Chapter 17

Sarah woke to find herself wrapped securely in Jareth's arms. Her head was resting in his bare chest. She smiled remembering the events of the previous night, then glanced over at the clock and saw it was 6am.

Everyone had agreed to wait until 8am for breakfast and gift opening right afterwards. The children weren't happy about it, but there wasn't much they could do about it.

Snuggling closer, Sarah rubbed her hand over his chest, as she admired his sleeping face. His mouth twitched.

"Are you really asleep?" She asked as she sat up, pulling the sheet around her to cover her bare chest.

Smirking, Jareth opened one eye. "Well I was until someone started caressing my chest."

"So doing anything when you're asleep is going to be impossible isn't it?"

Jareth opened his other eye and sat up, stretching. "At first, perhaps. But if we shared a bed for a time I would grow used to your presense and I would probably only wake if you left my side." He reach out and pulled her in, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her soundly.

"So this is going to be a regular occurrence? You're not leaving once our agreement is over?" Sarah asked as she hugged him tightly.

"Only if you want me to leave." He kissed her forehead as he held her. "I told you when this all started, I wanted the chance to earn a place at your side. I'll be here as long as you'll allow me."

Jareth laid his head on top of hers and one hand played with her hair. "Are you saying you wish for me to be your real boyfriend?"

Sarah pulled away just enough so she could look him in the eyes. Cupping his chin, she smiled. "Yes, I'm not sure things will work out between us, but I want to at least try." She kissed him softly and laid her head in his shoulder as she snuggled into his arms once more.

"I can't begin to tell you how happy I am to hear that." Jareth grinned as his hands began to roam her naked body looking for ticklish spots.

"Hmm, Jareth, we have to get up soon. We're expected for breakfast and gifts." She wiggled to avoid his searching fingers.

Jareth dropped his hands away from her, looking comically annoyed. "Fine." He tossed the covers off of them and lifted her into his arms. "Ohhh, then perhaps we should take a shower." He wiggled his brow at her deviously, making her laugh.

"A nice," he paused to kiss her between words, "long," each kiss getting longer and more passionate than the last, "hot," his hand tangled itself in her hair. "Shower. " He finished as he carried her into the bathroom.

Jareth sat her down and reached into the stall, turning on the water to warm it then turned back to her.

"You look beautiful this morning. Luminescent."

" Thanks to you, " Sarah answered."You were very thorough."

"I never leave a task undone. I fully commit to making certain anything I take on is done until all parties are satisfied."

He tugged her close. "And I enjoy doing it." he said with a sexy growl.

With a kiss he led her into the shower and closed the glass door behind them.

Sarah sighed as the warm spray began to rain down upon her, relaxing her muscles.

She wasn't sore exactly but it *had* been a while since had sex, and sex with Jareth has been rather vigorous.

" Mmmm," She reached up and smoothed her wet hair.

Meanwhile Jareth had grabbed a sponge and lathered it with soap. He returned to stand behind Sarah and began running the sponge over her back. "Here let me wash you."

The sight of her naked and wet was arousing, and his semi hard cock rubbing against her lovely ass was making it worse.

"Is that a scrub brush or are you just happy to see me? " Sarah teased. She reached behind her. "Not a scrub brush."

She grasped him and gave him a couple of slow pumps.

Jareth groaned in her ear. "You keep doing that we'll never make it to breakfast. We'll stay here all day while I pleasure you until you can't walk."

Sarah let go and turned to look at him. "Well, we can't get out of it, but no one says this hot shower can't get even hotter."

Jareth kissed her hard and deep. "I like the way you think, love. Lean against the wall."

She did, and he knelt in front of her. He started with the sponge, gently cleaning her arms and legs, then shifting to her torso. He circled her breasts, paying special attention to her nipples. Slowly he made more circles over her abdomen.

"Spread your legs, sweetling." He said, not taking his eyes from her face.

He caressed her sex with the sponge, watching her head tip back. After a few minutes he sat the sponge down a leaned in, kissing her nether lips, and lifting one leg over his shoulder for better access.

A swipe of his tongue made her tremble.

He paused and spoke. "I was correct. I knew you would taste like this. So sweet, so perfect. Like a ripe, juicy peach."

He proceeded to use his lips and tongue to bring her to release, as she moaned his name and held onto his head.

By then he was rock hard, watching her come had more than done the trick. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist.

"Hang on to me."

She opened her eyes. "Just fuck me. Hard." she put her arms around his neck and her forehead against his.

He positioned himself at her entrance and slid inside.

"Ohhh fuck... Jareth..." he filled her perfectly.

Jareth began to move., holding her in place with his weight. As he continued to pump his hips, her behind slapped against the tile and the sound helped to fuel his efforts.

Sarah felt her orgasm building as their frenetic coupling quickened. He took a hand from her hip and cupped her chin, gently but firmly forcing her to look into his eyes. The dark desire in his eyes exciting her to her core.

"Look at me, Sarah. I want you to be looking at me when I come inside you. I want to see your eyes when you let go."

Sarah let out a small whine as he held her in place.

She hated to admit it, but the slightly dominating way he commanded her made her even hotter, and quickened her release in coming.

Jareth felt her body clenching, her muscles working faster. She was close. He shifted his angle to find that place inside he knew would bring her over the edge.

She cried out as the orgasm began, waves of pleasure washing over her. But she never closed her eyes even as her eyelids threatened to. She forced them to stay open and he saw everything, every shred of raw passion in her eyes. And a minute later his expression changed from determination to pleasure as they rolled up slightly and his hips jerked hard against her. He moaned her name, she knew he was spilling deep into her body.

Jareth's muscles twitched as he came, and he struggled a bit to support them both, but the incredible rush as his release swept through was worth the effort.

As he relaxed and slowed, they eventually slid to the floor of the shower, him on his knees as she slipped away from him and ended up on her ass, legs spread. He used what energy he had to make sure her landing was a soft one.

Jareth shifted to sit beside her, the shower still pouring down over them.

He leaned against the side and Sarah straddled him.

She said nothing but hugged and held him close for several minutes as they recovered.

"Damn, woman. You'll be the death of me and I'll enjoy every minute of it." He finally said. He kissed her shoulder.

She giggled. "The feeling is mutual. You got a little demanding there."

He grinned. "Yes...I can be. I apologize if it was too much."

"Not at all... As long as I get to reciprocate." She answered.

He laughed and kissed her. "I'm okay with that. I do enjoy such games. Keeps things interesting. I well imagine you are quite the demanding dominant as well. We are well matched."

"I've been known to be. It's always the quiet ones they say."

"Speaking of commanding.." Jareth pushed himself off the tiles and up, pulling her up with him. "I do believe we best get clean, and dressed. It's getting close to breakfast time."

Sarah picked up the sponge. "Alright. Let's finish up and get going. I'll wash your back." She began to rub him with it. . " besides, I'm starving."

"As you wish." He turned to face away from her and closed his eyes to enjoy her touch.

After a *very* refreshing shower, they dressed, both opting for slacks and Christmas sweaters, and held hands as they walked to the Christmas breakfast.

Sarah couldn't stop looking at him as they chatted and teased.

Jareth couldn't stop smiling. He hadn't felt such inner happiness and peace in a long time. Maybe he never had. But he was overjoyed that he had been the one to put the new light in her eyes.

That she had come to him in the night, kissed him, pulled him up to come with her to her bed had been a temporary shock, but he had gotten over it fast.

It had been amazing to touch her, explore her, give her pleasure and have her enthusiastically return the favor. She was everything he had ever dreamed of and so much more.

They arrived a little after 8 and most people were already sitting down with filled plates.

Sarah got them both a plate, handing one to Jareth with a grin. "I don't know about you, but I'm starving this morning."

He moved close to whisper in her ear. "I am, both for food and for more of you. The more I have of you the more voracious you make me." He purred. He gave her earlobe a flick with his tongue.

Sarah tingled all over. "Naughty king."

"Could you two move please?" One of Sarah's cousins had also arrived late and was standing behind them asked impatiently.

"Sorry." Jareth and Sarah said together. They proceeded to fill their plates with food and join Minnie and Gordon at their table.

"Merry Christmas you two lovebirds." Minnie said as they sat down. "I see ya made up. Good thing. You look happy."

"Oh, I am ecstatic I assure you." Jareth winked at the older woman. He had grown quite fond of her.

Minnie elbowed he nephew. "Be polite, Gordie."

"Merry Christmas." Gordon mumbled around his food.

Not even Gordon could ruin Sarah's mood. "Merry Christmas." She answered, for once feeling genuine sentiment towards him.

She saw movement out of the corner over her eye and turned to see Toby waving from the table he shared with his parents and a couple of other relatives. "Jay, Sarah! Merry Christmas!" He yelled. Which got a tap on his arm from his father.

Sarah knew her dad was telling Toby not to yell across the room.

"Merry Christmas Toby!" Sarah yelled back, laughing, and getting the same look Toby got from her father across the room.

She couldn't help it. She felt happy. Lighter, somehow.

It's amazing what happens when you stop holding everyone at arms length all the time. She thought.

She had Jareth to thank for that, even if they didn't work out in the end.

Once again he taught her something she needed to learn about herself. She'd closed herself off far too much, for far too long.

After breakfast they gathered in the main room of the lodge around the giant tree where all the presents had been placed. Everyone was urged to only bring a limited number to the gathering and no big gifts, leaving the rest at home for later, being as space was limited not only in the lodge, but in luggage.

So Sarah had bought gift certificates for her father and Karen for their favorite restaurant, and a handheld game for Toby, figuring he could play it on the way home. His parents gave him a few game cartridges for it, and a new sweater, but he had a pile of presents waiting at home to open as well.

She had gotten Jareth a silky purple robe and slippers set thinking it was both generic yet mildly intimate which people might expect a couple to buy for each other.

Her father played Santa passing out presents, eventually Sarah ended up with 4 small packages in her lap. Jareth ended up with 3. She recognized her store wrapped gift and knew the other elegantly wrapped box was from her parents as Karen was nothing if not gracious.

No person would go without a gift at her Christmas gathering.

The third was flat, haphazardly wrapped, and in a child's handwriting said "To my new friend Jay" written on it. Toby, obviously.

They began unwrapping as a family. Sarah recieved a pretty silk scarf from her father Sarah knew Karen picked out, an antique book of poetry from Karen, and a brightly colored bracelet from Toby.

The last package was far too fancy to be from anyone but Jareth. It's wrapping fine paper embossed with velvet. Unwrapped, the box was highly polished mahogany, not cardboard. "Oh Jar..Jay. This box is..."

"Open it."

Inside was an emerald necklace on the most delicate silver chain she had ever seen. She knew it was not something he bought. It was something he *made.*

"It's beautiful."

He took it from her and removed the necklace. "Turn 'round, love."

She did and he placed it around her neck. It pulsed slightly against her skin.

"It's attuned to you. You can never lose it."

"Oh. I don't know what to say...thank you."

"A kiss will do." He said, teasing.

She did as he asked.

After, Sarah was done, he opened his gifts.

Karen had bought him a pair of cufflinks, plain gold, but nice. He thanked Karen with a kiss on the cheek and a handshake for Robert.

He loved the robe and slippers from Sarah and thanked her with several sweet kisses until there was an "eww" from Toby, who had come over to thank Sarah for the game.

"Just in time, Toby." Jareth said. "I was about to open your gift."

Toby plopped between him and Sarah. "It's not that great. I had to go to the gift shop here, but...I wanted to say thanks and say I'm glad you're here. I bought it myself from my allowance money."

Jareth tore off the wrapping and began to chuckle. "It's fantastic! Thank you!" He pulled Toby in for a hug.

Inside the flat box that he handed to Sarah was a Christmas tie. It was green and red and had Santa on it, driving his sleigh hauled around by his reindeer, a sack of presents in it with elves all around hanging on. It had glitter and "Ho ho ho" scrawled across it.

Sarah and Jareth's eyes met over Toby's head in amusement.

"Wow Toby, that's a really festive tie! Maybe Jay can wear it later for the final dinner!"

"You know I will." Jareth said. And he would.

Once the presents were unwrapped, the children went off to play, giving the adults free time until that night, where they would have a final, informal meal together before leaving the next day.

Despite arguments from his parents, Toby insisted on spending the day with Sarah and Jay. Sarah started to tell Karen it was alright, but Jareth spoke up first. "It's fine. Toby is welcome to hang out with us until dinner. I know Sarah treasures her time with the lad, and I've enjoyed spending time with him as well."

Karen looked at the three with suspicion, but finally gave in. "Very well. Just don't annoy them, Toby."

Smiling, Toby grabbed Sarah and Jareth's hands and walked outside with them. "What are we gonna do?" He asked, excited.

Jareth stopped, which led to Toby being jerked to a hault and Sarah after him. "What is it?" Sarah questioned.

Pointing, Jareth brought her attention to the shuttle being loaded by a very distraught and frazzled Irene. "Looks like her new cabin may have been haunted as well." He smirked.

"But the first one wasn't haunted." Toby argued. "Nothing has happened since mom, dad and I took it."

"Ah but you and your parents haven't upset the goblins." Jareth told him.

"Or their King." Sarah added. She knew Jareth sent them after Irene the previous night.

"So wait, the goblins caused all the trouble?" Toby was grinning from ear to ear.

"Yes, but that is between us." Sarah stated. "Now what shall we do today?"

"Well we could build more snowmen, anothersnowball fight, perhaps a litle skiing." Jareth said as they walked towards the cabin.

"I don't ski!" Toby let go of Jareth's hand.

"I know that, Toby. I'm offering one last time to teach you. Perhaps even work a little magic if you'd like."

"Magic?" Toby's eyes lit up.

"Yes," he chuckled. "The slopes look rather empty today. I believe I can get away with using a little magic to help you ski, and perhaps even have the goblins accompany us."

"That might be a bit much, Jareth. We can't have others seeing the goblins." Sarah pointed out.

Summoning a crystal to his hand, Jareth juggled it back and forth. "Not to worry, Precious. No one will see the through my illusion."

He tossed the crystal up and it exploded, showering them with silver glitter. "Now no one will see us or the goblins." He held his hand out to both. "Shall we get started?"

"Are you going to poof us to the top every time?" Sarah questioned.

"It is faster than the lift." Jareth stated, seeming a little confused.

"I'd prefer if we took the lift at least part of the time."

Shrugging, Jareth took her hand. "Very well."

He walked with them to the lift and Toby insisted that he was big enough to ride alone. So he got on first, and they followed right behind.

As the lift carried them up, Sarah gave Jareth's hand a gentle squeeze and leaned against him. "See, much better than poofing there." She teased.

"Yes, it is." He agreed as he caressed her cheek. "If you wanted to be alone with me, you simply had to say so, precious."

Sarah looked up smiling. "I wanted to spend time with Toby too, so this works out. We can be alone for a few minutes and then spend time with him." Sarah's hand caressed his thigh as she leaned in to kiss him.

"Oh you cruel thing." He kissed her soundly. "You intend to torment me all day don't you."

"No more than you torment me." Sarah kissed him again, her hand rubbing up his leg.

Toby rode the lift to the top of the small mountain, completely oblivious to the fact that his sister was making out with the Goblin King in the lift behind him.

When they reached the top, they reluctantly parted and climbed out. Toby looked around, but saw no one. "Are we really the only ones out here?"

"Yes, my magic should keep the others away from this area. They will ski elsewhere or decide to go back to their cabin, and no one will even sees us here."

Sarah gave his hand a gentle squeeze. She knew he was doing all of that for Toby's benefit. "So are you going to magic up some skiing equipment since we didn't rent any?"

"Of course, love." He tossed a crystal in front of them and 3 sets of gear appeared. "Now Toby, first thing you need to know is the proper way to put on your gear."

Sarah watched as he helped her brother put on his skis and began teaching him the importance of balance and center of gravity.

While she put her own gear on, she noticed a small goblin sitting by her, grinning. "Oh, hello."

"Hi Lady!" He waved excitedly. "Can we skis?"

"Sure, Jareth said his magic will keep us hidden."

Suddenly a dozen goblins appeared by the king, clamoring for a chance to fling themselves down the hill. With a resigned sigh he tossed another crystal and they all had their own tiny skis.

The three watched as the goblins hurried to ski down the slope. The first few tumbled head over heels and rolled down the slope. One slammed into a tree, causing Sarah to cry out.

"And those, Toby, are perfect examples of what not to do." Jareth said as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fear not, Precious. Dritz is fine. Its damn near impossible to harm a goblin. I've tried."

Jareth proceeded to continue instructing Toby for the next few hours. Toby was a fast learner and soon he was making his way down the slope with Sarah and Jareth. He fell a few times, as was to be expected, but he did avoid all trees.

By the time they stopped for lunch and to warm their bodies, Toby was feeling good about himself and Jareth was proud of his pupil.

The goblins, meanwhile had managed to knock down a couple trees and knock themselves unconscious once or twice, but they were having a blast.

Jareth and Sarah's favorite part of the whole excursion, of course, were the lift rides. Each trip up the mountain had him wanting Sarah more and more. The kissing, touching and teasing only fueling thier mutual desire.

He knew lunch time promised to be extremely delectable, as they made thier way back to the distant buildings.