Thanks for your reviews :)
Magpie287: Yes Lord Wilfred has appeared before. He's a friend of the Sheriff and the new "Lord of Locksley." Glad you loved it :) Can't wait for an update to your story btw.
htbookreader1: lol couldn't agree more – Robin saving the day (how great is that?). Looking forward to your update with the R/M especially ;)
I felt that the content of this chapter was well deserved so here you go.
Enjoy,
xxx
Chapter 54
As they entered the forest, Robin began to slow down with Marian as he could tell that she was struggling with the run. He kept his hand tight in hers as they walked fast towards the camp. Neither of them said a word as they walked, both deep in thought about what had just happened. They could see Much and John waiting for them at the entrance of the camp with Matilda suddenly emerging too. At the sight of them both, Matilda greeted them warmly and held out another cup for Marian to drink.
"Here you go dear," Matilda offered thoughtfully, as Marian gladly took the cup.
When Marian had finished with the contents she gave the cup back to Matilda and felt a hand lightly touch her lower back. She turned to see Robin give her a small smile.
"I would like to speak to you for a moment," he said softly, indicating with his head to join him out of the camp.
"We'll be back in a moment," Robin informed the gang as he led Marian out.
"But is that wise after what we just went through," Much pointed out in worry.
"We will be fine Much, I promise. We are not going too far," he reassured him.
Marian followed Robin in a peaceful silence as he led her over to a more sheltered area of the forest; by the stream. By a large tree he sat down next to her and both quietly watched the water flow before them. Robin was drawing gentle patterns on her hand as Marian sat comfortably, enjoying the tickling sensation it created.
Robin still wasn't too sure how angry she was with him and so refrained from making too much physical contact. However when Marian leant her head on his shoulder, he knew it was safe to take a step forward. He really had missed her these past few days.
He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it tenderly, watching for her reaction. She lifted her face and looked at him, a sad smile on her lips.
"I have missed you," She whispered to him honestly, in a way she had not spoken before.
"I have missed to you," he laughed lightly.
She rested her head once more on his shoulder and he brought his arm around her to bring her body closer to his.
"It is nice to be able to sit here together like this," Robin smiled.
Marian made a content sound in response and he kissed the top of her head affectionately.
"Thank you for saving me from him Robin," Marian said softly. "If you had not come I do not know what I would have done."
"Hey, it was nothing, you know that. I will always be there for you Marian, always," Robin emphasised.
"I just felt so vulnerable. He appeared out of nowhere and I did not know what to do. The first thought that came into my mind was the baby," she told him sadly.
"Shush," he whispered. "Everything is alright now, you are here with me," he added with a comforting arm rubbing her back.
"I love you Robin," She told him, looking directly into his eyes.
"I love you too," he smiled in response, leaning his face in closer to hers.
She did the same and their lips joined together, gentle and soft but with the same passion and desire as all their other kisses. Robin eased his lips over hers as she shifted her position to bring both her arms round his neck, holding onto him tightly, as he pulled her closer to him.
They both pulled away reluctantly for breath but they kept their foreheads pressed together, keeping close contact, neither wanting to part from the other. Robin then kissed her on the forehead and cheek before pulling her into a tight embrace, relishing in the feeling of one another.
"I am so sorry for the way I have been towards you recently," Marian said regretfully. "You did not deserve it."
"You do not have to apologise Marian," Robin said sympathetically. "I understand that you were unhappy with what I had said. It is not your fault."
"Yet you still rushed to the castle to save me," She reminded him as she pulled away slightly.
"Yes because I love you. I would do anything for you and the baby Marian, remember that."
Marian took his hand in her hands and played with his fingers lightly.
"The way he was touching me," Marian told him wistfully. "His hands were so foreign, so violent. He frightened me. No man has ever touched me like that before. No man other than…" She broke off as her voice cracked.
"Come here," Robin said comfortingly as he pulled her back into his arms and she rested her head against his chest.
"I am not used to being touched by any man other than you," She smiled through her tears.
"I should hope not," Robin replied, lightening the situation and smiling at the thought of him touching her.
"I do not want any other man to touch me but you," She said boldly as she felt his pulse in his neck beat, comforting her.
"Robin," She spoke, leaning up after a moment of comfortable silence. "Take his touch away," Marian added timidly.
He looked up at her at her request, taking a moment to register what she was asking of him. It was after a few moments that he realised.
"Are you sure?" He asked caringly.
Marian nodded and replied softly, "I do not want his touch on me. Replace his hands with yours."
Robin did not need to be told twice. He leaned back into her and captured her lips with his once more. Then he ever so gently laid her down on the ground, onto her cloak, and towered over her. He looked at her once more to make sure she was alright with this, before lying on top of her, pressing their bodies together, reminding Marian of his presence and removing any trace of Lord Wilfred on her.
He made his own mark on her body, igniting the flame inside them that had been ignored for a while now.
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Let me know what you think :)
xxx
