A/N - Thank you if you're still reading this, it is much appreciated. This story is far from over and I have no idea right now how many chapters there will be but it could be quite a few lol. All of your comments, reviews and support mean the world to me - You are all so awesome. Thank you xx
The soft peachy hue from the bedside lamps was gently lighting the room as it bounced off the walls. It was calm and inviting yet Henry felt anything but calm. He had been entranced by Elizabeth since the very first second he'd laid eyes on her in that bar, never thinking for a second someone like her could ever be remotely interested in him. And yet, by some miracle of epic proportions, she saw something in him that spoke to her. They had shared incredible moments during the course of their torrid relationship and sadly, they had also lost each other far too many times. But they always seemed to find a way to reconnect - To keep that spark for each other alive and now they were having a baby together - It was like every moment up until this point had been preparing them somehow for what was to come.
They had been intimate many times and it had been incredible on every occasion without exception , not just because of the things they could physically do to each other, but also because of the connection they always had. They just worked, it was as simple as that. They didn't have to try too hard or impress each other - They were unequivocally themselves and that in itself was rare. What they felt for each other was equal measures of respect, lust and deep rooted love. It was as perfect as any imperfect relationship could be. And yet Henry now found himself facing a baffling case of extreme self doubt.
Elizabeth was standing by the bed on the opposite side of the room, exuding an incandescent aura that made the hairs on Henry's neck prickle. She was a beautiful woman, that was glaringly obvious to anyone who looked at her. But what Henry got to see that very few others did, was how truly stunning she was when she let her guard down. When she opened herself up enough to be loved and love in return — That was a beauty of a whole different kind.
Lifting her shirt over her head and dropping it to the floor, Elizabeth's eyes landed on Henry and she tilted her head, ever so slightly, as a sexy smirk played on her lips. Henry did things to her that nobody else had ever managed. He not only made her lust rage out of control, he also got her to trust him and that was something she really didn't do easily.
"It's been a while for me but I'm pretty sure this works better if we're closer together." Elizabeth walked over to him, taking hold of his hands, her fingers slipping neatly between his.
"I think I can just about remember that."
"Henry — What's going on in that brilliant brain of yours? You look pensive."
"Your body has changed so much —"
Elizabeth let go of his hands and stepped back "You're not attracted to me anymore?" Her eyes glistened and she looked like she could easily burst into tears.
"Of course I am —" Henry moved towards her "I meant that in a good way — An amazing way actually. You are glowing and I'm fascinated by the way your body is changing to accommodate our baby."
"I don't want you to be fascinated by me Henry — I want you to be turned on by me and that clearly isn't happening."
Henry smiled, "You're wrong, you know."
"I can't get you going like I used to - It's okay Henry, you don't need to try and appease me. I know my body has changed - I see it every day."
"But I haven't seen it at all, Elizabeth! When I looked at your bump for the first time yesterday I was amazed by how beautiful it is. I wanted so badly to lay my hand on it - To touch you."
Elizabeth looked confused "Why didn't you?"
"Because I didn't feel I had any right! I haven't been here for you when I should have. You have been going through all of this alone and I don't feel deserving - Not for any of this."
Elizabeth took Henry's hands in hers again and placed them on her stomach, one each side of her bump.
"This is your baby too! I felt her move for the first time yesterday before everything went crazy and it took my breath away. She's in there Henry and she's ours - Not just mine."
Henry was in awe. He had no real experience or knowledge of pregnancy or babies but seeing Elizabeth like this just made his respect and love for her grow.
Henry knelt down on the floor in front of Elizabeth and kissed her belly, just above her navel, his hands still resting either side. "I love you both so much."
"How about you show me just how much?" Elizabeth squeezed his shoulder. "We've been apart too long and I've missed you."
Henry got to his feet and and his eyes landed on her breasts "Wow - Your stomach isn't the only thing growing."
Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh "I know, right! There have been a lot of changes happening and most of them are pretty tough to cope with - But this particular enhancement is something I can live with."
"I can definitely live with it too." His arms slid around her back, his fingers tracing patterns against her bare skin, making her shudder.
"I love you Henry." Her lips pressed against his in an unhurried kiss. She had been dreaming of this moment ever since he left her in Baghdad and honestly, she never thought it would happen.
As the kiss deepened, stirrings of arousal were starting to build and Elizabeth needed things to progress. She hadn't had sex since the night she got pregnant and that was fine - She was too sick and too single to care about it anyway. But then the influx of hormones happened and all of a sudden, she couldn't think of anything else. It was all she wanted and now Henry was there with her and they were finally together in the way they should be - Her patience was wearing thin.
Elizabeth made quick work of the rest of Henry's buttons and his shirt joined hers on the floor. Hooking her fingers into the top of his jeans, she pulled him flush against her body and Henry suddenly froze and backed away.
"Henry — What's wrong now? You clearly don't want this so let's just forget it."
"I do want it - I swear I do. Just give me ten minutes and then I'm all ours — Ten minutes." Henry left her standing in the bedroom and headed into the lounge.
After ten minutes of feeling frustrated and totally undesirable, Elizabeth pulled on a t-shirt and padded through to the lounge to see what Henry was doing. She thought he may be reading or watching tv - She wasn't expecting to see him tapping away on his laptop.
"Really nice Henry! You push me away and make me feel like you really don't want me at all — to do what? Send emails or play solitaire?"
Henry looked up and laughed. "You stole my Guns n Roses shirt? Do you know how long I've been looking for that damn thing?"
Elizabeth looked down at the shirt and then back at Henry "I wanted a reminder of you when I went to Iraq. It was in your bathroom and it smelled like you - So I took it."
"It looks far better on you anyway." Henry looked back down at his laptop and carried on typing.
"What the hell are you doing? I know I've put on a bit of weight but blatantly shunning me to sit in my living room on your computer while I wait for you in my bedroom - That's just plain shitty Henry. I'm going to bed and you can go to hell."
As she turned to head back to the bedroom, Henry grabbed her arm "I was doing some quick research."
Elizabeth glared at him "Ohhhh, well that makes me feel much better. Sex with me or research on some crusty old theologians - Yeah, I can see the dilemma."
"I was researching this Elizabeth." He turned his laptop so she could see the screen.
Her eyes went wide and she felt her eyes sting "The best sexual positions during pregnancy to enhance her pleasure."
Henry blushed "I don't know a lot about pregnancy or what you're going through Elizabeth. All I know is seeing you in that hospital bed hooked up to all those wires scared me to death." He ran his hands down her arms and gripped her hands. "I want nothing more than to worship your body but I'm scared."
"Of me?" Elizabeth looked confused "You've never had a problem having sex with me before."
"I'm scared of hurting you or the baby. We haven't been intimate since this little one came into being and I don't want to do anything to risk yours or her health."
"Being this horny isn't good for my health."
Henry laughed "Can you just humour me on this - I've had a look and I have a few ideas on what we can try so you get all of the comfort with maximum pleasure - That's why I've been sitting out here! I just want to get this right."
Elizabeth brushed a tear from her cheek "Damn you Henry - You've got me all emotional now. I've cried more during this pregnancy than I ever have before. It's ridiculous."
"I wasn't trying to shun you! Holy shit Elizabeth, I find you so sexy. You are stunning and I can't wait to get my hands on you. It's just important for me to do it safely."
"Are you ready now?"
"I'm ready."
"Oh thank god."
As they lay on the bed together, Henry couldn't keep his eyes off Elizabeth. Yes, her body was changing but he found her even more sexy than before. Her curves were exquisite and her skin held a radiant glow. He let his hands explore her as his lips kissed a trail down her back. Her skin felt so soft under his fingertips and when he cupped her breasts, the moan that left her sent all blood rushing to Henry's groin.
Pulling her back flush to his chest, he lifted her leg over his hip and slid into her so easily. His arms wrapped around her as he kissed his way down her neck and he could see the goosebumps erupt all over her skin.
"Are you okay?" Henry whispered words against her ear made Elizabeth clench around him, his groan sending a rumble right through her.
"I'm perfect — This is perfect."
Henry was moving slowly as they reconnected. The position allowed him to envelope her yet go really deep, giving her immense pleasure. It was sensual and romantic, yet safe for both her and the baby.
Elizabeth was rocking her hips in time with Henry's movements, gently humming as she allowed the feeling of pleasure wash over her. Her body had been craving this for so long and now that it was finally happening, her brain felt like it was misfiring.
Henry's hands were fondling her breasts, pinching her nipples which made her arch her back.
"You like that?"
"Uh-huh—."
Henry put his fingers in her mouth so she could lick them, and then moved back down to her niople, rolling it between his wet fingers as he circled the peak.
Elizabeth let out a huffed "Fuuucckkk — Keep doing that."
Henry pulled her leg further over his hip to go even deeper and picked up the pace. He could feel her trembling in his arms but knew she wasn't quite there yet. No matter what they had been through, nobody knew her like he did.
"What do you need?" His tone was deep and sultry "Tell me."
Elizabeth took his hand, sucked on his fingers again and moved his hand between her legs "Do your thing Henry."
Henry smiled against her skin and grazed her shoulder with his teeth "My pleasure sweetheart."
His fingers found her clit and gently rubbed in small circles while he continued to move inside her.
Elizabeth's head fell against his shoulder as her mouth dropped open, erratic huffs of air leaving her with every twitch of Henry's fingers. His free hand grasped her breast and resumed playing with her nipple.
The onslaught of pleasure gripping her body was almost more than she could take. It was coming from everywhere and she didn't know what to focus on. Henry had always been an incredible lover and never failed to get her there - Usually in spectacular fashion —But thanks to her raging hormones and Henry's hands, she was soaring.
She could feel sweat trickling down her back and wasn't entirely certain if it was hers or Henry's but it didn't really matter. Her body felt like it was on fire, yet the cool air hitting her skin was making her shiver.
Henry was desperate to make her explode. She'd been very open about the fact she was craving sex and who was he to deprive her of what she wanted. She was, however, taking far longer to come than she usually did.
He had worked out exactly what Elizabeth needed pretty early on in their relationship. When she needed fast and furious, he could make her lose it in minutes if he really wanted to. And when she wanted to be slow and passionate, he would change his position to prolong it for her. Strangely, this was throwing him a little. He could feel her pulsing around him so he was in no doubt that she was enjoying it, but for whatever reason, she just couldn't snap.
Her hand flailed behind her and she gripped the back of his neck "Henry —"
"I know baby — What can I do?"
"Deeper — Go deeper."
Henry gripped her hip and thrust into her as deeply as he could go, fast and precise, hitting just the right place.
Elizabeth took over with her own fingers and her thighs started to quiver. Her skin was so sensitive it almost hurt and god did she need that release.
Her other hand was resting under the pillow and she gripped the fabric so tight her nails were clawing at it.
"Oh god —- Please." The orgasm was right there, straining against her body just waiting to break "I'm right there."
Henry's lips found the spot behind her ear that usually made her whimper and he sucked, hard.
Elizabeth allowed herself to relax just enough to let go and the wave of pleasure that crashed into her almost drowned her. The orgasm was insanely intense, far more than she had ever felt before and it just kept coming and coming.
Henry had been holding back but when Elizabeth went, he followed very quickly. The feel of her contracting around him, squeezing him hard, convulsing in his arms, was phenomenal.
Henry kissed any bare skin that he could reach, his arms squeezing her as tightly as he dared. "I have had such explicit dreams about this moment since I left Iraq but my god — That was incredible."
Elizabeth was trying to regulate her breathing as her body continued to pulse. "You've dreamt about me?" She turned her body to face him.
He looked at her flushed face and smiled "Of course I have. Not being with you didn't stop me loving you and wanting to be with you."
"Well that makes two of us. Although trying to get myself to orgasm never really hit right."
Henry was grinning and Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "You're now imagining me masturbating, aren't you?'
"Ohhhh yes! And it's a beautiful vision. So you thought of me when you were touching yourself?"
Elizabeth blushed. "Always. Luckily for me I had lots of beautiful memories to draw from."
Henry got Elizabeth settled on his chest and pulled the covers over them.
"So — You haven't slept with anyone else since our drunken night in Baghdad?"
"No! I was devastated when you went home. I missed you so much it was driving me crazy and then I found out I was pregnant and that pretty much took all of my focus. Besides, I didn't want anyone else."
"I should have stayed and fought for us. I'm sorry I was never strong enough to do that. Things would have been so much easier if I had just stood my ground with you and made you see sense."
Elizabeth laughed, "Nobody has ever managed that Henry." She contemplated her words for a while and then timidly asked "Did you ever think of me when you were with Stacey?"
"You never left my thoughts and yes, when I was having sex with Stacey, I had to imagine it was you. That's so wrong, isn't it?'
"Not for me — but yeah, I do feel bad for her. After all, I know how easy it is to fall in love with you and I can't blame her for that. I'm just so happy you chose me."
Henry was running his fingers up and down her arm "There was never a choice to make. I always wanted you — But you're very good at convincing people you don't care."
"You know I love you, don't you Henry?'
"I do now." They snuggled together and Henry rested his hand on her belly "I'm going to take care of you both — Forever."
Elizabeth closed her eyes and smiled "I can't wait."