Chapter 32
Act III, Scene V: Montague House, Surrey
Kalina
T he sycamore trees that lined the gravel road came into view and it was as if the grounds had become more beautiful since I’d seen it nearly a year ago. Creeping vines twisted up the high brick walls, threatening to cover the entirety of the black wrought iron gate.
Having only seen it at night, I could safely say it was even better in the daylight.
‘Hi, we’re here to meet Mr. Smith,’ Titan said into the intercom. There was a light buzzing sound before the gates swung open.
The driveway led to a circle; on the left was a gravel road that led to the lake. To the right was access to the fields, and the main building sat ahead.
‘Where it all began,’ I said.
It was true for both Savi and Ted, and us. The masked ball seemed like an eternity ago, but here we were. Together.
Titan drove into the courtyard and around the lush green labyrinth. It was a new feature and added a soft element to the otherwise hard, limestone backdrop.
‘It’s more beautiful every time I see it,’ Titan said. He parked outside the reception doors and turned off the car. ‘Let’s get you warm and dry.’
‘What about you?’ I gestured to the darkened denim of his jeans.
He waved me off. ‘I’ll be fine. European blood, remember?’
I rolled my eyes. We never missed a moment to tease one another.
When he walked around to my side, and opened the door, he slinked an arm around my waist, and pulled me towards him for another kiss.
I didn’t stop him.
‘Can’t believe I said no to kissing,’ I said between breaths.
‘You didn’t know what you were missing,’ he said earnestly.
I gave him my most unimpressed look.
‘I told you it was good.’
He wasn’t wrong.
With a peck on my lips, he took my hand and we walked to the entrance.
A large fireplace on the left filled the space with warmth and a reception desk sat to our right. I could take in all the details this time around, without all the guests from the night of the ball filling up the space. My mind already pictured cascading blooms from the bannisters. I could see tall plinths with vases lining the passages, and the hurricane vases of lit candles. It’d be breathtaking.
‘Good afternoon, do you have a reservation with us?’ the pretty brunette receptionist asked as we stepped up to the desk.
‘Oh, no, we have a meeting with Mr. Smith.’
‘Let me call him,’ she replied. She wasn’t looking at me when she said it, but rather thirty centimetres north above my head. ‘Nice to see you again, Titan.’
‘You too,’ he mumbled under his breath.
The receptionist stepped through a door to the back offices.
I turned to face him. ‘Friend of yours?’ I teased.
He responded by wrapping an arm around my waist. ‘Doesn’t matter.’
My chest bubbled over with happiness.
‘Lina.’ A tall salt-and-pepper haired man stepped through the doors.
‘Afternoon, Mr. Smith. So sorry we’re late, car trouble.’
‘Please,’ he waved his hand in the air, ‘call me George.’
‘This is Titan.’
‘Oh, we know each other very well,’ Mr. Smith said, and shook Titan’s hand.
Of course. I’d forgotten Titan was well acquainted with the Montague family and all of their properties.
‘You two look as if you’ve taken a dip in the lake. Vanessa, can you check if there’s rooms available for Ms. Ray and Mr. Andersson?’ Mr. Smith asked the receptionist.
‘Oh, no we couldn’t.’ I shook my head.
‘Nonsense. You’ll stay here for the night. I don’t want you on these roads in this weather, it’s a bit of a hazard when it’s storming, the drainage isn’t very good.’
‘Are you sure? I don’t want to be an inconvenience. You must be so busy with all the check-ins for Monday?’
‘I will hear nothing of it. And please; lunch, dinner and anything in between is on us. Mrs. Montague would have my head if I didn’t take care of the two of you.’
‘Thank you,’ I said. He was as kind in person as he’d been over the phone and email.
‘Everything is being brought in today and tomorrow, so you’re welcome to walk through whenever you’d like. Titan knows his way around here.’
‘I’m sure he does,’ I said with a smirk.
Titan glared at me and I had a feeling I would regret it later.
And by regret, I mean thoroughly enjoy.
‘Sorry,’ the receptionist said. ‘There’s only one room available.’
Mr. Smith looked at Titan and me, then at Titan’s hand around my waist. ‘Doesn’t seem like it’ll be a problem?’
Titan looked at me and I was sure the receptionist, Mr. Smith, and anyone within a five-mile radius could see the wanting look in his gaze.
‘Not a problem at all,’ I squeaked out.
‘Let me know if there’s anything else you need. I’ll be in and around the hotel.’ With that, he left Titan, the receptionist and me.
‘Here you go,’ she said, and handed the keycard to me.
‘Well…’ we both said simultaneously.
The sound of thunder rumbled from outside and we turned to the large windows. The sky was dark grey again and it looked like we weren’t going anywhere today.
‘I swear the weather seemed clear when I checked.’
‘No one is blaming you for the weather Kalina.’ Titan brushed some loose hair behind my ear.
‘I should call Scarlet.’
‘I need to call Ted.’
He kissed the top of my head then stepped away.
I walked over to the fireplace to get warm. Scarlet answered on the fourth ring.
‘Hello.’ Her voice was thick with sleep.
‘Sorry, did I wake you?’
‘Hmm,’ she groaned.
‘There’s a bad storm and we had some car trouble so we’re staying the night.’
‘Oh, staying over?’ Suddenly, her voice perked up.
‘Yes.’
‘As in…together? You and Titan?’
I smiled. ‘Yes.’
‘Oh my God,’ she yelled. ‘Ow.’
‘Drink water, love you bye.’
‘Wait. I want details. Tell me mo—’
I hung up as Titan strolled over to me. ‘Is she okay?’
‘She sounds a lot better than she did earlier.’
My phone pinged with notifications; all texts from her.
Finally.
10:40
I’m so happy for you guys.
10:40
:’) These are happy tears.
10:41
Be safe. If ya know what I mean ;)
10:41
‘Oh my god.’ I laughed.
‘What?’
I showed him the messages.
‘Scarlet…’ He shook his head. ‘Come on, let’s get you warm.’
My stomach flipped at his words. I knew he’d meant it in the literal sense, but my body took it as much more. I’d thought about being with him for months.
Dreamt about it.
We walked down the brocade carpeted hallway in a comfortable silence. My hand in his, his thumb stroking the beads on my ring which sent tingles down my spine. We reached the end of the passage and I swiped the card over the scanner.
I was not prepared for what greeted us on the other side.
A large, mahogany four poster bed set up against the wall to our left, a dark blue velvet couch sat beneath the window ahead, and the door on the right led to the bathroom. The room was opulent with its dark woods and jewel toned drapes.
The fabrics screamed heavy, dark and luxurious.
‘Kalina.’
‘Yes?’
‘Are you okay?’
‘Yes.’
‘You haven’t moved.’ He scooted me into the room and shut the door.
We were still standing in the small entryway.
‘That’s one very large bed.’
He smirked.
‘Don’t give me that look.’ I laughed.
‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ He walked over to the giant bed and sat on the edge. He leaned back on his hands, spreading his legs, and eyeing me like I was his next meal.
I strode hesitantly toward him, and his gaze followed my movements, like a predator watching their prey.
‘Shower?’ His tone was suggestive.
I stood between his thighs and shook my head. ‘No.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘I’ve never been surer about anything in my life.’ I cupped his face.
He kissed the inside of my wrist, sending a shiver up my arm. ‘We don’t have to do anything right now.’
I levelled him with an unimpressed look. ‘Who’s being hesitant now?’ I asked, returning the smirk. ‘After three days of ignoring me—’
‘I wasn’t ignoring you.’
‘Ignoring me,’ I continued, ‘then kissing me like your life depended on it.’
He smiled and placed his hands on my hips, tugging me closer.
‘I think it’s safe to say we’re doing this.’
‘ Doing this?’ He chuckled.
‘You don’t want to? Are you having second thoughts?’ I stepped back.
He tightened his grip on me. ‘Do you know how much I want you? How I had to stay away from you to stop myself from reaching out to touch you every time you were around.’
‘You don’t have to stop now,’ I breathed.
‘Thank fuck,’ he said. He grabbed my backside and lifted me off the ground.
I squealed with surprise as he set me astride his lap.
‘I want to show you how you make me feel,’ he whispered against my neck.
It sent shivers down my spine, and I let out a soft moan.
I twisted my hands in the still damp strands of his hair at the base of his neck, and tilted his head back.
Then, his lips were on mine, devouring and hungry as his hands stroked my sides and gripped my hips through the soft fabric of my skirt.
I sighed against his mouth when he cupped my breasts. His palms massaged the textured lace against my aching nipples.
‘Fuck, Kalina, the things you do to me.’ He pulled me against his erection.
I gasped. ‘I haven’t done anything yet.’
‘You’ve ruined anyone else for me. I can’t even think about you without wanting you. Even after I’ve had you.’
I took in his appearance; from his darkened eyes to his staggered breaths. ‘I’ve never wanted anyone this much.’
He kissed his way along my collarbone, up my neck then my lips.
I regretted not kissing him before. The strokes of his tongue against mine sent heat through my body that pooled between my thighs.
‘Do you want me to stop?’ he breathed against my mouth.
I shook my head.
‘You need to say it.’ His focused gaze met mine.
‘Don’t ever stop,’ I whispered.
He made a sound, somewhere between a groan and a growl before his lips were on mine again, fervent and insistent. I tugged on the front of his shirt, using my grip as leverage as I rocked my hips forward and back.
Both of us sighed into each other’s mouths at the pleasure.
‘I’ve never seen you this…undone. I like it.’
He rested his hands on my thighs, and squeezed gently. ‘It’s because I don’t know where to begin with you, dimples.’
‘I missed that.’
He stroked my cheek until I smiled against his touch. He leaned in to kiss the spot. ‘I missed seeing them.’
It was the two of us.
No interruptions.
No unspoken feelings.
He traced my bottom lip with his thumb. ‘This lipstick is such a perfect colour on you.’
‘Kiss me, fool.’
Then he did. With an intensity that set my body alight.
I laughed against his lips and pulled back. ‘It’s the name of the lipstick.’
He made a sound low in his throat and reached under my top to cup my breast. ‘You should wear it all the time.’
I sighed. ‘Keep doing that.’
He obliged and gently massaged through the silk and lace of the bodysuit. ‘Kalina…’ He lifted my top and his hungry gaze took in the strappy, lacey green lingerie. ‘What…is…’
‘This was plan b. If the flirting didn’t work, I would’ve taken my clothes off.’
‘Who’s the menace now?’ He yanked my top over my head and flipped me around until my back hit the mattress.
A giggle escaped me.
‘Plan b would’ve sent me to an early grave.’ His gaze raked over the lingerie appreciatively.
I giggled as he shimmied my skirt down my legs, leaving me in the bodysuit, stockings, and boots.
‘This look is really doing it for me.’ His hands squeezed up my thighs.
I shook my head. ‘Too many clothes.’
‘I can change that.’ He grinned and got the boots and stockings off in record time. With deft fingers, he undid the back of the bodysuit, and teased the fabric down my body. He sat up and his gaze burned over every single exposed inch of my body.
Heat radiated from my face downward.
‘I do enjoy seeing you blush. I wouldn’t have guessed it travelled so low…’
I let out a laugh and covered my face with my hands. ‘You’re shameless.’
He leaned down and kissed the softness of my belly. ‘You’re beautiful,’ he murmured. His lips seared a path over the swells of my breasts. ‘How could I not?’ He grazed each taut nipple with his teeth before soothing them with his mouth.
‘Titan,’ I sighed. The tension in my lower belly was almost painful.
He had a way with being gentle, but firm at the same time.
I loved it.
‘What do you want, Kalina?’ he murmured against my neck.
‘More,’ I breathed, and I ran my hands over his shoulders and down his back. ‘You smell so good,’ I said, and pulled his neck down to plant kisses there. I couldn’t help myself as I sucked on the spot, leaving a red mark on his skin and a groan on his lips.
‘ Fuck , Kalina.’ His eyes shut as I reached between us and grasped his erection through his jeans.
‘My turn.’ He flashed me a devilish grin before he stroked me.
I threw my head back at the pure ecstasy of it.
‘I love how ready you are.’ His fingers curled through the wetness and he circled the sensitive bundle of nerves.
‘Titan,’ I breathed.
‘I love the way you say my name.’ He increased the pace of his strokes, bringing me close to my climax before slowing entirely.
‘What are you…’ I breathed.
‘I want this moment to last forever.’ He sat back then kissed my calf. ‘I will never tire of feeling you...’ His fingers followed the path his lips were making as they ascended my legs. ‘Of the taste of you…’ I laid back as he kissed me softly between my thighs, eliciting little sighs from me. ‘Of being with you.’
‘Mmm,’ I moaned as he hooked his arms behind my knees, and pulled my legs over his shoulders before he stroked his tongue through the wetness. His kisses were slow and deliberate, making me squirm and moan as I ached for a release.
‘Please, Titan.’ My hands found purchase in his hair and I paused as I pulled him toward me.
‘Leave it,’ he said roughly, holding my hands in place. ‘Show me what you like. Use me.’
His licks increased, the kisses quickening, and my climax inched closer and closer.
‘I’m going to…’
‘Let go,’ he said, then circled my clit with his tongue. ‘Come for me.’
A cry escaped my mouth as I squeezed my thighs together and grasped his hair between my fingers. The build-up was so immense, it broke down in waves over and over again. I couldn’t tell where it began or ended and all I saw was stars.
When I let go of him, he crawled up over me, his face inches from mine. ‘You taste even better than I remember.’
I couldn’t move my legs or my body, but I managed a weak smile.
‘Still want more?’ He kept his gaze on mine.
‘Yes.’ I was sure my body was red. How could I want more after that? How could I want him like he hadn’t given me the most earth-shattering climax?
He stood and pulled his T-shirt from his body.
I took in every toned line, the definition in his arms and the v lines that dipped into the waistband of his pants. He was like a work of art.
‘How?’ I whispered.
‘What?’
‘I don’t know what to do with all of you.’
He laughed then dropped his jeans and briefs to the floor. ‘Let me handle it this time.’
My eyes widened and I let my gaze roam over his body. Down his strong thighs and calves, the muscles honed and carved from his fitness efforts.
It was glorious.
‘Are you okay?’
I nodded. ‘Yes.’
‘That’s my girl.’
I did not think it was possible but I pooled between my legs again.
He climbed on top of me, holding his weight on his forearms as he kissed my jaw softly. Given the vigour that he exhibited a few minutes before, it took me by surprise.
‘Could you take it slow?’
‘Of course,’ he said, his gaze and voice softened. ‘I want this to be good for you. You can tell me anything at any time. We’ll take as much time as you need.’
I reached down to stroke him and he hissed on a breath.
‘Good?’ I asked.
‘So…good.’
I stroked him like he’d done to me, slowly at first before picking up the pace.
He threw his head back and took a few deep, steadying breaths. ‘Kalina…’
I slowed it down again. ‘I want to feel all of you.’
‘Wait,’ he said, and pushed himself up. ‘Let me get a condom.’
I could look at him all day. At the strong muscles corded beneath his skin and the way it moved as he strolled over to his discarded jeans.
When he returned to his spot over me, he smiled. ‘What?’
‘I can’t believe this is happening.’
He kissed me and all the noise quieted until it was our breaths and sighs between us.
‘I’ve thought about this for a while.’
‘Me too,’ I whispered.
He rolled the condom on and kissed me softly as our bodies fit together like a puzzle. All the hard planes of his muscles lined up with the softness of my body.
I covered his hand with my own as he stroked himself.
I wanted him. Needed him
He guided himself inside me.
‘Oh my God,’ I moaned, and my eyes rolled back.
He gasped as he moved forward inch by exquisite inch. ‘Oh fuck…’
Seated fully inside of me, he stilled. I could see the tension in his neck and shoulders, as he held back.
‘Are you okay?’ I asked.
‘Just a second. You feel so fucking amazing and I need this to last. I need this to be good for you.’
I cupped his face. ‘It already is.’
He moved, slow and languid, making me gasp a little every time he thrust forward.
‘Look at me,’ he said, his voice demanding but gentle.
I did as he asked, taking in his intense gaze.
He circled his arms around my head and I curled my fingers in his hair, pulling him down to kiss me.
He moved with deliberation, watching my reactions, increasing the rhythm until the twisting and tightening in my lower belly returned.
‘I can’t…’ It ached to the point of exquisite pain.
‘Yes, you can. I’ve got you.’
The build-up tugged and tugged in my core until it snapped. His name was a cry on my lips. A desperate plea for a release only he could give.
‘That’s it, take what you need.’ He thrust forward, once, and I gasped at the climax that rippled through me. He pulled back, then with one last thrust his climax followed.
Our lips crashed together in a burning kiss.
We were breathless, wrapped around one another, and undeniably happy. He slipped out of me and rolled onto his side, pulling me along with him. With his arms wrapped around me we lay together until our breaths steadied.
‘Never thought I’d be happy about a flat tyre,’ he said between breaths.
I laughed against his chest. ‘It only took two and a half dates with someone else, a bachelor party, and a rainstorm to get us here.’
‘Worth it.’ He stroked my face with the back of his hand.
‘Be right back.’ I got up and padded over to the bathroom.
There were two fluffy, and warm gowns on the heated rail. It was like wearing butter.
When I finished up, I took a look in the mirror, at my kiss swollen lips, the pink marks along my neck and chest made my cheeks flush the same colour.
I could get used to this.
When I opened the door, Titan had closed all the light blocking curtains and I carefully padded across the room to find my way back to the bed and his arms.
‘I love the way you smell, the way it’s woven in your hair and hits my senses every time you walk by.’ He stroked my hair in soothing circles.
‘That’s because it’s my shampoo and it’s literally right under your nose.’
‘It’s heavenly. What is it?’
‘Neroli jasmine.’
‘Never stop using it.’ He buried his face in my hair.
‘I need a snack.’ I nuzzled my face into his chest.
‘I ordered room service.’
I found his lips in the dark and gave him a peck. ‘You’re a keeper.’
He deepened the kiss. ‘I hope so. You know I really love you?’
‘I do.’
He brushed his fingers over the ring on my finger. ‘We’ve got to teach you morse code.’
We laughed until our breaths caught.
The rest of the day was spent in bed, after sending our clothes to housekeeping who assured us they would be dry and ready to wear in the morning.
We ate and spoke, making up for lost time.
Somewhere during all of it I nuzzled closer to him and fell asleep listening to his heartbeat.