Absolute Forbidden Pleasure
Guimel waited at the bend, keeping a firm hold on his mount. It was a stallion, a young one, and he usually reveled in keeping it under control, but today his shoulder was killing him and the constant tugging on the reins was not doing it any good. He must have sprained a muscle from yesterday's tennis - damn Kenneth! Hiroko hadn't showed up yet; no sound of horse hooves came to his ears, and he frowned. It could be possible that she had learned of her engagement yesterday - both Naolin and Mustrum had been pretty unhappy at his being there and they may have clued her in. If that was the case, she most likely would not be showing up; he quelled an angry sigh. It was such a beautiful day: the sun was shining brightly and the temperature was just right. The perfect setting for a seduction. But there wasn't much he could do about it if she didn't show. He growled softly, tightening his hold on the reins as his horse suddenly tried to bolt out from underneath him. "Be still!" he snarled and held it down once again, gritting his teeth as pain flared through his shoulder. Then he caught the sound of hooves along the lane; he kept still, waiting to see who it would be.
Her head drooped low as she kept her mount at a slow pace. The animal almost seemed to reciprocate her low feelings that morning, seeming to disregard the normal routine to break into canter, let alone a slight trot. Yet today he merely walked in a dejected way. Not that she was depressed, but it was understandable that she had a great many things occupying her thoughts at the time. Leaving the château had been pretty much a blur, mounting her horse and leaving the estate in the same slow walk as now; Naolin had given her too much to think about that morning!
Luckily the normally highly spirited Arab seemed as subdued as Hiroko, his acquiescence well appreciated and while they walked she merely kept her gaze down at her hands holding the reigns. Her gown, draped elegantly across the horses back, ruffled with every movement, the fabric tugging at her waist, and she released a small, deflated sigh as she turned back slightly in an attempt to release the strain, adjusting the skirt before returning her gaze back to her hands.
It was her, and from the look on her face, she was in the know. He felt a trepidatious rise in spirits: he'd always stayed away from engaged girls. This would be new territory for him.
"Hiroko!" he called out softly, smiling warmly as she looked up at him.
She glanced up at her name's calling, talking in the familiar form of Lord Guimel, a small smile gracing her lips as she neared him. As always he looked smart and handsome, if just a little drained, and his own bright smile was heartening.
With a light tug on the reigns, she drew her horse to a halt, inwardly pleased by how obedient the gelding was being, unlike Guimel's own mount, which seemed to delight in tugging on his reigns.
"Good day Guimel," she responded sweetly, tugging a strand of stray hair behind her ear before adjusting the riding crop in her hand.
"Domo arigato for meeting me, today," he said softly. "You have truly made it a special one. Forgive me for asking, but you seem a little down. Is anything wrong?"
"I have a great deal on my mind this morning, my lord. Things which I wish were not there." Her hold on the whip tightened as she spoke and she glanced back in the direction of her father's home. "But they have done enough to ruin my mood last night and for the latter part of the morning. I do not wish to draw on it any longer than necessary. "
He smiled, inwardly smirking. Truly Naolin and Mustrum had no clue as to how this girl really was. So much more to his own advantage.
"Well, come along," he said invitingly, starting his horse down the road, away from her estate. "We'll do something pleasant, something to lighten your mood."
"That would be greatly appreciated!" she replied in thanks, spurring her own horse to match Guimel's pace, coming up alongside the lord. "Did the rest of your day go well, yesterday?" she inquired softly, glancing at him briefly before returning her eyes to the path before them.
"Well enough," he replied, then winced in pain as his mount tried to bolt again. "Damn!"
Her head turned sharply, her features slightly shocked by his tone and language before smoothing into a look of concern.
He quelled a sigh, pulling firmly back on the reins and ignoring his shoulder. The horse settled down and he turned to her, his smile fading a little at her expression.
"Is something wrong?" he asked.
"I was about to ask you the same?" she replied, eyes glancing down his form in silent scrutiny. "Are you well? Or is something ailing you. I doubt you would speak out like that if there wasn't some reason."
He froze, staring at her: he spoke out? What did he say? Oh, fuck! OK, get ahold of yourself, he thought grimly, his features automatically settling into a friendly look. She looks concerned, not outraged.
"You've caught me!" he said warmly, "I pulled a muscle yesterday, and Yamato here is merely aggravating it. Perhaps we could stop and continue our conversation on the ground?" He gestured to one of his saddle's saddlebags. "I thought we could sit out in a meadow somewhere; I've got a blanket and some wine. Do you know of a place nearby?"
"There are plenty of places to stop. There're a few pastures near by so we can stop at any of those." She returned his smile. "I suppose the sooner we get there the sooner you can rest your aching muscles. Shall we..?" she prompted, spurring her horse into a quick trot.
"Hai," he replied, matching her pace, inwardly scowling. What the hell was wrong with him? When did he ever let a little ache affect him so? He silently snarled, turning his face from her, then he smiled. This could be an advantage - he'd never tried the sympathy route before. She must be very conflicted about her present situation: she clearly cared for Mustrum, as her behavior at the party had shown. Well, he thought as she slowed and stopped, she obviously wasn't in love with him, or she'd have never come out here this morning. He dismounted and held his left hand up to her, smiling gently. There was a meadow stretching out to the left of the road; it rose and dipped down a bit; conveniently hiding anyone from view.
She accepted his hand, reaching the ground with a slight ruffle of fabric, thanking him gently before taking her horses reins and tugging gently on them.
Guimel drew the reins from her hands, smiling.
"Allow me," he said as he drew both her horse and his to a tree that stood by the road. He tied the reins to a low branch, then got the blanket, the bottle and a couple wineglasses out. He handed her the bottle and glasses, then, taking her hand, led her up the small hill and down into a little dale, out of sight from the road but giving them a vista of rolling pasture and distant hills. He spread out the blanket, then knelt and turned towards her, holding up his hand.
"My lady?" he asked softly, determinedly ignoring the twinge in his shoulder. Despite his fleeting thoughts on garnering her sympathy, there was no way he was going to come across as a weakling. He'd just grit his teeth and soon he'd be too distracted to think about it. His smile broadened a little as he looked up at her, her pretty figure before him, highlighted by the sunshine.
Once again her name's utterance startled her from troubled thoughts. She glanced up, staring into deep green eyes and blushed slightly, taking the hand offered to her, and settled herself on the soft blanket beneath her.
Apart from the fine view and the temperate heat her thoughts had once again been drawn away by thoughts of Terris. Very rude considering the company she kept but it was something she could not prevent. His face kept on creeping back into her mind; the distraught look against his striking features as she had fled the room that night. Of course he was as concerned as she but he was not in the situation she was! He already held love for her in his heart, or so she presumed. She held no such emotion for him, beyond sisterly love. How was she meant to spend the rest of her life with him, as his wife… bear his children. The sheer thought of it sent shivers down her spine. It was almost like committing incest! Yet her father, mother and older brother backed the pairing, and what with Callista being far too young to even understand what was really going on and Lowell still away in the military, there was no one to support Hiroko. He would have stood up for her! He would have made their father seen sense. She sighed gently, tipping her head upwards to take in the bright sky, the uncommonly pleasant day before turning back to the young lord.
She had that look on her delicate features again: a look of conflict. He lay beside her, but not too close, propping himself up on his left elbow as he put on a look of soft concern. Actually, it felt pretty good to lie here, the sunshine warm upon him and not having to really do anything at the moment. He had all the time in the world, really; and he could lull any hesitation she may harbor. But he didn't much care for her expression: the smooth brow was troubled and the dark blue eyes hooded. He liked her better smiling. And excited.
"What's bothering you, Hiroko?" he asked softly. "You can tell me."
"I just can't seem to escape my problems, can I?" She mused thoughtfully. "I reveled in the fact that father allowed me to go to Asturia for a time, away from his words of marriage, yet I was merely blinding myself thinking that such talk would go away during my absence." She sighed again, tucking her legs underneath her gown's skirt. "I've returned home to find the situation far more intense than before. If only I'd known…"
He ran his finger along a trailing fold of her gown that lay between them.
"Known what?" he asked, not looking at her.
"How could I not have seen his care stemmed deeper than friendship," she whispered, grasping her hands together in a tight hold. "If Terris had but told me how he felt… I could have done something. Made him realize that there could never be anything between us. I care nothing for him concerning passion and desire, merely sisterly devotion…"
He looked up at her, gently covering her clenched hands with his own.
"Passion and desire for a person can be learned," he said. "But it is nothing compared to that which springs up on its own."
"But why must he choose this course of action? He knew exactly how much it would distress me and yet… and yet I am the last to know. He wants me and so he takes the necessary precautions to have me all to himself. I feel so wicked for thinking it but I dread the thought that…" She turned away, shivering gently at the unbidden thought. What a lamentable time her wedding day… and night would be!
Mustrum, you are such a baka! Guimel thought with an inner sneer. You know how this girl thinks and yet you tell her nothing of your feelings, just assume she'll be happy with whatever you decide. He brought himself up short: why was he even thinking like this? Stick to the agenda! He slid up to sit beside her, putting his arm around her to rest on the blanket beside her, not quite touching her back. He could feel the heat from her body, smell the sweet scent of her skin; he calmed himself down with an effort.
"I can understand his attraction: you are very beautiful. And bold. But you should never have to feel dread about anything."
Her head drooped, a small smile curving her lips and she blushed lightly.
"I wish he saw it the way you do, lord, but that is unlikely." She turned, despite her blush and stared at the young lord. "What of yourself? Have you similar thoughts on any specific lady at this time? Perhaps one you wish to settle down with. Despite your age I know of those who have married younger than you… all for the sake of carrying on the families name and traditions, be it for love or not."
He smiled sadly, ignoring the impulse to lean forward and close that short space between their mouths. God, it would be so easy... He reined himself in, inwardly snarling. Control!
"Alas, no, my lady," he said softly. "I am scheduled to join the military in a month. A great honor to my family, but I will miss idle moments in gracious company."
"Do… do you want to go? Leave your family and friends behind? Do you not worry that they will miss you?" she ventured meekly.
He fought from looking at her sharply. No one had ever asked his feelings about the matter; he'd never really thought about it. He straightened and looked away from her, towards the distant hills.
"I... I don't know," he said slowly. "But I will not dishonor my family." He inwardly shook himself, then turned back to her. "Will you miss me, Hiroko?"
"You make fine company, Guimel. I do not hesitate in saying that your company will be sorely missed," she murmured before sighing. 'Why must the military draw away the best of men?' she thought sadly.
He smiled.
"That makes my heart very glad," he replied, then softly put his hand on her neck. "I will have many fond memories of you to take with me, I hope."
"I do hope you will think of me fondly while you are away, sir, though I think you will have little time to give much else other than your training and such things any real thought."
He slid his hand around to the back of her neck, leaning towards her.
"I suppose that depends on the memory, ne?" he said softly. "What kind of memory would you like to give me?"
"What would you want of me?" she asked gently, tipping her head to one side slightly, eyes appealing in unknowing confusion. What did he want of her? Then again, didn't he say something similar the day before, at tea? Her cheeks felt hot at the memory, of what had followed, and she swallowed a little more heavily than usual.
"Passion; desire," he whispered and kissed her.
Like the day before her body stiffened slightly, though as before she did not pull away, a sharp intake of breath drawn in just as his lips pressed against hers. After a moment her eyes fluttered closed, involuntarily finding herself slightly leaning into him, an innocent response to his own pleasant advances. Passion and desire… words that she had spoken only a few moments before, of how she could never apply them to her feelings for Terris, but Guimel. Surely they had to be a part of her affection towards him, for if not then why would she submit so quickly.
Desire surged through him at her response, but he had to be careful! She didn't know what would happen; he didn't want her to struggle against him. But it was so hard to hold back; why should this be so hard for him? He gently pushed her down onto the blanket, running his fingers lightly down her neck, caressing her shoulder before softly cupping her breast.
She gasped out gently, the noise muted by Guimel's mouth against hers, and she moved slightly. This was so totally new to her… her mind consumed by so many thoughts or unsure-ness, confusion; though the sensation of his lips against her was quickly making all other thoughts quickly disperse.
He slipped his tongue slightly into her mouth, moving his hand down and around her, pressing her up against him, the feel of her soft, warm body overwhelming his caution. Oh, God, he wanted her so badly!
The contact made her swoon slightly, and as like the day before she felt her body gently arching up against his, her body reacting before her mind had time to register what was exactly happening. She let out a small moan as his tongue ran along hers, and she found her hands fisting a small hand full of the fabric of his jacket.
He had to stop, he had to stop NOW he thought as he felt her moan run through him, her touch on his side. She was responding so much like he'd thought she would: what abandon! But she didn't know; they hadn't even started... He broke free of her mouth, gasping lightly.
"Hiroko," he said, "Undo my jacket."
She finally opened her eyes, her breaths coming out in small gasps and her chest heaving heavily against the pressure of her bodice.
"Why?" she managed to speak a little breathlessly, eyes staring up into Guimel's questioningly.
"Hiroko," he replied urgently, "This isn't anything near true passion. Would you like to know what that is like?"
It was quite scary, this new feeling coursing through her, making her body tremble ever so slightly. Yes, this newness was quite frightening. Guimel seemed familiar with the situation, comfortable in it yet for her… She didn't move, didn't say anything, just turned her head away in slight embarrassment. Once again her ideas of propriety causing her mind to clear slightly. This position they were in was quite intimate to say the least. 'What do you want from me?' she thought the same moment the words passed her lips just above an airy whisper.
Passion! Desire! He wanted to shout at her, but the stillness of her body, the turning of her face caused him to clamp his mouth shut. WHAT was wrong with him? He had never been this uncontrolled! He loosened his hold upon her, feeling his cheeks heat up as he tried to crush his desire. It remained, however: he ached to have her, despite her reluctance and his own good sense.
"What have you done to me?" he whispered before he could stop himself.
Her head turned slowly, glancing up at him, her eyes searching his as she allowed her hand to leave his jacket and lightly touch his cheek. She was confused. What had she done to him? Had she done something wrong… this was all so confusing.
"I'm sorry…" she murmured gently, though she was unsure what she was apologizing for.
He had to get out of there, but how? Get a hold of yourself! He inwardly snarled and forced himself to smile. He'd never lost a conquest, and he wasn't going to lose this one. Her touch felt very nice; the fingers cool on his heated skin.
"There's no need to apologize," he said softly. "I don't know why I said that. How are you feeling?"
She returned his smile, her concern quickly dissipating and absently she traced her fingers along Guimel's skin.
"I feel light-headed, though it's not unpleasant in the slightest. And my body feels all tingly now!" she ran her tongue over her lips, the taste of Guimel's own still present on them.
OK, you can do this, he thought grimly, trying to think of something that would calm his body down. Nothing was coming to mind; his fingers trembled to undo the laces of her bodice, to run down her body, to push up her skirt... He reined himself in again, feeling the sweat come out on his brow from the effort.
"Follow your body's instincts," he said, smiling slightly at the irony of his suggestion, "Your touch is wonderful." He bent his head and kissed her neck, nipping it lightly as he undid the high collar on his jacket and the first few top buttons. He took her hand and slid it down his neck to his shoulder.
Timidly her hand slid a little up and over his shoulder, her mind still in debate on what to actually do. She was inquisitive, despite how she secretly knew this situation was all very wrong. She had always been that was as a young child. Getting into situations she was new and unsure of, things she knew were wrong. She would have thought given time she could have broken herself from such subversive actions and yet she found herself here, with Guimel.
His skin felt so smooth against her touch, and she could feel the muscles beneath her fingers flex. Every so often she felt a light nip to her skin, sending her body shivering again, and she found her nails ever so slightly scoring the skin beneath them, her head tipping to the side, taking great pleasure in the sensation of smooth lips against her neck. Hadn't he spoken before of things that could be experienced far more pleasurable than this… she found that slightly hard to believe.
Mmmm, she tasted so sweet; he slid his fingers under her wrap, pushing it off her shoulders as he shivered at her nails on his skin. And adventurous - could this get any better?! He fought with himself, shaking with the effort to keep his movements slow and gentle.
"Hiroko," he said softly against her skin as he moved his head lower, kissing her collarbone, slipping his hands around her once again to slowly trace the laces of her bodice down to her waist, where the knot was.
Her body moved closer to his, arcing up into his touch, her own hand running up his neck and into his hair; muted murmurs passing her lips. Her body felt so warm, the sensations so new and yet... almost familiar, right!
He was going insane; it was taking all he had not to tear at her clothes, to enter her NOW, but, although she was responding so ardently, he knew what was to come would be a bit shocking to her. He had to make sure she knew what was going to happen; he'd never forced anyone to lay with him; no one had never known what was going to come, and he was quite proud of that fact. He lifted his head and looked at her: her eyes were closed, a faint flush to her cheeks; her expression was pleasure, expectancy. He kept from groaning as he own body responded to it.
"Hiroko," he said, a little hoarsely. "I want you. I want to be inside of you. It is like nothing you've ever felt; I know you will enjoy it so much!"
Her eyes opened slowly, her eyelids low, and she blinked in the sun light. What was he referring to… once again his words confused her and she raised herself up slightly, placing her weight on one arm and stared at him.
"What do you mean?" she asked gently, her other hand lightly pressing down against the fabric of Guimel's pants leg. "I... I still don't understand what it is you want from me… this is all so confusing."
He stroked her cheek, trying to ignore his body's demands as he went over his options. None of them looked good. He couldn't do this slowly - she was driving him crazy and she wasn't even trying to! Did she put some kind of spell on him? Nonsense! He refused to believe in such idiocy, despite persistent rumors that magic did exist, that the emperor himself dabbled in it. He couldn't just take her - that wasn't his style, and she would be hurt by it. He inwardly sighed at his own foolishness - he actually was considering her side of this. Truly she had put a spell on him... He smiled and pulled away from her. His body would calm down on its own, given time. He'd have to give up on this one, much as he hated to. He was keenly aware of her touch on his leg; it was like no one else's. Another reason to drop this, to admit defeat. Well, at least I'll give Kenneth a good laugh, he thought with grim humor. Now, how to bow out of this gracefully? His smile warmed as he reluctantly took her hand from his leg.
"What nonsense I've been spouting today!" he softly exclaimed. "Your company is quite enough for me, my lady."
"What..?" she asked again a little exasperated. Did he have to always speak in riddles to her? She squeezed his hand gently, expression once again that of concern. "If you but clarified your intent I could be just as frank with you, lord. Do not try and draw away from what you want of me. I apologize for my ignorance, it's clear that in such dealings it does nothing to aid you in explaining your meaning but… I'm sure given a little time I can be made to understand your words."
He turned and took up the bottle of wine, thinking it over. He was sorely tempted to tell her straight out. What the hell: he'd be gone in a month. But he'd shown more than enough of his real self, another thing he'd never done with a conquest before. A conquest, right. Who's conquering whom here? he thought sardonically as he opened the bottle and poured the wine into the glasses. He set the bottle down, then turned back and handed her a glass.
"I merely wanted to experience your beauty in full, Hiroko," he said softly. "But what I want goes far beyond the boundaries of propriety."
"You speak as if you have experienced such a thing before. But surely then that… or those experiences also went, as you said, far beyond the boundaries of propriety…" she responded plainly, "If that is true what difference should it make now?"
He raised an eyebrow, smiling lazily.
"Have you no thought of your reputation, Lady Madeious? Or of your future husband, Lord Mustrum?"
"What could be so wrong that it would destroy my reputation? Whatever it is you speak of you seem to be trying to warn me away from it. It's confusing. You want something from me and yet you seem determined not to have it." She sighed gently, taking a small sip from her glass. "Father and brother have kept me so isolated… even in Asturia they had given orders to the lady I stayed with, keeping me out of the way of others…" She turned her head away, staring down at her wine. "Terris and Naolin speak of the threat such men as yourself present but I just don't see it… what are they trying to protect me from?" she paused, the slightest frown against her features. "Today… today we have done things… things which I have spoken to my brother never to allow… but..." But she had thrown caution to the wind, taking in all the forbidden pleasures Guimel had to offer. What could be more scandalous than that? The only thing she had more to offer was…
Her features blanched and she stared up at the form before her, her mouth parting slightly to speak yet no words would come. Though she did not know exactly what would ensue if she accepted such an offer she did have some knowledge, her brother had made frequent referral to it the day before!
He took a swallow of wine and smiled, observing how her expression changed from confusion to shock as she realized the real game. "Pleasure, my lady," he said softly. "Absolute, forbidden pleasure."
"So much for your honorable intentions, sir…" she replied quietly. "And so you wish to claim my chastity, but for what reason?"
"How did you feel before I stopped?" he asked. "Did you want me to? Or did you want me to continue on, increasing the pleasure flowing through your body until you couldn't contain it?"
"I cannot deny it felt nice… and… and that I did feel disappointment when you stopped! But what does that have to do with it?"
He inwardly smiled: this was very intriguing! He'd never debated this before with a girl; a new experience! But he wasn't fooled by the interest he was feeling: he knew that if he kissed her, touched her again it would be like before, uncontrolled. How could he have been so blinded? Well, his eyes were opened now, just like hers. He quelled a smirk as he took another swallow of wine. There was no way she would learn how much she affected him!
"Hiroko, don't play the hypocrite," he said banteringly. "You knew it was wrong to meet me outside of your estate, alone. You left any argument about your propriety a long time ago. I'd say back in that corridor, at the party."
She gasped out a little in repressed outrage.
"I went with you then, held my tongue at your touch, lord, and here it is you making it sound as if I was the one acting improperly. I never went beyond the boundaries of propriety. It was you who acted uncouthly, not I!" she released a long sigh, quelling her irritation at this situation. "I trusted you, that is why I came away on my own. Perhaps that is my fault, my naivety lead me from the truth but you spoke of trusting you. I believe people at their word. Please don't let me believe that I can't trust you… not after everything!?"
He felt a pull to apologize - what the hell?!? Had she gotten that much to him? He crushed the pull ruthlessly, staring at her with a half-smile on his lips. He picked up the bottle and refilled his glass.
"Listen to me," he said, still smiling. "Everything, and I mean everything your brother, and most likely Mustrum, has told you about me is true. More wine?" Now why did he say that? She would probably leave in a huff, and for some reason he didn't want that. You baka, he groaned to himself. WHAT is wrong with you?
Her eyes reflected hurt, recalling her brothers and Terris' words.
"You merely wish to use me?" she whispered, "I… I mean nothing to you. Then why, why all this. You've spent days with me… it was all a lie?" she chocked back a sob, trying with waning effort to retain what little dignity she felt she had left. "But why?"
He kept his face nonchalant. "Passion. Desire. You are very beautiful, and your boldness promises a very rewarding experience." He turned from her, setting down the wine bottle, not wanting to see the hurt in her pretty features. Why didn't she just go away? Surely he had goaded her enough to make her run back to her brother, to Mustrum. He felt a flare of anger at the thought of the old goat. He'd have her, be her first, and he'd be laughing at him, too. Guimel closed his eyes, knowing she was probably looking even more hurt, now. Go away, he thought to her. Please, go away before I do something I will really regret.
She closed her eyes at his words, head turning away. It was heart-wrenching really, the thought of being used and deceived for someone else's gain. And yet. She turned back to Guimel, taking in his form, his own closed eyes and shifted a little bit closer.
"And yet you could have taken what you wanted… at any time. But you didn't. Instead you tell me all this? I can't say it doesn't hurt, it does a great deal but…" Tentatively she moved closer, reaching out and running her thumb across his cheek again, accidentally brushing his lower lip. Her other she placed against his own hand and she stared at him, as he remained barely an inch from her, her nature calm and thoughtful. "But, though I may be mad to, I will happily forget it, if you swear your motives for all this will change."
He stiffened at her touch, then took her hand and kissed the palm, savoring the taste of her skin once again. Then he dropped it, opening his eyes and laughing lightly.
"I don't want to change," he said. "I like who I am, despite what you do to me." He pushed her onto the blanket and held himself above her, resting his hands on either side of her startled face. "And you do arouse me, more than any prey I've ever had before. If I took you, it would not be gentle and slow, but rather hard and fast. That's not a good first time." He laughed again. "See what you do to me? Despite myself, I'm concerned about you. Have you cast some spell upon me? I seem to have no control anymore."
"You could do it now and... and I wouldn't stop you! I wouldn't resist you," she replied honestly, gazing up at him, a gentle sigh passing her lips. Her hands reached up, one resting against his back, the other his waist. "Do it now. Quench your need and leave. Do it. I'm nothing to you, am I? I am not asking you to change. But if my request is too hard then just do what you will. As I said, despite everything, I'll let you!" She closed her eyes; her head tipping back slightly, preparing herself for whatever may be next to follow. How she wanted to trust him, have that reassurance returned yet how could she when he did not seem willing to reassure her. How could she when I was not in his capacity to do so?
Oh how could she fall someone so quickly and despite everything, knowing his affections seemed to be false she was willing to give herself to him, be shrewd her own reputation, her fathers wrath, Terris' feelings. She'd let him take her, despite his warning, despite her fears… all for the sake of a dwindling love.
"As you desire, Hiroko," he said, almost coldly, then dipped his head to kiss her.