A/N: I'm hoping this update is worthy of a review and I'm also hoping it doesn't disappoint as I was sort of in a frenzy over here.
Warning: Contains some language, adult situations, and clinical terminology. You must be at least 18 years of age to read this chapter.
Chapter 38
He roared in abject frustration.
Stomping about his home he smashed the ceramics dotting his fireplace mantel. His fists glowing red, he snatched yet another memento and tossed it against the wall watching it explode into bits.
His wild gaze darted about the room.
Raising his arms, the modest furniture lifted off the floor levitating in anticipation. Snapping his arms to his sides the fixtures hit the floor with an enormous thud and distinct crack.
Malek shook his fists in the air, screaming at no one.
"Bastards!" he shouted, stomping into his salon. "Both of them! The King with his holier than thou pronouncements and that blond…gorilla!" he growled.
Suddenly weary, he approached and dropped onto a now bedraggled recliner. His portly features sagged in distress.
"Why don't they respect me? Why do they treat me as a nobody?" he whined.
He stood and paced, his hands going to his rotund middle. "Well, the King is royalty," he conceded, "But that still gives him no right to talk to me that way…and in front of Teela of all people," he pouted.
Malek paced some more. "At least the Prince wasn't there," he scoffed abruptly stopping. "I'll admit I'm afraid of him," he mumbled under his breath. "That blond Neanderthal scares me too. And who do they think they are—?" he stopped, his gaze going wide as a memory hit him…
The Engagement festivities at the Palace:
"Care to rephrase, Mr. Endoar?"
"All I'm saying is that she and I are engaged."
"I am aware of that."
The Prince took an aggressive step toward me…a step TOWARD me
He blinked, his eyes going round with incredulity. "No. It can't be…"
"I'll expect an apology to everyone in the morning."
"And what if I don't offer one…Your Highness?"
"Then you and I…WILL HAVE…WORDS"
Recognition dawning his jaw fell open, stunned into silence. He suddenly raised his chin in victory.
A devious smile crossed his lips.
Adam and Teela shopped for a bathing suit, Teela blushing as passersby recognizing the two bowed and curtseyed as if she were his fiancée.
Young women ogled the Crown Prince, a few of the men even ogling Teela. Familiar with them she rolled her eyes.
Some of the older women smiled appreciatively as if she were their own daughter. Others gave a look of censure as the two roamed the stores hunting for what appeared to be intimate apparel knowing he was engaged to another.
"Typical."
Adam handed her a bag as they left the store, the associates curtseying. "What's typical?"
"Just a lot of judging, that's all," she waved off. She lifted the bag. "Thank you for this."
"Welcome." They walked the busy boulevard in silence for a few minutes. Adam glanced down at her.
"Regardless, people will judge. We have no control over their individual temperaments nor would I desire that responsibility. Let them be whatever they are and pray they'll realize they need to change. I learned that a long time ago."
At the sudden wisdom, Teela's head whipped up to him. She turned back to the road. "Makes good sense."
"Mom and Dad always make good sense," he replied. "Your Dad, too."
She glanced back up at him, her gaze drifting back to the cobbled road in front of them.
"Yeah."
xxx
They made it back to the house having made a few more stops at the open markets for kitchen items. Unpacking and putting things away, they both went their separate ways meeting several minutes later in the front salon. Blushing lightly, Teela spread her arms and gave a twirl.
"So…does it fit alright? My butt isn't hanging out, is it?" she asked concerned, craning over her shoulder to check.
Staring, Adam's eyes went round. "It fits…very well."
She'd selected a coral blue halter top bikini, the layered blue tones bright and iridescent shimmering as she walked. The soft material clung to her athletic frame, her toned abs and beautifully sculpted body carrying it off perfectly. Her long auburn tresses tied into a high messy bun, leaning over she grabbed her sheer beach robe and shrugged it on. She assessed him.
"Yours fits nicely, too."
Blinking, Adam glanced down at himself as Teela admired the view.
Long black swimming trunks that stopped just above the knee, neither tight nor loose they hugged him perfectly, accentuating his muscular build and narrow waist. Her gaze ventured higher at the rock hard abs, beefy pectorals, broad shoulders, and strong triceps and biceps, eyeing the Royal Tattoo stretched over a bulging muscle. She went back down to his perfectly muscled legs and beautiful feet. He always had pretty feet…among other good things about him.
"Thanks," he said absently before turning and grabbing a towel. Straightening he turned back to her. "Let's go."
Today they were the only ones on the white sandy beaches, the sun high at midday, the cerulean skies cloudless. Fragrant tropical breezes gave today a calm, lackadaisical feel as the two made it to the ivory cabanas.
Situating their things they talked as they slowly strolled the soft sands. They drifted toward the surf as it rolled forward then receded in hypnotic rhythm.
Wading into the waters waist high and squealing at the chill, Teela immediately dove in as Adam stood just beyond the edge, his arms folded across his chest.
Gliding underneath the waves, her head broke the surface, her hands swiping the excess water out of her eyes.
"The water's perfect what are you waiting for? An invitation?" she shouted with a snort of laughter.
Adam grinned. "Just making sure there were no jellyfish. You're still alive so I guess it's safe," he replied before sprinting into the water and diving in with a playful splash.
Pretending to be insulted, Teela's mouth flew open as he swam toward her in long smooth strokes. Emerging he stopped and tread water, she splashing his face in reply. Blinking, he shook off the excess water.
"Nice."
She grinned. "That's what you get."
He snorted a laugh ending it with a megawatt smile, hers suddenly fading.
"It's been a long time since I've seen that smile, my friend."
Adam's features leveled off. "Yes."
xx
Bobbing along the currents, they floated in silence listening to the waves as Teela let out a shriek.
"What?"
"Seaweed!" she shouted horrified. "I've always hated the feel of swirling seaweed under my feet - YUCK!" she shivered hopping from foot to foot.
Adam burst into laughter as Teela eyed him.
"Not funny," she stated squinting.
He sobered clearing his throat. "No. It's not."
They stared at one another as Adam began a quiet grin. Annoyed she tilted her head and stuck out her tongue.
"Here." Surging through the currents, he waded toward her as Teela watched with curiosity.
"What are you doing?"
Without reply he stopped, turned around, and submerged himself neck high. He peered over his shoulder. "Hop on."
She blinked. "What…?"
"Go ahead," he coaxed.
Teela timorously waded forward and pressed her body against his back. She locked her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist, his arms locking under her knees.
He abruptly stood straight up breaking the surface, Teela bobbling piggy-back style. She cried out in surprised laughter momentarily losing balance, Adam tightening his hold on her.
He carried her on his back as they waded through the waters, emotions swirling within her as she pressed her cheek against his damp hair. Lifting her head she closed her eyes and took a deep breath of fresh ocean air. Opening them, her gaze scanned the horizon.
What a view. She felt like a queen.
And…wow he was tall.
And strong.
The butterflies suddenly went kamikaze as, with little effort, he carried her to the side clear of seaweed and stopped. Gently releasing his hold, he let her slide off of his body and into the water.
Turning he faced her. She stared at him.
"Better?"
"Y-yeah. Th-thanks."
He lifted a brow before squinting. "You did that last night."
Teela knit her brow. "Did what last night?"
"The stuttering. I'm just curious."
With an underwater hand on her hip she straightened, her brow arched. "I may have a speech impediment ever thought of that?"
He gave a crooked smile. "No."
She nodded victoriously.
"Because it's not true," he added. "I've known you a long time, Tee. I've never known you to get flustered to that degree."
Her head whipped to him. "Let a girl have her secrets, Adam," she said with a smirk. "You don't have to know everything, do you?"
The grin got wider. "No," he replied before backing up and disappearing under the surface. Teela glanced around in the silence.
"Not funny, Adam!" she shouted.
No sign of him.
"Adam?"
More silence.
She heard a splash.
"Right here, Tee," came the distant reply. Whirling around she swam to him.
"Don't do that!" she said as he stood, running his hands through his soaked golden locks. He frowned.
"Why not?"
She stood in the water. "Because it reminds me of—"
He blinked at her, tilting his head. "Of?"
Hugging herself, she glanced away. "Of when you went over the side."
Understanding dawning, he bit his lip. "Oh..."
They looked at one another in silence as the waves lapped against them, knocking them gently about.
"I'm…I'm sorry about that, Teela. Truly sorry."
Her eyes filled with tears as she glanced away, waving a dismissive hand. "Okay."
Studying her features, he knit his brow. Teela shook her head as if to clear it.
"This is supposed to be fun," she said swiping at her tears. "Forget it. Forget I ever said that. Let's just have a good tim—"
Adam came closer, his sapphire gaze locked on hers. Knitting her brow in confusion she stared up at him as he slowly gathered her into his arms.
"I'm no longer suicidal so no need to fear it happening again, okay?"
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she buried her face in his shoulder. "It better not…or else."
She felt him struggling to hold back a chuckle.
A moment passed as she smiled against his shoulder. "How's this for punishment?"
Wrapping her legs around his waist, she slid her ankles high up his back, the unexpected weight of her catching him off guard as they both crashed into the water, the two of them bobbing back up with laughter.
Under the cover of palm branches, a camera shutter fitted with a long-range lens went off.
xxx
They spent the rest of the day on the beach reading and napping before heading back to the house.
"I can't cook."
Adam looked at her. "Is that supposed to be bad or something?"
She shrugged. "I don't know. It's just that most men seem unpleasantly surprised when I tell them that."
"I'm not most men."
She tilted her head to the side. "That's true."
"Here, help me."
The two went to work in the kitchen preparing dinner with Teela enthusiastically following his instructions. She then set the table as they both set out platters of food.
"What do you want to drink?"
"Just water," he replied as she brought bottles of bubbly mineral to the table. Sitting down, they dug in, her eyes going wide.
"This is good. How?"
"Mrs. Stoley," he replied between bites. "And Mom of course."
Teela gave a worried smiled. "How is she?"
"Dad called the orphanage yesterday. He said she's alright but misses me."
"I would too."
Their gazes met before returning back to their plates.
"When we get back I'm going to see her. With everything going on, I missed last month."
She nodded as they ate in silence.
xx
Washing and drying the dishes, they retired to the back patio to watch the sun set, the breezes cooling as the evening sailboats made their way home.
Reclining they watched in silence as Teela squeezed her eyes shut. She turned to him.
"Confession time."
Adam startled and directed a blank look at her. "For whom?"
She suddenly burst into laughter, him staring as a smile slowly claimed his lips. Composing herself she settled down.
"For me."
He lifted a brow. "Okay," he drew out. He shifted in his beach chair. "This ought to be juicy."
She snorted a laugh, "Oh shut up!" she swatted at him as he grinned. "Don't make this any harder than it already will be, Adam."
"Sorry."
They both settled as Teela gathered herself, Adam studying her serious profile. After a few silent moments he sensed the atmosphere had changed. He knit his brow as she took a deep breath.
"You asked about the stuttering." She turned to him, he waiting in anticipation. "Let's be clear: I would have never said what I'm about to say to you if you and Cylvia were still together, Adam. I'm only saying this now that you guys have broken up."
Intrigued his brows flew up.
"The truth is,…I…"
Brows still skyward, he dipped his chin as if to coax her.
"I—"
The communicator sounded off in the kitchen. Turning to it, he went back to her. "Go ahead."
She shook her head. "No. It could be our parents," she replied. "Go."
Adam looked at her. "I'll be right back."
He got up and went inside as Teela took a deep breath to calm her nerves, her eyes squeezing shut.
Was this the right timing or not? I mean he already caught the nervous stutter…he knows something's up, her mind mused. Or does he? Maybe I should keep my mouth shut? What I have to say might make him feel worse about the breakup...
Teela's mind wandered, her brow knitting. Someone else took note of her nervousness but she couldn't recall, her mind going foggy. Just then, footsteps interrupted her musings.
"That was your father," he said sitting down. "They want me in court tomorrow. There's been a development."
Sounding ominous she furrowed her brow. "What happened?"
Adam looked at her. "A scandal is erupting back home," he replied monotone. "Apparently, somebody snapped us frolicking in the water today," he said using air quotes, "And plastered the pictures all over media. They're saying I'm cheating on Cylvia."
Teela gasped. "Oh no! But that's not true—!"
"You and I know that. Our parents know that. The nobles don't," he said, his calm gaze going back to the water. "Father was going to announce the Dissolution in the morning but apparently somebody wants to start some shit."
Her mouth hung open, her troubled emerald gaze searching his pensive profile. He turned back to her.
"What were you going to tell me?"
She clamped her mouth shut. "Nothing." She glanced away settling in her chair.
Early the next morning, the Crown Prince's jet taxied into Hanger 7, the two childhood friends emerging and climbing down the ladder.
As they gathered around the aircraft, the tech-ops smiled and bowed, their features lined with worry. Guessing their thoughts, Adam gave a terse smile, inclining his head.
They entered the halls, Palace attendants bowing and curtseying, their troubled gazes darting to Teela as the two made their way to the King and Queen's chambers.
xxx
Randor stroked his goatee.
"I'm sorry, Father."
Marlena reached out and squeezed her son's knee as Duncan and Teela nervously looked on, her arms folded. The King shook his head.
"There's nothing to apologize for, son. This is just some jackass bloke engaging in extortion plain and simple," he spat.
"Or someone looking for revenge?" Man-At-Arms interjected.
Teela's gaze darted to her father.
"Could be."
"It's all my fault," the Redhead spoke up. "That thing we did in the water…sometimes I do things without thinking," she rambled.
Adam frowned as the Queen's gaze darted to the younger woman.
That thing in the water?
"Nonsense," Randor dismissed with a wave.
"Not your fault," Adam added staring into the distance, "I shouldn't have run off in the first place." His gaze turned to Teela. "I was careless and pulled you into this. I'm sorry, Tee."
Teela frowned and shook her head in protest.
"You're entitled to have a life, son," Marlena stated. "It hasn't been easy for you these last few months."
A distant look in his eye, Adam shrugged.
Duncan put a hand to his earpiece. "The contingent from Lyvinia has arrived, Sire."
Randor nodded before turning to Adam. "We'll handle this, son."
"No. I'll handle it."
Proud, his father lifted a brow and nodded. "Good boy."
xxx
The ranking nobles had arrived, their presence meant to serve as witness to the proceedings.
Shown into Court the Lyvinians entered, men from the ruling houses of the small agricultural townships that dotted along the vast kingdom's perimeter. Filing in wearing stern expressions the other nobles gawked and chattered as the Herald began.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the ruling classes of Eternia and the Three Realms, the Royal Family of Eternos!"
All present quietly bowed and curtseyed as Man-At-Arms escorted the King and Queen to the dais. Taking their seats, the Captain appeared escorting the Crown Prince onto the dais then down the stairs, the low rumble of chatter beginning at the unusual protocol not to mention, the so-called "other woman". Standing at their level, the two approached and stood before the assembly.
Positioned at his shoulder the Captain took two steps back, standing at attention and staring straight ahead.
His hands now clasped behind his back, the Prince eyed everyone. "Welcome, nobles of Lyvinia and The Realms."
Assessing his demeanor, they all eyed him before bowing once again.
"This is going to be quick. You are here for an explanation, correct?"
"Yes, Your Highness. And may we begin by thanking your parents for this audience?" Svyen replied, appointed spokesman for the ruling Lyvinian classes. "We've come to understand the reason for Your Highness' alleged infidelity and if confirmed, request reparations for the Lady Cylvia Simonidese and her kind family."
Stung at the salacious allegation, Adam's sapphire gaze narrowed. "Where is Governor Simonidese?"
"He and his family are on holiday, Your Highness. We cabled them about the situation but have not yet had a reply. We sensed the urgency of this very private matter now unfortunately made public and in light of that fact, made haste."
The Prince lifted a brow. "Perhaps you should have waited for the reply before coming all this way," he replied calmly. "There is no infidelity. Lady Cylvia and I are no longer engaged—"
Svyen and the others' jaws dropped as immediately an outburst of surprised chatter arose sharply in the court's chambers, some of the women gasping as Adam lifted a palm. The chatter immediately quieted.
"How is that poss—"
"The Lady no longer wishes to carry on, Sir. Two days ago, the petition was made to dissolve the Royal Engagement Contract. The documents were signed by my Fiancée and her father, The Governor. Notarized, it was ratified by the King that same day. As of six o'clock on the Twelfth day of the month, Official Dissolution took effect." His sapphire gaze scanned the room. "The pictures in question were taken yesterday…the Thirteenth."
Another wave of shocked chatter as the Lyvinians gawked. "So you are telling us—"
"It's over and done," he stated, his gaze direct. "So as you see, I am no longer bound by said Agreement. At the time these unauthorized photos were taken, I was a free agent acting upon my own will. There was no inappropriate behavior demonstrated by anyone, especially not by the King's Captain whose stellar record and loyalty to the Crown is documented," he gestured to a blushing Teela.
He turned back to the men, his cobalt gaze steel. "The rush to judgment has clouded your sensibilities. Maybe waiting for Ivin's reply before coming before the Throne demanding explanations would have been more appropriate."
Nervous silence as he glanced about.
"That's twice."
Taken aback and insulted at the younger man's directness of tone, Svyen frowned. "But the photos imply a certain sense of familiarity, My Prince. Surely the connection between you two couldn't have developed overnight–"
Furious, the Prince cut him off, "The Captain and I grew up together so your insinuation is beneath you, Sir. What's even more reprehensible is the clean and unsullied reputation of the Duncan family being dragged through the mire," he stated eyeing every one of them. "You don't owe me anything as this sort of thing comes with the territory. But you do however owe both her and her father an apology."
All eyes shot to Teela whose fidgety emerald gaze darted about the chambers as stoic, Man-At-Arms simply stared straight ahead.
At the rebuke, rattled, Svyen turned ashen. "I see." He shifted his gray gaze. "Our deepest apologies, to you Man-At-Arms and to you Madame—"
"Captain," the Prince corrected sharply.
"Err uhh…forgive me, Your Highness," he replied shakily turning back to the Redhead. "Our apologies, Captain Duncan. Forgive us for our ignorant assumptions. They had no basis."
Agreeing with the characterization, Adam nodded as Teela gave a neck bow in acknowledgement.
"Anything else?"
All eyes went back to the Crown Prince. "No, Your Highness. Forgive us for our ignorance," they stated with a bow. "We were simply worried...," he trailed off as the astonished chatter began.
Adam turned and settled a gaze upon the King. "Father?"
The chamber again fell silent as Randor gave a lopsided grin. "That will be all for the day, gentlemen. Copies of the Dissolution are available to Lyvinia upon request," he stated, his hazel gaze hardening. "And let that be an end to the gossip."
"Your Majesty," they all quickly replied with a bow.
The Herald banged his staff as the whole of the assembly bowed and curtseyed.
Standing, Man-At-Arms led as the King took the Queen's hand. Exiting the stilled chambers, her brow arched in approval as she offered a quick glance and a smirk down to her son.
The Prince turned, inclining his head toward the assembly as Teela took two steps right. Positioned ahead of him, she escorted him out of the chambers, all heads hanging low in deference.
Out of the chamber hall and well out of earshot, he frowned taking a deep breath.
"It took everything in me not to cuss them the fuck out."
Walking ahead of him, Teela burst into a hearty chortle.
That evening, Adam and Teela lounged in his chamber salon, Cringer reclining on the floor.
"Sorry about all of that. With my rank I expect that kind of bullshit but you…," he shook his head trailing off.
Her head snapped to him. "It's okay. Totally not your fault."
Adam shrugged.
Pensive silence overtook the room. He glanced at her.
"What were you going to tell me last night?"
Her mouth opened then closed. "Nothing important."
He knit his brow. "Teela…"
She waved him off as his gaze suddenly narrowed. Feeling the pressure she swallowed hard.
Damnit, how does he do that? "Fine!" she shifted in her chair. "Here goes nothing."
At the odd phrasing, Adam glanced at the cat who simply eyed him back, his head on his paws.
She took a deep breath to settle her nerves and closed her eyes, slowly opening them.
"I love you. I've been in love with you since the day we met. I get nervous when improper thoughts about you arise or when there's an inference of a sexual nature made about us..."
Adam's jaw dropped as Cringer's head popped up in surprise.
"So that's why I'm stuttering. It's embarrassing. I know you have no feelings for me. I know you're expected to marry either a Lady Of The Court or a foreign Princess so I'm quite aware that my affection will go nowhere. I'll just have to deal with it. End of story," she rambled shakily at the end.
*told ya
The Prince's wide sapphire gaze shifted down to the gloating cat before moving to stare oddly at the Redhead.
Silence.
"What the fff…" he finally muttered.
Teela blushed a deep crimson and abruptly stood, fidgety. "Yeah it's crazy, huh? Well that's it. I know I'm not good enough for you seeing as I'm an orphan and sired of no royal blood whatsoever sooo…I'm going now—" she turned on her heel and headed for the hallway.
Hearing footfalls behind her she closed her eyes and kept for the door when a gentle hand landed on her shoulder. Stopping, she turned, her eyes still squeezed shut waiting for the gentle rebuff.
Hearing nothing she slowly opened them embarrassed, expecting to read contempt in his eyes. Her emerald gaze slowly went wide seeing none.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked softly, his handsome features lined with concern.
"You're the Prince, stupid! What matters how I feel anyway?"
He frowned. "You know that means nothing to me."
"Huh?"
Closing his eyes he shook his head. "Not your feelings. Stations," he explained, "I don't care about stations in life."
"Oh."
His unreadable gaze roamed her features.
Cringing at the uncomfortable silence she broke away from him. "Let me go! I feel like a damn fool—," she turned and grabbed the doorknob when hands gently grasped her shoulders and whirled her around.
Suddenly his lips were on hers.
Melting, Teela's wide gaze closed in ecstasy as deep down, her femininity caught fire.
Woohhh…feels so goo—
As if cold water thrown in her face, her eyes popped open when he abruptly broke the kiss and took a step back. Worried, he stared at her.
"I'm sorry. That was inappropriate."
Teela gaped at him.
Suddenly, two steps and she crashed into his arms, her lips on his as he stumbled backward, his arms around her.
Their eyes closed, the two bounced against the walls colliding with a hanging portrait which promptly dropped and crashed to the floor, Cringer jumping to a frightened crouch, his head snapping to the hallway.
The sound of banging and stumbling footsteps reached Cringer as they finally came into view, kissing and falling over one another, blindly colliding with an antique vase which bobbled off of its mahogany stand shattering to pieces.
The cat's golden gaze going round, he quickly zipped past them and headed for the door. Placing his paw on a floor button, the door swished open, he trotting out as it closed behind him. He looked back at it.
*i didn't expect that
xx
Stumbling backward they kissed hungrily as the back of Adam's legs hit the couch. Buckling he fell backward, Teela landing on top of him, the two knocking foreheads.
"Oww–!" they cried out.
"Sorry," he muttered, grimacing and rubbing his forehead. She looked at him.
"What is this?"
He opened his mouth then closed it. Gathering his thoughts he tried again. "This is me wanting you for many years."
Blown away her eyes went wide. "What the hell?" she shouted.
"Yes."
"Even with Cylvia?"
"Yes."
Blinking for understanding and still lying atop him, her gaze went back to his eyes. "Why were you engaged to Cylvia if you had feelings for me?"
Adam blinked. "Why were you with Malek if you've loved me since day one?"
Gasping, Teela scrambled off of him as they both sat up, getting their bearings.
Recalling his words moments ago, she needed clarification. "Wait — you said you wanted me. Not loved me."
"Wanted you meaning I loved you. Actually I was, and still am, in love with you," he clarified.
"Oh."
The moment surreal, they sat staring in silence.
"When did you begin to have feelings for me?"
"You need to answer my question first, Teela."
Blinking in confusion, she knit her brow. "What question?"
"Why did you get engaged to Malek?" he pressed.
"Oh!" her gaze went to the floor. "Oh. Right." Her eyes returning to him she took a deep breath. "I assumed you weren't interested in me. I'm just an orphan with no pedigree so...a Prince is worthy of a Princess," her voice breaking she cleared her throat. "I just didn't think you were interested or that a relationship was even possible. I accepted Malek's offer because…because one: it was the only offer of marriage I got and two: I felt that he was the best I could do."
Blushing, her gaze wandered the room. "Selfish I know, right?"
Adam frowned. "What gave you that idea?"
"Being selfish?"
"No…yes…," he replied. "What gave you the idea I wasn't interested and why do you think settling is selfish?"
Her eyes went wide in understanding. "Ohh…umm good questions…questions I'm not sure I can really answer," she trailed off baffled.
Adam squinted at her and sighed. "I accepted the Engagement after I'd learned you were engaged to Malek. So, I sort of did the same thing."
Teela's head snapped back to him.
"I didn't think you were interested either so I pretty much gave up and set about doing my Princely duty."
Her mouth fell open. "Oh my God."
He made a face and shrugged. "Maybe we're both selfish."
"What about your aversion to sex?"
"Huh?"
"Yeah," she nodded. "That."
"Oh. I'm still nervous. I think of what Ernest did to me and it makes me nauseous. That's…it's a struggle," he confessed quietly, his blue gaze wandering.
"You know that wasn't sex, right?" she probed, "It was assault...not to mention bona fide pedophilia."
He nodded. "My mind knows but my heart's…confused."
"Do you masturbate?"
His horrified gaze shot to her. "What? No!"
"Okay."
Silence.
Teela studied his features. "Then what do we need to do to overcome this obstacle?"
"We?"
"Yeah."
"Besides therapy?"
"Yeah."
He thought for a moment then turned to her. "You're offering to help me?"
"Of course."
Pensive, he bit his lip. His gaze met hers.
"Share my bed until I get to a point where you can touch me sexually."
Teela's eyes went round. "What?"
Adam frowned. "Well you asked!"
Her hands went to her mouth. She took them away. "That's actually a better suggestion than I was expecting, Adam."
Astonished his eyebrows flew up. He glanced away. "Oh."
"I thought you were going to just say 'hold my hand' or 'sleep in the salon'."
He met her gaze and frowned. "No."
Teela slapped her knees and stood, Adam lost and staring up at her.
"So? Let's do this."
His eyes again went wide. "Now?"
"Yeah now. We've got a lot of work to do."
Blinking in confusion, he slowly stood gazing down at her. "Okay," he drew out, his tone suspicious.
"I'm going to my chambers to pack. I'll be back."
"Where's Cringer?" he suddenly glanced around, Teela doing the same.
"Uh oh…I don't know."
*you needed privacy
*i'm down the hall
Adam's features leveled in understanding. "I know where he is."
"Okay." She stepped to him and gazed up into his eyes. Sliding her arms around his neck, she stood on tiptoes as he slid his arms around her waist, gently pulling her body against his.
Their bodies pressed together in need their lips met in the sweetest of kisses until it suddenly took a turn…going deeper, Teela's tongue running along his sensuous bottom lip coaxing him to open.
Without hesitation he opened as their tongues met and danced, sensuously sliding against the other, dueling for dominance. Her knees buckling slightly she swayed against him as his arms tightened around her, the two desperately devouring one another. With a ragged moan she gasped.
Abruptly ending the kiss she stumbled backward, panting, his confused gaze locked on hers.
"What?"
"Ohhh God!," came the outburst, her eyes wide and body trembling, the butterflies rolling in complete chaos. "I had to stop or else…," breathless she stopped.
Reading the situation Adam's sapphire gaze narrowed.
"Or else I would have probably ripped your clothes off…mine too."
He flinched. "Oh."