Surprise! Got it finished early. (MUCH earlier than I even thought I would. I really felt inspired on this one). Enjoy! :)
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Kimber watched quietly as Sheamus brought the oil lamp to the fireplace. He knelt down in front of it, reached for the dry wood that sat beside it. It wasn't long until he had it stacked inside and lit the kindling. Soon the room was bathed in a warm, golden glow.
It was only then that the reporter got a chance to really take in her surrounds. It was a good sized room, sparse in furniture but with it's own charm. Stone walls and a wooden floor.
Two wooden chairs sat at either end of the fireplace. A rectangular rag rug sat before it. Against the far wall was a wooden table, two more chairs at either end. A counter was positioned up the wall from it, an old fashioned pump sink sitting in the middle.
Kimber followed that wall to the next and swallowed, a blush beginning to warm her cheeks.
A few feet away, leaning back against it, was the bed. Draped across it was a quilt.
Sheamus followed her gaze, his eyes also going to the bed. His heartbeat sped up a little and he felt a churning in his gut.
Clearing his throat, the Irishman grabbed the chairs by the table and situated them to form a semi circle with the others around the fireplace.
"What are you doing?" Kimber questioned.
"We need to get out of these wet clothes so they can dry." he stated as he took off his jacket and draped it over one of the chairs. He pulled his sweater over his head, laying it across the seat.
Kimber's eyes locked on his back, watching as the muscles beneath the white flesh strained and bunched at his actions. She swallowed and turned away, the heat from her cheeks now working it way down her entire body.
"Kember."
She blinked and turned to see Sheamus watching her expectantly.
"Come closer to the fire." he instructed as he turned and made his way over to the bed. He yanked the quilt off and came back, draping it over one of the vacant chairs. From there he knelt beside one of his bags and opened it, rooting around for some clothes.
"Ah don' have much that'll fit you." he replied absently as he dug through the bag, "Ah don' understand why you didn' bring yer stuff wit' ya."
"I wasn't thinking about it." she murmured, watching him.
I was only thinking about you, she added silently.
He finally pulled out a t-shirt, handing it out to her., "Here. It's not much but it'll do tonight."
He motioned her over to the fire. She came to him slowly, looking up at him with her big green eyes. His gaze met hers, his own filled with something unreadable. They continued to look at one another for a long time before he turned and grabbed the quilt.
He raised it in front of her, arms out wide. She was now completely shielded from his view.
"Hurry up and get out of those clothes." he instructed from behind the curtain, "And lay yer stuff over the chairs. The fire should dry them by mornin'."
Kimber looked down at the shirt in her hands hesitantly before turning her attention back to the quilt. She swallowed, butterflies beginning to rise up in her stomach.
"No peeking." she found herself murmuring, only slightly teasing.
She could practically feel his smile as he chuckled and stated ,"Ah wouldn't dream of it. Ah'll be a perfect gentleman, Ah promise."
She felt a little disappointed at that. But she shoved the thoughts away and got to work undressing.
Sheamus could hear her from behind the blanket and he breathed in deeply. He licked his suddenly dry lips and moved from one foot to the other, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable.
He closed his eyes but instantly visions of her came to him. He could see her laying back against his hotel bed, breasts bared to his gaze. All that warm, tan flesh. . .
He had to bit his lip to keep from groaning aloud and he felt his body stir once more.
This was a bad idea, he realized. She was too close. Much too close for his liking. His hands were itching to reach out and touch her. He remember the taste of her silky skin and he wanted to taste her again. Right here. Right now.
He felt her small hand touch his and he jerked away, eyes opening.
"Sheamus?" Kimber called from behind the blanket, "Are you all right?"
"Yeah." he muttered, voice rougher than he intended, "Are ya done?"
"Yes."
He slowly lowered the quilt, his eyes fastening on her. She stared up at him, her own gaze bright. Her hair was still damp as it curled around her shoulders and down her back. She was wearing his black t-shirt, part of it slipping just slightly over one shoulder. It fell to her mid-thighs, still affording him a tantalizing view of her tone, shapely legs.
"Thank you." she murmured, her voice bringing him out of his thoughts.
He blinked and turned away, noticing that she had laid her jacket, blouse and jeans on the two chairs provided.
"Sure." he nodded as he gave her his back and pulled out a pair of dry jeans.
He looked over his shoulder to find her watching him, something unidentified dancing in her gaze.
"No peeking." he told her with a hint of a smirk and Kimber instantly turned away.
"Wouldn't dream of it." she offered a weak laugh, her eyes going to the far wall.
She heard the sounds of him unbuttoning his jeans and lowering the zipper and she again swallowed. She closed her eyes and took a shaky breath.
Instantly she was hit with a vision of him in nothing but his wrestling trunks.
Her eyes immediately flew open and she silently cursed herself. Definitely not a good place to go right now.
It wasn't long before she heard him call out, "You can turn around now, Ah'm decent."
She did so, instantly thinking that he was wrong. He was more than decent. He was exquisite.
Wearing only a pair of jeans, her eyes instantly went to his impressive torso, the marble flesh was almost golden in the firelight. Her gaze molded over his broad shoulders, so wide, so strong. Her stare ran the length of his chest, the pecks well defined. As were his arms, the muscles beneath prominent.
It was amazing. Those arms could be used to dish out such punishment in the ring against his opponents. But with her, they were nothing but gentle as they held her. With them she thought of nothing but safety and security.
Her eyes skimmed down his stomach, counting each well defined ab, and she ached to reach out and touch him again. She could still remember how he felt the last time she had touched him and she wanted to experience that again.
Instead she turned away, fingers fidgeting at her stomach. She looked to her left and paused, noticed his open bag.
There, sitting within the stack of neatly folded clothes, was a small package. Wrapped in white paper, a small red bow sat on top.
He followed her gaze and swallowed as he realized what she had spied.
She slowly turned to stare up at him, a long silence passing between them. He could see the question written on her face and he felt his gut clench.
"It's yers." he murmured, even though he knew she knew that, "Ah was still thinkin' of givin' it to you."
She once again went to the gift before turning back to him, silently asking for permission. He nodded, his hands clenching and unclenching nervously at his sides. He watched on as she gracefully knelt down and retrieved it.
Holding it as though it were the most precious thing in the world, Kimber stood up and turned back to him.
"Open it." he muttered, voice low.
She offered a shaky breath as she carefully unwrapped the paper. A black box, the words Cartier outlined in silver stared back at her.
"Oh, Sheamus." she breathed as she sank to her knees beside the fireplace.
She carefully traced the letters with her fingertips, in awe that he would do something so extravagant for her.
She blinked back the tears that threatened to overcome her as she slowly opened the box. Her eyes widened, her hand going to her mouth as she stared down at her gift.
There, nestled within the box, was a beautiful platinum angel pendant, adorned with a single diamond. It was classic and elegant and just her style.
"Thank you." she whispered lovingly as she looked up at him.
He nodded, unable to find the words to speak. She could see just how uncomfortable he was.
Kimber rose to her feet and carefully approached him, "Would you. . .would you put it on me?"
He reached out a hand, the limb shaking slightly. She handed him the box and turned away, lifting her hair up and away from her neck.
The Celtic Warrior gently removed the pendant from the box, tossing the box back on top of his bag. He carefully unhooked the clasp and brought it around her neck. He reattached it, his fingers brushing across the base of her neck-earning a shiver from her-before his hands fell away.
He couldn't help himself. He had to touch her, if only once.
The reporter looked down at it, fingertips brushing against it affectionately.
"I love it." she told him as she turned and gazed up into his blue eyes.
"Ah'm glad." he replied quietly.
"Did you. . ." she needed to take a breath before going on, "Did you mean it when you told me you loved me?"
"Ah did." he murmured, eyes burning on her face.
Did. Kimber thought sadly, He said 'did'. But not 'do'.
"I love you, too." she admitted with heartfelt conviction, tears beginning to well up in her eyes.
She couldn't hold that back any longer. She knew it probably did no good, but it needed to be said all the same. It was something she should have said a long time ago.
Sheamus couldn't believe it. Sure, he had wanted to hear those words come out of her lips for the longest time now. It had gotten so bad that he had even began to dream of it. But he never really imagined that it would happen.
He felt his heart clench painfully in his chest and it was all he could do not to crush her to him and ravage her right then and there.
Before he could speak she went on hurriedly, "And I know I've lost you. An-and I'll never forgive myself for that. And you probably don't want to hear this. I mean, too little too late, right? But I just know I had to tell you. I mean, I couldn't keep it in any longer-"
He suddenly came forward, placing his finger to her lips. He gazed down at her tenderly, a gentle smile on his lips.
"Can you stop talkin' long enough for me to get a word in, lass." he chided kindly.
Kimber bowed her head and nodded, "Of course. I'm sorry, go ahead."
"Ah meant it when Ah told you Ah loved you." he stated as he reached out and cupped her chin, tilting her face up so that she could look at him, "Ah meant it then and Ah mean it even more now. Ah love you, Kember."
She looked up at him in disbelief. Hope began to rise up in her chest.
He slowly wrapped his arms around her and picked her up. Hers came around his neck, grasping his shoulders, as he drew her close to his mouth.
His lips descended on hers in a kiss that started out gentle but soon great heated. It had been too long. The need to be near her again was too great.
He let out a groan as her mouth opened to him, his tongue surging inside to taste her. He felt her moan and he deepened the kiss, his hand clenching in her hair as he brought her closer.
Kimber's hands slide from his shoulders to grip his hair, the reporter meeting him fervor for fervor. She surrendered to his kiss, whimpering as he took control.
His lips soon left hers as he turned, trailing kisses along her jaw before settling on her neck. His suckled the flesh there, teeth nipping lightly before he soothed it with his tongue.
Kimber shivered against his hard body, her hands once again returning to his shoulders.
She nuzzled against one before turning her head towards his ear and murmuring, "Make love to me, Sheamus."
The Celtic Warrior paused, not sure he had heard her correctly. He lifted his head and looked at her in disbelief. She regarded him openly, mouth red from his kiss. Her eyes were filled with love and trust, her face flushed.
"Are you sure?" he asked, voice catching.
He wanted her. God, did he want her. But he needed to be sure that it was what she wanted, too.
Kimber gazed up at him lovingly, "You made me sure."
He still looked hesitant so she went on, hand brushing against his pale cheek, "I love you. I trust you. Make love to me, Sheamus."
He sat her on her feet and took a step back from her, scrubbing a hand over his face. He regarded her in wonder.
She was looking up at him with so much devotion, so much faith, that it tore a groan from his chest and he returned her. Hands holding her face, he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers in another soul searing kiss.
"Is tú mo ghrá." he breathed against her lips, "Tá mé chomh mór sin i ngrá leat."
Eyes locked with hers, he leaned over and picked her up. Kimber's hands curled against his shoulders as she pressed herself against his hard frame.
He walked over to the bed, lovingly laying her in the middle. He came down with her, hovering over her as his hand, shaking slightly, swept over the hair framing her face.
"Say the word and Ah'll stop." he promised her, fingertips brushing her cheek, her lips, her jaw, "Ah don' want you to be afraid of me."
"I could never be afraid of you." she breathed as her own hand reached up to trace along his mustache and beard.
He groaned again as he leaned over, his lips pressing against her. He once again found himself at her neck, lapping at her pulse point.
His hand slide up her body to cup her neck before trailing back down to rest at the side of her breast. Kimber could feel his thumb brush against the side and she whimpered against his lips.
She sat up, shaking, slightly overwhelmed. He rose with her, hand trailing in her hair.
"Do you need a moment?" he asked, searching her eyes.
Kimber, unable to find the words, shook her head. Still staring intently at him she reached out and took hold of the hem of his shirt. She pulled it over her head, letting it drop at the side of the bed.
His eyes went to her breasts as they strained against the green silk of her bra. He stared at the flesh heatedly, earning another shiver from her.
He licked his lips and turned to her, silently asking permission.
Kimber swallowed, breathing shaky, as she reached behind her and unclasped the bra. It, too, soon joined the shirt.
Sheamus gazed upon her breasts, taking in all the tan flesh. They were even more incredible than he remembered. How was that possible?
The reporter slowly lowered herself back against the bed. She reached out and took hold of his strong shoulders, bringing him down with her.
Sheamus hovered above her, settling between her now parted legs. Forearms braced on either side of her torso, hands running up her sides, thumbs brushing over her ribs, he bowed his head and captured one taunt peak in his mouth.
His tongue came out to caress it, teeth grazing her nipple. He suckled at it, tugging at the tip.
Kimber gasped, breathing hitched, at the sensation he was creating. Her eyes slid closed, her hands sliding up his shoulders to grip his head and hold him to her.
He continued to love her breast before turning his head, nuzzling the valley between. He placed open mouthed kisses there before turning his attention to the other, giving it the same thorough treatment.
Kimber trembled against him, her eyes opening as she stared up at the ceiling in wonder. She would never get over his wonderful mouth.
She bowed her head, pressing as kiss to the top of his head.
"Sheamus." she breathed his name as her head fell back and her eyes closed once more.
He blazed a wet trail back up to her neck, his teeth nipping at the point where it met her shoulder. Kimber whimpered, turning to press another kiss against the side of his head.
He rose up, face inches above her own. His breathing was harsh, his features filled with resolve and lust.
He captured her mouth once more, his hand skimming down to rest against her silk covered hip. His thumb slipped beneath the elastic, brushing against the soft skin there.
He wanted to touch her all over. He wanted to taste her all over.
He wanted her.
He eventually pulled back, coming to his knees. Mouth slightly open, he reached out and licked his lips as his gaze traveled down to her silk covered mound.
His eyes locked with hers and she nodded, lifting her hips slightly. He reached out and took hold of her panties, trailing them slowly down her hips and legs. Soon they were off and on the floor with the rest of her clothes.
Kimber shuddered as she took in his passionate gaze. Though she could see the approval, the hunger, written across his face she still felt a little shy. She started to press her legs together when he reached out, hand against her flat stomach.
"Don'." he breathed, his eyes meeting hers, "Don' hide yerself from me."
Her legs slipped open of their own volition and Sheamus closed his eyes for a moment, trying to get a handle on his control.
She was so beautiful. So beautiful that it actually hurt to look at her. Her body was perfect. Slim and toned, her skin tan and flawless. Breasts, full and proud, tipped up towards his impassioned gaze. Her waist was tiny, her legs long and toned.
He wanted to bury himself inside of her. Jaysus, the need to do so was killing him. But he ruthlessly held his own desires in check. Because as much as he wanted her, he wanted to please her more. She meant that much to him.
"Can Ah taste you?" he asked her, voice rough.
Kimber nodded, unable to find the words to answer him.
He gently eased her down to the end of the bed as he came off onto the floor. Kneeling before her he trailed his hands over her smooth, toned thighs. He eased one onto his broad shoulder, his fingertips brushing the underside.
Eyes locked with hers, he leaned over, brushing his nose against the inside of her thigh. His facial hair tickled her but she didn't feel like laughing. She could only look on as he closed his eyes, pressing a kiss against her flesh. He turned his head and took hold of the other, also bringing it to rest on his other shoulder. He nuzzled the inside of her thigh before giving her his full attention.
Heated gaze boring down on her, he leaned forward and breathed in her scent. The eroticism of the act caused her heart to speed up and her breathing to grow shallower.
He parted her folds and leaned forward, capturing her nub between his lips. Kimber gasped, jerking at the sensation of his mouth on her. She fell back against the mattress, her eyes sliding shut as she concentrated on what he was doing.
Sheamus continued to taste her, his tongue coming out to stroke the sensitive little nub. She tasted even better than he had imagined. Better than he could have dreamed.
Kimber could feel the pressure begin to build up within her center. Her whimpers turned to a moan as it grew. Her hands began to clench at the sheets beneath her, her trembling increasing.
His strong hands slipped to her backside and he held her to him as he continued to ravage her. He could hear her gasps, her whimpers of pleasure and it spurned him on. He feasted on her flesh, licking and nipping, lapping at her sweetness.
Her orgasm suddenly erupted from her, white lights flashing behind her closed eyes. Her back arched off the bed as she found herself calling out his name.
He continued to taste her until there was nothing left. Only then did he pull back and look down at her in triumph. She was panting, eyes still closed. Her body was trembling as she came down from her high.
Something primal came over him and it was all he could do not to pound his chest and bellow in victory. He had done that. He had been the one to make her come alive. It was his name her sweet voice had called out for.
He helped her back up towards the head of the bed, covering her body with his own.
"Tá tú go hálainn." he growled against her lips before he captured them.
Kimber could taste herself on his tongue and she moaned. She had never experienced anything so erotic before.
She arched her soft body against his hard one, feeling his arousal pressed against her center. It caused her to shiver and she took hold of his waist, pulling him closer. He was so warm, so strong, so hard. She couldn't get enough of feeling him.
She wanted him. She wanted to feel him inside of her.
But she needed to do something first.
Her hands slipped to his chest and pressed against it, trying to get him to roll over. He pulled back and looked at her, at first worrying that he had frightened her. But he took in the gratification, the excitement on her face, and he knew that wasn't the case.
She pressed again and managed to ease him onto his back. She came to rest over him, gazing lovingly down at him.
She reached out, stroking his handsome features. He turned his head, pressing a kiss into her palm, his own love for her shining back at her.
Kimber came to her knees beside him, her hands reaching out to touch him, to stroke his hard body. Everywhere she touched, she felt warm flesh, muscles and strength.
Her hands continued to explore his body as she took in all of him. He was so beautiful. His body appeared as though it had been carved from marble. Freckles dusted his flesh and she reached over, tongue swiping across one such cluster.
He felt her breasts drag across his chest and he hissed, his fingers flexing from where his hands rested on her hips. He kept himself stationary, though, knowing that she needed to know that she was safe and in control. It took a great deal of effort on his part, but he was willing to make the sacrifice for her.
Kimber raised her head, her eyes landing on his scar where it rested under his left shoulder. She leaned over and began to place open mouth kisses against it, her tongue coming out to trace it's length.
Sheamus growled deep in his chest, his eyes closing and his head tilting back in pleasure. The woman's mouth was good for more than just interviewing people.
Kimber placed one last parting kiss to his scar before turning, making note of the few bruises that marred his perfect white skin.
A wave of love came over her as she gently stroked on bruise that lay on his bicep. She leaned over and kissed it tenderly.
"I love you." she whispered against it before moving down to the one at his waist.
"Kember, you don' have to." Sheamus sat up and pulled back and lovingly cupped her face in his big hands, "Let me do the pleasin' tonight."
"It would please me," she whispered with the sweetest smile he had ever seen, "To love you. Let me love you, Sheamus."
They stared at one another for a few long moments before he once again settled back against the bed. Kimber wasted no time as she leaned over and pressed a kiss to the bruise at his waist. She moved on to the one at his shoulder before trailing her lips up to his ear.
"Make love to me." she whispered.
He chuckled, the sound low and oh-so-sexy, "Ah thought that's what we were doin', angel."
The reporter pulled back and stared deeply into his eyes, her own filled with love and lust, "I mean now."
He reached up and cupped her face, "You sure?"
"I'm sure." she murmured with a gentle smile.
And to prove she meant what she said she reached out and unbuttoned his jeans. Eyes locked with his, she pulled down his zipper. He quickly sat up and pulled her to him, his mouth crashing against hers in a searing kiss.
He reluctantly pulled away from her and rose from the bed, pulling down his jeans and boxer briefs. As he straightened he found Kimber regarding him with wide eyes, the reporter in awe of his hard length.
He felt pride well up in his chest as he returned to the bed and pulled her to him. Her arms instantly came around his neck as she pulled him in close for another kiss.
He rolled, her coming to rest on top of him, as their tongues caressed and mated. Kimber could feel his arousal pressing against the inside of her thigh, hard and insistent. She rose up on her knees, straddling his waist.
He stared up at her, eyes dark and hooded with lust. He reached his hand out, knuckles brushing against the underside of one of her breasts, causing her to shiver.
"Yer in control, Kember." he stated, "You wanna stop, just say the word."
"I don't want to stop." she promised, "I never want to stop. Not with you."
And she meant it. Despite the fear that was coursing through her body, she wanted this; wanted him. She knew he would never hurt her.
The only things that really worried her were that she might panic and go back to her rape or that she might not please him. And she so wanted to please him. She owed him so much. He already had her heart. Now she wanted to give him all of her body.
His hands came to her hips before running up the length of her sides. As they came back down they came to stop on her thighs, his thumbs rubbing slow circles that inched ever closer to her center.
Kimber began to tremble, turned on by his touch. She began to throb, eager for him to touch her where she most needed it.
Sensing her needs, or maybe they were his own, one of his thumbs passed over her clit and her breath caught. He did it again and again and her breathing grew heavy and labored, pressure once again beginning to build deep inside of her.
It wasn't long until another orgasm hit her, causing her back to arch and her eyes to slide closed as she whimpered.
Legs trembling, she reached over and pressed her lips to his, needing his kiss. Sheamus brought his hand to the back of her head, holding her while he dominated her with his mouth. But that was the only dominating he would do. The rest was up to her. She would have the control.
Kimber soon pulled back and rose up, taking his hot length in her hands. She marveled at the feel of it: steel wrapped in velvet.
Sheamus groaned, his hips involuntarily bucking at her hold on him.
Their gazes locked and held as she slowly by slowly lowered herself onto him. Sheamus' teeth clenched, hands locked on her hips. She was so tight, so wet, around him.
Another groan escaped him. He couldn't help it. She felt so good.
"Give me a minute, angel." he muttered as he tried to get control. He wanted to surge into her but he brutally held it off. There would be time for that later.
Kimber shuddered at the feeling of him inside her. She had been so afraid that it would hurt but hurting was the farthest thing from her mind. It felt so good. So right.
He gazed up at her, silently asking if she was all right. By the desire shining in her eyes he knew that she was.
Hands braced on his chest, Kimber slowly raised and lowered herself. Sheamus groaned and he rocked against her. An involuntary whimper escaped the reporter's lips, her nerve endings tingling at the sensation. They soon found their rhythm, bodies moving together in perfect unison.
Harsh breathing and moans filled the cottage as he let her set the pace. The tempo started on slow and easy but soon their passions began to rise. Kimber found herself moving against him faster and faster, her desire for him taking hold.
Sheamus kept a firm hold on her hips as she road him, the Irishman meeting her with his own driving passion. He could feel himself tightening and he knew it wouldn't be long now. But he wanted her to go first.
One hand moved from her hip to once against find her sensitive nub. His thumb circled it, the movements increasing.
"Tar dom, aingeal." he commanded in Gaelic, "Teacht. Teacht."
Kimber gasped. It wasn't long now. She could feel the pressure reaching it's peak. Just a few more moments and she would explode.
Her back arched, neck falling back. She closed her eyes and moaned, white lights suddenly flashing behind her eyes as her orgasm hit her hard. Shaking, she fell across his chest, her tiny hands gripping his strong shoulders as she gasped.
The feeling of her inner muscles tightening around him, milking him, was all he needed and his own release hit him. Growling, he thrust once more before he stiffened. Then his body finally grew lax. His arms came around her, hands stroking her from back to hip and back again almost soothingly.
Panting, he looked up at the ceiling in wonder. Jaysus, he had never felt anything like that before. He had sex more times than he could count. Whether it was slow and easy or wild. But it had never been as overpowering as it was with her.
He blinked, coming out of his thoughts as he felt her trembling above him. Her face was pressed to his chest and he could feel moisture. Suddenly a sob escaped her.
Alarm instantly rose in him and he began to worry that he might have frightened or hurt her. His gut clenched at the thought, that being the last thing he would ever want to do to this wonderful, beautiful woman.
"Kember." he called to her gently, lips pressing against her head again and again, "Kember, angel, did Ah hurt you? Kember, look at me. Talk to me, please."
He ran his hands through her hair, over her back and hips. Everywhere he could touch in a bid to try and comfort her.
"Kember?" he was almost panicked now.
She sniffled and looked at him. Though there were tears shinning in her eyes, there was also a wondrous smile on her lips.
"No." she whispered, wiping at her tears, "No, I'm not. . .I just. . .It's never been that good for me before. I didn't know. . .I had no idea it could be like that."
Her words sent relief and deep seeded satisfaction through him. He leaned over and pressed a kiss to her lips.
"Yer okay?" he needed to be completely sure.
She nodded, earnest and even a little shy, "I've never felt happier. Or more fulfilled."
His arms tightened around her and he kissed her again.
As they pulled back he noticed that she was beginning to look a little hesitant.
Before he could ask her what was wrong she carefully inquired, "Did it. . .Did I. . ."
"Amazin'." he said, meaning it, "You pleased me so much."
She began to beam, her trepidation instantly vanishing. She eased out of him and slipped to his side, her arm falling across his waist. His own arms wrapped around her, pulling her close, after he settled the sheets and quilt around them.
"Sleep now, angel." he murmured, lips against her forehead.
"I love you." Kimber sighed as she snuggled closer, her eyes slipping shut.
He pressed another kiss to her forehead as he murmured, "And Ah love you, a ghrá mo chroí."
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Mick O'Shaunessy looked down at the scene before him with a smirk. His nephew-the biggest fella he had ever laid eyes on, if he were to be honest-was practically wrapped around the little'un. She was pressed back against his chest.
One of Sheamus' thick arms was wrapped around her little waist, the other around her shoulders. His nose was practically buried in the back of her hair. And the girl. She was completely relaxed in sleep, her little hands holding onto the arm around her shoulders.
And that one, the old Irishman chuckled softly. Anybody who had the gumption to come walking into the middle of a stranger's home, soaked to the skin and covered in mud, and still have her head held high was all right in his book.
He liked this lass, all right. He thought she was good for his nephew, who had been alone for far too long.
He had heard that things were tense between them, but that didn't appear to be the case now. Not by the looks of them sleeping together.
He had started to make his way out to his cottage early that morning when he had spotted the broken down car by the side of the road. Seeing his nephew and his girl laying there, it all made sense now.
He shook his head and grinned, not wanting to wake the resting pair but knowing it had to be done.
"Oi!" he called out as he kicked at the bed, "Oi, Sheamus Michael! Wake up, young fella!"
At the third kick Sheamus' eyes popped open and he instantly looked to the foot of the bed. He spied his uncle standing there and his brows knit in confusion. Why was Mick there? And why was he grinning like a fool?
He let out a sigh and blinked, trying to clear his head. It was then that he realized the warm body in his arms. Kimber.
He felt his face begin to redden and his uncle laughed even more. At the sound the woman in his arms stirred, eyes blinking.
"Sheamus." she murmured, still half asleep.
She glanced over and saw Mick and her eyes instantly widened.
"Hello." she squeaked.
Mick's gaze softened on her, as did his tone, "Mornin', lass."
He turned his back and headed towards the front door, calling out, "Ah'll give ya two a ride back to town."
He couldn't help but joke, throwing them a wink over his shoulder, "But I suspect you two had quite a ride last night, anyway."
Sheamus cringed, glancing over at Kimber. He expected her to be mortified. Instead, she peeked over at him and began to smile shyly. He returned the expression and soon they were grinning. He pressed a kiss to her lips and the pair reluctantly rose to get dressed.
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They arrived back at their hotel later that afternoon. As they stepped inside they discovered John, AJ, Layla and Kaitlyn getting ready to check out. The five spotted the pair, especially making note of how they were holding hands, and the girls quickly took off for Kimber.
They snatched her by the hand and led her away, the reporter laughing at their antics. Sheamus watched after them with a chuckle, shaking his head. John approached him, a knowing smile on his lips. Without a word he reached out and shook the Irishman's hand.
The ladies came to a stop and turned to Kimber, expectant.
"Well?" Layla asked breathlessly, the Diva dying to know.
Kimber looked at each of them in turn with a big grin on her lips. She began to nod.
The Divas practically cheered, Layla reaching out to give the reporter a hug. Kimber giggled as she returned it.
As they pulled back Kaitlyn questioned, "Are you okay?"
"I'm wonderful." Kimber stated with a blissful sigh.
"Oh yeah?" AJ arched an eyebrow, "Exactly how wonderful are we talking?"
The Divas looked at the reporter with curiosity.
"Well?" Kaitlyn prompted.
"Very wonderful." Kimber giggled and the girls circled her for a group hug.
They began to laugh and pulled back as Sheamus approached them. His eyes were locked on Kimber, as though she were the only woman in the room.
"Ladies." he murmured as he reached out and took the reporter's hand, planting a kiss on her palm.
She went to his side instantly, slipping an arm around his waist.
"Well, we need to head out." Layla began to pull the other girls away, "I'm sure you two will be following us shortly."
"Hmm." Sheamus nodded as he gazed lovingly at his girlfriend, "We'll be along."
Hand-in-hand, still staring at each other, the pair made their way towards the elevator to go collect Kimber's bags from her room. As they walked they took no noticed of Natalya, who stood back a few ways, watching them.
She took in the way they held hands, the way they gazed lovingly at one another, and she bowed her head, a tear trailing down her cheek.
In that moment she finally realized that she had lost.
.
.
.
.
.
Kimber watched the match with a bright smile.
"Brogue! Brogue! Brogue!" she cheered along with the Irish crowd.
Sheamus beat his fist against his chest one last time before launching himself across the ring and kicking Tensai in the face. The larger man instantly hit the canvas and the Celtic Warrior jumped on him for the pin.
One! Two! Three!
Sheamus jumped to feet, arms thrown out at his sides as he bellowed. The ref raised his hand and he climbed out of the ring to go celebrate with his family, who were sitting at ringside.
Kimber watched on, unable to keep the loving smile off of her lips. She was so happy for him, especially because he had gotten to share that moment with his family.
The show ended not too long after. Sheamus had gone to shower and change, but came right back to spend the last few minutes he had with his family.
Kimber watched them laughing and talking. She wanted to go join them, but she felt it best to leave them alone. This was his time with them and she didn't want to disturb that.
Almost sensing her, though, Sheamus turned his blue eyes towards her. The expression in them softened, as did his smile. He raised a hand, crooking a finger over in her direction.
"Kember!" Bridget, too, spotted her, "Come over and say goodbye, lass!"
Kimber smiled and hurried to join them. As soon as she reached them, Sheamus took her hand and pulled her in close, his arm coming to rest around her waist.
The action didn't go unnoticed by his family, particularly his parents, who looked at one another knowingly.
"We're so glad we got to see you before you left." Bridget informed her, reaching out to squeeze her hand.
"Me, too." the reporter told her, sincere.
"Mick told us about finding you two in the cottage," Granny O'Shaunessy snorted, "About bleedin' time, Ah'd say."
"Ma!" Mark scolded his mother as Sheamus let out an embarrassed laugh and Kimber began to blush.
She turned her head towards him, trying to hide her face. He pulled her in closer and kissed her forehead. She peeked up at him and the pair began to smile.
"Ah'm just glad you were able to work everything out." Bridget stated with a smile.
Sheamus glanced down at his watch and his smile slowly began to fade.
"It's about time for us to go." he announced sadly.
Siobhan reached him first, giving him a big hug.
"Take care of yerself, big brother." she grinned as she pulled back, "And call soon."
"Ah promise." Sheamus assured her before his mother grabbed him in a hug.
"Ah love you." Bridget told her son, tears beginning to form in her eyes.
She leaned up and whispered in his ear, "Be happy."
"Ah love you, too." he pulled back and nodded, murmuring, "And Ah am, Ma."
His mother beamed.
"Come here, you." he laughed as he pulled Deidre in close.
"Ah was wrong." his sister informed him quietly.
He pulled back, brows knit, "About what?"
Her gaze flittered to Kimber, who was saying goodbye to Bridget and Siobhan, "About her."
Sheamus began to smile, "Thank you, Dei."
Deidre nodded.
The wrestler turned and shook his father's hand before Granny came forward for a big hug.
"Marry that girl." she told him, squeezing him tightly, "Ah want great-grandchildren. And soon."
Sheamus chuckled and pulled back.
The goodbyes finished up shortly and he turned, taking hold of Kimber's hand. They waved and offered one last round of goodbyes before the pair turned and headed off.
As they walked Kimber gave his hand a squeeze, the reporter leaning against him. She could see just how sad he was to be going back.
"You'll see them again soon." she tried to reassure him.
"Yeah." Sheamus head was bowed and he offered a faint smile.
He looked down at her and a wave of love hit him hard.
"Ah may be leaving them," he stated as his arm slipped around her shoulders to pull her close, "But Ah'm goin' home to you."
Kimber smiled, touched by his words. She turned in his arms and leaned up as his mouth settled on hers in a deep kiss.