He glares back over his shoulder to the blonde man who scoffs in response. "I would nev-" "Save it, Lucius." Titus growls. "But, Titus if I may, why would Mr Malfoy report this if it were not-" "you may not." The girls father puts an end to Umbridges interruption as she'd attempted to defend the other man. "I trust my daughter to know of the correct company to keep. Lucius was obviously mistaken and has by extension wasted my time."

Thankfully the adults were too busy bickering for anyone to notice the small smiles that threaten to break onto the faces of the gathered teenagers.

"I'm sorry, dear. I must be leaving now and I hope your studies are going well." "They are Dad, I'll write you and Mum tonight to fill you in on everything. Just as I always do." Y/n smiled. Titus pulled his daughter in for a final hug, placing a soft kiss to her forehead before turning to leave, with a last menacing glare to Delores and Lucius he walked away.

"Well. That will be all, the four of you off to your Common rooms immediately to prepare for dinner. Mr Malfoy if you'd follow me I'll escort you from the Castle." Umbridge spoke.

Harry and Ron couldn't contain their giggles at the insulted reaction shown by Malfoy as he turned to leave.

Lucius took one final look over his shoulder to the teens, who had not moved, being met with the taunting smile and small wave of y/n with Fred now standing confidently beside her.

Once finally out of sight the couple fell into hysterics, Fred wrapping an arm around y/ns shoulder as they laughed.

"What the bloody hell did you two do!?" Ron asked through a wide grin. "Just took a quick trip into town that's all..." "Safe to say our secrets out, Freddie." Y/n whispered to him as she noted all the students watching the group, paying particular attention to Freds arm around her. "Secret? You kidding! You two are the most obvious people on the planet!" Harry quipped. "George has been taking bets on how long it'll take for you two to just come out and admit it." "I know." Spoke Fred, "I had Colin Creevey place 7 Sickles on it for me." "You bet on us!?" "The odds were on my side! But thanks to Malfoy date-crashing I'm out of it now."

"About that, how did you two get back here so fast?" Ron questions.

"We apparated to The Shack then hauled ass." Y/n answered. "The pros of being 17" Fred winked, pulling y/n back into his chest, resting his chin atop her head. As his arms wrapped around her she nestled herself comfortably within his embrace with a lovestruck smile.

"Right well, as amusing as that was, this-" Ron guestured to the couple, "is gonna turn my stomach. And I'm starving so, Harry, coming to get ready for dinner?" the bluntness causing his best friend to roll his eyes with a chuckle. "Yeah alright. And I'll be sure to tell George all about this if we run into him along the way." Harry joked, waving to the couple as they walked towards the Gryffindor common room.

They stood there for a moment, contently basking in each others warmth before y/n turned in place to face her boyfriend with a cheekily grin. "So, still think I need tips on how to lie?" Fred clicks his jaw as he pretends to be deep in thought. Nodding slowly as he answers, "yeah, yep. Absolutely." "I just successfully dooped not only my Father but Delores fucking Umbridge! Okay? I deserve a frickin' gold star."

Fred can't help but laugh at her comment. "Alright, first of all. 'Dooped'? That is the least cool thing you've ever said. Secondly, you're so cute when you get all sassy. And unfortunately for you, I'm fresh out of gold stars...but I'll happily reward you for that semi-decent performance." Y/ns mouth falls open at the last words, "semi-decent!?" Fred nods innocently, "You sir, are a twat!" She states firmly as she pushes out of his arms making the redhead laugh loudly.

Taking a strong grip to her wrist as she begins to walk away he pulls her back to him, wrapping an arm around her waist as the other fists the hair at the nape of her neck pulling her lips into his.

The kiss is hard and passionate, as if he's trying to make up for their spoiled date in this one moment. And it's working, fireworks erupt within y/ns chest as goosebumps spread over her skin and she can't help the soft moans that sound from her throat. It's perfect.

Fred smiles as he rests his forehead against hers, feeling like he's drunk an entire Cauldron of love potion. "You were brilliant today, love." He whispers. "Fred, that kiss was...wow." he hums in response. "I still want the star though." she goads making him roll his eyes and throw his head back in exasperation. She can feel the silent laughter radiate through his body as she holds him close bringing her head to rest against his chest.

Freds arms hold y/n tighter as he lets out a comfortable sigh, placing his head atop of hers. Eyes softly closing in complete bliss. As fun as all the sneaking around was he could get used to this. Holding her when, where and for as long as he wants? To Fred, that sounds exactly like Heaven.

[elminx]

2021 has an incredibly intense year in so many ways (I'm sure many of you can relate). I still remember the before-me and I'm getting acquainted with who this after-me is going to be but living in the constant liminality of this moment has been an on-going challenge. I've been counting my days by moon cycles because time hasn't mattered otherwise in a very long time.

Except now somebody decided that tomorrow is different. That day - in the middle of this fog - that day is the right day to start anew.

I don't do resolutions but I'm fond of goals. I set myself a lofty three: to walk to the cemetery every single day with my camera, to read 28 books, and to write a post a week on my blog. I accomplished the third, missed the second by almost ten, and walked to the cemetery many days of the year but certainly not all, and surprisingly few times with my camera.

My other big goal of the year was to pick one plant to focus on every month whether for eating, growing, or other forms of magic. In the Winter months when plant life is scarce around here, the pickings where easy. I worked with citrus quite a bit but focused much of my time and attention of the beautiful towering evergreens which dominate the winter landscape here in Southern New England.

I fell instantly in love with using Eastern White Pine as a road opener and used a combination of different evergreens together to create powerful protection and healing products. I still haven't posted publicly about the protection candles that I made out of evergreen oil in the early springtime.

Then, all it once spring kicked in and I found myself having to choose between working with dandelion or working with violet (both of whom decided to bloom in Dora's garden at the exact same time). It was obvious that one botanical a month wasn't going to cut it. I made it work though. As I count out my botanical allies of the year, the total is more than twelve. I just had to let what wanted to come to me, come to me. My partner needed an anti-itch salve more than anything this Summer and an overabundance of jewelweed pretty much fell into my hands.

My recollections of the year go much like that. We realized we needed something, and found a way to make it work. I've been trying hard to localize my craft and have found chicory growling in the ditches and mugwort in the fallow fields. I stumbled upon bags of $3 fresh peaches at the local flower stand and my friends handed us bags of their yard pears.

I found that I had to seek out a lot less than was expected. That I could trust in what nature provided. My bestie had too many nasturtium and my neighbor down the street was weeding out her deadnettle. I did travel to the beaches of Cape Cod for some rose hips but otherwise, the earth, right where I was living, provided. In more abundance than I found that I had time for on some days.

I promised myself that 2021 would be a year of learning and it certainly was. But I didn't do so with my nose in a book nearly as much as I imagined - instead I walked a frozen lake in the dead of Winter to discover Bearberry deep in the woods. And I returned to watch the frog's eggs grow in the vernal pool for four weeks running while I visited my friends baby goats.

I spent my time chasing bees and butterflies and making friends with my neighborhood trees. I visited the ocean three times and lost myself in the wildness as often as I possibly could.

I find myself wondering where the time gone but then I see snippets of my many adventures in photographs and my journals. I fiddled endlessly with kitchen projects: eastern white pine vodka, a failed winter gin, another failed violet liqueur, but a win on dandelion jelly, and beautiful evergreen candles. Plus, my evergreen salve! We ate the evergreens, and lamb's quarters, and nasturtium with glee. My peony jam didn't set but the strawberry and rosehips were a complete success. I brandied pears and made everything imaginable out of apples and cranberries.

It doesn't feel like enough but I think that is what makes me a bit of a scientist as well as a witch. There is always another herb to try, something that if I only had time to experiment with it, I might make such beautiful and ephemeral magic.

I confess, I do not understand how we are here again already. It seems like only yesterday that it was the new years last and I was wandering around hoping to find spruce for my kitchen projects.

And so, I make my goals again. To go outside with my camera every single day (and walk to the cemetery when I can), to live in the moment and in touch with what the universe is giving me, to read two books a month, and to continue to share it all with you.

[eternalstann]

Two of Us - Part 3

In which Peter Parker watches over you when a new threat to the avengers emerges. With just the two of you, who knows what could happen?

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader

Wordcount: 2k

Warnings: Smut!!!!

Part 1 Part 2

________________________________

You wake up to the sound of pots and pans clanking in the kitchen. "Peter what's that?" You ask sitting up in bed, rubbing your eyes. "Shit! Where's Morgan?" he exclaims jumping up to go towards the noise. You bite your lip when you notice his length standing at attention. "Morning wood?" You laugh, standing up to stretch. "Haha very funny, go check on Morgan" he shoos you away. "I'm going, I'm going!" You giggle, making your way to the kitchen.

"Good morning Morgan, what are you doing?" You ask leaning against the island, looking down at her fiddling with a pot in her left hand a pan in her right. "I wanted to make you and Peter breakfast!" she smiled up at you. "It's not going to well though. I'm vertically challenged. I can't reach anything" she pouted. You burst out laughing. You were convinced Morgan was the smartest, funniest little girl alive. "It's the thought that counts" you reply, bending over to pick up the cookware.

You jump when you feel a smack on your ass, "good morning" Peter chirped, picking Morgan up. "Why'd you smack Y/N's butt? Was she a bad girl?" she furrowed her brow, looking back and forth between the two of you. "Oh she's been a very bad girl" he smirked, slapping your ass again. "Oooo Y/N's been a bad girl" she sang, poking your cheek. "Guess I need to be punished" you shrug, looking Peter in his eyes. You get on your hands and knees, to finish putting away what Morgan has pulled out. You slid against the floor, arching your back before looking over your shoulder at Peter. You can see his Adam's apple go up and down when he swallowed. A pained expression was painted on his pretty face.

Your little show was cut short by Peters phone ringing. All of you pause, you look at Peter and reach for the phone once he nods at you in approval. "Hello?" You ask into the receiver of the phone. "Y/N? It's Tony" You sigh before placing it on speaker phone. "Hey Tony" you and Peter reply in unison. "Daddy!" Morgan screams and you smile when Tony laughs into the phone.

"Hey Morgan, how're Peter and Y/N treating you? Did they lock you in the basement and only feed you bread crumbs?" He joked and you rolled your eyes. "No we baked a cake, then we watched Shrek! The compound is creepy when it's empty so Y/N and Peter let me sleep with them. Then Peter said Y/N was a bad girl and she needed to be punished but I've been good-" Peter snatched the phone from Morgan. "Everything is good Mr. Stark, see you soon!" He clicked the end button. "Hey!" Morgan protested, looking at Peter like he pulled her hair.

You were about to say something when you heard the ping of a text message notification.

'Why were you and Y/N in the same bed? I better not come home to any spider babies that can conjure up thunder storms. I called because Pepper is coming to get Morgan today. P.S I won't tell Thor about your little love affair...YET. Tell Morgan I love her 3000'

You both groan at content of the text. You were soooo busted. You knew now you were going to have to tell your dad at some point. Tony wouldn't keep your secret for long. What would you tell him? It wasn't like Peter was your boyfriend, you were literally fuck buddies. Well, almost fuck buddies. Which your father most definitely wouldn't approve of. You could say you were just all platonically sleeping together, but your dad was no fool. And Tony definitely wasn't. 'Y/N's been a bad girl that needed to be punished' yeah that wasn't gonna fly.

"Morgan lets go pack your bag, your mommy's coming to get you today!" You try to be enthusiastic but you were beyond anxious about having to explain yourself. You take Morgan to her room, pull out a small suitcase and sit down by her dresser. "Fuck, I don't know where you're going, how can we pack?" you laugh and so does Morgan. You cover your mouth and apologize for swearing, "It's okay, my daddy does all the time" and you laugh again. "Y/N I had so so much fun. Like fun bigger than the sun!" She exclaims and you're glad she enjoyed herself. You were a little upset about Tony finding out but how could you be mad at her?

"So did I Morgan, I think you're the most fun person I know" you tell her and she grins. Just then Peter pops his head into the the room. "Pepper is here" he spoke and you frown. "How do you know?" You ask him. You handnt heard the intercom or doorbell. "Spidey senses, remember?" He wriggles his eyebrows and you shake your head. "Go let her in!" You shoo him away and he goes.

You can hear Pepper greeting Peter, and so can Morgan from the way she jumped up and ran to the sound of her voice. You follow behind her, at a much slower pace of course. Morgan is hugging her moms legs when you finally make it to where they all were. "Hey Pepper" you hug her, Morgans little body smooshed between you. When you let go the tiny girl takes an exaggerated inhale. "I couldn't breathe!" she squeals and her mother rolls her eyes at her dramatics. "How was she?" Pepper asks, scooping her daughter up. "She was really good!" Peter tells her, giving Morgan a high five. "Yeah! Y/N and Peter are more fun then you and daddy" she informs her mom, & Pepper fakes offense. "That's because Peter and Y/N are twenty years younger than mommy and daddy miss thing, now lets finish getting your things together."

Once Pepper is upstairs Peter pulls you close to him. "Peter not yet!" you groan, but he ignores your reasoning and begins kissing down your neck. "I wanna fuck you now" he whispers, biting on the shell of your ear. You can feel yourself getting wetter with every word. His hands move down your back until he's gripping your ass. "Been waiting for days" he continues, thrusting against you. You can feel your composure breaking. "I'm going to make you cum so many times you forget how to say anything besides my name".  You lick your lips, so close to giving in to him.

"Okay guys we're going to head out" Pepper's voice echoes down past you two. Her footsteps getting closer and the sound of the suitcase she's lugging rolling towards you. Peters goes to help her, and Morgan shoots by them and rushes to you. She hugs you and grins. "Bye Y/N, be good girl for Peter" she shakes her finger at you and you laugh nervously. Pepper reaches the door and takes back the suitcase. "Bye you guys, Morgan already has enough friends. You don't need to make her a new one" she winks before walking out the door.  You and Peter both look at each other mortified. Of course Tony told Pepper.

You shut the door and you don't even get a chance to turn around before Peter has you pressed against the door. He ruts against your ass and you close your eyes at the feeling of him. His hands pin yours above your head. "You gonna finally be a good girl for me?" he asks, shoving down your shorts. You nod, pushing back so you could feel more of him. He pushes you so you're bent over and spread open for him. “Fuck Peter, hurry up” you whine, listening to the sound of him undressing. This moment had been almost all you could think about for the past few days and now it was finally here. You were so worked up, your chest heaved with each breathe and he’d barely touched you.

“You look so good” Peter hummed, running the tip of his cock along the length of your folds and you felt like crying. You wanted him so bad. “Please Peter!” You cry out and you choke on your own breathe when he finally obliges. He pushed into you fast and hard. “Oh my god” You hear Peter whisper to himself once he’s fully sheathed inside of you. You felt so full, you knew you’d never find a satisfaction like this again. You brace yourself when Peter starts to move, pulling out slowly before entering you again. The drag of how he felt inside of you was intoxicating. Both his hands held tight to your hips, holding you in place. You craned your neck to look back at him, the sight of him sending tingles through your body. You couldn’t believe such a beautiful man was inside of you, making you feel like this.

Peter caught you looking at him, the two of you maintaining eye contact while he spoke, “I’m gonna fuck the shit out of you”. You don’t break your stare until he slams into you. You nearly collapse at the pleasure that floods every inch of you. He keeps his pace and continues to fuck you hard and deep. Your legs quake and you feel like you could cum already. Each pump bringing you closer and closer to the edge. His strokes have your toes curling and your fingers scratching against the smooth surface of the door, desperate to grab onto something.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck” you chant, on the brink of your orgasm. “Don’t you fucking cum yet” Peter growls, landing a hard smack on your ass. You squeeze your eyes shut and focus on not coming but when Peter reaches down and starts rubbing your clit it’s a lost cause. You cum harder than you ever have. Your legs giving out and Peter literally has to catch you. “What did I say?” He asks before laying you on the ground. You can’t even respond, you just lay there staring up at his gorgeous frame, completely blissed out. He’s on top of you, his warmth encompassing you. His big hands move your legs over his shoulders before he leans down to kiss you. It’s a heated kiss, one you wish would last forever. It doesn’t though. Peter thrusts into you, and your mouth falls open breaking the kiss. You look at him and see the cocky smile on his face. You want to slap it off but lose your train of though when he starts to move again.

“Wish I could stay in this pussy for the rest of my life” he moans, his arms on either side of your head to hold himself up. Your eyes fall shut, just taking in this moment. He changes his angle, hitting a spot that has your back arching off the floor. His name falls from your lips over and over again as he hits that magical spot. Your pussy clenches around his length as you reach your second orgasm and Peter picks up his pace even more. He’s frantic, his thrusts are quick and sloppy, his body sliding against yours; pelvis rubbing your sensitive clit. He buries his face into your neck as he cums inside of you. Whispers of your name hit the skin of your neck and you’re completely wrecked.

Peter gently pulls out of you, and the emptiness feels so foreign to you now. He picks you up and carries you to the couch laying you down before curling up beside you. “That was...wow” he smiles at you, and you laugh. “I’m so happy right now” you admit, wrapping your arms around him. “You better put some clothes on unless you want it again” He groans, pinching your nipple and you squeal. Your chest flutters at his sultry words. You could feel yourself getting wet for him again.

“Oh; Don’t worry Peter, we’ve got a lot more work to do”

________________________

Finally!! I was gonna make this one long thing but I cut it into two parts. The next chapter is pure smut so get ready😛 I hope you enjoyed this! Love you❤️

@vxidnik @satansbabe1 @professionalphangirluniverse @lexiauteur @lowkey-lokis-bitch @la-vie-en-amour1 @spideylovesyou3000 @friendlyneighbourhoodmercenary @igoldieloxi @linlou117 @mutuallynotmutual @bloominess @colored-confetti @ajl090 @hollywaterpls @cubedtriangle @georgialeighc13

[lilibug--xx]

Kayla my love! You deserve 10x the amount of followers but I will celebrate nonetheless. For a fic prompt, how about Betty/Veronica with 13 or 38? And obviously I've been naughty.

(@veronica–luna Paige! You are too cute for words and I love you. I went with 38!)

It started out slow. 

Granted, they kissed before they ever really became friends to begin with. Veronica always liked to do things for spite, and it didn’t even phase her to kiss Betty in front of the cheerleading squad while Cheryl watched on with a sour face. 

But it landed them on the squad in the end, a little more push and shove to it but Betty was busy wiping Veronica’s lipstick off her lips with the claw of her fingers—too stuck on what it felt like than the reason behind it. 

Then it was a hand on her arm, fingers straightening a wrinkle, nails scratching through her scalp as she re-did her ponytail, the bump of their shoulders sitting close together—the smell of expensive perfume that lingered even in her dreams. 

Seven minutes in heaven at Cheryl’s house on the night of Homecoming changed everything and nothing when she spun the bottle and it landed on Veronica. They walked out of the closet with the same color lips and this time Betty didn’t bother scraping it away. 

“What’s the harm in a kiss?” Veronica shrugs over her salad the following Monday, when Kevin inquires about what happened during their time. 

His eyebrows rise the same amount that Betty shrinks in her seat. 

“Everything?” he challenges, with a tilt of his head in Betty’s direction. She can feel the bump of his knee against hers but she doesn’t look up from where she was picking at the skin of her apple. 

“We’re just friends, Kev.” Veronica rolls her eyes, stabbing a slice of cucumber on the end of her fork and crunching down on it, her lips a perfect burgundy. “I used to kiss my girlfriends all the time in New York." 

"Your girlfriends—" 

"Not like that,” she waves her fork at him. “Maybe it’s just a posh thing." 

"Maybe it’s a rich kids with nothing better to do thing,” Kevin offers a little quieter, a touch of resentment in the way he hunched over the table. 

“Oh we had plenty of better things to do, I’m sure. Riverdale is so droll in comparison." 

They let it drop when Archie joins them at the table, his guitar provoking more questions than the ones still fluttering around in Betty’s stomach. She’s not sure why, but she can’t eat the rest of her lunch when she notices Veronica’s hand on his thigh under the table. 

The next thing she knows is it’s Christmas and even though Veronica isn’t supposed to have any money, she still does by anyone else’s standards and it hurts when Betty opens her gift. 

An opulent gold key necklace, a single pearl dangling from the same chain. It feels expensive and her own hand-knitted beret and scarf set feels like a joke. But Veronica loved it anyway, wrapping her up in a hug, lips at her ear and neck whispering her thanks, making Betty’s heart nearly beat out her chest. 

She replaced her old necklace for the new and the weight at her throat was almost a comfort. 

Then, on Valentine’s day, Veronica gives her a card with a lipstick printed kiss over the seal and a matching imprint left on her cheek. 

"Happy Valentine’s day, Bee.” She runs the side of thumb over the glossy mark, before tapping her on the nose. “Now, have you seen Kevin? Or Jughead? I want to give them theirs before lunch." 

Betty glances down at the stack of similar cards in her grasp and it’s no wonder her stomach sinks. 

"Not sure, haven’t seen them,” she murmurs, fingertips grazing over her cheek and coming back sticky. 

“I can always cover you in more." 

Betty looks up from the card with a scrunch of her nose. "What?”

“Wipe my kiss away and I’ll cover you in more,” Veronica teases, lips curving up. “That’s what I’m going to tell Jughead too. I want everyone to know who my Valentine’s are." 

"Right,” she answers, fingers itching to scrape down her cheek to see if she’s being serious. “He probably won’t listen." 

She was right of course, and she had to bite back her laugh when Veronica chased him down the hall with her heels clacking loudly all the way. 

It’s Spring Break when Veronica touches her, and maybe they can blame it on the warm air in Cancun and the increase in bare skin, but it’s almost certainly the bottle of tequila Hiram allowed them to take from the villa down to the beach. 

They’re laying in the shade, biting limes and licking salt from their wrists as they sip from the bottle and get drunk beneath the afternoon sun. Her mother would kill her if she knew this was what she was doing. It was a wonder Veronica’s parents convinced her at all to let Betty go. 

But they did, and it melts her inside everytime Veronica speaks an ounce of Spanish. Which, is a lot, considering they’re in Mexico. 

Perhaps she says as much, lips a little looser from the alcohol. 

Veronica leans her head to the side, bundling up her hair in a fist to offer her neck out. "Pour the salt on me, mi bella." 

"You’re cruel,” she manages around a laugh, grabbing a pinch of salt and sprinkling it over the crease of Veronica’s neck were her skin is slick.

“Just exploiting your weaknesses." 

"For what?” Betty leans in even closer to lick a wide strip up her neck from where the salt begins. She doesn’t have to imagine Veronica’s shudder or her sharp little intake of breath, because she’s painfully aware of it all. She licks her lips of the taste and only moves back far enough to tag a swig from the tequila bottle. 

A little bit dribbles down her chin and she swipes at it with the back of her hand. Before she can reach down for a lime, Veronica holds one up to her lips. She bites down, lips puckering around the fruit and shuddering at the dark gaze watching her with rapt attention. 

She releases the lime, lips parting to take in a breath but then Veronica is kissing her. There’s a hand in her hair, one on the bare skin of her thigh where fingertips are reaching beneath the hem of her coverup. 

Betty sighs, shoulders relaxing as she sets the tequila bottle down to bring a hand up to slide into Veronica’s dark hair. She grips, pulling and leaning closer, shuffling further into the gravity of their connection where she feels like she’s tumbling head first into darkness. 

It’s different than the time they kissed at Homecoming, with the light and warmth streaming through the flutter of their eyelashes as they breathe each other in. Their breath salty and sweet as the lines blurs where one begins and the other ends. 

Veronica’s hand finds her hip, fingernails scratching over the tie of her bathing suit, trailing toward the front where she parts her legs the best she can. Then it’s tentative but sure fingers brushing over the space between her thighs, over the damp nylon covering her sex. And she bites down on the lip between her own, gently, even though it doesn’t mask the whimper that floods the other girls mouth. 

Her chest expands with a pent up breath, Veronica licking into her the seam of her lips and corner of her mouth and her fingers brushing more firmly until she feels she might just combust. 

“Veronica,” she pants, hand tightening in her hair to tug her away for just a moment. To allow a sliver of space between them if only to lick at each other’s lips and find the remnants of salt and sweat not their own. “What are we doing?" 

"Just kissing,” Veronica murmurs, though her fingers are still brushing, thumb sweeping down just over Betty’s clit and she nearly sits up on her knees at the sensation that feels so foreign. “What’s a little kissing between friends?”

But she’s had enough of that, a huff blowing through her lips as she moves her other hand to grab hold of Veronica’s wrist. 

“We’re not just friends and you fucking know it." 

Veronica’s mouth parts, tongue sweeping over her bottom lip to wet it. It’s strawberry red like the paletas they ate earlier. "¿Porque no los dos?”

She laughs, eyes crinkling shut before darting forward to press a kiss to her lips, sucking in her breath of surprise. “You did that on purpose." 

"Sí.” Veronica grins, fingers now creeping beneath the hem of her bottoms. 

Betty finds she can’t find much more to complain about, as her head tilts back with a hum. Lips find her throat and ear, teeth biting into her skin with the same firm pressure as searching fingers. 

It feels like heaven.

[leelee10898]

Fast cars and Freedom: Style (3/?)

Pairing: Logan x Ellie, Colt x Ellie

Rating: Mature, Ns*w content.

Summary: Ellie has a chance meeting with Logan in the club. Will she tell him her secret?

AN: I am having so much fun writing this, Hope you all enjoy the bits of fluff in this one... nothing last forever, and unfortunately the drama is coming! As always if you would like added to the tag list, drop me a line. Catch up HERE

Chapter title inspiration:

He leaned in wrapping her up in a hug. “It's so good to see you Ellie.” she hugged him back, breathing in his scent. “Its ah. good to um, see you too Logan.” she stumbled on her words. “What are you doing in L.A? Are you living here?”

“What?” she shouted.

“what are you doing in L.A?” he shouted back.

“I can't. I can't hear you over the music.” she shouted again. He leaned in closer to her ear “I'm in the VIP section, it's a little quieter there lets catch up.” Ellie looked at Logan and back at the Bar, but Riya was gone. “I'm here with Riya, I can't find her.” she stood on her tiptoes. He nodded “I'll help you find her, she can join us.”

They looked all over for Riya when they finally ran into her coming from the bathroom.  “Oh El, I've been looking all over for you. Dare text Marcus is running a fever, I have to go.” her eyes finally looking at the man standing next to her. “Logan?” she looked between Ellie and him, Ellie gave her a pleading look. “Yeah, what are the odds?”

“Hey Riya.” Logan hugged her.

“So Logan it was nice to see you again but Riyas got to go so.”

“You can stay Ellie. I'm sure you and Logan have a lot to catch up on.” Riya smirked. “I can take her home, I would love to catch up.” Ellie nodded, suddenly feeling extremely nervous.  Riya leaned in giving her a hug. “Time to take the training wheels off kiddo. Call me in the morning, I want to know everything.”

Logan led her to the roped off area, sitting down at a private booth. It was just the two of them, she could feel her heart pounding in her ears. “How about a drink?” He broke the silence. “long island iced tea please.” Logan motioned for a waitress giving her their order. “Damn, that was fast.” She giggled as she sipped her drink the waitress just sat down. “One of the perks of VIP, no waiting.” He scooted closer “So Ellie. How have you been?”

She filled him in on graduating top of her class at Langston, which came with challenges. How she majored in accounting, minored in criminal justice. Her job closed down and she took a job back home to be closer to her dad. Logan told her how he went back to school and got his diploma, moving in with vaughn and taking a job with a racing company as a mechanic and pit crew. They put him in a car to do test laps and the bosses were impressed so they promoted him to Driver.

“Logan I am so proud of you, really. I knew you could make something of yourself. And you get paid to drive fast.. Legally.” She squeezed his hand and giggled. “Well, I owe it all to you. If you hadn't of pushed and had confidence in me, I would have never tried. I thought about you every step of the way.” He took her hand in his. She felt her heart skip a beat, after all this time he still had that effect on her.

“So what accounting firm are you with now?” He leaned back, the gears turning in his head. “Trinity. I was able to take my clients with me from my old job, But this place I'm going to need to step my game up. These guys deal with some A list celebrities.”

“You know I'm actually looking for an accountant. My agent was looking into Trinity anyway. It only makes sense now to choose you.” Ellie spit her drink out. “Logan, what? No. I couldn't possibly.”

“You can, I trust you Ellie, and I know you'll have my back.”

“Logan, It's complicated.  I um, need to tell you-” she was cut off by a man in a nice suit approaching Logan. “I apologize Ellie, give me one second.”

She sat at the table, nervously picking her fingers. She looked around noticing a few women giving her dirty looks and clearly talking about her. She couldn't be his accountant, it would be complicated especially once she told him he may have fathered her child. “I'm so sorry Ellie, but I have to cut this short.  My agent scheduled an early morning interview. But hey, give me your number.”

She rattled off her number. Logan sending a text with his own. “Come on I'll give you a ride home.”

They climbed into Logan's car and speed off into the night. “Feels like old times huh?” He grinned. “You have no idea.” she stared out the window, watching the city fly by in a blurr. “You still drive?” he asked.

“yeah, but not nearly as wreckless.” she giggled. Her mind took her back to the night they lifted the cars from the hauler.

*****

She felt so alive, so free, so rebellious. The feeling was Dangerous and sexy, she felt a fire igniting within her as she whipped the supercar through the winding mountain side. After they took the cars to the storage spot, the ride back to the garage was buzzing with adrenaline from all.  Ellie hopped out of the suv and ran up the stairs to the room she was sharing with Logan. She couldn't stand still, it was like she was going to crawl out of her skin if she didnt do something.

Logan walked up the stairs to the room pulling off his white t shirt, doing pull ups. He watched as Ellie paced the floor. “I know that feeling, you're pumped full of adrenaline. It helps to find something to do to take the edge off, like pull ups.” He smirked as he jumped down. Ellie bit her lip as she watched his muscles flex.

“Oh, I know something to take the edge off.” she purred as she quickly closed the distance between them making short work of each others clothes. Logan lifted her up as she wrapped her legs around him, he kicked the door closed, it shutting with an audible bang.

Ximena looked at Mona and grinned. “Looks like somebody's gonna get lucky.” Colt standing right there. He grabbed his helmet and speed off on his bike.

Logan laid her on the bed, he kissed her softly his eyes met hers. “Are you sure?”

Her lips met his “I'm sure Logan.”

He smiled into the kiss as he slowly lowered himself into her. Her fingers digging into his back. He set a slow pace, relishing in the feeling of her beneath him His lips never leaving hers.  The soft moans coming from her driving him wild as he picked up the pace, careful not to be to rough. He knew it was her first time, and he wanted to make it special for her. Her breathing becoming increasingly rapid, he held her close to him as he felt her walls beginning to flutter around him. Her moans grew louder as he gently nipped the sensitive spots on her neck. Her body began to tremble under him as she whimpered. “Its ok Ellie, I got you.” he breathed into her ear. Her fingers dug deep into his shoulders, her eyes snapping shut a burst of white light filing her senses as she came undone.  

*****

A pair of bright headlights in front of them pulled her from her thoughts. “Penny for your thoughts.” He asked, noticing her mind was a million miles away. She shook her head and blushed “Just remembering something, that's all.”

“Hopefully something good.”

“It was.” She smiled at him softly.

Logan was the first person she had slept with. He was so tender, and kind about it. Before meeting Logan, and falling into that lifestyle,  she figured she would save herself until marriage. But things changed, she changed.

Logan pulled up to her father's house. “Well, we're here.” She could hear the sadness in his voice. “yeah, we are. Thanks for the ride home.” she unbuckled her seatbelt, leaning over kissing his cheek.

He breathed in her scent, dulling his senses. He reached over softly cupping her face.  He leaned in, his lips softly capturing hers. She hesitated momentarily before relaxing into the kiss,  She pulled away. “Umm I should go.”

“Ellie, i'm sorry I just. I don't know. I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable.”

“No, Logan you didn't. But my life is complicated and I don't want to lead you on.” she sighed.

“I understand.  So I'll see you soon?” She noticed the hopeful look in his eyes. “Yeah, that would be nice. Good night Logan.” she climbed out of the car. “Good night, Ellie.” he smiled as he drove off.

Ellie walked into the Dark house. Her dad and Luca already asleep. She washed her face and changed into some pjs. She laid in her bed replaying the night over and over again. What were the odds that she would run into Logan? And the kiss, it was as if it were they never stopped. She needed to tell Logan the truth, and soon.

Over the weekend Ellie enjoyed some quiet time with her dad and Luca. Her nerves starting to get the better of her.  Riya had stopped by with Marcus and Ellie filled her in on their night. Finally it was Monday morning, Ellie walked into her new office immediately sitting in on a meeting where her they introduced her. She was shown to her office, she was used to a cubical, this had a door. She walked in sitting at the desk, sinking into the chair. “Hello Ellie, I just wanted to introduce myself. Im Elias Manning, your supervisor.” she stood extending her hand. “Pleasure to meet you Mr Manning.”

“Ellie please. Mr Manning is my father. Call me Elias, or Eli.” he chuckled.

“These were delivered for you.” he handed her an arraignment of a dozen red roses.

“oh, ah thank you.” she sat them down on her desk, noticing a card. “Oh and also, congratulations on picking up Logan Rider, we have been trying to get him for months.” Elias grinned. Ellie's attention on the roses in front of her. “Oh, thank you. Wait. what?”

“I don't know how you did it, but Logan called the firm himself specifically asking for you to be the accountant handling his affairs. Good work Ellie.” He turned and walked away. She slumped down in her chair grabbing the envelope and tearing it open.

Good luck on your first day, You're gonna be great.

Love, Logan.

She picked up her phone pressing his name, he picked up on the first ring “You got my flowers, do you like them?” “They are beautiful Logan. You requested me as your Accountant!”

“I told you. I Trust you and only you to handle it.” He chuckled on the other end.

“Logan. I told you I can't do it. It's way to complicated.” she sighed.  

“You keep saying that.  Ellie it will be fine, don't worry so much. Have dinner with me tomorrow night, we can talk about everything then.” she couldn't see him, but she could feel the grin on his face just by speaking to him.

“Fine.” she let out an exaggerated sigh.” But Logan, we have A LOT to talk about.”

“I look forward to it. I'll pick you up at 6.” his voice so chipper she couldn't help but grin.

She hung up the phone, letting out a loud groan. The day flew by she had about half an hour left before she was done for the day when she got a text from her dad.

DAD: Got a call, the cars ready. Can you pick it up after work?

Ellie: Sure dad, send me the address

She grabbed a cab rattling off the address to the driver. She stared out the window, Logan heavy on her mind. Everything happened so fast, she knew she would have to try to at least track them down, but she figured it would take some time. Instead it was as if the Universe delivered Logan to her,  maybe it was a sign, maybe he was Lucas dad and she wouldn't even have to look for Colt.

His name send an ache through her, she would be lying if she said part of her didn't miss him too. She missed them both, she at one time Loved them both, each for different reasons. She was so caught up in her thoughts she didn't realize the cab came to a stop.

“Miss.  Miss. Were here.”

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ROD

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[whimsically-ominously-auspice]

Uncle Donald gave her $800 in the 1980s

She let him invest it for her up until now

And she has now $45B

I hope you enjoyed your game as there are more to come but with more people as it enters TV for free of course on Channel Fox.

As always enjoy life and what it brings with the most care you can afford.

Don't let the economy, crumble, Uncle Donald, i hit up JP for some cash since Jesse stole mine from United Business Bank located in Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico.

I own Chase, bought it with Donald and sold to the US Government for a mint. Jesse could got in on this deal but he wanted to challenge me instead.

So I asked Uncle Donald for a cash loan, how much he could afford and what was in his wallet. $4000 roughly. So we split it between his 4 kids (the 4th being me) and I gave him back $200 for the rest of the day.

And we returned to the bank and I asked him how to deposit the money into Chase Manhattan because Denise had bought me clothes but I wanted to be a fashion designer and had altered them So she threw them all away in a rage of jealousy and heat.

Of course i started to cry so we went back across the street to McDonald's and we talked. He said "i have a surprise for you, lets get to the bank"

So we walked alllllll around the building, up and down and he talked to a man and got us inside all the back rooms. He said "i wanna buy it!" And he turned to me and asked "would you like to invest your $800 into my bank as an investor?"

I said "what about my clothes! She said i had to return the money or else i get none!"

"But who did she spend the money on?"

"Me and my brothers and and her!"

"Well don't you think Its time to invest in you and your fashion?" He asked for my $800 i had to pull from 4 different pockets and my sock as he taught me to split to beat pick pocketers. And handed it all. He handed me back $200 and I handed it back then he handed me a $5 from his breast pocket and t told me to keep it.

And began to walk to the counter to buy the bank.

I chased after him and put it in his left cost pocket and told him, 'well you know you bought me lunch so you keep it"

I pulled it from his pocket to produce proof I had already given it and he couldn't give it back and then stuffed it back in deep, all the way i nearly ripped his shoulder off for which I promptly apologized, jumped on the counter and rubbed his soreness off and jumped down.

And he started to cry a little bashful at first then a full sob. And I tried to console him and Robby appeared with a trailing line of toilet paper so his silk hanky wouldn't be soiled with snot.

He thanked him and became startled and asked if he wanted in on the investment.

Robby said, "i might but i need to talk to you, I belong to this boarding school ran by this might be soon white bigger as he calls himself, inspired by her and taken completely out of context"

"Michael Jackson" interjected our new found Uncle Donald. "Come let's sit"

We moved to the side of the spacious lobby to a small table accompanied by two plus club chairs.

He and i talked about how neat it would be to have chaise chairs in Chase bank.

"Well, her mom is abusive, mostly about money so i would like to take control of her stock with her permission"

"Yes! I do! And i will wanna get married!" I jumped with my fist in the air and pushed against the chair like a standing push up and stood

....

"Her sit. First I would like to talk to you as an investor. I am run by the boarding house and they teach us things like to steal and bring back to get 'rewards' much often things less than they are worth like a stick of gum for $2 when I can get a whole pack for 20 cents. Uh oh, here he comes"

"Im about to invest into this bank with these two kids you got something you wanna say to me?" Instead of waiting for a reply, uncle Donald got up and briskly walked to the counter, asking to return to a different room, promptly and away from Mr Jackson whom was still solidly black (he doesn't have vitaligo its just bleached).

And we entered a nearly empty office and he turned fiercely, angry even, "this will be your office where you will WORK"

...

"Its okay! We are still friends!" I climbed into the chair then up onto the desk "this is where I will sit"

"Well close your legs and sit like a lady, like this hand me your foot, no don't take off your shoe"

"Well I didn't want to ruin you! Your suit is NICE!!"

And he moved my foot and crossed my ankles and patted my knee and said "or you cross at here"

I took my ankle to my knee "no not like that, that's like a man. Knee to knee"

"Oh like this?" I squeezed my knees together

Robby laughed and Uncle Donald looked flustered

"Oh i know I know cross at my knees, you need to explain better!" I patted his shoulder. In the 80s it was okay to touch, at least for a child.

"I said that first!"

"Oh! I interrupt!"

"No apologize" Robby groaned

"I apologize for interrupting"

"For?" Asked Donald "you can't tell her that Because ---"

"No he could I get misinformation that way"

"Except when I'm being scolded and she knows the truth" said Robby.

Tune in next week for another Miss Adventure of one Wild Single Mom's Childhood!

I had 48 cents. Robby had put in 2500 front Hayes then 1500 each from Mark and Mike Andrews which he had not signed and they got rejected. Yet Jesse notified me of this, restricted my remote deposit privileges and now i am to notify the Sheriff of Hays County, Austin, Texas that the money is kept hidden in the tax and revenue accounts of his great county. And to open an investigation which he will pretend he did and then not. So i get his hush money as well as the other two and the $15B JP Dejoria stupidly just paid me because i Told Jesse to tell his father in law that Jesse is a stupid piece of shit which he didn't.

And of course I will invest in schools across the nation, installing playgrounds at any schools that do not have them, including intermediate, Jr high, middle, High and etc.. And may be finally lockers at least were I'm centrally located and/or where i want to be, namely at high schools at least.

Because that is what I want to do. Make people happy in the funniest ways possible.

And if there is any left I want to reinvest at the parks i originally invested in, initially, to make them better snd brighter, starting at the older to the newer.

I want the world to seem happier and brighter and in the case of schools at least around here once they hit 7th grade (middle school) they change schools to those that no longer have lockers or desks to put things in, 7 or more teachers to please instead of one or two they spend all day with, like a parent who gives love and kindness and retribution, they go through puberty which in itself is a chore. Then the kids riot. I've seen it in small schools and i know it happens in big ones. 20 in one week at the beginning of school less than a mile from my house where i can hear the school bell.

And so they need a place to sleep their weary heads like the shoulder of an old friend instead of weeping a soul they can no longer call their own.

The secrets i have included here broke my heart to where it actually stopped over and over.

Instead of asking what was wrong, Mr Moneybags Jesse sent me to the doctor alone. -.-

He could have provided me with what i needed like I provided and protected him from Ms Dejoria and Mark Hindberg, Afghanistan and Iraq, which I will no longer do.

He is the one that encouraged Michael Jackson to pickpocket the slaves he had created.

Yes Michael Jackson is Wacko, is Him and is burning in Hell because I killed him with my own pistol Jesse had stolen from a cop, altered and resold to himself at a cheaper price than the way over inflated price he created to create a deficit in his company to receive a refund from the US government's IRS Department in the amount of $8,000 instead of paying the $1M he owed.

I plead guilty before a judge and Uncle Donald, Mrs Katherine Jackson, the Anne my 4 year old daughter that Michael Jackson attempted to rape in front of me, as well as Robby, my true love and of course Sunny and Jesse James himself whom gave me the gun.

Then, before then President Barack Obama, i was exonerated and pardoned completely without the possibility of parole or any other misconceptions that would be included with self defense manslaughter.

This week total I have arrested a total of 19 men and women thanks to the CIA as an unpaid civilian.

That would guarantee me Presidentship of one really great country, now, wouldn't it?

Thanks. And not to be repeated: No more games. Only truth.

Until next time my fair weather friends!

Now! Let's grab the bookie!!! Snag! You're in jail. What did ya know, Mike Andrews, I knew all along that Mark Hindberg was FBI. Why didn't you think that?

Moving along, hi JP. How are you? No one cares. Good thing you trusted into your rapist daughter who was married to a true hero whom puts up with my shit even after we name him Mr Vomit cause I make him so scared he actually vomits like I did tonight (that's included. No more scare, only truth)

Oh yes, JP, you have already been arrested and so you know -- you have no guns with you, right? Alexis Dejoria is no rapist, she's actually an excellent FBI agent whom hates her dad and is included in any exonerations I may have to hand out butbat my leisurely pace, because she actually didn't rape anybody!

Also the US government will pay your wages as you did file a lawsuit this very week by signing up with Namus.gov like we all did.

She like me, was an unpaid civilian whom ran into luck. While she's smart, she's not smart like me. Thus she's the FBI vs me who is CIA and can work against the world in a millisecond as i usually do and have in Afghanistan and Iraq where i protected many NHRA members during their tours in the US Military while they served with Jesse James and my little brother and were even kidnapped thanks to Matt Hagan's temper tantrum and Jesse James refusal to listen to command. Eventually I saved them from that too in a day and 6 hours after leaving base. They were involuntary bound and gagged and beaten within 20 minutes of their capture. Within the next 20 when I was finally told of their status they were rescued by Tony Schumacher and his team.

And now i have saved the NHRA from being beaten and raped and tortured. My time to continue here at home is not wasted,

I love you all and thank you very much for listening...

And now i have something to say about Jesse since i made him puke from a lie via email Because he made me mad for being a Dick douchebag and not caring enough about me, not wrecking his motorcycle and then lying to make me feel bad and stupider than ever although I saw the wreck and my being a girl, up and President running, couldn't stop to rescue or assist a man on his feet whom had already picked up his bike after a wipe out and the trailer passed me up to show me he would assist because forgive those trespassers as we trespass ourselves and i care that he could really been hurt. That may be a fault of mine but it is called Grace and not salvation which is being my daughter reincarnated into a goat in Iraq to keep everyone safe because Jesse is a dumb dumb sometimes and Matt Hagan prefers truth over himself, sometimes. Like being in love with a goat of my daughter's soul, in Iraq. (I bet he fucked her, too. Bestiality freak. Not my business tho, nor yours. But still, let's laugh instead of poking fun at his misadventures. It is funny, yo!)

Jesse cared about the goat so much he listened to her over every one, even me. Because he believed she was closer to God where he needed to be..

I changed his life once in Alabama and several times then, over and over, any time that need be.

But finally for this one time he trusted somebody else and learned to love as much as he could, the soul inside of him.

So God bless to all of the two headed creatures we will see wandering around the backs of people at the NHRA in the future to come. Including even on me.

I'm Mrs Cougar cause of my fingernails and my desire to be with someone young to keep me fresh and Alive -- not by his blood byt by the life he gives me. And he will be Mr Snake the one who slithers up beside me only for love while I labor in the grass kicking myself for what i might have done but not for what i might have missed out on because I was there the whole time thinking and feeling and frolicking through the grass, same as me.

And of course my tattoo will be scary cause the world as I know it, very much can be.

And you can thank me for the past or you can think about the future and beyond!!!

[365dniprivate]

Chapter 4

Giardini Naxos - the town where Martin and I had arrived a few days ago, lay several kilometers from Taormina and was visible from virtually everywhere in the city. It dawned on me that this city had previously been one of our sightseeing destinations, which is why it'd felt so familiar. What if we came across Martin, Michał or Karolina? Would any of them try to step in and rescue me? I fidgeted restlessly in my seat while considering this thought.

"They left the island yesterday," he said, as if reading my mind. How did he know what I was thinking about? I stared at him with a puzzled look, but he didn't seem to notice.9

When we arrived, the sun was slowly setting on the streets of Taormina. The city was teeming with life; hundreds of tourists and residents, tempted by numerous cafes and restaurants, filled the narrow, picturesque roads. I smiled when I began to notice signs pointing to all kinds of luxury boutiques. These stores were a common sight in Warsaw, but in a place that was practically at the end of the world, they were completely unexpected.

The car stopped, and the driver got out to open the door for us. Massimo offered me his hand to help me exit the large SUV. Another car pulled up next to us, from which stepped out two men dressed in black suits - Massimo's protection. He led me down one of the main roads, his men following behind at a close distance so as not to draw attention to themselves. If their goal was to blend in, a better outfit would've been shorts and flip-flops, though I supposed it would've been difficult to hide a weapon in beach clothes.

The first store we visited was the Roberto Cavalli boutique. We'd no sooner stepped through the door when a saleswoman rushed to us, warmly welcoming my companion, then me. An older man, dressed quite fashionably, came out of the back room and greeted Massimo in Italian with two kisses on the cheeks, then turned toward me.

"Bella," he said, holding my hands; it was one of the few words in Italian that I understood. I smiled warmly at him, in thanks for his compliment.

"My name is Antonio, and I'll be helping you select the perfect wardrobe," he began in fluent English. He studied me for a bit, then stated matter-of-factly, "Size 36, yes? Maybe even 34, depending on bra size."

"As you can see, nature hasn't endowed me well," I said, pointing with laughter to my breasts.

"Oh, my love!" Antonio exclaimed. "Roberto Cavalli loves such shapes! Let us go and give Don Massimo a chance to rest."

Massimo sat down on a couch made of luxurious silver material. A cold bottle of Dom Pérignon was waiting beside him, and one of the grateful saleswomen filled a glass for him. Massimo gave me a lustful look, then opened a newspaper and started to read.

Antonio, whistling contentedly, brought dozens of dresses to the fitting room, flying past me while carrying garments of incredible value. You could easily purchase an apartment in Warsaw with how much these all cost, I thought. After trying on clothes for a little over an hour, I settled on a few different outfits that were packed away for us in decorative boxes.

The situation was similar in the other stores we stopped at - an excited, over the top welcome and endless shopping. Prada, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Louboutin; each time, Massimo would sit down and flip through his newspaper, talk on his phone or check something on his iPad. He didn't seem to be interested in what I was doing at all, which on the one hand felt like a nice reprieve, but on the other hand annoyed me greatly.

I couldn't figure him out; this morning it'd been nearly impossible for him to tear himself away from me, and now that he had the opportunity to see me in all of these beautiful clothes, he wanted nothing to do with me. Is this how Julia Roberts felt in Pretty Woman?

Victoria's Secret, which was our final destination, greeted us with a barrage of pink. The color was everywhere - on the walls, on the couches, on the saleswomen; it made me feel like I'd fallen into a cotton candy machine.2

Massimo looked at me while pulling the phone away from his ear. "This will be our last stop for today; we're almost out of time. Keep that in mind while shopping," he said casually, then turned away, sat down in a nearby chair and resumed his conversation. I stood there and looked at him disapprovingly - not because the shopping spree was over, as I'd had enough, but because of the way he'd treated me.

"Signora," the saleswoman called to me. She invited me into the fitting room with a friendly gesture. The first thing I noticed as I walked in was the sheer number of bathing suits, lingerie sets, and pairs of underwear that'd already been set aside for me, with the mountain of colorful fabrics - mainly lace - fully covering one of the chairs.

"You don't need to try on everything, just one or two sets so I can be sure that the size I've chosen for you is correct," she said and disappeared, sliding the heavy pink curtain behind her. What are all these panties for? I haven't owned this many pairs in my entire life, I thought.

I leaned out from behind the curtain and asked the saleswoman, "Who chose all these?"

She jumped to her feet and stepped closer. "Don Massimo asked that we prepare these items from our catalogue specifically for you."

"I understand," I said, hiding back behind the curtain. I began to notice a distinct pattern while rummaging through the pile: lace, lace, and more lace, with one or two cotton pieces thrown in. How incredibly comfortable, I grunted ironically.1

I chose to try on the combined silk and red lace set, and slowly took off my dress. The delicate bra fit perfectly on my small breasts, and I was thrilled to find out that, although it wasn't a push-up bra, it made my bust look very tempting. I bent down and dragged the lace thong over my legs. When I straightened up to look in the mirror, I saw Massimo standing behind me. He was leaning against the fitting room wall with his hands in his pockets, eyeing me up and down.

I turned and glared at him. "What are you..." was all I managed to say before he grabbed my neck and pressed my back to the mirror. He clung to me with his whole body, gently running his thumb over my lips. I tensed up, his body blocking my every move. He stopped playing with my mouth and stretched his arm around my neck. The embrace wasn't strong, and it didn't have to be; he just needed to assert his dominance.

"Don't move," he said, piercing right through me with his wild eyes. He looked down and groaned softly. "You look nice," he hissed through his teeth, "But you can't wear this - not yet."

The words "you can't" were spoken by him with encouragement, almost as if it was an order for me to do the exact opposite. I moved my bottom away from the cold mirror and slowly took a step forward. Massimo didn't object, moving backward with the same rhythm and speed as I was moving forward, keeping his hand clamped on my neck the entire time.

When I was far enough from the mirror that he could see me completely, I noticed that his gaze was fixed on my reflection, as if watching his prey. He was breathing loudly, his chest rising more rapidly, his pants growing too tight.

"Massimo," I said softly. He turned his gaze away from my ass and looked into my eyes. "Leave the fitting room, or I guarantee this will be the first and last time you see me like this."

He smiled, treating what I'd said as a challenge. His hand tightened around my neck, and his eyes burned with a combination of rage and desire. He took a step forward, then another, and stuck my body against the cold mirror again, releasing my neck.

"I chose all of this for you, and I'll decide when I see it," he said calmly, then turned and left. I stood there for a moment, feeling enraged and overjoyed at the same time; I was starting to understand the rules of his game, and starting to learn my opponent's weak spots.

As I was putting my dress back on, I felt my anger consuming me. I grabbed the pile that was sitting on the chair and barged out of the fitting room. The saleswoman jumped up, but I stormed past her to find Massimo sitting on the couch again. I went and threw everything I was carrying in my hands at him.

"Here - you chose all this, so have it!" I screamed, and ran out of the store. The security detail that'd been waiting outside the boutique cared little as I passed them; they simply looked back to check on Massimo, then relaxed.

I ran through the crowded streets, wondering what I'd just done and what would happen to me. I saw a staircase between two buildings and quickly climbed it. There was another staircase, further down from where I stood, so I ran to it and continued climbing higher and higher until I was about two blocks away from where I'd escaped. I leaned against the wall, exhausted; though my shoes were beautiful, they were definitely not made for running. I looked toward the sky, at the castle overlooking Taormina. Fuck no, I can't endure a whole year of this, I thought.

"It used to be a fortress," I heard a voice say from behind me. "Do you want to keep running there, or will you save my men the effort, and remember - they don't have the same heart condition as you."

I turned to see Massimo standing on the steps. I could tell he'd been running after me, as his hair was now messy from the wind, but he wasn't gasping for air like I was. He leaned against the wall and casually put his hands in his pockets.

"We must head back now; if you need a work out, there's a gym at my residence, along with a swimming pool. If you were just interested in running up some stairs, I've got a number of them waiting for you."

I knew I had no choice but to go back with him, but at least for a brief moment it'd felt like I was doing what I wanted to do. He reached his hand out to me, but I ignored it and started back down the stairs, where two men now stood in black suits. I glared at them both, walked to the SUV parked next to them, climbed inside and slammed the door.

* * * * * * *

It was a while before Massimo joined me in the car. He sat next to me, phone to his ear, until we arrived back at his villa and parked in the driveway. I had no idea what his conversation was about, as I only understood a few words of Italian, but his tone was very flat and calm. He listened for most of the call, speaking only a few brief sentences here and there, his body language giving nothing away.

I tried grabbing the door handle to exit the vehicle, but it was locked. Massimo finished his conversation, put the phone inside his jacket pocket and looked at me. "Dinner will be ready in an hour; I'll send Domenico to get you."

The car door opened and the young man extended a hand to help me out. I got out without his help and passed him, smiling brightly. I walked inside, with Domenico following close behind, and kept my focus away from the area that'd been the scene of last night's nightmare.

"To the right," he said quietly as I headed through the wrong door. I looked back and nodded, thanking him for his direction, and moments later arrived back to my room. Domenico stood in the doorway, as if waiting for permission to enter.

"I'll have the items you've purchased today brought here for you. Is there anything else I can do for you?" He asked.

"Yes, I'd like to have a drink before dinner - unless I'm not allowed to, of course."

He smiled and nodded knowingly, then disappeared into the darkness of the corridor. I went into the bathroom, closed the door and threw off my dress. I stood in the shower and turned on the cold water; after today, I needed to cool down. The freezing water made it difficult to breathe but became pleasant after a while, and once my emotions had been cooled, I increased the temperature. I washed my hair, applied conditioner and sat back against the wall. The water was comfortably warm and flowing gently down the glass panels surrounding the shower, soothing me.1

I took a moment to stop and think about the day's events. I was so confused; Massimo was such a complicated man, and very unpredictable. I realized that if I didn't start to accept the situation I found myself in and try my best to live a normal life, I'd quickly become defeated.

Another thought occurred to me - What was I fighting for? There was nothing waiting for me back in Warsaw, and everything I'd once had was now gone; all that was left was the adventure that fate had thrust upon me. It's time to get a grip and come to terms with this situation, Laura, I thought to myself, then stood up from the floor.

I rinsed my hair and wrapped it in a towel, then put on a bathrobe and left the bathroom to see dozens of boxes filling the bedroom. I was overwhelmed at the sight of them, but I had a plan in mind for my purchases.

I found some bags with the Victoria's Secret logo and started to dig through the dozens of options Massimo had picked out for me, eventually coming across the red lace set I'd tried on earlier in the store. I searched some more boxes to find a short, see-through black dress, then pulled out a matching pair of Louboutin heels. Now that's an outfit that Massimo definitely won't be able to handle.1

I headed back to the bathroom, toward the vanity, taking the bottle of champagne that was by the fireplace with me. I poured myself a glass and emptied it in one breath; I needed some liquid courage. I poured another, sat down in front of the mirror and got to work with my cosmetics. When I'd finished, my eyes were well defined, my complexion was perfect and my lips glistened with flesh-colored Chanel lipstick. I dried my hair, curling it slightly and pinned it up in a tall bun.

Domenico's voice came through the door. "Laura, dinner is waiting."

"Two more minutes, and I'll be ready," I shouted through the door while putting on my underwear. I quickly threw on the dress, slipped the high heels over my feet and generously applied some of my beloved perfume. I stood in front of the mirror and nodded with satisfaction. I looked simply divine; the see-through dress was stunning, and the red lace that showed through perfectly matched the red soles of my shoes. It was very elegant, and very provocative.

I quickly finished my third glass of champagne and, though slightly inebriated, was ready for dinner.

Domenico opened his eyes wide as he saw me leave the bathroom. "You look..." He paused, searching for the right word.1

"I know, and thank you," I replied, smiling flirtatiously.

"Those heels are to die for," he said, almost whispering, and gave me his arm. I took it and allowed him to lead me through the corridor. We went out onto the terrace where I'd had breakfast this morning, the canvas roof now reflecting the light of hundreds of candles placed neatly around the patio. Massimo stood with his back to us, staring off into the distance.

"I'll go on alone," I said, letting go of the young man's arm.

With that, Domenico disappeared, and I took a step toward Massimo. He looked back at the sound of my heels hitting the stone floor. He was dressed in gray linen pants and a light sweater of the same color, with the sleeves rolled up. He approached the table and set the glass he'd been holding in his hand down, watching every step I took as I came to him.

He leaned back on the table as I stopped in front of him, parting his legs slightly. I stood between them, keeping my eyes on him. The sexual tension between us was electric, and I would've been able to feel his desire for me even if I was blind.

"Do you like what you see?" I asked quietly, biting my lower lip. Massimo straightened himself to show me that, even in high heels, I was shorter than him.

"You are aware," he whispered, "that if you tempt me now, I won't be able to control myself?"

I rested my hand on his hard chest and gave him a gentle push, signalling that I wanted him to sit down. He didn't resist me, and slowly sat down in the chair. His eyes were curious and burning with passion - he examined my face, my dress, my shoes, and above all, the red lace that dominated my outfit. I stood close enough to him that the only scent he was able to focus on was my perfume. I tucked my right hand in his hair to gently pull his head down, and he gave in to me completely.

I brought my lips closer to his, and quietly asked, "Are you satisfied now?"

After a moment of silence, I let go of his hair, went to the cooler and poured myself a drink. Massimo was still sitting there, inspecting me with his eyes, his lips forming a smile. I sat down away from him, playing with the edge of my glass.

"Let's eat," I told him, giving him a bored look.

He stood up and came toward me, putting his hands on my shoulders. He bent down, took a deep breath and whispered, "You look wonderful." He brushed the edge of my ear with his tongue. "Never has a woman affected me the way that you do."

His teeth ran gently over my neck. A shiver coursed through my body, the beginning of which radiated from between my legs. "I want to throw you on this table, pull that short dress up and toss away those panties." I took a deep breath, feeling the excitement growing within me.

"I could smell your perfume from the doorway; I want to lick it off your entire body," he continued, then began to clench and move his hands rhythmically and firmly around my arms.1

"There's one place on my body that you can't touch yet," I said.

"And that's exactly where I want to be," he replied, ending his sensual argument with me. He started to gently kiss and bite my neck. I didn't object, turning my head to the side for better access. His hands slid slowly down my neckline and eventually came to my breasts, which he squeezed firmly. I let out a low moan.

"I know that you want me, Laura." I felt his hands and lips move away. "But remember, this is my game, and I set the rules."

He gave me one final kiss on the cheek, then sat in the chair next to me. He'd won and we both knew it, but that didn't change the fact that his pants were once again too tight for his body. I pretended to be unmoved by the situation, but that only seemed to amuse my companion. He sat there playing with his glass of champagne, a sly smile clearly visible on his face.

Domenico appeared in the doorway, looked at us then disappeared back into the house. A moment later, two men came out to serve us a starter of carpaccio and octopus, which were both delicious, and the next few courses only got better.

We ate in silence, giving each other quick, playful glances from time to time. As we finished, I moved my chair away from the table, poured another glass of pink wine and said, "Cosa nostra."

Massimo shot me a warning look.

"As far as I know, it doesn't exist - is that true?"

He sneered and asked in a low voice, "What else do you think you know, baby?"

I started to nervously turn the glass between my fingers. "Well, I'm sure everyone has seen The Godfather; I'm just wondering how much of that movie is true about you."

"About me?" He asked, surprised. "There's nothing in that movie about me, as far as I know."

I could tell he was making fun of me. He wouldn't answer my roundabout questions, so I asked him directly, "What exactly do you do?"

"I'm a businessman."

I didn't give up, pressing him again.

"Seriously? You expect a year-long declaration of obedience from me, but you don't think I should know what I'm signing up for?"

His expression turned serious, his eyes glaring at me. "You have every right to expect some answers, and I'll give them to you as much as I can; you deserve that much, at least." He took a sip of his wine. "After my father's death, I became the chosen head of the family, which is why people address me as 'don'. I own several companies - clubs, restaurants, hotels; think of our family like a corporation, and I'm the CEO. Our family is part of a larger overall group, though, but I won't get into that now. If you'd like the full history I can give it to you, but I think having such intimate knowledge would be unnecessary, and even dangerous."

He seemed to be growing increasingly more annoyed as he spoke. "To be honest, I'm not sure what it is, exactly, that you want to know. Are you asking if I have a consigliere? Well I do, and I'm sure you'll meet him soon enough. Are you asking if I'm a dangerous man, or if I solve my problems through violence? I'm sure those questions were answered for you last night. Now, is there anything else?"

There were a million thoughts running through my head, but nothing more that I needed to know then. The situation had been clear for some time, though I hadn't realized it. I guess my questions really were answered last night, like he said.

"When will you give me my phone and computer back?"

Massimo adjusted in his chair, throwing his leg onto his knee. "Whenever you want, baby. We'll just need to discuss what you'll say to the people you want to contact."

I drew a breath to say something, but he raised his hand to cut me off. "Before you even start, let me tell you how this will go. You'll call your parents, and if necessary, you'll fly back to Poland." My eyes lit up at those words, and the expression on my face turned to joy.

"You'll tell them that you received a very lucrative job offer at one of the hotels here in Sicily, and that you intend to take the offer. I'll make sure the contract includes a one-year probationary period, so you won't have to lie to your loved ones when you want to contact them.

"Your belongings were removed from Martin's apartment before he returned to Warsaw, and should be here on the island tomorrow. Consider the subject of this man now closed; I don't want you having anything to do with him anymore."

I looked at him questioningly.

"In case I wasn't clear the first time, let me say it again: I forbid you from contacting him," he said firmly. "Now, is there anything else?"

I was silent for a moment. He'd thought of every possibility; the story was well planned and made sense.

"And what if I need to visit my family?" I continued. "What then?"

Massimo frowned. "Well, then I guess I'll get to know your beautiful country."

I laughed and sipped my wine. I can already see the newspaper headlines - Head of Sicilian Mafia Appears in Warsaw, I thought to myself.

"Do I have a say in any of this?" I asked inquisitively.

"Unfortunately, this isn't up for discussion; this is how it's going to happen." He leaned toward me. "Laura, you're a smart girl. I would've thought by now that you would've realized one simple truth - I always get what I want."

"Not always, Don Massimo," I responded, dropping my eyes to look at the lace underwear that peeked out from under my dress. I bit my lip and slowly rose from the chair, with Massimo watching intently. I took off my wonderful red-soled heels and headed for the garden.

The grass was moist and the air tasted of sea salt. I knew that he wouldn't be able to resist the temptation to follow me for long, and after a few moments he gave in to that temptation. It was peaceful in the garden, with only the lights from the boats swaying in the distant sea to guide me. I stopped when I reached the square couch with canopy that I'd taken a nap on earlier in the day.

"You feel comfortable here, don't you?" Massimo asked, standing next to me, and he was right - I did feel comfortable here. This place didn't feel strange or new to me, and I felt like I'd lived here my entire life. Besides, what girl wouldn't like to stay in a beautiful Italian villa, with all of these comforts and services?

"I'm getting used to it because I have no other choice," I replied, taking another sip of wine. Massimo took the glass from my hand and threw it onto the grass. He took me in his arms and placed me gently on the white pillows. My breath sped up, knowing what was about to happen. He flipped one leg above me and lay on top of me, like this morning. I'd been afraid then, but now all I felt was curiosity and excitement; maybe the alcohol had finally caught up to me, or maybe I'd just accepted the situation I'd found myself in.

Massimo, with his hands on both sides of my head, leaned forward into me. "I'd like to kiss you," he whispered, nudging my lips.

I froze. A man so dangerous and powerful, asking for permission to show me tenderness and love? My hands went to his face and stopped on his cheeks. I held him for a moment, looking deeply into his calm, black eyes, then pulled him to me gently. When our lips met, Massimo attacked me with all of his strength, forcefully and greedily opening my mouth wider and wider, our tongues moving in one rhythm. His body fell over me, arms entangled around my shoulders. We both wanted each other, our lips and tongues massaging each other deeply and passionately.

Once the adrenaline had flowed away and I'd calmed down slightly, I realized what I was doing. "Wait, stop it," I said, pushing him away.

Massimo didn't intend on stopping, though. He grabbed my wrists firmly and pressed them against the white sofa, raising my hands above my head. He removed one hand and started caressing my thigh, following the curve of my body until he came across the lace panties. He grabbed them and took his mouth away from mine.

The pale light from the distant lighthouse illuminated my terrified face. I didn't fight him; there was no chance of winning. I lay there quietly, tears streaming down my cheeks. Upon seeing this, he let go of my hands, threw himself off me and sat down, resting his feet on wet grass.1

"You little..." he whispered heavily. "You know, when your whole life revolves around violence and you've had to fight for everything, it's difficult to react kindly when someone takes away something you desire."

He stood up and ran a hand through his hair while pacing, leaving me lying on my back. I was furious with Massimo, but at the same time, I felt sorry for him. He didn't strike me as one of those men who violently took women and tortured them; this kind of behavior was just natural to him, with a strong touch being as casual as a handshake. He'd also never cared about anyone before, and never needed to consider anyone else's emotions. Now that he wanted someone to reciprocate his feelings, the only way he knew to accomplish that was by force.

A vibration from his pants pulled us from the terrifying silence. Massimo took out his phone, looked at the screen, then answered. While he was talking, I wiped my tears away and stood up from the couch, slowly walking toward the house. I was tired, drunk and completely confused. It took me a minute, but eventually I arrived back at my room and passed out on the bed, completely exhausted.

[probably-lucifer]

Scenes I've written to fics I'm trying to write

Draco stood there next to his mother, both covered in dirt, grime, and blood. He was still in mild shock at bring hugged by The Moldy Egg, could you blame him? It was then however that he would find out that life doesn't wait for the shock factor to fade, she doesn't give a singular flying fuck in any honest observation. So when he notices his mother trying to gain eye contact he's really not as surprised as he should be when his mother uses her legillmens to say what she does. It does surprise him though, that he's being given a choice, to be given a chance to do what he, in proper hindsight, really should have done ages ago. Probably would have if they didn't have mother, but alas, they did, and he didn't. At least, not before. It wouldn't be hard to put the wand where Harry can see it, and get to it. As a matter of fact, if you were to ask Draco Lucius Malfoy he would very honestly tell you that if you where to hold this wand where Harry could see it Harry could leisurely stroll past The Moldy Egg and make polite small talk he could still get the wand in time because in all honesty there is nobody more prone to bragging without having anything to even brag about then The Moldy Egg. It's actually a bit of a running joke between the not entirely terrible death eaters, who funny enough, are none here by choice this war around. Perhaps though this is what will surprise you, his mother, Narcissa Malfoy has broken a vow, and unless that creature that is... 'Still ranting oh my Morgana x Merlin!' unless it, because it has certainly lost even that way of identification, if the fact that he never went to the bathroom or even around it is anything to go by. 'I wonder why anyone would- wait wrong thought process. To help the guy who is obviously going to win, or not to help. Hmm, well that's a hard one. Ah look Harry's dramatics would make Salazar Slytherin himself proud. Godric to if I'm honest.' Harry isn't as surprised as he should be when he notices me, matter of fact when I shout his name it seems he already knows my plans. When he catches the wand there is a barely noticeable smile, probably meant for reassurance, but it's entirely to soft to be such. The Moldy Egg is in shock when I sit on the ground and watch as my friend that I'd been very secretly, and quietly reporting to for his sanity, shows the, or nearly the wizarding world that Tom Marvalo Riddle Jr. is just that. A name, and a man. When it's done, when he's probably, hopefully, dead I stand up, get closer, and poke him with my boot. "I hope no one is surprised you did it, honestly it should be expected by now. Should've been expected in 4th year really." I say to the calm, yet powerful presence behind me. I can always feel Harry's magic when he's near, must be a result of our "loving" relationship previous to That Night at The Manor when this all really began. "Fair enough, do you know any hiding spots Remus won't find us in, I think the four of us should have a nice, long sleep. And you're still unnaturally comfortable for such a pointy git. Hey where's Pansy, I heard she actually used her acting for good." I point to the girl who is leaning into a Luna, Ginny, and Neville pile on like she's passed out. Come to think of it she might have. Their problem. When we start walking back into the castle she's already began repairing herself, and me and Hermione are not at all surprised, because we read. 'I mean Harry got an excuse, sort of, but Ron doesn't, he should read more, I bet I can challenge him to it.' Honestly it's in the first chapter of Hogwarts A History. Regardless of my musings I lead Harry to the room we got trapped in for an hour last year that was probably the actual turning point just before school let out. Harry nods when he gets it, and hisses out "Open" in parsletongue, probably one of the only words I know, and that's only because it's obvious, and he told me. It'll be nearly three days before we wake up longer then it takes to eat, and use the bathroom, and by then we've all been given nutrition potions by madam Pomfrey, and strict instructions to rest by McGonagall, which means our families know we're fine. Fred and George dropped off clothes as the only ones they told about the room, Pansy and Blaise have brought me my dragon chess set, the only ones I trusted with the location of our safe place. It became as such after That Night at The Manor, he sent me a recording of him hissing open and I started furnishing the rooms past just the library's entrance. If anyone is surprised Salazar created several hidden rooms, some that you don't even need parsletongue for, they're not that intelligent. We've all been laying around in a bed roughly the size of a dormitory for days on end, exhausted, though I tend to wonder why I'm so tired, i barely did anything I'm sure of it. Harry and Ron say it's just what happens after saving the day, and it's best not to question it. Me and Harry don't talk about the barriers put on him by Dumbledore, nor that they were broken by the currently comatose Severus Snape, nor do we bring up my father locking away my veela instincts this summer. We just lay in bed, and rest, and make random observations that one would think means we're high. We're not. Trust me I'd know. Once three days pass, we take turns showering, and then I run the bath, big enough to be a pool, and add the infinite bubbles specifically designed for intersex bathing, or in our case splashing, I've teamed up with Hermione to charm the bubbles to hide "those bits" so we can relax and splash each other, we've done so good even underwater they stick. When we're done making a mess we get dressed, and I send for Crabbe, and Goyle. Goyle, gentle soul he is, is so happy to see me he nearly squeezes me to death, I'm not surprised, I missed him too. They're not the most intelligent, or cunning, or ambitious really, but they're still some very close friends of mine, we did after all grow up together. "How was the infirmary then?" Ron asked slight awkwardness to it, not surprising all things considered. Crabbe was as oblivious as always as he said "The only difference is the amount of people there, the headmistress wants you in her office by the way." Things from there went by easily, me and Harry got married with a one month difference, him to Ginevra (if I can't call her the Weaslette then I've got to annoy her somehow), me too Astoria. He had two kids before I had my first, which he quickly followed by a third, James and Lily were certainly the devil incarnate. Remus on the other hand was an angel. I sometimes wonder if that's literal. Him and Scorpious grew up together, and finally attended Hogwarts together (though me and Harry nearly wanted them sent off to Beauxbaton, Durmstang is just to military minded for them. Now James Sirius Potter on the other hand, let's just say his mother is the only reason Harry was convinced not to send him there.) which means the only child left for us to spoil new exactly how to milk it. Lily Luna Potter will rule Slytherin mark my words. Even I spoil the girl. Life was good as a curse breaker for me, and an auror for Harry, we ended up working together very often, though it does take a toll. It wasn't until after we'd been divorced by the girls "It's nothing personal love, we're just better as friends is all." and Harry had been told to quit his job a month after we moved in to our condo that McGonagall came to us with a proposition. We'd work at Hogwarts Harry as the DA professor, and me as the ancient runes professor. It wasn't difficult for either of us to say yes, though it was surprising that I'd end up as Head of Ravenclaw considering I was only there for a year, more surprising that Harry ended up Head of Slytherin actually. Our sons all blanched at seeing us in class their first day (James bought charmed beans from a fellow classmate and long story short they all spent the first weekend speaking various animal sounds, though Remus and Scorpious were fine talking to each other in Snake tongue, Harry said it was about whether there was a way to make it permanent without taking away the ability to speak in human tongue. The student who made it was incredibly enough the offspring of Greg, his nack for potions makes him very popular, Greg's son Henry is a very brilliant Hufflepuff, and me and Harry are determined to introduce him to Severus, the man needs an apprentice whether he admits it or not.) It was magnificent. A few years passed, Harry and I were enjoying our jobs, but we'd come to embrace our summer break with love.

[leelee10898]

Born to Love you: Felt good on my lips (3/?)

Leo & Alicia... A closer look at how these two frisky love birds came to be, and the moments in between. If you have not read the OG when Leo met Alicia.. you should do so, events in this story will coincide with it.

This is from the CGW(Cordonians gone wild) AU. A collaborative effort by @ao719 @speedyoperarascalparty @cocomaxley @riseandshinelittleblossom and myself. Find out other adventures HERE

   It was a warm spring day, Leo had decided to take advantage of the weather and show her some sights on the coast. They pulled into a small diner on a back road for a little lunch.

  “So I didn't really peg you as a diner guy.” She grinned as they slid into a booth by the window.

  “To be honest, I would rather eat a burger over lobster any day.” he answered handing her a menu. “This is ok, right? Did you want to go someplace more fancy?

  She arched her brow at him “In case you haven't noticed, im probably nothing like those women at court.” she rolled her eyes. “This is perfect.” her reaction bringing a wide grin to his face.

They looked over the menu and ordered. Both getting a burger and fries.

“so tell me more about the mysterious Prince Leo.”

“What do you want to know?” he folded his hands on the table.

“Leo. What's it short for?”

“Oh, ah well. Leonard. My mother would call me Leo when I was small. It kind of stuck.” His eyes darting down to the table.

“Tell me about her. Your mother,  what was she like?”

He hesitated, he never spoke about his mom to anyone.  It had been years since he brought her up. He sat in silence for a few minutes

“Leo?” her voice pulled him from his thoughts.  

“Oh, sorry. My mom? Well, my father chose her during his social season, she was new to court. I was born shortly after they were married.”

He picked up a fry popping it in his mouth.

“Ok, but what was she like? Do you look like her? Did you two have any special things you did together?”

Leo straighten up, feelings he pushed down long ago began to come to the surface.

“She had long brown hair, brown eyes. Her smile was warm and welcoming. She loved me, but she wasn't happy with her life.”

“Leo, i'm sorry I didn't mean to. I didn't know.” she apologized.

“No, its ok. I just. I Haven't spoken about her to, well anyone.” Alicia reached out grabbing his hand, her warm smile calming him immediately.

“she sang me to sleep every night,I remember that. She enjoyed the simple things in life. She left court because she wasn't cut out for this life. Me,being the heir.  she couldn't take me, by law. In a way I guess that's where I get it from.”

“I think those are good memories to have of her. She gave his hand a squeeze.  “Ok. Enough of this. Lets get outta here. I have someplace I think you'll like.” He stood tossing money on the table, grabbing her hand.

After a short drive they pulled into a private beach area.  Alicia's eyes lit up at the sight of the pristine beach in front of her.  The water as blue as Leos eyes, the sand a sparkling white. “Wow. This is. This sort of amazing.”

“You like it?”

“Yeah, I do. It's probably the most beautiful thing I've seen here so far.” she turned towards him smiling. “Well, maybe 2nd most beautiful thing.” she shot him a sly smirk, turning and walking towards the ocean. He chuckled to himself

He closed his eyes, saying an internal prayer. lord help me, I am trying to behave.

He silently groaned tilting his head back. He ran up to her “My family uses this to host the beach party for social season. Docks are that way.” He pointed “That's where we host the Royal Regatta. It was my father's favorite event.” his eyes dropped for a second. “But. That's not what I wanted to show you.” she looked at him inquisitively. He lead her down a trail through a small wooded area, he pulled the brush back as they stood in a clearing, they could hear the roaring waters just up ahead. Alicia's face lit up, her smile reaching eyes as he nodded his head. He walked out first wanting to see her reaction.

She walked out to a beautiful waterfall, the waters so clear you could see to the bottom. The flowers in full bloom on the nice spring day.

She was silent, unable to form words at its natural beauty.  Leo walked up next to her, his hear lowered close to hers “You know, there's a legend about these falls. It starts with two lovers.”

Her eyes met his as he told her about the legend of the falls. “that's so heartbreaking.” she  pouted. “It is but, they say that if two lovers climb to the top and jump in together, they'll get the blessing of the lady of the waterfall.”

“oh really? So what if two people who are not lovers jump in together,  then what?” she challenged him.

“I don't know.” he answered, not really sure of what to say. He rarely had someone have a come back and he wasn't used to this.  

“I see. Well, then that settles it.”  she sighed taking off her shoes and socks. she started unbuttoning her jeans sliding them off her legs.

“wha. What are you doing?”

“come on, don't act shy. Were jumping in.” She motioned towards him.

“What? You seriously want to jump in from up there?” Leo shouted.

“Hell yeah I do. Are you scared or something?”

“No. NO, I just. I'm surprised, most girls would have freaked out at that.” He chuckled as he pulled his shirt over his head, now stripped to his boxers.

Leos eyes ravaged her body.  He had seen her in her bra on a small phone screen, but the real time view was stunning. He let out a low growl under his breath, discreetly adjusting himself.

She stood on the opposite of him, taking in his toned muscular body. She bit her bottom lip, shaking her head trying to break the thoughts. “Ok lets go.”

They climbed to the top, overlooking the drop off.  “So what are we doing here?” He questioned.

“We're testing something." She smirked "Two non- lovers jump in. Since we're just friends we should be safe right?” she looked at him.

“In one theory yes. In another." He paused for a moment, trying to hide the smile tugging on his lips. "We become lovers.”  he smirked.

“Well,  I guess we will have to test this out then, since. Since it'll never happen.” She gave him a playful look as she grabbed his hand. “One. Two. Threee!” She shouted as they leapt over the edge plunging into the water. They bobbed up laughing hysterically as he dunked under water tickling her sides. “Ahhh. Leo!” she screamed, laughing afterwards. He  emerged and she splashed him “Oh you're gonna pay.” he dove at her, tackling her into the water. She squealed and laughed as they wrestled.

He grabbed her by the waist pulling her into him, she put her arm around his neck pretending to put him in a headlock “Alight, alright. You win.” she dropped her arm hooking it around his neck, bringing the other over as they locked eyes. They slowly moved in, lips inches from each others when the loud ringing of a phone pulled them from the moment. “We should probably get that.” she unlocked her arms from his neck making her way the the shore, leo following after.  They checked their phones it was Liam for Leo. He called him back

“what's up Liam? No, I am not coming to dinner tonight. Regina can not call a family dinner on a non-family dinner night. You know I hate lamb. Well, tell Regina I already had plans. What noise? Don't worry about where I am. Goodbye Liam.”

Leo tossed his phone onto his clothes. “its hilarious when you and Liam bicker, and i've only seen it once.” she giggled.

“ so, you're not going to dinner with your family?” He looked at her a cocky grin spread across his lips “Nope, we are going out.”

“We are? Where to?”

“I know a good place, its a bar a few towns from the palace. They have excellent food.”

They put their clothes back on heading back to the palace for another shower and change. They quietly crept through the halls, avoiding running into Regina. They were almost in the clear when they heard “Leo?” Leo grabbed her hand once they rounded the corner they ran into the garage. Leo handed her a helmet here. “What. What's this for Leo?” she stuttered.

“Were taking the bike. Have you ever been on the back of a bike?” she shook her head no.

“Ok, It'll be fine, just hold onto me and move with me ok. Seriously we gotta go. Now. Or Madeleine's gonna catch up.”

She put the helmet on and climbed onto the back of the bike. He started it up as Madeline came through the garage door and they speed off. Madeline watched as he pulled away with Alicia on the back. She did not know who it was, she huffed turning around and going back in.

They zipped through the roads, everything a blur but the rush was amazing.  Her arms wrapped tightly around his waist, her body pressed against his back. Leo couldn't help but smile, that almost kiss playing through his mind. Fucking Liam, had to ruin the moment. It was probably a good thing, he thought.  He was trying to behave, he told himself he wanted to be her friend, but the more he got to know her, the more he wanted to pursue her. In that moment he decided to follow her lead, if she made a move or gave off signs she wanted him to do something, then he would.

They pulled into a small bar, it did not look nearly as upscale or crowded as the one Anitah and her went to in the capital. They walked inside,  “let's grab a booth and then I'll get some drinks.” they got settled into a booth he found out what she wanted and he approached the bar. “Leo, haven't seen you in a while, where you been?” the bartender shook his hand. “Yeah, I've been in Santorini for a while. How you been Doug?”

“Oh, can't complain. So what can I get you?”

“I'll have a beer and I need a Malibu bay breeze.” Doug eyed him, “since when do you drink fruity shit?”

“I don't. Its for my friend.”

“You've been here all of 5 minutes and already have a friend?” he grinned shaking his head as he worked on the drink. “I brought her with me smart ass.”

He grabbed the drinks and headed back to the booth. “Sorry, the bartender was giving me shit.” he chuckled.

They sat around talking and joking. Leo not wanting to drink a lot since he was on the bike and driving.

“I don't get it. How do you not have a girlfriend? You are an amazing guy, funny, smart, charismatic, thoughtful, hot…” she blushed at the last word.

“You know, you keep telling me im hot, you're going to give me a complex.” he chuckled.

“Im serious Leo.”

“I don't know. I don't really know why I guess. It's just not something I ever worried about.” He took a sip of his beer.  “It was decided for me that I was to marry Madeline. We got engaged, Regina picked the ring, I wanted no part. I handed her the box and walked away.”

“Wow, that's rough.”

“She didn't care about the ring, or me really. She cared about the crown. I guess at some point she became clingy, she was convenient.” he grimaced at the words. “Wow, that sounded really shitty.”

“It sounds like the whole situation was just one fucked up mess.”

“It was. I'm not going to lie to you, I have had my fair share of women. Mostly one night stands. I haven't been with a woman more than twice before I move on. The only person I have been with multiple times, was Madeline.”

“But isn't that lonely?”

“Maybe? I guess I never really thought about it that way. Whenever a woman finds out who I really am. They change. They get caught up in the what ifs of the glitz and glamorous life.” He sighed. “I dont think ive ever told anyone this before. What is it with you? I feel like i can tell you anything and you won't judge me.”

“ well, that's because I won't. I think you're a really great guy Leo.” she reached over grabbing his hand. He scooted forward “you amaze me you know that. I  have never met anyone like you. You are smart, funny, fearless, fierce, beautiful.” a familiar feeling washed over both of them, their lips inches apart again, her eyes locked with his and then, her phone rang, pulling them from the moment again. Leo dropped his head and chuckled.

“Sorry, I should probably take this.” She got up and stepped outside. Leo sat there lost in thought.  Twice they almost kissed, twice they were interrupted by phone calls. He wanted to kiss her, but he didn't want to because he wanted to jump into bed with her. He wanted to get to know her, everything about her. He felt a connection with her, he couldn't explain it, and it scared the hell out of him. They had only known each other a few days, but she definitely had all of his attention.

“everything ok?” He asked as she slid back into the booth.  “Yeah it was my mom, she had a question about and order we got at the bakery.”

“Oh, so you work with your mom? I am an asshole, I never thought to ask what you did for a living.”

“its ok. I am a pastry chef by choice. I did not like the environment in a restaurant kitchen, baking was always my nirvana.”

“You're a chef? That's amazing.”

“when I graduated from culinary school, I went to work in one of the fancy restaurants in NYC as a sous chef. I hated it. My mom offered to make me partner at the bakery and I accepted.”

“wow, that's amazing Alicia. I can imagine you are good at what you do. Maybe you'll cook for me once?” Leo smirked as they walked out the door to the bike. “Maybe.. if you play your cards right.” She winked at him. His willpower was quickly crumbling. He knew he promised Liam but she was making it very hard.  

They drove back to the palace, her arms still wrapped tightly around his waist. She could feel the ripples of his muscles through his shirt. The thoughts that ran through her head she knew she shouldn't be having. She was leaving in two months, and she was not one for a one night stand. They pulled into the garage, parking the bike and putting the helmets up. Leo walked her to her room. They stood in front of her door “Thanks for today, I had a really great time.” she hugged him. “so did I. There is more I would like to show you, that is of you want.”

“Of course. that would be great. Thank you Leo, really you have been amazing.”

She stood against the door. An awkward quiet settled over them. Their eyes locked, she bit her lower lip, hoping he would make a move because she was to scared to. When finally he leaned in pressing his lips to hers. His tongue tracing a line between her lips, her hands flew around his neck as she melted into the kiss. Their tongues dancing together in perfect harmony. They pulled apart as he rested his forehead against hers. “Good night Leo.” she breathed out. “Good night Alicia.”

Alicia closed the door behind her, her back against it as she slid down onto the floor in shock.  She touched her hand to her lips, that kiss.

Leo wore a wide grin his entire walk back to his quarters. He kissed her, he finally kissed her. Those lips, that kiss.  It was everything he hoped for and more. It was perfect, it was almost like a spark ignited between them.

But it left more questions for him. What happens now?

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