#romantic scents

[romanticscents]

📣 August2023 ⭐ New Release ◾ Pineapple Popsicle Body Lotion

Sweet Fruity Pops with a tangy scent of pineapples.

[alicornze7]

Have this drawing of a scene from @denny-artsss’s fanfic

There would have been another one but I can't bring myself to lineart it rn

Please don't ask questions...

[the-sun-is-also-a-star]

yk considering the whole werewolf thing, there's very little traditional a/b/o in the marauders fandom

[feyres-divorce-lawyer]

i’m losing

[1111-sunset-circle]

using your f/o’s shower or their product once you’ve run out for the first couple of times. the smell of their soap or shampoo on your skin or in your hair for hours, reminding you of them every time you catch it in the air.

imagine them doing the same with your things. telling you how it makes them feel like you’re right there with them, even when you aren’t.

[romanceaesthetics]

𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒙𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒉

[men-men-everywhere]

Al Pacino

[nncastle]

Some closeups of the roses around the garden.

[thepersonalwords]

Her steel blue eyes captivated him at first glance and along with the alluring scent of jasmine surrounding her presence, he lost all sense of time and rhythm, and barely remembered the ensuing conversation. Thinking he had died and gone to heaven, the only thing that stuck in his memory, as they found themselves pressed urgently against the wall of her hotel room, was her name; Ginny.

Virginia Alison, Heaven Scent

[lovergirl1001]

This is Love

Hiii againn! I am trying to write a little something each day to try to get back into writing, lol so heres a little story about burning desires- i desire nothing more than to share a love so pure with anther #yearning oh also! no pronouns used- just green and blue eyes!

Trigger Warning because they are naked! be warn lol

Word Count: 383

Warm light flooded from multiple candles. The cherry scent devoured the room. Two bare bodies were intertwined. Neither could indicate which limb belonged to whom; perhaps this was their way of showcasing their souls: intertwined. Green eyes gently fluttering open saw the alluring face of Love. Gazing ever so longingly, gentle fingers reached to trace the tan skin. No moment could be long enough to memorize the bumps or crevasse. To be given the consent of affection fluttered the blazing heart so passionately that a bright glow surged through the bustling body. This light consumed the kindred beings as it gently grew.

Rippling open, blue eyes started back, and a crooked, joyful smile greeted the other. The body tenderly moved closer. Pressing an adoring kiss to the others forehead before moving down to the cheeks of their face. Green eyes fluttered closed as their bodies ached closer. Blue eyes admired the freckled face and pressed a devoted kiss to its pink lips. 

Neither would be able to note the length of their shared hunger, only to state it could never be satisfactory in time. Two pairs of gentle, soft lips brushed against each other, never parting for a breath—in unease from the hymns of separation. Their hands habitually intertwined and let go to feel the goosebumps and music the other made.

Words were seldom used by the two, as only a simple look or touch was essential. “I Love You’s” consisted of the shared acts of understanding. Within their blazing hearts it was all the same. Souls perfectly and intricately crafted for the sole reason to love each other. 

Centuries before and centuries after, they shall find their destiny together. Time will forever bring their earnest hearts together. In life after life, their beings reincarnated from singing birds and roaring lions to kind rulers and delighted dancers. Each night as they dreamed, they only craved to observe their past love stories.

If given the privilege to meet each other sooner in life, each star in the sky would be gladly counted, the oceans drained, and the cosmos eagerly realigned. No part of life could emit greater satisfaction than spending moments in love. Laughter and amourous music trailed outside the room; still deep into the night, they craved the simplicity of their shared time.

[marc--chilton]

(mgv) house's leg acting up but he's also in heat and nesting so he's at the height of stupid hindbrain takeover on top of being in pain, and all he can manage to get out are pathetic keening calls and whines.

and he's alone.

he's alone, and he is so fucking stupid for thinking he can make it through this by himself. but the thought of employing a worker this time didn't sound appealing, and the only alpha he trusts to help him through this is married, and he thought he'd be civil and not bother them for once, and he is so fucking stupid.

with shaking hands he only manages to call wilson because he's on speed dial. it's the dead of night so when wilson answers, his exasperated sigh is undercut with a drowsy rumble. it's the best thing house ever heard. he doesn't even remember what excuse he gave his wife, too wrapped up in how every nerve was screaming at him, but the next thing he knows is wilson rushing in so quick the bedroom door slams against the wall.

[xserpx]

Jurand was so close Leo could smell him, leather and polish and horsehair and soap. He could hear his slow breath. Could see each hair of his long eyelashes, a tiny blemish on his cheek, his lips pressed together with concentration, but that little curl at the corner that he always used to have when they were together, before … everything that had happened.

It would’ve taken no effort at all to lean forwards and kiss him. It was almost more effort not to do it. Leo wondered what the roughness of his fresh-shaved jaw would feel like against Leo’s cheek. What his hair would feel like between Leo’s fingers. What his mouth would taste like—Jurand looked up and their eyes met, and Leo froze, his breath held, his face tingling.

— The Wisdom of Crowds by Joe Abercrombie

[witchesaandbitches]

Dying Flowers and Harvest Fruits: Autumn Scents for the Dark Romantic 

Dried florals, sweet fruit, woolly jumpers and a touch of smoke and leather. All the scents of autumn for the dark academic who prefers a more feminine and elegant touch. 

Tom Ford Violet Blonde 

Powdery floral with a whiff of suede. Smells like old money. That girl in your class who you know went to boarding school and has a brother with an 'III' after his name. She wears her boyfriend's threadbare cardigans but her hair is always perfect.  

Miller Harris Rose en Noir 

A vintage, dusty rose with a natural elegance. Smells like an autumn day spent inside hiding from the rain, next to your lover who smells faintly like cigarette ash. There is an old bouquet of roses on the table, dried to a dark crimson. 

Byredo Velvet Haze

Cashmere jumper with an earthy and slightly sweet musk. Smells like a change in seasons. Warm, fuzzy and comforting, like a cup of hot coco. 

I Heart Juicy Couture

A bite from the first perfect apple of the season, walking though the orchard on a bright and breezy day. Sweet, juicy fruit with a touch of musk and patchouli to dirty it up a bit. This is perfect for early fall when the air is crisp. Don't judge this one by its bottle. 

[beastsovrevelation]

She

Would definitely tie her scarf arround your neck, essentially marking you as hers. For your protection, but also because she likes to see it.

The scarf smells of myrrh, constantly reminding you of Michael. You know you're safe, and you know you belong to her.

[romanceaesthetics]

𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒙𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒉

[eruden-writes]

Scent Match - Part 4 (Augustine & Amber)

(Note: Started with an anon asking for the phrase prompt, “Oh. Oh.”)

Summary: When Amber Dyer decided to attend a Creator Con, she never expected to run into Of Wolf and Blood lycan hearthrob, Augustine Prime.

But, there he was, stooping over her table, asking to buy the unflattering drawing of his character. Valuing integrity over taking money from a celebrity and running (though she was sorely tempted,) Amber finishes the sketch and delivers it to Augustine.

However, he continues to doggedly pursue her and entwine their lives.

All because of her scent.

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First Part | Previous Part Masterlist

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After some discussion, it was decided to adjourn in OWaB cast's hotel for delivery to avoid inevitable run-ins with fans. While led from the convention center to a private shuttle and into the hotel, Amber had a hard time focusing. It was hard to believe this continued interaction was still happening. Though the lightheadedness was likely due to hunger, part of her wondered if she was suffering from shock at the surreality of it all.

The absurdity hit harder when she and Addie stepped into Augustine Prime's hotel room. Well, room was a misnomer. He had a fucking penthouse suite which basically meant something more like an apartment.

Stepping through the threshold, Amber was met with a room akin to a living room, outfitted with a large TV screen, sectional sofa, two armchairs and a coffee table. She only vaguely took note of Augustine mentioning the guest bathroom was located to the immediate right of the front door. It was hard to pull her attention away from the absolute luxury of the hotel room.

The wall to her left was made entirely of glass, showing off a tiled terrace on the outside with outdoor furniture and a stunning view of the city below. Further into the living room and to the right was an entryway led into a dining room that to an open kitchen. Amber presumed Augustine's bedroom lay on the other side of the dining area, but tried not to think too hard on that intimate subject.

Judging from how Augustine's colleagues didn't pause in shock, they were apparently used to the opulence. Or maybe they, too, had penthouse suites.

Regardless, conversation continued to ebb and flow easily as they all took seats in the living room. Even after the food arrived, amicable chatter continued. Amber was thankful didn't need to talk too much. Addie happily took up that duty.

While the others spoke, she took in Augustine's room for the umpteenth time. It seemed with every survey, she found something new to focus on. Fancy artwork on the walls, a chandelier she had somehow missed before, the fact that the terrace wrapped partially around the suite since there was another exit point in the kitchen. It even smelled luxurious, with some floral potpourri she couldn't put her finger on.

Her mind thrummed, barely restraining herself from looking up the room's nightly price on her phone.

Even as she focused on the room, part of her brain knew Augustine still watched her closely. It didn't help that he sat beside her on the couch, his body heat a constant warmth at her side. Amber found the threat of a blush rising more than once, especially whenever their eyes would meet. It was distracting, quite honestly.

There was a strange buzz in the air between them, but - as far as Amber knew - no one else seemed to notice. Maybe he was silently transmitting it was time for her to leave, since everyone was nearing the end of their meal. Or maybe he was bored of her, only having initiated contact since she had been drawing his character.

She just didn't realize how much until Addie elbowed her on the other side. "Want to go?"

Startled, Amber turned to Addie. Her mind rushed to recall whatever had been the last topic of discussion, but she came up short. Maybe Addie was asking if it was time to leave? While Amber didn't want to fess up to conflicting feelings on that note, she shot her friend a questioning, "I suppose."

Addie's lips instantly quirked into a broad grin. "'Alright! To the party we go!"

"Wait, you're talking about the con dance?!" Amber held up her hands as Addie joyously swung an arm around the back of her shoulders. All thoughts of Augustine froze as a sense of foolishness washed over Amber. "I wasn't planning on going to that!"

"Come on, it's not every day you get to hang out with celebrities!" Addie laughed, grasping Amber by her shoulders and giving her a gentle shake. The antic jostled Amber into Augustine's side, a squeak breaking from her lips as his body's warmth made contact with her. She shot him an apologetic look, but his amused grin and soft expression locked words in her throat.

"We're really not that special," Theo chuckled from his armchair, legs crossed and leaning back into the plush cushions. His hands folded over his stomach, very much giving off 'dad ready to fall asleep after a meal' vibes.

"Speak for yourself!" Delilah cackled as she returned from throwing her container away in the kitchen. She leaned against the wall, arms crossed as she shot her co-star a smirk. "Auggie was born with a fuckin' diamond spoon in his mouth."

"My apologies for being allergic to silver," Augustine shot back, though his tone took on a haughtier cadence. Like old money in television shows. Though not all lycans had an adverse reactions to silver, his family - among other 'established' werewolf clans - tended to have that affliction in common, for some reason. With a loud sniff, he turned up his nose, but couldn't hide the countering smirk he shot Delilah. "It's peasant metal, anyway."

His words got a reaction out of her, as he intended. Unlike him, Delilah came from a dirt-poor family and had clawed her way into wealth. He realized, a long time ago, part of her antagonism stemmed from that. The other part was simply rooted in the competitiveness of her family.

Running a hand over his face as Augustine and Delilah bickered, Theo sighed, "Alright, Augustine isn't normal, but don't let that scare you off."

"So, what do you say?" Beside Amber, Addie excitedly bounced on the cushion, arms coiled around her friend's own limb.

Nerves once again lit in Amber as she gauged the genuineness the others had in her presence. Delilah and Theo were watching her with encouraging smiles. Camry, after finishing the comic, had turned to their phone, however, and seemed unaware of the conversation around them.

Amber understood if any of them wanted to know Addie more. With her exuberance and open expressions, she was a delight in any situation. Not to mention pretty and talented, which everyone in the room knew after seeing her cosplays and Craftsy store.

But Amber herself? Well, she was bumbling and couldn't carry a conversation to save her life.

In fact, going to the convention's dance party was just going to make her anxiety worse. She wasn't exactly sure what it would be like, but if it bore similarities to high school dances, albeit with more memey music, Amber could deduce how she'd act.

If any of the OWaB cast didn't pick up on her inner turmoil, they soon would.

"Forget about the others." As Augustine threw his arm along the back of the couch and leaned closer to Amber, he realized she tensed. Her wide eyes wheeled up to him, a faint pink to her cheeks as he infringed on her space. He couldn't remember ever encountering someone so adorably shy. An easy smile tilted at his lips, sincerity clear in every word. "I'd like to spend more time with you."

"Hey! Not everything is about you," Delilah called across the room, successfully breaking whatever moment transpired between Amber and Augustine.

And just like that, Augustine slipped a little away from Amber. She tried not to think how much colder the air felt with him further back.

He rolled his eyes, dragging his arm back to his side as he sat straighter and tossed Delilah an arrogant look. "Nonsense. I'm the only one that matters,"

Something in Amber relaxed as all attention to Augustine and Delilah as the two continued to exchange barbs and quips yet again. The momentary reprieve gave her a chance to breathe. For which she was immensely thankful. Despite their words, Delilah and Augustine also didn't seem to actually have true bite in their actions, which made Amber enjoy their little back-and-forth.

If she stopped thinking of these people as celebrities, Amber thought that she could, perhaps, see enjoying the dance party with them. Or maybe at least giving it a shot. Even if they all went their separate ways, she'd always have Addie to lean on or she could just abscond to her hotel room.

Before Amber could think too hard about it, her mouth was already phrasing the hesitant words, "I guess it could be fun."

Hearing her agreement, Augustine turned his attention back to her. A broad smile stretched over his lips, Delilah a forgotten target of his teasing. He was gratified to catch Amber perk up at his attention and avert her gaze from his as that faint pink deepened. Adorable.

It was Addie, throwing her arms around Amber and squeezing her tight, that acted first. "That's the spirit! Let's go tear it up!"

Resounding agreements filled the air and, after gathering up their trash and tidying a little, they were heading off to the party.

—

Once again, they took the private shuttles back to the convention center wherein the festivities were already underway. In a part of the center she hadn't ventured to yet, Amber was mildly surprised to find an actual dance hall.

Shoes squeaked and clacked across black, commercial-grade laminate flooring. Mingling scents of soap, perfume, and sweat filled the air. Filling the air was chatter and music, giggling and guffaws, the occasional meme-y shout. With the overhead lights turned down, the only source of light seemed to come from the DJ's equipment and the plentiful glowsticks.

Visceral memories of school dances washed over her as she stepped from the sterile air conditioned hall and into the humid heat of the room. And like a school dance, she let Addie and the others drag her into the throng.

Augustine watched Amber as she awkwardly swayed in time to the music, watching her friend jimmy and jive between Delilah and Theo. Camry had scarpered off in-transit, which Augustine had expected would happen. They weren't exactly the dancing sort.

He gently hip-bumped her side, grinning as she startled and looked up at him. "You need to loosen up a little, Miss Dyer."

"Ahaha, sorry." Amber awkwardly laughed as she looked away from him, her hand rubbing the back of her neck in embarrassment. "I've never been great at dancing. Especially with others watching."

Augustine couldn't help himself, her shy reaction like a siren's call to him. Well, that and her scent. He stooped down, hovering close enough to her ear he could hear her freeze at his proximity. Speaking just loud enough to be heard, but low enough to vibrate down her spine, he asked, "Should I distract you so you forget about everyone else?"

The tiny sound Amber made at the back of her throat was anything but dignified. Again, Augustine's body heat teased at her, sending mortifying sensations through her body. A tumble of thoughts careened through her head, most centering on how embarrassing it'd be to dance next to him or the others.

It was an easier worry to focus on than her body's other responses.

Her concerns about dancing in front of Augustine and the others immediately dissipated as a number of shrieks suddenly lit through the air. From the corner of her eye, Amber caught Augustine flinch.

"Montos!"

"Laira!"

"It's Augustine Prime and Delilah Moonsbayne!"

Amber caught Augustine's aggrieved expression a micro-second before the rush of bodies came toward them. It was quick, almost pained. She didn't get a chance to ask him what was wrong, before a crush of fans swarmed the group.

Unrecognized and therefore unimportant in the sea of fans, Amber allowed herself to be shoved off to the side. It was that or fight against the admirers. On the edge of the mass of OWaB aficionados, Amber watched Delilah and Augustine invoke their public relation skills. The throng around them was thick, filled with people of all ages.

There was no way she was going to manage to get back to them and they were too busy fielding questions and requests. A sudden, horrible curiosity bloomed in her head. Had they just hung out with her and Addie for PR reasons?

At that thought, Amber glanced around for her friend. If she was near, Amber couldn't find her in the crowd, but the push of strangers around her and the lights suddenly felt disorienting. Taking a deep breath, she shoved to the first exit she saw.

The door she chose led to an empty hall with business-grade neutral-colored carpet and white walls, decorated with flyers and corporate artwork. Amber wandered down one corridor, letting her body temperature fall. She hadn't realized how oppressive the heat of the dance area was until now.

Her mind lolled around the last few hours' happenings. From delivering the commission to the VIP lounge to being able to spend an inordinate amount of time with some of the stars from Of Wolf and Blood. It had surprisingly been fun. Likely the most anomalous thing to happen to Amber, but fun.

And now it was over.

Her lips pressed together as the realization sunk in and a bubble of disappointment swelled in her chest. With a shake of her head and a sigh, Amber tried to stave off the feeling. It wasn't like there had been any promise of further interactions. This was a convention, after all. One-time experiences happened and, among those, were interactions with celebrities.

Unable to find a map hanging on one of the corridor's walls, Amber made her way to a stairwell instead, seeking privacy from anyone who might stumble upon her. She needed to text Addie, let her know she was heading back to the hotel. Whether Addie came with her or not was a different matter, but her friend needed to be aware of Amber's departure from the party.

Just before she thumbed her way to the phone icon, her eyes caught sight of the notifications. Her heart tripped, briefly forgetting the maxed out notifications. Once more, she was remembered of Augustine's influence over the last few hours of her life.

Absently, she pushed through another door and edged beneath a stairwell, shielded and out of sight from anyone passing by. Gods, she was going to have to field and cull the messages. Well, hopefully it wouldn't be the worst thing to entertain herself while Addie danced the night away.

"Ah, there you are!"

Amber's attention jerked up toward the voice. Her eyes widened, her heart jumping as she registered Augustine Prime was there. He leaned toward her, arms extended over his head and grasping at the overhead stair's side-railing.

Something in Amber fluttered, realizing how tall and just big Augustine was in empty space. Being cornered in a stairwell wasn't helping, either. The way he smiled down at her made teh fluttering worsen and, with force, Amber answered, "You got kind of busy so I just thought I'd leave."

"I want to spend time with you." Relief at finding her still bobbed in his chest, making his smile all the brighter.

When the fans had descended, he'd tried to fend them off. Thankfully, Delilah had understood the silent pleading look that he shot her. She took on the job of public relations as he made an excuse to leave.

His little admission sent a terrifying ripple of conflict through Amber. Her nose wrinkled as she pointedly looked around their setting. "How did you even find me?"

"Your scent." Augustine tapped the side of his nose, still smiling down at her.

Embarrassment flashed over Amber as she turned to him. She knew, on a logical level, that lycans had stronger olfactory senses, but it still felt like a hidden slight. As if she was particularly smelly in a negative way. "Excuse me?"

"Scents are important to lycans. It's what drew me to you in the first place." Augustine gave a single-shouldered shrug, unaware of the potentially negative connotations attached to smell.

"Oh. Well, I guess I can tell you what products I use?" The oddity of the circumstance and Augustine's presence was discombobulating her mind again. She clung to what felt like the first sensible answer to him enjoying her aroma. Heat from embarrassment and his proximity teased at her cheeks as she looked away. "They're nothing special, though. You can probably afford better, honestly."

"It's deeper than that," Augustine chuckled as his grip on the stairs released. His arms eased down and he ducked beneath the metal, stooping over Amber and leaning in closer. He inhaled deeply, her aroma filling his nose and his lungs, her taste on the back of his tongue. Deeper rumblings for more fizzled inside him, but he shoved them away. "Your scent is like a vibration inside me. Tickling and relaxing. It's like I feel it in my bones."

Everything in Amber stilled, feeling his inhalation tickle at her throat. There was a faint awareness of him edging closer yet and her thoughts flashed with the image of his lips barely grazing her.

"Stop." The word shot out of Amber's mouth before she even realized it.

Augustine froze, his smooth body language becoming rigid. He forced himself to pull back a little, still within the realm of her personal bubble but less so. His eyes darted around Amber's face, a swell of guilt rising in him as she remained still, watching him warily.

His ears drooped and shoulders slumped. "What? What'd I do wrong?"

"I'm not interested in whatever this is." Amber made a sharp gesture between both of them, taking a step back with the motion. A pained expression flashed over Augustine's features, but she steeled against the puppy dog eyes. With a swallow, as if the hard tone was clogging her throat. "I'm sure the whole smelling tactic goes over real well with people that swoon all over you, but I'm not one of those people."

"It's not a tactic," he softly replied, watching her almost pleadingly. Augustine fought back the urge to step forward, to be within her radius again. His hands flexed at his sides, trying to ignore the desire to reach out, hug her close. He knew that wasn't the right move. There was a concerning metallicness in her scent, a fear that he had somehow caused.

"Right, it's totally not something that helps you get up close and personal with others." Amber crossed her arms over her chest, hiding how her body trembled. Her tone dipped harshly, her frown curved deeply across her lips. "This con has one day left and I'm not interested in a one-night stand with some famous fuck boy."

If Augustine took offense at being called a 'famous fuck boy' he didn't show it. Which was good, since as soon as the words escaped Amber, her heart tripped in fear. She was faintly aware how alone they were. At the back of her head, a wary part of her knew what a physical disadvantage she'd be at if he pushed, if he continued to pursue. She swallowed down conflicting sensations, staring up at him as her heart thrummed.

Undeterred, Augustine shook his head. "It won't be a one-night stand."

"You expect me to believe that? Stuff like actors suddenly popping up into a nobody's life and sweeping them off their feet doesn't happen in real life." An incredulous, if bitter, laugh fell from her lips as she simultaneously shoved him further away and stepped back. To even believe he wanted a relationship with her - when he barely knew her - was laughable. Realistically, there was no way he wanted anything more than a quick fuck.

Amber's scowl deepened, realizing he thought she'd be so eager to hop into bed with him. Was that all tonight was about? Was it the only reason he wanted to keep spending time with her? A pain shot through her chest, but she didn't peer too closely at the sensation. It would only bring further aches.

Something in Augustine's uncomprehending look softened Amber's thoughts though. She remembered his co-stars' teasing, how he was born rich. Though she hated to admit it, his earnest confusion alone made her believe he didn't actually mean any harm.

Maybe the wealthy really were from a different world, Amber thought. Swallowing, she averted her gaze from him and tried to give him some grace. "As an actor, you have busy work schedules and appearances to maintain. You wouldn't have time for me."

And I don't have the patience for that, she added to herself as his gaze fell to his feet, his wolfish ears and tail drooping even further.

Silence fell between them. In the distance, the roar of the dance party was a faint buzz. Somewhere nearer, a door opened before falling shut. Faintly, Amber wondered if she should text Addie, try to find her, return to the safety of bystanders. Something in her didn't reach for her phone, though. A morbid curiosity that wanted to see what he'd do next, how this would play out.

In Augustine's head, he was trying to mentally come up with solutions to Amber's conflicted feelings. She was worried this was a ploy, that he'd use her and leave her. In her eyes, even if he was being truthful about his interest, he was too busy for someone like her. Whatever that meant.

There was only one answer. Truth be told, he had already considered breaching the subject. He had only briefly discussed it with his manager, Xomoa. First, over text, and then in his bedroom when they called him. Harebrained, ill-thought, outrageous, destined for failure. They had thrown a number of words at him in an attempt to sway him.

It was the only solution in his eyes.

"Alright, I understand your concerns, but I have a solution." Augustine took a step closer to Amber, tilting his face to her once more. A smile parted his shadowed expression. Immediately, uncertainty flickered over her face in response. His hands rose, hovering in front of his chest as he gestured to her then to himself.

"Let's get married."

"Excuse me?!" Amber's wide eyes stared up at Augustine's serious expression. This had to be a joke. There was no way he was serious. Instinctively, she took another step back. She regretted it, realizing the wall was solidly behind her, but she refused to take her eyes from Augustine.

"I want your scent around me all the time. Being married, living in the same home and spending time together, I'd be in it all the time." Of course, smelling it directly from her was better than her ambient scent, but Augustine would take whatever he could consensually get. Xomoa had already told him he'd be lucky if Amber didn't get a restraining order if he followed through with this, but it was too late to take it back.

With no verbal input from the wide-eyed Amber, Augustine continued to spell out his reasons. "You want some sort of evidence that I'm not going to just use you. Trust needs to be built, which takes time. Marrying me will give you time and the collateral of half my stuff, my finances."

This had to be a joke. Or some convoluted scheme to get her into bed. Amber couldn't figure out which, since her brain was still attempting to make sense of his proposal.

"No sex required. I just want to be around you. I'll even sign a prenup with all of this spelled out." That had been another facet Xomoa had forced him to consider. It hadn't even crossed his mind that sex would be expected. Welcomed, of course, but not expected by any means.

Confidence thrummed through Augustine and, without thinking, he straightened from his stoop. His head thunked against the underside of the stairs and, with a wince, he slumped back down, ruefully rubbing the sore spot.

His smile took on an abashed edge, knowing the thunk to his head hadn't exactly been smooth. Considering Amber's shock was still frozen on her features, she might not have even noticed. With his ears pricking forward, Augustine softly pressed, "What do you say? Will you marry me, Miss Amber Dyer?"

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Next Part | Masterlist

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Aaaah, finally! We got to this part. I hope everyone enjoyed that.

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