Hi everyone! I am sorry it took me this long, but to be honest I forgot I haven't post this chapter yet. I am having a little less time now because of the part-time work and getting ready for uni and all that. Anyway, I hope you enjoy, it is a little longer and so much fun to write :)

Let me know if there are any grammar or spelling mistakes.

I own nothing but my OC and plot.

XXV

She hasn't had a good night sleep for two days in a row and she was getting exhausted. And yet, under pressure of yesterday's afternoon, she decided to organize a tiring evening with complicated preparations that lasted almost half a day. Even though she could use some help, she didn't feel like talking to anyone until it was necessary. Milla was gaining strength and was moving around the kitchen slower than usual. All the staff had a day off and she even warned Emma that if she helped her without Milla specifically asking her to, she would probably hurt her. In a way, the quiet was calming. She was distracted with the cooking enough not to think about last two days over and over. Yesterday night was enough.

After three hours of trying to find a comfortable position in bed and failing, Milla got up with a frustrated sigh. Her first instinct was to go to the kitchen for a cup of milk, her mother used to say a cup of milk would lull her to sleep even when nothing else was working. But this time there was just too much on her mind for it to work. After some time she got up again and this time her steps lead to the library. Maybe reading a few pages of a boring book would make her at least sleepy.

Milla walked around the shelves looking for the right book when something else caught her attention. There, on an empty table there was a heavy copy of midgardian history and myths she took with herself many years ago from Earth. She haven't seen it in a long while and she instantly knew who would have read that. Milla had to sit down to process. Why though? It was impossible that Loki could have fallen in love with the realm, not after all the horrible things he had done there. Milla didn't know the details, but she had an idea. With details she would have probably kicked him out of the house hurt like when he came back. She looked at the pages and read a few passages. A part where a few myths about Odin were mentioned. Did he get homesick? Or was he amusing himself with what people the belief that what Odin did was actually a god's work? Or maybe he was regretting not finishing his job and was looking for tips from distant history. Sadly, all of those options could be true. He was unpredictable enough.

She started turning pages lazily, not focusing on the text. She had enough time previous night to think about what happened with Leo. She decided it was only too much testosterone, that he got jealous for no reason and those words and actions were not really serious. He would never hurt her, she knew that. What concerned her more was the way she reacted. What concerned her was the block that made any act of real defence impossible. Her limbs were too heavy, her mind too foggy and if he attacked her, she would have easily lost. In a real dangerous situation, that moment of hesitation would cost her her life. It could not happen again.

The fact that she let Loki touch her and take away, actually calm her down was something she was really angry with herself for. She had not forgiven him. Even though she decided to be nice to him and tolerate him enough to let him live in the house, this crossed the line. She was not supposed to think his arms were safety. Under any circumstances she should not let him be that close to her. When she realised what had happened on her way to the ill man, she had to almost slap herself to remind to think straight. He was affecting her judgement, charming her senses and making her tremble to easily, with one look, a word. It was unacceptable. Not again.

She closed the book and looked to the door almost expecting Loki to stand there and watch her. It happened before and she always scolded him for being creepy. He always said that a good guard never let his lady out of sight. Recalling all the suppressed memories made her melancholic. Of course that she could just kiss him in the morning and fuck everyone around, just do what she was supposed to do such a long time ago, but she had enough self respect not to make a complete fool out of herself. She had a nice life until he appeared, first and second time. She really liked it and in some way, wanted it back, peaceful days without him constantly on her mind. That was what she determined to show him during the dinner she was preparing for. But was she prepared for it?

A loud thunder brought her back to reality. Apparently a nasty storm was coming so the dinner had to be inside the house. It was time to change clothes. On her way to her room she made sure Emma, Johnatan and Loki were getting ready for the dinner. By the time she was in the shower and picking the right dress, three girls she hired for the evening were setting up the table and making sure everything was perfect.

This time she decided to wear a simple long sleeveless black dress with deep V-neck in front and gold long earrings and a ring. She wanted to be the first one down do she simply used deep red lipstick and easy yet thick eye liner and made a ponytail. When she walked down the stairs, Emma joined her in dark green knee-long narrow dress with subtle black bow. She bought that dress to wear after midnight on her wedding day. Johnatan behind her chose black shirt and trousers and green tie to match his loved one. Milla smiled at them.

"Look at you both! You look rich."

"I feel rich." Johnatan winked at her and offered her his free hand. "Having two beautiful ladies by my side, what more could I ask."

"This is the exact feeling I want you two to get used to."

"It is a charade Milla, why should we pretend to be someone who we are not?" Emma asked in her typical humble tone.

"Because you can, and because it is fun. My whole life is a charade, so why not make the best of it?"

Emma wanted to reply something, but the bell interrupted her and Milla went to the door with an apology and an invitation to sit at the table. As expected, it was Leo, dressed in a fine brown suit that made his eyes shine. But Milla started laughing as soon as she saw him for he was wet from head to toe and red in the face from embarrassment. He held a bouquet of flowers again, this time bright red. "It is raining." He announced while Milla was still snickering. Quickly he walked inside and started apologising. "I am sorry, I should have known, but I am a fool. Could I use the bathroom to dry myself a little?"

"No." She replied calmly and waved her hand. In a blink of an eye, Leo was dry again and the look of amazement in his face was almost comical. She took the flowers from his hand as he was not moving. "A trick, my love, relax. Please, go sit to the table and enjoy the evening." She leaned to him and kissed him on the cheek. He bowed a little and obeyed. Then looked to the stairs expecting Loki to join them any second. There was no sign of him.

"This looks beautiful." Leo commented when he sat to Milla's right. The table was meant for six people, Milla and Loki at the top ao the table, Emma and Johnatan to Milla's left and Leo and Tony to her right.

"Is your father not coming?" Emma asked politely as he greeted her with a kiss as well.

"No, he had some urgent issues he needed to attend." He replied and took his seat. "He apologised and I am positive he will send you a gift tomorrow morning."

"Tell him not to worry, I understand." Slowly, Milla walked to the table and sat down. She nodded towards a girl in shadows and she started pouring wine and the other one was taking away Tony's plate and glasses.

"Are we expecting somebody else?" Leo asked as he saw that one seat is still empty.

"Felix, of course." Milla said calmly, ignoring Leo's frown.

As if he heard them, Loki appeared on the stairs and it took him only a few of his long steps to join them at the table. "I apologise for my late arrival. I couldn't find my old clothing." He walked to Emma and kissed her on a cheek. His eyes rested then on Milla and she shook her head, almost invisibly. He understood, but he didn't look away. Milla shivered and hoped nobody noticed. Loki looked beautiful - he wore the suit she gave him such a long time ago, the day of their first ball. Black trousers, white shirt and dark green vest.

"It is all right. At least you showed up." Milla hinted to the girls to pour wine to Loki's glass as well.

"Come on Milla, don't be upset, the man couldn't make it." Johnatan took a sip of his wine and easily broke the tension in the room. Milla was grateful.

"I know, I just wanted to see him. He is overworking himself."

"That sounds great coming from you." Emma remarked and made everyone smirk. Milla nodded.

You look stunning.

Milla's smile froze for a heartbeat when she heard those words in her head. But she fought off the urge to look his direction and reply something. She had to make a point and he was not helping at all. But at least she knew his magic was back and he could leave any second now. Again, a chill went through her spine.

"Yes, we all know I tend to work a little too much. Could we not talk about it now?"

"As you wish." Leo smiled. They started serving them appetizers, but honestly, Milla was not even that hungry. She ate a little like everybody else, but mostly she listened what the others were talking about and was trying not to let nerves take over her. "So have you guys found the perfect wedding date?"

"No," Johnatan answered. "It is hard to set a new one when everyone has time. Maybe we will get married and tell you afterwards."

"My mum would kill you." Emma reminded him.

"Yes, she already hates me, so what the hell."

"Why exactly did you change the date anyway?"

Milla instantly looked at Emma who was about to make up some answer when Loki interrupted. "Because of me, naturally." He said like it was nothing and ate another piece of ham. She would kick him under the table if he was within the reach.

There was a little confusion and annoyance in Leo's eyes, so Loki continued. "It seemed inappropriate to celebrate the happiest day of their life while someone was dying in the next room. Milla hates me for that, I assume."

"Oh, not only for that, my dear." She said as sweetly as she could. Loki grinned. "But as long as Emma and Johnatan don't mind postponing the wedding, neither do I."

"It seems like you use Milla's generosity as much as you can, don't you?" Leo mocked him a little more and Milla sensed the tension growing in the room. Emma was eating like she didn't notice anything, but Johnatan didn't look uncomfortable at all more like amused. At least someone.

"If she tells me to leave, I will without a hesitation. Until then, get used to seeing a lot of me, mate." The last word was said as ironically as he could.

Don't try my patience. "Aren't you two just lovely old married couple." Milla joked with no humour in her eyes but a smile on her lips. "Thank you for calling me generous. Most of the time people call me pretentious or fake rich bitch." Johnatan laughed and even Emma chuckled. As much as she didn't want to, she looked at Loki. He had little sparkles of mischief in his eyes.

As you wish. Will you let him try my patience?

Be a good boy and remember what I told you yesterday.

"Well, you can't deny that you are all those things." Emma added and after that, conversation started to be a little more relaxed. They were served the main meal and had a more wine. Loki was mostly silent and when he spoke, it was only to Johnatan or Emma, but Milla was constantly under pressure. At some point while they were waiting for the desert, Leo was telling them a story of how he had to arrest his childhood friend for smuggling and when he was saying how many things they found in his house, he took Milla's hand to his own. He didn't even stop to look at her, but she did look at his fingers entwined with hers. Everyone noticed and Emma raised her eyebrows. Milla just smiled, a gentle touch was something she needed right now.

"Wow, man, and you had no problem betraying your friend?" Johnatan was amazed with the story. He was the kind of man who had the deepest respect for friendship. Otherwise there was a chance he would be dead right now. John was lucky to befriend the right people in prison and only thanks to them he was able to not break any prison rules and later getting out of there with a bit of Milla's help. He believed that if you help people, they will help you too. He even got to prison while doing the right thing - protecting friend's children and killing a man.

"He was breaking the law. I had no choice." There was no regret on Leo's face, although he sounded a little bitter. Milla knew what he did for a living and she respected that. She knew he was a tough man, but the lack of real emotions was not a welcomed sight.

"I broke the law." Milla spoke calmly, waiting for his reaction.

"Yes," he nodded, looking in her eyes. "But for good reasons. He did it for money and power. He betrayed his family and friends, what else he deserved?"

Milla was trying not to fix all her attention on Loki the whole night, but now her eyes unwillingly jumped to him. He was obviously lost in thoughts, but he sensed her looking at him. "He got more than he deserved." Her voice was low and barely audible, and Loki knew it was meant only for him.

"Exactly." Leo nodded and gently kissed her fingers. Milla hid her surprise behind a smile while he leaned closer to her. "I haven't told you how beautiful you look today, Milla." He muttered.

"Thank you, love." She whispered back. She didn't like sweet talks in front of other people and it was even more unpleasant with Loki staring right at them. Besides, she was still a little angry with Leo for what he said and did in the garden. Without talking about it, they somehow decided to act like nothing ever happened. It was easier, not wiser.

"How sweet." Loki interrupted a short silence and finished another glass of wine. Milla's senses sharpened and she immediately thought that something bad was going to happen. Still, she let him continue. "So tell me Leo, how did you two sweethearts meet?" Every word he said sounded bitter.

Leo, to Milla's surprised only smile as politely as he could and squeezed her hand a little harder before answering. "At a masquerade ball about two months ago. She was the most charming woman in the whole room."

"We met outside and I was the only woman there." Milla corrected him with raised eyebrow and a smirk. She tried hard to coved the fact that this topic was something she would rather not discuss with Loki, ever. But she thought that maybe if she made herself look like she didn't mind, maybe he will finally keep his distance. "And I was literally covered in red glitter, it was impossible to miss me."

"No one ever misses you, we know." Loki's voice was unexpectedly rough and Milla tensed and looked at him in a surprise. His gaze was still focused on Leo. "Your first date must have been nice, right?"

It looked like Leo was determined to show him that their relationship was flawless. "Yes, it was nice, we went for a dinner, then for a walk. We met future king of Asgard, actually."

The whole room fell into a deep silence. Emma almost dropped her fork and Milla forgot to breathe. Leo, on the other hand was still in a cheerful mood and Loki never quit smiling. Whatever he felt, nothing gave him away. "Yes, Thor, he mentioned it. Did you two get along well?"

Milla almost started staring. Did Thor really mentioned her? Until now, she thought Loki found out she helped Thor only from the whispers in the house, but what if that was not true? "Yes," Leo answered and took a sip of his wine. "I really hope the mess around his brother is dealt with as soon as possible. It is holding him back from the throne and personally, I find Thor a very capable leader of Asgard."

"Of course, he is, yes. Everyone loves him." Loki responded with a sour smile. "So I assume you kissed his ass as much as possible, didn't you?"

"Excuse me?" in a split second, Leo changed from proud to offended.

"Certainly you wanted to befriend a future king. It would help you in your career. Isn't that what you do? Use the name of others to gain power? The name Odinson would be of incredible use."

"Is that envy of a guard? I am sorry for your circumstances, and I am sorry you were banished from your home, but that gives you no right to disrespect anybody." Leo felt like he was winning. Loki looked like he could kill.

"I am not disrespecting you, I am describing you. Come on, Leo, you are a sensible man, of course you want power and respect, whatever the cost, am I right? You use your father's name to have respect and betrayal of friends to have power." He paused and leaned forward while finishing another glass of wine. "Imagine the possibilities if you could use Odinson's name and betrayal of lady Milla?"

Before anyone could process what he was saying and consider it, before Leo could take a breath to answer or move any facial muscle, Milla reacted. "Enough." She spoke as calmly as possible. She was sure Loki was not drunk, only wanted to look like a drunk. Some part of her also knew that what he was saying was a pure truth and one more irresponsible choice of words could easily give Leo the ammunition to betray her and report Loki. Milla knew he would do it with a smile on his face if it meant getting him away from her.

"Oh, Milla, let him talk, you know it could never happen." To her surprise it was Leo who wanted to continue the conversation.

"Careful." Loki warned Leo. "You don't want her to despise you when she founds out who you really are."

In seconds Leo's face changed from calm to red and Milla had to step in for real. She quickly let go of his hand before he started crushing her. "I said enough ." This time it sounded a lot more like a command. Loki instantly smiled at her and raised a glass to her. Leo took a few breaths before excusing himself and getting some fresh air.

Everything happened so quickly that she was not sure when the table got cleaned and who poured her the drink. After Leo stormed out, Milla took a few short breaths before going after him. If a look could kill, Loki would have been at least wounded by then. When she reached Leo, she tried to hug him, but to her surprise he made another excuse and after a polite thank you and goodbye, he left. He left Milla standing there in awe of the recent events. Afterwards she came back to the table, apologised instead of Leo and finished the desert in dead silence. The awkwardness was crushing every bone in her body, and a bubble of rage was starting to form in her chest. Milla blocked out the world around her in case someone said something inadequate causing her to explode. Eventually, she found herself alone at an empty dinning table with a second glass of whiskey in front of her.

What was she thinking? In what possible universe she thought this dinner would end well? She invited a man that loved her and was showing it to the whole world and a man she loved and chose to hide it. It would be too easy without a drama, wouldn't it? Maybe she hoped that having Emma and Johnatan, two happy people there would make it all different, more cheerful. But she knew Loki's temper, as well as Leo's. What made her make such a basic mistake?

"Please don't tell me you pity yourself." Loki's cold voice made a shiver run through her spine. Apparently, the dreadful evening was not over. Milla slowly looked up to him leaning against the wall in front of her, still dressed in clothes she gave him when everything was good.

Milla drank the rest of the alcohol in the glass and slowly stood up. "Are you enjoying the view?" she took a few steps around the table so there was nothing between them. She hoped he would provoke her somehow. A slap at least would be welcomed.

"Frankly, yes." His eyes ran up and down her body, mischief all over his face. She wanted to punch him for smiling now.

"No," she hissed. "I meant, are you enjoying watching my life go to hell whenever you show up?"

"Your life went to hell a long time before I've turned up, my lady." Confidently he put his hands behind his back. None of them looked away from each other. "And why exactly are you blaming me for this dinner?"

This time she had to sigh in disbelief and look away. "You haven't changed a bit, have you?" She took another few steps closer to him. "You are still and arrogant, spoiled prince who needs to be the centre of attention at all times. You don't care about anyone else, and why should you? We are all beneath you." Milla was shaking from all the anger she held inside her for weeks.

He looked calm as ever, a smirk still on his face. That made her angry even more. "I recall you like being beneath me."

All she could to was to stare at him in amazement. Was this really happening? Milla wanted to scream and beat him senseless for pretending there was nothing wrong. She wanted to kick him in his stomach multiple times to cause him pain she felt for months now. She wanted him to suffer so she wouldn't have to. "This is a joke." A loathing smile appeared on her face. "This must be some kind of a twisted, sick joke."

"I agree. All you do is a joke."

"Excuse me?" a surprise quickly changed to fury.

"You thank me for saving you one second and before I know it, you run after him and beg him to love you." He was speaking in a low voice, slowly closing the distance between them.

"Was it all because of that? Because I hurt your ego?" She fought the urge to shout. "He would not hurt me. I can protect myself."

"You were unable to walk properly, my lady. Forgive me for doubting your ability to fight." He was only a step from her. She didn't back up though. "You are a broken, weak woman, Milla."

"Am I supposed to believe that you are the only strong, masculine man who can protect me? You, of all people, you, who have lost every battle you have ever fought because of your stupidity?" She would say everything to hurt him. His words were stabbing her wherever he could reach and she had no shield.

"Too far, Milla." Loki grunted. "Too far."

"What are you going to do Loki? Hit me?" Milla was still shaking, partly from fear she hated to admit and partly from rage she took her bravery from.

"No," he shook his head. "That would not teach you a lesson."

"I don't need a lesson from you." She was done. This had no point, everything he would say would just make her more and more angry. He wasn't worth it. She had to figure out how to fix it all and for that, she needed to be alone. Milla turned around, ready to leave, but at the exact moment Loki grasped her arm so tightly it hurt and pulled her to him. She took a breath in surprise and he used to his advantage, forced a kiss on her mouth.

After two seconds that lasted for an hour Milla freed herself and slapped him as hard as she could. She could see a red mark her hand left on his cheek as he was turning back to her. There was amusement in his eyes, lust and craving. She herself looked wild from fury, but that kiss, something she longed for for months awakened something else in her. Desire. Yearning. They were not moving for several heartbeats, both waiting for the reaction of the other. Until Milla leaned forward and grabbed his face to taste his lips again in a hungry kiss.

Loki didn't hesitate and kissed her back. There was no stopping now and they both knew it. Months of wondering, dreaming, weeks of denial and now it was all too real. They held to each other too tightly because if they let go, it would all come back, the reality full of hurtful memories and problems to solve. But right now the world didn't exist, all there was was only the body of the other person, his kisses, his hands.

Milla let Loki kiss her neck. He did and then he bit her so hard she gasped from pain. He was not as gentle as the first time and Milla didn't want him to be. He was jealous and possessive, she was outraged and disappointed. She pulled his hair and scratched him as he was carrying her to his room and as soon as he closed the door behind them, he held both her wrist with one hand above her head so she was completely in his power. She suspected there would be some bruises in the morning. He pinned her to the wall with his whole body and she laughed out loud as she felt on her tights how eager he was. He shut her up with his tongue before moving back to her neck and then to the collarbones. With one strong pull with his free hand he ripped the dress apart and let it slide down to her ankles.

"That was expensive." She muttered to catch his attention. It didn't work. Milla tried to release her hands but he was too strong. She tried to move with her whole body and get him off her, but that didn't work either. Surprisingly strong. He laughed at her effort. "You want me to beg?" She breathed and then suppressed moan as his lips found her breasts.

"Yes." He replied simply. She was silent until he looked up and straightened his back so he looked directly to her eyes. He knew what she wanted.

Milla leaned as close to his ear as she could. "Please Loki, take me to bed." She whispered. "Have me, I beg you."

It wasn't her best, but it was all he needed to hear before grabbing her tight as she made a little jump and wrapped her legs around his hips. In seconds, he threw her on the bed and used the extra time to pull his clothes off. She quickly got rid of her high heel shoes for she wasn't sure if she would not use them as a weapon later, and took off the rest of the underwear. She wasn't in a mood for foreplay, she didn't want any affectionate kisses, she only wanted Loki, on her and inside her. She never took eyes of him and soon, when he finally moved to bed, she was kissing him in seconds. He pulled her to the centre of bed and she bit his lips so hard she could fell blood. She wanted him to have some bruises too. Loki didn't complain, in fact, she felt him smile.

"You are mine now." He clamed quietly as he took her and her moan cut the silence in the room. Nothing in the world had ever felt as right as then. Her head was finally empty, no thoughts or images, only him and her. She tried to keep her eyes open, but with every deep thrust it was harder and harder until she gave up and enjoyed the rising heat of their bodies and waves of sensation flowing through her. Another bite, this time on her shoulder took her back to reality and she had to pull his hair with a lot of effort to get him kiss her. A cry of satisfaction left his lips before they touched hers.

"I am yours." She replied between moans. Another kiss was an open mouthed gasp and a few seconds after that Milla tensed and bent her spine feeling her release to be too close. She dug her nails deep into his skin and shouted his name before she lost control of her body and a long moan filled with pleasure escaped her mouth. Before she calmed down, she heard that Loki got what he wanted as well and collapsing on top of her. All fell to silence and the only sound was them catching their breath and heir hearts calming down. Milla couldn't move and she didn't want to. She didn't want to think about what happened, or how it will affect them in the morning. She enjoyed the peace as long as she could.

When Loki rolled off her, she didn't hug him. He didn't push it as well. When she looked at him, he was snickering and she couldn't help it and started laughing as well. She felt cold when his body wasn't close and took the sheets from the floor. If somebody told her in the morning this would happen, she would laugh in his face. It felt unreal. And impossibly good.

"You have more scars." Without shame, she scanned his body from head to toe. At least for now, she decided to forget all the hurt and pain and anger.

"You too. And you've lost weight." His voice was hoarse and for the first time since he came back, he looked completely relaxed and calm.

"A little." She shifted and turned over to lie on her stomach. "I am going to kill you if I have bruises tomorrow."

"My lady, we both know I did what I could to leave as many bite marks and love bites on your neck as possible. I assume my back is bloody by now." To demonstrate that he is right, he turned to his side and Milla started laughing when she saw a few blood stains on the bed sheets and his red back.

"Good. But you still destroyed my dress, love." She didn't realise how she named him after it was too late. She didn't corrected herself although it was the first time she called him love. And she could see something in his eyes change as she said it. Maybe memories, maybe just dislike of the word.

"You look better without it." Loki turned on the other side to face her. His fingers found her bare back and traced her spine. She was so beautiful with her messy hair and sleepy eyes watching his every move. And she called him love. He never thought he could feel the warm feeling like this running through his veins again. He felt happy beyond words, for the first time in such a long time. She was his. She said it. And she meant it.

"You are such a beautiful liar, Loki." She murmured. "I am still angry with you though."

"All right." his voice was so husky Milla had to close her eyes to fully enjoy it. "I will make you angry even more often if this is what I get."

"Not if you disappear in the morning like you use to." She mocked him. If the circumstances were different and they were not laying naked next to each other, he would have been hurt. This time, he only smiled and leaned to kiss her temple.

"I am not going anywhere, my love."

Loki was sleeping when Milla stood up and wrapped a bed sheet around her. It was almost dawn and it was cold. When she woke up, all the sensation and illusion of peace had already left her system. She wasn't as angry as before, but she still had not forgiven him. But surprisingly, there were no regrets in her head, no thought of how she would function around him in the morning or what it really meant. She knew it would change her behaviour a little and that Milla didn't know what to do with Leo, but she decided to figure it out later, when she meets him.

On the other hand, Milla decided to leave the room as soon as possible. Not because she was afraid of someone seeing her walking out of his door covered only in bed sheet. It was more personal. She wanted him to wake up to cold bed just like she did. She wanted him to experience that second of fear of where she was.

Milla walked around the bed and leaned to kiss his forehead goodnight. As she was closing the door as silently as possible, she was smiling. He called her love. For the first time. And Milla admitted that she loved him so deeply it would be hard to ignore the feeling from now on. Especially when something was telling her that he could really love her too. If only she was not so stubborn and there were not so many things to forgive. If only.