She was surrounded by darkness, not a trace of light could pierce through its thick folds. She was completely blind, but could still feel the rough hands sliding along her body, the dirt and sweat staining her skin. She opened her mouth to cry out and felt like she was swallowing the black murk in the air, cutting off her voice. She was drowning and couldn’t shake off the phantom hands. They dragged her deeper into the dark depths, further from the light.
“Grace…” A soft voice called and she peeked open one eye, seeing a flicker of light. She weakly reached for it, wanting to be free of the black void. The light grew brighter, coming closer to her as it chased away the shadows. She shot up, breaking through the shadows into a dimmer setting. The light was gone, but she wasn’t blind any longer. Her body was covered in sweat and she shivered as the cold washed over her. A hand touched her shoulder and the memories came rushing back.
“No!” She cried, shaking and struggling against the phantoms, wanting to be free of them.
“Grace...Calm down sweetheart. It was only a nightmare.” He whispered and her eyes shot open as the dream receded completely and she realized she was sitting up in bed, safe inside her chambers. She gasped, breathing heavily as her frantic gaze looked up to see Sebastian sitting on the edge of her bed, looking at her worriedly. She took in a deep breath, hoping to calm down, but it was shaky and tears filled her eyes. As soon as she covered her face to hide them, his arms wrapped around her, bringing her against him.
“Hush now...it’s alright. You're safe love, I’ve got you.” He whispered, stroking her hair as she cried against him. He was so warm and she felt incredibly cold, so she pressed closer to him. It took her a moment to realize that he wasn’t wearing a tunic and she was touching his bare chest. She pulled back, but her eyes stayed glued to the expanse of muscle, watching as it moved with each breath he took. Without thinking her fingers reached up to brush the skin, the hair dusting it tickling her fingertips. He hissed, flinching back and she snapped out of her daze.
“Sorry I-”
“No...you just surprised me.” He rasped, reaching up and grabbing her hand. His grey eye blazed with desire and it filled her cold body with warmth once more. He swallowed and leaned towards her, his eye flicking to her lips. She closed her eyes and lifted up to accept his touch, but it didn’t come. He stopped himself just before they pressed to hers and pulled back, frowning in frustration.
“I can’t…” He sighed, shaking his head as he sat back from her, a feeling of disappointment filled her heart as the cold began to creep in. He reached up and patted her head with a small smile.
“I only wanted to check on your sleep. Rest now darling. You are safe tonight, I won’t let anyone get to you.” He said, making to stand and leave her. A wave of panic crashed over her at the thought of being alone and she reached out instinctively. She caught his wrist and he froze, just as shocked as she was by her actions. But she couldn’t let him go, as childish as it sounded.
“Please...please stay...I-I don’t feel…I want to...” She struggled with the words, not sure how to get her feelings across to him. Grace lifted her eyes up and he took in a sharp breath at what was shining in their depths.
“Sebastian...please…” She whispered and saw him swallow again. He placed one knee on the edge of the bed, leaning towards her as he supported himself with his arms. The grey in his eye was being swallowed by the black as he came closer to her. The fire she saw sparked an answering heat in her. She sighed in bliss as his lips pressed against hers, drinking in his breath to fill her own lungs with sweet air once again. He pushed her back until she fell against the pillows and he was hovering over her, his hair falling about them like a curtain from the world.
She let her eyes wander to his body once more, his broad chest expanding with each intake of air, his strong arms supporting his weight. His legs, bent at the knee, trapping hers between them. She felt like a sacrifice before a fierce devil with a mesmerizing grey eye, but for the first time she also wasn’t afraid and welcomed the attention. As his hesitation became more apparent she took the initiative and reached up to cup his face. His eye widened, but she pulled, urging him to come to her fully.
With a soft groan he obliged, falling against her so she felt his delicious weight push her into the mattress. She slid her hands to the back of his head, taking fists full of his silky hair as his mouth slanted over hers, his tongue pushing past her pliant lips. Every stroke of the slick muscle teased at the sensitive corners of her mouth and her back arched up, searching for more friction. Sebastian shifted and without breaking from their kiss he began to undo the buttons on her nightgown.
She moaned when the fabric loosened and his fingers slipped beneath the thin material, stroking up her sides to her breasts. His touch left a trail of fire as the cold ebbed away and only his heat remained within her. She gasped when his thumb brushed at her peaked nipple and he growled at the sound. His lips left hers free to create more sweet sounds as he moved down to her neck, sucking at the spot that made her mind go blank.
“Grace.” He rasped as one hand massaged her aching breast and the other reached down, pulling at her skirt to reveal more of her long legs to him. It amazed her that while that other man’s touch had repulsed her, Sebastian touching her in the same places only excited her. Yet there was still more that her body craved and she couldn’t understand what it was. She let out another cry as his teeth sank into her skin, a bolt of sensation running from the spot throughout her body. She pulled at his hair and he made an approving sound as his tongue lapped at the stinging patch on her neck.
He slowly inched lower, his tongue tasting more of her as his fingers moved up her thigh, massaging the trembling length towards her hidden womanhood. Her eyes shot open and she tried to move away at the first brush of his fingertips there. He pulled back, his sharp gaze stilling her retreat as she saw a strange vulnerability hidden beneath his desire. He reached up and ran the back of his fingers along the side of her face, brushing back the strands sticking to it.
“Relax love...trust me and open up for me.” He whispered and she swallowed, but the longer she looked into his eye, the deeper she was pulled in. She could only nod and he smiled, leaning down and pressing a gentle kiss to her lips.
“Good girl...Now relax your legs.” He coaxed and although she was trembling, she did as he asked and allowed him to shift her legs, spreading them further. She closed her eyes as he deepened the kiss, distracting her from her embarrassment. She flinched when his finger stroked her, the feeling so foreign that she wasn’t sure how to respond. Sebastian was patient with her though and didn’t push further until he felt her accept him. Soon she was moaning and seeking more from his touch, her body reacting on its own, knowing better than her mind what it sought. Just when she felt something begin to build his fingers left her and she made a sound of protest. He chuckled as his lips also pulled back and he grinned down at her.
“Don’t worry love, I’m not leaving you just yet. I will make you feel so alive that you won’t have to worry about the nightmares.” He whispered and the husky rasp of his voice made her shiver with as much pleasure as his touch had. She felt him shift lower and lifted up on her elbows as he moved her legs over his shoulders.
“Sebastian wait! W-what are you-ah!” She couldn’t finish her question as his hot tongue flicked against her. Her eyes widened as the immeasurable pleasure shot through her and she fell back again. Everything she had been taught about being a proper lady screamed against this act, but with every stroke and kiss she found herself giving into the sensations. Her voice rang out as though she could no longer control it; her fingers sought his soft hair on their own to hold him there.
“S-Sebastian I-ah!” She tried to warn him that something strange was happening as she felt her body tighten, but he had sucked hard when she rasped his name. The hot coils inside her were tightening and she felt like she was close to bursting, the feeling beyond anything she had read or heard about before. She peeked open an eye and found his predatory gaze locked on her face as he made love to her. It was that heated look and one long stroke that broke her and had her back bowed off the bed as white filled her vision. She cried out as the waves crashed over her, filling her with immense heat that shook her to her core and left her reeling when it finally lessened.
She was gasping for air as her body felt heavy and light at the same time. The bed creaked as he moved to lay beside her. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her onto her side, her face pressed into his chest as he once more stroked her hair. She still felt the aftershocks sliding along her body as he held her. Once she came back to her own, she realized that she could feel him straining against her. She tried to look up at him, but he was gripping her tightly against him.
“Sebastian?” She asked and felt his chest vibrate as something similar to a purr left him.
“I knew I would enjoy hearing that all the more in a different setting.” He chuckled and loosened his hold enough so that he could look down into her face. She frowned as he reached down and pulled up the coverlet that had been kicked to the end. He pulled it up over them both and she felt a small trace of confusion, because even in her innocence she knew that he had not fully made love to her.
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“Aren’t...are you not going to…” She stammered, sudden embarrassment making the flow of words difficult. Even so, he seemed to understand what she was asking and she saw his eye flash, but he pulled her into his chest again. His arms cradled her protectively and his gentle fingers stroked her hair, urging her to relax further.
“Not tonight love.” He whispered and she didn’t know what made her say it, but she asked,
“Why?”
He leaned back, his hand under her chin, raising her gaze to his and she saw it again, that hidden vulnerable side he didn’t wish her to see.
“Because you are being influenced by what happened. I only gave you enough to prove that you still live and breathe, for both our sakes. But...but when you finally share my bed fully and become mine I want there to be no other reason than you want to be there. I want no outside sources to sway you in your decision in giving yourself to me. I won’t take advantage of your weakened state tonight, even if you beg…” He said and she felt a strange tremor in her heart as a chunk of her armor cracked. He pulled her to him, settling them both comfortably as he embraced her.
“Now close your eyes. I will remain until you sleep peacefully once more. Goodnight Grace.” He whispered, pressing a gentle kiss into her hair. She didn’t respond, her throat tight with emotions that she couldn’t sort through properly as exhaustion set in upon her swiftly. She fought it, but sleep took her because she so desperately needed it. Having Sebastian wrapped around her left her defenseless against its effects as his warmth and strength became her own and her eyes slid closed. Half awake she mumbled,
“I almost forgot...Sebastian…”
“Hmm?”
“Thank you...for coming after me.”
He hummed and pulled her closer, whispering so soft she assumed she heard wrong.
“I’ve chased you half my life...I’ll never stop after finally catching you…”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Grace rubbed the cream into the rings on her wrists, massaging it in as she had been instructed. Sebastian had shown it to her last night right after bringing her home, helping her apply it to her stinging flesh. It would help the marks left by the ropes heal better and hopefully they would disappear completely. She wanted to ask him if it was what he used for his own scar, but had missed the opportunity last night. Her cheeks flushed as she remembered what had transpired between them.
When she had awoken alone she thought it another dream, but there was a small indent on the pillow beside her and his lingering scent. He must have gotten up before her and left to his own chambers. How long had he held her after she fell asleep? Grace sighed and replaced the lid on the glass jar, deciding to head down stairs. After all that had happened last night, she was expecting more buzz when she entered the hall, but it was calm like any other day. She supposed she should be grateful of the fact.
Grace went into the dining hall and was surprised to find it empty, she had arrived first. Frowning she motioned to one of the footmen and asked,
“Has my sister not risen yet?”
“Yes ma’am. Miss Annabelle said she would not be requiring breakfast and went out into the garden.” He said and her frown deepened. Anna never missed her morning meal, that girl always woke up with a fierce appetite except when she was ill. Worried Grace thanked the man and left for the garden in search of her sister. She walked along the path expecting to see her sister strolling somewhere ahead. She hummed as the path split off and debated which way to go when the sound of boots crunching gravel reached her ears.
She peeked around the edge of the row of hedges concealing her and saw Sebastian walking towards her, his hands in the pockets of his coat. His hair was tied back once more and he seemed relaxed in his stride. Grace opened her mouth to call to him to ask if he had seen Anna, but he spoke before she could.
“I have a feeling that it is not my impressive roses that brought you out here so early this morning.” He said and Grace blinked in confusion, but then a soft voice answered him.
“What do you want?”
Anna! From her vantage point she inched closer, able to see Anna sitting on a stone bench, her head bowed so her hair covered her face. Sebastian looked around behind him, sighing softly. Anna shook slightly, her small hands gripping the stone so hard they turned white as she whispered,
“It was all my fault…”
That had him turn his head back to her. She sniffled, holding in tears as she said again.
“It was all my fault that Grace…”
“Well it’s true that they only had an opportunity because you tried to sneak off for a rendezvous with Lord Charles…” He said and Anna choked back a sob. Grace gritted her teeth and made to step out to berate the man for his insensitive words, but was stopped as Sebastian turned and sat beside Anna. He looked down at the small girl.
“But...If anyone is to blame it is I for my carelessness. Don’t forget Annabelle, you were also taken by those men because they wanted something from me. I am just as concerned with how you are feeling right now as I am with how your sister is. Talk to me Annabelle.” He coaxed and Anna lifted her head, revealing the tears falling down her cheeks. Sebastian’s eyes softened as he reached up slowly and wiped them away. His large hand came up and rested on top of her head, petting gently.
“You are not grown just yet little one...Enjoy the advantages offered while you can.”
“Hmph, like what?” She muttered and his smile widened as he removed his hand and opened his arms to her.
“Like relying on your brother to hide your tears. And trust me to protect you from those that wish to harm you.”
Anna looked up at him with wide eyes, glimmering with unshed tears. Then her face scrunched up and she fell against his chest, his arms holding her secure. She was giving in momentarily to her age and letting someone support her, even if she didn’t particularly like them. As he let her release her withheld tears he patted the back of her head comfortingly and continued to speak.
“You know...I’ve always wanted a younger sister. I do have a brother, but it is not the same. Girls have the advantage that they can show their emotions…Remember Annabelle, you are my family now and that means that you can rely on me just like a real brother. I won’t let anyone hurt you or your sister ever again. I’m sorry you were scared.” He whispered and Anna shook her head.
“I was more worried about Grace. They...They just left me alone in that room. I wasn’t even bound because they didn’t think I would cause trouble.”
“We’re grateful that you weren’t, it meant we could retrieve you quickly.” He chuckled and Anna pulled out of his hug, having settled down some.
“Why…” She began, but stopped, biting her lip to ebb her words. He waited patiently for her to continue her question.
“Why did you come for me first?” She whispered and his eye widened in surprise.
“Why wouldn’t I?” He countered and she glared up at him, but it lacked the usual venom.
“Because I am merely the sister of the woman you married.” She accused and he chuckled, reaching up to pat her head like a child.
“Didn’t you hear me before? You and I are family now.”
“By marriage.”
“Not exactly...Let me ask you something now.” He said, cutting off her next question. She blinked silently and he continued, piercing her with that sharp look.
“Do you really love Lord Charles or is it a simple infatuation with a handsome face?” He asked and she blushed, looking away.
“I know what Grace says-”
“I’m asking you, not Grace...So tell me.” He said, his hands clasped in his lap as he watched her reactions. She bit her lip once more and nodded.
“I do...He makes me feel things that I don’t with others. Even if I don’t understand all of them, I know that I want to be with him.” She said, hiding behind her hair so he couldn’t see how red her cheeks were. He looked out over the garden and sighed.
“Then I will invite the man to talk. If he meets the standards I think you deserve then I will approve of it.” He said and she swung her head up so fast it could have snapped. Her eyes doubled and she turned her body to him, leaning towards him subtly.
“Can...Can you really...but I thought that discussion would have to be done between my father and him...And my father didn’t meet with him after Grace…” She rambled, confused at what he said.
“You were not simply let into my home as a guest Annabelle. I told your father that I would like to take you into the Blackwood family as my ward, taking over all responsibility for you. You are my family as much as my brother Liam.” He said and she gasped, her body trembling once more as her eyes misted.
“B-But...Grace didn’t say-”
“Grace doesn’t know either…” He whispered, this time it was him that turned his head away. His voice grew raspy as he explained further.
“I let the two of you think what you wished until you had grown more accustomed to life here. However, the truth is that both of you now belong to the Blackwood family...To my family. And above all, I protect my family with all the strength I possess…” He sighed again and stood, turning and offering his hand to her.
“Now Annabelle...Will you leave everything to me and trust that I will look after you as your new big brother?” He asked as he smiled gently at her, offering her something that she had never known and possibly the closest she would come to a father’s love. She sobbed again, then jumped up and hugged his middle, pressing her face into his chest.
Grace had her hand over her mouth, holding in her own tears as she watched the man comfort her sister in a way she never could. Sebastian had proven just how wrong her first impression of him had been. He wasn’t as cold as she had first thought, no man who was cold would have done what he did. Sebastian was an entirely different man from what she had painted him as and she felt another piece fall off her armored heart. She pulled back completely from view, not wanting to be seen and intrude on this sweet moment. She came to a decision, remembering what Aiden had asked of her. She would give Sebastian a second chance and maybe their forced marriage could transform into something real after all.