Chapter six:
Pebbles ground painfully into the skin of her heels, rocks cutting the soft layers of her soles. The sharp sting of sentiment mixing into fresh cuts, dirt melding with her blood, but she didn't notice. Nothing mattered, except the black carriage, that might as well have been a hearse. Condemning, the ghostly, wire framed girl to the death of her one and only joy, her one solace. Everything was a blur, like streamers of lights and still frames, all blending into a horrific display of her memories.
Yet, not quiet her memory, it had evolved once more. This time, there was no man chasing her, no orphanage behind her. Instead of being hauled away, she just fell to the harsh, unrelenting gravel. Her knees screaming out in protest, but the pain was oddly dulled, in her dreamy state. Her hopes, laying shattered all around her, just like the rocks, as the buggy disappeared into fog.
Then, as if he was always there, a man stood before her. His back straight, with an air of confidence and dread, was Aleksander. In a black, thick, velvet cloak, fit for a king, and clothing for a funeral. He casted his voids down on her crumpled form, before reaching down with a beautifully sculpted hand, tilting up her head. He rested the pad of his thumb on her small chin, cradling her between his fingers.
Her eyes scanned over him, taking in his appearance from the perspective of the child that she was. His kind eyes, kissed by light crow's feet, with starless night orbs, that held mystery and darkness. A small mole gracing below his right eye, only adding to his charm. Thick brows knighted softly above, almost inquisitively, the same color as his sable, slicked back hair. Thin strands of his inky locks sweeping across his gaze. Beard was trimmed short, framing pink lips in stark contrast to his alabaster skin, hiding his defined jaw. In short, to the young girl, he was a dark angel, handsome and terrifying.
"lost again, Solntse?" Aleksander's voice rumbled, rustling the trees, calling upon the winds, rolling in the fog from the forest that surround them.
(A/N: "Are you lost, baby girl?" *cue Italian accent* I'm wheezingXD.. If you know, you know.)
The mousy girl's eyes flickered from side to side, peering at the clouds crawling in all around her, picking up speed with ever yard it consumed. Dred filling her, yet she felt frozen like stone. Like she was under a spell, casted by the lingering touch of his fingers on her chin. The smog seeping ever closer, making her feel claustrophobic and trapped, the sound of rushing blood filling her ears.
She tried everything in her power to move, to shift, to scream. Only managing a few stray tears, all the while, the dark man just watched in amused curiosity. He seemed like a child playing with a fly, gripping it by its wings, finding humor in its struggle for life.
The fog continued flooding in, filling her lungs, crawling under her skin, suffocating her. Her throat constricting, convulsing, burning for breath, but no relief came. Like black frost on a window, her vision slowly became overtaken by darkness.
Then like nothing had happened, a cold, bright bathroom came into view, day light pooling in from the windows. She sighed and wondered what the dream meant, she wondered why it was changing after so many years of consistence. Was Aleksander so powerful, that he now, filled even her dreams?
She couldn't even escape him as she slept. What cruel irony. The thought made her chuckle darkly at herself, that even in dreams, she was still held captive by him.
Alina shifted to a sitting position, her long dark-brown curls falling down her bare shoulders as she groaned. Her body stiff and sore from sleeping on the unforgiving marble below. She frowned as thick, red fabric slid from her shoulders, looking down at the blanket pooled around her.
He must have came back last night… She thought standing, grabbing the blanket from the floor, wrapping it around her. Her bare feet carried her over to where she had thrown the trash bin, noticing it's absents.
He must have also cleaned up after I fell asleep. She shot a glance through the open door, before stepping to the brink of the opening, peeking around the edge, at the bed. She didn't know why, but a breath caught in her throat, and fingers clinched at the door frame.
The Black Heretic himself, laid sleeping. A look of pain and anguish held his features in a vice grip, his teeth clinched and fist tight. His chest exposed, with the covers laying loosely at his mid stomach. Sweat was gathering on his forehead, his hair stuck to his damp skin, as he twitched and flinched, every so often. Gripping the sheets tighter, then loosening, only to tighten once more, with every jolt.
She studied the man carefully, as she took a shaky step forward. Curious, if he was having nightmares, like the one she had, only moment before. She wanted to run from him, yet her feet lead her closer. In a strange way, she wanted to comfort him. She was haunted by her dreams. She knew well, the agony that came every morning, so didn't wish it on even her worse enemy. Yet, here he was, and she was powerless to her empathy. Her worse weakness.
Letting a pale hand reach down, she brushed her thumb over the wrinkled skin between his thick eyebrows, smoothing it under her touch. The mysterious man relaxed under her fingers, snuggling into her palm as she cradled his cheek. He looked at peace, and for a moment, she found herself mesmerized by him.
She watched as his eyes flickered behind his eyelids, and his chest raising and falling with his breaths. He was finally sleeping like a child in her hand, his lips parted, a sliver of white showing behind them, She wanted to kiss him… She didn't understand it. Perhaps, she was finally going crazy, just like the man before her. But, she couldn't resist the urge, like he was a black hole pulling her closer.
She leaned down bit by bit, then ghosted her lips over his, just savoring the smoothness against her cracked skin. His warm mouth, molded perfectly against hers, as she slowly drew his bottom lip further into her mouth, running a tongue shyly over it, giving herself time to truly taste it. Unlike, the first time. She lingered there with their lips barely touching, till she felt him stir ever so slightly, under her.
She paused and waited pulling back. Unsure, if he was waking or just adjusting in his sleep. He made a little grunt, startling her, as she scampered backward, clutching the blanket tighter around her shoulders. She mental kicked herself for her actions, instead of getting dressed like she should have. She smacked her forehead, in a harsh face palm. He sat up, face squinting at the light, his senses slowly returning as he observed the girl in front of him, his hollow black eyes drawing her in. He eyed her suspiciously, witnessing her rough face palm, raking his eyes over her form.
"Good morning...?" He spoke groggily and low, eyes half-lidded, not yet fully awake.
Alina gawked at him and whispered the words back to him robotically, hoping, praying to the god above, that he didn't feel her kiss. She stood, shell shocked by her own actions. what in the hell was I thinking, anyways. She wanted to slap herself again, but thankfully refrained this time.
"Are you still mad at me? Last time, I woke to you staring at me, you had already stabbed me with a letter opener." He gave her a lazy, half smile leaning against the head board, making her sigh in frustration at his effortless appeal. His hair sexy and messy, sweat on his abs, that were on full display. The black sheets had pooled around his lap, as he let his head fall, against the wood behind him.
Yet, despite his alluring disposition, She was in fact still mad at him. Everything that seeped from his smooth lips was lies. He had told her so many lies, like a serpent in the garden, constantly deceiving. She felt her empathy fade away, as hurt and rage started to bubble in her chest, burning up her throat. She was going to scream and tell him that she was fully willing to stab him again. But, she closed her eyes and breathed deep, exhaling all the fire from her lungs.
Remember the plan, you need to get out of this, you need to make him love you.. You need to lie just like him, convince him to let you go.. You need to be strong, Alina. Her mind screamed at her, as she met his easy gaze. She shook her head and cleared her throat.
"No.. But I could use an apology at least." She mumbled tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, instantly looking at her feet, feeling naked and vulnerable.
"It's kind of odd just to ask that, without apologizing, I mean.." She added feeling awkward. She was never very good at acting, especially when she was still angry.
She glanced back up after a moment of pure, annoying silence. Only to be greeted, with the sight of an equally awkward and shameful Aleksander. His fingers laced tightly in his lap, eyes fixed down at his hands, brows furrowed in thought.
"Will you forgive me?" He grumbled almost annoyed, finally lifting his eyes, scratching his head, letting them fall on to her, his lips a tight line.
This bastard couldn't even give a half-way decent apology, was he really that prideful? How the hell do I pretended to be seductive after that! I wanna punch him, NO! She shook her head. Breath, breath.. think sexy thoughts.. She tried her best to relax, as Aleksander, looked at her cross, and blinked a few times, at her odd behavior.
"Well, I don't know." She smirked, resisting an eyeroll, knowing that was most likely the best she was going to get from him.
She stocked over to the bed, swaying her hips concisely, hoping he'd notice. She need him to notice. She let the blanket fall to her side, dropping it to the floor. Revealing her figure, in nothing but her corset and bloomers that fit like shorts that stopped mid-thigh.
Judging by the fact, that he dragged his eyes over her body as she moved, he did notice. He shifted uneasily, and swallowed hard, as she prowled forward, straining his back as she moved closer. She lifted herself on to the bed, before crawling on all fours, the rest of the way. She progressed leisurely, giving him ample time to move away, but he didn't. He remained still as a Greek statue, face stuck in between concern and curiosity.
She continued, gaining confidence, as she slipped into his lap, straddling his hips, resting her hands on his large chest. She tried to smile the best she could. Despite, her shaking hands and pounding heart.
"I'll forgive you on one condition." She lifted a cheeky brow. "Did you really only kiss me to upset me? Or did you just want a kiss? I want the truth, Aleksander." She let his name roll from her tongue, leaning forward so that his lips were inches from her own.
He stiffened at his own name, eyeing her warily, clearly confused by her sudden change in attitude. "Maybe.. I don't know." He drew out, repeating her words back to her, lifting an eye brow as well. "But, what are doing?" He asked, a confused smile forming on his lips. "Please don't stab me again. I may heal, but it still hurts like hell.." He gave an awkward chuckle, patting down her sides, looking for a weapon.
Alina giggled, swatting away his hands playfully. It was honestly, sort of funny, that he was even in the slightest worried about her intentions, considering he was so obviously, much stronger than she was. "I'm not going to stab you." She smiled softly, playing with a strand of her long hair, trying her best to act innocent. "I was just curious. And, If.. Well.." She blushed, wanting to come across as sexy, but she just felt silly. She wished she could just cover her face and run away.
"Since, it was my first time and all. But, did it f-feel good at all.. F-for you, I mean." She stuttered out, mentally wanting to stab herself and Aleksander all at the same time. Yet, a very, very, very small part of her really was kind of curious, like any girl would be, If she was a good kisser or not. "before I bit you, of course.." She added quickly, cringing at the thought.
His jaw fell marginally, and eyes scanned her face for meaning, as if her words were in a different language. Then, a toothy grin started to grow all the way to his eyes, deepening his crow's feet. He let out a few chuckles, before lapsing into full laughter. His head bowing between them, in the wake of his giggle fit, shoulders shaking, as he rested his hands on her thighs to stable himself.
God, help me not kill this man.. She thought, as she crossed her arms, and glared daggers.
"That's why you've been acting different? Don't worry you're pretty head about it, Solntse." He shook his head, at the jovial concern, and moved his hands, to rub up and down her back. Alina had to fight the urge to lash out. she felt like it wasn't that dumb of a question, he was so rude all the time. You'd think a man as old as him, would be more mindful of a woman's feelings.. Her inner voice scoffed.
"Hey! Look mister, I'll worry my head, about anything I so please." She snapped, before taking a deep breath, trying her best to remain calm. It didn't matter too much, but it did bugged her that he seemed so dismissive of her concerns, no matter how small. "Could you just answer honestly for once?" She pouted with a huffed sigh.
He chuckled low and sensually, continuing to rub his fingers up and down her back. She tried her best to ignore, how his fingers felt against the skin of her lower back, touching the inch exposed skin between her corset and shorts. Everything about him made her feel fuzzy and tingly. She pressed into the feeling, despite her anger.
"Tell you what," He lifted her easily and placed her on the bed beside him, as he pulled the sheet with him, wrapping it around his waist, covering himself, as he spoke. "Let me get dressed, then I'll tell you how you did, over tea." He grinned, before turning away and grabbing some clothing from his dresser.
She whined, only earning her another belly laugh from the handsome man as he stocked into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. She fell back into the bed, feeling like she failed her first mission. But, at the very least, she had him laughing. So, hopefully it was a good start. That is, if he didn't actually view her as a child, as he claimed to last night.
After a about 5 minutes, he emerged dressed in a pair of slacks that clung tightly to his legs, and a black flowy shirt as usual but with the addition of a black glossy floral printed vest, that clung to his figure in the most delightful of ways. Though, she'd hate to admit it. He had also combed his hair back into place, and sprayed some cologne on, that smelled like cloves and honey. He gleamed at her, tugging on his vest and throwing the sheet back on the bed.
"You're not getting dressed?" He asked giving her a once over. "I mean, I certainly don't mind it.."
She blushed involuntarily, as she pouted, wanting to just disappear under his burning observations. "I don't want to wear anyone else's dresses.. I don't feel comfortable.." She admitted after a long moment, wondering how to explain that she felt sick at the idea that she was wearing a dead woman's dress. Death that was most likely from the handsome man's own hands, no less.
"I see.. I think I have just the thing for that." He smiled and walked closer to the bed, before pulling a very large box from under it. Then, processed to place it on the blanket next to her. "Open it."
She glance up at him as he nudged his head, signaling towards the cardboard, white box in front of her. She lifted the top, brushing the tissue paper aside revealing a gold dress, with beautiful black lace and rose patterns on the bodes, with long lacy sleeves. It was breath-taking, but something she would never wear, if she had the choice. Much too fancy for her to really ever feel comfortable in.
Just say you love it, at least it's new and never been worn by one of his many past lovers. Therefore, it is perfect..
A voice rang in hear head, as she took a breath, hugging the dress to her chest.
"I love it." She beamed the best she could, before standing and scanning her eyes over the whole dress, seeing that it was a very simple swooped neck and loose flowing dress, with black embroider roses at the bottom of the skirt. "When did you get this?"
He watched as she unbuttoned the first couple of small beads, that went from the neck of the lace, all the way down to the middle of the gown. She turn around, her back facing him as she pulled the dress up past her hips. She slipped her arms through the sleeves. Shifting all of her hair over her left shoulder, wanting him to button the dress back up for her.
"Well, I was trying to find a way to make up for last night, rode into town early this morning, and saw this in a store window…" He mumbled under his breath, as his cold fingers skimmed up her bare upper back, making her shudder.
"Oh, So you do have a conscience?" She scoffed, instantly hitting herself for being rude. Guess old habits, die hard.
"Yes, unfortunately, as seared as it may be. I still hate seeing cute, young girls cry.." He stated impishly, placing his hands on her shoulders, her dress now secured. "But, I don't regret kissing them." He whispered, his lips so close to her ear, the warm air tickling them, causing her shoulders to jump. He smirked at her as he strolled over to the fireplace, getting the kettle from the top and starting on the tea.
"Them.." She repeated, as she smoothed out the dress, peering down at it, speculating just how many other women had he been with, that wasn't written about, or in his later journals. Had there been ten, twenties, thirty? "How many girls have you kissed?" She inquired, playing with the lace around her wrists.
He finished with the tea, and turned around placing the teapot on the table with a clank. "Don't remember, but a few. None as beautiful as you though, my Solntse." He cooed, pouring the tea into two cups with saucers.
"Ever the charmer, Mr. Aleksander." She rolled her eyes, 'And liar..'
She tugged at the chair, as she settled herself down into it.
"Pass me that box of treats over there." She added, quickly pointing at the bakery box at the table by the door. She felt annoyed by the entire situation. If he truly didn't remember as he had said, then there must have been much more than thirty…
He looked at her with an eyebrow raised. "I'm glad you're comfortable enough to boss me around, but I do advice you do it sparingly." He pulled his lips into a subtle smirk, as he strolled over to the small table, retrieving the box and placing it in front of her with a sarcastic bow.
"Noted, but it is fun.." She mumbled under her breath, grabbing one of the macaroons out, not caring that it was a little staler this time, then the first time. It was still just as good to her as they would ever be. It was strawberry with lemon filling.
"I think you are the only person I've met, that practically requires sugar, first thing in the morning. I don't know how you can consume sweets so early.." He chuckled behind his sugarless, black tea, taking a generous sip. Probably, desperate for caffeine after being out since early this morning.
She ignored that comment, choosing to focus on trying not to let his jokes, become insults.
"It keeps me sweet. What can I say?" She joked. "So, can you finally tell me if you enjoyed the kiss, or not?" She remined him, as she added milk and sugar into her tea and stirring it, turning it from black to beige.
He grinned, bearing bright white teeth with sharp canines that looked devilish against his otherwise straight, smooth teeth. "You tasted wonderful and I indeed enjoyed it, but I'd say you need more practice." He teased and placed his cup back down. "I'm an excellent teacher, if you'd like some pointers."
A soft rose tint brushed over Alina's cheeks, as she chewed on another toffee from her box. "How do I know you're not just saying that so I'll kiss you again?" She rolled her eyes, washing down her candy with a gulp of tea.
"Oh, trust me. I think you could learn not to use as much teeth." He grimace, sticking out his tongue, long and red, with a clean set of teeth marks on the tip of it.
The brown haired woman winced at the sight. "Why didn't that heal, if your lip and cheek are healed?" She grumbled a pout on her lips. She didn't think she had bit him that hard.
"Well, those were surface injuries. Turns out your bite, was worse than your bark, princess." He scoffed, sipping his tea. She was curious if the hot tea stung his wound, but he didn't show it, if it did. "You almost took the tip of my tongue off."
"My apologist. It was truly just reactionary.." She frowned, not in least bit sorry, in fact, she wished that she had bitten harder.. With all of his charm and attractiveness, she still only saw him as the manipulative man, that he was. She had to keep reminding herself that he was evil, and not to be trusted. She had to convince him that she was falling for him. He need to trust her, doesn't mean she was ever going to give him that same luxury.
"When do those lessons begin?" She prompted, with pursed lips, raising a delicate eyebrow, letting a hint of enjoyment at the banter flash in her eyes.
"That comes after we find your beckoning emotion, my Dear. I can't have you distracted." He cheekily declared with a slightly more proper accent, imitating some kind of professor. "And there is way too much to learn… On both fronts."
"But, you said you enjoyed it!" She giggled, dropping her tea into her saucer, feeling a little jabbed at, but knowing he was only teasing her, as he often did.
He just held out his tongue again and pointed at it, with furrowed brows. Non-verbally, reminding her of her mishap. Before, chuckling at the embarrassment on her face.
"Fine.." She signed, leaning back in her chair. "So, what's in the agenda for today?" She enquired sipping on her tea once more, and popping another toffee into her mouth. She looked down noticing she looked vaguely chubbier than before.. She hopped that maybe she'd look more feminine now, that she had gained a little weight. Maybe, she'd finally have curves.
"Well, we know that suffering and anger, aren't your beckoning emotions.." He said looking sheepish, knowing that discovery was frowned on.
She rolled her eyes, remembering just how proud he seemed after hurting her feelings so badly. She just wanted to punch him all over again, and swallowed her own pride, and forced a small smile. Allowing him to continue.
"We know joy is just a secondary, and fear doesn't remotely work. What are we missing?" He signed exasperated, rubbing his head before running a hand through is hair.
"Well, aren't there more specific emotions, out there? Like betrayal, shame, self-loathing, pride, or even love.." She mumbled sipping her tea, closing the box of treats and placing them to the side.
"That is the case, but if we looked at all those different emotions, we couldn't get through all of those in a month. The reason I've simplified it down to just base emotions, is because they are the most likely, going off of my mother and I's experience. But, in some early text, it does say that it can be deeper, more complex emotions that can trigger your abilities.. But like I said, I only have my experiences to lean back on.." He crossed his arms, rubbing his jaw, playing with the short hair of his beard in thought, then holding up a finger, like he was trying to pause the conversation.
She watched as he rushed over to his small library and pulled an old journal from his collection, It was after the first one, but much before the one that she had read last night. Her mind raced as he did so, for some reason she felt guilt arising in her chest. He was going to read her, one of his journals entries.
Perhaps, If she just asked him, he would have let her read them.. But, she did so sneakily.. She shook her head, not wanting to think about it.
Why should I feel guilty, he's the one that should be ashamed. Thank goodness that shame wasn't her beckoning emotions.. If that was the case she would definitely be lighting up. Then again, who's to say that she even lights up at all. She's never seen it for herself.
The darkling was lying to her, she knew it. She felt it deep down, there was no way that she, a stupid orphan girl, could be anything like the god of a man that held her captive.
Aleksander hurriedly, continuing to flip through journal, after journal, till she assumed he found what he was looking for. He clicked his tongue in approval and marched back to his seat, getting comfortable again, flipping through a few more pages.
"Here it is." He explained, turning the book around, so Alina could see it too. "So, my mother use to talk of a man that was like us. He was the one that taught my mother, everything she knew. Where he came from, is somewhat of a mystery, but my mother kept one of his journals. Well, pages of it." He shrugged pointing to small note pages that covering the inside of the journal. The crumbled papers had scribbles and drawings of symbols, she'd never see before.
"He talks about transmutation and his abilities in dark arts. But he was like me, a caller of the darkness. As my mother was, as well." He spiraled on the tip of realizing something. He spoke rushed and excited. A twinkle in his eye, with his soft lips pulled in an easy smile. His face starting to light, he seemed comfortable and kind of like he was enjoying himself.
She was use to his stoic, even harsh expressions, as well as his cruelly amused ones, but hadn't seen him like this before. When he had said she glowed for the first time, he was more shocked and excited than this. Right now, he just looked so content and at ease. It made her feel airy, with flitters in her stomach. She watched him intensely, not understanding why her heart would be skipping beats, at such a mundane moment. He was just mumbling about research.. Why did it feel so, different?
"He had a theory that your abilities, are reflective of your beckoning emotion." The dark man continued, pulling her from her thoughts, by tapping at a circle with lines through it, on the page.
"And that means?…" She raised an eyebrow, trying her best not to be skeptical, but she was curious. Even though, she didn't believe she had powers, it was like she was learning more about Aleksander.
He smiled wider at her willingness to engage with him. "He thought, since his beckoning emotion was rage, my mother's was suffering, and mine was fear, that we would only be able to call upon darkness. He believed, that because negative emotions was what our bodies feed off of to create these abilities, we'd only be able conjure shadows. But you glow like the sun, so.." He paused, drawing out the last part, hoping I would catch on to where he was going.
"So, it must be a positive emotion's my body feeds off of." Alina concluded and nodded slowly with understand. "That, at least narrows the list, a little.. But why would I glow last night, anger isn't positive.." She frowned still confused.
He leaned back creasing his brows, and touching his fingers together, before him. "Hadn't thought about that. But.." He trailed off, eyes narrowing in thought, scanning over the girls frame in front of him, resting a hand on his chin. Making her squirm under his observations.
"You only glowed after I kissed you." He mumbled tilting his head in thought. "Could it be, by any small chance, that you were aroused? I'm not asking to be crude, but I need you to be completely honest with me." He grunted, with a sly smile forming, the longer his cogs turned inside his head.
Alina's face instantly went red, smoke practically coming from her ears.
Did he really just ask me that? She blinked a few times, truly unsure how she should respond. Her jaw went slack, opening and closing like a fish without water. Shock and embarrassment, evident from her face.
"Please, be honest." He urged, attempting to rub, a smile away from his lips, as he cradled his chin. He appeared like a child in school, that found something funny but was trying his best to hide his amusement.
She weighed her options. She could tell him that she felt funny, but she honestly didn't know what 'arousal,' even felt like.. Or she could hit him as she honestly wanted to do, but then ruin her plan of acting civil and flirty with him..
I'm going to hate myself for this.. She concluded with a heavy sigh.
"I'm not totally sure, because I have never felt that way before.." She trailed, hiding her face with her hands, sliding further down in her seat, practical crawling under the table before her.
"What did it feel like?" He struggled to make his voice even, but he couldn't cover the satisfaction that laced his words. He was enjoying this, and it made her even more shameful and annoyed.
She groaned out, just wanting to escape, run far away from the handsome man. She'd rather be anywhere that in the grasp of his unfaltering gaze.
"Please, It's for research, and research only. I'm not going to tease you, Alina." He said after a moment of silence, sound much more serious. Finally, finding the will to bat away his amusement at the situation.
She peered at him through her fingers, examining his serious face. He looked sincere and calm, his black orbs fix on her and her only. Focusing, so intensely on her, that it convinced her of his words.
"It felt tingly.. and.." She covered her eyes once more, struggling for the words to be pressed past her lips, as Aleksander sat patiently and waited for her to get them out. "W-well, wet.." She squeaked out, praying that it was enough words to help him understand.
"Good girl." He exhaled scratchily, a sluggish cocky grin grew on his lips, as he nodded slowly at the honesty that was presented. He sipped his tea, letting the words hang in the air.
"I'm not a dog.." Alina mumbled, still practically hiding from him, not daring to look into his eyes, to see his beautiful arrogant face. She could already hear his pride, dripping from his words.
He ignored her muffled words, still in thought. "Then, his theory was correct. Which, only leaves one more emotion that's positive. When, It comes to the basic emotions, at least." His voice rumbled, like velvet, sounding pleased.
"And what might that be." She snapped, glaring at her hands, just wanting this conversation to end.
"Pleasure." The word rolled off his tongue, dripping with indecency and lust. He made the word fell naughty and secret, and she didn't like it. Not one bit.
"No way, not possible." She finally met his eyes, shaking her head in disbelief. His features were still laced with confidence, his eyes half-lidded and glossy, lips tugged into a lazy smile.
"Hear me out, please." He laughed softly at the shocked reaction, raising his hands up in surrender.
"No. Just No." She remained firm on her stance.
"Listen," He pleaded. "Pleasure doesn't have to be sexual.." He continued carefully. "Like the first time I saw you glow was when you were eating those cookies. Then, again when you ate your meal and was drinking, and you continued to glow when we cuddled in bed. Last night, you started to glow only after we kissed. I think, It's pleasure. And we need to explore that idea." He stated logically, with only a chase smile.
Alina remained silent, not trusting her ears. She refused to believe that he was really suggesting that that pleasure was her beckoning emotion. Which, meant that in order to have pleasure in a high dose.. We'd have to..
"I'm not having sex with you." She looked him dead in the eyes, her tone flat and unwavering. "You already have my first kiss, you're not getting my virginity too."
He smirked, a chuckle escaping his lips, running a hand through his hair and readjusting in his seat. He placed a hand over his mouth and giggled like a child. Like, he knew something that she didn't, and he found humor in that. Making her squint her eyes, trying her hardest not to walk over to him and smack him across his perfect face. This man makes me want to choose violence, more often then not..
"And why does that, make you laugh?" She grinded out, through gritted teeth, attempting to retain the annoyance that was rising in her chest.
"I forget sometimes, that you are quiet innocent. That's all." He scratched his jaw, looking a little awkward himself, his ears turning red. Yet on him, awkwardness seemed charming.
"And what does that mean?" She pressed narrowing her eyes further, sounding exasperated. "What are you getting at?"
"Well, you do know that you can be pleasured in other ways, without having sex.. Don't you?" He spoke slowly and calmly, not want wanting to offend her further.
She glared at him, confused and deeply uncomfortable at the way the conversation was progressing, just choosing to look away and frown at the tea beside her. Of course, I have no idea, but I can't admit that, now.. Then, he'll totally think I'm a child. "Do I want to know?"
Aleksander rubbed his chin. "It means, we might be practicing your kissing today after all." He showed a mischievous expression, as he took a sip of his tea, licking the tea from his lips as he placed it back down.
She felt her whole face burn like flames, a lump forming in her throat. It was one thing to flirt, or joke about it. It was a whole other thing, to actually go through with it. She'd also have to be fully willing to do so instead of last time, when was taken by surprise... She gawked at him, mouth slack, as he just drank his tea and fiddled with his journal.
After a moment of her open stares, he signed and glance up, capturing her golden brown orbs with his black hollows. Alina inhaled sharply as he did so, suddenly unable to breath regularly.
"Alina please, calm yourself. We can work on it, when you are ready." He gave her an easy side smile, relaxing his shoulders, placing the book back down.
"I won't force you.."
The young woman just stayed stiff as a board. I need to convince him that I can do this.. I need to tell him, I'm ready. Even if I'm not.. Time to grow up, Alina.. Her inner voice screamed at herself, as she tried her best to steady her breathing.
"I'm ready. To at least try.." She doubted it would work, because she knew she was normal. But, she had to at least show that she was willing to do so.
The man before her, remained silent just examining her face, then pushed his chair away from the table. His features no longer playful, just serious and intense. He stood, stocking over to her like a wolf, eyes never breaking from her own. It only took two long strides to reach her, and pulled her chair to the side, so she was facing him.
"Are you sure?" He asked squatting down in front of her seat, placing his hands on her thighs, just resting them there. He peered up at her, searching her face looking for his answer.
Alina nodded gradually, placing her much smaller hands over his, pulling his hands up to her hips, drawing his face closer. He arched his neck, tilting his head upward. Her hands trembled, as he lifted her hand to his face, pressing it to his check, kissing her palm.
"Breath, my Solntse." He whisper, as she obeyed, taking a deep breath in and a deep breath out. He fully kneeled, pressing himself further into her, till her legs were on either side of his hips. He released her hand, before reaching out and tucking a rogue strand of her hair behind her ear. "Kiss me." He urged, in a husky whisper.
She tried her best to calm her nerves, leaning down and pressing her lips against his, chase and stiff. Just holding her mouth to his, before he leisurely began brushing his lips over her, breathing her in. Softly encouraging her to be more bold, his hands resting on her hips, deliberately rolling his thumbs along her hipbones. "Close your eyes." He breathed against her lips, instructing her. "Just focus on how it feels."
She slipped her eyes closed, concentrating on every move of his expert lips. They felt soft and malleable, as he only traced the outline of her lips with his, hardly what she'd consider a kiss. But, the warm feeling of them made her feel needy and wanting. She lifted her shaking fingers to lace into his thick locks, forcing him to deepen the kiss. Tingling arose from her middle, as he took her plum bottom lips into his wet cavern, dancing his tongue along it.
He pressed himself closer to her frame, resting his elbows on her legs, as he explored her mouth with his tongue, messaging it against her own. As she shyly moved along with it, tasting his bitter tea on his tongue. He lifted his hand to the back of her neck, pulling her in deeper. She let him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, playing with the soft curls at the nape of his neck.
"Open wider." He demanded in a low sexy growl. She did so, as he sucked on her tongue, making her feel weak and embarrassed, her heart racing. He let her tongue go, and pressed his lips against hers again. "Good." He mumbled into her lips. She whined in response, as he drew her bottom lip back into his mouth.
She let out a surprised squeak, when she felt his teeth nipping, gently at the sensitive skin, tugging at it before releasing, and pulling away completely. A thin string of saliva connecting their lips, as they parted. Her body felt heavy and dazed, as she lazily opened her eyes, wonder why he had stopped.
She blinked away the haze as Aleksander smirked, his hair looking tussled and sexy, falling into his half-lidded eyes, that showed nothing but lust. His lips looked red and puffy, shining with wetness. She pondered if she had the same expression on her face as well.
"You're going to have to trust me, Alina. Can you do that for me?" He requested. Voids scanning her face frantically, as he stroked the back of his knuckles against her smooth cheek, barely touching her. His movements were so gentle, like he was scared she was going to break.
"Don't make me regret it.." She breathed out, playing with the collar of his shirt, her eyes fixed on his lips, too nervous to look him in the eyes. He smirked, pressing her further back into the seat, till she was leaning fulling against the back. He sat up on his knees, starting to slowly move her skirt up her legs, dragging his fingers along her calf all the way up to her thighs.
Her breath hitched as his calloused fingers, skimmed across the sensitive skin of her inner thigh. She watched through half-lidded eyes, mesmerized by him, as he dipped his head down, placing a chase kiss right above her knee. He looked so picturesque, his medium black locks falling elegantly around his face. His black eyes filled with intensity, lust pooling in them, never ripping them from her inquisitive ones.
She shivered under his ministrations, drawing her legs closed as more and more of her skin was revealed to the Darkling's luring eyes. Fear started to build in her chest.
I was taught nothing of this.. What if he lies, as he has lied before, and this is how one loses their virginity. How would I know for sure.. Her thoughts drifted, heart slamming into her ribs, scrutinizing the man below her. His beauty was other worldly, morning sun from the window lighting his skin like an angel, as he tilted his head up towards her. She started to tug her dress back down, feeling ugly in comparison to him. How was she going to let him see something so embarrassing.
He caught her hands and pushed the skirt back up to where it was before. "Trust me.. Please." He gave her a soft smile, some of the hunger draining from his eyes, fading away in to something else. Alina couldn't quite put her finger on it. Maybe, just possibly, it was admiration that she noticed. But, whatever it was, it made her belly tighten, and something much lower tingle and twitch.
"I promise, you will enjoy this, my Solntse." His voice was low and husky. He curved his fingers over her thighs, meeting in the middle, wedging them between her clenched thighs. He stretched up, capturing her lips, with a deeper, more sinful kiss, that heated her from head to toe. Taking her by surprise, as he nipped and licked at her plump, rose tented lips.
As he distracted her with kisses, he wrenched her thighs apart. He didn't have to struggle against her, as she melted under his touches. He smirked against her lips, crawling his hand up further, dragging his dull nails tenderly as he did. Causing violent twitching from the heat between her legs, as he drew back examining his work. Her skirt was up to almost her hips, the bottom of her bloomer peeping out from under it, her lips thoroughly worked over and kiss bruised. Long bouncy curls falling over a heaving chest, her brown eyes half closed and glossy. But, the thing that filled him with the utmost pride, was her glowing skin, veins of gold rivers trailing under almost translucent skin.
"You are glowing, brighter than before.." He beheld her, breathing in her beauty.
"Whatever you say." She panted, even in her state, she managed to roll her eyes. Right as Aleksander gripped her wrist and twisted her arm around to bare her inner arm to her gaze. What in the… Her veins, ever so slightly glowed, like yellowish gold, like crawling lines of stardust.
"How is this possible…" She whispered, as the light started to slowly dim, as she no longer was focused on her feelings at present. She snapped her eyes back to his. "How did I not notice it before?" She gasped.
"Well, perhaps your eyes aren't as keen as mine, but this is the brightest I've ever seen you." The dark haired man looked smug and knowing. "But, we're not done yet. We need it to fully emerge. But, do you believe me now?"
She nodded dumbly, not really knowing what to truly believe. He was right, but he was still up to no good.. I just know it, I may have powers, but that doesn't erase the girls that most likely were slain by his hands. Despite her thoughts, she still was left in a state of shock, while Aleksander gave a soft chuckle, kissing the corner of her mouth.
"Good girl, my Solntse." He purred, kissing from her lips, down her chin and placed his hands back to her inner thighs, lovingly dragging his nails over her delicate skin. "We can't have you starting to dim."
She slipped her eyes closed with a moan, goose bumps arising under his touch, tickling her skin in the most delightful of ways. The tugging in her lower regions, twisting immediately under his skilled fingers. He kissed from her chin to her neck, as his fingers reaching dangerous heights, playing with the frills of the bottom of her bloomers. He nipped and sucked at her collarbone, earning a soft moan from the young woman's lips.
Alina curled her fingers into his hair, pressing his head further into the crook of her pale neck, as he tugged at her under garments, pulling them down. As he grazed his teeth along her neck. His movements picking up pace, as he yanked her underwear completely down, slipping the fabric past her feet and tossed a side.
She gasped as the cold air, breezed across her wet heat, as she raised an arm from Aleksander, to cover her face, embarrassment over whelming her, in spite of the throbbing in her womanhood. But, the darkly handsome man pushed her arm away, placing a searing kiss on her lips, dipping his tongue into her mouth, fully letting himself taste her.
"Don't be embarrassed. Every part of you is beautiful." He groaned, as he lifted a sculpted hand to his mouth, before licking his two middle fingers, then pressing them to her lips as well. She blushed wildly confused at what he wanted her to do, or why he was wetting his finger with spit.
"Suck." He instructed, as she looked confused, but she drew the long digits into her wet cavern anyway, dancing her tongue around his fingers. His eyes fixed on her lips, sucking on his fingers, a low groan rumbled deep in his throat, as she released his fingers with a 'pop.' He kept his view set solely on her delicate features, as he reached his hand below her waist.
She closed her eyes tight, as he slipped his wet digits across her heat, drawing a slow line from her opening, to the bundle of nerves that sent sparks behind her eyes as he grazed it. Her sees snapping wide, her lips in the shape of an 'O', her face flushed with pleasure, confusion and shame.
"I guess, wetting my figures wasn't needed. You're soaked, my lovely." Aleksander's voice, purred low and rough, as he glance down, rubbing a thumb around the small nub, making something coil tightly in her lower stomach. Earning him a whimper, and squirm from the brown haired woman.
"Please don't look, Aleksander. I beg you.." She whined, squirming under his impish fingers, as he just counted to spin circles around her pulsing nerve.
He completely ignored her wishes, before giving a devilish smile. He dipped his head down so fast, she could stop him, capturing the nub into his mouth sucking hard. As Alina shrieked in pleasure and shock, warm heat, filling her, making her convulse at the strange new sensations, that wrecked her body. Like ocean waves, hitting her over and over again, drowning her in pleasure, almost too intense to stand, causing her to wiggle and jerk her hips. It was more than she could handle, the pleasure was almost painful.
"Don't Aleksander! It's dirty, what are you doing!" She yelled, tugging at his hair, but it did little to nothing, as he just continued to lap at her weeping sex. He rested an arm against her hips, steading her stirring. Bring his other hand to gradually press his middle finger into her wet, pulsing heat, making her squeak out a shocked moan.
She was shining like a dim star, her skin practically reflecting the sun from the window, fecks of light bouncing of her body like sparks. Her writhing, accelerating as he pressed his finger fully in, and curling it up against her inner walls. The coil, spun so firm that she was scared that she was going to snap in two.
"Wait, I'm going to break.. Something's wrong, Alek. Make it stop.." She moaned out, rolling her hip further into his mouth, pressing his finger deeper inside her, hands still tugging at his hair.
She could feel some kind of bitter sweetness building, coming to some kind of a great peak, mouth wide, moaning loudly. As he curled and uncurled his finger, his tongue swirling around her over worked nerve. She could feel sparks, starting to fall behind her eyes, then nothing..
She opened her eyes, dazed and confused, as she panted, twisting her hips. The devilishly handsome man, stopped all his moments, just staring up at the crumbling woman before him.
"What is wrong, my dear?" He grunted, wetness glinting on his lips and bearded chin. He licked his lips, savoring the taste of her, running his fingers up and down her calf, a worried look filling his eyes. Her body burned for more, but she truly felt like her body was about to shatter from the tightness inside her.
"I don't know… Something feels tight. I'm scared.." She whispered, lust still wrecking her body, shivers running down her spine. "But, it almost hurts now that you've stopped." Needy tears filled her large doe eyes. Worry and lust filling her to the brim, till she was over flowing. He let a lazy smile grow on his lips, as realization sunk in.
"Alina.. allow me to continue, and I promise, that you will feel one of the best pleasures known to man." He grinned, leaving kisses on her inner thigh, next to her pulsing heat.
"Let me relieve your pain."
She said nothing, but laced her hands into his beautifully soft hair, and pulled him forward, as he took the offer excitedly. Instantly returning to his duties. She moaned, tilting her head back, fulling giving herself up to the new sensations. As a sinful tongue swirled around her erect nub, as he pumped his finger in and out of her heat. She grinded against his finger and mouth, losing all control of her motions. Like she was on auto-pilot.
He hummed against her, creating vibrations and unyielding sparks to fill her vision, as he suddenly added another finger deep inside her, pumping and curling his two fingers against a spot that caused her toes to curl each time he brushed it. She was blubbering mess, as she wrapped her legs around his shoulders, clenching her thighs on either side of his head. Clamping him in place, scrapping her nails across his head.
He gazed up, deeply into her eyes, as she brushed the hair away from his view. She watched as he licked and sucked on her most private area, with such vigor, you'd think he was devouring his favorite meal.
Her howls of gratification filled the room, with the addition of slurping, wet grunts from Aleksander. Then, he added one more finger, the stretching was both painful, and awe inspiringly, pleasurable. He was only able to move his fingers about for a moment, before she felt herself snap, arching her back dramatically. "Please Alek-ahhhh!"
Then, just like that the entire room was lit up, so bright everything looked white for a few seconds. Like a silent bomb had gone off around them. She twitched and squeezed his head between her legs, before waves of pleasure and relaxation washed over her body. Forcing her to melt into the seat that held her, legs going limp on the Darkling's shoulders.
He gently removed her legs from around him, and tugged the skirt of her dress down, cover her. He then, lifted her from the chair, into the bed, letting her lay lumpy on top of him. Their chest flush together, her legs resting between his, her belly angst something hard in his trousers. Aleksander softly ran his fingers up and down her back, as she panted against him.
"I like the name, Alek.. No one's given me a nickname before." He rumbled into her ear, that kissing her temple, moving her hair away from her face.
"Don't get use to it, Alek." She smirked up at him. "It's weird, I feel like my veins are on fire, but not in a painful away. It's just warm..." She whispered, snuggling deeper into his chest. He groaned as she shifted over the hardiness between his legs. She moved over the area a few more times, wondering what it could be
"That's the power, now that it's realized, it's flooding through your veins. It's free to be used, but now you'll have to learn to control it.." He pulled her hand to his lips, tracing her fingers with his mouth.
"Also, Why is there something hard in your pants.. What is it?" She asked listening to the erythematic beat of his heart, staring at his sleepy eyes.
"It's nothing, my dear. It will go away in a moment, if it is bugging you." He mumble into her hair, playing with a random strand of hair that he wrapped, and unwrapped around his is finger.
"It's not annoying me, but I do wonder what it is." She rested her chin on her laced hands, on his chest eyeing him suspiciously.
He sighed as he an awkward smile formed on his lips, as red tented his cheeks very faintly. She could almost miss it, if she wouldn't inches from his face.
"Well, it's what happens when men are interested in a woman.." He croaked out, with brows frowned, looking like every adult, trying to explained adult things.
"I see, So does that mean you are interested in me?" She grinned a toothily grin, unable to hold back from teasing him in the slightest, when he seemed flustered.
He crunched his brows so tightly together that they looked knitted, as he chewed on his inner lip, trying to make head and tails of the simple question.
"I see, I'm being naive again. I forget for men this kind of thing is less about like, and more about urges." She sighs remembering what the head mistress use to say about men, that they didn't have to love someone to make them feel loved.
Aleksander shook his head. "No, my sweet Solntse," He lifted her chin, causing her to arch her neck from his chest. "I'm very interested in you, It's just not something I'm acusom to explaining…" He choked out shyly, scratching his chin.
She nodded, feeling suddenly sleepy and heavy. "I hope you like me.." She mumble, out of it. As she drifted off to sleep.
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Hello beautiful people,
Sorry this had taken me a while, but I hope you enjoyed. I haven't written smut in a very long time, so hopefully this was decent lol. But let me know how I did and what I can work on next time!
-Katt =^.^=