A/N So I know it's been a LONG, LONG time. I just found this chapter on my computer. I thought maybe anyone that had once been reading this might be interested...

'You...you look beautiful' Lily mutters.

'You really thinks so?' Peyton regards herself in the mirror. She feels like a proper grown up for the first time in her life. The white lace dress that adorns her slender form is simple and sophisticated. Off the shoulder. Long sleeves. Hugs her figure until her thighs where it softly floats right down to the floor. It's something she'd never have picked out but is seemingly so her. She's giddy.

'Yes Peyt' Lily nods, her eyes are glassy.

Peyton catches her gaze in the mirror and spins around. 'What's wrong?' She's surprised her soon to be sister-in-law is even here, let alone in this room with her, alone.

'I...I know he's making you do this' Lily whispers. 'I...I've gone over and over it Peyton. There's no other explanation. I get that you're not changing your mind. I get that you're doing this. But please tell me the truth. I won't stop asking. I won't drop this. I swear I won't. I just want the truth'

Peyton swallows, sees how much this is all weighing on her friend's shoulders. '...he...he' She wrings her hands together. '...there's so much I want to tell you Lil'

'Then just tell me'

She flounders. 'I'm so glad you came, I'm so pleased you're here-'

'Peyton please'

'...I can't'

Lily frowns. 'Why?!'

'Because! I love you. I want to protect you' Peyton blurts. '...I will tell you. Everything. As soon as I can I swear'

'...This...this isn't real. Is it? Just tell me that at least. You, you don't love him'

Peyton's forehead creases as she contemplates Lily's words because she doesn't know the god damn answer anymore. Everything is so muddled in her head. 'I have to do this. I don't want you to worry though. Luke, he, he's not what you think Lil he-'

'Peyton' Lucas' interruption startles her. Lily on the other hand isn't fazed or surprised by her brother's interruption.

'It's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding' She tersely reprimands as she watches his hand settle on the bride's waist.

'I don't think Peyton or I believe in such ridiculous notions Lily'

'No? Just in ridiculous performances that not everyone buys' The irritated brunette fires back.

'I think Nate was looking for you' Lucas ignores her grumble. He watches his baby sister's nostrils flare exasperatedly. Thinks she looks more and more like their mother with each passing day.

She crosses her arms. Her eyes drift back to Peyton.

'I'll see you after. We'll have a drink?' Peyton begs.

'If you're allowed'

Lucas frowns. 'She's allowed to do whatever she wants' He emphasises.

'Sure she is' Lily shakes her head and marches toward the exit.

'Lily' Lucas blurts. She halts. Doesn't turn to look back. 'I'm really glad you came today...it means a lot to me. To the both of us.' She lingers for a moment before continuing with her exit.

'That was...nice' Peyton decides. 'For you'

'Why thanks sweetheart' He chortles at her sort of complement. 'She clearly didn't think so'

'I don't get why you don't just tell her the truth' She quietly expels.

'Making sure Lil and Nate are ok has and always will be my number one priority. I can do that ten times better with things the way they are. So you need to keep those pretty lips shut okay?' He wags his finger at her.

'I disagree'

'Well can we not have this disagreement right now'

'Fine. We can have it tomorrow'

'How very amenable of you'

'I was surprised she came back here to see me. Last time I saw her I wasn't sure she'd ever talk to me again'

'She's hot headed and she doesn't understand this. She cares about you though Peyton. Don't lose sight of that...Look at you' He lets his eyes completely survey her.

'Do you like it?' She's suddenly sheepish. Had been so caught up in Lily's presence that it hadn't occurred to her that he was seeing her in her dress for the first time.

'You're so very beautiful. Did I ever tell you that?'

She bites her lip because he's not let her know that in recent days. He's not let his stare linger on her. Not said anything inappropriate. And she misses it. His touch. His words. His gaze. 'I thought I'd feel ridiculous. But it, it's not too much is it? It's-'

'Perfect' He cups her cheeks and it takes her off guard but just as quick as his fingertips were there they're gone again. They remember their rightful place; not on her. 'Sorry' She shakes her head but before she can protest he's dishing out another apology. 'I'm sorry that this isn't what this day should be for you...I can still make it all stop. You just have to say the word-'

'I told you. That's not happening. It's just words and a ring Luke' She murmurs the same sentence she feels like she's been uttering on a loop for the last few days. Apparently they still haven't sunk in.

'Yeah. I know' They have sunk in. He knows it's just words and ring. Is more than aware. He's just not so convinced she does, despite her many declarations.

'Lily was right you know? It's bad luck to see me before'

'I don't think it really counts in our case' He smiles.

'No. I suppose not. I'm sure the guy upstairs would appreciate us trying to follow some rules' She nods to the heavens above.

'I didn't take you for the religious type'

'Oh, I'm not...really. I dunno...I guess I believe my Mumma is up there looking down on me so I must believe in something'

'And what would she say?'

'She'd say Peyton Elizabeth Sawyer, I'd tell you to get your ass on a plane back to Tree Hill but there's no point because you're not gonna listen' She grins.

'Oh, so you were a stubborn child too then I take it?'

'I might've had my moments...Mumma will know why I'm doing this and I'm doing it for the right reasons'

'That's up for debate'

'A debate we're not having again right this second'

'No, I'm tired of that debate' He's defeated. He knows her mind won't be changed. They're getting married today whatever. '...I wanted to ask you, do you want me to kiss you after the vows?'

She frowns. Thought it was a given. 'Wouldn't it be weird if you didn't?'

'I guess but if you're uncomfortable with-'

'What I need from you today is to make this as convincing as possible. For my Dad. Please. You've not had any qualms with kissing me before. I don't think it'll be too much of an ordeal for you'

'No ordeal...a treat I'm unworthy of' He smiles and it's almost nervous.

'...I wish you'd stop that'

'Stop what? ' He squints at her.

'Being...'

'What?'

'Not you. At least not the you I know'

'I think you're forgetting that we don't know each other at all sweetheart'

'You're wrong. You know everything about me. And I know you more than you think so you can quit trying to suddenly be oh so polite'

'I'm not-'

'No? You've not looked at me properly since you found out the truth, let alone touched me'

'I told you-'

'Yeah well you can quit the act for one day at least and resume treating me as before so my Dad believes I'm marrying a man I love'

'...I'm just trying to be respectful, I promise I'll be convincing in front of your father. You have my word'

She nods curtly. Sighs. 'Lucas'

He squints at her, is distressed by her teary eyes, something that has been a rarity in his presence. She's hardy. 'What is it sweetheart?' He hesitantly rubs her arm.

'I don't want you to be respectful. Don't you want to touch me?'

'I am touching you'

She moves closer. 'Was it all just an act? You wanting me?'

'What?'

'What about me now makes me so unappealing?'

He laughs. Shakes his head. 'You know damn well that's not what this is-'

'Do I? Prove it'

'Peyton-'

'You promised me convincing Luke but there's no chance of that right now because I feel fucking awkward around you'

He sighs, tugs her to him. 'It's not gonna be awkward... I'll pull you in like this. Stroke your face' His finger tips run over her cheek to cup her face as he draws her nearer.

She swallows.

'And then..' He smiles as she tilts her head, her eyes closed. Momentarily thinks she looks more like an angel than ever before. A pang of sadness swells in his chest because this isn't meant to be her wedding day. She deserves more than this charade. He kisses her. His lips gently coasting over hers. It's meant to be sweet and above all chaste but he's not held her like this in four days and he can't help himself. His tongue dips into her mouth and she reciprocates all too eagerly. Clings to the lapels of his suit jacket. His other hand finds her hip, slides round to that delightful dip in her back and presses her to him. She murmurs. Makes a noise he's not heard her make before. It's a murmur of need and relief combined.

'Will... something like that do?' He eventually disengages, his hands keeping her close.

She nods slowly. 'Maybe a little less tongue in front of Dad'

He smirks. 'I'll try. Although it's quite hard'

Her cheeks are flushed and there's a small smile on her face that he's not witnessed before. It's shy and sweet. She's shy and sweet. That realisation hit him like a ton of bricks just a couple of days prior. None of it was an act. All those moments he'd thought were her just trying to play a part were nothing of the sort.

'Try and stay away from my Dad today won't you? I don't want you getting stuck with him or your Dad being stuck with him'

There's a new fear in her belly when it comes to her father-in-law to be. Now that she knows what she knows.

'Don't be frightened. I won't let him ever touch you. Ok?'

'I know'

'And Jake is always watching you ok?'

'I know...I like Jake'

'Mm maybe don't tell him that'

'Are you jealous?'

'No. Maybe'

'Ahem' The clearing of someone's throat startles them both. 'Sorry to interrupt'

'Daddy'

'Hello sweetheart, you know it's bad luck to see the groom before the wedding sweetheart'

'So we've heard. I couldn't help myself' Lucas speaks then. 'I needed to see her in this to ensure I don't suffer a heart attack when she walks down the aisle. Isn't she the most beautiful girl in the world?'

She hits him lightly then and he laughs.

'Yes. She is. Honey look at you'

'I'm gonna give you two a sec. I'll be waiting for you' Lucas kisses her cheek and smiles at Larry, patting the older man's back as he passes and exits.

'You're beautiful honey'

'Thanks Dad' She hurries over to him and hugs him tight. 'Was your journey ok?'

'The best, I think Lucas might have something to do with that'

She pulls away and looks at him questioningly.

'I was bumped to first class and there seemed to be people meeting me at every stage, carrying my luggage. A rather swish car was waiting for me at the airport too'

She smiles.

'He's a good man honey'

'Having money to flash about doesn't make him good Dad'

'No. But him ringing me to check I don't need help with anything, him ringing to see how my journey is going, that's all just typical good person stuff' He smiles.

She's a little stunned by his confession. Stunned to hear that Lucas has made the effort to touch base with her father when he needn't have.

'You're happy right sweetheart?'

She blinks. 'Of course Daddy'

'Because as much as I think that guy is a good one, well you're still my little girl and I'd gladly not give you away'

'Dad'

'Right, right. Sorry'

'I love Luke'

'Good. That's all I need to know'

•••

'Darling aren't you beautiful'

'Thanks Dan' She paints on a smile despite her revulsion at the way her now father-in-law is ogling her. The last few hours have been a blur to her. She's not sure why she got so nervous. Maybe it was all the eyes on her. Lucas had seemingly sensed her anxiety. Had got her through the ceremony. Those blue eyes speaking to her silently; promising it would be over soon. Eventually all the other people had vanished from her consciousness as she'd gazed into his reassuring eyes.

'My son is a lucky man'

She doesn't miss a beat. 'I'm a lucky girl'

'I'm sure you'll do everything you can to make him happy'

'He's my world. My sole focus is making sure I'm the best wife I can be right now' She smiles at her now husband as he appears beside her, his hand sliding round her waist. She knows his touch isn't for show as it has been any other time today. It's firmer. It's protective.

'Here'

She accepts the drink he's bought her. 'Thank you... I was just telling your Dad that I'm going to try my very hardest to make you the happiest man in the whole world baby' She drawls.

'You've already done that sweetheart' He shakes his head. 'I think Haley was looking for you' He nods his head slightly, his eyes conveying what his mouth isn't.

'Before you escape. I want to talk your honeymoon' Dan hums.

'Well we decided we'd do that at a later date, we're just going to stay here and-'

'Nonsense. You'll go to the house in St Lucia. I've already sorted everything'

'What?' Lucas frowns.

'Well not me personally but it's sorted. Your flights leave in the morning'

'What? No Dad-'

'You can't not have a honeymoon Lucas. We can all cope without you for a week. You have marriage duties now'

'Marriage duties' Lucas rolls his eyes.

'Well the first weeks aren't much of a duty and more like a reward' His eyes trail back to Peyton. 'Go. You can enjoy your Bride without any other commitments getting in the way. Peyton deserves to be treated like a princess don't you?'

Peyton looks up into Lucas's irritated face then. '...Luke you're not being very appreciative'

Dan laughs and claps his hands together. 'See, this is why I like her Lucas. She speaks her mind'

'Mm. She does, doesn't she?'

'I'm sorry'

'No, you're just being a polite daughter-in-law. I'm glad at least one of you appreciates my gift'

'It's not that I don't appreciate the gesture. I just know Peyton is worried about her Dad'

'It's ok' Peyton shakes her head. 'Haley can be on call and I'd actually be no further away than I would be here really' She rambles.

'There, it's sorted then. Right, I'm going to go in search of more cake' Dan kisses her cheek and pats his son's back before leaving them.

'...We're not going. Don't worry. I'll sort it-'

'I want to go' She interrupts.

'What?'

'Well it'll look strange if we don't won't it? Surely any normal couple would want to go away and spend some time alone together. Besides... I have questions. I'm sure you do too. We could both use a week to just get everything straight no? This week has been crazy. For us both. I need a breather'

'Peyton' He sighs.

'What? You're oh so worried about me and what we've done today, give me this. We can fill each other in on everything and come back ready to take on all of this' She rambles quietly. 'Please?'

'...you just want...' He rubs the back of his neck.

'What?' She leans into him. Knows he won't pull away because they're not alone. Eyes keep trailing to the newlyweds and he promised her a show. She kisses his chin.

'You want to get me alone'

She smiles. 'Uhuh'

'If we do this, it's not gonna be like...we're going just to brief each other'

'Mhm' She nods, latches her hands around his neck. 'Ok'

'Don't say ok and have that mischievous look in your eye Peyton Sawyer'

'Scott. Peyton Scott' She corrects.

'You look far too happy right now for someone that's just been forced into a marriage she doesn't want'

'I wasn't forced. I feel closer to Derek than I have in a long time Luke' She murmurs. 'You've given me some answers and you're gonna help me get more answers. Right?'

'Of course I am'

'So why shouldn't I be happy about that?...so we're gonna go?'

'...fine. Fine. We'll go' He sighs agitatedly.

'Well don't look too fucking happy about it will you' She smirks.

'I just...the house in St Lucia it, it's isolated'

'Perfect' She shrugs her shoulders. 'You can stop looking at me like I'm the devil you know?'

'You think this is me looking at you like you're the devil?' He snorts and allows himself to tug her closer for a moment. 'That's not what this look is. It's me feeling like I'm losing all willpower'

'Willpower for what' She tilts her head back and looks up into his squinting eyes.

'To behave myself around you'

'I'm all for you misbehaving around me'

'Mm. I don't understand why'

'Me either. It doesn't make sense because you are an ass' There's a lilt in her voice and she giggles as he jerks her impossibly closer.

'Exactly so you need to be a good girl and stop making it hard for the big bad wolf'

'You're no wolf Luke. Thank you for making today believable. For my Dad' She presses a chaste kiss to his lips. 'I'm gonna go say my goodbyes to him'

•••

'Wow it's...'

'Big?' He supplies.

'Well that was kind of a given in my head considering your current house back home' She smiles. 'I just wasn't expecting it to be so...nice'

He kinks his brow. 'Nice?'

'Not nice. Homey is what I mean. Your home back home isn't exactly homey'

'My Mum decorated this place. I don't think Dad has been out here since she...it's kind of my go to getaway. Nothing has really changed since she...' He trails off avoids her stare.

His revelation makes it all the more fitting. She wants to get a better understanding of who his mother was. '...I'm glad we came here'

'Mm' He's glad she's glad but he's not going to encourage her. 'Why don't you go on upstairs and freshen up, I think you'll like the bedroom at the front best- it's got a sea view. Second door when you get to the top of the stairs'

'You could come show me'

'I need to check in with Jake quick. I'll give you a tour after' He promises. She goes to pick up his bag. 'Leave that'

'I think I can manage just fine thank you-'

'That's not why' He shakes his head and confiscates his bag. 'You can have the sea view room'

'Me?' She gets just what he's saying.

'Yes'

She nods for a moment before crossing her arms. 'I don't want my own room though'

He squints at her. Knows exactly what she's clearly stating. 'Yes you do sweetheart'

'No. I don't' She shakes her head. 'Lucas-'

'Please don't make this any harder on me than necessary. I've already had to endure 12 hours of you dressed like an angel. Another 10 with you in this' His hand blindly wavers down her. 'Which I might add is not bloody travel attire'

She agrees whole heartedly of the red wrap around dress that encases her slim figure. 'I didn't choose it! Brooke all but forced me into it before we left'

'Course she did. I'm only human Peyton I can't, I can't share a room with you'

'Why?'

'Because! You know why'

'No I don't' He wishes she wouldn't scowl because that scowl only makes his cock twitch.

'What you're insinuating happening isn't happening'

'It's our wedding night-'

'No, actually it's not. It's tomorrow' He shakes his head. 'Today I mean. I mean it's the next day' He babbles. 'And we're both exhausted-'

'I've never felt more awake actually'

'Well I'm exhausted'

'You're too exhausted to fuck me?'

He closes his eyes because he doesn't want to hear her saying words like that. Not right now when he's trying his damned hardest to be well behaved. 'Uhuh. I told you that isn't happening so just drop it-'

'I promised you-'

'Yes and as I've said a million times, it was a fake contract so...' He shakes his head. 'Just, just go and get settled ok? And, and I'll order us some food after I've spoken to Jake'

'Fine, maybe you'll feel more energised after some food' She chimes and smiles sweetly before walking toward the stairs.

'Not happening Peyton!'

•••

He hears her enter. He's not surprised she's resorted to coming to find him, he'd not intended to be gone so long. He puts his hand over the receiver of the phone. 'Sorry- I'm nearly done, I'll get us food in a sec' His stare briefly looks over his shoulder in her direction.

She bites her lip to stop herself from laughing at the way his head is quick to spin back to scan her more intensely. 'Yeah, yeah, look I have to go Jake' He cuts off the voice in his ear suddenly '...I know I just said we should go over it but something-I- I'll call you back' He blurts into the phone and hangs up.

'That was rude'

He's unconcerned with his lack of manners. 'What're you doing Peyton?' He puts the phone down slowly on his desk.

'What does it look like?' She edges closer to him. 'So this is your preferred bedroom huh?' Her eyes scan his room. 'Yours has a view of the sea too'

'Yes. Yours is better though'

'I think I prefer this one'

'Then I'll swap with you if that's what you'd like'

'That's not what I'd like' She's slowly made her way across the room now and is right before him.

'What're you doing?' He actually whines.

'Do you like it?'

He swallows thickly. Blinks. Legs that go on forever. Ivory stockings, Garter Belt. Ribbed satin corset. Her breasts squeezed together, a ribbon at the centre that's asking to be pulled loose. Her creamy collar bone. Her curls free and framing her face. Her lips are a natural rosy pink. He looks away.

'You told me freshen up'

'That's not what I meant. I meant unpack. Relax'

'I didn't see the point in unpacking to repack and bring my stuff in here'

He shakes his head. 'Go put some clothes on' He doesn't mean to sound so aggressive but it's actually a matter of urgency that she follow his barked demand.

'Excuse me?'

'Please. You need to go put some clothes on' He tries his hand at some manners.

'Why?' She probes as she slowly walks further into the room, ignoring his pleas.

'You know why. Are you intent on tormenting me?' He grumbles.

'How am I tormenting you?'

'You fucking know how' He's found great interest in the surface of the desk he's sat at.

'No, I really don't. I thought you'd like it. Why won't you look at me?'

'I can't right now-'

'Why?'

'Just go put some clothes on'

She's leaning on the desk before him now. 'Brooke seemed to think you'd like it'

His head tilts up then, his stare locking on her face and her face alone. 'And what else did Brooke say?'

'That you like being in control...but that's not news to me' She smirks. 'But I get why now'

He squints at her. 'Oh yeah? And why is that?'

She ignores his irritated tone. 'Because you're not actually in control of anything else. Dan has spent your whole life manipulating you, leaving you no choice but to push Nathan and Lily away so you could protect them. Forcing you to make decisions you wouldn't otherwise...'

'You don't know me Peyton' He shakes his head in irritation.

'I sort of do' She argues. 'I know you want me right now' She bravely declares. Her bravery is a blip. Only a second passes before she's suddenly uncertain that that is a truth.

He chortles. 'It doesn't take any great skill to realise that sweetheart'

'Why aren't you touching me? You've not tried to touch me in days'

'I've touched you' He argues with a laugh. 'I married you not twenty four hours ago. I've touched you more times than I can bloody count-'

'Not properly. Not like before-'

'Because we're not doing this like before. I told you-'

'I want you to touch me' She cuts him off. 'Do you think I'd be standing here, like this if I didn't?'

'I can't be what you need okay?' He stands abruptly and side steps round her. Space is of vital importance. She doesn't miss the way his hand tries to subtly adjust his pants as he stalks over to the window.

'I'm not stupid. I know you don't love me. I know this isn't that. This can be just sex Luke-'

'You're a good girl. You deserve a good man who can worship you and treat you as such. I can't be that'

'I don't care if you're rough with me. In fact I think I'd kind of like it. I like it when you tell me what to do' He laughs then. Loudly. He can't help it. It's funny. 'Don't laugh at me'

'Why? You most definitely don't like being told what to do!'

'Well no but when it comes to...'

'To sex?' He looks at her over his shoulder.

She frowns because his expression is patronising. 'Don't look at me like that'

'Like what?'

'I'm an adult. I'm not a stupid school girl or something'

'I'm sorry' He turns away again with a laugh. 'You're most definitely not a stupid school girl but you're fucking innocent. And it's funny because I've spent this whole time thinking you're far from innocent'

'I'm not innocent' She grumbles. 'I thought that was meant to be appealing anyway'

'Oh it is' His voice becomes deeper. 'If only you knew how fucking much' He mutters under his breath.

She hears. She's beside him again now. Her back to the window, she gently touches his chest. He jumps. 'Well what's the problem then?'

'The problem Sweetheart' He gently removes her hand, holding onto her fingers to stop them exploring. 'Is that your brother would not approve of this'

'Well he's not here right now and he doesn't get to say what I should and shouldn't do' She quietly hums. 'Especially when it comes to this. I don't want to talk about Derek right now' She plays with his hand and looks up into his face.

'Derek is the reason you're standing here'

'Yes. But he's not the reason I'm standing here in this. This has everything to do with you' She pulls his hand up to her, presses his fingers to her chest but he's quick to pull away. 'You're being ridiculous!' She cries, stamping her foot in frustration.

'Am I? How many men have you been with?'

'What?'

'You heard'

'What's that got to do with-'

'I want to know'

'You already know! You know everything about me. Turns out it's me that knows nothing about you'

'So one'

'Two'

He smiles and shakes his head. 'You can't include me. We haven't slept together'

'Yet. We've done stuff'

'Stuff' He echoes in amusement. 'You've been with one man. One. And although the guy was clearly an idiot for ever letting you go, he was still a better choice than me. You're not ready for this'

She snorts. 'You don't think I can handle you? I've been handling you for a good while now haven't I?'

'And I'm sorry-'

'Will you stop with the fucking sorry's already! If you don't fuck me I'm going to go find someone who will' She threatens. She enjoys the way his expression hardens.

'Funny'

'Who says I'm joking? You supposedly don't want me so-'

'I fucking want you' He growls and scrapes his hands through his hair. 'You're seriously determined to make this impossible for me aren't you?' He storms away from her for what feels like the hundredth time in just minutes.

She doesn't say anything. She watches him pace. Smirks. She's not use to him behaving so chaotically. She's use to him calm. Collected. Together.

He's not use to her silence either and his eyes soon trail back to her. His stare lingers on all of her this time, his eyes darkening and her smirk quickly dies.

'I know this isn't a conventional marriage Luke' She whispers. 'I get the picture ok? I know you didn't want this. I know it doesn't mean anything. I don't need it to mean anything...' She murmurs. 'Whether you like it or not I'm your wife, at least for now' His nostrils flare. 'I might not know much about marriage but you're meant to try and satisfy your wife on your honeymoon. I know that much...Are you really gonna leave me unsatisfied?' He doesn't say anything for a long moment. She's seconds from marching back to her designated room and barricading the door shut.

'Fuck it' He stalks back over to her then. Hands seize her arms. She gasps as he haphazardly jerks her to him. A successful smile soon gracing her lips. He doesn't enjoy said smile. 'You can stop with that look'

'Why? I win baby' Her hands grapple onto his shirt.

'Oh really?'

'Uhuh'

'Peyton?'

'Mm?' Her nose nuzzles against his as she nods.

'If this is me losing you can win all the time' He gruffly announces before capturing her mouth.

She moans at the long awaited contact. She's missed this. She won't tell him that but she's been craving this. Craving him unrestrained. Craving the way his hands feel on her. How his fingers always find the arch of her back and press her to him. How his tongue does that thing that has her legs turning jelly. How he breathes out her name. They're little things that she'd not appreciated, hadn't known she'd miss. But she has. God she has. He lifts her, her legs instinctively locking around his waist. Their mouthes not disconnecting.

She somehow feels different to all the other times he's touched her. He can't quite pin point what it is. He wonders if it's just the mere fact that he'd come to perceive her as something she's not. Wonders if it's because she's all but begged him, something she'd never have done before; he had to coax her into this. The irony isn't lost on him. He knows he'd have been giddy at her doing so just days ago. She wasn't his wife days ago. She's his wife. It's not real but still.

He blindly navigates his way to the bed, his hands appreciating the spot where her silky briefs meet the flesh of her backside. He squeezes hard, drawing a whimpering sound from her that morphs into a shriek of surprise when he drops her onto the bed not a second later. 'Sorry' He drawls as he kneels on the mattress, urging her legs to part further as he crawls up her.

'No you're not'

'No' He agrees with a smirk as he settles against her. She takes a sharp breath because he's pressing against her in all the right places and she just wants him to take her already. 'You're right. I'm not' He strokes her hair back from her face. 'God, look at you'

Her brow kinks in question. 'What?' She bites her lip.

'You fly all day and you're still gorgeous'

She rolls her eyes. 'No I'm not. I just spent forty minutes in the bathroom making myself look like this'

He smirks. 'No you didn't. You spent forty minutes trying to put this on' He slips his finger under one of the straps that runs from the lace garter belt to her stockings that finish above her knee. He pulls on it. 'Didn't you?' He releases the cream strap. She gasps as it makes a slapping noise against her thigh.

She realises then that he knows her a little better than she's comfortable with. 'For little fabric there's a ridiculous amount of fastenings- you need fucking instructions' She complains. He laughs. 'I mean who wears stuff like this anyway?'

'You wear it. And you wear it oh so well' He smoothes his hand over the ribbed garment, feels her chest rise and fall exaggeratedly.

'You like it?' He laughs then. 'What?'

'Nothing you just...'

'What?'

'I thought you were oh so confident when it came to this' He smirks. '...Have I not made it apparent how hot you are?'

Her cheeks flush then. 'Don't make fun of me'

'I'm not making fun. I'm just still a little in awe of your acting skills...'

'They're not that good. I got found out'

'Mmm...not by me though...I feel like a little boy on Christmas morning that's got the present he's been dreaming of for months' He grins. 'Do you know all the ways I've imagined I was going to fuck you for the first time?' She arches her back and he groans. 'And now that we're here I don't know what to do with you...are you really sure about this?'

'I told you I...I've wanted this, I've wanted to not want this, I felt guilty for wanting you but now I don't have to feel guilty. I want this. I promise I do.'

'I would've done anything to make you admit that a couple of weeks ago'

'Why isn't it desirable now?' She frowns.

'Oh sweetheart. It is...I don't think you know the same version of your brother that I do'

'Can you stop bringing up Derek' She swallows. 'He doesn't own me you know. You don't need his permission to fuck his sister'

'No. But he knows me Peyton. He knows I'm not good enough for you. I think he might castrate me for ever touching you like this'

'I get to choose who touches me like this thank you'

'You're making a shitty choice'

'Not from where I'm stood'

'No?'

'No' She reaches for his belt then. 'You can finally have me' She fumbles with his belt buckle. Her eyes locked with his. 'You can do whatever you want to me'

He snatches at her hands when she tries to ease her fingers into his pants. She gasps as he pins her wrist above her head. 'If you touch me right now I'm gonna lose it. Especially if you keep saying shit like that' He explains. She arches her back, tries to get herself as close as possible. 'Keep your hands there' She bites her lip and entwines her fingers together in an effort to follow his instructions. He smiles at her effort, his hands sweeping back down her slender form. 'I'm afraid this isn't going to last as long as I'd like sweetheart' She shakes her head. She doesn't care. Doesn't doubt that he's going to sky rocket her to heavenly places; he hasn't disappointed yet. 'I know you spent a long time putting this on for me and it's so appreciated but I'm gonna have to take it off now'

She nods wordlessly. She can't form words. Her silence is endearing and foreign. Foreign because he's use to doing this with more experienced lovers to put it lightly. He's use to insincere promises. Fake displays. Is use to a show. He'd thought she'd been giving him a show all this time. Thought the sweet reserved act was just that, an act. She'd been acting sure but there were parts of her, moments that had been all her.

He plays with the ribbon that's keeping her corset in place.

'My, you're actually..' He tugs on the cream silk. 'doing as...'The bow she'd retied at least ten times to try and make look perfect until she'd rolled her eyes at her ridiculousness is no more. '...doing as you're told' He smirks, finger hooking under the section of ribbon that's fed through the next two eyelets. His knuckle briefly rests in the valley of her breasts. Her breathing quickens. 'When did you last see your ex boyfriend?' He wonders.

'I...what?' She's confused by his sudden line of enquiry. '...probably last Christmas'

'Did he fuck you then?'

She swallows. '...No. We broke up six months before that'

'So it's been nearly two years since someone touched you?'

'You've touched me-'

'No. You know what I'm asking. You said you've only been with him'

'I've only been with him'

'Two years?'

'I...I guess'

He's reached the last two eyelets now and looks into her face as he pulls the ribbon all the way free.

'You're such a good girl'

'Don't be patronising'

'I'm not' He laughs. 'I just...I don't think I've ever been with such a good-'

'I'm not a good girl, I just don't fuck people I don't know, believe me if I'd met anyone else that wanted me then it wouldn't have been 2 years' She breathes.

'You don't think guys look at you?'

'...they don't' He trails the ribbon over her collar bone slowly. 'Guys don't hit on me'

'If that's true the only explanation is that they're oh so intimidated by how beautiful you are' He abandons the strip of ribbon at the side of her head, his hand slowly shadowing the path he'd just made with the scrap of fabric.

'...You really think I'm beautiful?' She whispers.

He averts his eyes then to watch his finger tips and she holds her breath in anticipation as they wander down the revealed slither of skin that travels down the centre of her torso. The rise of her chest keeping the satin fabric of the corset still concealing her. He reaches the bottom and slowly lets his hand slip beneath the fabric before coasting his whole palm back up over her ribs. She arches her back and he simultaneously pushes the silky fabric off of her.

'Fuck yes...Christ, so worth the wait' He grunts.

'Is it?'

'Mm' He grins as he drops his head. Watches her breasts rise as she inhales sharply. He blows gently and a second later a murmur passes her lips because his lips are on her. It's different to when his mouth touched her like this before. Different because there's no fabric concealing. The slight stubble on his face together with his tongue has her eyes rolling back and a hand creeping into his hair.

'Uh uh' He stops. 'Did I tell you to move?' She blinks. Doesn't know what he's talking about until he's shifting her right hand back above her head.

'I thought you were all about having my hands on you' She shudders.

'Exactly. I need them to stay put so I can concentrate' He leaves a chaste kiss to her lips. 'Don't move them okay?'

'This isn't just about me Luke'

'Mm. But it should be'

'That's not how this works'

'No' He agrees.

'So let me fucking touch you'

'Not yet. Okay?...please?' He adds suddenly.

She smirks at his attempt to compromise. 'Ok...ay' His mouth is back on her and she interlinks her hands to try and abide by his absurd rule.

She suddenly feels completely out of her depth as his hands slip behind her thighs. Blindly unclasps the clips at the backs of her legs. She knows he's done this many a time before in that moment. Wonders how many girls he's had dressed up like this before him. Wonders if Brooke's knowledge of what he likes doesn't just stem down to his preference of lingerie. Wonders if she's being dressed as someone else. If he's wishing she were someone else.

A sound of surprise passes her lips as he jerks her a little further down the bed before unclipping the fastenings at the front of her stockings. Her hands instinctively move to her sides.

'Peyton' He kinks his brow.

'Sorry'

He smiles at her. Kisses her thigh. 'Back above your head okay?' She's quick to conform. 'Now lift up' He has his fingers hooked in her lace briefs and she shifts her hips off the bed to help in their removal.

His eyes follow his hands. She watches them darken. Watches him lick his lips. He pauses. Abandons the panties at her thighs for a moment. Scrapes his hand through his hair.

He stares for what feels like forever, she's soon babbling because she's uncomfortable. He's fully clothed. She's completely exposed.

'I, I think there's another clip on the side-'

'I know' Her voice has broken through his stupor. He continues with the removal of her panties. 'I don't need any help thank you' He shakes his head as he blindly tosses the scrap of material behind him. 'This is staying on' He's looming back over her and refastens the garter belt straps to her stockings. 'Christ look at you'

She doesn't think she's ever been looked at like that. She squeezes her legs together and he smirks.

'You like me looking at you'

'...no one has ever looked at me like you are'

'Like they want to fuck you?' Her cheeks flush and he chortles. 'I can assure you they have. You're just oblivious'

She rolls her eyes. 'You're talking shit'

'Nope. You're fucking clueless. Clueless' He shakes his head, his eyes raking down her body yet again.

'...Luke?'

'Mm?' He bows down, kisses the side of her knee.

'Are...are you pretending I'm someone else?'

'What?' He startles, his stare averting to find hers.

'I...I dunno. I just' Her hands flail. 'It doesn't matter if you are I just, I wondered' She quietly answers, watches him nervously. He doesn't respond. 'Sorry. Ignore me. I just wondered-'

'How could I possibly pretend you're anyone else right now?'

'I think it would be pretty simple'

'Not simple. I've got the girl I've been fantasising about for the last six months in my bed Peyton, why on earth would I need any other inspiration'

'...You loved her...' She murmurs and instantly cringes because it took what had felt like a lot of persuasion to get him in bed with her and she fears speaking freely is going to have just pushed him back out of the bed.

His brow furrows then. 'I don't want to talk about Anna. Ok? She wasn't who I thought. The person I thought she was didn't exist. It wasn't love at all. It was all pretend for her... You're not pretending that you want this right?'

'I want this' She confirms. 'It's just...the more Brooke has given me things to wear the more it feels like I'm being dressed as someone else'

'That was just about you playing a part sweetheart. Truly. She doesn't get to choose what you wear anymore ok? You can wear what you fucking like. I don't care'

'You'd be happy if I wore my jeans?'

'Uhuh. I've missed seeing those things with the hole in the knee' He smirks. 'The first day you caught my attention you were wearing those things'

'You like this though don't you?'

'Huh?'

'Me in this?'

'Sweetheart, you're not wearing a whole lot right now' He smirks.

'I mean the, the lingerie'

'Is that a trick question?'

'I see the way you look at me in these fancy clothes. You like it'

'I feel like I can't say the right thing to this question; I say no I'm a dick. I say yes and I'm agreeing that I like how Brooke has had you dressing. I can't win'

She smiles. 'I don't mind the clothes...I just think I need to find a midway point. Where I don't feel like I'm playing dress up'

'Are you saying you want the rest of this off?' His hand skims over the garter belt.

'No, no...I'm just talking about day to day not...I'm sorry I don't know how we got onto talking about this right now-'

'Because you think I'm pretending you're Anna. I'm not. I promise. Ok?'

'Ok'

'Ok' He smiles. 'I'm glad we cleared that up' He sinks back onto her, revels in the way her thighs feel around him. '...are you on the pill?'

'Uhuh'

'Thank fuck' He hums and then quickly backtracks. 'But if you want me to use protection too that's completely fine I have got-'

'It's fine' She smiles. 'I trust you'

'I just sounded like an ass. I really don't mind if you're happier. Really-'

'Luke if I wanted you to I'd be putting my foot down. Trust me. When have I ever not told you what I thought?'

'Very good point' He surrenders. 'Were you on the pill before?'

'No'

His face crumples. 'You've started taking it for me?'

'Yes...I'm not keen to be pregnant anytime soon'

'I'd have used protection though, I'd never have made you put drugs in your body-'

'My choice, not yours'

'... Has it been ok?'

'Has what been ok?'

'Taking it. It effects people differently right?'

'Oh. I guess. It's fine. Can we stop talking about contraception? Or do you want a full report on my cycle?'

'You're impatient' He murmurs smugly.

'Mm' She gasps as he rocks against her.

'You want me'

'Yes. Have I not made that apparent?'

'Well a lot over the last few days but before that I wasn't convinced you did want me'

'I want you'

'Fuck Peyton' He pins her hips to the bed abruptly because her words together with her movements are making it hard not to end this and unbuckle his pants have her right this second. 'It took me so long to pry those words out of your mouth before'

'I thought you'd killed Derek before'

His face crumples. 'I could never, ever-'

'I know'

'I might be an ogre but I'm not capable of that, I'm sorry that you've thought that-'

'But I haven't Luke. That's why I was so confused! I tried my hardest to hate you'

'You're not trying to hate me now?' His hands are tormentingly running up and down her flesh.

'Well you're kinda making it easy actually'

'I like you impatient' He laughs.

She frowns but he shifts upright and his fingers leave her to unbutton his shirt. Her hands twitch above her head and he knows exactly what they're about to do. 'Hands stay put Missy' He warns.

She bites her lip as she watches him undress at what feels like a ridiculously slow speed. She wants to help. Wants to touch him but she does what she's told. She gets lost in her thoughts that are suddenly whirling.

'You okay?' Apparently her quiet pondering hasn't gone unnoticed.

'Uhuh'

He's sans shirt now and stands up to rid his pants. 'You seem nervous all of a sudden'

'...not that good an actress then huh?' She smiles bashfully as he drops both trousers and boxers in one. A smirk touches his lips as her eyes trail down him. All of him.

'You can change your mind' He's still taking his sweet time. Takes his time enough to drape his pants over the back of a chair. 'You know that right? I'm not gonna be pissed or fucking make you-'

'I know you're not' She cuts him off. Is overwhelmed by his confidence, overwhelmed with how comfortable he seems to be in his own skin. She's painfully aware that she's naked right now. Keeps fighting the urge to pull the bed sheets beneath her around her. And he, he's...well he's just standing there, seemingly revelling in her wandering eyes and she wonders if she'll ever be that comfortable with how she looks. 'Just cause I got nervous doesn't mean I don't want this. Are you gonna come back over here or just make me watch this little strip tease'

He laughs and stalks back over to the bed. 'I like you laying here. Waiting for me'

'Mm, I'm getting that' He sits on the side of the mattress and now that he's so close she keeps her stare resolutely on his face.

He searches her eyes for a long moment and takes an exaggerated breath as he looks down at her. 'Truthfully I'm finding it hard to control myself right now sweetheart' She snorts. 'What's so funny?'

'You. You not in control would be a first'

'If I were in control many things would be different' He corrects. His words remind her of all the trauma he's lived through. His hand has drifted out and resumes it's torturous ministrations. Smirks when she shivers.

'Would I not be here?' She wonders.

'No. You'd be home with your Dad. Safe'

'What about if none of the other... shit existed' She probes breathily.

'What do you mean?' he walks his fingers down past her navel.

'Dan in prison. Your Mum alive. Derek wasn't missing. Lily and Nate safe. My Dad healthy. What th-then?'

'In a hypothetical world where everything is hunky dory and I get what I want?' He lowers his face, strokes her cheek.

'Uhuh' Her hips jerk as his fingers whisper between her legs.

'Then I'd still choose for you to be home safe with your Dad. Because I think that's what you want really' He hums.

She frowns. 'You're wrong' She's becoming restless and quite frankly irritated because she wants him back on her, wants his weight or at the very least his fingers to stop teasing her.

'What's the right answer then?' His lips ghost of hers, barely touching and he's drowning in her eyes so much so that he misses her hand ending it's course of submission, bravely reaching out to blindly touch him. 'Fuck Peyton' His head springs back and he hastily pushes her hand away from his crotch with a tut.

'What?' She whines.

'This will be over in five seconds if you do that. Back above your head'

'I want to touch you. Feel you-'

'You are' He crawls completely onto the bed to lay beside her. She twists toward him but his hand clamps down on her hip to keep her back on the bed. She huffs exasperatedly. 'In a minute' He smiles and kisses her cheek. 'We're talking'

'I don't want to talk and it's not fair you know? This you touch me but I can't touch you'

He ignores her. 'You said I'm wrong. About what you want-'

'The question was would you want me? I'm not asking you to analyse my feelings or desires. If you could have what you wanted would you have me in your bed?'

'Sweetheart. You're in my bed' He smugly states.

'Because I've seduced you'

He laughs. 'If anyone has done any seducing around here it's me! I've spent weeks coercing you into doing things you don't want to so much so that your desire for this is just physical. But you're not the kind of girl that would ever engage in this without it meaning something as we've just established so now you're laying here trying to figure out if what you're feeling is more and if secretly you're in love with me but you're not sweetheart'

'I fucking know I'm not in love with you jackass. You've still not answered'

He shakes his head. 'If I'm not taking anything but my own desires into account then I'd have you in my bed. Yes. Not just for a night.'

'You're such a liar' She hums but his words have butterflies flapping in her belly.

'Why ask these silly questions if you're not gonna believe the answers?' He brushes his nose against hers as he shakes his head. 'You're fucking sex on legs and you're completely oblivious. Don't you know how hot that is?'

'...I might be awful in bed. You might want to rethink the forever part'

'Mm. Why don't we find out before you do yourself permanent damage with all these crazy thoughts?'

'Yes' She nods slowly.

'Yeah?'

'Mm'

He watches her amusedly. Wonders how many times he can get her to say yes before she hits him. 'Yeah?'

'Yes'

'Yeah?'

'Lucas!' She complains.

'Sorry, sorry. You're just so cute'

A crease forms between her eyebrows. 'How are you so, so together?'

'I'm not sweetheart' He draws her face impossibly nearer then. Kisses her and the hand on her hip slides lower and lower until she's gasping into his mouth. His fingers finally touch her there. Where she's aching to be touched. 'I just wanted to make sure you're ready for me' He groans with his findings. 'You're more than ready'

'I was ready an hour ago' She whimpers loudly in protest when his fingers withdraw '...please' He smiles, brings his digits up to his mouth and she watches wide eyed as he slides them into his mouth. She thinks she might actually combust. He senses as much apparently because he kisses her again, harder this time. Is seemingly giving in to his desires and when she twists toward him he no longer tries to keep her at bay. The second her leg is hooking around his waist he's pushing her back until she's beneath him. She moans her approval at finally having him back on her. Can taste herself on him. Can feel him suddenly there, where she's been craving him for god knows how long. Her legs spread further apart to cradle him, quivering slightly.

She arches and tries to reach for him but he interlinks his fingers with hers and pushes her arms back to the mattress. She's about to complain because she's had enough of this look but don't touch rule he seems to be enforcing but he slides a little deeper into her warmth and she doesn't care at all. She lifts her hips in an attempt to take control. He groans, withdraws.

'Just do it already!'

'So bossy' He murmurs. He knows he won't be able to emulate this moment again. Is trying to memorise it but he's not about to divulge that to her.

'I want you' Her words are hard to ignore and he knows she knows it. Knows she's baiting him. 'I need you' They trigger him relenting. Are the catalyst to him pushing into her in one swift motion. She sucks in a noisy breath, her limbs shuddering, instinctively trying to break free from his restraining hold and cling onto him.

He tries to savour it. Revels in how tight she is. In the way her chest is pressed to his. In the way she's flung her head back. In the way her arms are straining beneath his hand. In the rosy flush in her cheeks. Hair strewn around her head. Eyes closed tight.

'Fuck you're perfect. You're actually perfect' He expels breathily into her mouth. 'You alright?' She hesitates, can't formulate words. He fights his every desire and stays still. Focuses on her flushed face. 'You're tense.' The hand pinning her right wrist down shifts to her face to stroke her cheek. 'Try and relax baby, you just need a sec' He hums. 'Look at me' Her lashes flutter open. 'Does it hurt?'

'No...It's just..been...a while...and you're...'

'I'm?' He probes.

'Bigger than...'

He smirks, nods, nuzzles his nose against hers. 'It's ok if you want me to stop-'

'No. Don't you dare'

He smiles. kisses her instead, tries to distract her because she's clearly experiencing some discomfort. His now free hand finds her thigh. Watches her face as he draws it up higher around him. Watches her mouth form an o shape. He can't not move then. His hips move almost violently and a noise passes her lips that he swallows and all she knows is she wants him to do it again.

'Shit. Sorry-'

'Don't stop'

Relief floods through him with her words. 'No?'

'No'

He tries to be restrained despite her confirmation. She's so small. She's smaller than most girls he's ever had in his bed and it scares him a little because he doesn't want to hurt her. He's not quite sure why that's a concern. It's never been a concern before. But then again everything is different with her because she's not who he thought she was.

She's making noises that he's not heard her make before and he wants to drown in it. He slides his tongue into her mouth. Swallows the mewling sound she makes. He wonders how he ever thought he was going to be able to not do this with her. Knows this is one massive mistake, knows he's just torturing himself in the long run but he can't be sorry. Won't. He wonders how he's going to stop doing this with her.

She's nearing the end and he doesn't want it to end. Not quite yet.

'Uh uh. Not yet' He pins her hips to the bed and presses his forehead to hers, panting heavily.

'What're you do-doing? Don't stop'

'Shh' He smiles, leaves a chaste, silencing kiss to her upper lip.

'Lucas I swear to god if you-' He hoists her legs impossibly higher, coaxing a gasp from her. Her hands grapple around his neck. He doesn't tell her off anymore, lets her cling to him.

'Ok?'

'...ye-' Her answer turns into a yelp, her eyes round as he abruptly resumes moving.

He smirks. 'Yeah?'

'Yes' Her nails dig into his back. 'Don't stop. Never stop'

Her breathing staccatos as he sucks hard at the junction where her shoulder meets her neck and then she's falling and her release is a catalyst to his own. He grunts. He's seeing stars. He's in heaven. She's heaven. She's an angel, he's sure of it.

Her hand is knotted in his hair and her feet locked at his back.

He doesn't move for a long minute, not until he realises he must be suffocating her. He withdraws from her neck and her hand limply falls to the bed. He takes a moment to look at her. Cheeks flushed. Lips parted. She looks content.

Her eyes flutter open.

'Hi' She smiles demurely.

'Hi' He laughs, watches her and shakes his head. 'God you're so perfect'

'I am not' She rolls her eyes.

'Uhuh you really are. Sorry I'm squishing you'

'I like it' He shifts off of her despite her declaration but pulls her into his side. Watches her heavy eyes blink.

'Lets get this off you' His hands slide down her legs and efficiently unclasp the straps of the garter belt, blindly frees her.

'No, leave those' He halts the removal of the stockings. 'I always get cold feet' She whispers.

'I didn't know that' He chortles.

'Maybe you don't know everything about me'

'No. Maybe not...Are you ok?'

'Uhuh. Why wouldn't I be?'

'I don't know. I'm just checking. I was hurting you a bit at first'

'Not hurting. I just needed a sec and you gave me it' She twists her head to look at him. 'Really a sweet gentlemen aren't we?'

'I wouldn't go that far'

'Are you ok?' She fires his question back at him and he laughs. 'Don't laugh'

'Sorry, I can't help it'

'Well help it' She whines. '...I was ok right?'

His smile diminishes. 'Really?' He squints at her. 'You need me to confirm that?' She shrugs. 'I don't have words to vocalise how good that was'

She smiles. '...me either' She yawns.

'See I knew you were tired really'

'Well I am now' She smiles.

'Sleep now'

'Mm' She agrees and he fumbles over her to bring the bed sheets around her.

'I need to call Jake back'

'...Don't tell him'

He sniggers. 'What do you think I'm gonna say?'

'I dunno' Her cheeks blush.

'You think I'm gonna brag about getting you into bed to a guy that'll punch me if he finds out'

'You have to report to Jake' She giggles. 'That's weird to me...I thought he was your minion but you're his'

'Not a minion' He pinches her backside and she squeals.

'I got you into bed. You didn't get me into bed' She counters his previous statement.

'Mm but now you're in my bed I think I'm going to find it hard to let you out' He growls. 'I'm going before I have to have you again' He bites her shoulder lightly. She gasps.

'Or you could stay'

'You're tired'

'I could persuade myself not to be'

He smiles. 'Sleep' He demands, pulling himself away.

'Will you come back?'

'Where else am I gonna go?'

'I dunno, you've been very anti us sharing a bed'

'I think I'm over that for today'

'And tomorrow?'

'We'll see sweetheart, we'll see'