AUTHOR'S NOTE: I wasn't sure if I should split this up into two chapters but I figured they're pretty similar so I kept it all together. Please be aware that this chapter is also explicit. For those of you that like that kind of thing, I hope you enjoy!

Ruby awoke to a room filled with the light of the mid-morning sun. She smiled lazily to herself and stretched in an almost feline way, feeling pleasant and full without quite understanding why until her senses sharpened. Then, she bolted upright, her eyes wide as she realized she'd slept half the day away.

"Archie, we need to get up!"

She grasped at the covers, realizing she was completely naked, and she held them up to her chest.

"Mmm?" a muffled voice sounded beside her, and she turned to see her husband barely awake as he reached for her. Without thought, she lay back in his arms, her brow still furrowed in confusion.

"What about your chores?" she asked, tilting her head to meet his gaze as she shifted to face him.

"I fed and watered the animals last night so they'd be fine for today," he explained, his eyes still closed.

Ruby arched a brow at him and smirked. "So, you were feeling rather confident last night then, hmm?" She propped herself up on her elbow so she could properly enjoy the sight of him, his features relaxed in a half-sleep.

"I'd hoped," he murmured, his hand wandering to find her bare arm. He trailed his fingers up and down her skin, his touch light and lazy so that it sent shivers through her. He slowly opened his eyes and met her gaze. "It was a rather successful gamble."

Ruby grinned at that. "Being a married man has made you a gambler, is that it?" She leaned down slightly, her hair falling across her cheek, and pressed a kiss to his lips.

"Something like that."

Before Ruby knew it, Archie grabbed her upper arms and rolled her on top of him. Ruby squealed, delight rising in her middle, and she shifted her arms to either side of him to hold herself up over his chest. She could feel his desire stirring along with the warmth pooling in her own core, despite the blankets bunched awkwardly between them. She searched his eyes, free from his glasses and sparkling in the day-lit room, and she grinned as her hair fell down to frame their faces.

"Good morning, husband."

"Good morning, wife."

Archie wrapped his arms around her and held her close, forcing Ruby to rest all of her weight atop him with her arms at their sides, and she relaxed into him, giving into the pull between them and pressing another kiss to his mouth, tender and lingering. Though there was still a homestead to run, she wondered if they could put off the tasks of the day to resume what they'd begun the night before, a thought only half formed when Archie's tongue swept passed her lips to deepen the kiss, which she eagerly returned.

They both pulled back, and Ruby let out a happy sigh as she studied Archie's features, revelling in the warmth of her body pressed flush with his. He brought one hand up to her cheek and brushed the hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear as his eyes flitted back and forth to read her own. Her heart rose in her throat, and she felt transfixed, the longing to stay in his arms only heightened with the knowledge that, if she started something now, she'd be unable to stop.

Unfortunately, her motherly duties would be calling her at any moment, she was certain.

"I'm amazed a particular little man is still sleeping," she said, brushing her lips against Archie's chin.

He let out a soft moan and nodded. "I… I'm sure we can't press out luck for much longer," he agreed with a chuckle that rumbled through his chest.

With one last kiss, Ruby finally brought herself to rise, leaving her husband half-exposed with the blankets haphazardly draped across him. She rushed to the set of drawers and yanked out a chemise, throwing it on over her head and tugging it down before she went to Peter's cradle.

Her son's eyes were open, though only partially, and he focused on her with a little smile. "Hello, Precious," she cooed, picking him up as he gurgled and waved his hands. "Yikes!" she exclaimed as the familiar sour smell hit her nostrils. "Poor little guy—you're overdue for a changing."

She glanced up to see her husband grinning at her from the bed, sitting up with the covers pulled up over his lower half. She furrowed her brow at him. "What is it?"

He shook his head. "You just look… very beautiful."

Ruby snorted, though her heart was light and she could feel her cheeks warm. "Well, I'm afraid I have a distinctly not beautiful task ahead of me," she countered, shifting Peter to her shoulder and cradling his head. With one arm holding her son, she smoothed the blankets on the bed as best she could to create a surface for his changing. Then, she grabbed the small sheet on the chair by the door and spread it out before placing Peter on top.

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Archie sneaking out of bed and making his way towards the drawers beside her. She felt like a schoolgirl, sneaking a peak at his naked form, more visible in the daylight. He certainly had nothing to be shy about, and she couldn't help but smile to herself as she forced her gaze to return to Peter.

Sadly, there wasn't time for more than a quick glance before her attentions were forced elsewhere—though her son's gurgles and smiles certainly weren't a hardship to be endured. After changing Peter and giving him a late breakfast, it was time for Ruby and Archie to eat. They were able to indulge with a lazy start to the day—which included Archie revisiting his old habits when he cooked the breakfast instead, a treat in which Ruby fully revelled—but there were other tasks that could not be ignored. In Ruby's case, it meant laundry. Still, even the mundane felt different. Perhaps it was the calm that came from the absence of an energetic ten-year-old—or, perhaps it was the teasing presence of her husband as he carried in buckets of water from the pump, with the flex of his bare arms revealed with his shirt sleeves rolled up, or the pesky thought of knowing exactly what that grip that held the handle to the water pail felt like around her back, her waist, her thigh...

She threw herself into the chore, trying to find a respite from her distracting thoughts. The heat from the wash-water only seemed to heighten her daydreams, however, and Ruby wiped away the sweat from her brow as if to wipe away her desire that rose to the forefront.

In the daylight, Ruby couldn't help but play the night's events over in her mind, deepening the colour in her cheeks that had nothing to do with the steam over which she worked. She replayed how Archie's hands wandered over her skin, his touch gentle despite his large grip.

And yet, she also couldn't help but remember how it had been with her first husband—and consider how different two men could be. While Peter was never rough, he certainly had a hunger for her that he was quick to satiate. Ruby's own appetite was voracious, and she'd never thought twice about their eager love-making.

But with Archie… She shouldn't have been surprised at his care even in that—his steadiness, his deliberate touch that caressed her every curve, as if he wanted to savour every moment of the sacred act. And yet, despite the languid pace, it was no less thrilling.

Ruby couldn't help but wonder how it would feel to explore him in the same way, and she couldn't even pretend she didn't long for the evening hour as she twisted the clothes amongst the hot, soapy water, the steam making her hair curl as it rose up.

The day passed quickly enough as she took the opportunity to wash August's things, along with bed sheets and blankets. In truth, it felt good to focus her energy on something productive to keep herself from dragging Archie away from his projects. She rolled her eyes at herself as her pulse quickened when her gaze rested on him by the barn as she hung up the laundry to dry. He was simply mending a fence, but Ruby couldn't help but study every movement, straining to discern every curve as the familiar heat rose in her abdomen. She frowned when she realized she'd pinned up two sheets together on the clothesline, and she shook her head at herself with a chuckle.

Supper was a simple affair, much as lunch had been, for husband and wife seemed to have other appetites on their minds. Ruby noticed that Archie pushed himself in his work, also, and so—perhaps inspired by her task of the day—decided that it was a perfect evening for a bath. After supper, she convinced Archie to bring in more pails of water—a good excuse to bring him back to the house, perhaps—as she boiled the water on the stove and added it to the large tub. Though the air was warm, she still kept a medium-sized fire in the hearth as she filled the tub bucket by bucket, eagerly awaiting its rewards. Archie insisted he had some work to finish up outside, and so Ruby did her best to enjoy the rare moment of lazy solitude. The idea that he could enter at any moment only made it harder to keep her desire quelled.

Sadly, Archie returned when Ruby was finished and clad in a light chemise as she rocked Peter after his feeding.

"Well, there's your pa," Ruby murmured to her son with a teasing glance to her husband. "We were beginning to worry about him."

Archie chuckled as he hung up his hat and crossed the room to them. He bent down for a kiss as she reached up to him in a familiar greeting. He ran his fingers through her wet hair, which became tangled in her tresses partway down. "Oh, I'm sorry," he apologized.

Ruby shook her head to dismiss the concern. "All done for the night?" she asked.

"Mmhmm," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her hair. "You both smell fresh and clean."

"It should be plenty warm enough if you're interested," Ruby added with a nod to the tub.

"I take it that's more than a suggestion."

"Perhaps."

She grinned at him as he pressed a quick kiss to the infant's head before he took a step back, smiling as he shrugged off his suspenders. Ruby's pulse quickened, and she bit her lip before fixing her gaze on Peter. She wasn't sure exactly how she wanted everything to play out, but she imagined the infant in her arms would only hamper the mood. Besides, he was fading fast in her arms.

"I'll be right back," she assured Archie before she retreated into the bedroom. She couldn't help but peek behind her, his back to her as he stripped out of shirt and pants. There was a delicious moment when she saw the silhouette of his naked form, the curve where his waist became hip and then upper thigh, before he stepped into the tub and became hidden from view, save for his hair.

It took a few minutes for Peter to settle down completely. Ruby stepped back into the main room, her heart rising in her chest as she took in the scene in front of her. The room was quiet—a rarity in the Hopper household—save for the crackling of the fire. Ruby took small steps and noticed the laps of the water as Archie moved in the tub. She realized he was whistling to himself, the same melody that he sang to Peter to lull him to sleep, and emotion stirred in her chest.

With steady steps, Ruby closed the distance between herself and her husband, slowing making her way around the tub to face him. The glow of the fire brought out the red in his hair, and his eyes sparkled when he met her gaze.

"Hey," he murmured, sinking a bit lower in the tub as if to hide, and Ruby smiled softly.

"Hello," she breathed, her heart in her throat as she padded around to the side. Her eyes fixed on his, she stood beside him, deciding on her next move as her pulse beat hard in her veins.

Slowly, she reached for the washcloth and soap in his hands, her gaze flitting between them and his features, as if to ascertain his permission. He handed them to her, his features bright and warm, and Ruby felt like she was already melting like soft wax before him.

She lathered the soap on the cloth and let the bar drop into the water before bringing the cloth to his neck. She could see his features tense, holding his breath as if he was transfixed, and he licked his lips. He gave a small nod, and Ruby began the journey, leaning over slightly to caress his neck and shoulders with the cloth. Methodically, she moved along his body, covering his broad shoulders and chest, memorizing every dip and muscle through the fabric. She pulled her gaze away from his and focused on the trail her hands made, drinking in the sight of him. His light hair, soft under her touch, was barely visible in the dim light that flickered, the shadows that stretched and moved on the other side of the tub.

She could see his Adam's apple bob out of the corner her eye and she licked her lips, desire rising within her like silken strands connecting his body to hers, tightening within her. The coils of want grew more taut as she continued her exploration, the washcloth barely in her grip as she ran it along the length of one arm, and then the other. The solid muscle made her head spin, and she had to stop herself from increasing the speed of the task.

She let out a chuckle as the washcloth slipped from her fingers, but she didn't bother to retrieve it—not when her bare hands against his skin was so much more delicious. She snuck a glance to his features, uncommonly serious as his eyes darkened in arousal, which only heightened Ruby's want. He kept his gaze lowered as she dipped her hand down while the other rested on the edge of the tub. Her touch wandered over his abdomen, zig-zagging from side to side, caressing one hip bone, and then the other, until he shifted with a small groan in the tub.

Unable to see much below the water in the dim light, she returned her gaze to Archie's face, determined to discover what affected him the most. Slowly, her fingers continued their ministrations until they reached the hairline and he took a sharp breath before arching into her touch.

"Ruby," he moaned, and she could feel his muscles tighten under her hand as he refused to meet her gaze, his breaths coming heavy as her own intensified. She finally brought her fingers to his base, and, gently stroking, she found him fully erect. She curled her fingers around his member and stroked along his full girth. He closed his eyes, and she could see him fight for control even still.

Suddenly, he grabbed her hand and tugged her to him, crashing her lips to his in a desperate kiss. "I want you," he gasped as he wrenched himself away.

Ruby obeyed the invitation without thought, helpless to the pull he had over her as she scrambled over the edge of the tub, unaware of the water that splashed over the side or her chemise that became fully soaked. She crouched over him, his one hand digging into her arm as he kissed her again, a hungry kiss that took her breath away. His evident need for her quickly stoked the embers of desire into flames that licked under her skin, a heat mirrored by the warm water that assaulted her senses.

As they broke apart, Ruby rested her forehead against Archie's, their breaths mingling between them. She maneuvered as best she could in the tight space, her knees pressed against the sides of the tub with Archie's legs in between.

With one hand, she maneuvered around the pesky fabric of her chemise and found his cock to resume her ministrations. With the other, she began to work on herself, though she was not far from joining him. He brought his hand to hers, and Ruby smiled, meeting his gaze as she positioned his fingers at her clitoris.

"There," she murmured before she inhaled sharply as he worked the bundle of nerves. She brought her hands up and braced herself on his shoulders. "Yes," she gasped, the pounding in her core building quickly, aching for release under his skilled touch, the water heightening the sensation.

She captured his lips, her tongue sweeping in to deepen the kiss as she instinctively lowered herself on Archie's hand, her body seeking more pressure to relieve the ache within her. Gone was the sense of slow and tender exploration, replaced by an animalistic desire that surprised her. She wrenched herself away from his mouth, fighting to focus on him as his fingers found her folds, and he slipped one digit inside.

"I want to feel you around me," he said in a deep rasp that struck Ruby's core, and she felt herself nearing the edge. She let out a moan, eager for more, and she had to remind herself that she'd begun by trying to pleasure him.

"Mmmm," she managed, her body screaming for more. He removed his hand as the moment drew near, shifting to grip the edges of the tub. She could feel him at her entrance as she struggled to position herself in the cramped space, digging her fingers into his shoulders. She focused on his features, watching his expression as he entered her, and she gasped at sensation, the stretch of him filling her, slightly more forceful than before.

He arched into her, his eyes dark and not quite seeing. Ruby wrapped her hands around his neck, shifting her weight from the balls of her feet to rest her knees on the tub floor. Archie regained his focus and met her eyes as his grip tightened on the edge of the tub and he sat up slightly, his legs bent and his feet pressed against the far edge. He watched Ruby, letting her set the pace as she lifted herself up slightly before lowering herself down again. She could see him close to losing himself as her inner walls clamped around him, the pressure building in her own core, a tight coil about to release. She increased the pace as much as she could in the water, ignoring the lapping over the sides of the tub as the ribbons of desire coiled around them both while they moved together, a perfect storm.

She could see it in his features, the release of his orgasm as he shuddered, and Ruby moved her hand to her clit to bring herself over the edge, the silken bands wound around them, pulled taut right before they snapped. With a last thrust and a rub over the swollen nub, she fell, stars bursting in her vision as she let go.

She relaxed into Archie's arms as he leaned back against the tub, the two of them breathing heavily.

"That was…." he trailed off, his voice rough. His fingers gripped her back through the wet fabric of her chemise before relaxing slightly.

"Mmhmm," Ruby murmured with a throaty chuckle, her own body rising and falling with the movement of his chest as they panted together in almost greedy gulps.

They stayed like that for a few moments, the heady silence around them. Neither moved, since the tight space made it almost impossible to adjust their position, and Ruby enjoyed the sensation of him still inside her, combined with the lukewarm water that hugged every surface. She breathed deeply, burying her face in his neck with her arms still wrapped around him.

"I…" Archie began slowly, and Ruby gave him a gentle squeeze. "It took every ounce of willpower not to hide you away with me all day today," he murmured.

Ruby chuckled and pressed her lips to his jaw, warmth spreading through her at his admission. "So you weren't just avoiding me?"

"If I was, it's only because I think I want you too much."

He wrapped his arms around her and held her close, and Ruby let out a hum of pleasure, her heart full. She trailed kisses along his jaw and dug her fingers into his hair that was slightly wet at the base of his neck. "Well, you're in luck," she breathed, her lips brushing his ear. She gave a nip to his earlobe for effect before she added, her pulse already quickening once more—"I'm all yours, Archie Hopper."

"I'm all yours, Archie Hopper."

Archie let out a moan, emotion washing over him in such fierceness he was sure he could feel his heart pushing against his ribs. His mind was a little foggy at the echo of pleasures that had assaulted his senses, his blood still beating hard in his veins as he breathed deeply. He hugged Ruby close, the lukewarm water only heightening the intimacy of their bodies pressed together. She continued her attentions to his ear, her warm breath tickling the skin in between nips of her teeth and soft caresses of her lips. Her fingers stroked his neck, leaving wet trails with the ghost of a chill—the damp skin exposed to the air in contrast to the heat that still simmered in his bones.

He gave a lazy smile, his eyes closed as he moved one hand up her back to cup her neck, the other lower to caress her rear. There was something delicious in the languid movements after such excitement, and part of him wished to freeze this moment, the two of them joined together. He was highly aware of her breasts pressed against his chest, the rhythm of her pounding heart, his cock still within her, and his emotions swelled at the simplicity of it all—the sheer delight of holding his wife in his arms and knowing her in every possible way.

The most amazing thing was, of course, that she wanted him, too.

They stayed like that for a little while, with lazy, exploring touches—as much as they could manage, anyway, still crammed in the tiny space—until Ruby started to shift slightly. Archie straightened and moved his hands to her ribs to help her up. He met her gaze in the dim light, the hearth beside them only a glow, and he returned her smile.

"I… I should probably let you get up," she said with a chuckle.

Archie grinned and nodded, bringing one hand up to tuck her hair behind her ear, the lower half of her tresses still wet where they had dipped into the bathwater. Her gaze flitted back and forth, as if to read his, and he held his breath in the magnetic pull between them, her green eyes flickering in the remnants of the fire, like a meadow bathed in the golden light of dusk. Slowly, she leaned down and closed her eyes, pressing a kiss to his lips. He drew in a deep breath, his brow furrowed as he dug one hand into her hair, returning the kiss as if they were parting for longer than a few moments. He let out a breathy chuckle as she pulled back, his hand still clasping her neck. Remembering himself, he let his fingers slide down her arm to her hand, now resting on the edge of the tub.

Her eyes still fixed on his, she crossed her arms in front of her and reached for the hem of her garment floating on the water. In a swift motion, she lifted it over her head before dropping it in the bathwater behind her with a splash. Still locked in his gaze, she rose out of the water and he slipped out of her. His breath hitched in his throat, to see her completely exposed, the porcelain skin of her breasts and middle. More than that, it was the look in her eye—almost proud, as if she knew what she had to offer.

And, like she had said, it was all for him.

He licked his lips, helplessly immersed in the effect she had on him as she stepped out of the tub. She leaned over, collecting her long, dark hair—almost ebony in the dimly lit room—to squeeze out the excess water into the tub, causing ripples to scatter just over his body, reminding him of his nakedness. She lowered her eyes, showing off her dark lashes—or sneaking a look at his own frame under the water, he wasn't sure—until she met his gaze at the final moment before she turned around, showing off her hourglass figure, droplets of water hugging ever curve as they slowly trailed down her bare skin.

Goodness, he was pretty sure he would never be used to this.

"There's no—well, it's too bad I forgot to bring out any more towels," she said as she took a few paces towards the hearth. She grabbed a log and placed it on the embers before stoking them. Archie brought one knee up out of the water, realizing the stiffness setting into his muscles after being in one position for so long, but truth be told, it was a cheap price to pay.

Especially when the spot in which he found himself gave him such an angle of his wife's backside as the fire sparked to life, a sight he could still enjoy even if it was blurry without his glasses.

"Is the view to your satisfaction, Mr. Hopper?"

Archie regained his focus to realize that Ruby was looking at him over her shoulder, and he swore he could feel heat creep into his cheeks. "It's perfect," he breathed, unable to come up with a more witty response.

Ruby flashed him a grin that sent his heart fluttering in his chest. At least he was predictable.

"I don't know if I trust your biased opinion, but I'll take it," she teased with a giggle. "Now, how about some tea while you finish up? I'm afraid I interrupted your bath-time."

Archie chuckled and lowered his gaze. "I suppose you did." He sat up and searched for the washcloth and soap, easily found by his foot under the discarded chemise that floated in the water.

He could make out Ruby's form by the stove as she went through the familiar motions, adding kindling to the fire and setting the kettle to the stovetop. Truth be told, he was far from attentive to the task of washing when he wanted nothing more than to close the distance between himself and his wife. He wished he could see her better, but he could still make out the tilt of her head as she measured the tea leaves, and he could hear the faint tune that she hummed to herself. For all that everything was changing, he treasured the moments that continued as they'd always been.

A cozy silence fell around them as they worked, and Archie's thoughts began to wander. There was something intoxicating about the way they could continue on with such mundane tasks after what had just passed between them—and yet, it was almost baffling, the self-assuredness with which Ruby carried herself after… all that. And here he was, a bumbling idiot when he was pretty sure she had a connection straight to his soul—a string that, with a simple tug, could crash his heart into hers.

And yet—well, he certainly wasn't going to complain about that.

"Are you cold?" he asked as she poured the tea from teapot into two mugs, with a splash of milk in each. He was starting to feel the chill, himself, as the bathwater cooled, his damp arms and neck exposed to the air. The heat of the fire beside him was certainly welcomed.

"Not particularly," she assured him as she made her way towards him with ginger steps, careful to keep both mugs level, one in each hand. "It's a warm evening."

"Thank you," he murmured as he took the offering, sitting up in the tub, sending the water to lap softly against the sides and his chest. He couldn't help but think that she looked like Eve herself, completely naked with her long hair loose and draped down her front, her breasts only partially covered. Archie realized he only just understood what Adam might have felt in the garden of Eden. He shook his head to dismiss the thought, feeling it crept a little too closely to the edge of blasphemy, though he smiled to himself.

"You're welcome," she replied. Archie thought he caught a hint of a shy smile as she pulled a chair up to the side of the tub and cradled the mug in her hand.

He took a slow sip as he collected his thoughts. "I… I promise I won't pull you in again if you want to get closer."

Ruby giggled, ducking her head so that her hair fell in front of her face. "Well, I, um—I wouldn't complain if you did."

"Oh, really?"

"Much. I wouldn't complain much."

Archie studied Ruby as she met his gaze over the rim of her mug. He couldn't quite make her out—not entirely. On the one hand, she seemed very composed and confident. On the other hand, he was almost certain he sensed a shyness there.

With warmth blooming in his chest, he took a gulp of tea before he stretched and placed it on the kitchen table beside him. He then turned to Ruby and took her hand, holding it in his while his other hand ran up and down her arm. She flashed another smile that he was sure shot right through him, a bolt of lightning through to his core.

She scooted closer and let her hand drop in the water, and he released his grip, letting her twirl her fingers in the liquid. "Archie, this is almost cold!" she gasped. "And look at your fingers." She pressed the tips of her fingers to his, now embarrassingly wrinkled. She stood up and stretched over him to place her cup on the table, and Archie couldn't help but let his gaze rest on her breasts that swung gently. His focus was quickly averted, however, when she disappeared to the bedroom, and his heart sank slightly.

"Here," she said, scurrying back to his side.

She held a towel out for him, and Archie gave a small smile. He took a deep breath, cursing himself for still feeling a little shy in front of his own wife, his hands gripping the sides of the tub to hoist himself up. He could feel the slight burn in his muscles from sitting for so long, but he certainly had no regrets—aside from the decidedly undignified act of getting out of a tub. And yet, when he met Ruby's eyes, any concern melted from his mind—the fact that he'd just dripped water all over the floor, or how his body was completely exposed to Ruby's scrutiny. Instead, he was met with her warm smile, her green eyes filled with adoration, and his heart skipped a beat for the countless time.

Without a word, Ruby threw the towel over his shoulders and began to rub. Archie swallowed, waiting to see—hoping—where it may lead. She worked gently at first, up and down one arm, and then the other, in small circles. He could already feel the friction of the fabric warm his skin, a teasing precursor of what was to come. She then walked around him slowly to give her attention to his back, running the towel over both shoulders blades and slowly down his to the small of his back.

He swallowed hard when her touch wandered to his buttocks, and he couldn't help but clench, despite the care in which she worked.

"Just relax," she murmured, her voice smooth and sultry. She was still using the towel, but Archie couldn't deny he wished the barrier would disappear, the tantalizing promise of skin on skin enough to quicken his pulse.

He looked over his shoulder as she made her way back to his front, and he followed her with his gaze. She looked up at him through her lashes and smiled—more brazen this time—as she finished off his legs, her ministrations a teasing distance from his member. He could feel desire rising, and he fought the impulse to carry her off to the bedroom.

With one last rub of the towel by his foot, she stood and haphazardly discarded it on a nearby chair. Even in the inches of space between them, he could feel the heat of her body radiating, a pull like gravity that he was sure no man could fight for long.

Then, in a moment of delicious contact, she splayed her hands on his chest, her dainty fingers pressed into his skin, a light touch that all but burned as it temporarily satisfied his longing before it sent strands of desire winding through him in increasing strength. He lifted his hands to cup her elbows, his gaze fixed on hers. Her green eyes, usually bright as the new spring growth, swam with a certain intensity he hadn't seen before this week, like the depths of the forest that beckoned to him. For a moment, all was still between them, the air charged like a summer storm, sparking over his skin, and anticipation buzzed in his veins at what new sensations they could explore.

Archie tilted his head and leaned in slightly, licking his lips, daring to drop his gaze to her mouth. Instead of closing the distance, however, Ruby pulled back. Archie started and raised a brow at her as she bit her lip, a sultry expression colouring her features that made his pulse quicken all the more. As she lowered her gaze, she dropped her hands from his chest and took one of his hands in hers before gently tugging him to the bedroom.

He couldn't help but chuckle, far from disappointed at being lead in such a direction. She seemed to enjoy the role, and he was more than happy to reap the benefits. Truth be told, he marvelled at how quickly her touch could awaken desire, especially after being spent not long ago.

He realized his breathing was shallow as she positioned him in front of the bed and gently pushed him down. He obeyed, unable to help himself from bringing his hands to her waist to tug her close as he looked up at her.

"I want to explore every inch of you, Archie Hopper," she murmured, running her hands through his hair, and he closed his eyes at the sensation of fingertips exploring his scalp, her touch sending ripples of warmth through him, stoking the flames to life. He slid his arms around her waist and hugged her close, pressing a kiss to her stomach before nuzzling against her heated skin.

She giggled. "Not yet," she protested, her voice a pitch higher than before. He chuckled as she pried his arms from her waist and he managed one last kiss to her stomach before she stepped back. He tilted his head up to meet her gaze, his hands resting on the bed on either side of him.

Her features relaxed into a warm smile, her hands fluttering around his face before cupping his jaw, and she bent down to press a kiss to his lips. It was surprisingly soft and lingering, a tender caress that still hinted at the passion that simmered underneath.

As if to prevent herself—or him—from deepening the kiss, she pulled back, breaking contact briefly before trailing her lips down his jaw. Slowly, she worked, her soft hair falling on his chest as she bent down, her hands on his shoulders, tightening her grip. He was even more helpless to the sensation of her lips against a tender spot on his neck and he let out a moan as she sucked, sure that she had a direct line to the innermost part of him.

Continuing lower, she knelt in front of him, her hands sliding around to his back and digging into his skin as her teeth nipped at his chest. He spread his legs, highly aware of every point of contact, and he gripped the edge of the mattress on either side of him, struggling to keep the pounding heat within him from rising too quickly. As her lips continued their journey lower, her hands stroked his ribs, caressed his waist, before resting on his hips.

"Ruby," he breathed as he dug one hand into her hair. He glanced down to see her watching him before trailing her tongue around his navel. The wet skin became chilled, a contrast that only heightened the heat within him, building in pounding waves, his yearning for her more than evident as tension coiled in his lower abdomen.

"You're making this too quick," she teased, her voice a pitch lower than usual, warm and sultry as her lips brushed just below his navel.

"Please," he begged, the heat quickly building in pressure, his desire for her an aching need. The pressure of her fingers, the soft skin of her lips, the suction of skin against teeth coaxed moans of pleasure from him, and he instinctively arched into her, letting his head fall back as she pried control from him—control that he gave most willingly. It was intoxicating, this sensation of being vulnerable to the person he trusted most in the world, his soul laid bare, and any sense of self-doubt melted away in her skilled hands, both fierce and tender all at once. His body an instrument, her attention to his desire only increased the aching need, the heat pounding in his core as the silken strands wound tighter and tighter, the slow pace almost unbearable as the heat threatened to bubble up in a violent churning until he was sure he would burst.

He clenched his fists and took a sharp breath as her tongue found his member and ran down the length of it, his brow furrowed as the delicate touch stirred such violent need within him. He kept his eyes closed, his hands at his sides, not trusting himself to keep from grabbing her and taking her there on the floor, as if he was about to throw himself off the edge with abandon.

"Almost," she murmured against the delicate skin before she took him in her mouth, completely surrounding him, bringing her hand up to cover his base. She quickly began to increase the friction and he bucked against her, his body taking over.

What little thought remained flew from his mind as the tension snapped, violent heat crashing over him as he tumbled over the edge, helpless to the pleasure of letting go. When he was able to regain his focus, he saw Ruby hovering over him, and he realized he'd fallen back on the bed.

"I…" he managed, struggling to focus on her gaze. He could barely distinguish the glint in her eyes in the lamplight that lit her from behind, but there was no hiding the almost feline smile that bloomed across her features. He took a deep breath and brought his hand up to her cheek, brushing aside the hair that fell down and framed her face.

"That didn't last nearly long enough," she teased, wrinkling her nose at him before turning serious. She leaned down and pressed her lips to his in a fierce kiss, and Archie's breath hitched in his throat as he dug his fingers into her hair, his heart pounding against his ribcage. Arching into her, he trailed his hand down her neck and shoulder, making the now-familiar journey down her ribs, the valley of her waist, to the delicious curve of her rear. Emotion washed over him, a softer echo of the passion from moments before, an emotion that matched the physical in its strength, which would surely drown him.

All too soon, she pulled back, and Archie opened his eyes to see the green depths of her gaze flitting back and forth to study his. He could see that she felt it, too, this connection between them, this cord that joined them more tightly together with each union, and it made his heart swell in his chest all the more.

He shifted on his elbows and raised himself up as Ruby guided him by his elbow. He took her in his arms and she perched on his knee, her arms sliding around his neck, her hair tickling his shoulder as he brushed his lips against her jaw.

"I can't help—but feel—like I got—the better end of that deal," he murmured into between kisses, hoping the low pitch to his voice was appealing. He smiled against her skin as she tilted her head back, a purr of approval rumbling her throat.

"Mmhmm," she managed, her grip tightening on his shoulders. "Well, the night is still young."

Archie chuckled against her neck before pulling back, and Ruby straightened to meet his gaze. She arched a brow at him, the twinkle in her eye stoking the embers of desire that nestled in his core, ever-heated and—it seemed—far too easily stoked. He'd have to get creative, but his pulse began to quicken, eager to discover new ways he could make his wife sing under his attentions.

Feeling brazen, he wrapped his arms around her and grinned, crashing her to the mattress with him as she let out a squeal.

Such bliss was surely more than any man had a right to feel.