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Volterra, Italy

Winter

Fun and Games

For Aro, everything began and ended with touch.

When placing judgement, his touch was paramount, as it revealed hopes, wishes, dreams and the lies of those subject to it. It was not often that those should attempt to conceal secrets from him - for there was no way to do so, unless -

Wilhelmina had danced immediately out of his attempted greeting, ducking under his arm and backing away. It was such a bizarre action that Aro didn't attempt to stop her, merely turned and watched as she backed away, her arms behind her back, utterly puzzled.

"Do I not receive a 'good morning' then, cara mia?" He inquired carefully, monitoring her as he took another step forward, which his human mate mirrored - backwards.

"Of course you do. Good morning." Wilhelmina chimed easily, her green eyes flickering from his feet to his face.

"And what are you trying to hide from me, mio carissimo?" Aro asked calmly, his grin growing with delight as the soles of his leather shoes clicked against the marble of their personal chambers.

His mates face twisted with sass then, no longer backing away. "Something that should, for once, be a secret until I decide to reveal it." She answered tartly, but with no venom.

"I did apologize for that, amabile." The raven-haired King reminded. "As did I warn you beforehand."

"Which is why this time, I'm keeping this secret - at least until tonight." Will enforced, tilting her chin up, resolute.

Of course, and she realized this too late, this was a mistake.

Because she'd started a game.

Excited dread built up in her stomach then as the impish delight lit up the dark-haired king's eyes.

"Oh, I do understand." Aro assured, his grin wide as he began his slow approach.

Her heartbeat quickened, and Will knew better than to hope that he didn't notice.

"Thank you." She said nervously, averting her gaze. "So - I'll see you at my room tonight?"

"But I haven't finished seeing you now, mio carissimo." His voice promised sin as her mate was suddenly upon her, backing her against the thick velvet curtains, hands sliding over her arms, sending burning warmth where they traveled. "Wouldn't you rather - " But his cool fingers had only just narrowly avoided the delicate skin of her collarbone.

Except Will could never be fast enough. She'd escaped only briefly from the king's grip when she ended up pressed front-first against the velvet, her lover firmly against her. "Enjoy the morning with me?" He finished darkly into her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

"But you can't find out yet." She protested as she felt his wandering hands move further south.

"Oh, I won't." Aro promised as his hands breezed to her center, riding up her dress as he touched her, earning a shuddered breath in return. It wasn't long before he'd begun toying with the lace of her underwear, sliding his fingers down and rubbing her through the fabric, careful to avoid brushing against her warm skin.

"You won't?" She asked breathlessly, her hands floating up to brace herself against the wall.

"Of course not, dearest." He assured silkily. "But then, if you wanted to tell me this secret of yours, I have a willing set of ears to listen." As he spoke, his fingers frustrated her further, delving deeper between her thighs - or at least as deeply as the confining fabric allowed. Silk and lace, a gift from Marcus that Christmas, along with at least a dozen other sets, which she had at the time modeled for all of them. But this set was her favorite of them, delicate peach in color and decorated with ivory lace in the most beautiful floral pattern. But Aro had set out to make her hate them, as his fingers moved faster, skillfully, even over the barrier of fabric.

The king could have sent her over the edge already - but of course, that would have ruined the game.

And frustratingly, that was a game she had to put to an end.

"I-I'll see you in my room tonight." Will repeated, albeit shakily, her hand around his wrist to cease his movements.

Aro chuckled. "Very well, cara mia." He conceeded - but his tone, whereas simply playful earlier, was riveted.

Neither of them had won, but then again, it was only half-time.

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