Oliver woke up disoriented in an unfamiliar room. He was painfully aware of his morning arousal seeking out the warmth of Grace's body, which was pressed firmly against him. Ever a gentleman, he rolled over, took a deep breath, and willed his body to relax. Suddenly the events of the previous day came crashing back to him. Inside, his temper flared as he recalled the image of John on top of Grace. If Punjab had not been there to stop him, he would have surely killed the man in his office. It enraged him that she had been attacked because of him. He was not sure where he stood with her now.

He looked around the room. Grace's suite. He had not seen it since she had moved into the mansion. She had transformed it into her own little sanctuary with blue paisley wall paper, a photograph of her parents on their wedding day in an antique frame, a silver tray with perfume bottles. Her room smelled faintly of lavender, the scent he had come to associate with her.

Grace began to stir and opened her eyes with a little groan.

"Grace, I'm here. Are you alright?" he took her in his arms.

"Hi. Good morning," her breathy voice greeting him with a smile. Waking up next to Oliver was a pleasant surprise.

"Can I get you anything?"

"No. I feel much better," she leaned in for a kiss, but he paused and looked at her thoughtfully.

He smiled sadly, not sure where to begin "Grace, my fortune and reputation are a curse, in a way. There are always going to be people who are going to try to take advantage of me and those about whom I care deeply. It isn't fair to you; you deserve better. I cannot ask you to take on such a terrible risk. I cannot be the reason for your pain."

"Oliver Warbucks, I appreciate your concern, but do you really think I am so naive? I have worked for you for ten years. I have witnessed the attempts on your life. I am aware that being your wife is going to bring unusual challenges, but I cannot walk away now. Not when I know that you return my affections. It would kill me to work beside you while swallowing my feelings. I love you Oliver. I want you. All of you."

"You're sure this is what you want?" he asked, relief behind his voice.

"I've never wanted anything more."

He kissed her gently, running his hands through her soft brown hair. She deepened the kiss, teasing his mouth with her tongue. Oliver's fingers were itching to explore her beautiful body. He put his wants aside, determined to respect her boundaries. He would enjoy the kisses that she offered and not push her for more than she was willing to give. Grace was fighting her own battle. Oliver's kisses unlocked desires deep within her. She felt an ache between her legs that begged for release. She knew it was wrong to kiss him like this in her bed, but it felt so wonderful. So natural. She craved more.

Suddenly Annette breezed into the room. She froze. "P-p-pardon me, sir!" she stuttered and ran out of the room.

Grace's eyes opened wide and she blushed from deep within. Surely there was only one conclusion that Annette had drawn after discovering them kissing so passionately in bed with their clothes rumpled. Grace was positively mortified. She locked eyes with Oliver and they both laughed uncomfortably.

"No more sleep overs until the big day, I promise."

"Thank you for taking care of me last night. You are an honorable man."

"I love you, Gracie. I promise to always protect you." He kissed her forehead. "I'd better leave before Annie finds me here!" Oliver jumped up and left quickly for his suite.

While Grace had certainly been embarrassed for Annette to find them in such a compromising position, it was also a blessing. She knew that her self-control was weak with Oliver. She had never before felt the burden of her chastity to be so heavy, nor the temptations of the flesh to be so great. The sooner the wedding took place, the better. One more month.