She felt so cold. The icy water seeped into her bones, but she couldn’t stop. She panted heavily, calling incoherently for help as she dragged the heavy object behind her. Her feet kept slipping on the murky bank, but she still managed to reach the shore, coughing harshly. She swung back to the object she had been so desperate to pull to safety, but everything suddenly went white…
Grace groaned as the dream faded, her heart still racing slightly from the adrenaline that had fueled her inside the vision. She peeked open one eye, the morning light spreading across the floor through the gap in the heavy curtains. She sighed and turned over to go back to sleep, feeling lethargic for some reason. Her body met warm flesh and at that instant she remembered everything from the night before. Grace opened her eyes wide as she looked up at Sebastian’s sleeping face. His chest was rising and falling slowly with his deep breaths.
She blushed brightly as she took inventory of her body and felt the strange soreness settled between her legs. Her eyes traveled down his bare chest and she felt her stomach tighten again as she remembered how he had hovered over her last night. Looking at her pillow, she noticed that she had actually been resting on his arm and hummed softly as she remembered how sweetly he had cradled her last night. Grace looked back to his face, so gentle and relaxed in sleep. His hair fell across his face, covering the left side. Her breathing stopped as she realized the leather strap that usually ran across his forehead was missing. That meant that if she brushed aside his hair…
She worried her lip, wondering if she would be overstepping her boundaries. There was no sound reason for her curiosity, but something was pushing her to look. Like a niggling at the corner of her mind that she couldn’t fully grasp it. Her fingers reached out slowly, just brushing the strands with the tips of her fingers when her wrist was seized.
She screamed, immediately trying to retract it, but the vise-grip had her held firm. His grey eye slowly slid open, locking on her. His hold relaxed, but he didn’t let her go and his lips lifted up in a soft smile.
“Good morning Grace.” He whispered as he brought her hand to his lips and gently kissed her knuckles. He let go of her wrist then and sat up, turning his back on her as he did. She watched as he pushed off the covers and began to rise from the bed. She felt her cheeks heat further and averted her eyes. She knew that she shouldn’t, but her gaze slowly moved back to him and she felt a familiar need building. She watched him pull on pants, his back stretching and bunching with muscle. He grabbed the eyepatch resting on the dresser and quickly fastened it in place. Grace felt an illogical disappointment fill her as he turned to face her only when he was sure his left eye was covered again.
“How are you feeling?” He asked, walking back to the bed. She looked away so he wouldn’t see the look in her eyes, not completely understanding the hurt she was feeling.
“I-I’m fine…” She whispered, not knowing what else to say. The bed dipped as he sat down and leaned towards her. His hand cupped her cheek and lifted her face up to his again, his grey eye filled with warmth and something she wished she could place.
“Don’t pretend for my sake. If you're hurting after our coupling, I need to know.” He said and the sincere worry in his voice soothed the unease that had been spreading through her. She smiled up at him and placed her own hand over his.
“Really. I’m okay. Last night was….Last night was incredible Sebastian.” She said and his eye narrowed.
“Damn.” He cursed suddenly and she frowned, opening her mouth to ask him what was wrong, but his lips covered hers, cutting off any words. The kiss was long and deep, drawing moans from her as he urged her back against the bed, stretching out above her. Her fingers tangled in his hair as their tongues twisted together passionately. Just when she began to anticipate him going further, he pulled back with another curse, covering his face with one hand in frustration.
“Sebastian?” She whispered curiously and he looked down at her, his gaze filled with a consuming brightness.
“I’m aroused again...but you need to recover.” He growled, looking away, a slight blush creeping along his cheeks. A sudden burst of warmth filled her heart and she laughed as pure joy radiated through her. His own expression softened as he smiled, watching her laugh. After a few moments, when she had settled to soft giggles he sighed and scratched the back of his head. He left the bed again, this time to retrieve a large robe. He returned to her side of the bed and held it up for her.
“Come love. Let’s get you cleaned up.” He said, offering up the robe again. Grace blushed softly as she allowed the covers to fall away, knowing that there was no point in being embarrassed. He had already seen everything last night and would only see more in the future. While she secured the belt around her waist, he left to have the bath prepared. The thick material enveloped her completely and she hummed softly at the subtle smell wafting from the fabric. It was distinctly Sebastian’s and she had the urge to steal the robe for herself, which only made her cheeks glow brighter. Even so, she couldn’t help burying her nose against the sleeves that fell over her hands as she sat back on the edge of the bed.
It was strange. She thought that after sharing a bed with a man, a woman was supposed to transform into someone new. She didn’t feel any different, at least not to the point that she didn’t still feel like herself. However, there was something undistinguished that was beginning to bloom inside her heart. A new attachment that hadn’t been there before...she couldn’t be sure, but it was possible that…
“They’ve finished filling the tub.” Sebastian said as he came back into the room. She stared at him silently. Soaking in his tall, majestic frame that exude power and grace, while also remembering his gentle side that had suddenly pulled apart the armor that had been guarding her heart for years.
“Grace?” He asked in concern as she continued to sit still. He came to kneel before her, his hand cupping the side of her face.
“Are you okay love? Is it hurting that badly? I tried not to be too rough, but there’s only so much…” She didn’t hear his words clearly, but knew what he was trying to convey. Her expression softened as she smiled down at him. Her hands came up to cup his cheeks, surprising him as she leaned forward and kissed him tenderly.
“I’m dangerously close to falling completely in love with this man…”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Grace grimaced as her leg buckled again. Luckily a strong arm caught her and helped her straighten again.
“Easy there Grace. If anything happens to you on our little outing, it’ll be my head.” Liam laughed as he held her elbow while she stepped over a fallen branch. She smiled at him, blushing as her hips ached and she felt shaky on her legs. Sebastian had advised against her going with Liam and Annabelle on their quest for blackberries, but she had insisted that she was fine. Now she was beginning to understand his reasoning and wished she had listened more. Her eyes fell on Annabelle, who had more color in her cheeks, but the bleakness in the girl’s eyes had not yet faded. No, she had another reason for needing to be here.
“I’m fine, thank you Lord Liam.”
“None of that. We are now relatives and I never wanted to be a lord in any case.” Liam laughed and she joined, giggling softly. She smiled at him and teased,
“Would you prefer Dr. Liam?”
“I do, but not with you dear Grace. I will only allow you to call me Liam and that’s final.” He grinned and winked at her. She giggled and nodded, but it turned into a gasp as her hips twitched and she almost went down again to her embarrassment.
“Sorry.” She mumbled and was surprised to see Liam’s cheeks pinken a bit as his eyes shifted to her neck before averting them again.
“Knowing my brother it’ll only get worse…” He muttered and Grace’s whole face burst into flames as she immediately translated his words. Grace gave a nervous laugh and Liam smiled softly at her. Then he surprised her by placing his hand on her head, patting gently as if she were a child. Even though he was so much younger than her, Liam still stood taller than her so that he had the advantage of looking down when he spoke to her.
“Even so...I couldn’t be happier that he has you now.” He whispered and she felt a strange jolt shake her heart. He reverted to his jovial side as they continued, telling stories of his childhood and how he had become a master at finding the best patches and hidden brambles. Annabelle slowed so she could walk on the other side of the man and asked him several questions, which he eagerly answered. Grace noticed that Annabelle’s eyes brightened slightly when she was speaking to the young man and hoped that the two would form a friendship that would help her heal the wounds on her heart.
Grace felt a shiver run up her spine and stopped walking. There was something calling to her, another sense of familiarity that suddenly swept through her. She turned to the right, the trees thinning so she could see a field just beyond their border. There was something else too, the light glimmering off the floor, sparkles flickering like they were dancing.
“The lake?” She whispered and began to turn towards it, following the instinct calling to her.
“Grace? Don’t fall so far behind. It’s easier to get lost than you think.” Liam called, jolting her from whatever trance had held her captive. She shook her head and turned back to the others, catching up and putting the strange feeling behind her. That was the second time she had felt like she knew this place. Her brows fell in a thoughtful frown as she vaguely remembered the dream she had last night. Little snippets that were so unfocused she couldn’t completely remember everything. A sense of urgency...something heavy...cold water…She looked over her shoulder again, back towards the lake and wondered why she felt so anxious when she tried to remember more of her dream.
“Here we are!” Liam called and she turned to find they had entered a small alcove of trees with bushes growing wildly between the large trunks. The sunlight filled the space with a pleasant warmth, while the trees offered some shade so that it didn’t grow too hot. Grace moved towards one of the bushes and saw the sweet berries growing in clusters generously. This was a treasure trove of delicious fruit.
“There are so many.” Annabelle marvelled aloud and Grace nodded while Liam laughed. He swept his hand across the alcove and grinned.
“This is the best patch as it houses the most productive clusters and the sweetest berries.”
They lost themselves for the next hour, collecting a basket full of the little fruit, talking animatedly about the different things they would ask the cook to make. Grace sighed softly as she tilted her head back, letting the sunlight wash over her. She felt so free suddenly as she realized that there was no one to judge their behavior while they acted like children. Maybe it wasn’t just Annabelle that had needed a break from the city.
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“Are you enjoying yourself Grace?” Liam asked as he came up to her side and she nodded. He smiled and stretched his hands over his head, looking up at the sky that peeked through the trees.
“I love it here, but spend so little time staying...Sebastian too now that I think about it.” He chuckled and she smiled.
“He was saying the same thing last night when I asked him, that he would only come home when Alexander started nagging.” She giggled at the grimace Liam made.
“Alex was always a hard ass when it came to duty or responsibility. Oh, forgive me Grace, I forgot I’m supposed to watch my tongue around ladies. I’ve been gone longer than I realized.” He laughed and rubbed the back of his head. Grace shook her head and gave him a reassuring smile.
“You don’t have to worry, I won’t tell...Actually, I was hoping that you would speak freely with me. I...I have something I was wishing to talk with you about.” She said, watching his reaction and noticed that his relaxed frame stiffened suddenly. His grey eyes became guarded and his throat moved subtly with a swallow.
“What is it?” He whispered and she clearly heard the nervous tint to his words. She frowned, choosing her words carefully.
“Do you...Do you know how Sebastian got his injury?” She asked and was surprised to see Liam breathe a sigh of relief. It seems she hadn’t asked what he had been worrying about.
“I do...but before you ask me for any details, I’m afraid I’ll have to insist you ask the man directly. It’s not my story to tell. Why the sudden curiosity?”
“This morning...he went to great lengths to hide it from me. Is it that bad?” She asked and he frowned, turning his head away, looking over at Annabelle who was resting against a tree peacefully.
“It’s something he’s very sensitive about. Our parents made him believe it was worse than it really is. Any imperfections were horrid in their eyes.” He said bitterly and she heard the similarity in the way Sebastian had spoken of his parents. It seemed that both brothers had had difficult relationships with them. Her eyes widened as she realized he had told her something important.
“Wait...so it’s an old injury. I always assumed he had gotten it at sea.” She said and Liam’s face froze as he caught his slip too.
“Shit...I won’t say any more. Please Grace...Ask Sebastian if you want to know more.” He said and walked away from her, heading over to Anna, but he stopped after taking a few steps and looked at her over his shoulder.
“Just...be patient with him. I know he can be secretive and it’s infuriating, but if it’s you...If it’s you Grace, he’ll open himself up completely with time.” He said before leaving her alone to think over his words. She sighed and crossed her arms over her chest as she looked up at the sky as he had done before. Grace knew that if she wanted answers to her questions, they would have to be directly from Sebastian. Liam made sense when he said to be patient. There was no rush to these things, but now that her life with the man seemed more optimistic, Grace wanted to know everything there was to know about her husband.
The wind caressed her hair and she felt a chill go down her spine. She turned, looking in the direction they had come and felt that strange pull again. What exactly was it that was calling out to her and why did she feel like there were more questions surrounding this place than she could put into words?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sebastian glared at the scrap of paper in his hands, cursing the lack of information that would lead him to this man. It was another quickly scrawled missive, ‘Don’t think she’s safe just because you hid her from my eyes. It won’t work a second time. Give me what I desire or I’ll take her as a substitute.’ He growled as he crumpled the paper in his fist and looked up at a solemn Aiden.
“Was it the same as last time?”
“Yes. It came with the rest of the post, so there’s no way to know where he could be.” Aiden answered, shaking his head. Sebastian frowned and began to pace the study while calculating his next move.
“He’s near. Otherwise the message would not have mentioned trying to hide Grace from him. He knows we are here and I’ve no doubt that he is waiting for another opportunity, but I won’t give him one. I’ll cut him down this time, he will not lay a finger on her.” Sebastian growled before sitting at his desk. He wrote out a quick order and handed it to Aiden.
“Make sure they are given these descriptions and put emphasis on that scar. It is just as important that they know to be discreet. He may have spies of his own and we can’t afford to give him any more advantages. We are already a step behind.” He growled low, his frustration mounting as they continued to play this madman’s game. When he was alone again, Sebastian sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. He decided it was best to call it a night, his mind was clouded at the moment and he wouldn’t be able to focus on figures. Everything was piling up, both with the estate and the threats against his family. All he wanted was to resolve this mess quickly and focus on his wife.
He smiled, despite his sour thoughts as he remembered how it had felt waking up next to her. It was dark out and he knew she would be in bed by now, tired from the outing with his brother. When he entered his chambers he sighed and untied his hair, easing the pressure on his head. His eye fell on the door connecting the two rooms and he wanted nothing more than to go to her.
He shouldn’t...Grace needed to rest and recover from the night before. Still he found his feet carrying him to the barrier between them as he listened for any sign that she was still awake. Silence filled the air and he slowly turned the handle, opening the door enough that he could see inside. He found her sitting up in bed, a book resting against her knees. She looked up startled, but when she saw it was him her expression melted into an inviting smile.
“Have you finished your work for the night?” She asked and he shook his head, coming further into the room.
“I decided it was pointless when I couldn’t focus on a word of it.” He said, glancing at the fireplace and wondering if she had been waiting up for him-hoping that she had. The thought that she was anticipating his company set his heart racing. He looked back at her to see her smiling at him, a teasing light in her eyes as she rested her cheek against her fist.
“What exactly had you so distracted that you couldn’t get any work done?” She purred and there was a spark in her eyes that called to the predator in him. He narrowed his eye and rasped,
“Are you sure you want to know?”
“Absolutely.” She whispered, closing her book and giving him a daring look. He growled and leaned against the bed, supporting himself with his arms as he brought his face closer to hers.
“I should leave you to recover Grace...You could end up in more pain if I touch you too soon.” He whispered, his lips brushing against her cheek as he spoke. Her hands reached out and grasped the front of his shirt tightly, pulling him so that her lips were next to his ear
“I’ll only be in pain if you leave me like this.” She hissed and nipped the lobe, causing him to suck in a quick breath. She didn’t stop there as her lips hesitantly moved down to his neck. He closed his eye in pure pleasure as her light kisses set fire to his blood and a soft hiss escaped his clenched teeth. He felt her grinning against his neck before she grew more bold, her lips moving to the pulse at the base of his neck. He hissed when her teeth sank into the flesh, sucking at the sensitive spot as he had done before-she was a quick study.
“Sebastian…” She whispered before leaning back and pressing her lips to his. He moaned and immediately deepened the kiss, cupping the side of her head. She opened for him, allowing his tongue to taste all of her intoxicating mouth. Her arms wrapped around the back of his neck as she sighed against his mouth. He sat back to remove his shirt and her eyes clouded with hot desire. He stretched out until he was looking into her eyes again, pressing his hips to hers to prove how much he wanted her. She gasped and blushed, but there was no hesitation in her gaze. He leaned down, trailing his lips along her neck as his hands moved along her sides.
“Grace...Tell me immediately if it starts hurting.” He whispered and felt her nod as her nails dug into his shoulders. He sighed as the last remains of his restraint snapped. She moaned as he sucked at the sensitive spots on her neck, lapping at her skin hungrily. His fingers made quick work of the hooks holding her nightgown closed, revealing her to him. He pulled back just enough to watch her reactions as he massaged the soft mounds, pinching lightly.
Grace’s face was flushed and her eyes were clenched shut, but the sounds she was making weren’t those of pain. He took one into his mouth and she gasped, arching her back and moaning loudly as he nipped the tip gently. His free hand moved to pull up the skirt of her nightgown, seeking her center. She flinched slightly when his fingertips brushed the sensitive folds and he pulled back to look up at her.
“Grace?” He rasped, his voice too rough from his own desire. She shook her head and opened her eyes as she smiled at him.
“It’s okay.” She said, answering his questioning look. He growled softly at the effect those deep pools had on him as he swelled painfully against his pants. He moved up to her so he could take her lips again, possessing her mouth feverishly. She mewled as his tongue touched every deep part of her while his fingers continued with their slow torture. He was pleased to find her ready for him, but still he continued to tease her because he wanted to be sure there wouldn’t be any pain this time. Without removing his lips from hers, he managed to remove her nightgown completely, blindly tossing it to the floor.
When he thought neither of them could hold out any longer he released her mouth so he could remove the last barrier between them, sighing in relief when the pressure on his member eased. He let them drop, joining the other discarded clothes piled beside the bed. Sebastian lowered himself to her again, nestling himself against her entrance while claiming her mouth in another tender kiss. He pushed forward, finding it easier than last night. She made a small sound of pain and he flinched.
“I’ll stop if it hurts.” He whispered, pressing his forehead to hers. She shook her head and pierced him with a look that nearly stopped his heart. There was almost a hint of lo-he thrust himself to the hilt, unable to stop the natural reaction to that thought. She cried out and he cursed.
“Grace...shit I’m sorry. I-” He began to pull out, but her legs wrapped around his, trapping him there. His eye widened in surprise as he looked down at her. There were tears in her eyes, but she was smiling at him. Her hands moved to cup his face and her eyes softened with a strong emotion again and he allowed himself to hope.
“Don’t. It doesn’t hurt Sebastian, I’m fine so please don’t leave me.” She whispered before leaning up and pressing her lips to his again. He groaned and pressed her back into the mattress, their tongues fighting for dominance as he took her at a fierce pace. She was struggling holding her voice back, the muffled moans only contained by his lips locked with hers. He never thought he would be blessed with such a passionate partner like this and he couldn’t be more pleased. When he felt her body beginning to tighten around him he wrapped his arms around her, his mouth shifting to the crook of her neck.
Now freed, her voice rang out in the chambers, filling his ears with the sweetest symphony. He angled her hips up so he could reach deeper, his own breath labored as he neared his own release. Her nails dug into his back as the first wave crashed over her and she arched against him. The rush of heat pushed him over the edge and he couldn’t hold back as he dug his teeth into her shoulder and spilled himself deep inside her. Grace hugged him to her as he felt all the previous stress that had been weighing him down disappear. He collapsed against her, suddenly exhausted. Humming as he nuzzled the side of her neck, mumbling sleepily against the soft skin, his eyes growing heavy.
“What?” She jumped slightly and he jolted up, his heart hammering in his chest as he realized he had started to fall asleep. He cleared his throat, trying to recover his composure, smiling softly down at her, he brushed the back of his fingers against her cheek before pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
“Sorry I must be heavy. I’m more tired than I thought. You have an amazing gift for relaxing me my dear.” He said while rolling over and hugging her close. After drawing the covers over them he sighed and molded her against him. She pressed her face against his chest, making him chuckle.
“Goodnight Grace.” He sighed again, sleep falling over him quickly as all the work he had been trying to finish caught up to him.
He was already deeply asleep so he didn’t feel when Grace pulled away from him, lifting herself up on her arms as she stared down at his sleeping face. She grabbed at her heart which was pounding wildly as her mind raced, her face flushed hotly as she remembered the words he had unknowingly whispered to her.
“I love you so much. Please, don't leave me again.”