The next few days went smoothly both Phoenix and Zeta spent every waking hour together. Each and every night Phoenix would sleep on the floor by the fire trying hard to fight the ever-growing temptation that grew by the day. Early in the morning on the fifth day, Phoenix woke to find Augusto standing above him. “And what pray tell are you doing in Lil Bits cottage?” Phoenix rubbed his eyes as he sat up “Sleeping on a hardwood floor for the last five days.” Augusto walked into the kitchen and started some water to boil for tea “You have been here five days?” Phoenix got up and put on his shirt and sat at the table “Yes Sir I have been.” Pouring them both tea Augusto handed Phoenix a mug. “I read about you in the paper.” Phoenix laughed “So did Caleb, he came looking for me, so did Zeta.” Augusto leaned back in his chair “So what happened?” Phoenix shrugged “She sat at my table and asked me to the Ball I said no and that I was going with Zeta, she called Zeta a bunch of names so I told her off and walked away.” Augusto nodded “It said you two looked friendly.” Phoenix shrugged “She is a lady what was I supposed to do, I was just being polite but after she started talking badly about Zeta I stopped being polite.” Augusto smiled “I’m glad to hear it, so Zeta came to you?” Phoenix nodded “Yes Sir and I returned here with her, we have had a great time. I have to admit I was fairly shocked to find out Zeta had so many wifely skills what I mean to say is she’s been cooking up a storm and she’s mighty good at it, she’s not much into sewing but she seems fully able to run a household. I’m not trying to sound so surprised I just didn’t assume it was her forte.” Augusto beamed with fatherly pride “She’s my only daughter; I didn’t want her to grow up not knowing those kinds of things so I hired someone to come in and teach her, she always loved cooking it was the sewing and stuff she had a problem with.” Zeta stood in the doorway watching them, walking over she first kissed her father then Phoenix “Good morning, you two are up early.” Augusto grinned “There’s my Lil Bit looking so sweet, I hear you and Phoenix have been alone out here for five days.” Zeta sparkled “Five great days actually they could have been even better if Phoenix here wasn’t so dead set on being a gentleman.” Augusto sighed “I swear girl sometimes you’re too bold and you’re lucky Phoenix was a gentleman and on the floor instead of in your bed or this wouldn’t have turned out to be such a pleasant little visit.” Zeta laughed “So Papa when are you planning on returning to London?” Augusto smiled “Tomorrow, why do you ask?” Zeta shrugged “I’d like to go back with you and stay in the apartment above the coffee house, will you be in London long?” Augusto shook his head “Only a day then I’m off to Sheffield but I’ll be back for the Ball of course. I do hope you two decide to make it.” Phoenix nodded “We were planning on taking a ride this morning would you like to join us?” Augusto nodded “Actually I’d like that I haven’t gone riding with Zeta since she was twelve.” Zeta smiled big “Well aren’t I the lucky one my two favorite people all to myself and what a lovely day for a ride.” An hour later Augusto met Phoenix and Zeta in the stables, heading west they rode the winding road a half mile before hitting the open plains. Augusto watched his daughter with pride; her beauty astonished him even to this day. Her eyes seemed more alive than he had ever seen; the vivid violet seemed to glisten in the morning light. Her long sheen black locks flowed behind her in the wind. Augusto’s pride overflowed at even the sight of her, her seductive laugh was contagious and spellbinding and seemed to mesmerize Phoenix who rode at her side his eyes never leaving her, his fierce gaze focused on her every move. His eye’s filled with love, new love yes but love all the same. Zeta was enjoying their ride, her father had gotten quiet and Phoenix seemed attentive yet deep in thought while she felt somehow at ease with an underlying fear that Phoenix might have a change of heart. Zeta figured they all had a lot to think about and maybe a long quiet ride was exactly what they needed. That night Phoenix took a room at the main house eager to get back to London and for he and Zeta’s deal to continue. The next morning Augusto sent Smith to Zeta’s cottage to get her luggage. Zeta met with her father in his study. “I’m sending Smith along with you as your driver; I know you two have always gotten along well.” Handing her a small black chest with a handle he smiled, “There are enough funds here for you to eat out every meal and to buy yourself a few things if you like. Maybe even a new gown if you decide to attend the Ball.” Zeta chuckled “Don’t worry daddy I’ll be fine and I won’t embarrass you.” Augusto smiled “I love you baby girl, enjoy yourself I hope you and Phoenix stay sweet on each other.” Zeta walked over and hugged her father “Love you too, daddy.” Augusto snorted “And don’t you go forgetting those mutts of yours.” Zeta laughed “Already packed them into the coach.” Augusto put his arm around her shoulder as he walked her out to find Phoenix waiting next to her coach. Augusto held out his hand Phoenix took it “Take good care of my girl Phoenix.” Phoenix smiled “I plan to Sir.” After helping Zeta up into the coach Phoenix smiled “I will see you tonight at your apartment, I have to go with your father now but as for tonight, I’m all yours.” Zeta giggled “It will give me time to settle in, remember Smith will be staying in a room downstairs from me so try not to be seen and my brothers will no doubt be watching as well.” Phoenix leaned in and kissed her “I’ll be careful, see you tonight.” Shutting the coaches’ doors Phoenix signaled up at Smith “See you in London.” After watching her coach pull away Phoenix headed to the stables where Zeus and her father were waiting, “Have they left yet?” Phoenix nodded as he swung up onto Zeus’s back “Yeah just now.” Augusto nodded “Not quite used to seeing her smile so much.” Phoenix shrugged “To tell you the truth I don’t normally smile this much myself but I can’t say it doesn’t feel good.” Augusto followed Phoenix out of the stables and toward the road to London. “She’s a stunning woman I must admit not only in appearance but artistically as well, she’s smart as a whip she could be an asset to your voyage.” Phoenix laughed quietly “In more than one way I’m sure.” Augusto laughed “She is a very passionate woman.” Phoenix nodded “You have no idea, I’ve never been more tempted in my life, talk about having control.” Augusto wore a grave expression “Best keep a hold of it because my sons will be watching you like a hawk while she’s in London.” Zeta was excited about going to London and that was a first, usually, she dreaded it completely. The thought of having more time with Phoenix was just what Zeta needed. Apollo and Artemis were anxious to get out and Zeta was starving so they stopped at a tavern called the Roadhouse to get a bite to eat and a few minutes rest. Zeta got out and stretched while Apollo and Artemis went to relieve themselves. “Smith best that you stay with the coach and I’ll bring you something to eat.” Smith started to argue “Now Miss Zeta I can’t let you go in there alone.” Zeta sighed “You’re not I have the boys and if you don’t stay with the coach it will get robbed.” Smith thought about it “Alright but hurry the earlier we get to London the better.” Zeta nodded as she headed toward the tavern, when she walked in the busy tavern got quiet, Zeta wore her new black and red crushed velvet dress with her hair down around her shoulders. Walking to the tavern she was stopped by a large hand on her shoulder “I like my women little like you.” Turning she ran straight into a large man’s stomach looking up she frowned “Good for you now take your hand off me.” Turning she smiled at the barman, “I’ll be in the booth in the corner when you have time to take my order, pulling out some money she paid first hoping to get better service. Turning she found the large man waiting “For your sake, I hope you start being nicer to me.” Zeta laughed “For your sake, I hope you’re smart enough to walk away now while you still can.” The man laughed as he reached out for her, “No little girl dressed like a witch is going to threaten me.” Zeta whistled within seconds Apollo and Artemis ran inside and stood at her side growling at the man standing entirely too close to their master. Seeing the dogs the man nearly fell as he backed away. Zeta smiled sweetly as she leaned in so only he could hear “If I’m a witch then these are my hounds from hell.” With a wink, she walked past him and sat down and Apollo and Artemis closely followed sitting at her feet. After a quick meal, Smith had Zeta back on the road to London, the sun had just set when they arrived at the Steel coffee house, driving around back Smith unloaded Zeta’s bags then settled in himself. The apartment was a one bedroom with a small kitchen and a small fireplace and smelt of coffee. After unpacking Zeta checked the time it was already nine o’clock. Apollo and Artemis needed to go out so Zeta wrote a quick note for Phoenix then headed out to walk them, her and her unusual giant black dogs receiving strange and curious stares. Phoenix had returned home to clean up and change, checking the clock for the hundredth time before heading to Zeta’s apartment. Making sure he wasn’t followed or being watched as he climbed the stairs to find a note waiting. “Took the boys out, make yourself at home.” Phoenix left the note and let himself in, excited to see her as he looked around. Zeta was so excited to see Phoenix she rushed the dogs hoping he was waiting. Walking up the stairs she was disappointed to find her note still there, walking in she sighed. “Looks like we’ll be waiting awhile longer.” Apollo and Artemis ran into the room, Phoenix walked out “I wonder did you miss me as much as I missed you?” Zeta smiled big “I’m glad you’re here.” Hearing someone walking up the stairs Zeta’s smile faded and Phoenix stepped back into the bedroom, Apollo and Artemis barked when there was a knock. Zeta answered to find Maxwell, “I wasn’t expecting to see you, Maxwell.” Maxwell shrugged “Erica thought it would be rude if we didn’t ask you to dinner tonight.” Zeta frowned “Thank you but I ate on the way here and isn’t it a little late for a dinner invitation, I was actually just about to get ready for bed, but if you don’t mind I’d like to join you tomorrow.” Maxwell shrugged “It is late, I just wanted to check in on you, but dinner tomorrow sounds nice.” Zeta mocked “All right tomorrow then.” Maxwell smiled “That would be great; I’ll send Phoenix an invite as well.” Zeta scoffed “Thanks again for coming here and asking.” Maxwell sighed knowing Zeta wasn’t happy with his disturbance, “Night Brat see you tomorrow, keep this door locked, London is dangerous with or without these mutts of yours.” Zeta rolled her eyes and growled as she shut her door and shut all of the drapes. Phoenix stepped out and laughed “I brought a bottle of wine if you would like some.” Zeta’s mood quickly changed as she turned her loving gaze onto Phoenix “I’ll look for some glasses.” Phoenix went to the fireplace and started a fire after Zeta poured them both a glass she joined him and handed him one “How long will you be here?” Phoenix smiled “As long as you lets me stay and I can get away without being seen, why?” Zeta smiled as she walked toward her bedroom “Good I’ll be right back.” Phoenix smiled “What are you doing?” Zeta laughed as she walked into her bedroom leaving the door open “I’m just getting comfortable.” Phoenix finished off his wine and poured another. “Need help?” Zeta laughed as she stepped out of her dress then hung it up. Walking around in her black sheer undergarments she pulled out a box, “Last year my father went over sea’s and he brought me something back and I’ve never been able to wear it so I thought tonight would be the perfect occasion.” Pulling out a black silk Chinese robe Zeta’s excitement grew the hand painted design was beautiful. A gift from her father she had dreamt of the moment she could wear it and whom better for than her Phoenix. Removing her under garment’s she tried it on. The silk felt like heaven on her bare skin clinging to her every curve boldly displaying her breasts with a dangerously low neckline. Looking at herself in the mirror, she took a deep breath biting her lip. Phoenix was more than eager to see what she had on. “Everything okay in there?” Zeta took a deep breath before stepping out and into view “What do you think?” Stunned Phoenix’s eyes grew big as he stared at her in pure amazement, “You look simply stunning, what a beautiful robe I’ve never seen anything like it, so exotic and sexy you look like a Goddess in it.” Walking toward her he swallowed her up with his eyes, reaching out he touched the fabric “I’ve never wanted anything more.” Zeta nervously licked her lips as she walked passed him to pick up her wine, Phoenix’s eyes never leaving her or the sexy sway of her hips. Sitting down Zeta smiled “Come and sit with me.” Phoenix smiled still in a state of shock, the robe was open exposing the shapely curve of Zeta’s leg all the way up to her creamy thigh. Still standing Phoenix rubbed his face and sighed “What are you doing to me?” Zeta frowned “What do you mean?” Phoenix laughed as he leaned against the mantle finishing off his wine. “Come on Zeta, it’s hard enough being with you and not being able to make love to you. But look at you sitting by the fire in a silk robe that fits you like a second skin, every move you make drives me crazy with longing for you.” Zeta shrugged “If you want I can change.” Phoenix smiled “No I like you like this, hell honey I love you like this, all I’m saying is if we’re not going to be having sex we can’t let ourselves go too far.” Zeta shrugged “Why again are we not having sex?” Phoenix laughed “Zeta you know why, and we have just met.” Zeta shrugged “I know what I want and have never felt for another man the way I feel for you. I don’t see my virginity as a treasure or a gift to be saved for marriage. Sex is sex, call it making love, call it fucking, it’s just two people coming together in an act of passion, pleasing each other, connecting on a different level. I’m not innocent or naive, I’m a woman with wants and needs and I’m not looking for a fairy tale.” Phoenix sat down next to her and looked her in the eyes “What happens if you and I don’t have a future together?” Zeta shrugged “Then that will be that we will both have fond memories to look back on.” Phoenix looked to be thinking it over, Zeta stood and walked to her bedroom turning in the doorway she smiled “It’s up to you Phoenix.” Phoenix stood and faced her from across the room “You look beautiful.” Zeta smiled seductively as she removed her robe and tossed it over a chair, “Are you still trying to decide?” Phoenix shook his head as he approached her unbuttoning his shirt and throwing it onto the ground, Zeta watched him approach the sexy swagger in his walk making her even hotter. Removing his pants he stood boldly in front of her letting her search his body with her eyes, his manhood ready and eager for action. Closing in Phoenix pulled Zeta’s naked flesh up against his own, lifting her he placed her legs around his waist as he kissed her in a frenzy of passion. Walking her to the bed he shut the bedroom door leaving Apollo and Artemis outside as he placed her on the bed and laid down beside her caressing her skin as he deepened the kiss. Her whimpers of delight pushing him forward as he broke away and began to caress and suckle at her full and rounded breasts. Feeling his erection Zeta reached down between them and began to stroke him soft and slow at first then harder and faster as his moans grew louder and his head dropped back in satisfaction. Unable to hold back any longer Phoenix positioned himself above Zeta then used his knee to spread her legs while they kissed. Reaching down to the hot heat between her legs he knew she was ready, pushing her hips up to meet his eager fingers Zeta cried out anxious for more. Zeta’s body felt alive with passion like an open nerve waiting to be touched. When Phoenix entered her he could feel her tighten around him gripping onto him making him want more, feeling her maidenhood he pulled out slowly only to thrust forward breaking it and delving deeper into what now was his and only his, Zeta cried out as the sharp pain seemed to take over her, Phoenix hot breathy kisses and slow movements quickly turned the pain into a pleasure she had never known. Soon she found herself moving beneath him begging him to move faster and push harder, her cries of passion and his moans of pleasure echoing off the bedroom walls as they moved as one, holding on as long as he could Phoenix pulled out and spilled his seed into his hand a strong shutter going over him before falling down beside Zeta who rested there flushed and spent from an incredible first night of making love. After cleaning them both up Phoenix turned and watched her “You look rather satisfied.” Zeta laughed “As do you, my love.” Phoenix leaned in and kissed her “Are you all right, are you sore?” Zeta glowed “A little but it was worth it, I’ve never experience anything so amazing.” Phoenix smiled “Just wait it gets better with time and practice.” Zeta laughed “Then I guess you and I will be doing a lot of practicing. Why did you pull out?” Phoenix kissed her again “Are you ready to be a mother?” Zeta frowned “No.” Phoenix grinned “That’s why, the way I see it if I pull out you can’t get pregnant, no seed, no baby. Although that doesn’t always work but at least we can try right, I’d rather not get you pregnant before you’re married or were married.” Zeta remembered, “I almost forgot there is a hidden door under the bed that leads to the cellar if my brothers ever show up and you have to get out quick.” Phoenix chuckled “Good to know, so lover no regrets?” Zeta cuddled closer inhaling his intoxicating scent, “No not one, will I see you tomorrow?” Phoenix caressed her hair as they lay comfortably intertwined “Yes, I’ll pick you up at ten o’clock, me and our chaperone of course.” Zeta brooded “Thank the Gods we have nights alone.” Phoenix laughed “Yes love and this night's not yet over, I still have at least an hour before I have to go.” Zeta smiled as she sat up and looked down at him her breasts exposed, her hair tousled and her cheeks flushed “How about you any regrets?” Phoenix frowned as he reached out and touched her hair “No honey, I’ve known I wanted you since the first moment I saw you cleaning out your paint brushes in your undergarments. It was your honor and innocence I was worried about.” Zeta leaned in and kissed him “Can’t we just stay in bed forever?” Phoenix laughed as he pulled Zeta up onto his lap, stroking his erection Zeta lifted herself up onto him slowly as her body adjusted to his size. Phoenix watched her as she slowly rode him easing herself up and down onto his thick shaft each movement pulling him farther over the edge. Her breasts bouncing as she quickened her pace, her sweet moans growing louder the closer she came to her own sweet end. Holding her hips he helped her to keep the pace thrusting from the bottom as they both were in the throes of passion. About to spill his seed Phoenix turned Zeta onto her back and slammed into her before pulling out and spilling his seed onto her stomach. Just the sight of his hot seed on her stomach caused Zeta’s body to spasm in delight then shatter as Phoenix fell beside her both out of breath. Phoenix was quick to clean her off before returning her into his arms. “Not to change the subject away from our love making but what would you think about joining me on my voyage?” Zeta sat up wearing a serious expression “Is this a real offer or just something you thought of while fucking me?” Phoenix was quiet a moment as if thinking it over, “It’s not well thought out but it’s a real offer.” Zeta wanted to jump up and down with excitement but held onto her emotions. “As what Phoenix, your fuck buddy, if I could go as just that I would but you know I can’t. No matter my reputation or my strangeness I’m still a Steel I’m expected to act the part at least in public.” Phoenix nodded “I know hell I’m a Prescott a lot is expected of me as well, maybe we should go back to getting to know each other and in a few weeks we can decide our next move.” Zeta nodded, Phoenix turned her so she would look him in the eyes “Zeta honey don’t let that upset you, if and when you go with me on my voyage it will be as my wife, I just want to make sure we go about it the right way and it’s going to be hard enough keeping the fact that we are lovers a secret.” Zeta smiled “If Maxwell sends you an invite to his house for dinner will you go?” Phoenix shrugged “That all depend's will you be there?” Zeta nodded “I said I would.” Phoenix leaned in and kissed her “Then yes I will definitely be there, and I will definitely be here tomorrow night.” Phoenix got dressed and Zeta walked him to the door covered by only a sheet, Phoenix pulled her close and kissed her “I think you should buy yourself a new gown.” Zeta frowned “Why?” Phoenix laughed “So that I can show you off to all my friends and the whole of London when I take you to the Wilcox Ball.” Zeta beamed “Funny I’ve never wanted to go to a party before, but with you as my date how could I not.” Phoenix kissed her one last time. “Even a Warlock needs a woman.” Zeta laughed “And a Witch needs a man, we will be the talk of the town not that we haven’t been before.” Phoenix opened the door and looked around “We will definitely give them something to talk about.” With a wink he turned and snuck away leaving Zeta in a daze of pure satisfaction and eager for more.