Diana and Matthew meet at Oxford as Diana returns to teach history and research manuscripts at the Bodleian for a new book. Jealousy and mystery hinder their romance but their desire is made real. (All Human) NO VAMPIRES/NO WITCHES/NO DAEMONS. First story in a few years. Keeping it simpler by not adding the supernatural aspect.
Desire Made Real
By Goode Girl
DISCLAIMER: All rights to Deborah Harkness. Just borrowing the characters.
Chapter | FOUR
The evening was crisp when we arrived at Matthew's house just before 9:00PM. We'd stopped for dinner on the drive, and picked up groceries for the weekend, including the dinner tomorrow evening. Matthew planned to cook and I couldn't wait to see that in action. I waited by the front door while he grabbed our bags from the trunk of the car. Marcus and his girlfriend Phoebe, would be joining us for dinner tomorrow evening for our 'double date', which gave Matthew and I the whole evening and most of the day tomorrow, to ourselves. I smiled at the possibilities of what could happen in that time. "What is that smile for?" He teased, kissing my cheek on his way to unlock the front door. "Nothing, just taking in the view." I replied, biting my lip as I took in the estate in front of me, half shaded in moonlight. "This isn't a house it's a small castle." I exclaimed, dumbfounded at the majestic view. "It was left to me by my father, Philippe." Matthew intoned. "He passed?" I said in a quiet whisper. "Yes. Cancer, when I was thirteen." He replied, robotically. "Hey, look at me." I asked, following him in the front door and reaching for his hand after he'd put our bags down. He let me pull him towards me, his gaze piercing into mine. "Did you get to say goodbye to him?" I pressed, his eyes softening at my question. I think he knew what I was getting at. I didn't get that chance. I was a young girl expecting her parents to return from a vacation to England. "I did. I'm sorry Diana. I know you lost your parents in a most horrific manner, and I should be thankful that I did have that opportunity." I nodded in understanding, trying not to cry. Growing up without a father is hard enough, but I lost both my parents. I think we found something else we can relate to in terms of how and why we became as independent as we did. Knowing we needed to watch out for ourselves, despite the support we may have had from other family members. He pressed his forehead to mine, before lifting my head and pressing his lips to mine firmly. "I love you Mon Coeur." I smiled gently. "I love you too." I declared in earnest as he nuzzled my neck, his lips kissing just under my ear before pulling away. "I'm going to grab the groceries and then I will give you a tour." He finished as I removed my jacket.
The house was like a time capsule. It would seem Matthew's father liked old things, and when I say old, I mean like 16th century. The desks, book shelves and dining tables were in immaculate condition, despite their age. The sofas were more from the renaissance era, but it was beautiful to behold. I was curious what he had in the bedrooms. During the tour, Matthew didn't let go of my hand once, keeping me close, and I didn't mind one bit. "So, this is the kitchen." He announced, as he led me around a large wooden island with a pot rack hanging above and two large gas ovens against the far wall. Shelving units took up the rest of the wall space, and a large double sink was nestled in there somewhere too. "This is so beautiful; I can't wait to help you cook tomorrow night." I smiled. "I'll let you pour the wine, you can watch." He teased. "What, so, it's going to be the 'Matthew's Cooking Hour' show?" I joked. "Something like that." He mumbled, leading me to the attached dining room. "Okay, if you're cooking at least let me set the table?" I pleaded. "I think I can concede that to you." He replied, pulling me close for a soft kiss. I pulled him closer, wanting it to last longer than he intended.
After the grand tour of the ground floor, the last room was a large library-slash-office. I felt like Belle in 'Beauty and the Beast' when she first sets her sights on all the books. My eyes widened in fascination and temptation; to grab the first one I could, and to smell the old leather. Just like his décor, Philippe's library must have held hundreds of books, and a lot of them looked to be from before the 20th century. "Don't worry, if we're not sleeping, we'll likely be in here Mon Coeur." Matthew smiled and I giggled in happiness at his comment. 'If we weren't sleeping and not in the library, that doesn't mean I wouldn't have him in bed', I thought to myself.
"Why don't I show you your room, and you can get changed if you want." He offered, my hand encased in one of his, our bags in his other. I nodded, letting him lead me up the staircase to the second-floor landing where two hallways forked off from one another. "Our rooms will be down that hallway." He directed pointing to his left, "and Marcus and Phoebe's will be down that way." He added, pointing to the right. "Is that the bathroom?" I questioned, noting the large door to the left of the hallway to our bedrooms. "The guest bathroom, actually. Each room has basic bathroom necessities, except the two masters, mine and what will be Marcus' have a full bath and shower as well." He explained, leading me down the hallway and stopping in front of a large set of double doors. "This is the guest room door?" I asked in surprise. "Father liked his space, so if you think the doors are large, wait until you see inside…". Matthew smiled as he released my hand to open the door. He led me inside and flipped on a light switch. Two small table lamps turned on, on either side of the bed. Which was a four-post canopy, with drapes. "My goodness, Matthew, this is gorgeous." I gushed, taking in the soft royal blue velvet drapes of the bed, that matched the curtains as well. "This is your space Mon Coeur." I looked to the right of the room and there was another door. "Where does that lead?" I queried, looking to Matthew. "My room." He deadpanned. "And that is your bathroom." He added, pointing to an identical door on the opposite wall. "Can I see your room?" I posed the question softly, sauntering up to him, as he lay my bag at the end of the bed on a settee. My arms snaked around his waist, his hands moved from my arms to my shoulders, before pulling me flush against him. "You can have anything you wish." He whispered into my ear, resting his cheek on my head. I held onto him tightly for a few minutes when our solitude was broken by the ringing of a cell phone. "I think that's mine." He stated reluctantly, releasing me to pull his phone from his pocket. "It's my mother, I should take this." He reported. "I'll wash up and change then." I confirmed as he left me to my space. "Maman," I heard him greet as his voice trailed out of the room.
After using the supplied face cloth in the washroom to clean up, and changing out of my 'work clothes' into a more comfortable pair of pajama pants and a tank top. I debated whether or not to leave my bra on but decided to take it off. I wanted to entice Matthew, but remain 'decent' at the same time. My clothes from that day were folded next my bag on the settee and my attention went to the door opposite the bathroom. I headed over and knocked first, in case Matthew wanted privacy for his phone call. There was no answer so I tried the door and found it unlocked. I pushed it open and walked into a short hallway that led to an arch with a velvet curtain. Just past the curtain was a bedroom, double the size of mine, with a separate sitting area. This room had clearly been a little updated as a large HD television was mounted on the wall across from the end of the bed. There was a similar four post canopy bed with green velvet drapes. I looked to the wall and saw a set of light switches. The first one turned on the small lamps on either side of the bed, just like in my room. Across the way was the bathroom, and the door stood wide open. I went to inspect its contents as the small bath in my room only had a toilet, sink and small walk-in shower. Matthew's bathroom had a huge claw-foot tub, walk in shower and double sinks. The wall sconces were attached to a dimmer, giving the room a soft glow. There was a basket next to the tub with bath salts, bubbles and large crate with big fluffy towels. It was so inviting, that I decided to take advantage. Filling the tub with water and bubbles, the bathroom began to steam up as the water ran. I jogged out to the main hallway in search of Matthew, but I didn't think he was upstairs at this point.
Laying back in the hot soapy water helped to release the tensions of the week. My rooms at Oxford didn't have a bathtub either, so this was a welcome change. I closed my eyes and lay back, hoping Matthew would find me soon. After another few minutes, I heard Matthew calling my name. "In here!" I called. When I opened my eyes, he was stood in the door way, staring intently at me. "I see you found the tub." He smiled cheekily. "I did. It's a little lonely in here though." I teased, moving forward and resting my arms on the ledge of the tub. "Diana…" He mumbled. "Come here, Matthew." I ordered, raising myself up on my knees. When I did that, my breasts were over the ledge of the tub and in his view. Grabbing his hand to stop an attempted escape, I pulled him closer. "Please, join me." I stated, staring intently into his eyes. He studied me for a few moments before kicking off his shoes, while pulling his sweater over his head at the same time. I lay back against the tub, giggling at his efforts. His smile was radiant and his hands moved to the belt on his jeans. "Are you sure, Diana? There's no going back." He cautioned. "I'm sure, Matthew, now get in here." I demanded as the last of his clothes hit the floor, leaving him in a pair of black boxer briefs. "Do you need some help with those?" I flirted, waiting for him to finish undressing. He shook his head and slowly pulled them from his body. His eyes on me the whole time. I moved forward in the tub, making room behind me. I felt him step in and sit down. Seconds later, his arms gripped my hips, pulling me back so I lay flush against his chest. I could feel every inch of him against my backside as we lay skin to skin. Resting my hands on his bent knees, I lay my head back into the crook of his neck, his cheek resting against the side of my head. "So," I began. "Hmmm…" He hummed in response as his lips nipped at my neck lightly. "How's your mother?" I smiled. His laugh was loud and unexpected. "My mother is well, thank you." He confirmed. His hands moved along my torso, slowly rising up until he cupped a breast in each hand. I pressed myself into his palms, my nipples hardening at his touch. "What did she want?" I moaned. I felt him smile into my neck as his lips stopped their trail. "Do you really want to talk about my mother right now?" He teased. "Well, she did call, just checking in, was she?" I smiled, turning my head to look at him. "Yes, she was in fact. All is well…" He trailed off. "Is that all?" I posed. "I told her about you." He confirmed. "What did you tell her?" I turned towards him, hooking my legs over his hips so I was straddling him. I could feel him getting hard. "I told her…" He started, as I moved myself against his growing erection. He tipped his head back at my ministrations. "I told her that I'm in love with you." He stated, his hands gripping my hips to guide me over him. "I'm covered." I stated simply, hoping he wasn't concerned with a protection at the moment. "No condom then?" He clarified. I shook my head in agreement as I raised up, allowing him to push inside of me. I sank down on him and the groan of pleasure that left his lips was impressive. "I love you." I murmured before fastening my lips to his, my hands in his hair as I moved my hips over him, the water sloshing around us. "I'm so fucking in love you with you, Diana." He murmured against my lips as our movements were slow, but firm. His forehead rested against my chest, and his lips trailed over each breast, gently nipping at the soft flesh before they suctioned to the side of my neck near the underside of my ear. I was learning that this is his favourite place to kiss me. I could tell he was nearing his release; his hands gripped my hips a little more firmly, guiding my movements in a particular pattern. "I'm about to…" I trailed off as my orgasm washed over me. "Me too." He responded, as his lips found mine in a searing kiss, which was broken seconds later when he reached his end, a sigh of pleasure passing over his lips.
"Ohmigod…" I panted, as my body slumped over him, my head on his shoulder. "Holy shit, Diana, it's never been like that for me before." He stated, a little out of breath. "Like what?" I queried. "That intense, perfect." He explained as he helped me keep my balance while slipping from his lap to reach for the wash cloth and soap. "I've never felt so connected to someone like I do with you, Matthew." I confessed, my eyes meeting his before I pulled him forward so I could sit behind him. "What are doing?" He questioned. "I want to wash your back first, so move forward please." I instructed. After we both took our time washing each other, Matthew helped me from the tub and wrapped me up in a big fluffy towel, before wrapping another around his waist. I moved into his bedroom and turned to see him release the water from the tub before turning off the light. "You'll stay with me tonight, yes?" He questioned meekly, stepping towards me. "There's no way you could keep me away at this point, Matthew." I confessed, dropping my towel.
Despite the fact that I was standing in front of him naked, his eyes never left mine. "I just want to be close to you all night." I stated as he led me to the bed, and turned down the covers. "Hop in before you get cold. I just want to make sure the house is locked up and then I'll be back up for bed." He related, pulling on some pajama pants. I nodded in understanding and let him tuck me under the covers. "Do you want anything?" He asked, caressing my cheek. "Just you." I murmured. After reassuring me he would be back in a few minutes, he kissed me sweetly before he left the room. I spotted the TV remote on the nightstand beside me and grabbed it, turning on the large television. It wasn't connected to cable, but streaming services like Netflix or Britbox were options. I picked Netflix and started scrolling through the movies while waiting for Matthew to return. Nothing caught my interest, so I turned off the TV before turning over in bed to get comfortable. Releasing the hair tie from my messy bun, I placed it next to the remote and settled in. It was like laying on a cloud. Soft, with plush sheets and a warm comforter. I must have dozed off at some point because I was jolted awake when I felt Matthew slipping into the bed behind me. "Go back to sleep Mon Coeur." He whispered. I rolled over to face him, resting my right cheek on his chest and hugging him close. His arm was around me, and in the comfort and warmth of his embrace, I succumbed to sleep.
The next morning, I woke fairly early. My internal clock wouldn't let me sleep past 7:00AM apparently. I looked over to see Matthew on his stomach, a small smile on his lips. I brushed some hair off his face before slipping out of bed, careful not to wake him. I noticed his pajama pants on the end of the bed, and was glad to see he had slept just as naked as I had. My first stop was the bathroom, but my toiletries were still in my bag in the other room. I saw Matthew's charcoal coloured, cashmere sweater from last night, and slipped it on, it was longer on me than him and covered the important areas. I tip toed through the velvet curtain to my designated bedroom and grabbed my bag, bringing it into Matthew's room. Setting my bag next to his on the settee, I pulled out my toothbrush and did the necessary morning rituals, while slipping on a pair of yoga pants before escaping to the kitchen. I kept on Matthew's sweater. I liked being ensconced in his scent. If Matthew was set on cooking dinner himself, then he could at least let me make breakfast.
Laden down with a tray of French toast, coffee and cut up fruit, I traipsed up the stairs with care, back to Matthew's room. He'd turned over onto his back at this point, so I set the tray at the end of the bed on the settee and tried to wake him. I'd barely crawled back onto the bed, when his arms pulled me half on top of him. "I missed you." He crooned sweetly. "I brought breakfast." I replied, kissing his cheek as he slowly sat up. "Is that what I smell?" He called, sniffing the air. I clambered back off the bed and brought the tray up to him, now that he was upright and leaning against the headboard. "Join me up here." He called, taking stock of my attire. "Nice choice in morning wear too." He winked. "I liked your smell." I explained as I poured a coffee for each of us. "Shit, there wasn't any tea was there?" He queried with concern. I nodded in reply. "It's okay, I like coffee on occasion." I explained. "Are you sure? I can go get some." He offered with concern. "We'll just make sure we bring some for next time." I assured. "Next time eh?" He smiled. "Yeah, next time. Now eat." I ordered. "Yes ma'am." He laughed as I cuddled beside him at the head of the bed. He ate with one hand, the other resting on the inside of my upper thigh while I picked at the fruit.
The rest of the morning was fairly casual. Matthew pulled on his discarded pajama pants before using the washroom. We lounged around in bed, watching some movie on Netflix, which we missed most of, while making out and groping each other like horny teenagers. Just before noon, he turned the TV off and I moved closer to him, my head on his bare chest. He looked concerned about something as he rested his arm behind his head supporting him, the other holding me close. "What's wrong?" I pressed. My hands smoothing over his cheeks, tracing his features, which were creased with worry lines. "Not to dampen our weekend, but I'm curious as to why you've not really asked about the women Gillian brought up at Brown's, Juliette Durand." He explained. I sat up slightly, resting my head on my hand, my elbow bent in support. "Honestly, Matthew, she's an ex, right?" He nodded. "Then what does she matter?" I stated. "Unless…" I added. "Unless what?" He echoed. "Unless, you still have feelings for her." I replied in worry. "No, no, no, no, nothing like that Mon Coeur." He reassured, sitting up abruptly and pulling me with him. I was sat in his lap, straddling him, so he could look at me. "Do you want to tell me about her?" I urged, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I'm concerned she's going to show up because of Gillian and Knox and just feel you should be aware of the truth of what happened with us, instead of what they try to make you believe." I understood his standpoint and leaned forward, resting my forehead near his neck, my arms holding me flush against him as he spoke. Matthew explained that they dated for only six months, and it wasn't as serious as most would believe. They were physical, but didn't necessarily connect on a personal more intimate level. I nodded into his neck, letting him know I understood what he was saying.
He explained that they'd made plans one night to meet for dinner, and he got called into the lab, a problem with some equipment. It didn't take as long as he'd thought. But Juliette was under the impression that dinner was cancelled as he believed he would be busy all night. At 8:00PM he left the lab and headed to her flat, ready to have a late dinner. To his surprise she wasn't alone. That effectively ended their relationship, as he couldn't trust her. "I could never do that to you, you know that right?" I pleaded. "There is no one else but you, Matthew." I cried. "I know Love. I could never do that to you either." He responded. I kissed him fiercely, claiming him. For the time being, our outside problems were not near, and I just wanted it to be about us. At least until dinner.
We finally crawled out of bed at almost 1:00PM, and readied ourselves for the afternoon. We spent some time in the library, cuddled on the sofa, a book in each of our grasps. Matthew was cooking a roast and had prepared it in the kitchen earlier, while I set the table. We were ready for Marcus and Phoebe to arrive.
Author's Note:
I don't normally ask for reviews, but I can see people are reading, so just curious if you're actually enjoying it. Thanks.