RATED M ;)

One can't begin to explain the delight Rain felt as Grace led her around the estate. As the poised woman presented each grand room, Rain grew more comfortable with Grace's arm in her own. She felt the warmth of Grace propel her to let her grief and worries wither into oblivion.

"You have a beautiful home, Ms. Grace." Rain mentioned as they strolled toward the library doors. It was their final stop after visiting Rain's room, the kitchens, Mr. Shelby's study, the grand hall, and every other crevice at each corridor.

"Tommy told me you used to dwell in Portsmouth." Grace said, "Surely a home looking out to the sea is far more grand than that surrounded by land?"

Rain stopped at two large doors as Grace let go of her arm. "Aye, I do remember the waters." She reminisced, "To be very honest, I can't quite recall my actual home."

Grace's tender beam encouraged Rain to continue speaking her mind. She felt as though Grace only wished to learn everything about her during their time together.

"I remember sailing and looking out a large window into the waves. I'd say my home was the sea, rather than the actual house located near the harbor."

"In that case, no grand estate could match the excitement of the earth's waters." Grace chimed lightly before opening the ornate doors to the library.

Rain followed her tall figure inside the decadent room. No candles were lit within the open space, but the moonlight shining in through the massive windows to Rain's left was enough to showcase the stocked shelves. There were books, hundreds of books and many desk, as well as reading sofas. It was rather welcoming and serene.

Beyond the towering windows, movement in the distance attracted Rain's attention. Her footsteps echoed through the distinguished library as she surveyed the scene outside. There were dark figures sitting surrounding a bonfire. No doubt it was Mr. Shelby and his boys.

"You must be nervous," Rain addressed Grace. When she turned her attention back to the room, Grace had been seated on a sofa. "Being that your wedding is in less than fourteen hours."

"Not at all." Grace said as if there was not a worry in the world that could destroy her peaceful state of mind.

How does she hide it so well?

"Do you fret over anything, Ms. Grace?" Rain inquired as she wandered casually toward the armchair across from Grace. Even in the moonlight she looked heavenly. Rain pondered over Grace's hesitation as she seated herself comfortably on the cushioned armchair.

"There are many things that worry me, my dear." Grace sighed, relaxing in her seat. "I'm marrying a gangster, for one. We have a child who I worry over . . . I worry deeply for our little Charles." Her tired eyes trailed to the window.

That's where it is, Rain thought. Grace's troubles all gather to her eyes.

"How do you sleep at night?" Rain asked, not in a condescending way, she truly wished to know how Grace could endure all that went on in her life. "You're surrounded by threats. Far worse than the ones I face, and yet you're able to live a normal life."

"Nothing about our lives are normal, Rain." Grace breathed. "We choose how to spend the remainder of our fleeting lives. I wasn't forced into loving Tommy. I wasn't forced into marrying him either." She smiled distantly before finding Rain. "I chose to be happy . . . that doesn't mean I chose the safe or smartest route."

"You certainly are the wisest person I've ever met." Rain humored, resting easily against the armchair.

"Everyone fears something, Rain. You've got to learn to let a few things go so that you can live a full life."

"I know that much." Rain nodded, "That's one of the reasons why I decided to join Mr. Shelby's company."

Grace's smile twinkled in the moonlight. "And I'm happy you've decided to stay with us, even after your accident." Her voice grew quiet. "If you ever need someone to talk to, my dear, I'd be glad to hear from you."

"If you don't mind me asking, Ms. Grace," Rain began nervously, "why are you so quick to trust me?"

The little light within the library illuminated her soft features. As kind as Grace was, Rain still wondered if there was any part of her that didn't trust Grace, herself. However, after Grace's calming response, Rain easily brought it upon herself to leave her faith with the exquisite woman before her.

"You're a girl worth keeping, Rain . . . plus my instincts are never wrong." Grace added gleefully, "I used to be a spy, you know?"

For the remainder of their time together, Rain indulged in Grace's tales about her young life. How she lost her father and what led her to become a spy. Rain laughed at the giddy parts and awed at the stressful ones, wondering how a graceful woman could endure such tragedies and end up alive and well. After constantly having to answer questions about her past, it was delightful to listen to someone else jabber about themselves.

Some time later, the young freckled-girl fell asleep. She couldn't remember when her mind drifted into a deep slumber. At first she was laughing with Grace and in the next there was darkness all over. Rain woke up to the feeling of being lifted from her armchair and nestled against something hard and warm. She opened her eyes slowly as she was carried out of the library.

Michael handled her as if she weighed next to nothing. Rain was careful not to stir too fast, so as to remain in his strong arms for the whole trip to her room. A voice appeared as she was transported out into the quiet corridor.

"Thank you, Michael." It was Grace; Rain could sense the warmth in her voice. "Her room is in the next hall, third one on the right."

"Goodnight, Grace." Michael assured. "See you in the morning."

His words vibrated against Rain's body as she clung to his chest. Rain restrained herself from smiling. If Michael were to sense her responsiveness, she would no longer be able to burrow so close to him.

As Michael quietly made his way deeper into the dark corridor, Rain grew accustomed to the sensation of being transported via someone else's effort. It was the most satisfying form of travel.

Though her eyes were closed, Rain sensed her entrance into a secluded room. Michael nudged the door closed with his side. Once the echo of the hallway dissipated into the distance, the green-eyed boy walked over to the bed and tossed Rain onto the grand mattress carelessly.

Even in complete shock, Rain suppressed a cry of displeasure as her body bounced upon the divine comforters multiple times. She sharply inhaled at the fall and found Michael standing smugly with his arms crossed over his chest. The only light came from the windows beside her bed, but it was enough to display Michael's taunting figure.

"What the fuck!?" she bellowed in a whisper.

"I knew you were awake." He beamed in the dark room.

"So you decide to hurl me onto the bed!?"

"I've wanted to do that for quite some time, actually." Michael remarked casually.

Rain collected her breathing and tried desperately to stop herself from smiling, but she couldn't help herself. "You're not funny." She teased.

"Then why," he leaned against the bed, closer to Rain, "are you smiling like a fool?"

As he grew closer to her with both hands leaning on the mattress, Rain could detect his scent. He had been near the bonfire and so the smoke of the branches and leaves caught on to his soapy fragrance. He smelled divine. Not a hint of whiskey plagued Michael's earthy aroma.

"If you're planning on doing anything tricky with me tonight, forget it." Rain smirked. She refrained from looking away from his green eyes that shined with the white light emitting from the moon.

Michael was completely infatuated with Rain, he didn't falter for even a fraction of a moment as he neared her.

"Why not?" he tested in a low voice. It was his exhausted voice, a playfulness that surged Rain with exhilaration. "Why can't we play tonight?" he breathed against her lips.

"Might I remind you that your whole family is here? Do you want the entire world to find out you're in my room, in the middle of the night?" Rain questioned as Michael began to crawl onto the bed, forcing Rain to fall on her back.

"Fuck the world." He snarled above her.

Rain breathed a laugh and took in his smoky scent. She grew acutely aware to how close Michael was as he lowered his lips down to her neck, but her mind was racing nonstop. The voices in her head told her that it wasn't right to call attention the night before Grace and Mr. Shelby's wedding, even if Michael's hands were all over her and nothing about it felt wrong.

"Michael," Rain sighed, pushing him off her so that he was no longer kissing her skin. "It's not smart." Rain wiggled out from underneath Michael before his touch could render her helpless. She quietly shifted herself off the bed and walked to her door, opening it for him.

The sight of Michael's comical face pleased Rain. She had half a mind to close the door as he slumped off the bed with an uncommon whine. "You're no fun."

"There's no guarantee this will go unnoticed." Rain shrugged. "I'm not willing to take the chance."

At this, Michael's expression radiated with mischief. He raised a brow and sauntered towards Rain in a sinister manner. Instantly, Rain's body began to heat up, the sight of his devilish grin evoked all kinds of unspeakable eagerness in her unchaste thoughts. Michael captured her attention once he managed to place his hands on either side of Rain's head after slowly closing the door behind her. Rain leaned against the wooden door for she could no longer back away from Michael's entrapping gaze.

"Let's make this a bet then." He proposed quietly, knowing that Rain could not resist a wager. "If I manage to make you cry out loud enough to wake our neighboring guests then you have to show me that secret house of yours."

Rain let her arms rise around Michael's neck as he closed in on her. She pondered over his terms with a cunning grin. "My winnings?" she questioned.

Michael lowered one hand down to cradle Rain's neck while the other trailed down her side at a menacingly slow pace. "Anything you'd like."

"You know I can't oppose a wager." She sneered as Michael pressed himself between her thighs.

He nuzzled his nose along her ear and down her neck. Rain's knees instantly grew weak with each breath he emitted on her skin. "That's what makes this so fun, Rainy."

Michael's right hand crawled down to the edge of Rain's trousers causing her to quiver against his touch. She wrenched it away before he could go any further. "If I somehow suppress my cries of pleasure," Rain said as Michael faced her once more with half-lidded eyes, "I get to use your office as my own workroom for two weeks."

"Done."

"And! You are to act as my personal secretary." Rain tested with a grin.

Michael rested his forehead against Rain's and sighed. She refrained from kissing him until he accepted the bet. "You really know how to make a man go mad."

"Those are the terms, Mr. Gray." Rain whispered against his lips in a sultry voice. "Believe me, nothing will commence here unless you agree to them."

The restraint in his eyes was rapidly decreasing. Without saying anything, Michael leaned in and kissed Rain's lips. She let go of his hand and it found the edge of her trousers once more. Rain tugged on Michael's hair as he pinned her harder against the door. The creaking wood was a whisper compared to their breathing. His kisses weren't soft nor did he build up to the rate he was going at. It was all so sudden and carnal that when he let go, Rain was raging with heat as he breathed close to her ear. It tickled her as he whispered once more, "It's a deal."

Rain closed her eyes, condemning any form of sound within her body as Michael's hand slipped between her trousers. She inhaled sharply as he trailed his fingers down her skin. Rain could no longer lean her head further against the door to contain herself. Michael had already clenched both her arms above her head with his other hand. Her body was no longer hers to control though she held on desperately to her silence.

Once she opened her eyes, Rain found Michael facing her. His focus did not falter with each breath they shared. As his fingers reached between Rain's thighs, she had to stifle a cry. Michael smiled shrewdly. Every move of his was calculated; every part of him raged Rain into madness for she couldn't let out a sound. Her breathing escalated and her chest heaved with each stroke of his finger. Her knees grew unstable, but Michael kept her balance against the wall, grunting quietly as he let her wrists loose and held her up.

Rain held her gaze on Michael as she wrapped her arms around him, falling into his embrace as he teased her with each agonizing brush of his fingers. He didn't meet her lips again for he was watching. Michael watched as Rain's self-restraint grew rigid with each motion he conducted under her smooth sex. He watched as her fervent behavior continued to drive her breathing wild. He watched as she struggled to restrict her pleading whimpers from escaping her plump lips that she bit on. It pleased him immensely to watch her fall into this state only he could evoke.

"Cry out for me, Rain." He whispered in a feral tone as his pace quickened. "You don't have to fight it."

Rain arched against Michael. Each breath that escaped her was a remnant of her sanity. She was growing wild with impatience. Michael's fingers played with her, the sight of his lips teased her, and his lustful eyes tortured her. The heat inside her was building up gradually with each moan she bit back. As much he was destroying her sanity, Rain perceived that her quiet cries and heated breathing against Michael's lips unraveled just as much restraint that remained in him.

Michael strangled growls echoed through the walls of the dark room. It vibrated through Rain's bones, delighting her every frantic nerve further into hysteria. As she gained control of her limbs with Michael's brief hesitation, Rain found his lips once more. His eyes were closed as they released their cries into each other, and so Michael didn't notice as Rain reached up to the buttons of her shirt. It was growing increasingly harder to make any controlled movement with his continued caress but Rain managed to throw off her shirt and suspenders.

As expected, Michael failed to release his gaze from Rain's figure once she let go of his lips. His fingers escaped her and Rain gathered her control as Michael faltered. Rain held his eyes as he stopped the game, searching for Rain's termination, desperate to know if she was no longer playing.

In slow movements, Rain reached across and began unbuttoning Michael's shirt. The craze in Michael's eyes reappeared and he closed in on Rain once more, latching his lips onto hers. She desperately ripped off Michael's shirt as he continued to breathe every remaining bit of her soul. The feeling of his skin against hers grew stronger as their clothes fell to ground, then their shoes, and their undergarments . . .

For the second time that night, Rain fell on to her bed. She didn't realize Michael had led her to the edge of her room, for she was only focusing on being quiet as he touched her and clung to her naked body even though every part of her wanted to melt away that control. Every inch of Rain's mind screamed to let go, to dissolve the restraint, to release the pressure Michael built up inside her.

As Michael lowered himself onto Rain, they broke apart from their kiss. Both of them panted heavily in the dark room. Rain bore into Michael's green eyes as he lightly brushed her short hair away from her face. His free hand found its way between her legs once more. Rain's breathing hitched as he spread her legs apart. She reached up to cup his cheek against the palm of her hand. Michael rested his forehead against hers.

His breathing was strict and heavy. "Only if you want it, Rain." He exhaled, though his eyes were pleading for her approval.

"No more games," she uttered through uneven breaths.

Michael shook his head, eyes shut. "No more."

Under the moonlight, Rain felt Michael lower himself completely over her body. In no way was she nervous. She wasn't afraid nor did she second-guess her decision. With Michael, Rain was sure of herself.

There was little pain as Michael found her. It was new, different with each passing second. Rain felt Michael's breathing shift as he rocked slowly against her. The further he went the tighter she grasped on to his bare back. Rain suppressed her cries in Michael's neck as she clung to him, wrapping all her limbs around him. She felt him do the same as he repeated his movements, but in different tempos at every stroke.

Her whimpers were harder to control as Michael rested both elbows on either side of her head. He looked down on her, shifting slightly with his body's movements that were heated against her own skin. It was getting harder for him to hold everything in, but his attention never left Rain. Rain's hips bucked against Michael's torso as he wrenched her hair in one hand and let out a low groan. She shut her eyes, seizing her pitched gasps to a whisper.

"Look at me, Rain," he urged desperately as their rhythm grew to its peak. "I need to see you."

Rain collected any strength remaining within her unwinding mind. As she dug her nails into his skin, Rain managed to open her grey eyes. She found Michael, hovering over her tense body. The warmth between her legs reached her bare chest as he brazed his thumb over her breast and breathed unsteadily with her.

With one more glance at Michael's beautiful pleading face, Rain was able to let go.

She felt Michael's rhythm falter as her breaths grew entangled and constricted in her throat. Rain could no longer keep her eyes open as the lightness in her chest expanded to her nose, her breasts, her fingertips and toes. Her grip loosened against Michael and she released one final cry powered by Michael's last stroke.

Stars.

There were stars above her that didn't belong to the sky. They were Rain's, and hers alone. She counted each one with every moment she spent high in the clouds of her thoughts. She had never been there before, but feeling it, seeing it was an experience she could not fathom. It was more than living or breathing, it was a fresh sensation, and it propelled her into the most peaceful condition with only a sigh to indicate her exit.

Opening her eyes and finding Michael exhausted beside her, was the most blissful thing she could ask for. The rise and fall of his chest matched her own. Within that dark room and upon that soft bed, Rain let out a musical laugh. A soft expression of delight that filled her body with a calming warmth compared to the one Michael gave her.

Michael turned his head to face Rain. She crawled closer to him, without anticipating how useless her limbs were. Michael enveloped Rain in his arms. The two held each other as their breathing ceased to make noise.

This was the feeling Rain never read about in those books Ada gave her. It was never described how a pair of beings who saw each other, who felt each other on such an intimate level would react after their time spent together.

Suddenly that didn't matter.

Rain could feel every nerve under her skin relax as Michael held her. She lay against him, breathing in his scent, thinking of all that had changed about her. Everything about Rain had drastically altered within the last month. Since the day she ran into this mysterious boy, this boy who drove her mad, Rain had never tasted something so bittersweet.

There was the impending threat of Crimson hovering over her life and Michael's, but laying beside him, feeling his skin against her own caused all of Rain's doubts to vanish. Rain felt Michael kiss her forehead as she drifted slowly into her fatigue.

She couldn't quite grasp this sensation, only that it was the perfect ending to an imperfect day.

Rain did not protest as Michael slowly fell asleep beside her.

It wasn't a smart nor a safe choice . . . but it did make her happy.