How It Could Have Been… by lyradaemon

Chapter 3: After

Afterwards, they lay together, kissing softly, for a long time. Eventually Daemon pulled away and looked at her, stroking her hair. "I didn't disappoint you did I?" He asked, eyes serious.

"Daemon, you were wonderful," she assured him, smiling. "You were so gentle and tender and loving… I couldn't have asked for more."

Daemon smiled in return, love in his golden eyes. "You were wonderful too. I never thought it would be like that."

Jaenelle sighed contentedly, a smile on her lips.

"What are you so happy about?" Daemon murmured.

Jaenelle wriggled closer to him, seeking the warmth of his body. He wrapped his arms tightly around her as she tucked her head just under his chin.

"It's just that I love lying in bed, listening to the rain outside. And I'm here with you," she explained.

Daemon smiled and kissed the top of her dishevelled head. "I'm glad I make you so happy," he whispered.

They lay together without speaking for a long while, just content to hold each other. Finally, when Daemon was almost asleep, Jaenelle murmured, "I love you Daemon."

She felt him stir slightly. "I love you too sweetheart," he breathed into her hair. And with that, they fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

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Sometime during the night Jaenelle woke. For a moment she didn't know where she was – then she remembered the previous night and smiled.

The room had grown cold as the fire had died; Jaenelle shivered, then turned over, seeking Daemon's sleepy warmth. She slid an arm around his waist, stroking the small of his back, while resting her head against his chest.

Suddenly there was a startled cry from Daemon. "What the hell is that?" He demanded crossly.

"What the hell is what?"

"That cold thing on my back. It's freezing."

"Oh," Jaenelle said, withdrawing her arms. "Sorry."

Daemon paused a moment, then laughed. "Don't be," he chuckled.

"I thought you were asleep," Jaenelle said in defence, settling back down in Daemon's arms.

"I was, more or less. But then you decided to touch me with those ice-blocks you call hands."

"You're so irresistible though," Jaenelle murmured, raising her lips to Daemon's. "And now that we're both awake…" she breathed, their lips almost touching.

Daemon gazed into her bottomless blue eyes, then shook his head. "Nope, sorry. Too tired." And with that he promptly turned over and pulled the covers up.

"What? Daemon – I –" Jaenelle began, confused at his sudden withdrawl. Then she heard a muffled laugh coming from him and realised he was only playing. Well, two can play at this game, she thought.

"Fine, if you're going to be like that," she snapped haughtily, then turned over, tugging the blanket with her.

"Jaenelle, no, I'm sorry," she heard Daemon say apologetically. "Sweetheart, I didn't mean it, honestly." She just buried her face further in the pillow. "Darling, please look at me. I'm really sorry."

He gently brushed her hair away from her neck, his touch making her shiver. Daemon noticed. "I'll make it up to you," he whispered in her ear. Then he planted soft butterfly kisses down her neck, while his hands snaked around her hips, pulling her close to him. "I'll do anything you want…"

By now Jaenelle was quite breathless. Damn him, she thought. Why does he always do this? It's not fair. I won't give in.

But when his fingers gently stroked her breasts, and his tongue licked the pulse in her neck, a small whimper escaped her lips. Giving in, she turned over, wound her hands in Daemon's black hair, and kissed his soft lips.

"How do you expect anyone to resist you?" She murmured into his lips.

"I don't," he grinned. "Especially not you." He kissed again, letting his tongue dance with hers. "And after last night…" he let his fingers trail a lazy line down her side, "I know exactly how to tease you."

"And I know exactly how to tease you, my Prince," Jaenelle replied, revelling in the sensations Daemon's hands were creating. "But if you push me, I might just prove it to you," she threatened with a hot kiss.

"Mmm, sounds tempting…" Daemon murmured sensuously. "But, my sweet, I think it's time we went back to sleep. As much as I'd love this to carry on, it is the middle of the night, and we do have to get up tomorrow morning."

"I suppose so," she replied, stifling a huge yawn. "You're a bad man, Daemon Sadi – look how exhausted I am."

"Please don't tell Saetan," he laughed, before he kissed her soundly one last time. "Now, good night sweetheart."

"Mmm," was his only reply as Jaenelle snuggled down under the covers, letting Daemon wrap her in his arms.