Leandra thought going to Revka's would give her a little peace before she went home to face her parents. What she didn't count on was Guillaume gallantly insisting he come along to attend to anything she and Revka needed. What Leandra needed was space, time to be thankful of the miracle Malcolm pulled and some quality time with her remaining niece, but when Guillaume cleared his usually busy schedule for Isaac's exorcism she couldn't refuse him.
Colette was thrilled to have company. Guillaume was generous enough to keep Colette entertained while Leandra attended to Revka. Her aunt was still shellshocked from the whole affair, covering up her nervous breakdown in prayer. Every time Colette looked her way, Revka tried to force a smile, but she was too worn out to put any real effort into it and so Colette hovered near her mom, sensing something was wrong.
Leandra tried her best to stay in the moment with her family but all throughout the evening she couldn't help but check her phone for any sign of Malcolm, but he hadn't said a word. It should be his day off from classes and though she told herself she had no idea how grievous Isaac's condition was or how exhausted Malcolm must be, it wasn't like him to leave her on read. Every time her phone chirped it was a mad dash to see his reply, but the only responses were the usual check ins from Mara and a rather ominous text from her Mother saying they needed to discuss matters of the estate.
She knew that the discussion with her Mother was most likely the unforeseen consequences of asking for Malcolm's aid in the Circle, an unavoidable cost, and yet she dreaded what price would be asked of her. She hoped she could pay it.
Dinner was mostly peaceful, but then Revka grew tired early, without even touching her meal and asked Leandra and Guillaume if it was ok if they put Colette to bed so she could get some rest.
Guillaume was delighted at the opportunity. "It will give us good practice for when we have our own young ones."
Leandra choked on her steak, and Colette being the little devil she was couldn't help but make kissy noises as Leandra went red.
It was clear that Guillaume was a total pushover when it came to children. He read Colette five stories and let her initiate three different tickle fights, which were not exactly helpful since he was winding her up rather than settling her down, but eventually Leandra corralled Colette under the covers and turned off the light. Though whether that light would stay off and Colette tucked in was another matter.
On the ride home Guillaume chattered mindlessly to fill the silence.
Leandra found so much anger unburied today it took everything in her not to break down in tears as she struggled to keep up with the conversation. She couldn't believe that it was legal for her niece and nephews and Malcolm to be trapped in that horrible place, couldn't fathom why candy or toys could be considered contraband, couldn't stomach the thought of how close Isaac came to dying. She was so scared Colette would have magic and this whole cruel cycle would start anew.
She was a good Andrastrian that was taught the good should be rewarded and the wicked punished, but there was no question Malcolm was a hero today, and yet he would not be seen as one. Because he was born with magic? Something the Maker himself created.
That didn't make sense to her, and the arguments about him being too dangerous made no sense either. If a man could be condemned for what he might do and not what he has done then what could he do to prove himself innocent?
She fiddled with the returned rosary around her neck, mindlessly fearing that he gave it back because he lost interest and found a prettier girl closer at the Circle. She checked her phone once again for Malcolm, but still no answer and now that dusk had fallen she knew that something was wrong.
"Checking your phone a lot," Guillaume mused as he eyed her screen over her shoulder. "Someone I should be jealous of?"
Leandra instinctively hid her screen, not wanting him to see the title 'Dream Guy' because she could not survive that line of questioning. "Of course not," the lie tumbled easily enough from her lips, though suddenly she felt shaky with nerves.
"I'm just teasing," he said, though his tone seemed to indicate he wasn't. Was Guillaume suspicious of Malcolm? Leandra thought how he couldn't be, there was no way, and yet there was a distinctive jilt in his voice, a hurt he was masking.
"It's been a long day," he sighed, his long wavy red hair shocking against the dark interior of his town car. He looked at her with those amber eyes, warm like Malcolm's, and yet they didn't set her aflame. And she realized at this moment she no longer wanted them to. "Are you alright?"
No, she wasn't alright, because she didn't want to talk to him, she wanted Malcolm. And she almost caught herself confessing that.
But when the words came up her throat they got caught. Isaac almost died. To confess to cheating seemed like too much to put in one day and she said, "I'm just tired."
"Of course," Guillaume took her hand and squeezed fondly. "You should know I already called the Opera House and they've given you the next few days off for rehearsal so you can focus on taking care of yourself and pray."
"Guillaume!" Leandra cried a little too harshly, taking back her hands.
"What?" Guillaume's shoulders went back in confusion. "What did I do wrong?"
Leandra held in her snappiness, though the fact he had rearranged her schedule like she was a child did remind her a little too much like her parents. "I was actually looking forward to using rehearsal time to forget about…" she gestured around herself, "all of this. And we're rehearsing a very difficult part. I don't want to get behind and let everybody down."
Guillaume bowed his head in shame, as if he didn't think of that. "I'm sorry. That was thoughtless of me." He rubbed her shoulders trying to ease them back down though it was not doing the trick. "But you're so tense, ma cherie. You could never let anyone down. You should take this opportunity to rest. It would do you some good."
"I can manage my affairs," Leandra snapped, stopping the shoulder rub and handing his hands back forcefully before she realized what she was doing. Thankfully they had pulled up to her estate and the conversation was now over.
Still, Leandra realized she was still leading him on with false assumptions and most of her irritation with him was guilt. "I'm sorry," she said placatively. "You're only thinking about what's best for me."
Guillaume smiled with less ease than before. "You have nothing to be sorry for, ma cherie. I promise I won't push anymore."
She smiled back thinly. "Thank you."
The windows in the house were still lit up, and Leandra deflated realizing her parents were still up. She gave Guillaume a quick hug goodbye, allowing a small peck on her cheek before she escaped the car. Her smile dropped as soon as her back turned. Her shoulders slumped as she climbed up the porch, finding that the door had been left unlocked for her. She entered the foyer to find both of her parents waiting for her in their usual chairs by the fireplace, each catching up on late work.
Leandra's shoulders raised again, prepared for another battle.
"Leandra," her father said warmly. "How was Aunt Revka's?"
Her Father always the politician broke the ice with an innocent enough question. Still Leandra knew better. "Fine," she said, choosing a careful short answer as she walked into the room fully and stood before them, adjusting her posture. "We had a lovely dinner."
Her mother swirled her wine glass as her razor smile returned, the warmth of the fireplace dancing between the fine wrinkles of her brown skin. "I am very impressed with your initiative to take on the cost of Mara's salary. You're absolutely right that you should take on more responsibility over the estate's affairs."
"I'm glad you think so," Leandra nodded, knowing that she had somehow walked into a trap.
"Perfect," her mother raised a glass with a smile, "then you shall cover the cost of Isaac's exorcism."
Leandra almost dropped her purse. She dreaded and suspected something terrible but for her parents to actually resort to this. "You're doing this so I'll have nothing to cover Mara's salary."
"Is that so?" her Mother sipped her wine feigning surprise but she wasn't a very good actress. Her pleased smile still tugged at the corner of her red lips.
"It's awfully expensive doing business with the Circle. We could cover Isaac's exorcism but then how would we afford your House Mage as well? Even an elf isn't cheap," Leandra flinched at her father's callous words and she found it like bile bittering her mouth. "Since you seem so intent in meddling with estate affairs you can shoulder them as well."
"I'm not firing Mara," Leandra affirmed even though she was not sure how she was going to balance Mara's salary with such a bill. She knew something had to give but at this moment she didn't dare think of what could happen.
Her Mother sighed. "That's too bad. We might have considered a compromise if you decided to be rational. We would be happy to pay for a suitable replacement."
"There is no replacing Mara," Leandra snapped back. She found her shoulders trembling as her voice was barely not a scream. Her parents weren't even hiding their real reasons. She couldn't believe they would be sick enough to use Isaac's possession as a way to control her.
Her Mother sipped her wine glass, not noting Leandra's impolite tone. "Suit yourself. I'll make the withdrawal from your account in the morning."
Leandra tried not to scowl or show any sign that her Mother had gotten under her skin. She held her head high and said, "I understand. Am I dismissed?"
Her parents shared a look but seemed rather pleased with themselves. Her father stifled a yawn. "Yes, it is rather late. Do go to bed."
Leandra gripped the strap of her purse and marched up the stairs almost stomping, and all but slammed the door.
When she was safe in her room she slumped against the door, wishing she never came home. Absent-mindedly she looked at the phone and saw that there were still no new messages from Malcolm, and suddenly there were tears in her eyes.
She wasn't sure what she was doing, pining after a man that she could have no real future, but they were only an evening apart and her heart was wrecked, especially when her parents failed to be the support they were supposed to. She needed to hear his voice, and her thumb hovered over his name as she debated calling him. It was late enough that he should be in his room, but the returned rosary still hung from her wrist, making her hesitate.
Then miraculously her phone started ringing on it's own, "Dream Guy" plastered on the screen.
She answered immediately.
His voice came through like a caress, easing her nerves. "I'm sorry I called so late. I passed out after checking in on Isaac and I barely woke up like right now."
Leandra wiped a tear off her cheek, her shoulders already relaxing. "Don't apologize. I'm glad you got some rest." Her voice was slick with tears. She tried to cover up her sniffling but it was too late.
"What's wrong?" his voice was filled with worry, and a part of her was relieved to hear he still cared.
Still after everything he already did for her, she felt selfish laying down more burdens on him. "Nothing, just a silly fight with my parents," she cleared her throat as she moved away from the door and sat on her bed, paranoid they might somehow overhear.
"Do you want to talk about it?" he offered.
She desperately wanted to, but she found herself feeling guilty. "You don't have to. You've already had such a long day."
"I want to. Besides, I miss your voice so much I feel like I'm going mad."
A smile found her lips. She knew exactly what he was talking about. So she relented, marveling at how easy it was to talk to him. "My parents have been trying to fire Mara for dating my brother and since I won't, they're draining my accounts to pay for Isaac's exorcism and now I can't pay Mara's salary."
"That's fucked up," came his reply. Something simple and yet to know she wasn't crazy made her feel better.
Leandra collapsed back on her bed. "I don't know how I'm going to tell Mara. She's depended on me for so long and she still has her grandfather's medical bills to worry about."
"Well I'll be your House Mage, soon, won't I? Send him to me. I'll make sure he's taken care of."
Leandra found the tears welling up again, not able to comprehend how she found a man so sweet. "Thank you," was all she could say. Still, the reality of her parents' news was sinking in. "I'm not going to have a choice, still. I might have a week, maybe two weeks pay left, but without my savings to lean on, I won't even to be able to pay minimum wage."
"A wage is better than no wage. Everything I earn goes straight to the Circle."
She winced, for a moment forgetting that at this moment he was in basically a cell. "I'm sorry," she said reflexively.
"Me, too. I just wish there was something I could do about that."
"You've done more than anyone else has already. I l-" her voice caught in her throat as she realized what she was about to say. The line echoed with silence as they listened to each other breathe. Did he catch it? Was a week too soon to know if one was in love?
After what seemed like forever Malcolm finally spoke, his voice a little strained. "I know you've had a day but can I talk to you about something?"
Her heart sank, fearing the worst. "What about?"
A few more seconds of silence that seemed to drag but finally he said, "You're engaged. You told me when we met, but...if you weren't what would I be to you?"
Leandra didn't even have to consider. "I'd imagine I would introduce you to my parents as my intended and you'd officially court me." She could just imagine their faces as she did? Would her Mother scream? Cry? Would her father give her that look of disappointment that always curdled her stomach. Still, the thought of it did give her some kind of thrill as she played it out in her head. "We'd date openly and if things go well eventually we'd...marry."
"And where would I live? In the Circle?"
"Well you'd be my House Mage so ideally that would be minimal. So hopefully you'd live in my mansion with me."
Malcolm hummed as if he was considering that. "I don't suppose you'd ever consider running away with me?"
She sat up suddenly, surprised by the idea. "And go where? There's nowhere we won't be hunted."
"I hear Ferelden's Chantry can be lax. Rumors are that lots of apostates can disappear there if they're smart."
"Ferelden?" Her first thought was her parents would have a heart attack. They thought Ferelden was a backwater country full of dog worshipping savages. Then her next was her best friend. "I couldn't leave Mara. She needs me."
A beat of silence passed between them. "Of course. Your place is here," came the reply tinged with disappointment.
"And your place is beside me," she said, surprising herself with how fervently she meant it.
"Oh?" She could hear the smile in his voice. "And what of that pesky fiancé? I'm not exactly the sharing type."
Her heart wrenched, thinking of that suspicion on Guillaume's face and the hurt she would inevitably cause. How long could she possibly put off choosing? She knew now what her heart wanted but wasn't sure if she could handle the consequences. "Malcolm, you know I l-like you." She tripped over her words, almost saying it again.
"I'm not asking you to introduce me to your parents. I don't care if we have to be secret, I just don't want another man claiming you. Can you blame me?"
Her shoulders slumped. "No, if I were in your shoes I would want the same." She recalled one of her last conversations with Guillaume and how she should have leaned into the family's curse and sided with his Mother. Now she was going to have to find a natural way to do it herself.
As she was pondering a way to do that Malcolm said, "Did I tell you how beautiful you looked today? That dress looked amazing on you."
A blush found Leandra's cheeks, and she stared down at her lilac dress, worn for Lady de Launcet but with it's clinging fabric and plunging neckline she did hope Malcolm would notice. "I wish I could kiss you right now," she sighed.
"Be careful what you wish for, my Lady. I'll break out right now just to kiss you."
She held her breath. Her rational side told her it was a bad idea but with everything about Isaac's exorcism so close she thought how easily Malcolm could die and saw she would miss her chance so she said, "If you do I might wish for more than a kiss." She was scandalized by her own brazenness but something about the conversation and everything that happened with her parents and Guillaume made her want to do something brazen.
"Uuuh...what are you saying?" Malcolm suddenly sounded nervous and he was never nervous.
Suddenly impish, she turned on the camera and slid down her dress off her shoulders and snapped a picture of herself seductively peeling off her bra so the camera could capture one of her peachy nipples. She sent it to Malcolm and said, "check your phone and figure it out yourself."
She listened as he shuffled his phone when he suddenly choked. She wished she could see his face right now but she was happy to know he'd have a private piece of her. After a few moments of strangled silence she giggled and asked, "Are you coming?"
Malcolm cleared his throat. "There's no way I'm not now."
As soon as she hung up with Malcolm, Leandra started to panic and second guess her decision. She didn't know why she offered him to come over, but it was getting harder and harder to ignore this feeling.
Leandra suddenly rushed to the bathroom cleaning herself up from the day's grime. She also touched up shaving, plucking, lotioning and moisturizing, haphazardly trying to perfect herself in preparation of Malcolm finally touching her. There were thoughts about how she shouldn't do this, that giving him something as precious as her virginity was something she couldn't come back from and yet there was something so perfect about him that she had to know what his touch felt like. No. It felt deeper than that. A need. Her heart was in her throat beating a mile a minute, her hands shaky with excitement and yet it had felt like it was finally meant to happen.
Or maybe she was impatient for it to happen.
Leandra had never been impatient before, but the night of the Ball seemed so distant. Her rational side immediately told her she should text him back and tell him she made a mistake, but it didn't feel like a mistake. She was terrified. No doubt about that. She made sure the lock on her door was firm more than a dozen times. But she was also excited, eager even. She already knew he was magic with his fingers from the foot massage, and she was eager to know- what else could he do?
Part of her wanted to ask how many women he must have practiced on to get as smooth as he was. She wasn't sure any girl in the Circle could resist that face, but she didn't know if she could bear to hear the answer. She found herself already becoming possessive of him. Her Mother's voice rang in her head, warning her that a man like him would only see her as a conquest, but Malcolm never seemed to be anything but honest with her.
Would a man risk his life for her again and again just for the opportunity to have sex with her? Mara and her Mother would say undoubtedly but Leandra couldn't bring herself to mind. She hoped she could trust this feeling and she wasn't just being horny and stupid.
In her haste she suddenly remembered that she didn't exactly have a condom and she wondered if Malcolm had any access to one in the Circle. She went to call Mara, knowing she would be willing to sneak to her mansion to bring one but as soon as she picked up her phone it blipped with a message from 'Dream Guy' that said, "Come to your window."
That was much faster than she expected. Did he catch a cab or teleport somehow?
She pushed open the curtains to find Malcolm already shimmying up the rose terrace.
Leandra opened the window, the cold night air goosepimpling her skin and she leaned out reaching for him as she whispered loudly, "You're going to fall."
She could hear his chuckle as he got closer. "I've done more dangerous things lately than climbing a wall."
He glanced up at her, noticed her outfit, and started to climb faster. As soon as he was within reach she pulled him inside. He collided into her brushing open her robe to reveal that she was indeed bare beneath it, her skin shining luminously from moisturizing. His eyes dragged down to her bare chest, his pupils dilating.
Now that she had his rapt attention, she took a step back and allowed the flimsy silk cloth slip from her shoulders and fall to the ground. The lust glazed over his eyes and his mouth was upon hers, thrusting his tongue in hungrily. She forgot how much she missed the taste of him, like the most dizzying alcohol, the feel of his tongue on hers flooding her warmly.
One hand found her breast as the other was placed on her hip and yanked her forward so she was flush against him where she could feel him harden against her. He kept stroking her skin, kneading it soothingly as if he couldn't believe how soft she felt, each pulse of his fingers leaving her in tingles.
Their mouths worked together in tandem as they stumbled towards the bed.
Since Malcolm was too busy exploring her body, she raked her fingers over his smooth stomach and pulled off his sweater, the moonlight reflecting off the expanse of his dark freckled skin like constellations. As he cornered her onto the mattress, pressing himself between her, she unbuttoned and reached down the front of his slacks to find his throbbing cock.
Leandra didn't expect him to be so hot in her hands nor his skin to be so smooth. She was also pleasantly surprised with how big he felt. She gave his cock a squeezing stroke. A guttural moan filled her mouth encouraging her to continue.
He kicked off the rest of his clothes, leaving them scattered across her room as if he was marking the territory. Soon it was just his skin on her skin, his body like a furnace against her.
She kissed from his mouth to the shell of his pointed ear as she whispered, "did you bring a condom?"
That's when everything stopped. He went rigid pushing off her as his face twisted in regret as he sucked in his teeth. "Shit, I knew I was forgetting something."
Then Leandra let go of her grasp, as if just touching his cock would get her pregnant. She bit her lip, torn with indecision about what to do. "If you can wait I can call Mara to bring one. It shouldn't take more than half an hour."
Malcolm grimaced, retreating a little from her, and she already missed his warmth. "Sure, we can just talk for a bit."
That would be the sensible thing to do. But then Leandra immediately thought of the questions she would no doubt get from Mara or how every second without him inside her felt like an eternity. She looked down as she felt the warmth of his cock rest on her stomach. The sight of it made her mouth go dry. Her hands weren't lying to her. It was sizable in girth and curiosity burned in her, driving that needy ache deep into the pit of her.
So she shyly looked back up, her face on fire, her voice a squeak. "Or you can…pull out?"
Malcolm blinked as if he was surprised. Then he said in a voice that sounded less confident than she hoped, "Yeah, I'm sure I can manage."
Once again her sensible side told her that this was too risky and that they should wait but when his mouth lowered back onto hers all those thoughts were gone. The length of his cock slid against her entrance, slickening it, but he kept his fingers exploring, stroking in a way that stoked her.
She whimpered against his mouth, hips bucking to encourage him in.
He chuckled against her, his voice husky. "We'll get to that," he purred. "I wanna take my time with you. Do this right."
"But I need-" her face flushed and she stopped, her request caught in her throat.
His golden eyes flashed. "What do you need?"
He looked absolutely devilish, daring her to finish her sentence, but she couldn't. Years of shame caught up with her at this moment.
So she swatted him. "Must you be a pest? Honestly, you shouldn't keep a Lady waiting."
Malcolm chuckled, lowering his mouth against hers. "You're not going to be a Lady by the time I'm done with you." Then he finished his promise with a searing kiss that had her melting against him.
It was maddening how he teased her even now, but two could play at that so she wrapped her fingers back around his cock and gave it a few firm strokes, watching his face tense in pleasure. "Are you sure?"
His breathing became labored as she stroked. He just allowed it, his eyes fluttering closed so his lashes licked the freckles on his cheek, "I've had a million fantasies about what I'd do to you once we got here."
Her breathing hitched once she felt his fingers on her slick entrance, her skin suddenly more sensitive and warm. He had the smirk of a demon as he licked his finger like he was tasting something decadent. "Mmmm and you taste better than I thought, too."
Leandra's breath was caught in her throat, her skin flushed in response.
This time he lowered his mouth over her right nipple, humming as he sucked, watching her face as he left love bites.
She didn't expect it to feel so good. A moan escaped her throat.
"Now that's a pretty sound," he said huskily, blowing on the bites. He grinned at her. "Don't wake your parents now."
She was going to say something, but she immediately forgot when his fingers crooked inside her and started to pulse.
He lavished each breast with attention, his hot mouth leaving trails of bruises as his fingers worked inside her.
She bit her lip to contain her moans but they still escaped her throat, as her body buzzed and tightened around him.
His fingers seemed to crook deeper and deeper, pushing her closer and closer to the edge. Just as she was getting used to this new sensation, his mouth trailed down her stomach and wrapped around her swollen bud and sucked loudly.
She made a strangled cry that escaped the window before she bit into one of her pillows to cut it off.
Malcolm seemed to take this as a dare, his fingers working vigorously as he slurped on his feast. Her back arched as her body tightened around his fingers, her legs squeezing as she was overcome with a crest of pleasure that seemed to be rising with each stroke. The pressure was almost painful and she choked out his name, her fingers digging into his curls.
Then she broke, her body convulsing as an ecstasy so strong she could only ride the current of it. She screamed into her pillow and her muffled shrill cry filled the room. He didn't grant her mercy, wringing out every ounce of her pleasure into shockwaves that rocked her until she was limp and spent.
Malcolm's wet face was basking in a triumphant grin. He kissed her temple as he wiped her slick bangs from her forehead. "I've always wondered what you would look like all a mess," his voice was unbearably arrogant as if he had just won a shiny trophy.
"Oh, I'm sure you're very impressed with yourself," Leandra's voice was tired and she shoved him but there was no energy in the action. Her body was still floating on a cloud.
He cocked his head, his honey eyes gleaming. "You're not impressed with me?"
At that moment Leandra was wondering if every time would be like this? Would her body be a puddle of goo, her limbs jelly and her heart at a frantic gallop. All she knew was that she had to feel that again. She grabbed his cock again leading him back down to her entrance. "I think if you don't stop congratulating yourself and start fucking me I'm going get very cross with you."
He raised his thick eyebrows in surprise, "Yes, ma'am."
She gasped as he pierced her easily, stretching her in a way that felt deliciously good.
He stopped as soon as he entered her, groaning, "Fuck."
She was suddenly filled with warmth, and need. Her hips wiggled, begging for friction. "Malcolm," she whimpered.
He shuddered against her. "Just give me a moment to savor this."
He held her there for a few moments and then he finally moved, incredibly slow, jolting her insides. His hips slowly worked up a pace, firm shocking thrusts meeting her in gasps. He captured her mouth so she tasted herself, his tongue mimicking the movement of his hips.
Soon that delicious friction was back, but his moves remained sensual and deliberate, as if he was scared to hurt her. Leandra found her hips moving to meet him, and soon the pace quickened to something that left her throbbing, the tension inside her building to that maddening edge again. Her nails gripped his back as she pulled him deeper, needing every inch of him. But as soon as her pleasure began to crest, he slowed again as if he needed to catch his breath.
But Leandra was too far gone at this point and couldn't give Malcolm the moment he needed. She flipped him over so she pinned him against the mattress. She then rode him in a furious passion as she drove him deeper and deeper, Malcolm paralyzed and only helpless to do anything but hold on.
He grabbed onto her hips, squeezing to steady her pace, but she was chasing that ecstasy again that was quickly building with each thrust of her hips.
"Leandra," he choked out in the midst of his throaty groans that drove her wild. She wasn't sure what she was even doing at this point but her need was driving her to ride harder and harder, her nails raking against his chest as she left the same love bites on his neck.
"Wait," Malcolm's fingers squeezed into her hips, his jaw clenched as his body tensed. "Leandra, slow down."
"But I'm so close," Leandra cried. She arched her back, her whole body tightening around him as the current that overtook her came rushing back.
And then he burst. He cried out his voice strained and throaty as she felt the rush of warmth fill her as his body went rigid. He held onto her in a bruising grip as he swore loudly, convulsing.
She could feel him twitch inside her, a jolting sensation like electricity ran through her and it pushed her over the edge. She collapsed on top of him, his name on her lips as the current overtook them both.
They were only able to hold onto each other, their bodies melting together as the ecstasy flooded them.
And then Leandra realized what she had done as she slowly floated back into her body. "Fuck," she mumbled against Malcolm's chest, her hair sticking to the dampness of his skin. Part of her was mortified. She could feel his seed starting to drip out of her as he softened inside her, her heart quickening in panic as she realized this could change everything. What was she going to do now?
"Fuck," Malcolm agreed, staring starstruck at Leandra. His fingers were still wrapped around her hips with a bewildered expression on his face, his body still twitching in the aftershocks. It seemed he didn't know either.
Suddenly there was a loud knock at the door. "Leandra?" her Mother's voice called.
They broke apart, Leandra scrambling for her crumpled robe and Malcolm his pants. They pulled whatever they could in a mad dash as the door banged. "Leandra," her Mother cried angrily. "Why is the door locked?"
Leandra shoved Malcolm into her closet saying, "Hurry, my Mother has a key."
Malcolm scoffed. "Are you sure she isn't a templar?"
She shushed him angrily and closed her closet before she hastily walked up to her door and opened the jiggling doorknob. Leandra scowled. "Why are you bothering me? I was in bed."
Her Mother looked at Leandra suspiciously. "I heard strange noises."
Leandra found a guilty blush blooming on her already flushed cheeks. "That was just me watching some shows on my phone."
Her Mother tsked disappointedly. "Phone before bed is bad for you. Do I need to cut that off as well?"
Leandra scowled. "Why must you control everything I do? I'm an adult and I can watch videos before bed."
Her Mother looked at the state of Leandra's sweaty form disapprovingly, her robe covering her haphazardly. "Are you feverish again? You're sweating quite a lot."
Leandra's face went full red. "No, just exercising. I'm still wound up from the day."
Her mother frowned. "I thought you were watching shows in bed."
"It was an exercise show. You know. Have to keep in shape for the wedding." Leandra laughed nervously, trying hard to sell the lie and her Mother sighed and relented.
"Well I'm glad you're being proactive. I'll ask the chefs to cut back on some of the carbs in your diet. You're still getting some chin bloat."
Leandra touched her chin reflexively as she ducked her head, the blow struck. Her Mother always knew how to make her feel fragile.
Her Mother, seemingly satisfied that nothing was amiss, smiled her razor smile and said, "Well do get some sleep dear. You have a big day with Guillaume tomorrow."
"I do?" Leandra raised her head.
Her Mother raised an eyebrow. "I thought he told you. He cleared your schedule for prayer at the Chantry with Grand Cleric Elthina." Leandra's eyes widened in realization that Guillaume didn't even tell her because she snapped at him. Before she could think on it more her Mother continued, "I would join you but I have court all day. Your Father will take you and make an appearance but he has an appointment with the Viscount to keep and can't stay."
Of course Guillaume would go to her parents to change Leandra's schedule. He'd need permission. Leandra wanted to scream but in that moment she forced a smile and said, "Lovely. Mara will have me ready as always."
Her Mother sniffed sharply, her eyes narrowing. "Yes, I look forward to seeing how you run the estate." Then she left back for her room and Leandra sighed, closing the door.
She turned around and marched back to the closet and when she opened it Malcolm was holding a dress, and not just any dress. It was one Mara made her buy on one of her many shopping trips. It was a thing made of straps that snaked along the stomach and barely covered her breasts. The skirt was cut short and the dress had hardly any back. Malcolm looked at her with a devilish grin and said, "Well when are you going to wear this for me?"
Leandra felt like her head was going to implode. "Absolutely not."
Malcolm's lip puckered out in pout, his messed up curls looking absolutely ragged and yet he had never looked sexier. "C'mon I've seen you naked," he put the dress over her frame and closed one eye as he tried to imagine her in it. "Now I want to see you in decoration."
Leandra covered her arms over her chest modestly, his teasing making her forget for a moment the terror her Mother was. Malcolm crept over pinning the dress between them and grabbed her chin. "Your Mother's a real piece of work by the way. There's no way you look anything less than perfect."
She flooded with warmth, the sting of her Mother's words soothing at his reassurance. She took his hand and kissed him again, tasting him. "How are you so perfect?" she echoed back.
His devilish grin was back. "Does that mean you'll wear this dress for me?"
Leandra's embarrassment was back, but being cradled in his arms it was hard to resist whatever he wanted. "I'll think about it."
"Good, cause there's this party I think you'll love and I want you there on my arm wearing this."
Leandra squirmed. "Oh, I don't know if I should."
That's when he unleashed the biggest puppy dog eyes she had ever seen, his scent intoxicating her. "Please. It's a real discreet place. You can even bring Mara and that ass you call a brother."
Leandra found herself giggling in spite of herself. "You don't have to. I know you don't like him."
Malcolm kissed her cheek whispering in her ear. "Yes, but I want to try to get on his good side for your sake. He is family."
At this moment, nothing felt more right. She wanted to say those three words but instead she pulled him into another kiss flinging the dress aside as she pulled him back towards the bed, her hands underneath his clothes working to take them back off. She could show him.
