To say that the next morning was uncomfortable was an understatement. I had made up a bed on the settee, and my legs were cramped from having to remain curled up all night. I was still in a nightgown that I had managed to get out of my trunk without waking Will, and my bare feet enabled me to quietly sneak up the stairs. Father had always been so sensitive to loud noises the day after he had been drinking, so I did my best to silently push the bedroom door open. Will was wrapped in the sheets, and the glass of water had been drained. He was loudly snoring, which enabled me to get my dressing gown and collect the glass without waking him. After all, if he wasn't waking himself up with that noise, he would hardly notice me.

I was in the kitchen refilling the glass when the bell above the door rang. Kate came in, a small basket of eggs in her hand, a rasher of bacon wrapped up next to them. I set the glass down, "Hello Kate, I can take that for you."

She pulled the basket back as I reached for it, "Miss, you don't need to cook."

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to insist on it Kate, Mr. Murdoch overindulged last night so I'm trying to keep everything quiet. Take the rest of the morning for yourself." I gave her a smile as I reached the basket again.

Kate moved it out of my reach. "Do you even know how to cook?"

"I have helped our cook, Kate. I can manage to fry bacon and eggs, I can even brew a pot of coffee." I snapped my hand out, grabbing the basket. I quickly placed the eggs and bacon on the counter and handed the basket back. "Now, head off and enjoy yourself." Kate clearly did not believe me, and watched as I pulled out a frying pan and a bowl. I even managed to get the oven lit, and it wasn't until the bacon was sizzling that I heard the bell ring as she left. I left the bacon for a moment to run another glass of water upstairs.

Will hadn't moved, but he gave a grumble as I set the water down. "Mhhm, Ade." I paused for a moment at the door, listening. "Need to, letter, Ana." I shook my head as I snorted, just a bunch of nonsense. I looked over at the closed door as I left, I hadn't been in it the entire time. With Will firmly asleep, it would be the perfect time to look in. He had never said to stay out, I just hadn't had the thought until now.

The door swung open quietly, and I was almost disappointed. It was simply an office, with a plain desk and chair, a small bookcase and an inkstand. The only interesting item was a sewing machine in a corner, covered under a layer of dust. It must have been Ada's, and I lingered on it for a moment. I could clean it, I knew how to use one, and surely Will would be pleased to see it being put back to work. Or would I be trampling on her memory by using it? He might be keeping it as a memento of her. In the end, it was best to just close the door and leave it be. Back downstairs, I had just cracked the eggs into the bacon grease when I heard a knock at the door. I opened it to find Charles, smiling. "How's your patient?"

"Still asleep," I stood aside as he came in, "I've got breakfast frying up. I can have coffee ready in a bit."

"Smells good." He barely paused as he started up the stairs. I returned to the kitchen, finding a rather battered coffee pot that I set to boiling on the stove. The eggs were coming along nicely, and I busied myself by looking around the kitchen for salt and pepper. They were in a cabinet, and I noticed a few glass bottles on the shelf above them. They looked to be medicines, I disregarded most until I found a small bottle of aspirin. I tucked it into the pocket of my dressing gown, and pulled the eggs off the heat before I started up. The aspirin would be a godsend for his headache. I had just gained the landing when I heard Will's voice, slightly muffled but understandable. I kept quiet as I crept closer to the door, listening. "Lights, you don't know what I did last night."

"You got drunk Will, rather understandable given the circumstances." Charles sounded almost amused by it.

"No, what I did to Ana. I was horrible." Will groaned, and I heard the bed creak.

"I highly doubt you did anything to Anastasia, aside from maybe trying to bed her."

"That's what I did Lights, and I didn't stop until she told me to. I thought she wanted to, and I wanted to, but she had to push me away. She's going to hate me."

"Was this the first time you two have, you know?"

I could practically hear Will flush, "No, we've known each other. Not fully, but I wanted to last night."

"You're engaged to her, she's beautiful, it seems the logical course."

"Charles," Will's voice was cold, "What I'm going to tell you, you can't repeat. Not to anyone."

"Will, what is it?"

"Promise me."

"I promise, now what's got you so serious? Wanting to bed your fiancée really isn't that unusual, you know."

The bed frame creaked, "Ana's been attacked, twice, by men trying to force themselves on her. And I did the same last night."

"Christ, Will."

"She's going to leave me, and she'd be right to. I find out I've got no prospects, I get drunk, I attack her like that. She must think I see her as a meal ticket. God, Ana must think me the worst kind of brute. She's probably halfway out the door by now."

I heard another creaking, and a grunt from Charles. It sounded like he had sat next to Will, "Will, she was downstairs cooking eggs for you when I got here. I highly doubt she's going to make you breakfast and then run off."

"God, my head. I shouldn't have drunk that much."

"Will, you need to calm down. You're just going to make it hurt worse. What did you first talk about after you had lunch with her that first day? Hm? You came back to our quarters, crowing about this beautiful girl who had practically pounced on your company for the rest of the trip. It was all we could do to get you to shut up for five minutes."

"You're exaggerating."

"Hardly, Will you've always fallen hard for women. You told me you wanted to marry Ade hardly a week after you met her. And Ana, I think it was barely three days before you said you wanted her as your wife. And she seems to have fallen just as hard as you. Even after everything that happened, she crossed the ocean just to get back to you. That's got to count for something. Even with what happened."

"I don't know what she sees in me. She's beautiful, and smart, and kind."

"And rich."

"Don't remind me, she keeps trying to use her money to help. It makes me feel like less of a man."

"Will, do you really need me to list what she might like about you? You've got a boatload of common sense, nerves of steel, remember when you barely saved the Arabic from collision? Even when you saw the ice that night Will, you didn't hesitate. You knew just what to do. You're as stubborn as an ass sometimes, but you're loyal Will, and she's loyal to you. You've been a good friend to me for a long time, and I can tell you honestly that she adores you, completely and utterly. I think you're stuck with her, Will. Maybe just try and get her to ease up on using her money, although being a kept man doesn't sound too bad to me." Charles sounded rather exasperated, and I couldn't help but notice that he hadn't brought up Will's mood after the sinking. His nerves of steel had failed then, but then pretty much everyone's nerves had been strained by that.

Creeping on my bare feet across the floor, I gave a gentle cough as if I was coming around for the first time. I came around the bedroom door, smiling. "I found some aspirin, should help with the headache." Charles and Will were sat on the bed, and Will was almost hanging his head, but he looked up when I came in. He wouldn't meet my eyes though, looking back down with a grimace. I set the bottle on the nightstand, and placed my hands on Will's cheeks, lifting his head. His eyes were a little glassy, but he didn't wince at the morning light. "Now, come on down. I managed to not burn all the eggs." I pressed a kiss to his forehead, and turned to Charles. "You're welcome to come down for breakfast too, Charles."

"Well, you know how much I enjoy burnt eggs Will." He said as he stood, "Come on down when you're tolerable company." Charles accompanied me downstairs, and I managed to brew a pot of very strong coffee, something that I only made tolerable for myself by the addition of vast quantities of cream and sugar. I had just managed to set the table when Will came down, slow on his feet as he made his way to the table and sat.

I put a cup of coffee in front of him, "It's rather strong, sorry about that." He didn't even look at me, but mixed a healthy helping of cream and sugar into his mug. He didn't speak as he put a couple of eggs and a few pieces of bacon on his plate, and barely acknowledged Charles across from him. I turned my attention to my own plate, only looking up when I realized Charles had been talking to me. "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you."

"I was asking what your plans are, back in America." Charles's smile was rather brittle, and he cut his eyes over to Will.

I sniffed, "My mother wants us to return soon, she wants to throw a party. And then I imagine it's going to be up to our cottage in Newport, for the summer."

"Sounds lovely, doesn't it Will?" He looked across at Will, who barely looked up from his coffee. Charles pulled a envelope from his pocket, sliding it across the table to Will. I recognized it, the telegram that had arrives yesterday for him. "Can't be leaving too soon though, take a look Will."

Will flipped the envelope open, the edge had already been slit. He looked over to me, his voice low. "Did you open it?"

I had barely opened my mouth to speak when Charles cut in, "No, I did. Now read it, you bloody fool and try to look happy."

Will's eyes slowly moved across the brief message, and he folded it up and placed it under the edge of his plate. "My parents are coming to visit, next week."

"That sounds lovely," I reached for his hand, but he moved it away. "I am looking forward to meeting them."

"Mmm," He filled his mug again from the pot. I sat, waiting for him to say something more, but he simply turned back to his food. I looked over to Charles, hoping for some support, but all he gave me was a shrug. The silence at the table stretched across the three of us, the clatter of silverware the only sound beyond the ticking of the clock. I felt my stomach twist, and hastily grabbed the plates when they were cleared, excusing myself to the kitchen to leave them for washing. I could hear Will through the door though, "Lights, head on out."

"Will, she doesn't seem to care-"

"I will handle it, she's my fiancée. I don't need your help with that."

"Well don't send her running back across the ocean Will, otherwise I'm not sure I can deal with you." I could hear his chair scrape back from the table, and the slamming of the door as he left. I tried to take my time in the kitchen, stacking the plates just so, lining up the silverware. I even checked that the stove was off three times before I had no choice but to go back out to the dining nook.

Will was still sat at the table, his mug empty. He slowly looked over, "Please Ana, sit."

Feeling rather like a schoolgirl called up for punishment, I sat across from him. "Will, is your headache better?"

"Yes, the aspirin was a great help." He placed his hands on the table, his fingers knit together. "What I did last night-"

"It's alright, you were just-"

"It was unforgivable." He cut me off without a thought. "Even drunk, I should have known better. Perhaps it would be best for you to return to your hotel before you leave. It would prevent anything further from happening."

"No," I shook my head, "I'm not leaving."

"Then I'll sleep down here. I obviously can't be trusted around you."

"Will, don't be like that."

"Be like what? Concerned for your safety? Worried that I might lose control like that again? Damn it Ana," He shoved his chair back, standing. "By all right you should have left last night!"

"You were drunk!" I stood, my voice raising. "So what? My father got drunk at least once a month, I know it can make men fools. I've been a fool when drunk. Why does it matter that you were foolish? You stopped, nothing happened. Can't we just leave it at that? A moment of confusion?"

He came around the table, his eyes flashing as he came close, his arms trapping me against the table. I was practically sitting on it as he leaned over me, "I can't, because I almost raped you." I could feel his breath on me, his voice shaking. "That wasn't just being foolish or confused, that was attacking you."

I caught his shirtfront in my hands. "But you didn't Will, you listened. Even drunk and," I felt myself blush, "Half-mad with lust, you listened when I said no. You stopped. Do you have any idea what that means to me? How many times men haven't listened when I've said no?" I tugged on his shirt, pulling him down to I could stare into his eyes. The blue in them was almost icy, and I brought a hand up to trace his cheekbone. "I would trust you with my life after you did that Will, that's all this showed me. That you are a man I can trust, who listens to what I ask for."

"Ana," He shook his head, but brought his hand up to cup mine against his cheek. His eyes had lost their icy look, and his face softened. "You are a sweet, little fool. You should have run last night."

I half got up from the table, wrapping my arms around him. "I'm only a fool for you, Will. And I only came here for you. Even if you didn't have a home, if we had to sleep in the offices at the dock. I'd gladly do that, so long as I had you at my side." His arms were tight around me as he stood, lifting me. He was only a few inches taller than me, but my feet still dangled off the floor. I couldn't ignore the rush of desire I felt feeling him against me, only the thin layers of cotton between us. I lowered my voice, "Unless you want me to run, to let you chase me. You seemed to enjoy it last night."

His arms pressed me closer, "I can't deny that is an alluring thought. But, are you sure?"

I ran my fingers through his hair, "Not all the way, just what we've been doing."

"Alright, that's fine. But, if you want me to chase you," He leaned back, and I moved in kind, watching his eyes search my face. "You've already been caught. You're not quite good at running, are you, my love?"

I wriggled in his arms, and I felt his hands drop to my rear as he set me back on my feet. "You barely gave me a chance, oh great and mighty hunter." I watched him smirk at that, "Surely a head start isn't too much to ask for?"

"Well, if you're placing me in the role of Allan Quartermain, then you had better run little lioness." He gave me a toothy smile, "For I'm not in a very merciful mood at the moment."

"Perhaps you'll be the one begging for mercy." I stepped back, shedding my dressing gown as I did. "A count of ten?"

"Seems fair." He looked up to the ceiling, "One, two, three..." I was off like a shot up stairs, his voice following me. There was no place to run though, but there were places to hide. I slipped into the office, closing the door behind me and standing behind where it would open. I would be hidden by the open door, even if he came in. My heart was racing though, and I tried to steady my breath to quiet myself. I listened as Will's steps moved slowly up the stairs, their tread heavy as he came up.

"Here, little lioness," He called, and I listened as he moved into the bedroom. It was all I could do to stay still as I heard him move to the bathroom, and then I hard the knob on the office door turn. I did my best to freeze, holding my breath as the door slowly swung open. My hiding place ensured I was at least partially obscured, and I saw Will's back as he stalked in. "You know, there is one benefit to having a small house." The door suddenly whipped closed, and he had me pinned against the wall in a moment. "Not many places to hide."

I squeaked as he let his hands drift to my shoulders, shedding my nightgown which crumpled to the floor in a rush of cotton. "So you've caught your prey, and what is the mighty hunter going to do?"

"Hmm," He let his nose wander down my neck, sniffing. "Well, seeing as I currently have no job to worry about, and my beautiful little fool in my arms," He lifted me again, loing down as my breasts were pushed up by his chest. "I can't think of anything better to do than to take her to bed, and keep her there all day long." This time when he tumbled me onto his bed, I was eagerly pulling him down with me. He quickly shed his own clothes, and joined me in the mess of sheets and blankets. As opposed to the first time, or the hurried moment in the night, we were almost languid with each other. Will dragged his finger over a small scar on my forearm, "What's this from?"

"The kitchen cat," I smiled, "I was annoying her when I was little, so she put me in my place." I brushed my thumb over a scar across the back of his left hand, pale and small with age. "And this?"

"Rigging knife, when I was first starting out." Will chuckled, then lifted his wrist to show a small burn scar across it. "Was trying to cut myself loose from a piece of rope, managed to get this at the same time."

"Poor boy," I leaned over, kissing the back of his hand and his wrist. Will quickly flipped me on top of him, capturing me in a kiss and locking his arms behind me. I could feel him stirring against my thigh, but not very much. I pulled back, "Do you really want to? We don't have to."

"Right now, I just want to hold you." His voice rumbled against me, and I pressed my head to his shoulder. "But it is definitely something I want."

I pressed a kiss to his cheek, "That's fine." Will gave a hum at that, letting his hands travel down my back, resting on my waist. I sighed, "So your parents are coming down?"

"For a few days," His eyes were closed, "The travel from Dalbeattie is rather rough, a ferry to Liverpool and then trains from there to London and to here. Usually I travel up to see them, but they want to meet you here, in my house."

"Well, we have time to get you a new suit then, and get it tailored." I moved my hips, settling further against him. He was slowly growing harder against me. I gave a slight sigh as I felt his hand come up to my breast, "Ah, Will. That's nice."

His hand gently kneaded it, "Hmm it is, and I don't need a suit. I have a decent one here."

"Not as tailored as it could be. You know, I couldn't help but see the sewing machine in the office," I leaned into his touch, "Was it Ada's?"

His fingers faltered for a moment, but resumed. "Yes, she didn't get to use it much before-"

"Ah, you know, I could tailor your suit for you. I know how to use one." I cut in, moving my hips again and hearing a groan leach out of him. "If that's alright with you."

"Ana, God, you're," His eyes were clenched shut, "I'm not sure at the moment."

My hand snaked between us, fingers dancing along him. "Well, think about it. I suppose I could hand sew it, but the machine will make it faster. Or we could go to Savoy Row. I could use a new dress for it, a trip to Selfridge's wouldn't be too much I would think."

Will was panting by now, and I set myself to stroking him in the way I knew he liked. He could barely let out a few words between his lips, "That's, that's a lot of money. God Ana, your touch, fuck. Don't stop."

"Don't worry about the money Will," I chuckled, laying my head on his shoulder as I watched his jaw clench. "You don't have to decide right now. Does this feel good?"

I dragged the tips of my fingernails along the length of him and his hips shot up. "Not so hard," I pulled my hand back, ghosting across him instead. "Better, God that's good." I shivered as I felt his own hand slip between us, fingers gently searching until he found what he wanted. I gasped as he slipped a finger in, my hips rolling, pressing my backside against him. "Take your hand off, that, just keep doing that."

I released him, bringing my hands up to his shoulders to brace myself. I had to hold myself up above him a little as I rolled my hips, and he took advantage of the space to slip another finger in, and set his thumb to rubbing at me. I groaned, "God Will, that's it. Just like that." Between moving my hips, and his fingers curling inside of me, I felt like I might just melt away into a puddle. I looked down at Will, his eyes almost black as he stared up at me. "I love you Will, I love you, don't stop."

"Ana," His eyes squeezed shut as I rolled my hips harder, chasing the feeling I knew was coming. "I'm, I'm almost-" I felt him seize under me, his fingers stilling for a moment as his jaw clenched and a low groan escaped him. He only paused for a moment before he kept stroking, and I quickly followed him over the edge, my voice high and keening as I did. In the end, laying on his chest, our skin sticking together, we were both utterly spent and loose. I felt his hands trace my loose hair down my back, brushing it with his fingers. "God, that was something."

"Mmmm," I couldn't keep my eyes open, pressed against him and warm all the way through. "It was." God, perhaps Will was right, we could just spend all day here. Wrapped around each other, blocking out the world. But even as I lay on him, listening to his breathing and letting it lull me into a torpor, my mind was already setting out tasks to accomplish before his parents came. I'd need to tailor his suit, or get him a new one. My traveling suit could do to meet his parents in a pinch, but I didn't want to spend the rest of the time in shirtwaists and skirts. So I'd need to get a dress. And before his parents arrived I would need to browbeat Mr. Welton into assigning him and Moody places with Dalian Shipping. But then Will was moving underneath me, rolling onto his side. I slid off him, pressing myself to his back and wrapping my free arm around him. That could wait, we had time for that. But I didn't know how long I would have to just hold him like this.