I can identify myself with Grace. I am also very envious of the journalist Suzanne (the Angel) who was invited into his bedroom, if only for a kiss. Starring Grace/Soren

The exception that proves the rule

Grace moved her head slightly to the left. This was the only part of her body she could move that wasn't aching. She looked at the man lying at her side, and smiled warmly. She was completely nude, as was he, but she didn't feel the slightest embarrassment. He had touched every part of her body, some of it softy and caressing and some of it real hard, and he had been inside her. He smiled back at her.
-I don't know if I can rise from this bed, she said. Perhaps I have to stay here.
-I will help you when it's time, he answered.
She lifted her hand and touched his lips.
-Nora told me you have flogged and battered many people, but you have never slept with another woman than her. Why with me now?
He kissed her fingertip.
-Let's say it's the exception that proves the rule.
He lifted a lock of her red hair.
-Or it's because you are so exquisite. So kind, so human, so full of life. You love your husband – and you want a child so much.
-Yes. But if this doesn't result in one?
-We tried. And had fun doing so, didn't we?

Grace let out a soft laughter. Was this really the man who scared everyone who met him? Whose name was only whispered? This was the other side of him, perhaps more emphasized now when his beloved Eleanor was out of harm's way.
-I wonder if Eleanor will be jealous? he said.
-I don't think so. We kind of made a deal.
-A deal?
Grace felt just a little ashamed.
-I get this night with you and she gets a week with Zachary, eventually.
-I'm flattered that you appreciate me that much. Will you not be jealous of them then?
-Not after all those phone calls I have overheard between them. I love him and he loves me, just as you and Nora love each other. You were never jealous of them?
-Oh no, I knew he would return to you.

Soren was quiet for a while, as if hesitating to say what was on his mind. Finally he let it out.
- The only one whom I have ever worried about is Wesley. I know she loves him too. I'm not quite sure what would have happened if this dreadful thing hadn't taken place. Had she stayed with him? Will we ever know?
Grace gave a faint smile. She had seen Wesley and Laila talking together.
-I think he would have come to his senses and changed his mind. A young man like him wants children in the end.
-Not only a young man.. But Eleanor will never have one – not now..
He turned to face her, leaning on his right elbow.
-Will you tell Zachary?
-Maybe, maybe not. If there is a result I will tell him. Or I'll pretend it's his. I don't know yet.
-It's entirely up to you.

Soren slowly moved his finger from her neck over her breasts, where the nipples immediately grew hard, over her belly and stopped at her hip.
-This will never happen again, he said.
-I'm fully satisfied. I don't think I could stand to earn one more night. Just let me do this.
She buried her fingers in the blond curls of his chest.
-Wonderful, she said. Luckily you are fair and Zach is dark, so I will never be confused.
She sighed.
-I will cherish this, always.

She sat up slowly, to rise from the bed. Every movement seemed to ache. He rose hastily.
-Let me help you.
Leaning on him, she stood. He took her shirt, helped her arms into in and then grabbed it by its collar and pulled her against him. They met for one last kiss, not ardent like their first one, more like filled with memories and what they wanted to give to each other. Then he let her go.
-Go back to you room and sleep if you can. We'll meet at breakfast. And we will not tell Eleanor all that happened. It's only good for her to be a little curious.
Grace smiled again and started to leave the room, as gracefully as she could, considering her body's condition.

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