The next morning, Kitty was typing up a report, sipping her tea as she tried to concentrate on her work and not on the smiling image of Tom that met her every time she gazed off into the distance. There was a short sharp knock at the door, startling her. She set down her tea and walked over to the door. She opened it to be greeted by a large bunch of blue orchids, and the young man who had helped her carry her bags up last week, Ben.
"Flowers came for you, Miss Kind." He said, handing them over with a smile.
"Thanks, Ben." She replied.
Kitty closed the door and put the flowers on the low coffee table, spotting a small white envelope in the vibrant foliage as she did so. Unfolding the card, she saw that same elegant scrawl from several nights ago. Tom's handwriting.
"For where thou art, there is the world itself,
And where thou art not, desolation"
It was a quote from Shakespeare's Henry IV, signed with his initials, TWH. Kitty's cheeks flushed. It was a bold statement, the implications of which electrified her. Kitty left the flowers on the low table, but carried the card over to her small desk, propping it up in the keyboard of her laptop. She picked up her phone and dialled his number, holding her breath as it rang. It went to his voicemail, and she left a breathless message, thanking him for the beautiful flowers. She stared at the flowers as though they held some answer to the man who had sent them, trying not to let her imagination run away without her. Eventually, she shook herself out of her reverie and turned back to the desk, determined to finish the reports. The day flew by and she managed to finish the reports and assessments, and went out to pick up an early dinner before sitting down again to plan out her appointments and plans for the next few days.
The following days flew past for Kitty, a whirlwind of meeting people and interviews and reports. Kitty sat up until at least midnight most nights, trying to finish as much as she could while it was all still fresh in her mind. Only at night when she wasn't engrossed and buried in her work did Tom return to haunt her, leaving her waking up in sweat soaked sheets, frustrated and desperately craving the sweet release he had given her.
It was Sunday morning, and Kitty had given herself permission to have her last few days in London off. The reports that needed to be done were finally done; she had stayed up until nearly 3am to get it all out of the way. So the knocking on the door at 7.30am was most unwelcome when it came. It took her a few moments to realise what had woken her, so deep in sleep she had been. She dragged herself out of bed, not bothering to throw on a robe and staggered over to the door clad in her short black satin night dress, her long dark hair a curling mess. She scrabbled at the door, and opened it a crack, squinting up at whoever was kind enough to interrupt her sleep. It took a moment for her eyes to focus, but she realised she was looking up into the grinning face of Tom. She stared at him for a moment, puzzled, before pulling the door open further wordlessly and turning to head to the kitchenette to put the kettle on. She needed caffeine. He shut the door after himself and followed her to the small kitchen, holding up a paper bag.
"Croissants!" He said with that radiant smile.
"Oh god, why are you so pleased to be alive this early?" She moaned, hating him for being so awake when she felt so awful.
"Late night?" He asked her, concerned, placing the croissants on the bench.
"Reports." She said, flapping a hand at the books and papers littering the floor and desk across the room. "Done now, thankfully. By the way, thank you for the flowers again, they are truly lovely."
He face lit up with a smile.
"I'm so pleased you like them."
Kitty was looking down at herself, awake enough to realise her night dress was not really the best choice of clothing in terms of modesty and said to him:
"Make me a cup of Scottish Breakfast tea and I might forgive you for waking me up so early."
She moved to walk past him to get her robe, but he snagged her about the waist and kissed her forehead. Kitty blushed and slipped out of his hold. She found the robe and put it on and turned to find Tom putting the croissants on a plate, a pot of tea steeping beside it on the low table in the middle of the suite. Kitty sat and devoured one of the pastries, while Tom poured out the tea.
"So if you're done with work, does this mean you're free for the day?"
"Yes." She replied, breathing in the peaty scent of the tea.
"No plans then?" He asked innocently.
"Not as such." She replied, looking across at him, her curiosity piqued. "Why, what do you have in mind?"
"A surprise." He said cheerfully, that wide smile on his expressive face.
Kitty shook her head, not awake enough yet to question him. She asked him about what he had been up to the past few days, and half listened to his responses, as she watched his hands and lips. She smiled at his enthusiasm for the simple things in life, as he told her about the sunrise he had watched break through the fog surrounding London, he had such an optimistic view of the world, it was infectious.
Finally, Kitty finished her tea and breakfast and stood.
"I need a quick shower before I go anywhere today, would you mind waiting for me? I won't be too long" She asked, as she rummaged through her clothes for something clean.
"Certainly, darling." He replied, gathering up the cups and plate.
Kitty made her way into the bathroom, setting down her clothes on the small bench. A wicked thought crossed her mind, and she glanced out into the suite. Tom was busy washing the few dishes, with his back to her. She started the shower, making sure the water was warm, and shrugged the robe off and slipped out of her night dress, leaving the bathroom door open in invitation. She turned her back to the door, and stepped under the water, letting it course over her body, warming her all over. She picked up the soap and began scrubbing herself, head to toe, enjoying the fresh, clean scent. She turned her face up into the water, letting the soap drain from her body.
"You could join me, you know." She said, sensing someone standing behind her, her face still turned up into the water, eyes closed. She guessed by now he would have noticed the open door and was somewhere nearby.
She looked over her shoulder to see him resting against the opposite wall, arms crossed over his body, a hungry look in his eyes. No trace of that charming smile remained, as he devoured her naked form with his eyes. After another moment of watching the water cascade down her back, he stepped forwards, pulling his woollen jumper over his head, messing up his pushed back hair. Quickly, he discarded the rest of his clothes and opened the shower door. Kitty turned to face him, and stepped back, so there was some space between them, however small. They stood there for a moment, Kitty looking up into his eyes, a wicked grin on her face. He was already erect as he drew her towards him, pressing her body to his so she felt his hardness pressing against to stomach. She was a good head shorter than him, and so stretched up on her tip toes to meet his kiss, hard and unforgiving as it was. He slipped his tongue past her lips, causing her to gasp, and claw at his back. He groaned into her mouth, pressing her back against the wall, hitching her leg up over his hip as he kissed her deeply. As he clenched his hand on her thigh, she bit his lip. He pulled away from her and bent down, picking her up, so her head was level with his, allowing him to look her in the eyes as he pressed her back into the cool tiles of the wall, pressing his body between her legs, his cock resting against her clit.
Kitty gasped and pressed herself down, desperate to feel him filling her, as she wrapped her hands around his neck, drawing his lips back to hers. He rubbed his length along her clit, eliciting moans from her, until he finally pressed himself into her velvet folds. Kitty rolled her head back and moaned as he slowly slid into her wet slit. His strokes were long and slow, filling her to her core, causing her to gasp with every thrust. Slowly, he sped up, grunting as he pushed harder and harder into her, until with one final thrust he was spent, groaning into her shoulder. Kitty rested her forehead on his shoulder as he caught his breath, tracing the outline of his muscles of his back, as she simply enjoyed the sensation of having this man within her.
After a few moments, he lowered her to the ground, kissing her softly and sweetly as he held her in his muscled arms. Eventually, he let her go, sighing. Kitty reached for the soap and turned him around, soaping his shoulders and working down, then reaching around his torso to soap his abs. He caught her hand and took the soap from her to continue washing himself, whilst Kitty squeezed the water from her hair.
"Would you like a hand?" Came his playful voice.
"No, thank you." She laughed. "I think you have helped enough already!"
He handed her the soap and stepped out of the shower, grabbing a fresh towel to dry himself with while Kitty finished up. He had managed to get his pants back on by the time she stepped out of the shower, but was struggling to get his hair to lay as it had before his impromptu shower. Kitty watched him, bemused, as she dried herself. Finally, he gave up, and kissed her as he slipped out of the bathroom while Kitty proceeded to dress. She emerged from the bathroom in a high waisted black wiggle skirt with a red top tucked into it, her hair slicked back into a bun. She walked over to the bed and sat down to zip up her knee high black leather boots. She stood and caught sight of Tom, staring at her from across the suite where he sat at the table.
"What?" She asked, curious as to why he was watching her. "Are you going to tell me I look like a librarian? That's the one I hear the most!"
"No librarians I've ever met wear knee high leather boots!" He laughed. "But maybe they should, I feel like more people would be visiting the library then!"
Kitty stuck her tongue out at him as she returned to the bathroom to brush her teeth and put on her lipstick. She emerged and stood in front of him, still seated, with her hands on her hips.
"Am I appropriately dressed for whatever this surprise is?" She asked.
"Almost!" He smiled as he stood.
He slipped his long fingers in the pocket of his pants and drew out a small box. He opened it, revealing an antique marcasite brooch in the shape of a fern leaf. He slipped his slender fingers inside her shirt, securing the brooch over her left breast. Kitty looked down, admiring the elegant curve of the brooch as he straightened it. She looked up into his face, a little lost for words.
"Thank you." She managed weakly. "It's lovely."
His smiled broadened as he leant down to kiss her again. He broke away after a moment, tugging on her hand.
"Come on, let's go!"
Kitty smiled and scooped up her handbag as he whisked her out of her suite and down to the car park. He escorted her to a nondescript black sedan with tinted windows, opening the passenger door for her. He closed her door and came around to the driver's side, easing his long legs into the foot well. He turned to her, offering her a blindfold.
"Really?" She laughed. "I hardly know London at all, you know!"
"Conditions of the surprise." He grinned at her.
Kitty turned away from him and let him tie the blindfold over her eyes. She heard him start up the car and felt them move out into the street. She turned this way and that, listening to the traffic, not even sure what direction they were going it. A hand reached out to touch hers, and she jumped, not expecting contact.
"Sorry." She said to her right. "Someone thought it would be fun to blindfold me."
She heard him chuckle and felt his long fingers slide into her hand. While they travelled, Tom quizzed her on what she had been up to since he had seen her last. Kitty excitedly discussed the ideas she had come up with over the last few days for her church preservation project, asking his opinion. She listened to his measured replies, reminded once again that he was truly intelligent and educated and not just some movie star.
Finally, he took his hand from hers and parked the car. He slipped the blindfold from her eyes carefully and smiled at her as she squinted in the light to see where they were. Just a car park, so far. She looked over at him, curious.
"It's just up the street." He replied to her quizzical look, getting out of the car.
He came around and opened her door, extending a hand to help her swing her legs out and stand. He had donned a baseball cap and a large pair of clear glasses, altering his appearance slightly.
"I find I don't get recognised as much wearing this." He shrugged. "Not that I mind meeting fans, they are truly lovely, but sometimes I just want to spend time with one person."
Kitty blushed slightly, and said with a dead pan face:
"Incognito. I completely understand. I do the same thing in Australia, hardly any of my fans recognize me when I wear what I think of as 'civilian' clothes either. Jeans are such excellent camouflage."
He looked at her, bemused, before she laughed and shook her head at him.
"I have to admit, you probably have more fans than I do, though. But I am building a fan base here in London. Or at least my photographs are. So I am told."
He laughed at her bravado, offering her his arm as they walked up the street. They turned a corner and were faced with a huge classical building reminiscent of a Roman temple. Kitty stopped dead, staring at the imposing structure.
"Are you serious? The British Museum? Oh my God!" She practically bounced as she pulled Tom along. He laughed at her exuberance, barely widening his stride to keep pace with her.
They spent the day perusing through the exhibits, Kitty reverently examining everything, telling Tom some of the more curious facts about some of the artefacts that were not typically well known. The smile never left his face as he watched her move from one object to the other. He slipped his hand into hers as she gazed up at the Parthenon friezes, enjoying the look of rapture on her face.
Finally, mid-afternoon, they left. Kitty had images of the wonders she had seen burnt into her mind. She turned to him as they reached his car again, reaching up to wrap her arms around his neck, kissing him on the cheek, she said:
"Thank you. That was the best surprise I could imagine! I hope you weren't bored."
He wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her towards him, kissing her softly on her lips, saying:
"I'm so glad you enjoyed it. And don't worry, I wasn't bored, I may have been there before, but I had never heard half of those little facts you had!"
Kitty smiled and kissed him again.
He let her go and opened her door for her, shutting it after she settled herself and walked around to the driver's side. He turned the car over and looked over at her and asked:
"How does dinner sound?"
She turned to him and smiled surprised.
"Little early isn't it?"
"Oh I don't mean here, I meant somewhere little fancier." He laughed.
"Am I allowed to know where beforehand?" She asked, narrowing her eyes at him.
"Where's the fun in that?" He replied. "However, we may be under dressed. How about we go back to your hotel to get changed?"
"Ok..." She said slowly, still trying to puzzle out what the mystery was here.
He smiled and drove them back to her hotel, taking a suit bag out of the boot of his car when they arrived.
Kitty stood in front of her wardrobe, frowning. With no idea (again) of where they were going, she wasn't sure what to wear. Tom lay his suit bag on the bed and came over, looking over her shoulder.
"Black tie." He said simply.
She looked up at him, trying to read his face, but he gave nothing away. She turned back to her wardrobe and picked out a knee length one shoulder dress. It was one designed by Dita Von Teese, called the 'Follow me' dress, made from black silk chiffon. Kitty disappeared into the bathroom to shower and do her hair and makeup, emerging after a mere thirty minutes. Practically a miracle for her, but then, she did not want to keep him waiting. She wore her stockings again, held up by the black garter, and an old fashioned long line black bustier under her dress, more treasures found while shopping in London.
He was tucking a something into his suit bag as she walked over to the wardrobe to find her red pumps. She turned to see him running his eyes up and down her form. She admired him in turn, looking terribly debonair in a black suit and bow tie, black satin trimming the lapels of the suit.
"Alright?" She said, twirling, making the gauzy material flare out.
"Sublime." He said, catching her in an embrace.
Kitty smiled to see that she didn't have to look up as far to see his beautiful eyes. She turned away to find her jewellery and slipped on her fake pearl necklace and studs and turned back to him.
"Ready, I think!"
"You will want a coat, darling, it gets cold here." He said, as he ducked into the bathroom to adjust his tie.
Kitty retrieved a long black coat trimmed with faux fur from her wardrobe and draped it over her arm. She turned to find him zipping up his bag, smiling at her as he picked up her hand bag and took her hand to walk her down to the car again. Once more, he opened the door and helped her into the car before slipping into the vehicle beside her, putting the bags on the back seat.
"Are you going to tell me where we are off to now?" She asked.
He just smiled at her, infuriating in his silence. At least this time he didn't blindfold her, so she looked around as they drove. After some time they arrived in the port of Dover. Kitty looked around interested, but Tom kept driving. He drove straight onto a large ferry actually, pointedly ignoring Kitty staring at him as he wound down a window to talk to someone, before parking the car alongside a silver sedan.
Finally, he turned to face her, still staring at him.
"What?" He asked innocently.
"This is a ferry to France. Like, to another country." She said quietly, completely stunned.
"That's the idea." He laughed.
"Tom, this is too much, really. The Museum was wonderful, the brooch is gorgeous, you don't have to take me to France! For dinner!" She ended on a squeak, her voice deserting her.
"Dinner and dancing." He corrected her with that charming smile.
Kitty's red lips fell open, overwhelmed with the situation, unsure of what to say. Tom just chuckled at her flabbergasted state.
Finally, Kitty found her voice:
"This is terribly intimidating, you know." She said weakly. "And very fast!"
Tom looked at her, all seriousness for a change, and took her hand in his.
"That's true." He said quietly. "But since you're only here for such a short period of time I thought we had better make the most of it. How often do you get the chance to go to dancing in Paris? I know I don't often get the chance to go dancing with someone as interesting and lovely as you."
Kitty managed to raise a querulous eyebrow at him, not buying that he couldn't ask just about any woman to go to Paris with him and have them say yes. Tom shook his head, guessing what was going through her mind.
"I don't have much time to myself these days," He murmured, looking into her eyes. "I like to spend what time I have to myself with people and friends I truly enjoy being with rather than strangers. It was such a pleasure today to take you to the museum and see you so happy, truly enjoying life in the moment. It would be my utmost pleasure to make you that happy for this evening too."
Kitty fell silent, looking down at his long, slender fingers in her pale hand, taking in everything he had said. It did make sense, she was only here for a few more days, and today had easily been one of the best she had had in a long time. Finally she raised her eyes to his, blushing at the intense way he was looking at her.
"Thank you." She said quietly.
He raised her hand to his lips, kissing it, before breaking into his wide smile again.
"I still can't dance very well though, you know!" She said to lighten the mood.
"The ferry takes over an hour, plenty of time to practice!" He laughed. "Come on, darling!" He climbed out of the car and came around to help her out, slipping her coat over her shoulders to ward off the bracing sea breeze. He led her over to the railing, deserted as people had wandered upstairs to get a hot drink.
"Be with you in just a moment." He said.
He walked down the ferry a little way and pulled out his phone. He dialled a number and began speaking in French after a few moments. Kitty turned and looked at the famous white cliffs of Dover, still trying to take in the fact that this wonderful man was taking her to Paris for the evening! She shook her head, smiling, still not sure it wasn't a dream.
"Ready?" Came his voice from behind her.
"Not in the least!" She replied, turning to face him. "But carry on, anyway!"
Over the next hour, he went over a basic waltz with her, patiently taking her through the steps until she was comfortable, holding her out so she could twirl elegantly away and back to him, and smoothly step back into the rhythm. They danced along the railing, enjoying the movement and each other's company. Finally, the port of Calais in sight, Tom twirled her one last time and drew her close to dip her down again, running his hand down her back as he did so. She laughed brightly as he brought her back up to meet him, flushed with success. He smiled broadly to see her so happy, taking pleasure in making her smile.
"Come on, almost time to go." He said to her, still holding her in a dance frame.
She looked out across the water to the shores of France, the late afternoon sun gilding her skin. She looked back at him smiling.
"This is amazing, going to another country for dinner!" She said excitedly. "I wish I lived in Europe, everything is so much closer here! Australia is so much of the same from one place to another. Here, everything has evolved side by side but is so different! There's so much history here."
"No history tonight, just pleasure!" He said, turning her face towards his.
Her eyes narrowed slightly at his choice of words as he turned her back towards the car, his hand still on her lower back as he guided her to the black vehicle and they sat there companionably waiting for the ferry to dock.
Kitty's phone rang, causing her to twist and reach into the back seat for it. Tom reached over and hooked her hand bag easily with his long arm.
"Thank you." She said smiling as she opened her bag and pulled out her phone.
She frowned at the screen, wondering why John was calling.
"Brother dear." She answered dryly. "Surely it is some ungodly hour there, why are you even awake?"
"I wanted to see what you were up to. How is the trip going? Seen lots of historical places yet? Did you go to the tower?" He fired off rapidly.
She laughed at him. "The trip is fine, the research is done, just a final report which I will do up when I get home. I spent the day at the British Museum, which was spectacular. The Egyptian exhibit is amazing. And no, I have not been to the tower. I haven't had a chance. And no, I will not do a night tour!"
"Chicken." He replied. "Met anyone famous that is alive still?"
Kitty's eyes travelled across to Tom. In the confines of the car he could hear both sides of the conversation and had an amused look on his face as he raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, sure." She said cockily. "Tell Lachlan William and Kate said hello again."
John laughed. "Sure." he said. "Will do. I hope you're actually having some fun over there too, not just working and doing history things. You need an actual life."
"I have an actual life!" She replied indignant. "And I am going out dancing tonight, thank you very much!"
"Aim for a baron or higher." He replied.
"Barbarian." She muttered turning bright red as Tom tried unsuccessfully to smother a laugh.
"Who's with you? Is he a baron?" He inquired.
"None of your business, brother dearest." She replied loftily.
"Come on, what's his name, I'll Google him for you now, save you some effort. "
Tom shook his head, grinning. Don't tell him! He mouthed. Kitty nodded, trying not to laugh.
"I love you, brother, but you're getting nothing from me. So I am going to go out dancing and have a lovely evening. I will talk to you when I get back to Australia! Tell Laclan I said hello."
"Sure." He replied. "Bring me one of those ravens from the tower, must be time for the Brits to panic."
"Smuggle your own wildlife!" She retorted. "I will talk to you later!"
John laughed and said good bye before hanging up.
"Well, that was sufficiently embarrassing for the evening." She said tucking her phone back into her bag.
"Your brother sounds like quite a character." Tom commented. "Lachlan is your other brother isn't he?"
"Yes." She admitted. "The middle one."
"Did you say he had met Prince William and Kate?" He asked curiously.
Kitty laughed. "Proudest moment of my grandmother's life, her grandson met the monarchy! He was a part of the group of scouts who greeted them on their tour of Australia several years ago."
Kitty told Tom stories of her brothers escapades, making him laugh as they drove off the ferry and through the streets of Calais and out onto the highway to Paris. Tom told her about his early life while resting a hand on her knee. Kitty traced patterns across the back of his hand, smiling as he did impressions of his family, transforming his voice completely each time.
Despite her best efforts not to, Kitty dozed off at some point, having only had a few scant hours of sleep the night before. Tom smiled as her cheek rolled down to rest on her shoulder, letting her doze as he continued driving. After another hour passed, they had reached the outskirts of Paris. Tom reached up and gently brushed the hair back off her face, causing her to stir.
"Darling, wake up, we're almost there." He said softly.
Kitty shook her head and sat up, looking around. In the distance she could see the Eiffel tower. Mesmerised, she stared at it, towering above the picturesque cityscape. She looked over at Tom, sheer joy written all over her face. She looked at everything, fascinated by how quickly the landscape changed when travelling across Europe. She marvelled at the old churches and palaces as they continued onwards to the heart of Paris.
Eventually, Tom pulled up outside of a large and very elegant hotel, handing the valet the keys as he stepped out. He came around the car, extending a hand to help Kitty slide out of the car, clutching her handbag. He was the definition of a perfect gentleman, standing there in his tailored suit, highly polished shoes and bow tie, his curling hair brushed back, holding her hand gently as she stood up to meet him. She smiled, looking down and shook her head.
"I still can't believe you have taken me to Paris for the evening!" She said trying to make herself believe it.
"It's only a few hours from London." He demurred. "Let's go and see what they have on the menu today. French cooking is wonderful."
"I know." Said Kitty, surprising him.
He cocked his head at her, raising an eyebrow questioningly as he escorted her through the opulent lobby.
"I went to a French burlesque show when I visited Sydney a few years ago, and the food was exquisite. Not to mention I worked in hospitality when I was studying for my degree. I came to have a love affair with fine food after that." She explained.
"What do you like to cook?" He asked her as he slipped her coat over the back of her chair as they were seated at a table in the restaurant.
"Sweets, mostly." She replied. "But I throw the odd dinner party and cook up a feast of my signature dish of risotto."
They waiter came over and told them the specials as he handed them both menus. Kitty studied hers, overwhelmed by the choices. She snuck a glance at Tom over her menu. He was watching her intently.
"Would it be terribly presumptuous if I ordered for the both of us?" He asked casually.
"Not at all." She said, relieved. "I have no idea where to start with a selection as wonderful as this!"
Tom caught the eye of the waiter and ordered in fluent French. Kitty propped her chin on her hand, watching his exchange with the young man. He finished the conversation with a smile and turned back to see her watching him.
"You know, I've never really agreed with the idea that French is a particularly romantic language, I have always preferred Italian. But you could most certainly change my mind."
"Do you speak Italian?" He asked, laughing.
"A little." She admitted. "My Latin is better though."
"You speak Latin?" He said surprised.
"I read it better than I speak it." Kitty said, sipping the wine the waiter had returned with. "Aren't you going to tell me it's a dead language?"
"Nonsense." He replied. "It still has its uses."
"Finally, someone outside of the circle of historians who agrees with me!" Kitty exclaimed. "I may faint from shock!"
Tom chuckled at her melodramatic reaction. They discussed languages until the entrees arrived, then the discussion turned back to food. For the better part of several hours, they sat enjoying the fine food and their animated discussion. Finally, the last plates and glasses cleared away, Tom stood and extended his hand to her, raising her to her feet and helping her into her coat as they left the hotel to walk down the street. It was after nine in the evening, but the sun had yet to set, and it gilded everything it touched and the perfume of flowers hung heavy in the air.
Tom guided her to what looked like an old chateau, but was in reality an upmarket bar and dance hall, decorated with boughs of jasmine and dozens of candles scattered about the place, leaving the rooms only half lit and casting flickering shadows of the dancers. Kitty left her coat and bag at the door and took in the beautiful surroundings as the daylight began to fade away.
"Shall we?" He asked, gesturing to the dance floor filled with elegant couples, twirling away.
Kitty looked at him with trepidation, still unsure of her skill, but determined to not let that get in the way of a wonderful evening. She slipped her hand into his and let him guide her out onto the floor, blushing as he stepped in closer to slide his hand around her waist. She kept her eyes locked on his blue-grey ones, smiling as he manoeuvred her gracefully around the floor, song after song. After an hour or so, Kitty begged off to go and get them drinks, leaving him to find somewhere they could sit down for a moment. Kitty returned drinks in hand, to find Tom chatting away to a handsome couple at a small table. Tom was already seated, legs spread apart as he leant forwards intent on the conversation as she placed the drinks on the table. He looked up at her and smiled, introducing her to the couple, both dressed in red and black with dark hair. Kitty smiled and said hello, complimenting the woman on her lovely dress. Tom pulled Kitty into his lap, sitting her on his left leg and wrapping his left arm around her waist. Kitty blushed at his touch, and reached for her drink to cover her flustered state. Tom continued talking to Philip and Renata, as they mentioned they were one of the attractions for the evening for their flamenco and tango routines.
"Actually," Said Philip, looking at Renata. "We should get ready, we will be on in a few minutes."
"Lovely to have met you, I look forward to seeing your performances!" Said Tom enthusiastically.
"Me too!" Added Kitty, smiling up at them both.
Tom sipped his drink while Kitty looked around at the crowd, admiring all of the beautiful dresses and the couples dancing gracefully. As the last strains of the song died away, the few electric lights went out one by one as the dance floor cleared. Finally, the only illumination came from the candles dotted about the room. Suddenly, a spotlight lit upon Philip and Renata at opposite ends of the dance floor. Kitty watched, enthralled, as the band picked out the slow opening strains of a completely different song.
"Tango." Tom breathed into her ear, his lips brushing her lobe gently.
Kitty shivered and turned her head slightly towards him, loathe to take her eyes off the dancers before her. As Philip and Renata circled each other, she felt Tom's right hand traced lightly down her right arm, and from her elbow, out along the outside of her thigh to her knee. On the dance floor, Renata and Philip finally came together and pushed one another across the floor, seeming to duel one another as they danced. Kitty sighed and bit her crimson lip as Philip ran his hand down Renata's body. At the same time, Tom slid his dextrous fingers to the inside of her knee beneath the soft chiffon of her dress. Kitty held perfectly still and slid her right hand from her lap to rest on Tom's thigh as his long fingertips stroked her inner thigh. As Philip dragged Renata across the dance floor, his hand grasping at her exposed thigh, Tom slid his hand higher, brushing the top of Kitty's stockings and garter straps. Kitty's hand on his leg clenched involuntarily as she gasped quietly. She turned her face towards his, the magnetism of the dancers forgotten as Tom stroked her leg. He watched her with detached curiosity, head tilted slightly to one side, examining the details of her face. Kitty wrapped her hand around the back of his neck and drew him towards her, kissing him passionately as the music reached its crescendo and the lights went out once more.
She pulled away slightly as the low lights came back on and Tom slid his hand back to rest on her knee again. She looked into his eyes, as though searching for something, the answer as to why fate had thrown her into his path perhaps. Around them, others clapped, showing their approval of the performance, breaking the reverie they had sunk into for a moment. Renata and Philip returned to the table, accepting praise along the way. Tom congratulated them on their masterful performance as they sat back down.
"Did you like it, Miss Kitty?" Philip asked, leaning forwards.
"Honestly, it was amazing, it was so beautiful, you could really feel the passion." She gushed.
"Would you like to learn how to dance like that?" Philip offered smiling.
"Oh no, I couldn't, I only just learnt how to waltz properly today!" She said, laughing as she held up her hands.
"Nonsense." He replied brightly, catching her hand. "Come and try, you will be beautiful, you will see. He will tell you!" He gestured to Tom.
Kitty threw a pleading look at Tom as Philip came around to help her to her feet. Tom just smiled enigmatically and shooed her off.
Philip took her to a quiet corner of the dance floor and began by showing her the basic steps of a tango. Soon Kitty was too distracted by Philip's lesson and the steps to look over at Tom, enjoying the dance and laughing as Philip made jokes about the steps. Almost an hour had passed before a voice interrupted them, saying:
"Mind if I cut in?"
Tom stood there, hand extended to her. Philip graciously handed her back over to him as Kitty thanked him for the lesson.
"You looked like you were enjoying that." He said quietly, as he took her waist in his large hand.
"I was! I am." She said smiling at him. "I love dancing, I just don't have much occasion to dance at home though!"
"Shall we make up for that now?" He asked as he swept her out onto the centre of the dance floor.
Kitty laughed and nodded as they waltzed again. When the band played a tango, she had a chance to put her lesson to good use as Tom pressed his firm muscular body into hers and ran his hot hands up her flesh. Kitty let out a breathy sigh as his hands teased at her throughout the song. At last the song ended, and their bodies were pressed together, Kitty resting one hand on his chest. She looked at him hungrily, wanting his hands and lips to touch her bare flesh.
"Shall we go for a walk to cool down?" He murmured.
"If you insist." She replied, sighing dramatically.
He laughed, and they collected her coat and bag from the doorman, Tom helping her shrug into it. He took her hand as he walked down the street slowly, taking in the image that was Paris at night. They stopped at a bench on a bridge spanning the Seine, looking at the lights reflected on the water's surface.
"I suppose we will have to start heading back to London soon." Kitty said dreamily, leaning into him.
"Not necessarily. I have a room booked in the hotel where we had dinner." He replied casually.
Kitty opened her mouth to protest his extravagance again, but he silenced her with a deep kiss.
"Ok." Was all she managed to breathe out when he took his lips from hers.
His eyes twinkled as he kissed her on the tip of her nose. They continued walking, taking a different route back to the hotel, Tom stopping briefly to pick up the key card from the concierge. They took a small elevator up several floors and Tom used the card to open the door to a darkened room that overlooked Paris. Kitty walked in, looking around at the simple elegance of the room. She stopped at a loveseat at the end of a huge bed and sat down to slip off her shoes and coat. She padded over to the balcony door in stockinged feet, gazing out over the illuminated city. Tom came to stand behind her, having taken off his jacket and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Thank you." She murmured. "I know this sounds cliché but this really has been one of the best days of my life!"
Tom kissed the top of her head, saying:
"You're welcome, I am glad you have enjoyed it so much. It's always a treat to go back to somewhere you've been before and take along someone who has never been, it's like going for the first time all over again."
"I almost moved to Europe a few years ago, you know." She murmured, resting her hands on the cool glass. "Right after I finished my degree I was going to move to Berlin, but then I was offered a job from my research project with the Catholic diocese, so I stayed. I almost wish I had just turned them down now!"
"Then I might never have had the chance to meet you." He replied, tightening his arms around her. "What a shame that would have been."
"Certainly." She agreed leaning back into him.
The stood there for a while in silence, watching Paris rush by without them, just enjoying each other's company. Eventually, Tom kissed her hair and asked:
"One more dance?"
Kitty laughed quietly and turned to look up at his hopeful face.
"Of course." She said smiling.
Tom pulled his phone from his pocket and played soft Spanish flamenco music before placing his phone on a coffee table nearby.
"Another tango?" Kitty questioned, raising an eyebrow at him.
Tom smiled wolfishly and pulled her against him, running his hands over her body. Kitty felt a flush rise in her cheeks as she tried to catch her breath.
"That's very distracting you know." She murmured as they danced. "And decidedly unhelpful when I'm trying to concentrate."
Tom said nothing, instead dipping her back, pressing his lips to her collar bone and simultaneously running his hand up her leg to grasp at her thigh. Kitty gasped as his fingers dug into her flesh, but he was already moving, pulling her upright. He spun her away from him, and tugged on her hand to pull her back to him. She twirled into him, her free hand pressed into his firm thigh, her back pressed to his chest. He wrapped the hand not holding hers around her body, his fingertips grazing across her breasts, tantalizing her. Kitty spun to face him, hand raised to reach for his face to pull his lips to hers, but he was ready for her, grabbing her wrist before she could touch him. She curled her fingers in frustration, but still he would not relent. His face was implacable as he turned her away from him again, stepping forwards and wrapping her captured arm back around his neck, forcing her to arch her back against his chest. Softly, he kissed her neck, his right hand drifting down her body, grasping the hem of her dress and drawing it upwards. Kitty sighed as his fingertips brushed the top of her stockings, trailing ever higher. She clenched his shirt in her hand as his hand cupped her bare sex. He paused for a moment, whispering into her ear:
"Minx! Have you been without underwear this whole time?"
"Absolutely." She murmured, unashamed.
He chuckled, stroking her for a moment, before stepping back, allowing her to stand normally. He trailed his hands up her body and slowly undid the zipper, sliding the black material off her shoulder, letting it pool around her feet. Kitty looked back at him over her bare shoulder, standing there in her stockings, garter and black lace long line bra. He cupped her face and turned her to face him, kissing her deeply as his hands travelled down to her ass, cupping her cheeks and lifting her up so she could wrap her legs around him. He carried her over to the loveseat at the end of the bed, sitting down with her in his lap. Kitty looked down at his shirt, undoing the buttons slowly and untucking the shirt from his pants, looking up at him through her long lashes as she traced her nails down his muscular abs. She felt his hands working their way slowly down the long line bra, undoing all of the dozen or so catches as she met his lips with her own. He slipped the bra out from in between them, discarding it on the floor as he ran his hands unimpeded up her back to her shoulders, pressing her down firmly onto his hardening shaft. Kitty moaned and dug her nails into his back, leaving long scratches on his flawless skin as she pressed her chest into his, burning with desire.
He held her close as he stood and turned as he tapped on her thighs with his fingertips, indicating she should untangle herself from him. She unwrapped her legs from around him and realised too late he had a wicked glint in his eye. He threw her bodily onto the bed, to land on her back halfway up the pristine sheets. Kitty rolled onto her stomach, crossing her hands in front of her breasts to rest her chin on her hands as she watched him over her shoulder slip out of his clothes, thoroughly enjoying the show. He knelt on the loveseat at the end of the bed, and caught her ankles, yanking her towards him as he pulled her legs apart. He grabbed her hips in both hands, pulling her to an upright position, kneeling in front of him. Once more, just as it had been during their tango, she was pressed firmly against his body, his hands exploring her. This time, she could clearly feel his stiff member pressing into her back. Kitty gasped as his lips found her neck and began working their way down. One of his hands was caressing her breast, running his thumb over her hard nipple, while the other hand had slipped into her wet slit and was slowly circling her clit.
"I'm not sure why I find it so captivating when you are wearing only stockings, but it is incredibly hot." He breathed into her ear.
Kitty moaned as he slid one long finger into her, turning her head towards his, gasping:
"Probably the same reason behind why I get wet just from seeing you in a suit."
He chuckled, slipping another finger into her tightness.
"Really? I have quite a few suits you know."
She whimpered and reached around to grasp his torso with both hands, holding on for dear life.
"If you keep leaving marks on me, I'm going to leave some on you, Miss Kitty." He lectured her sternly.
She opened her eyes and looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes. As he looked into her eyes, her face transformed, as she gave him a wanton smile, slitting her eyes as she pulled him more firmly to her and dragged her nails around his hips.
"You were warned." He said simply in a dark tone as he looked down his nose at her.
He took his hands from her body suddenly and pushed her forwards roughly, leaving her hips in the air as her shoulders and head hit the pillow, her arms not breaking her fall quickly enough. Before she could recover, she felt his hand connect with her flesh as he spanked her. With one hand, he pushed down on her shoulders as the other continued to smack her behind sharply, reddening her flesh. Kitty yelped and giggled, trying to wriggle away, but he held her fast. Suddenly he stopped, his hands moving to her hips as he guided himself into her and buried himself to the hilt in her. She would have collapsed down onto the bed, but his hands kept her in place as he slowly thrust into her over and over. Kitty buried her face into the bed, clutching at the sheets as she tried not to shout out in pleasure. She managed to slide a hand down beneath her and began stroking her clit as his pace increased. Faster and slower, they moved in unspoken concert, until their breathing was ragged. As they both reached the crest of climax, Kitty shouted out:
"Tom, oh God, yes Tom!"
With one final deep thrust, he spilled into her and rested his head on her back as her orgasm racked her body, causing her to shake for several moments. They lay together like that for a few minutes, his arms wrapped around her waist, lips pressed to her back, still buried within her. When she stopped quivering, he slipped out of her to fall heavily on the bed beside her. Slowly, Kitty stretched her legs out, wrapping her arms across her chest as she turned to face him. He snaked one long arm around her hip, drawing her closer. Tentatively, she brushed the hair back from his forehead, stroking his serious angular face, those pensive blue-grey eyes watching her. Kitty couldn't help but blush when he looked at her like that, for some reason.
"That is very disconcerting." She whispered.
"What is?" He asked, curious.
"The way you always seem to be looking straight through to my soul." She replied frankly.
He smiled at her.
"That's amusing, because I was trying to puzzle you out. You're an interesting one, Miss Kitty DeVine."
She blushed and looked down, smiling. She could feel him watching her still, but she refused to meet his eyes, knowing she would just continue to blush. He tucked her hair behind her ear and raised her chin so she looked at him.
"Onto your back." He said softly.
She complied, as he carefully undid the catches holding her stockings up on each leg. He slipped his fingers into the top of each stocking and slid them down her legs, depositing them on the seat at the end of the bed. She rolled away from him as he undid the catch on the garter belt and slid it out from beneath her. She turned back to him as he moved to lie flat on his back. She curled up next to him, resting her head on his firm chest, one leg draped over his, his arm wrapped around her shoulder as his lips pressed to her forehead.
"Thank you." She murmured.
"For?" He asked, tilting his head to look at her.
"Being so ridiculously wonderful. Honestly, talk about setting the bar too high, I'll be ruined after this." She grumbled looking up at him.
He laughed and shook his head as she closed her eyes, kissing his torso.
"Although, now I am in Paris with no underwear, so that might be something of an issue in the morning." She said dryly.
Tom chuckled:
"The suit bag should be in the wardrobe, go and look in there."
Kitty slipped out of his arms and over to the wardrobe. Sure enough, the bag was hanging there. When she unzipped it, she found her own clothes and her toiletries bag.
"Thank you!" She said, looking over at him in the dim light.
He smiled as she disappeared with her bag into the bathroom, listening to the running water.
Kitty opened her eyes after washing the last of the soap from her face to see him standing in the darkened doorway watching her again, completely at ease, even standing there nude. She shut the water off and stepped out, wrapping a towel around herself.
"Couldn't help but notice my pyjamas didn't make it into your bag while you were rummaging through my clothes." She said archly, looking up at him.
"Terribly sorry." He said cheerfully.
She shook her head and swatted him on the backside as he moved past her to the shower. She dried herself off and hung up her towel, watching him soap up his naked form out of the corner of her eye. She walked back to the bed and slipped under the sheets, feeling the crisp cotton on her bare skin as she looked out the long windows. She heard the shower shut off and within a few moments, felt Tom's weight on the bed as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him. He kissed her shoulder as she interlaced her fingers with his on her hip and smiled as she drifted off to sleep, his muscular body pressed against hers.