Three days before she has to turn in her thesis, Lizzie Bennet calls William in a complete panic while he is at work. The first time he got this phone call was two days after his surprise visit. The fear in her voice almost brought on an anxiety attack for him until he realized it was not life threatening. He is used to these phone calls now and he sits there patiently until she is barely audible in voicing her doubts.

"…and then they're going to think I don't know what I'm talking about," Lizzie whispers.

"Lizzie?" William speaks up.

"Yes?" she squeaks out.

"You know exactly what you're talking about. You wouldn't have investors clamoring at your doorstep if you didn't. You are going to print out your thesis because I know all your other copies have notes on them and you're going to turn it in. Charlotte has read it twenty times and I have read it even more so there is no need for you to revise it again. We are both incredibly impressed by your work and you are doing your absolute best. After you turn it in then you're going to call me so I can tell you how proud of you I am and how much I love you. Then you're going to relax because nobody deserves it more than you," William pauses.

"God. How do you know what to say every time?" Lizzie sniffles as William lets out a small chuckle.

"In six days, Fitz and I are flying down for your graduation and we are going to celebrate until the sun comes up. I am going to kiss you and hold you and never let you go even when Lydia yells at us to get a room. You and I can finally be back together without having to use the phone or Domino just to get through the day. You know your future and you just have to take that final step, Lizzie. Turn it in, graduate and everything begins." William finishes.

"That sounds…perfect," Lizzie sighs.

"It does," William says quietly. "Now turn in that thesis and before you know it, I will be there."

"Thank you," Lizzie says. "I love you."

"I love you too." William smiles to himself.


Lizzie turns in her thesis two days ahead of schedule and it feels like a weight has literally been lifted off her shoulders. She really had no intention of relinquishing it early but William had been continually encouraging her every time she wanted to quit. Their phone call last night is what influenced her to hand everything over to Dr. Gardiner early. Their late night phone call strayed away from thesis talk and instead, he was contemplating what he should wear to her graduation. She couldn't help but laugh at his supposed predicament when she knew he chose his outfits ahead of time. She told him the dress she would be wearing the weekend before and he had mentioned the perfect tie and shirt he had to match. She loved the way he was trying so hard to distract her from the imminent future by talking about something so trivial. She then suggested that he should just come wearing the vest and he remarked that he was not a chip n' dales dancer but would gladly get his 'groove thing on' with her. Once she stopped laughing, there was a short silence that fell between them and she laid there listening to his breathing. She whispered that she wished she could be next to him having these conversations and that cemented her decision to turn in her thesis early. Now, she is standing outside soaking in the sun, anxious for something to happen and she pulls out her phone. The phone barely rings once before she can hear William through the speaker.

"Lizzie? Are you alright?" William asks.

"I am done," Lizzie states.

"Lizzie. I've told you before. You can do this. I have faith in you," he replies, sounding concerned.

She giggles at the confusion, "No William. I mean that I turned in my thesis. I'm done. I'm really done!"

"Oh!" William chuckles. "You turned it in early? That is fantastic! If I was there right now…Oh Lizzie. I am so proud of you. I really want to kiss you right now."

Lizzie blushes at his statement and replies, "Yea. That sounds nice. Being in your arms sounds optimal even."

"This weekend." William's voice is low. "We have a lot to celebrate."

"I can't wait to see you again. And Fitz too!" Lizzie exclaims. "I'm sad that I won't get to see Gigi this weekend though."

"She will still be in Sanditon for a couple of weeks," William says. "She may…drug you for more information on our relationship though."

"What? Are you keeping things from her?" she asks playfully.

"The, uh, information she wants to know seems more in the region of your area…" William sounding tense.

"Oh dear. Don't worry. I will…divulge only what I am willing to divulge," Lizzie teases.

"Lizzie," he warns. "Please don't over share the intimate details of our sex life to my sister."

"Why not? I bet Fitz and Gigi are dying to know that you are mind blowing in bed," Lizzie's voice lowers. "By far the best I've ever had."

"I…uh…Lizzie, really? That's um…," William is stuttering. "That's not the point! I'm at work right now. You are a terrible tease!"

"I'm sorry. You know I love you," her voice turns soft. "I've barely given any details to Charlotte. She just knows that I'm really…satisfied."

"Well…I…me too. This is definitely something I'd rather talk about in person…when I can actually be close to you," William is quiet.

"I'd like that," she breathes.

"Only a few more days, Lizzie," William assures.

"You promise?" she asks.

"I promise," he smiles.


Lizzie is in her bedroom enjoying a moment of quiet and escaping the chaos that is happening downstairs. Jane and Bing arrived two hours ago and her mom is up in arms about not having enough 'film' for the camera despite it being digital. William texted earlier to let her know their plane was 30 minutes late and her face fell. They were definitely going to be cutting it close now if they intended to all drive over there together. She had hoped to have a few minutes to catch up with William before they left but it wasn't looking so good now. She is antsy but nothing seems to be putting her nerves at bay. She is caught up watching the seahorses in the aquarium when there is a knock on the door. The door creaks open and Jane pops her head in.

"Lizzie? Mom was wondering where you disappeared to," Jane says softly.

"Hey Jane," Lizzie smiles. "I thought it would be better to stay out of her way until we left."

"Understandable," she smiles back.

"I'm really glad you and Bing were able to make it here," Lizzie says.

"Oh Lizzie. I would never miss seeing you graduate," she replies.

Jane gives her a quick hug and then pulls back to look at her.

"You look really happy, Lizzie. It's so good to see you looking this vibrant. I think William is to blame," Jane smiles.

Lizzie blushes, "Yea…He is something else. What about you and Bing?"

"We are doing better than expected," Jane almost giggles.

"Well all I have to say is that I'm happy we both got second chances," she responds.

They both exchange meaningful looks, link arms and head downstairs. As Lizzie expects, her mom is waving her arms around while talking to her dad and Lydia is on the phone about something. The doorbell rings and Bing is closest to it so he opens the door to reveal Charlotte.

"Hey Charlotte!" Bing exclaims.

Lizzie lets out a scream and runs the rest of the way downstairs to hug Charlotte.

"You said you wouldn't be able to make it!" Lizzie says excitedly.

"Well…I'm the boss now. Plus, I couldn't miss my since fetuses best friend's graduation," Charlotte replies.

"This is perfect. Almost everyone is here and we should be able to go soon!" Lizzie beams just as her phone buzzes.

Fearing for my life right now. Fitz is driving like a maniac but we should arrive sooner than I anticipated. Love you. –William

She grins to herself and feels butterflies forming in her stomach. She shouldn't feel nervous about seeing William again but she has missed him so much in the past few weeks. His surprise visit definitely helped her heartache but made it worse at the same time. Now she feels it dissipating with every moment that passes. Her mother takes Charlotte's arrival as a sign to make a bigger fuss over leaving for the ceremony. She is attempting to push everyone out the door despite Lizzie protesting that the entire party has yet to show up. Her mother insists on taking pictures while they wait and Lizzie unwillingly becomes the subject with 'congrats grad' balloons thrust into her hand. After a few minutes of taking the same picture thirty times, she hears a honking horn growing louder. Sure enough, Fitz is honking the horn when he and William pull into the driveway. She takes a deep breath as both doors swing open and she is beaming at the sight of William in front of her. He is sharing a smile almost as big as hers and their eyes lock as she makes her way towards him.

"Lizzie B!" Fitz yells as he stops Lizzie in her tracks to pull her into a hug. William laughs to himself and shrugs his shoulders as she looks at him in confusion.

"Great timing as usual, Fitz," Lizzie replies as she returns the hug.

"Hey. I got your man here with time to spare, Lizzie B. I deserve a hug first," Fitz grins as he lets her go.

Lizzie laughs and squeezes his hand, "Thank you for bringing him here in one piece."

"All in a day's work. Now be free, Lizzie B," he says as he gestures towards William.

Lizzie and William share a smile for a split second before he pulls her into a hug and her feet are no longer touching the ground. His arms are wrapped tightly around her and she laughs into the crook of his neck. William's hugs have quickly become her favorite way he greets her. She pulls back to see him beaming at her and she can't help but widen her grin. He leans in to kiss her and she breathes him in because she has missed the feeling of his lips. She can hear Fitz's cat calling in the background and she can feel William smiling against her lips. They finally break apart and her feet are touching the ground again but William keeps his arms wrapped around her.

"Hey there, stranger," William whispers to her.

"Do you kiss all strangers like that?" Lizzie smirks.

"Only ones who are graduating today and look as good as you," he retorts.

Lizzie smiles and swats his arm playfully. William looks behind Lizzie to see the rest of the group quickly averting their eyes and Mrs. Bennet who is blatantly staring. He stiffens at the audience and lets Lizzie go. She turns around and rolls her eyes at her mother before slipping one hand in his. She is about to say something when Fitz jumps in.

"I didn't drive 80 miles an hour from the airport just to stand around on the lawn. I believe we have a graduation to get to!" he exclaims.

Mrs. Bennet returns to her previous state of excitement and yells at everybody to get into the designated cars. Lizzie and Charlotte choose to ride in the car with William and Fitz. Lizzie is about to join William in the back when Fitz stops her.

"I am not driving the make out mobile. You are up front with me," Fitz flashes a smile.

"Worst. Wingman. Ever," Lizzie mutters to William before he laughs and gets in the back of the car.

"Don't think I didn't hear that," Fitz says as he starts the car.


Lizzie is in her cap and gown waiting in line to walk across the stage to receive her degree. She was anxious once they arrived at the venue but William pulled her aside before she had to get to her seat. He told her how proud he was of her and that he and Fitz would be part of the loudest cheering section. She takes a deep breath as she inches closer to the steps of the stage. She scans the crowd and thanks her genes for her sisters' red hair because she spots all of them sitting ten rows away from the stage. She walks up the stairs and waits for her name to be called.

"…Teresa Austen. Masters in Media Studies," the professor announces as the crowd claps.

Lizzie is next and waits until she is cued to walk across the stage.

"Elizabeth Bennet. Masters in Mass Communication," announces the professor.

Lizzie begins to walk across the stage and there is a roar of applause and screams of her name as she is handed her diploma. She turns to the audience and starts laughing when she sees her group. Everybody, including William, is standing on their chairs wearing newsie caps and comically large bowties. She finally makes it off the stage and rejoins her graduating class after she blows a kiss to her entire group. Once the professor declares that the graduating class can now venture off into the world, Lizzie quickly finds everybody in the crowd. They are all still wearing their bowties and Lizzie is laughing once again.

"I can't believe you guys did this! Completely unexpected. Whose idea was this? Fitz?" Lizzie asks.

Fitz speaks up, "Actually Lizzie B…It was your man, Darcy!"

Lizzie has a look of shock as everybody else nods at Fitz's statement. She turns to William and notices he is trying to hide a smile.

"I couldn't resist," he says.

Lizzie is gazing at him when her mother reminds everyone of the reservations she made at Lizzie's favorite restaurant.

"We need to hurry or the traffic will be just awful," Mrs. Bennet finishes.

Lizzie grabs William's hand and leisurely walks with him behind the rest of the group as they head to the parking lot.


Mr. Bennet is clinking a glass with his fork to get the attention of the table and everybody looks to him. He shares a quick smile with Lizzie and begins to speak.

"As my Lizzie knows, I am a man of few words but this is a special occasion. I have a feeling I'll be making one or two speeches down the road so I should get used to it." Mr. Bennet says as he looks to William and Bing. William tucks in his chin and Bing laughs nervously.

Mr. Bennet continues, "Lizzie, I am incredibly proud of you and I am humbled by how much you have accomplished in the last year. I am excited about the plans forming in front of you. I can't wait to see where it takes you. I love you. Congratulations Lizzie."

"To Lizzie!" Everyone chimes in.

Lizzie gets up from the table to walk over to her dad and pulls him in for a hug.

"Thank you dad. I love you too," she whispers.

She goes back to her seat next to William and he places a hand on her back for comfort. They smile at each other and the waiter arrives with all of their food.


After the celebratory dessert is brought out and the table is cleared, they take the party outside. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet say their goodbyes and somebody (possibly Lydia) suggests that they all go dancing. Lizzie is hesitant at first and looks to William to see what he thinks.

"Well…I do believe I promised to 'get my groove thing on'," William smirks.

"I would have been happy to see that vest," Lizzie whispers in his ear and William raises an eyebrow.

Thirty minutes later, Fitz is rocking out with Lizzie and Charlotte on the dance floor while William is getting the group drinks. He comes back to the table to find Jane and Bing talking while Lydia goes to join Lizzie. He sits back to watch Lizzie dancing and gets lost in the way her body is moving. He watches her movements and a desire is waking within him that has been slowly building over the past three weeks. It makes him want to pull her in a dark corner and kiss every inch of her. The way she is throwing her head back in laughter makes him think back to when they are in the throes of passion. Images of her rocking her hips against him and moaning out his name flash before his eyes. Three weeks has been too long and he is aching to get her into his arms to hear those sounds again. They haven't had a real moment alone since he arrived and it has started to put him on edge. He keeps watching Lizzie when she catches his eye and he sees a sparkle in her eyes that makes his jaw clench.

Lizzie once mistook William's staring as an expression of anger but she knows better by now. Anybody who doesn't know him would look at William and think he is livid. She knows his emotions and what she sees right now is an unmistakable look of lust. Lizzie feels a twinge in her core and decides to toy with him. She flashes him a wicked grin and then drags her tongue across her top lip. She moves her hips and shakes her head with the beat of the music, knowing that it is driving William crazy. She feels Fitz's hand on her shoulder and he leans in for her to hear him.

"Lizzie B! You're going to kill him if you keep moving that way. He looks about ready to explode!" he tells her. Lizzie gives him a knowing smile and he laughs. She catches William's eyes once more and doesn't break it as she begins to dance towards him.

William cannot stop staring at Lizzie as she slowly approaches him and the intensity grows with every step. He nearly breaks as she traces one finger halfway across her bottom lip and playfully places it between her teeth. She is beckoning him with her other hand to join him at the dance floor and he can no longer hold back.

"I'm going to dance with Lizzie," he says to nobody in particular. He tries too hard to make it seem casual but his exit from the table is far from slow. William is in front of Lizzie within seconds and she grabs his hand to pull him into the middle of the dance floor. The feeling of her hand is electrifying and William feels her heartbeat as he runs a thumb quickly along her wrist. He is not one to favor dancing, especially after the first one they shared, but Lizzie has a look in her eyes and he cannot resist. She stops them and rests her arms on his shoulders as she begins to dance to the beat of the music. He grabs her by her waist and watches her hips move. She is driving him crazy the way she is moving in his arms and gives him a playful smile. He raises an eyebrow and smolders at her to let her know that two can play at this game. William spins her around and her back is to him as they continue dancing. The air is sizzling between them as they begin to get lost in the deep thrumming of the bass. Lizzie's dress begins to stick to all the right places as William's hands slide down her sides. The sensation of Lizzie moving against him begins to make the blood in his veins throb with need.

Lizzie's body is pulsating from the beat of the music and William's hands against her body. The atmosphere around them is sexually charged and she is aching with desire. Her need for him at this moment is outweighing her care that she is in a very public place. She is desperate for a darkened corner and his lips on every part of her body. He pulls her in closer against him and Lizzie can feel his arousal against her back. She lets out a moan and lets her head fall back against his chest. William takes this as an opportunity to move her hair to one side and begins kissing her neck. She reaches up to run her hands through his hair and she closes her eyes to soak in the moment. They continue to move their hips together and she is feeling the beat of the music deep in her chest. Lizzie's yearning for William has reached a boiling point and she pushes herself against him. She hears him groan near her ear and, reveling in the sound, does it once more. She is met with the same sound and she can feel his lips on her ear.

"You are on dangerous ground, Lizzie Bennet," William growls.

"I like dangerous," she purrs.

William's eyes flash and his self control completely snaps. He spins Lizzie around and kisses her with such ferocity that he wasn't even aware he possessed. His arms are wrapped tightly around Lizzie's waist as hers are holding on to the back of his neck. Her tongue is driving him crazy and he lets out a low groan from his throat. He reluctantly breaks the kiss only for the sake of renewed breath. He looks in her dazed eyes and they are vaguely aware of their surroundings. William looks around for the darkened corner he desperately wanted awhile ago and spots a dimly lit hallway leading to the restrooms. He grabs her hand and they are practically sprinting off the dance floor. Within seconds, William has Lizzie pushed against the wall and he is letting her know how much he wants her with the urgency of his lips and his wandering hands. Lizzie hitches one leg over his and he pulls her even closer into him for more contact. In this moment, William thinks how much Lizzie has changed him in more ways than one. Never in a thousand years would he have taken part in a passionate make out session against the wall of a club before. He has walked by these people in bars but only ever thought of them as drunken fools who had no self control.

Now he is so consumed with lust and need that he doesn't think he could stop if he tried. His hands become more brazen as their kisses intensify and begin to move south. She groans against his lips as one hand moves up her thigh and bunches up her dress. The hallway is dimly lit enough that the casual passerby would merely see them kissing, which thrills William. He slips one hand under the hem of her underwear and Lizzie bucks against his hand. She breaks the kiss and bites her lip to stifle her moans as William continues his movements. She can feel everything building and she can barely stand from the pleasure that is starting to spread across her body. She stills his hand before he can get any further and he gives her a look of confusion. She checks the bathroom to find it empty and quickly pulls him in. Lizzie makes sure to lock the door and William is against her body within moments.

His kiss is passionate and she finds herself back up against a wall once again. Their hands are frenzied and she quickly rids herself of her underwear before he lifts her up against it. He pushes her dress up just past her waist and his hand makes its way back down to driving her crazy. She can barely concentrate on anything else and fumbles with the belt and zipper of his pants. She pushes his pants and boxers down with her hands before he steps between her thighs and she wraps her legs around him. Lizzie looks at William for a second to see his eyes as dark as night and bites back a moan as he enters her. Their rhythm is disjointed and desperate and there is nowhere else she wants to be. With every thrust, she slips down the wall a bit and he ends up deeper in her. Her hands are grasping and pulling at William's hair as he kisses her throat. There is a thrill between them that they could be caught at any moment and Lizzie lets out a moan. William looks at her and puts a finger up to her lips as if it will help silence her. She thinks that nothing could be more of a turn on right now than William trying to control the sounds escaping from her lips in the middle of sex. Her body feels like it is overheating as William's movements quicken and she digs her nails into his back. She presses her lips together, letting out only a whimper loud enough for him to hear and he begins kissing her jaw. She can feel her body throbbing from her scalp all the way down to her toes and William pulls her in as close as they can handle. She bites his shoulder to muffle her cries of pleasure as she feels pure ecstasy wash over her body. He comes closely after her and is gripping her hips so hard that he leaves a mark. Their breathing is ragged and William is looking at her trying to find the words.

"That is not…how I expected the night to go…but it was…incredible all the same," William says breathily as Lizzie hums in agreement.

She rests her head on his shoulder as he gently eases out of her and a whimper tumbles from her lips. He smiles to himself and remembers that she makes this noise every time they lose contact. William still has his arms around Lizzie's waist and only the muffled noise of the music can be heard. They look at the messy state they are in and they both move to make themselves presentable. William leans down to pick up Lizzie's underwear and lightly runs a finger up her calf as he pulls himself back up. He looks at her to see that her eyes glazed over from the little touch and he raises one eyebrow. Lizzie sees a twinkle in his eye and a hidden smile as he stuffs her underwear in the inner pocket of his jacket. Lizzie's eyes widen before she grins and then makes her way to the locked door.


"Have any of you seen Lizzie?" Charlotte asks over the music as she returns to the table.

"Or Darcy? He mumbled something and left the table awhile ago," Bing adds.

"By the way they were moving on the dance floor? I'd bet they're in the car making out…or took a taxi home," Fitz concludes.

"Fitz. It's not nice to make assumptions," Jane speaks up as Bing nods alongside her.

Before Fitz can respond, William returns to the table alone and takes a sip from his long forgotten drink. He realizes everybody is staring at him and wonders if they know what he and Lizzie just did. They were both very careful to leave the bathroom separately and he looked perfectly put together in the mirror. There is silence until Fitz cannot stand it any longer.

"Where is Lizzie, Darcy?" Fitz asks pointedly.

"Hmm? Oh! I believe she went outside for some fresh air," he attempts casually. "Lizzie mentioned it was rather hot in here."

"And where did you come from?" Fitz grills him.

"Now is not the time for one of your existential conversations again, Fitz," William quips.

Fitz looks completely gob smacked and Lydia bursts out laughing from his response. William bites back a smile and makes a mental note to tell Lizzie that he rendered Fitz speechless. The rest of the group brings up a new topic and William breathes a sigh of relief. He promised Lizzie he would attempt conversation with the group before coercing them to venture home. He is antsy to be in Lizzie's company already when his phone vibrates and he quickly checks the screen.

There is a slight breeze out here and I am missing a critical article of clothing. Craving to have your hands warm me up. -L

Lizzie already knows how to push his buttons and, with that text, she just pushed an extremely vital one. It takes everything in his willpower to not jump up and shove everybody out the door.

I am trying to have a conversation right now –W

And your lips. –L

Stop teasing, Lizzie Bennet. Do you want to leave? –W

I want you...properly…without sneaking around and all clothes off –L

Lizzie, you have no idea how much I want that –W

Then make it happen –L

William takes a deep breath and puts his phone back in his pocket. This desire he has for Lizzie does not seem to quell easily. Having never been completely in love before, he does not know what to truly expect. His inhibitions are altering radically for this girl…no, this woman and he is eager to see how far they take him. He sits up in his chair and clears his throat to get the group's attention.

"Lizzie has informed me that she would like to head home." William starts. "As most of the group is staying at Netherfield for the evening, I was hoping you guys would be willing to head home as well."

In the end, the entire group decides it's best to go home and William makes his way out the door first. Lizzie has her back to him and he sneaks up behind her. She lets out a yelp as he wraps his arms around her and gives her a kiss on her neck.

"Be careful. My boyfriend should be back any minute," she teases.

"Interesting. I came out here looking for my girlfriend. Maybe we should ditch them and go home together instead," William retorts.

"You are very forward," Lizzie plays along. "Does this work on all the girls?"

"Only ones that I fall in love with on the spot," he says seriously.

Lizzie turns around his arms and pulls him in for a deep kiss. Her hands rest against his neck and he tightens his hold around her before letting out a sigh. Before they can get lost in the kiss, Fitz is by their side once more.

"Gigi is going to be so mad she missed tonight," Fitz says with a big grin on his face.

"I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities in the future for you and Gigi to interrupt us some more," Lizzie deadpans.

"Feisty, Lizzie B! You got one hell of a girl, my man," Fitz says as he claps William on the back.

"Thank you for that sentiment, Fitz," William replies.

"No prob. As I said before…this is no make out mobile. I saw you love birds on the dance floor. Either one of you sits in the front of you're being separated by Jane or Bing in the back…or both. It's your choice!" Fitz says looking proud of himself.

"For someone who worked so hard to try and get the two of us together, you certainly put a lot of effort into keeping us apart," William smirks as he takes the front seat.

Despite Fitz's best efforts, Lizzie sits in the back seat behind William and they share knowing glances in the rear view mirror. William reaches behind with his right hand and strokes Lizzie's knee as Fitz tells everybody about his trip to Fiji. Once they finally reach Netherfield, Lizzie is too worked up and nearly jumps out of the car before Fitz stops. William smirks at her as he exits the car and she narrows her eyes at him.

"That is a dirty trick, William," she whispers as she leans into him.

"Try having a conversation when your girlfriend is sending you dirty texts," he whispers back and then kisses her cheek. He grabs her hand and they walk into the house behind Jane, Bing and Fitz.

"I hope my bedroom isn't next to yours!" Fitz says over his shoulder.

"You are welcome to stay in the east wing with Jane and Bing if you prefer," William states as Lizzie giggles.

"You two have the entire west wing to yourselves?" Fitz grins.

"Bing has chosen to reside with Jane in her guest room so it would appear that way," William stares at him.

Once they reach the top of the stairs, Bing and Jane wish everyone a good night and disappear down the hall. Fitz pauses to see William standing behind Lizzie, whispering something in her ear as Lizzie bites her lip. He thinks he has ever seen his friend so content in his life and knows he doesn't want anything to ruin that.

"I'm gonna stay in one of the guest rooms, I think. Congrats Lizzie B. I'm proud of you," Fitz says, smiling.

"Thanks Fitz. I'm glad you could make it," Lizzie hugs him.

"Uh huh. You're just happy I could bring this guy down," Fitz playfully shoves William. Lizzie laughs as William puts on his most serious face in an attempt to intimidate Fitz.

"Oookay," Fitz says as he starts to back away. "I'm off to bed. Try to get some sleep you two!"

"Good night Fitz," Lizzie and William reply in unison.

Lizzie watches Fitz turn the corner and spins around to face William. She grins up at him and he grins back as they realize they are both finally alone. She reaches up and pulls William down to kiss him without holding back. His arms wrap around her back as they deepen the kiss and Lizzie sighs into his lips. She loves this feeling of being held in his arms and has missed him so much in the past three weeks. They break apart for air and William rests his forehead against hers.

"The hallway may not be the best place for this," she murmurs after a moment.

"I would have to agree," William says with a glint in his eye. 'We have an occasion to celebrate."

Before she can say anything else, William picks her up and throws her over his shoulder. She lets out a shriek of laughter as she tries to keep her dress from flipping over.

"William! My dress-" Lizzie starts.

"-will soon be on the floor," he interrupts in a husky voice.

"You're terrible!" Lizzie continues laughing. She can feel William's thumb stroking her inner thigh as he holds her steady and she can sense a twinge building.

"I have a very nice view from back here by the way," she quips as she squeezes his butt.

"You are in trouble now, Lizzie Bennet," he chuckles in response.

They continue teasing each other when they finally reach the bedroom. William throws the door open, walks over to the bed and quickly lowers Lizzie onto it. He hovers over her as she pulls herself across the bed and she brings him down by his tie to kiss him. He presses his body against hers and Lizzie moans from the contact. William breaks the kiss and slowly kisses her throat as her hands roam up and down his sides. His left hand runs up one leg and he feels her buck against him when he reaches her hip. Lizzie looks over his shoulder and momentarily stops.

"William," she moans. "The door is open."

"Mmmm. We're the only ones occupying this wing," he murmurs against her throat.

"Very true…" she leans closer into his ear. "…but I don't intend to hold back my screams tonight."

William growls into her throat and reluctantly detaches himself from Lizzie. She watches him closely as he backs up off the bed. As he walks towards the bedroom door, something flies by him and drops to the floor. He picks it up and realizes that it is Lizzie's dress. He turns around to see her laying there completely naked and giving him a wicked grin.

The bedroom door slams shut.