CHAPTER 14

Once Again

What else could she do but wait? She was unsure how long he would remain away from her. Minutes, hours? Who knew? She could only try and occupy herself while he was gone. And so she returned to her bed, nestling herself on the now slightly disturbed sheets before picking up her book again and attempting to read. But how could she when her lips still tingled from his touch, his taste? She carefully turned the next page and although she had read the words they had not been registered in her mind, only thoughts of him and his words, which once again would not leave her head.

Guimel merged smoothly with the masked guests after making sure that no one at Hiroko's group was watching the staircase. How the hell was he going to find Kenneth in all this? He looked about, searching for his cousin, trying to remember just what he'd been wearing. It wasn't coming to mind: his thoughts were preoccupied with Hiroko, waiting for him upstairs. He couldn't wait to get back, to pull that black satin from her body and show her all his skills... He jerked to a stop, inwardly growling as he tried to calm himself down. Fuck, where was Kenneth? He walked slowly to the table they'd originally sat at, where he'd overheard Hiroko and Mustrum. He frowned: he didn't want to think about that. He didn't want to think about anything but getting back upstairs! A-ha! Kenneth was sitting at the table, carelessly holding a glass of wine as he watched the crowd. Guimel smirked and sat down.

"Well?" Kenneth asked lazily. He shrugged.

"Such a challenge..." he said softly. Kenneth grinned.

"Come now, Guimel!" he quietly exclaimed. "You had every opportunity in the world!" Guimel softly snarled.

"Except that her damn' sister had to be there!" he growled. "I finally got her to let me into her room and there she was, little brat." Kenneth laughed and saluted him with his glass.

"So, is that it?" he asked, smirking now. "You're giving up?" Guimel leaned back scowled faintly.

"I can't see what else I can do," he replied sourly. Kenneth smiled.

"Well, this is a first," he drawled. "Too bad."

In the end she had given up her attempts to read, instead crossing the corridor to check on her sister. Bless the child; she was deeply asleep, her body curled up tightly into a ball. She had then returned to her room, a strange anticipation overcoming her, at the thought of his return. She walked to the far end of her chamber, procuring her brush and absently running it through her hair. Right now any distraction was better than counting the minutes till Guimel's return, however long that could be!

"Hai," Guimel softly snarled. Then he smiled and looked his cousin over. "And you, Kenneth? Why haven't you gone after Lady Aiko?" Kenneth's smile turned into a smirk.

"I know how much you enjoy watching, almost as much as I do!" he softly replied. "Now, watch and learn, my dear Guimel, and maybe you'll fare better with the next conquest." Guimel nodded his head briefly, then smiled slightly as he watched his cousin disappear into the crowd. Now, time to head upstairs...

Pleasant images flashed before her eyes as she sat, her brush now lying still in her lap as she remained seated before her vanity table, eyelids shut and a small smile on her lips. She could hear the vibrations and steady rhythm of the ball below her and for a moment she wished she were back down there with her brother, mother and father; dancing and laugh with the others present. She had yet to see her three cousins and spending time with her uncle was an enjoyable experience but… but she was here in her room, waiting for Guimel; eagerly anticipating seeing his fine face and proud form again.

Not two hours ago the thought of him again practically terrified her, the mere mention of his name causing her to recall that of breaking thoughts and memories. But now… the moment she had saw him, after the initial shock, that warm feeling had returned to her, that feeling of being held by him, hearing his charming voice and the feeling of his lips against hers. It drew away so much of the fear she had first felt. Surely this was not wise, despite her feelings; his conduct with her the day before was so shameful, for her and her family but even now when she should have been locking her door and hiding away she was inviting him back to her bed chamber. She released a stifled yawn, confusion and tiredness reflected in the gentle sigh which shortly followed.

"Lost in your thoughts?" came the gentle call from her doorway and her eyes instantly opened, staring into the mirror, her gaze falling onto the masked man before her. He leaned against the door, inadvertently shutting it with his weight before reaching back to draw the lock, preventing any unwanted visitors from disturbing them.

Hiroko nodded her head in answer to his question, placing the brush back onto the table before raising herself from her seat, a small smile curving her lips. With graceful steps she made her way over to the chamber window, her hand reaching out to touch the pane. She could see people outside in her uncle's garden, weaving into the confines of the maze, which took up a great proportion of the grounds. Now that she thought about it, she had seen the same thing before, the night she had first met Guimel; couples walking into the darkness with knowing glances cast at one another. She'd never noticed it before, but now, with eyes unclouded…

She jumped slightly at the feeling of hands upon her shoulders, then turned to stare at the form behind her before returning her gaze to the garden. Were they off to do that same as she and Guimel had but a day or so ago? Such thoughts caused a shudder to run through her, remembering what had been, the memories of it all; would she ever forget that day? Would she ever know the passion he had spoken of, promised? She blushed, shaking her head slightly to remove any such fanciful thoughts from her head.

"May I enquire what thoughts seem to have rendered you so, Hiroko?"

"A great deal of things. Forbidden things. I should feel quite wretched for thinking such things, my lord. That and thoughts best not dwelt on!" She returned her gaze to the view before them, eyes glancing at the blond hair reflected in the window, the youth's gaze directed upon her, before she pushed it open slightly, appreciative of the cool night's air against her skin as it slipped through the parting. "I see it now!" she whispered quietly. "Now that my eyes have been opened somewhat. The strange things I have seen, heard before now and dismissed so easily, now… now it's all so clear." She did not turn to face him, simply stared up at his reflection as she spoke. "They all play the game, don't they, like you." Finally she turned, facing him this time, her eyes a little sorrowful. "Just like you with me, leading them away somewhere private."

"Yes, it's most likely true. Most tonight are here for that very reason!"

"Like yourself?"

"Like myself. But no more as your brother and cousins. I would not doubt that Mustrum would be doing so too were he not so smitten by you, lady!" She looked down, realising how true his words were, recalling Naolin the day before; his words and actions regarding Lady Du Pless and that attitude of his all the next day! She shook her head, taking a small step closer to him.

"And tonight, what are your intentions, Guimel?"

"Not what you obviously seem to think!" came the plain response as she reached up, her fingers running over the fabric, masking his features before tracing them back behind his head to untie the lacing there; gently pulling it away from his face.

"That's better!" she murmured, sliding the visor into his jacket pocket before turning back to gaze at the view for a moment longer before relenting, the breeze causing her to shiver as she closed the window. The coldness was too bitter for her that night, considering her chosen attire. "Did you have any problems downstairs? I've noticed how persistent your cousin can be!"

"It went as smoothly as expected - there's no reason for him not to believe what I told him!" She frowned ever so slightly, her head tipping to one side as she stared up at him expectantly.

"Where does he think you are?"

"Still downstairs, most likely brooding over your rejection of me!" She chuckled gently, her hand resting on his with a gentle touch.

"You really were being truthful when you said my reputation is intact, weren't you?" she whispered, her hold tightening.

"I told you, as I did your brother. Whatever happens between you and me is our business." She blushed slightly, her head drooping in slight embarrassment, recalling again the memory of what had happened between them as she felt his hand cover hers. "I did mean it when I said I was sorry."

"For what?" Hiroko responded, staring blankly at her feet.

"You know what I'm referring to, Hiroko. I am sorry for hurting you!" came the soothing voice above her as she was drawn against his warm form. "I really do wish I could make it up to you."

"You don't have to!" she whispered as she felt her chin tipped up. "Despite what I felt I did consent to what happened between us. It was my choice; you warned me…"

"I warned you but you had no understanding of what I was really asking of you." She laughed lightly; quite aware of how gentle his hold on her was, taking in the softness in his eyes and smiling softly.

"I never wanted to see you again. I was so hurt. The physical pain was nothing compared to what I felt like inside, the mental anguish and I was so scared of seeing you tonight. That I was nothing to you, nothing but a silly little girl who you had fooled." He stiffened slightly at her words and her smile softened even more. He went to speak, no doubt a rebuttal on his tongue, yet she silenced him, pressing a finger to his lips. "But now after seeing you again, talking to you; I don't care what has happened. Now I can't stand the thought of not seeing you again." She pulled away from his hold as her fingers traced the well-defined curve of his mouth, her thumb following suit, running along his lower lip in an absentminded fashion.

His hand caught hers, bringing it up to his lips, pressing a kiss to her wrist, his warm breath against her skin causing small goose bumps to break out over her body. She really wished she understood how he did this to her. Though she did feel nervous of his touches and intent she couldn't help but respond to them. Hiroko shivered as he kissed each finger before slowly letting go of her hand and she instantly let her form lean against his, his arms coming around her in a warm embrace.

He said nothing, his head merely rested against hers, a long sigh released as they remained silently in the vast chamber. How long they stood there she did not know, she simply resting her head against his chest, her hand against the side of his jacket, gently fisting the fabric as they remained there. It was comforting and with his fingers gently tracing the satin covering her back she quickly found herself starting to slip into a light sleep.

"You're tired?" came Guimel's soothing words, though it was more of a statement than a question and she shook her head in response, her hold on him tightening. "If you want to sleep I'll leave, you know!"

"No." she murmured, her head shaking more prominently. "I don't want you to go. Please don't!" She looked up at him, her eyes appealing him to stay, her weariness flooding from her the moment his words had been spoken. "I just haven't slept that well the last few nights, that's all."

"Does that mean you haven't slept at all?" She remained silent, avoiding from answering, knowing his presumption to be correct. "Once again a repercussion of my dealings with you!"

"Perhaps," she said with a calming gentleness, "But, like everything else, it was my choice. We've been through this, Guimel!"

Silence once again ensued between them, the sound of the ball coming up from beneath them, where her parents most likely danced together, her brother perhaps finding a young lady to accompany for the night. She shivered gently. A young lady to seduce… when he was so angry about Guimel's dealings with her. Surely that girl and the ones before her had brothers who would be as angry as he? How could he be such a hypocrite? Yes how could here, while Guimel had done so much to try and make up for his mistakes!

"Hiroko?" She snapped out of her revere, blushing brightly as she realised how long she had been starting at Guimel.

"I'm sorry; I was just lost in my thoughts again," she replied, moving her head to lean her cheek against his. "So many things are running through my mind. I don't know what to do anymore; I wish I did! I suppose I can only act upon my emotions, what I feel deep down inside, whatever they are."

"What do your emotions tell you, Hiroko?" God, just his voice sent her body trembling. Did he have any idea what he did to her with a few simple touches and words?

"I'd like to just stay here, like this and never have to worry what tomorrow will bring. Just stay here like this…"

"You make it sound as if the night is already over. It has just begun!" His words were right, and that fact soothed her greatly!

"Yes… all night." Hiroko sighed, a small smile showing as she leaned up against him more, watching him carefully as he lowered his head slowly, his lips brushing hers.

Her fingers ran into his fine hair as she surrendered herself to his imploring touches, as his hold on her slightly tightened while he gently deepened the kiss; drawing it on and on until her lungs ached for a breath of air and the smallest of moans were forced from her. When he finally broke it she was left breathing heavily, her hold on him tight and she was very glad of his supporting arms around her. She was quite unsure that without his hold she would have the capacity to stand of her own will, the kisses intensity leaving her legs feeling rather weak.

"I know what you want from me!" she managed to gasp out breathlessly, watching him carefully, noting he too seemed to be in a similar state. "Despite the dishonour it could bring to my family if any found out that I had lain with you I cannot help but want to please you!" She remained against him, her hands pressed against his back, running over the beautifully designed fabric. "What kind of woman would do such a thing: invite a man into her chamber, alone? I am not the submissive woman I should be. See how easily I backed up and then disregarded the rules of protocol and propriety. And yet despite this, when most would dismiss me, you still seem to want me. You must, for you have come back. But is your need to have me again the only reason you're here? I wish I knew!"

"I wish to rectify the pain and distress I've caused you," he replied softly. "I know I can't take back what happened. I can only hope to make it better." It was hard to tell if his intent was as honourable as it sounded, but if she believed him then what?

"And so you intend to do the same as before, as in the meadow?" His expression turned serious, his hold on her tightening.

"I can assure you it would be nothing like that! I wasn't lying when I told you it's like nothing you've ever experienced. When done right it would be so very different, I promise!" She sighed gently, staring at him critically in a show of uncertainty.

"You said that once before, Guimel and I did believe you then, for what that was worth." His hand left her waist, his fingers tracing her jaw line before tipping her head up to look into her eyes. She was lost from there on, in the depths of his olive coloured orbs. The understanding and concern in his eyes won her over far quicker than any words could have!

She pulled back slightly, quickly suppressing thoughts and concerns of her future, at the idea that Guimel may do the same as before, leaving her the moment he had had his fill of her. All pushed aside as she made her choice and with tentative movements she undid the laces tied loosely at the top of her chest. He seemed to understand all too well the offer she was presenting him with and a sudden hesitation seemed to cross his fine features as he murmured her name with uncertainty.

"I believe you, Guimel. I trust you, whatever happens!" He smiled back in return; she felt her breath catch at how handsome he looked at that moment, as he ran a hand into her long hair before his head lowered to claim her lips.

Hey, Reader-san! Macbrooks here. Dilandausgirl wrote an excellent lemon to follow this scene; however, we can't post it here. So take it as read that our heroine and hero have a great time, Guimel making sure Hiroko gets the best experience possible, and we'll jump to the two of them just afterwards in the next chapter...