A/N: Okay so you wanted it, here it is. House and Althea are going to do the mattress mambo! Hahaha. Man, that sounded so...tawdry and cheap. I hope the scene itself doesn't come off that way :) Enjoy!

Chapter Ten

House sat in the living area sipping some wine as he waited for Althea to arrive. It was still early, just five-thirty, but he was oddly nervous. He could smell dinner cooking as the cook worked in the kitchen preparing a roast beef with all the trimmings and his mouth was watering. He scratched his cheek, missing the usual stubble that grew there. He decided to shave for the first time in years, and he wasn't sure how he felt about it, or if Althea would even like it, but he figured what the hell? It would grow back in a few days or so. The idea that he did such a thing for a girl made him chuckle to himself as he continued to stroke his invisible scruff. And she was just that, a girl. Back home he'd be chastised and frowned upon for even looking at her. And here he was, getting a woody just thinking about her, how soft her hair was, the way she smelled and the way she smiled at him.

But would a princess such as her even give it up to him? He doubted so. On the other hand, she seemed to like being with him, and if Emmett hadn't shown up, who knows what might've happened? Her sister certainly wasn't shy, or innocent, but Althea definitely was, and House wasn't sure he should even consider it. Would he ruin her? Tarnish her reputation? Even though she was a princess who could do as she pleased, would sex before marriage make her unable to marry? Would her father go ape shit crazy because he deflowered her? He didn't want to think about the repercussions of that last one. With any luck, if it did happen, she'd keep her mouth shut and he wouldn't find out.

There was a knock at the front door and House chuckled. Wouldnt she just walk in? But he stood up when she was led into the room. "Hi," he said as his eyes took in her appearance.

She was truly a vision of lovliness in her burgundy dress. her long dark hair was down for a change and hung in thick ringlets over her shoulders. "Hello. I'm afraid I'm a little early."

"Fine with me. How about some wine? I think dinner will be awhile yet."

"Wine would be nice, thank you," she nodded as she came further into the room. "It's nice and warm in here now."

"Yeah. I've had a fire going all afternoon. This place was pretty damp before."

"Yes I can imagine."

God, but she looked amazing! He now knew why Emmett had a hard time staying away from her. "Have a seat," he said, patting the cushion next to him on the couch as he sat.

"Alright."

She came over and sat down, crossing her legs at the ankles. There was an awkward silence and House shook his head. For once he had no idea what to say. "So has your father got anyone in line for you to marry next?"

"No, not yet. I think he's given up, and that is fine with me. I am not interested in getting married just now."

"You're not? How come?"

"I'm tired of meeting potential suitors that my father has chosen, only to have them fail me in one way or another."

"Did you ever stop to think that maybe your standards are too high?"

She laughed. "I am a princess. I must choose wisely because whomever I marry could end up on the throne one day. It would not do to marry a total buffoon."

"You have a point. I've said it before but it bears repeating. You need to get out, see the world and live it up before you get married. Because then you probably won't be able to go anywhere. I have no doubt that whoever you choose will expect you to simply give him babies and be his trophy wife and his ticket to becoming king."

Althea nodded. "Yes, you're right. I'd much rather take my time, and find someone worthy of my affections." She placed her small hand over his as she looked up at him through her thick eyelashes. "Like you, for instance."

House laughed. "Wouldn't your father just love that?"

"Probably not. Which is why I don't talk to him about my personal life."

House let out the breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. That was one less thing to worry about.

"So what you're saying is that if you gave yourself to someone other than the man you plan to marry, you wouldn't tell him?"

"No. Although whoever I plan to marry will no doubt have me checked by a physician to ensure my maidenhead is intact. If it is not, there will no doubt be hell to pay."

House chuckled. "You know, you can be a virgin and not be intact."

She cocked her head to one side. "Really?"

"Yeah. You ride horses, don't you? Have you been riding long?"

"Since I could walk," she smiled.

"Do a lot of jumping, that kind of stuff?"

"Of course."

"Well that can rupture your hymen."

"Hymen?"

House gave his head a shake. "Sorry. That's the medical term for your maidenhead, as you call it."

"Oh, I see. I did not know that."

"Of course, if you do have to get that exam done, just make sure I'm the doctor to do it. I have no issue lying. And I doubt your husband will be able to tell one way or the other. Just scream lots like you're in pain."

Althea blushed and took another sip of her wine. "I've said it before, but you're very easy to talk to. I feel like I can tell you anything."

"You can. It's nothing I haven't heard before. I've been a doctor for a long time."

"How long?"

"Fifteen years, give or take."

"Wow. How old are you?"

House chuckled as he topped off both their glasses. "I hit the big 4-0 just before I ended up here."

She scrunched her brow in confusion. "Ended up?"

"It's a long story. One day I'll tell you about it. But not now. I will tell you that Emmett and I are from the same place."

"Yes, he's from America also."

"Yeah but we're on opposite sides of the country. And its a big country."

"Yes. I'd love to go there."

"Really?"

"Yes. It sounds so exciting."

"You should go at least once. Tell your father you want to see what the rest of the world has to offer."

"I might just have to do that," she smiled.

A young man entered the room. "Dinner is served, your Highness, Dr. House."

"Great. I'm starving." House got up and offered his arm to Althea. "Well, into the fray?"

She tucked her arm through his and smiled. "We shall."

XXX

The fire was slowly dying and the room was getting chilly again. "I'll get the fire going," House said as he tossed a few logs in and stoked it. Before long, it was blazing again. "There. So, did you bring your lute?"

"Yes. I'll go get it," she said and then hurried out of the room. When she returned, House was sitting at his piano.

"So what kind of music do you like to play?"

"I do not know what you call it. Folk?"

House made a face. "How about you just play something you like and I'll join in."

"Alright, I suppose we could do it that way."

He listened to her strum some chords for a few minutes before he added his own parts on piano. They had the makings of a nice song, and when it was over, she looked thrilled.

"That was very nice. I did not realize jamming could be so much fun or so... liberating."

House chuckled. "If you have the right pairing, it can be quite fun. Want to do another?"

"Yes, please."

He smiled and began to play the intro to St. James Infirmary. At first she just listened, but then she figured it out and simply strummed along.

"What do you call that one?"

"St. James Infirmary. it's an oldie but a goodie."

She looked confused and then smiled. "Another saying from your country?"

"Yeah."

She put the lute aside and sat next to him on the bench. "I'm having a severe case of deja vu," he laughed.

"What does that mean?"

"It's when you get the feeling that you've done something before."

"Oh, then yes, me too."

He looked down at her, and watched her pick an imaginary piece of lint off his shirt.

"Does your father know where you are?"

"No."

"Naughty girl. Where does he think you are?"

"In my chambers reading."

"And if he should check up on you?"

"He never does."

"He trusts you that much?"

"Yes. I have not given him any reason not to."

"Interesting," he said as he turned to face her. He reached over and ran his fingers through the soft curls of her hair. "Your hair is so soft."

"Thank you," she blushed as she looked away.

"Nervous, Althea?"

"A little," she nodded. "Nobody has ever courted me like this before."

"Never?"

"No."

"What makes you think I'm courting you? I could simply just be trying to get you into my bed."

She smiled impishly at him. "And here I stay."

"That doesn't shock you?"

"Not as much as your bluntness."

"Life's too short to beat around the bush."

She giggled. "I'm not even going to ask you what that means."

"It means life's too short to waste time. We could both be gone tomorrow."

"You are so right," she said and then reached up to touch his face. "You shaved."

"I did."

"You did that for me?"

"I was curious to see how you'd like it. Do you?"

She cocked her head to one side as she continued to caress his cheek, running her finger down his jaw line. "I'm... not sure. I've gotten so used to seeing the beard. It makes you look much older."

"That's it. I'm growing the beard back," he chuckled as he rolled his eyes.

"I think you look very handsome either way," she said as she reached up and softly kissed his cheek. "I might miss the way your whiskers tickled my lips."

"Well if you want me to grow it back, just say the word."

"We shall see. Normally, I do not care for facial hair on a man but it suits you."

He nodded and leaned over to kiss her. She leaned up in return and their lips met half way in the middle.

God, her lips were so soft and sweet. He could taste the wine as his lips brushed against hers. His heart was beating fast and he gently sucked on her lower lip as if to ask permission to take the kiss deeper. She opened her mouth under his and her hands slid up his arms to his shoulders.

His tongue slipped past her lips and into the honeyed depths of her mouth as she eagerly responded, moving a little closer to him. He wrapped his arms around her tiny waist and pressed his body against hers.

But soon, the piano bench was no longer comfortable and he broke away from her.

Her lips were pink and so were her cheeks as she slowly opened her eyes and looked at him.

"Wow," she whispered as her hands linked around his neck.

"Yeah. How about we go somewhere more comfortable?" he whispered as he began kissing her neck, nipping at it, making her purr like a kitten.

"What did you have in mind, Dr. House?" she grinned.

"That's up to you. Where would you be more comfortable?"

"Somewhere away from prying eyes."

"I know just the place," he said and got up. He offered her his hand which she took willingly and led her up the stairs to the master bedroom. Someone had been in there because there was a fire burning in the fireplace and the bed was turned down.

"This is very cozy," she whispered as she looked around. "And now I am nervous."

"We don't have to do anything you don't want to."

"No?"

"Did you think I was going to force you? I'm merely your humble servant."

She smiled. "I would not be in a servant's bedroom," she smiled.

"That's reassuring. Have you ever been in any man's bedroom?" he asked as he led her towards the bed where they both sat down on the end of it.

"No, never. It was not allowed."

"I can believe that."

"Greg?" she whispered as he tugged at one of the ribbons of her bodice.

"Mhm?"

"I'm afraid I'm quite inexperienced."

"There's no right or wrong," he whispered as he continued to tug at the ties until her breasts threatened to come out. He ran his finger along the top of them and her breath hitched. "Never been with a man this way?"

She shook her head, watching his fingers intently as they brushed over her skin. "Stop me anytime," he said before he captured her lips with his and slipped his tongue into her mouth, exploring and searching as his hand slid down over her breast.

"Oh Greg," she breathed as he lowered her against the mattress and freed her breasts before taking one of her nipples into his mouth. Her back arched and her eyes closed as she whimpered and gripped his biceps. He glanced up at her and grinned before playfully taking a nipple between his teeth and tugging on it. She gasped and her eyes flipped open. He backed off and frowned. "Too much too soon?"

"N... no. I just... I suppose I'm just not used to this."

"But it's good, right?"

"Oh yes, Greg. Very, very good. I never knew it could be like this."

"It should be." He kissed her again as he paid lavish attention to her breasts. She was perfect. Everything was perfect. Her breasts fit perfectly in his hands and her lips felt amazing against his. She was a very good kisser and he wondered how many men she'd kissed in her lifetime.

In a moment of bravery, she reached up and began unbuttoning his shirt so she could slide her hands inside and feel his chest.

"You have a very manly chest, Greg."

"Manly, huh?"

"Yes. Most of the men I've seen have no chest hair, or muscles. Mind you, I have not seen too many men without their shirts on."

She leaned up and placed a kiss over his heart, and then kissed her way up to the base of his throat where he hissed. She found one of his erogenous zones and he thought he was going to go insane.

"Althea," he moaned as she continued to kiss along his jaw line and finally reached his mouth where she kissed him deeply.

"Yes?"

"Are you sure you want this?" he asks as his hand traveled down and up under her skirts. When he touched her bare leg she gasped.

"I want you to show me everything, Greg. Show me what it is supposed to be like so when the time comes, I'll know how it should be between a woman and a man who care about each other."

"I want to show you everything. Let me show you. Let me be your teacher."

"I would love nothing more. I'm just... nervous. And...a little afraid because... I don't know what to expect."

"I'll go slowly," he whispered as he stroked her leg. God, was there a spot anywhere that wasn't as soft as satin? He could feel her garters that held her stockings up and he pulled them off one by one, leaving her legs bare. And when he slid his hand higher, he discovered she wasn't wearing any underwear.

She was shaking like a leaf and he stopped. "It's okay," he whispered as he kissed her again. He brought his hand out from under her dress and then he stood up and began stripping down. "It might be easier if we just get our clothes out of the way. I mean, they're gonna have to come off eventually."

She blushed. "You wish me to be nude?"

He paused as he unbuttoned his breeches. "That's usually the way it's done. Although even with you going commando under that dress, you have too many layers. Aren't you warm? You'd be much cooler in the buff."

"Buff?"

He pulled off his pants and stood there in just his shorts, a very visible tent in them, causing her eyes to widen.

"Oh my," she whispered and covered her mouth as she stared wide-eyed at him.

"Althea," he said as he stepped closer. "You can change over there if you want," he said, pointing to the privacy screen. "One of my shirts is hanging there, you can put it on. It'll be big on you but it'll make you feel less vulnerable."

He climbed into bed, fluffed the pillows a little and propped himself up against the headboard as he waited for her. It took several minutes but she was finally able to free herself of the gown she wore and put on his blue shirt. When she came out from behind the screen, she looked adorable, and very nervous. The shirt was indeed big on her, coming down just above her knees but she looked sexy as hell as she stood in front of the bed. He pulled the covers back on her side and patted the sheets. "I don't bite, Princess. Unless of course you like that," he grinned.

She hesitated but then quickly climbed in and pulled the covers up to her chin, staring at him with wide eyed fascination.

"I cannot believe I'm here," she whispered. "I have never been in the same bed with a man."

"We don't have to do anything, you know. We could just lie here and enjoy being with each other."

God that sounded corny! He thought to himself and then chuckled. He was going soft in his old age.

"Really?"

"What? Did you think I would jump all over you the minute you got into my bed?"

"My sister said you are... quite skilled as a lover. As have the other ladies who have been lucky enough to have you in their bed."

House couldn't suppress the grin. "I could show you what the fuss is about. The problem is that if it's good, you'll want it again. Even crave it."

"Yes, Charlotte said that too. And if it's not good?" she grinned.

"I haven't had any complaints before," he said as he lowered the covers and exposed the rest of her. "And besides, how would you know one way or another if it's not good? You've never done this before."

Althea gave him a look. "If I scream, it was good. If I do not scream, then it was not."

He couldn't fault her logic there.

"Well then, Princess, I've got my work cut out for me, don't I?" he grinned as he slid his hand up her leg, across her stomach and up to her breast which he caressed through the shirt.

Her breath hitched and her eyes fluttered closed as he unbuttoned the shirt, kissing each bit of exposed skin until all the buttons were undone. He kissed the valley between her breasts, across her stomach and encircled her belly button with his tongue, dipping it inside as she gasped and gripped the sheets.

"Let's just get this out of the way," he whispered as he tugged on the shirt and pulled it from her. She lay naked in front of him and he admired her body. She was in excellent shape, slim and firm. There wasn't an ounce of fat on her anywhere that he could see. "You're beautiful, Princess."

She blushed as she gazed up at him, modestly covering her most private parts with her hands. "Thank you."

He gently brushed her hands away and replaced them with his as he gently touched her everywhere, taking note of what spots made her sigh and which ones made her gasp and react the most.

When he slid his fingers to that one spot where he knew she was longing for, she gasped, opened her eyes and grabbed a fistful of his hair. "Greg? What... are you doing?"

"Just exploring," he said back with a smile as he moved his hand against her very wet folds and watched her squirm. "You like it?"

"Oh... yes..."

"Want me to stop?"

"No! God... no," she moaned and threw her head back against the pillows as he continued to stroke her.

She was writhing and panting and he decided to see just how ready she was as he slipped a finger into her tight passage and watched her with amusement.

"Greg!"

"Like it?"

"Oh yes..."

He moved so he was kneeling between her legs and he began placing kisses down her body until he reached his destination. With one long lick, she literally screamed and her eyes rolled into the back of her head.

He began moving his finger in and out as he licked and it became apparent that yes, indeed, her hymen was no longer intact. For that, he was relieved.

God, but she was still so tight. His cock throbbed at the very thought of what waited for him. He had no doubt she would feel absolutely amazing.

"Oh Greg... this feels so... amazing and... oh!" she gasped as he worked his tongue faster. He could feel her release coming fast, and he wanted to take her all the way over the edge. He knew she had reached it when her inner walls began to flex around his finger and she let out a deep, feral groan as she gripped his hair and curled her toes.

He took that opportunity to remove his shorts and slip back under the covers. He held her against him as she came down from the intensity of her orgasm and when she was finally calm again, she slowly opened her eyes and stared up at him.

"Oh my God," she whispered as she touched his face. "Was that what I think it was?"

He chuckled and kissed her cheek. "Oh yeah. A very good one. And that was just the first part of what comes next."

"There's more?"

He grinned and wiggled his eyebrows at her. "Oh yeah, baby. I told you I'd show you everything and I will."

"If it's better than what you just did, I am in trouble," she giggled.

"Big trouble," he nodded as he rolled on top of her once again and settled himself between her legs.

"Show me, Greg."

He nodded. "I'll try not to hurt you," he said as he rubbed her still wet core with his cock a few times.

"Ohhh," she sighed, "that feels... nice."

House chuckled and then entered her very slowly, inch by inch, letting her adjust to his size. It was a perfect fit and he had to shut his eyes and think of something else.

"Oh Greg, I never imagined it would feel this good!" she gasped once he was all the way inside, and then pulled out again. His lips crashed against hers and she kissed him back as she caught on and began to move with him, stroke for stroke.

"Oh God," he groaned as he picked up the pace a little, his hands slid down her arms, out to her hands as he held them down against the mattress.

Their fingers interlaced and she tried to keep her eyes on him, but they kept wanting to flutter closed again. "So beautiful," he whispered as he nipped at her neck. "So sexy."

"Greg! Don't stop!" she cried out as she bucked her hips faster in time with his. "Oh God... I think it's happening again... Greg!"

He could feel her inner walls squeezing and flexing around his cock and he changed the angle so he was able to hit her G-spot on each thrust.

That was when she screamed his name and went limp like a rag doll as he finished with a few more deep strokes before falling over the edge himself.

He lay on top of her, his face buried in her hair as he tried to catch his breath. They were both bathed in sweat and breathing heavily from the strenuous workout they'd just had.

Finally, he rolled off of her and stared up at the ceiling as she pulled the covers back over them.

When she shivered, he glanced over at her. "Cold?"

"A little. The fire seems to have died."

He pulled her close so she could rest her cheek against his chest and they fell asleep like that.