A/N: Thank you for your lovely reviews so far. They have kept this story going. I have re-written this chapter more times that I could care to admit – it just didn't feel quite right. It still isn't entirely, but I do hope you enjoy.
I am seriously pushing the boundary when it comes to the rating of this chapter. This could be considered borderline M, but the next installment will certainly come with a rating change, so please adjust your filters accordingly.
Disclaimer: See chapter one.
Chapter Two
If the party host was anyone other than Clement, Georg was certain that he and Maria would not be attending right now. He would rather be eating dinner with her in an intimate setting. Better yet, being tangled in a combination of sheets and limbs with his wife was certainly something he would much rather be doing.
He was talking with Clement - he was sure of it, he certainly felt himself automatically nodding in agreement every so often but all he could hear was a muffle of words whilst his mind was on Maria, stood only a foot away from him. He took another sip of champagne, desperately trying to moisten his mouth after his thoughts about the pair of them in their bed were making his mouth dry with want - and threatening to expose his need for her. Looking down to his right, Maria was engaging in polite conversation herself with Clements wife, Mathilde. He thought as Maria didn't speak French, she would feel quite isolated with all the other French-speaking guests. Luckily, Mathilde spoke immaculate German and was quite the perfect hostess, so Maria had spent a considerable amount of time with her. He wondered if her mind was also clouded with similar thoughts of him. If it was, she concealed it remarkably well, but he was convinced that their longing for each other was mutual if their earlier conversation at the café was anything to go by.
"Georg, come. Let me take you to the drawing room, we'll continue this conversation about the good, old days over a cigar and a glass of whisky. How does that sound?" Clement suggested with a charming smile, a request rather than a question. Georg looked to Maria and widened his eyes with a barely perceptible shake of his head to plead with her to make an excuse for him to stay. He didn't dislike Clement's company, in fact it was quite the opposite. However, being the fiercely protective husband that he was, he wanted to keep Maria close. He was also slightly concerned that Maria's champagne glass had been full only a few minutes ago and noticed that her drink had almost vanished rather quickly. Maria didn't drink very often, so he felt it was better to be within a few feet of her.
Maria only sweetly smiled at him. Had she completely misread him? He rolled his eyes at her obliviousness and patted his friend on the back, flashing him a grin "right you are, Sir. Lead the way" he said in mild defeat.
"Don't worry Captain, I'll take care of her" Mathilde called after him. Georg would have almost believed her if it wasn't for the next full glass of champagne finding its way into Maria's possession and the words: "so Maria tell me, how did you manage to crack the shell of Georg von Trapp?" the last words of the sentence fading into the chatter of the crowd as he followed Clement.
Maria was thoroughly enjoying herself indeed. The villa was extraordinarily beautiful, Clement was utterly charming, and Mathilde was clearly an expert in the art of conversation. It flowed beautifully between the two and she could see herself becoming incredibly fond of her, but the enjoyment mostly came from watching her husband, who could be so convincing with his exceptional poker face, effectively squirm at her words and actions throughout the day.
She wasn't sure of what came over her, but the idea of teasing him had come to her two days ago and had been wondering how to play him at his own game. She and Georg had visited the Eiffel tower that day, and Maria was completely in awe at the beautiful sight of the city before her, high above the ground with a view that she would remember for a lifetime, she certainly understood why Georg had chosen Paris as their honeymoon destination.
Whilst she was standing there, her hands gripping the railing taking in the view, she failed to notice that husband was beside her, his fingers ever so gently stroking against hers. He then began too lean in close, so much so that the intoxicating scent of him filled her nose and completely clouded her senses. She was sure nothing be more arousing… Until he whispered in her ear with a husky, utterly enticing tone.
"You know my darling, when I booked this trip, I had been plagued for nights with visions of us making love here in my dreams" he spoke slow and Maria drew a deep, sharp breath at the way he spoke as he looped his arm around her waist and used his thumb to firmly – yet discreetly, stroke the curve of her hip, a sweet spot he knew Maria had before he continued "in fact, we could even create it on the balcony of our suite tonight" he flashed her a huge smile with a wink, waiting for her reaction.
Maria's eyes flew open in bewilderment and gulped hard at the boldness of her husband's words as the familiar feeling of heat flooding her cheeks came at such a suggestion, he couldn't possibly mean-
"Right!" Georg declared, clapping his hands and rubbing them together, all the while grinning with a smugness at Maria's bashfulness "let's go. Our reservation for dinner at our hotel is at seven thirty. We'd better get going"
Maria furrowed her brow and stared at him for a few seconds, trying to process what just happened. How could he behave so casually as though he hadn't just beguiled her a moment ago? Whilst her legs almost buckled at the effect of his words, he appeared so casual in his demeanor – utterly composed as ever. She would almost be annoyed at him for making her feel such away if it weren't for the undeniable, familiar ache pulsing between her legs.
If she thought her torment would end there, she was entirely mistaken.
At dinner, conversation was flowing, and Maria had almost forgotten about Georg's teasing earlier. Well, that was until their desserts were served. Maria had opted for a vanilla crème brûlée, a favourite of hers that she had discovered since they arrived, whilst Georg ordered the strawberry savarin. As Maria started her course, she looked up at Georg and bolt of electricity ran straight through her spine at the sight. Georg was staring at her intently, but those dark blue eyes could not keep her eyes from darting downwards at the strawberries on his plate. Georg had began stroking the fruit before taking a single strawberry to his mouth and slowly suckling at it before eating it, keeping his gaze on her the entire time. She felt her lips part ever so slightly, as though it were her lips he was caressing with his own. A single drop of strawberry juice trickled down his fingers, those same fingers that had been inside-
"Maria? Are you okay?" he asked with feigned confusion "you appear as though you have lost your appetite?"
Maria could only shake her head, words completely abandoning her before he continued, saying each word slower than the last "or, is your appetite craving for something that food could not possibly satisfy?"
All Maria could muster was a barely perceptible nod before a small but clear "yes" left her mouth, her entire body burning with need for him. No other words needed to be spoken in that moment. She saw Georg reach into his breast pocket before he threw a few notes down on the table, before taking Maria's hand and rushing up to their room with an urgency only the two of them understood.
"More champagne, Maria?" asked Mathilde, breaking her out of her reverie. It took a second for Maria to understand her before accepting yet another glass, violently blushing at where her mind had been wandering.
"Tell me, how does one deal with seven children? How do you do you keep up with them?" the hostess began "I don't think I could even begin to do that; my two sons are enough for me." She continued, laughing and taking another sip of champagne.
Maria laughed despite herself, remembering her reaction of meeting seven children herself. "Oh it's nothing really, Mathilde. They are the loveliest little dears, and really have accepted me into their family. It is a complete blessing to me."
Mathilde smiled at her reply, but just as Maria began to speak again, she suddenly felt a little dizzy. Whether it was from the champagne, the heat of the room they were in or the sinful visions of her husband that made her feel this way, she didn't know. All she knew is that she needed to get outside – and quickly!
"Mathilde, I don't suppose there is somewhere I could go for a little fresh air?"
The woman opposite her laughed a little "the champagne has gone straight to your head too? Of course, if you go up the stairs to and turn right, there is a small terrace. It's nice and private up there. Would you like me to come with you?"
"Oh no, that's okay, I think I just need a moment. Thank you." Maria replied sincerely before placing her empty glass down and ascending the stairs.
Maria closed her eyes briefly as she let the cool summer night's breeze hit her and opened them to observe the sight before her. Paris at night really was truly dazzling, the terrace directly overlooked the city lights that sparkled like stars in front of her. She placed her hands on the cool stone that framed the edge of the terrace, relishing in the relief it gave her. She had surprised herself with how many glasses of champagne she had drank, despite not usually being one to drink an excessive amount. The thought of it made her giggle out of nowhere and realised that this was the first time she had become slightly intoxicated. What would the sisters back at the abbey think of her if they saw her now? She laughed to herself again at the image of Sister Berthe's face, seeing her with Georg, attending parties and drinking a lot more champagne than necessary. She was sure she would make her kiss the floor continuously for days if she knew what she had been getting up to since her and Georg had started their relationship.
"Now tell me, what is a lady like you doing out here all alone?"
Maria turned at the familiar baritone of his voice, a beaming smile spread on her face at his welcome presence.
"Oh, hello darling, I just came out for some fre- "
"Ah, ah, ah!" he started, wagging his index finger at her before pressing it to his lips in order to silence her. "Fraulein, I repeat. What is a lady like you doing out here all alone? Did you attend this party alone too?" He started to prowl towards her, just as a predator would towards its prey. Each step slower than the last, the anticipation building.
Maria furrowed her brow and frowned at him as though she doubted his sanity. What on earth was he up to? It took her a few moments to catch on until it dawned on her.
He was doing it again.
"Well" she started. Her mind was whirling frantically, thinking of something, anything to reply with. "I simply came out for some air. The number of guests was making the room I was in rather hot."
Seriously Maria, that was all you could say?!
She immediately scolded herself mentally for not being able to come up with a wittier reply. Georg was certainly better than this than her.
"I see what you mean. I came out here expecting the same thing, but I must admit, seeing you before me has only increased the sensation. It is rather warm out here tonight don't you think?"
Oh, absolutely!
Maria was furiously attempting to remain calm, to appear unaffected by him, determined to not let Georg evoke the reaction he usually did when he teased her. It was futile though - he could see right through her and she knew it, but she tried to remain composed nonetheless "Oh, I don't know. It seemed rather cool to me." Her body was completely betraying her words however, a sudden surge of warmth travelled straight to the base of her pelvis and her breathing became ragged. Did he really have to do this here, completely aware of the effect he had on her?
He took a few more steps towards her, until his face was inches away from hers. "You still haven't answered my question. Fraulein. Are you here… Alone?"
Her body was frozen, legs unwilling to move despite her mind pleading with them to move, and she was completely hypnotised by his eyes yet again. Georg felt rather smug at having Maria rooted to the spot, feeling victorious at this ridiculous point scoring game they had managed to get themselves into. To celebrate his victory, he decided to relieve Maria of her torment with a kiss… But as he lowered his head to capture her lips, Maria spun around quickly and turned to face the city once again and he instead ended up kissing the back of her head!
The game was on again.
"As it so happens Captain, I am here alone, and the fact that you attempted to kiss me just now – A perfect stranger. How…" her body was acting on its own accord now, completely detached from her brain and any rational line of thought. In a moment of pure boldness, she arched her back and leaned backward, making sure her bottom brushed with the pressure of a single feather, directly at the place she knew Georg needed her the most "… Appalling!"
And there it was.
She had met with the solid swelling beneath his trousers and heard a strangled groan leave his throat at such exquisite contact.
Her eyes blew wide and she bolted upright at the touch, snapping back into reality, all newfound confidence had rapidly disappeared and was replaced with an overwhelming sense of embarrassment. Good heavens, what had come over her? They were at a party filled to the brim with guests and could be caught in the act at any given moment! She stood completely still, her back still facing Georg, she didn't dare turn to him at this moment, a mixture of dread yet thrilling anticipation disabling her from moving a muscle.
Georg stood frozen in a stunned silence as well, but it wasn't derived from any sense of negativity when it came to her bold move. His body was practically vibrating from the palpable, erotic tension between them.
Eventually, an inward smile formed, and he placed his hand on her shoulder, leaning in again to whisper in her ear.
"Strangers indeed Fraulein? If we are merely strangers in Paris, then please explain this: how did you know that I was a Captain?"
Her eyes grew even wider at his question. How had he noticed her error? She hadn't even realised she'd said it herself!
Their game had finally claimed a victor.
Maria looked to the heavens and laughed; previous embarrassment forgotten. She turned towards him and threw her hands up in the air with defeat. "Well you caught me off guard!" she complained playfully "I don't even know how you noticed it with all the other… Distractions".
Georg chuckled in response and gently tapped her on the nose. "You, my dear - of all people can't be surprised to know that I have impeccable skills when it comes to attention to detail. However, I must admit, you were a remarkable opponent."
"Well…" Maria started, slowly clapping her hands "You have been hailed victorious. Congratulations" she giggled.
"Have I indeed? And what – may I ask, is this champions reward?" he asked, the mischief in his voice making an appearance again.
"What would you deem sufficient, Sir?"
Georg's eyes had wandered towards the steps from the terrace that led to the gardens, his eyes only stopping once he located his destination. "Oh, I think I have found just the thing." He turned to Maria; his eyes suddenly black as night with raw passion. Promptly grabbing her hand, he only had one request.
"Come with me."
A/N: This chapter was incredible fun to write and originally twice as long, but I couldn't let Maria squirm for eternity. As always, please let me know what your thoughts are, it only helps me to improve. Thank you so much for reading! The next chapter may be a bit delayed; I have written most of it, but it needs a little tidying up. I am looking for a beta reader if anyone is out there. This is after all, uncharted territory for me, and I want to make sure I do the characters justice.
Thank you once again!
Charlotte x