Ah! Ok, I've written a couple stories, but I've never been brave enough to try to do a scene like this (SPOILER!) So really, let me know what you think. Good? Bad? Too forced? Not enough buildup?

I feel like my chapters are shorter and shorter, but I don't know how to transition them. Any suggestions?

But, enough said, I hope you enjoy this chapter. I can't wait until I get to the good parts in the next few chapters! AHHAH! :)

"Your leg! You shouldn't be standing!" Misunderstanding his frustrated groan, Vivian pulled away from him, quickly untangling herself from his grasp. "Come now, back on the bed." She pushed his chest gently, urging him to return to the bed. Slowly he let himself sit, taking the weight off his painful leg, but never letting his eyes leave her face. He caught her eye but she quickly looked away, blushing. "Henry brought food, I'm sorry to inconvenience everyone. I can eat in my room if you don't want company."

Lochlan frowned, noting the hesitation in her actions as she moved towards the breakfast tray. "Vivian, is somthing wrong? You're not inconveniencing anyone, why would you think that?"

She paused, frozen for what seemed like an eternity, unsure how to respond. Reaching out, he placed his hand on her arm. She startled, looking to him, her eyes haunting. His gut wrenched, her eyes held the same defeated look he saw every time he completed a mission. The moment before the end. Her normally expressive eyes were dull and fearful. The beast rose within him, demanding blood. Someone had caused that look. Someone would pay.

Vivian must have sensed his control slipping, for she tried to gently pull away. Clenching his teeth he pulled her closer until she stood between his legs. Forcing his voice to remain calm and reassuring, he gently spoke. "No one will hurt you. You have my word." Slowly, giving her ample time to pull away, he rested one hand on the small of her back and the other just below her jaw, his thumb reassuringly stroked her cheek.

Even with him sitting, Vivian barely stood taller than Lochlan allowing her to look him in the eye. The emotion reflected in his eyes were conflicted and it confused her. There was dark fury and hate that pierced through her, but there was also a gentle kindness. There was a warmth there akin to the way he now held her. Soft and reassuring, a promise that he would never hurt her.

Lochlan was so different from Morven. Morven was popular with the ladies and he knew it. He'd often used it to his advantage. She had considered herself lucky to have his love, if that was what it was. Morven was dedicated to himself always looking down on those who served him. Vivian knew that now, she could admit it to herself. She had been in love with an ideal, not the man himself.

But Lochlan was so different. He lived his life in the shadows, away from the court despite his rank and wealth. He cared for his servants as if they were family. He was loyal and dependable. His honor impeccable. There was so much more to this man before her than even she knew. At first she had blamed him, hating him for holding Master Rights and keeping her captive. But slowly, she had come to realize that the man behind the hard facade was kind and gentle in his own right.

She still didn't know why he had done what he did. She didn't understand where she was now, nor the forces that pulled them together. What she did know, was that she had fallen for the man who now held her gently. Vivan was in love with a man she knew so little about, and it was different. She had been infatuated with the idea of Morven, but there was something much deeper, much more tender in the man before her.

Lochlan watched as Vivian's eyes displayed a myriad of emotions. He felt her relax, her back becoming less rigid. Her eyes no longer held the haunted look, but held another emotion. His breath caught in his throat. She was his!

Fear rushed through him, killing his momentary elation. Vivian couldn't be his. He was a monster, a harbinger and deliverer of death. She was good and full of life. She would hate him and curse his name. If she ever found out she would run in fear and disgust, like his mother. He wouldn't subject her to that, nor would he give her to Morven.

His mind was racing, thoughts running rampant. Vivian could tell by the way his eyes no longer looked at her. For a moment, she thought he'd kiss her again, but that moment was lost to the dark thoughts that now creased his forehead and darkened his eyes.

Without thinking, hoping she had read his emotions truthfully, she leaned down, startling Lochlan.

Lochlan froze when her lips touched his and the beast inside came to life. Hungrily he kissed her back, his lips urging her beyond the timid kiss she had initiated. He stood, ignoring the pain in his leg. The hand on her back pulled her closer, and the one on her neck delved into her black tresses supporting her as they kissed.

She broke away first, panting for breath. The fire in her hooded eyes brought Lochlan back. Slowly he let her go, shakily stepping back, trying to regain any semblance of control. The bed behind him stopped him from backing up as far as he should have, they were still too close. His heart pounded and his breath was harsh in his ears.

He loved Vivian.

The knowledge both pained him and elated him.

They stood in silence trying to catch their breaths, unsure how to continue.

"Food." Lochlan's voice was deeper, more husky. Vivian smiled slowly, glad to know their kiss hadn't only affected her. She nodded, not trusting her voice. Turning once more to the breakfast tray, she took her time, positive that if she turned around to look in those eyes, she would be lost forever.

She fingered the delicate filigree on the dome of the tray, slowly tracing the beautiful work.

Lochlan watched as her fingers danced over the dome of the tray, similar to the time she had traced the etchings in his armor. He swallowed, trying to calm his racing heart. Each pass of her fingers reminded him of every time she had touched him. Always gentle, always cautious. Her touch was electric. Twice he had kissed her, and twice he had been the one to step away. His emotions were too open. He couldn't open himself to such weakness. The king had already seen some of his heart, hence the blasted game they now played. Lochlan or Morven. Neither a good choice.

He had to leave. He had to clear his head. He needed a plan, a way to get Vivian far away. The king wanted to attack Elsterin, Vivian couldn't be near the border. Vivian couldn't be near him. He couldn't leave her. He loved her.

"Vivian," his voice broke as she turned to look at him. "To hell with it!" he thought. Striding forward, heedless of his leg he pulled her close. The kiss was softer, more gentle than the previous. When he broke away, he kept her close and looked her in the eye. "I need to leave. Stay. Eat." When she looked like she'd protest, he kissed her again.

Breaking from her, he limped out of the room as fast as possible, knowing if he turned around he would never leave.

So...I don't really know where T rating ends and M rating begins. Do I need to change the rating on this? Any future kissy kissy won't be more explicit than this. What I'm worried about is if I add some more violence to the story, will it need to be rated M?