Chapter 23
The Ties That Bind
Anakin waited as Padmé parked the boat next to a sturdy looking dock. He leapt to the planks and carefully tied it off. Padmé killed the repulsolifts and extended her hand. He helped her out of the boat and into his arms, smiling. "I think we'll be alright out here, you?"
She nodded, stepping away and linking her hand to his. "We should be. Come on, I'll show you the cottage."
The 'cottage' was a two story home that spread out across most of the island. A dozen chambers of richly furnished rooms made up the first floor, including an intimate dining room, sitting room and huge open Veranda. Most of the floor had large open windows that allowed the breeze to come in off the lake. With the hot weather they'd been having, that breeze was an efficient way to cool the house. The second story, when Padmé pulled Anakin up an archaic looking staircase, was similar to the first. Decorated in dark colors, mostly blues and grays, the bedrooms were conductive to sleeping and beautifully furnished for comfort. Anakin stopped outside one of the rooms as Padmé went inside, going directly to the wardrobe.
He smiled a half smile. "A little anxious to change?"
"After more than a day in these clothes?" she pulled her hair free of its messy coif and shook her head. "I simply want a shower to feel human again."
"Where do you want me to sleep?"
She pointed to a door across the hall. "I'd put you in the adjoining room..."
He held up a hand, grinning, "But you don't trust me not to try something. That hurts, Angel. I'm going to go take a shower too," he looked down at the grime marring his clothing. "I don't suppose there's something here for me to wear?"
She giggled. "A bath robe?"
He groaned. "Sure, just so you can take advantage of me. I'll find something."
"Feel free. That room is where my brother-in-law used to stay before he and Sola married. You might find a cast off, but I don't think they'll fit."
Anakin nodded, turning away as she began to work on the ties of her top. "I'll meet you downstairs?"
*Sounds good.*
He stepped across the hall as the door to her room shut behind him and opened the door to where he'd be sleeping. The room was huge, as large as Padmé's, with a huge bed as the center piece. His gaze went to the wide window, which overlooked the lake on this side of the house. The sunlight coming through the window was warm and welcoming. Deceiving. He frowned. Where had that thought come from.
*Angel?* he queried, suddenly uneasy.
*Is something wrong, Anakin?*
He breathed a silent sigh of relief. *No, no, I just have an uneasy feeling all of a sudden.*
*Nervous about being all alone with me?* she teased.
He grinned, beginning to rummage through the closet. Several oversized shirts that would fit until he could wash his own. *Of course, I don't know what wild and crazy things you have planned for me. A guy has to keep his guard up.*
He could almost hear her laughter as he pulled a pair of too-small trousers from the wardrobe. That was the problem with being taller than everybody. Nobody kept a spare set of pants in your size.
*You could always wear a skirt.*
*Cute, Ami, really cute.*
*I think you would be.*
*Padmé!*
This time he heard her laugh from across the hall and felt himself blushing. Blasted woman! He rummaged through the closet, shielding his thoughts from her and feeling her amusement. Wear a skirt. Right. Not in this lifetime. His found another robe and tossed it onto the bed with the shirts. Surely there was something halfway wearable? He pulled his tunic over his head and tossed it to the corner. He'd wash it later. Stripping down to his underwear he pulled the trousers from the shelf and checked the length again. Damn short people.
"Cut the legs off."
He whirled to find Padmé, her hair plastered to her head, soaking the front of her thick, white robe as she leaned against the doorframe. Her gaze traveled down his body, but he couldn't move. Her gaze left a trail of fire and ice as it moved down his chest, accelerating his heartbeat and making it difficult to breathe. Down to his waist, heat sparking in the brown depths of her eyes as they traveled lower, over his shorts and to his tanned legs. He swallowed convulsively. "Um. Angel?"
"Hm?"
Her gaze was fixed on his hips where his shorts hung, "Padmé, uh, shouldn't you be..."
"Dressing?" her gaze moved reluctantly to his face again. "I wanted to see what you were doing that you had to shield your thoughts."
"Oh. And now?"
She grinned at him, "Simply admiring the view."
"Keep looking at me that and I won't be held responsible for my actions."
"Like what?"
He stepped towards her. "Like you finally have me where you want me."
She stepped back, holding the doorframe with one hand. "I do have you where I want you. But that's for later." The door slid shut and he stared at it, blinking. She what?
*Angel?*
*Take your shower, Skywalker,* she ordered, *dinner is in a few minutes.*
*Orders, orders.* he grumbled, taking his lightsaber in one hand and slashing the pants from the knees down. Someday he was going to give her orders.
*In your dreams.*
*Get out of my head, woman!*
He could hear her laughing behind his door and glared at it in mock anger. *Go get dressed, I'll meet you downstairs when I'm done.*
*Don't forget to wash behind your ears.*
Anakin tossed the clothes he'd chosen over one arm and shook his head. Blasted woman. She sounded more like his mother. *Careful, Ami, or I might decide to brake contact completely.*
*Don't you dare!* he thought he heard real fear in her tone and felt instantly regretful. He hadn't meant to frighten her.
*Sorry, Angel, a joke in bad taste. Go, I'll see you shortly.*
He listened for a moment before he heard her door close across the hall and stepped into the 'fresher. A real shower with real water. What a luxury. Hopefully, when he could see her again, he'd have the chance to hold her. And maybe broach the subject of sharing a bedroom. Sleeping away from her without being able to hold, or touch, her at night was torture. Hopefully she'd be open to the suggestion. His mind slowly went back to his uneasy feelings. Something wasn't right on the island. Whatever it was, he had every intention of finding out.
Anakin stood by the main window in the dining room, staring out across the lake. The sun had set, bathing the area in pinks and purples and lending a sense of mystery to the water surrounding him. He'd never get used to this, he found himself thinking, being surrounded by water was just too strange after living on Tatooine. He'd come downstairs a few minutes ago to find that there were no servants and no staff. He'd raided the food storage unit for a drink, but if he and Padmé were going to eat they'd have to fend for themselves. He swallowed hard. They were on this island. Alone. And his palms wouldn't stop sweating. Dressed in the cut off shorts that were a shade to tight to be considered comfortable and a loose shirt that barely fell to his waist, he was silently urging his clothing to dry faster. The comfort factor of his own clothing was something he'd never truly appreciated before.
"You could always whip up a Force wind to help you out."
He jerked in surprise, turning. She'd snuck up on him, how was that- his jaw dropped as he caught sight of her. "I... Padmé, I..."
She spun on the spot, the loose dress flaring out around her legs. "You like it?"
He nodded, speechless. The top of her gown was form fitting, starting just below her armpits and leaving her shoulders bare. Hugging her upper body like a glove, it defined her breasts and slim waist, continuing down over her hips to where it flared out at her upper-thigh. The top looked more like a bodysuit until it connected to yards of almost transparent fabric. The skirt flared out around her feet to the floor, the light skirt allowing him a teasing glimpse of her bare legs and feet every now and again. He swallowed hard. What was she trying to do to him?
"We're on our own you know," she said conversationally, a smile on her face.
He nodded, looking back out the window before he did something they both might regret. "I know. I'm trying not to think about it."
"I see."
"I just bet you do," he smiled a half smile, looking over his shoulder at her before turning away again. "Can you cook, Angel?"
"Some. You?"
He chuckled softly as she stepped into his view, her head cocked at a teasing, inquisitive angle. He pulled her to him, leering down at her. "You'd be amazed what I'm capable of."
She swatted him on the arm, laughing. "Food, Anakin."
His gaze sobered and he sighed. "I'm not hungry."
"Oh?"
He nodded. "After everything that's happened today, I don't think I could hold it down."
She sighed, stepping back. "Alright, then. You can watch me eat. I'm sure it will be fascinating."
He chuckled, allowing her to tease a smile out of him as he slung an arm around her shoulders. They walked towards the kitchen, the lights dim. Anakin made small movements with his free hand as they passed, illuminating their way. Padmé laughed each time he did. "You know, there's a thing called an on switch. It works just as well."
"But not nearly as impressive with the ladies."
She grinned, breaking out of his hold as she went to the food storage unit. "You're such a..."
"Fun person?"
She laughed. "Yes, that's exactly the word I was searching for. Try, 'you're such a pain'. It works better."
He pretended to look wounded but caught her as she was about to move past him, swiping her plate of pre-cut vegetables and placing them on the counter with one hand as he pulled her to him with the other. "A pain, am I?"
She nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Yes."
"What kind of a pain?"
"Oh, the worst kind, of course."
"Which would make me what, PMS?"
She burst out laughing, shoving him away, but he caught her and ducked his head, capturing her lips mid-smile. She melted into him, throwing her arms around his neck and stepping close. He kissed her leisurely, gently, before stepping back. "Eat your dinner, Angel."
She didn't reply as he turned away. She followed him, pausing long enough to get two drinks as he carried her dinner to the dinning room. She watched as he placed her dinner in front of one seat and placed the glasses next to it. She frowned. "Anakin?"
He glanced back at her.
"What's wrong?"
He shook his head, looking out the window. "I'm not sure." He murmured. "Something doesn't... this island makes me feel as if something is wrong."
She settled into her chair and arranged it so she could watch him as she ate. The fruit plate was light, more like a snack than a meal, as was the fruit juice she'd gotten. Anakin stood still, staring out across the terrace to the gently rolling waves of the lake. Nibbling on her food, she watched him. He was handsome, so handsome her breath caught each time he looked at her. Or she at him. Which was probably a bad thing, considering her heart didn't need more strain. "Is it menacing?"
He shook his head, his padawan braid brushing against the tanned skin of his neck. "No. It's just... wrong."
"Could it be something in the future?"
He turned finally, smiling. "You should have been a Jedi, with all your questions and answers they would have loved you."
She laughed, taking a sip of her drink. "I'm a one Jedi woman," she tossed back, grinning. "I don't do orders, just singles."
He chuckled. "I love you, Padmé."
"I know, Anakin. I've never doubted that. And never doubt that I love you too, alright?"
He nodded. "Alright."
She reached for a piece of fruit only to have it rise from the plate. "Anakin!"
He grinned as it floated to him and he plucked it out of the air. Taking a step towards her, he took the strawberry-like fruit and placed it on the tip of her nose. "What, did you want this?" She nodded and he sat on the edge of the table, gently tracing the fruit over her cheek. "How much?"
"I'll bite your fingers."
"Tease."
She blinked before going bright red. "Anakin!"
He laughed, removing the fruit and returning it to her plate as he searched her eyes. His own became somber as he gently traced a finger across the satin-like skin of her shoulder, making her shiver. Her snack forgotten, she stared up at him, lifting her hands only to have them captured. Anakin shook his head. "May I touch you?" he asked softly.
She nodded, swallowing hard, finding it difficult to breathe all of a sudden. Her hands dropped back to her lap as his slid onto her shoulders. His finger tips slid in whisper soft caresses over her shoulders and down her arms, teasing the indent of her elbows before sliding back up. His left hand cupped her face as his right slid down her throat, his thumb gently stroking the pulse point where her jaw joined her neck. She couldn't suppress the shiver that ran through her and didn't even try. Her eyes fluttered half-closed as she watched him.
His expression was one of concentration and wonder, both warring for supremacy as his fingers trailed down her throat to her collar bone, gently tracing the sweeping lines of the bone visible above her skin. He ducked his head, watching the shadows and light play across her skin, its satin texture turning his blood into flame. He bent towards her, tilting her face towards his and gently placed a kiss on the corner of her mouth. She inhaled sharply, her heart beginning to pound faster as his mouth traveled to the hollow of her jaw and downward. He pressed a heated kiss to the indentation at the base of her throat, drawing a soft moan of pleasure as he began to pull back. He could feel her fight to stay still under her touch as if it was his own. Her skin was flawless alabaster and soft, softer than anything he'd ever felt. He reached down, lifting her hands in his and gently placed a kiss to the inside of each wrist. Her fingers curled into fists and he could feel the battle inside her. One she was losing because she wasn't exactly fighting hard.
He looked at her, meeting her heated gaze, and moved forward. His lips slanted across hers and he was taken aback by the passionate kiss she returned. His blood on fire, he dropped her hands and grabbed her around the waist, lifting her to her feet and pulling her close. Leaning against the table, he pulled her between his legs, lining them up hip to hip as he kissed her. She moved closer, her mouth hungry on his as his hands splayed across the cool skin of her back.
Padmé leaned into him, her arms sliding around his waist as her head fell back. His lips were driving her wild, igniting flames she hadn't known possible in her system. She wanted... Her mind froze, almost going over the edge as Anakin broke the kiss and placed a hot kiss at the base of her throat. She had to stop this, to get it under control. And she didn't want to. Somehow she managed to pull away and fell back into her chair, her breathing hard.
"Anakin..."
He started to reach for her again, only to freeze at the sound of her voice. He was dangerously close to losing control in the worst way. She drove him to madness, inflaming him with her passion and innocence. And they had to stop, or he was going to do something he wouldn't be able to handle. Not in his current frame of mind. He ducked his head, the internal battle ranging as fiercely as it ever had. "I'm sorry." He said hoarsely.
"Why?"
His head came up. She searched his gaze, her eyes almost black in color. She was fighting, the same as he, and yet she had better control. His throat worked for a moment before he could find the words. "I should be able to control myself."
She smiled a half smile. "That's the most round about compliment I've ever received."
He flushed and moved away, putting some distance between them to find his inner balance again. Yes, her presence was soothing and calming, but not when it was linked to those heated kisses.
"You like those too, do you?"
He whirled on her. "Angel!"
"I know I know," she winked at him. "Get out of your head. Want to take a walk outside?"
"Can you behave yourself?"
She arched an eyebrow. "More easily than you, it would appear. I promise not to try anything while your clothes are still drying."
"Which means tomorrow I'm fair game?"
She nodded, standing. "Tomorrow. For tonight I want to pretend we're a normal couple and take a moonlit walk. That's permitted right? It's not breaking any of your Jedi codes?"
He chuckled, offering her his arm before leading her towards the doors. "If it was, I think we've broken enough of the code that one more wouldn't matter."
She laughed, opening the doors. "That's what you think."
The Ties That Bind
Anakin waited as Padmé parked the boat next to a sturdy looking dock. He leapt to the planks and carefully tied it off. Padmé killed the repulsolifts and extended her hand. He helped her out of the boat and into his arms, smiling. "I think we'll be alright out here, you?"
She nodded, stepping away and linking her hand to his. "We should be. Come on, I'll show you the cottage."
The 'cottage' was a two story home that spread out across most of the island. A dozen chambers of richly furnished rooms made up the first floor, including an intimate dining room, sitting room and huge open Veranda. Most of the floor had large open windows that allowed the breeze to come in off the lake. With the hot weather they'd been having, that breeze was an efficient way to cool the house. The second story, when Padmé pulled Anakin up an archaic looking staircase, was similar to the first. Decorated in dark colors, mostly blues and grays, the bedrooms were conductive to sleeping and beautifully furnished for comfort. Anakin stopped outside one of the rooms as Padmé went inside, going directly to the wardrobe.
He smiled a half smile. "A little anxious to change?"
"After more than a day in these clothes?" she pulled her hair free of its messy coif and shook her head. "I simply want a shower to feel human again."
"Where do you want me to sleep?"
She pointed to a door across the hall. "I'd put you in the adjoining room..."
He held up a hand, grinning, "But you don't trust me not to try something. That hurts, Angel. I'm going to go take a shower too," he looked down at the grime marring his clothing. "I don't suppose there's something here for me to wear?"
She giggled. "A bath robe?"
He groaned. "Sure, just so you can take advantage of me. I'll find something."
"Feel free. That room is where my brother-in-law used to stay before he and Sola married. You might find a cast off, but I don't think they'll fit."
Anakin nodded, turning away as she began to work on the ties of her top. "I'll meet you downstairs?"
*Sounds good.*
He stepped across the hall as the door to her room shut behind him and opened the door to where he'd be sleeping. The room was huge, as large as Padmé's, with a huge bed as the center piece. His gaze went to the wide window, which overlooked the lake on this side of the house. The sunlight coming through the window was warm and welcoming. Deceiving. He frowned. Where had that thought come from.
*Angel?* he queried, suddenly uneasy.
*Is something wrong, Anakin?*
He breathed a silent sigh of relief. *No, no, I just have an uneasy feeling all of a sudden.*
*Nervous about being all alone with me?* she teased.
He grinned, beginning to rummage through the closet. Several oversized shirts that would fit until he could wash his own. *Of course, I don't know what wild and crazy things you have planned for me. A guy has to keep his guard up.*
He could almost hear her laughter as he pulled a pair of too-small trousers from the wardrobe. That was the problem with being taller than everybody. Nobody kept a spare set of pants in your size.
*You could always wear a skirt.*
*Cute, Ami, really cute.*
*I think you would be.*
*Padmé!*
This time he heard her laugh from across the hall and felt himself blushing. Blasted woman! He rummaged through the closet, shielding his thoughts from her and feeling her amusement. Wear a skirt. Right. Not in this lifetime. His found another robe and tossed it onto the bed with the shirts. Surely there was something halfway wearable? He pulled his tunic over his head and tossed it to the corner. He'd wash it later. Stripping down to his underwear he pulled the trousers from the shelf and checked the length again. Damn short people.
"Cut the legs off."
He whirled to find Padmé, her hair plastered to her head, soaking the front of her thick, white robe as she leaned against the doorframe. Her gaze traveled down his body, but he couldn't move. Her gaze left a trail of fire and ice as it moved down his chest, accelerating his heartbeat and making it difficult to breathe. Down to his waist, heat sparking in the brown depths of her eyes as they traveled lower, over his shorts and to his tanned legs. He swallowed convulsively. "Um. Angel?"
"Hm?"
Her gaze was fixed on his hips where his shorts hung, "Padmé, uh, shouldn't you be..."
"Dressing?" her gaze moved reluctantly to his face again. "I wanted to see what you were doing that you had to shield your thoughts."
"Oh. And now?"
She grinned at him, "Simply admiring the view."
"Keep looking at me that and I won't be held responsible for my actions."
"Like what?"
He stepped towards her. "Like you finally have me where you want me."
She stepped back, holding the doorframe with one hand. "I do have you where I want you. But that's for later." The door slid shut and he stared at it, blinking. She what?
*Angel?*
*Take your shower, Skywalker,* she ordered, *dinner is in a few minutes.*
*Orders, orders.* he grumbled, taking his lightsaber in one hand and slashing the pants from the knees down. Someday he was going to give her orders.
*In your dreams.*
*Get out of my head, woman!*
He could hear her laughing behind his door and glared at it in mock anger. *Go get dressed, I'll meet you downstairs when I'm done.*
*Don't forget to wash behind your ears.*
Anakin tossed the clothes he'd chosen over one arm and shook his head. Blasted woman. She sounded more like his mother. *Careful, Ami, or I might decide to brake contact completely.*
*Don't you dare!* he thought he heard real fear in her tone and felt instantly regretful. He hadn't meant to frighten her.
*Sorry, Angel, a joke in bad taste. Go, I'll see you shortly.*
He listened for a moment before he heard her door close across the hall and stepped into the 'fresher. A real shower with real water. What a luxury. Hopefully, when he could see her again, he'd have the chance to hold her. And maybe broach the subject of sharing a bedroom. Sleeping away from her without being able to hold, or touch, her at night was torture. Hopefully she'd be open to the suggestion. His mind slowly went back to his uneasy feelings. Something wasn't right on the island. Whatever it was, he had every intention of finding out.
Anakin stood by the main window in the dining room, staring out across the lake. The sun had set, bathing the area in pinks and purples and lending a sense of mystery to the water surrounding him. He'd never get used to this, he found himself thinking, being surrounded by water was just too strange after living on Tatooine. He'd come downstairs a few minutes ago to find that there were no servants and no staff. He'd raided the food storage unit for a drink, but if he and Padmé were going to eat they'd have to fend for themselves. He swallowed hard. They were on this island. Alone. And his palms wouldn't stop sweating. Dressed in the cut off shorts that were a shade to tight to be considered comfortable and a loose shirt that barely fell to his waist, he was silently urging his clothing to dry faster. The comfort factor of his own clothing was something he'd never truly appreciated before.
"You could always whip up a Force wind to help you out."
He jerked in surprise, turning. She'd snuck up on him, how was that- his jaw dropped as he caught sight of her. "I... Padmé, I..."
She spun on the spot, the loose dress flaring out around her legs. "You like it?"
He nodded, speechless. The top of her gown was form fitting, starting just below her armpits and leaving her shoulders bare. Hugging her upper body like a glove, it defined her breasts and slim waist, continuing down over her hips to where it flared out at her upper-thigh. The top looked more like a bodysuit until it connected to yards of almost transparent fabric. The skirt flared out around her feet to the floor, the light skirt allowing him a teasing glimpse of her bare legs and feet every now and again. He swallowed hard. What was she trying to do to him?
"We're on our own you know," she said conversationally, a smile on her face.
He nodded, looking back out the window before he did something they both might regret. "I know. I'm trying not to think about it."
"I see."
"I just bet you do," he smiled a half smile, looking over his shoulder at her before turning away again. "Can you cook, Angel?"
"Some. You?"
He chuckled softly as she stepped into his view, her head cocked at a teasing, inquisitive angle. He pulled her to him, leering down at her. "You'd be amazed what I'm capable of."
She swatted him on the arm, laughing. "Food, Anakin."
His gaze sobered and he sighed. "I'm not hungry."
"Oh?"
He nodded. "After everything that's happened today, I don't think I could hold it down."
She sighed, stepping back. "Alright, then. You can watch me eat. I'm sure it will be fascinating."
He chuckled, allowing her to tease a smile out of him as he slung an arm around her shoulders. They walked towards the kitchen, the lights dim. Anakin made small movements with his free hand as they passed, illuminating their way. Padmé laughed each time he did. "You know, there's a thing called an on switch. It works just as well."
"But not nearly as impressive with the ladies."
She grinned, breaking out of his hold as she went to the food storage unit. "You're such a..."
"Fun person?"
She laughed. "Yes, that's exactly the word I was searching for. Try, 'you're such a pain'. It works better."
He pretended to look wounded but caught her as she was about to move past him, swiping her plate of pre-cut vegetables and placing them on the counter with one hand as he pulled her to him with the other. "A pain, am I?"
She nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Yes."
"What kind of a pain?"
"Oh, the worst kind, of course."
"Which would make me what, PMS?"
She burst out laughing, shoving him away, but he caught her and ducked his head, capturing her lips mid-smile. She melted into him, throwing her arms around his neck and stepping close. He kissed her leisurely, gently, before stepping back. "Eat your dinner, Angel."
She didn't reply as he turned away. She followed him, pausing long enough to get two drinks as he carried her dinner to the dinning room. She watched as he placed her dinner in front of one seat and placed the glasses next to it. She frowned. "Anakin?"
He glanced back at her.
"What's wrong?"
He shook his head, looking out the window. "I'm not sure." He murmured. "Something doesn't... this island makes me feel as if something is wrong."
She settled into her chair and arranged it so she could watch him as she ate. The fruit plate was light, more like a snack than a meal, as was the fruit juice she'd gotten. Anakin stood still, staring out across the terrace to the gently rolling waves of the lake. Nibbling on her food, she watched him. He was handsome, so handsome her breath caught each time he looked at her. Or she at him. Which was probably a bad thing, considering her heart didn't need more strain. "Is it menacing?"
He shook his head, his padawan braid brushing against the tanned skin of his neck. "No. It's just... wrong."
"Could it be something in the future?"
He turned finally, smiling. "You should have been a Jedi, with all your questions and answers they would have loved you."
She laughed, taking a sip of her drink. "I'm a one Jedi woman," she tossed back, grinning. "I don't do orders, just singles."
He chuckled. "I love you, Padmé."
"I know, Anakin. I've never doubted that. And never doubt that I love you too, alright?"
He nodded. "Alright."
She reached for a piece of fruit only to have it rise from the plate. "Anakin!"
He grinned as it floated to him and he plucked it out of the air. Taking a step towards her, he took the strawberry-like fruit and placed it on the tip of her nose. "What, did you want this?" She nodded and he sat on the edge of the table, gently tracing the fruit over her cheek. "How much?"
"I'll bite your fingers."
"Tease."
She blinked before going bright red. "Anakin!"
He laughed, removing the fruit and returning it to her plate as he searched her eyes. His own became somber as he gently traced a finger across the satin-like skin of her shoulder, making her shiver. Her snack forgotten, she stared up at him, lifting her hands only to have them captured. Anakin shook his head. "May I touch you?" he asked softly.
She nodded, swallowing hard, finding it difficult to breathe all of a sudden. Her hands dropped back to her lap as his slid onto her shoulders. His finger tips slid in whisper soft caresses over her shoulders and down her arms, teasing the indent of her elbows before sliding back up. His left hand cupped her face as his right slid down her throat, his thumb gently stroking the pulse point where her jaw joined her neck. She couldn't suppress the shiver that ran through her and didn't even try. Her eyes fluttered half-closed as she watched him.
His expression was one of concentration and wonder, both warring for supremacy as his fingers trailed down her throat to her collar bone, gently tracing the sweeping lines of the bone visible above her skin. He ducked his head, watching the shadows and light play across her skin, its satin texture turning his blood into flame. He bent towards her, tilting her face towards his and gently placed a kiss on the corner of her mouth. She inhaled sharply, her heart beginning to pound faster as his mouth traveled to the hollow of her jaw and downward. He pressed a heated kiss to the indentation at the base of her throat, drawing a soft moan of pleasure as he began to pull back. He could feel her fight to stay still under her touch as if it was his own. Her skin was flawless alabaster and soft, softer than anything he'd ever felt. He reached down, lifting her hands in his and gently placed a kiss to the inside of each wrist. Her fingers curled into fists and he could feel the battle inside her. One she was losing because she wasn't exactly fighting hard.
He looked at her, meeting her heated gaze, and moved forward. His lips slanted across hers and he was taken aback by the passionate kiss she returned. His blood on fire, he dropped her hands and grabbed her around the waist, lifting her to her feet and pulling her close. Leaning against the table, he pulled her between his legs, lining them up hip to hip as he kissed her. She moved closer, her mouth hungry on his as his hands splayed across the cool skin of her back.
Padmé leaned into him, her arms sliding around his waist as her head fell back. His lips were driving her wild, igniting flames she hadn't known possible in her system. She wanted... Her mind froze, almost going over the edge as Anakin broke the kiss and placed a hot kiss at the base of her throat. She had to stop this, to get it under control. And she didn't want to. Somehow she managed to pull away and fell back into her chair, her breathing hard.
"Anakin..."
He started to reach for her again, only to freeze at the sound of her voice. He was dangerously close to losing control in the worst way. She drove him to madness, inflaming him with her passion and innocence. And they had to stop, or he was going to do something he wouldn't be able to handle. Not in his current frame of mind. He ducked his head, the internal battle ranging as fiercely as it ever had. "I'm sorry." He said hoarsely.
"Why?"
His head came up. She searched his gaze, her eyes almost black in color. She was fighting, the same as he, and yet she had better control. His throat worked for a moment before he could find the words. "I should be able to control myself."
She smiled a half smile. "That's the most round about compliment I've ever received."
He flushed and moved away, putting some distance between them to find his inner balance again. Yes, her presence was soothing and calming, but not when it was linked to those heated kisses.
"You like those too, do you?"
He whirled on her. "Angel!"
"I know I know," she winked at him. "Get out of your head. Want to take a walk outside?"
"Can you behave yourself?"
She arched an eyebrow. "More easily than you, it would appear. I promise not to try anything while your clothes are still drying."
"Which means tomorrow I'm fair game?"
She nodded, standing. "Tomorrow. For tonight I want to pretend we're a normal couple and take a moonlit walk. That's permitted right? It's not breaking any of your Jedi codes?"
He chuckled, offering her his arm before leading her towards the doors. "If it was, I think we've broken enough of the code that one more wouldn't matter."
She laughed, opening the doors. "That's what you think."