It was nearly midnight when they arrived at Ruby's door. She opened and entered the kitchen, with Arthur following her without hesitation. The door clicked close and she turned around, watching him shrugging off his jacket. Slowly, he removed the waistcoat and the bowtie, before he started to open his shirt. Ruby stood still and watched him in silence. He kicked his shoes off, their rumble on the wooden boards the only sound to be heard. Shirt and vest followed, carelessly dropped on the floor.

"Arthur," Ruby whispered, but he shook his head and opened his trousers.

He stepped out of them, removing his socks in the process, and Ruby noticed that he must do it this way every time he stripped. It looked so naturally, so flowing. She took a deep breath as he hooked his thumbs in the waistband of his pants. Ruby closed her eyes for a few seconds and bit on her lip.

"Ruby?" Arthur said lowly. "Come on, open your eyes. Fair's fair, right?"

"Aye," she answered and finally looked at him. A little smile tugged at the corners of her mouth when she continued: "Now we're even, aren't we?"

"That was the plan."

"God, I ... it's ... you're naked in my kitchen and you're my boss and I ... oh! Oh, Arthur!" She squeaked a little and started to fumble in her handbag. "I totally forgot ...," she said and took some money out of her purse. "Here's the next rate. It's one pound and sixpence."

She handed him the money and Arthur placed it on the kitchen table. He grinned and pulled her closer, bowing his head to bring his mouth at her ear.

"You made me feel like a whore for a full second. Paying me back while standing naked in front of you is something we cancel for the future, aye?" He said, chuckled and placed a kiss on her neck.

"I'm sorry. I'm so nervous. I didn't want to make you feel ... god, Arthur, I'm sorry."

"There's no need to be nervous. You can't do anything wrong."

"That is what you say now," Ruby whispered and smiled, tilting her head to give him better access to her neck. "Wait until I knee you in the guts by accident ..."

"Is this a warning or a threat?" Arthur asked and chuckled again.

"A warning. You know, a few weeks after our wedding ... I gave him a bloody nose. Accidentally." Ruby said and pressed her body closer to him, searching his warmth and strength.

The memories of Tim still hurt and she knew Arthur didn't mind speaking of him, as he was haunted by his own past as well.

"A bloody nose once in a while is a fair price for being allowed to touch you in every possible way, love," he answered and started to open her blouse.

"You're so sweet," she whispered and enjoyed every little touch of his fingertips while he undressed her.

Once she was naked she was picked up and carried to the bedroom.

"Don't you dare falling asleep," Arthur whispered and placed her carefully on the mattress before crawling over her.

"I won't I promise," she answered and pulled him closer to kiss him.

Ruby felt his hands caressing her flanks over her hips to her thighs. His touch was gentle and careful, and Ruby felt like melting into it.

"How do you like it?" Arthur asked and his mouth left hers to let her answer.

His lips found her nipple and Ruby closed her hands around the back of his head, keeping him right there.

"Gently ... I guess. He was always gentle and slow ..." She whispered and took a deep breath.

"Tim was your first and the one and only?" Arthur asked and bit softly in her nipple, making her gasp.

"Yes." The first little moan slipped out of her throat, followed by his name.

She just couldn't help it. It felt so good what he did, so arousing.

"So, he made you cum with his fingers, earning a bloody nose in the process, and then what?" Arthur asked with a smile and Ruby took a deep breath, thinking that she'd never been asked such intimate things.

But maybe this was common, to speak about experiences. Tim did not have to ask as she hadn't had any experiences back then. Tim had been the first man to kiss her, to touch her in intimate ways and to make love to her.

"We lay like this, with him on top of me. And then ... you know ... he loved me." Ruby noticed her blushing and felt shame.

"Alright," Arthur whispered with a smile. "Do you want me to do it this way or do you want to try something new?"

"I ... I don't know ... that's ..." Ruby shrugged and whispered: "I thought that's the way it's done?"

"Not the only way. We have a long night ahead, love," Arthur gave her a smile and continued sucking at her nipple.

Ruby allowed herself to enjoy the moment, to stop thinking. Arthur would tell and show her what she was supposed to do. She couldn't do anything wrong, right?

Ruby watched the early morning sky while lying sleepless in Arthur's arms. His breathing was even and steady, his eyes closed. Yet she could tell that he wasn't sleeping.

"Thank you," she whispered and looked up, just to see a smile blossoming on his face.

He made an approving noise and petted with his hand over her back. Ruby placed a kiss on his chest and freed herself from his arms.

"Where are you going?" He mumbled and opened one eye.

"I need to use the toilet. And I'm terribly thirsty. Do you want a cup of tea?"

"Aye. Tea in bed sounds great."

"Alright. Tea in bed, coming right up." Ruby smiled and left the bedroom. She stopped in the middle of the little hallway and called over her shoulder: "I love you, Arthur."

"Love you too, sweetheart," Arthur answered without a single second delay and Ruby felt like she would live like this with him forever.