It was inevitable she supposed that their weekly lunches would eventually lead to dinners. They dined at expensive restaurants and in unknown little cafes. He started to introduce her to the edges of his world - gallery openings, box seats at football matches and the occasional surprise photograph. The gossip magazines speculated on who she was - the mysterious girl who had captured Arthur Pendragon's heart.

It was not a position she was very comfortable in. Yet, she found herself unable to stay away from him and she liked to think that he felt the same way. He never said the words but then again, neither did she.

Being a Pendragon meant that Arthur spent a lot of time attending events. That also meant that she spent a lot of time going for events too. This time it was a charity ball for the Children's Cancer Society and although it wasn't her first event on his arm, she still felt the same fission of uncertainty as she entered the ballroom. She was just there for him. She could never belong to this world of rich people and expensive jewellery and pretentious conversations. And she was deeply thankful that Arthur never asked her to change - he never insisted she buy designer dresses or go for makeovers.

"Arthur has left you all alone?" Vivian, a staple at these events, siddled up to Gwen's table.

"Hmm yes. He had to go speak to some people."

"It must be boring for you," Vivian slid into the seat next to her and Gwen braced herself for a long, tedious conversation. "You've worn this dress before haven't you?" She flashed a smile at Gwen, as if trying to soften her remark.

"Yes. I think it was at the dinner two weeks ago. I'm amazed you remember," Gwen gave a tight smile of her own.

"I would think that as Arthur's escort, you would at least attempt to dress up a bit. Recycling dresses is not going to do any good to his image and image is oh so important in our circles."

"I am a bit more than what I wear." Gwen tried to keep her tone civil. It was no secret that she and Vivian did not get along but the last thing she wanted was to make a scene here. Turning her head, she searched out Arthur.

"Really? So what is it you do really? From what I've heard, you're a secretary with Fay Publishing?"

"Yes."

"That's what? Filing? Data-entry? Anyone can do that. Arthur needs a wife who can mingle with his fellow men, say the right things, wear the right clothes, keep up his image. I don't mean to be harsh but I really don't think you fit that role."

Clenching her fists under the table, Gwen took a deep breath. Vivian's father was an old friend of the Pendragons and it would do no good to upset her. She doubted Vivian would think twice before complaining about her to everyone.

"Whether I fit that role or not really isn't up to you to decide."

"Well, since you persist in being so foolish, I'll just be honest with you. Arthur is dating you because it's something different. You're something new but he'll soon get tired of your and yearn for his usual - girls who know how to dress, how to act and don't cower when photographs are being taken. He's Arthur Pendragon - he needs someone who can navigate his world, not someone who is barely treading water in it. Plus, it doesn't even look …"

It was like Vivian had invaded her brain and pulled out all her misgivings about their relationship. Before she could formulate a response, a warm hand wrapped around her arm and tugged her to her feet.

"Let's go Gwen. There's no point in wasting time talking to petty people," muttered Arthur as he stared daggers at Vivian.

Determined to get the last word, Gwen nodded to Vivian and said, "Thank you for your lovely company. Perhaps I will see you again."

The journey home was tense. In the limousine, Arthur seemed deep in thought and avoided any contact with her. It unnerved her. Perhaps something Vivian said struck a chord in Arthur. Perhaps this would be their last date together. That thought hurt a lot more than she expected.

They were outside her door again, a strange look on Arthur's face. Her heart fell.

"Do you want to come in?"

"Yeah that would be nice." He still was not looking at her, more interested it seemed in the flooring.

The moment the door closed behind them, Arthur tore off his jacket and grabbed her and pulled her into deep, desperate kiss. Moving beyond her initial shock, she returned the kiss with as much love and passion she could. If this was going to be her last moments with Arthur, she was going to get as much out of it as she could.

His hands slid lower, settling on her waist and pressing her closer to him so she could feel him pressing against her thigh. Her hands tangled in his hair. Someone's heart was pounding but they were pressed so tightly together she couldn't tell whose. As lovely as it was, kissing soon became too little. She wanted more. So much more.

The buttons on his shirt were annoying. Her fingers fumbled as she tried to unfasten them except they wouldn't cooperate. His lips dropped to her neck and she could feel him chuckle against her skin as he moved her hands from his shirt. Deftly, he removed his tie and shirt.

"Your turn," he murmured and he reached round her and unzipped her dress, letting it fall and pool around her feet. Lifting his mouth from her, he leaned back and his eyes roamed her body. She shuddered under his gaze, feeling her nipples tighten and a wetness develop between her legs. She couldn't remember ever wanting anyone as much as she wanted him at the moment.

She moved towards him but he held her back, uncertainty in his eyes.

"Are you sure? We don't have to do this," his voice was taut and she could feel his arms tremble, "Tell me to stop and I will."

There was only one answer. "Don't stop."

He released a breath and immediately dragged her back for a thorough kiss, his tongue delving into her mouth, tangling with her tongue. Sliding her hand down along his torso, she cupped him gently, relishing the feel of his throbbing hardness. Experimentally, she gave it a light squeeze, smiling against his lips as he groaned.

"The bedroom," he commanded as he attempted to move without separating them. It was almost impossible and the two of them giggled between kisses as they stumbled towards her bedroom. Along the way, Gwen was pleased that she was able to unzip his pants and like her dress, it dropped to the ground around her feet.

"I cannot walk like this!" he grumbled good-naturedly as he stopped to step out of his pants. Then, to her surprise, he swung her into his arms. "This is much easier."

Placing her gently on the bed, Arthur hovered over her, again tracing her body with his eyes. Tracing a finger along her face, he smiled gently at her. The intensity in his gaze made her shiver and she found herself unable to do anything beside stare back at him. It seemed like ages before he finally lowered himself next to her.

"Hello," she whispered to him, her brain unable to form a coherent sentence.

"Hi beautiful," he murmured in reply before slanting his lips over hers. Whatever self-control either of them had disappeared. His hand dipped lower, tearing off her underwear and cupping her warmth before he inserted one finger. She gasped as she felt him penetrate her and thrust her hips towards him, demanding more. Reciprocating, she tugged his length out and wrapped her hand around it, slowly stroking him.

"If you keep doing that, this is going to end very soon." His other hand worked on her bra, unfastening it, allowing him access to her. Her eyes fluttered close and Gwen stopped stroking him while she lay back and indulged in all the feelings Arthur was drawing out of her. Her stomach tensed as she felt him move lower and she screamed and shuddered with pleasure. It didn't take long before her back arched off the bed as she bit her tongue. The last thing she wanted was to wake her landlord.

"I take it you enjoyed that?" Arthur had a smug grin plastered on his face but she was too strung up to care. "Do you have protection?" Blindly, she reached over to her drawer and passed him a condom which she assumed he put on. It was taking too long.

"I need you. Now. Please." Desperate to feel him in her, she pushed him to the bed and climbed on top of him, adjusting herself before sinking down on him. The feel of him in her was overwhelming, stretching her.

"You're so beautiful," he rasped out as he moved under her, he lifted a hand and threaded it through her hair, "I think I am in love with you."

She thrust against him. Waves of pleasure washed over her and she moved faster. He groaned.

"Touch me," she begged and he did. This orgasm ripped through her, better than the one she had earlier and she collapsed, satisfied, against his chest.

As her heartbeat slowed and she regained her senses, she remembered his words from earlier.

"I love you too," she pressed a kiss against his cheek.

"Guinevere. About what Vivian said, she is completely and utterly wrong."

"Mmm," she was tired and she really didn't want to dissect their relationship now. His voice seemed to drift further and further away and she closed her eyes. The last she remembered was Arthur brushing his lips across her forehead.