Author's Notes: AH. MAH. GARD. THIS COMMUNITY IS FULL OF PERVS! The amount of reviews I received for the last chapter was AMAZING. What a dirty community we TES fans are! LOL! Yeah, they finally bumped uglies! Surprisingly, that is not the focal point of the story! *gasps* Anyway~ enjoy! And R&R you bunch of pervs, you! XDXDXD

Love or Blood

Chapter Forty-one: Breath

xxxx

I awoke several hours later with a start. My surroundings were different and for an instant I did not remember where I was. As I lay there my eyes searched the room. Slowly the previous evening pieced together in my mind. I had half thought it was a dream but the large arm draped leisurely over my midsection told me otherwise.

"You slept so soundly," I heard the Count remark into my hair. Feeling him against my back alarmed me. The solid form of him was strange. I had never slept in a bed with another person before. It was disconcerting but I managed to focus on his words. "What woke you, a nightmare?" His body wasn't as warm as I thought it should be, but I could not simply say that it was cold either. A shade of warmth surrounded him but it was light; like taking a cold stone of winter and placing it by a fire. Such small residual warmth.

"No," I answered uncertainly, still taking in my surroundings. "I don't think so. I just woke up. I did sleep well though."

He hummed and pulled me closer to him. "As did I. No nightmares plagued my sleep last night. It was so peaceful…" The Count chuckled and stroked my arm. "I think you may be magical." I bit my lip and shrugged, not daring to chance a 'yes or no' answer. Truth be told I was unsure myself if I was magical…or blessed, or cursed for that matter.

I decided to try and alter the conversation. "I'm happy you slept well, Sir."

"I am happy that I had you with me to share it with." The Count answered, leaning over to kiss my neck. A small shudder ran through me at the feeling. Memories from last night became more vivid in my mind. My body grew hot and face flushed as I recalled them with most intense detail. Thankfully for once it seemed the Count did not notice this. "How are you feeling?" He inquired gently.

At first the question puzzled me. I had registered the dull ache in my groin since I had awoken but did not think it worth mentioning. Still, despite just having relations with the Count and being in bed with him presently, I felt embarrassed discussing such a thing. "Fine," I said quickly, twirling my hair nervously as I fought to keep my attention elsewhere. "A little sore that's all."

The Count then leaned up unto his elbow and shot me an inquisitive look. "Have you tried moving yet?" I frowned and shook my head. As he sat there looking me over I could not help but to appreciate his naked physique again. I also liked how several strands of hair hung wildly around his face while others stuck out at different angles. I never thought a bedhead could be so wonderfully endearing. "Would you try and sit up for me, please?"

I blinked, only having been half listening, then nodded. "Oh, alright," Hastily, I went to sit up and immediately regretted doing so. My breath hitched as a sudden, sharp pain ran from my loins and up to my lower abdomen. I bit back a small shriek as I continued to try and sit up fully. Pain bloomed with great intensity. My eyes watered and I quickly laid back down, the Count helping me do so. I blinked up unbelievingly at the bed's canopy. I could not sit up. "H-how on Nirn…? Why does it –"

"It is perfectly normal, Abigale Lynn." The Count answered fast, looking a bit sheepish. "The first time can be painful, not only during intercourse, but for a few days afterwards."

"I know that," I answered swiftly, my voice pitched high. "B-but this is ridiculous! I cannot sit up? H-how is it possible? My mother never told me –" I immediately shook the last thought away and scowled. I crossed my arms bitterly. "I never heard of a woman becoming bedridden from sex."

The Count put his hand over mine looking mildly amused. "You are not bedridden. However staying in bed and resting will be the best thing for you." He leaned down and kissed my forehead, oblivious to my angered pout, which was directed at him. "I will take care of you. After all it is my doing…unfortunately being a larger man is not as glamorous as one may think." He rubbed the back of his neck while he thought of the best wording possible. "There will be things I cannot do, or will not do out of fear of hurting you. It's for the best, at least for now."

I only nodded. In truth I was still at odds over the entire occurrence. Did I regret it? I did not think so. But all seemed so dreamlike to me. I was sore, having lain with the Count, and was still naked in his bed. If someone had told me previously that my future held this I would have surely laughed.

"You are right," I said finally with a sigh. "It will take me a moment to gather up my things and get to my room. I-I would greatly appreciate your help, Sir."

The Count looked down at me incredulously. "I'll be happy to help you do anything you wish Abigale Lynn, but you are not leaving this chamber. I want you with me."

I was a bit struck by his admonition and stared at him blankly. I knew I should have expected such a command, I did not know why I was surprised. "That's very kind of you to say so," I managed, unfortunately not sounding as grateful as I had meant to. "But I would really like to bathe. I could come back right after."

"No," The Count answered simply as if he were commenting on the weather. "You will bathe here and I will help you to do it." Despite being naked in his presence I blushed. He stood from the bed in all his naked glory and took two robes from a closet. I however pulled to blankets closer to my chest, feeling amazed that the Count had…well no qualms about being naked before me anymore. "Are you ready to stand?" He asked as he walked over to where I was laying. I nodded hesitantly. "I could carry you if you like." Then I shook my head fast, causing him to snicker. "I thought not. Alright, come here."

Even though he said he was not going to carry me he might as well have. As I attempted to sit up he quickly slid me to the edge of the bed and looped an arm around my waist. He supported almost the entirety of my weight as we made the small walk to the bathing chamber. My legs wobbled and my only focus was on moving forward. I was happy to find that walking did not hurt as much as I expected.

It was only when we entered the bathing chamber did I look down at my legs. I gasped loudly, staring at the blood that had dried to my thighs. I was not squeamish by any means but knowing that I had slept in such a state repulsed me. I asked the Count for a moment of privacy and was thankful when he did not argue. I sat on the privy – the quick motion making me almost double over from pain while doing so – and cleaned my lady parts as best as I could. Everything ached and throbbed. I felt so horrid.

Eventually the Count returned. I had filled a wash basin and rinsed myself several times before I deemed it safe to sit in a tub. I did not think it clean to swim about in mine and the Count's bodily fluids.

As I sank into the steamy, bubbly water, I was surprised to watch my naked Count follow. I did not know why the action touched me so. But I felt especially moved as he pulled me to his chest and ran a wet hand over my shoulder. The hot water felt good but not as good as his caress.

Regardless of the familiarity between us now I still blushed. I was so tired of feeling heat in my face, especially now sense it was coupled by a new, stronger heat in my loins. No matter how platonic his touch I burned.

The dull blue of the Magelights in the room were oddly soothing. I sighed contently as the Count ran his hands over my wet, naked body. Only when I smelt the soap did I realize that he was washing me. I let out a laugh that was laced with embarrassment as I tried in vain to still his hand. "I can do that," I squeaked, making another failed attempt to stop him. "I have not been washed by another since I was a newborn!"

"Abigale Lynn, I would not deprive you of this experience." He chided. "If you relax I promise you will find it enjoyable." He then smiled at me, looking absolutely charming, "Won't you allow me the chance to make you feel good?" I closed my mouth, finding it impossible to argue when the Count was so close, naked and handsome. I had always noticed his looks, he was an attractive man, but now I saw just how attractive he truly was. I could not believe it took until last night to notice.

I allowed him to continue his ministrations with a tight nod. However before he had even begun to touch me my mouth began to salivate and my body temperature rose. I shamefully knew that it had nothing to do with the bath water.

I closed my eyes as his hands again began to glide over me with ease and purpose. It started out innocently enough. He washed my shoulders, my arms and my belly. It did feel good and I relaxed further into the water. As he began to massage my breasts – taking a rather long time doing so – I couldn't help but to throw him a knowing glance before turning away from him. I tried to hide the smile on my face as he pretended to look innocent.

My bottom lip clenched in between my teeth as I felt him moving closer. The water rippled slightly as I was pulled onto his lap. I wasn't surprised as I should have been. In truth I hardly felt any trepidation. I wondered briefly if sex had turned me into an entirely new person…a person who I was growing rather fond of.

The Count's hand came up to my throat, his fingers sliding up to my chin, applying enough pressure to make my head fall against his chest. His other hand dipped below the water to my sex. His touch was gentle and soothing to my sore flesh. I closed my eyes and sighed, feeling him closing in for a kiss. Our lips touched gently but soon the kiss turned into a feverish exchange, much like the ones from the previous night.

I could feel his arousal throb against me and my own body trembled for it, but I shook my head at him and pulled away. My body hurt too much and I was afraid that if I encouraged his actions he would persuade me to go further.

"I'm sorry," I managed while trying to gather my incoherent thoughts. "I should not."

He made a soft sound, something between a moan and a groan before nodding his head in agreement with me. I carefully detangled myself from him and moved to the opposite end of the tub. Despite him being rejected a big cocky smile had formed on his face. He leaned back, making a spectacle of himself before speaking. "The pain is a terribly burdensome thing. I could help alleviate it…"

My face crumpled as I tried to define the hidden meaning in his words. "With a potion?" I asked, genuinely intrigued. He shook his head and moved closer. "A spell then?"

The Count chuckled but again shook his head. He placed both hands on my knees and gently stroked them. "Did you know…" he began, casting me a sultry glance. "That vampires do not need to breathe?"

I was still very confused until his hands slid under my buttocks and he bowed his head closer to the water.

"No, no, no, no!" I stammered, wriggling free from him. I believed I knew what he had meant to do. Despite my recent loss of virginity, I was not completely unknowledgeable of all things sexual. However, conalingus from a vampire was more frightening than sensual. "I would very much like to wash my hair!" I squeaked, projecting the first thing that came to mind in attempt to stop him. Thankfully it worked, and he laughed at my reddened cheeks and owlish look.

"Alright Abigale Lynn I won't fight you." He smiled, putting his hands up in mock surrender. "For now I release you from my wiles."

xxxx

After the rather drawn-out bath finished I dried myself with a towel. The Count found it more prudent to do the job for me however, and he did so tenderly.

That beautiful burgundy robe was all that I was 'allowed' to wear. He insisted that my near nudity would be more comfortable than clothes. I did not bother to refuse as I believed him. For even with the Count's assistance back to his bed I hurt.

He then arranged the pillows so I could sit up with minimal pain. I felt sheepish being doted on. I made a lame attempt to protest but it was shot down with a simple look. He insisted on bed rest and claimed that I should not be on my feet. I did not bother to point out that walking did not hurt so much, as I had a feeling that no matter what I said I would still be confined to his bed.

I sat oddly amongst the Count's blankets as he dressed himself. I watched on silently, still amazed by how unabashed he was now. I wriggled my fingers and toes as I paid particular interest in the way he – for a lack of better word – stuffed himself into his trousers. The black cotton of his pants hugged his hips, dipping down to the front lacing, which he had loosely tied.

Oddly enough his boots came next. He sat in a chair and pulled on the soft leather boots. I watched his shoulders move along with each smooth roll, flex and strain of his muscles.

"You are hungry, aren't you?" He questioned, effectively bringing me out of my stupor.

"Oh, um, I think so." I stammered while fiddling aimlessly with my hair. The Count smiled and pulled on a loose white shirt, followed shortly by a vest and overcoat. He said nothing, letting me recover from being caught observing him, to which I was grateful. When he finally walked over to the bedside his smile grew. He touched my cheek affectionately with one hand and pulled the bell for the Maids Quarters with the other.

"I'll have them prepare whatever you like…" He said as he sat down beside me. There was a short pause as the tender expression he held slowly shifted to one of nervousness. "What do you like?" The realization of him not knowing what I wanted for breakfast was causing him great unease, as though he had done me a great personal wrong.

I giggled at the worried face he was making and shook my head. "Anything, Sir I'm not picky." An immediate weight was lifted off of his shoulders and he sighed. Again I laughed at his animated looks. How he could be so stoic and then so caring was truly something of wonderment.

The Count picked up a thick lock of my hair and gave it a kiss. "I feel as though I've known you for so long and yet I still don't know you. There is so much I want to know."

He leaned in to kiss me, but I bit back a nervous laugh as he did so. "Breakfast has made me mysterious?" I questioned, feeling giddy as he moved more onto the bed to steal the kiss I had moments ago avoided.

"You've no idea," he mumbled, finally pressing his lips to mine. In an instant I felt the now familiar warm rush course through me. Want. Pure want. It came over me fast and violently. For the briefest second I wondered if it was normal…

He unfastened my robe's sash with surprising quickness. He parted the cloth, exposing my skin to the cool air. His teeth gently and accidentally grazed the tops of my breasts as he went to plant his mouth over my nipple. I moaned loudly, unable to control the volume of my voice as he began to suckle.

To say I was dumbstruck by sensation was an understatement. In truth I was utterly lost because of it. All reservations and rationality had gone from me. It was as though they had been completely obliterated by the Count's first kiss on my neck from the previous night. All I wanted now was to receive and reciprocate pleasure. I enjoyed the greedy heat in my belly and loins. My body stirred now by the lightest touch. It was sufficiently attuned with the new world around me.

Despite the dull ache in my sex I was exceedingly aroused. The Count's constant fawning over me in the bath and now bed had worked. I wanted him and would have allowed him to pursue his desires further had there not been a knock on the door.

He swore – which I was slowly realizing he did a lot of – and pulled himself off of me. I quickly righted myself, tying the sash around my waist and scooting further onto the bed in attempts to remain out of eyesight.

The Count glanced over his shoulder at me before opening the door. With both of us being satisfied by our 'stealth' he opened it.

"Abigale Lynn is not in her room!" I heard the Stewardess rasp from the corridor. "What in Gods' name did you do this time?"

I subconsciously tugged at my sleeve and moved even further away from earshot. I did not know why but the Stewardess' voice went straight through me. I thought that it was perhaps my own guilt at her worry.

"I've done nothing. Have you checked the library?" The Count inquired, his tone laced with almost unnoticeable delight. "Perhaps she went for a stroll. Did you check the throne room?"

"I knew to come here first! The poor girl can't bat a lash without you knowing about it. So where is she?"

"Calm yourself, Hal-Liurz she is in here with me. I needed help with something this morning and she happened to be awake." The Count said, thankfully no longer amused by the Stewardess' worry. He then turned his head and looked over at me, still keeping his body angled so that I was out of view. "Abigale Lynn, could you tell our dear Stewardess that you are alright?"

"Yes Sir," I called, hoping to address the Stewardess. "I'm alright in here just…very busy!"

"Fine!" Hal-Liurz snapped at the Count. "Well what did you want so early anyway?"

The Count then moved to step out of his room to properly speak to the Stewardess. Unfortunately the movement caused the slightest gap between him and the door before he could close it. Unbeknownst to the Count this gave another bystander the view of the room. As he spoke quietly to the Stewardess my eyes locked onto Tualga's. Her expression was utter shock. Then the door closed.

Author's Notes: Yeah, the chapter was pretty quick. I figured the wait had been too long so I just wanted to squeeze this one out. *makes inappropriate fart sounds*

For those of you wondering…Yes, Abby likes to do the deed. She wants to do the deed. It's in her blood…Mwahahaha!

P.S I DID NOT PROOFFF THIS CHAPTER AT ALLLLL. Goodnight!