.
Chapter 47
Amazing Feelings 2
Grace
No, that could not be. I finally had him, finally, and then this. What kind of morons were they?
Gunshots echoed across the meadow and forest.
They came from the castle. What the hell was going on here?
Demetri looked over to the palace for a moment, but held me behind him with both hands.
Screams and a babble of voices now sounded over to us from the palace. More shots rang out and I flinched in fright.
Demetri pulled me closer to him.
"What do you guys want from us?" he asked.
"From you... nothing at all. We just want to reduce the number of members of the Royal Family a little..." said the one.
I didn't see him because Demetri was standing in front of me like a huge mountain. But I heard the stupid grin in his voice. It must be a real assault on us all? Apparently also in the middle of the wedding party. My poor Hope. Such a thing at the wedding. How awful was that? Demetri was now talking to the guys at vampire speed and I only understood bits and pieces. They wanted that Demetri disappeared so that they could get at me.
"She is not a Princess," Demetri said.
The guys laughed and babbled something about my crown on my head. Crap.
At some point they lost patience and one of them shot.
I winced again in shock.
Had they shot at Demetri now? No, oh my God, please don't.
He flinched briefly.
I knew it wouldn't be lethal for vampires, but it wasn't pleasant either. And how many shots could he take?
Fear rose up in me.
They were talking and I could hear the voices getting closer.
Demetri shoved me backwards a little, moving backwards with me.
Then one attacked.
Now Demetri reacted completely differently than I had expected. He countered him with a jump, so that the guy flew away. But instead of continuing to fight and leaving me defenseless, he decided to run away. He wheeled around, yanked me into his arms, and took off running.
"Lean your head against the center of my chest," he commanded, and I obeyed.
He ran so fast that I felt dizzy. Shots rang out again and I felt them crash into Demetri's back.
"Oh no," I sobbed.
He kept running.
Shots again.
He slowed down.
"When I let you go, run Grace. Run toward the garages and lock yourself in there," he said.
Shots again.
Now he moaned and let go of me.
"Demetri," I breathed in panic.
"Run, damn it," he yelled, and I took off running.
My heart leapt. I saw Marcus and Corin running toward me.
Then something hit me in the head and I collapsed. I saw the grass coming even closer - and then I was gone.
"She's about to wake up," I heard Alice say.
Did I want to wake up? What about Demetri? I could remember everything immediately. No, leave the eyes closed for now.
An ache moved through my mind.
Oh Demetri.
When I saw him at the airport, I thought I was going to die. Why did they have to send him to pick me up? Or had Hope set it up that way? She was the only one who knew, and Bella, she suspected.
I'd been gone six long years, six long years hoping to forget him and I hadn't. I always saw him in my mind. At sixteen I had already sensed that I liked him. He was constantly around us because he had to protect Edwards and Bella's children with Marcus. He was always friendly and accommodating. He was good looking and educated, great to talk to. He knew so much to tell. We often had campfires in the park in the evenings because Jamie was so into fires, and then Demetri would tell us the most amazing stories. How I loved his voice.
At seventeen, I didn't just love his voice anymore. But I think he thought I was too young. He didn't notice me at all. For three years I hoped for a sign from him, but he looked straight through me.
So I went to see Grandpa in America. But it didn't help to forget him. Somehow my heart felt so connected to him. I slept with other men at first, but it wasn't what I wanted. There was no one I felt as connected to as Demetri. Hope understood that. That's how she felt with James. It felt right. Demetri felt right to me.
I couldn't sit in the car with him. He was so gentlemanly. Only spoke when I prompted him. So I had to have a break while driving. His nearness was hardly bearable for me in the consciousness that I could not have him. It filled me with joy when he then decided to stay with me even as a guard, but then I was afraid again. How should I be able to stand him so close to me without being allowed to have him?
"Tell him," Hope had said.
She had ideas.
'Hi Demetri, I've loved you for ages and now finally kiss me?'
For that, I lacked the courage.
How could I tell a man I loved him when not the slightest sign of love or even interest came back? Why did I leave him so cold? All men went for me, just not the one I wanted!
Then today I had thought several times that something had changed, but then I was unsure again. He wanted to stay with me - but then kept his distance. He didn't want my hair to be cut - but after that he was quiet again. He wanted to dance with me and I thought I was dying of happiness - and then left me standing there again, not saying a word.
The bridal bouquet then tipped me over the edge.
Me and get married? Yes, to whom? Should I look for work somewhere? Look for and take a man whom I could never love as I loved him? My life was somehow hopeless and this bouquet of flowers was the sneering comment on top. It laughed at me.
But then in the forest, how dear Demetri held me and how gently he kissed me. And then he gave his life to protect me. His life?
I opened my eyes.
I was lying on my bed. On the left sat Mom holding my hand, on the right sat Dad holding my other hand. And at the foot of the bed stood Edward, smiling at me with relief. Jasper stood a little ways off with Alice and smiled at me. EDWARD!?, I screamed in my mind and closed my eyes again. God, he could read minds after all. Good heavens, I want to die.
I felt his hands on my feet and now I looked up again.
"Dearie, you know I don't talk to anyone about this. I try to stay out of your thoughts. But you don't have to worry. He's fine, your Grandpa is just now getting the bullets out of him. His last words earlier were 'I feel like a sieve' and he laughed at that. So, relax, Carlisle will get him fixed!" said Edward and I breathed a sigh of relief.
'Thank you, I feel better now', I thought, and he lightly squeezed my ankle.
"Did I get hit after all, or what happened?", I then asked.
Dad told.
"You ran off, but before Marcus could grab you, one of the vampires caught up with you and hit you with the butt of his gun!"
I briefly felt the back of my head.
Ah, a bump and hence the slight headache. Then I looked at my upper arm, there was a thick bandage.
Dad followed my gaze.
"A graze shot, it hit you when you fell. It's not that tragic, though. Carlisle stitched it up."
I nodded.
My dress looked bad too, dirty and torn.
Mom stroked my hand and I smiled at her.
"I was so afraid for you," she said.
I stroked her too.
Dad continued, "Anyway, the thing is quite simple. We were attacked by a whole squad of vampires. Imagine, your Jason Jenks had actually snuck in here five years ago as a spy to give out info. Info about our lives and habits. Due to the fact that Demetri and Bella were unsure about him, we had him screened and he had actually given a false name - in fact we are related to him. He's a grandson of Jane!"
"Jane. That was Aro's daughter. She had two daughters. They were already grown up when I was a child?", I asked.
"The very ones. They had children around the same time as Bella. Only, since we convicted Aro and Alec, we never got to see them. They then decided with their mothers to avenge the deaths of Aro, Alec and Jane. To do that, they just wanted to wipe us out," Dad explained.
"Is anyone hurt?", I asked anxiously.
"Just guards, sweetie, don't worry, no one was fatally injured. We got the information about who Jason really is already during the wedding festivities and Edward and your grandpa immediately rounded up all the Volturi guards. Shortly after you left the hall with Demetri, they were standing by and each Volturi Princess had a guard right near her. Only we didn't expect them to find the two of you in the park. Then Marcus heard gunshots in the park and immediately ran to you."
I nodded.
"Poor Hope, and at her wedding! How is she?"
"All is well, sweetie. The guards quickly cleaned up, took the injured to the clinic, the prisoners to the dungeon and calmed the guests. They're continuing to party, and we're about to head back down as well. You were only unconscious for an hour. But your grandpa says you have a mild concussion. He'll stay here with you when he's done with Demetri. You won't be allowed to go down to the wedding today."
Yes, that made sense.
I nodded.
"But Grandpa doesn't need to stay here. I can manage on my own," I said.
"You'll have to take that up with him," Dad said.
"Where did he go with Demetri?", I asked.
"To my practice," Jasper replied. "He needed a little more intensive medical attention than you."
Poor Demetri, shot because of me. Alone, he would certainly have been able to stand up to them. He was much bigger and stronger. Hopefully he wasn't angry with me now because I hadn't run off immediately. And hopefully he hadn't changed his mind, I thought in horror. Maybe that kiss had only been to comfort me because he felt sorry for me?
"Can you all please go to the party. I'll stay with her until Dad gets back. I want to talk to her alone," Edward said suddenly.
Mom looked at him angrily. Dad, Jasper, and Alice nodded, stood up, and Dad gently pushed Mom out with him.
Edward sat down at my side and took my hand.
I had always been a little afraid of him before, but today I liked him. He was always very direct, but honest and above all fair. And you could feel Bella's influence all the time. Her kindness spilled over to him, I thought.
"Yes, I suppose so, thank you," he said with a smile.
I smiled back.
"Grace, over the course of this day, I could constantly hear your and Demetri's thoughts as well as Hope's and Bella's thoughts about you guys. At first I was quite taken aback, but gradually it dawned on me. However, I now have an advantage over you. I know what Demetri is thinking," he said with a wink.
"That's right," I said. "I'd love to trade places with you on that one."
"You don't have to, dear. He'll tell you himself," Edward said. "I'll just tell you this much. He liked you very much before, too. But he only realized today that he loves you. You've got him completely confused. He actually hadn't realized it before. Besides - please remember - he was born in a completely different century. He has completely different norms and values than today's young men and is certainly a bit old-fashioned in some things. Also in relation to the Royal Family. Up to now, he has kept to all the rules, and for him it was inconceivable that a Princess could fall in love with him. When Marcus came to your rescue, the three vampires were overpowered in no time. Demetri almost died of worry for you and wanted you to be treated first in any case. He stood here injured and bleeding, waiting for confirmation that you were okay. This was despite Jasper offering several times to take him to the doctor's office and treat him already. While your grandpa was treating you, all he could think about was you, your kiss, and he was terrified of losing you again. It wasn't until my dad promised him that you were just sleeping and would wake right back up that he was ready to go with him, and you can be quite sure that he will show up again here worried right after. Then tell him what you feel. He will be reserved because he still can't really believe it."
"Thank you, Edward. I feel much better now," I said.
"I was hoping you would, sweetie," he said, stroking my hand affectionately.
Shortly after that, Grandpa came in.
"You're awake, little one. Great, how do you feel?" he asked. "Edward, you can go ahead. I'm here now," he said to his son, who winked at me again and left.
"I have a little headache, the bump and the arm hurt a little, but it's okay. Grandpa, where is Demetri?", I asked.
"I sent him to his room. His shirt looked like a sieve and he was pretty dirty, too. I wouldn't have allowed him to come in front of you like that," he said with a grin.
"Well, I don't look any better," I noted.
"He looked worse, believe me," he said. "I can give you a shot for the pain, but nothing else. Tomorrow you come to me, then we change the bandage on the arm. Otherwise, you'll stay in bed until tomorrow morning. With the bump you could otherwise get dizzy. But you know that."
I smiled.
"Yes, Mr. Doctor."
"Painkillers, Miss Doctor?" he asked with a smile.
"Well, I guess I'd have to write the dissertation first," I said, "but I'll take the drug."
He nodded and I watched as he retrieved the utensils for it from his medical bag.
Then there was another knock and Demetri came in.
In jeans and white shirt, but I still saw bandages shining through underneath.
He eyed me worriedly and slowly came closer.
"I'm just giving her something for the pain, Demetri. Since she's otherwise fine, I guess I can go to the party again after all. But Grace, if you get dizzy lying down, throw up, have pain, or anything else, you let Demetri know so he can call me right away, is that clear?" Grandpa rattled off and I nodded.
He drew the syringe open in the process, disinfected my arm, injected the drug, and put a band-aid on it.
"Then I wish you a pleasant night, little one," he said, kissing me on the forehead.
"You too, and thanks for everything, Grandpa. I love you," I said.
"I love you too," he said and left.
Demetri stood six feet from my bed and looked at me.
"Are you in bad pain?" he asked, concerned.
"Yes," I said, and he looked worriedly, "after you. Come here already!", I ordered and he smiled with relief.
He sat down with me on the bed.
I took his hand.
He immediately stroked my fingers tenderly.
"Are you in pain?", I asked him now, looking at the bandages shimmering through the shirt.
"Only in my heart, too, Grace. I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you," he said.
I looked at him. He looked at me. He was so beautiful. That handsome face, the gentle look, the little smile lines around his mouth.
"What do you think?" he asked softly, sounding almost tender.
"Demetri, I ... I love you," I whispered.
He eyed me.
His gaze was so gentle. With his eyes he caressed me.
Slowly he lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed my fingers, each one separately. Then he looked at my hand and after that he looked into my eyes again.
"Maybe, hmm...", I began, "maybe you can love me too someday?", I asked quietly, so worried that I was catching him off guard too much.
"Grace," he whispered, "I love you too. But it's so overwhelming. I'm a bit overburdened with my feelings right now. And ... hmm ... what will your parents say, Grace?" he asked worriedly.
"Demetri, they will be happy for me ... and honestly? I don't care if they're not. Demetri, I'm an adult. I have a good job, a fortune in the account. And you are not poor either. When in doubt, let's just get out of here. Nothing else matters to me now. The only thing I really want and have always wanted is you. Only you!" I said and tried in vain to swallow the tears that were welling up inside me.
Oh please, tell me you'll stay with me, I thought desperately.
He smiled at me, touched.
"So your life you would give for me," he stated.
"Yes," I said immediately.
"I would give mine for you too, and not because I'm being paid to, but because I love you, Grace," he said, leaning toward me, kissing the tears away and then very tenderly and gently kissing my lips.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and held on like a drowning woman.
Finally, finally and HE LOVED ME ALSO! I would have loved to shout it out into the evening, I was so happy. Tenderly I returned the kiss, opened myself to him, let him caress me and fill me with happiness. My Demetri, that I was still allowed to experience this.
When I had to take a breath and detached myself from him, he kissed my face. The cheeks, the eyes, the ears, my neck and again tenderly my lips.
I closed my eyes and just enjoyed it.
After a while he stopped kissing me.
But I felt that he was still bent over me.
I opened my eyes and looked directly into his.
"You are very beautiful and your eyes shine so blue, Grace." He kissed my forehead and looked at me again. "Nei tuoi occhi c'è il cielo." (In your eyes is the sky.) He kissed my eyes. "Vorrei annegare nei tuoi occhi." (I want to drown in your eyes.) He kissed my nose. "Dai un nuovo senso alla mia vita." (You give new meaning to my life.) He kissed my lips. "Mi hai catturato." (You have captured me.)
I could hardly believe what he was whispering to me so sweetly.
I kissed his nose and he smiled.
So I lay there, he sat and we looked at each other and I was the happiest woman in the world.
"Demetri, I need to drink something, go to the bathroom and I think this dress belongs in the trash can," I stated.
He looked at the dress.
"That's too bad. You looked adorable in it and it accentuated your eye color even more."
"Yes, I'm going to have the same thing made again and then wear it for your birthday," I said.
He laughed.
"Please with a thick bow around it. Then you are my gift and I can unwrap you!"
I laughed.
Slowly I straightened up.
Demetri stood up and held out his hands to me. It worked. He slowly pulled me up and into his arms.
I hugged him once tightly. He was so huge.
I slowly walked over to the bathroom, but Demetri accompanied me to the door.
"Please leave it ajar and call me if necessary, will you?" he asked anxiously.
I nodded.
"I'll order you something to drink and eat too, right?"
"Yes please," I said.
I washed myself, put on a nightgown, combed my hair and always saw only him in front of me.
I was happier than I had ever been before.
"You've been in there so long. Is everything okay, love?" asked Demetri.
"Yes, everything is fine. You don't have to worry," I shouted.
'Love' he had said.
I sighed happily.
Then I put on my bathrobe and went back to my room.
The food had just been brought.
"Actually, you should lie down again," Demetri said, eyeing me.
He looked at my hair, which was now open. And I saw that he liked it.
He took a strand between his fingers, played with it and kissed it.
"I'll just eat at the table and then go straight back to bed," I said.
He sat down with me and watched me.
"Demetri, please always tell me what you want. I don't want to feel that I am the Princess and you are the servant. You are my equal partner, yes?", I said.
"Yes. It's unusual, but you're right. I guess it has to be that way for a relationship," he said with a smile. "Grace, I'm not a one night man, you know that," he then began.
"I certainly hope so," I said.
"I wish your parents to accept me. I know that you love them and they love you. It would be nicer if they agreed," he then said.
"I would love that too. But you can decide where we live. If you feel too much like an employee here, I'll go with you wherever you want," I said.
"If you like, we can stay here, Grace. I feel comfortable here and James is important to me and Hope to you. So, if your parents give us their blessing, we can stay here," he said.
"Gladly, agreed," I said.
"If you agree, will I ask your parents for your hand in marriage tomorrow?" he asked, deadly serious.
I choked.
"Are you scared now, or what?" he asked worriedly.
I shook my head and took a sip of water.
"No, just surprised. I wouldn't have expected that now. Was that a marriage proposal?", I asked quietly.
Tenderly he took my hand.
"No. If your father agrees, I'll make you a reasonable proposal afterwards," he said with a smile.
Cloud, come here so I can sit on you and float to the seventh heaven ... He would marry me! Me! I was totally touched.
Happily I smiled at him.
"I'll take that as a yes?" he asked.
I nodded.
"Yes!"
"Good," he said with a smile.
I quickly brushed my teeth.
"I need to lie down again," I said, and he nodded. "Will you stay here tonight?", I asked hopefully.
"Of course, your grandpa would tell me something if I left you here alone. But I'm not going to sleep with you," he added quietly.
I had taken off my bathrobe, slowly sat down on the edge of the bed and looked at him.
He examined me from top to bottom and came to me, knelt on the floor in front of me and took my hands in his.
"I'll stay here and if you like, you can snuggle up. But I can't sleep with you until your parents agree and we're at least engaged. Is that okay with you?" he asked.
I leaned forward and kissed his forehead.
"If you have to, you can wait years to do it. It's not important to me. I want you, nothing else. Please just be there and don't leave me alone," I whispered.
"Grace, I won't leave you alone anymore. I will always be there for you," he said and kissed my mouth.
So delicate.
"Lie down now," he said.
I pushed the blanket away and crawled under it. He lovingly covered me and then lay down next to me.
"Would you like to be in my arm?" he asked.
And how I wanted that!
"Yes," I said and lifted my head, crawling closer to him and he gently slipped his arm under me and pulled me against his chest.
I inhaled his smell.
Hmm ... so yummy.
He caressed my back with his hand and I placed my hand on his chest.
"All good?" he asked quietly.
"Demetri, thank you. I've never been so happy. I could always lie here like this," I whispered and he pressed me against him once more and kissed my hair.
We talked for a while longer.
I told him how long I had been in love with him and he felt very guilty because he had been so blind. He told me about his past experiences and at some point I yawned.
"Sleep, my sweet, and dream of your new life that begins now," he whispered.
Yes, I would.
I slept more peacefully than ever and just felt good.
The next morning, while I was in the bathroom, he went to his room to shower and stayed out forever.
Grandpa came to check on me and was pleased. He asked me what it was between Demetri and me and I told him with a smile that he was going to ask Dad for my hand today. Grandpa kissed me and was happy.
"He's a really good man and from a really good family. I'm happy for you both. You'll have it good with him!"
At some point Demetri came again.
He had been gone for over three hours.
I pressed myself against him.
"I'm sorry, my sweet. I've been doing several things and I really hurried," he said and kissed me.
With that, I felt good again.
"How are your injuries?" he then asked immediately.
"Everything is fine. Grandpa was already here and was satisfied. Besides, he has already given us his blessing. He's happy for both of us. You were from really good family and I would have it good with you, he said," I told him.
Demetri looked at me quite seriously.
"I'm glad to hear that. It means a lot to me. And you will always have it good with me. I will always fulfil you every wish," he then said quietly.
"I know, Demetri," I said.
"I just went to see your father. He agrees and is also pleased," Demetri then said.
He had already been there? Wow ...!
I kissed him stormily.
"That's so nice, thank you. I'm so happy. My dad is very important to me," I said and he nodded.
"I know."
He held me in his arms.
"We'll get the rooms next door in addition. If you want, we can connect them and I'll move over here," he said.
"Yes, yes, yes!", I said.
"Well, you need to dress sensibly now, because James and Hope are still having a luncheon reception to say goodbye to the overnight guests," he said.
Oh, that's why he was wearing a suit again, I thought.
I quickly put on a dress, slipped into shoes and combed my hair.
"Please let your hair down," said Demetri.
And I was pleased that he expressed his wishes, so I let it down.
In the banquet hall, Hope immediately came up to me and hugged me.
"I'm so glad you're doing so well," she said.
"How was your wedding night?", I asked in a whisper.
She actually blushed a little and I had to laugh.
"I can't tell you this, but he's awfully resourceful," she whispered to me.
And I rejoiced with her.
We sat as witnesses right next to the bride and groom and next to them her parents. And next to them the grandparents. Hope's grandfather Charlie had also traveled there with his wife.
Bella gave me a hug, too.
"He's very lovable. I've always liked him a lot. I'm totally happy for you both," she whispered to me.
Demetri had heard, of course, and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, I've always liked you too!" and then the two actually winked at each other.
The food was nice, the music too and in the course of the afternoon the guests said goodbye. At the end there were only Grandpa, Grandma, their three sons and their children and partners.
So our hard family core, that had grown quite a bit.
We chatted a bit more and then Demetri disappeared briefly.
Mom came up to me and said, "Come with me, honey," and I followed her.
We left the hall to the outside and there I stopped in surprise.
Music came from somewhere. (Yiruma – Moonlight)
Demetri was standing on the lawn. Around him was a huge heart of pink rose petal heads. There had to be hundreds of them. Around it, sticks were stuck in the ground with pink heart balloons. And around it, in an even larger heart, were burning candles stuck in the ground, their glow softly illuminating the heart and their flames flickering slightly in the wind. Demetri smiled at me.
Mom also smiled encouragingly at me and I heard the others come out behind us as well.
Slowly I walked down the steps into the garden and towards him.
I meandered through candles, balloons, roses - all the way to him.
Suddenly it buzzed through the air around us and I was startled for a moment.
Irritated, I looked around.
Around our huge heart, burning arrows were now stuck in the ground, arranged in an even larger heart.
I looked back at the palace.
Volturi guards with bows were standing at many windows - they had shot the arrows. I could not believe it. How romantic was that, please?
Now it was brighter, because the burning arrows bathed everything in a glistening light and brought this piece of meadow here into a completely different mood than before.
I was now standing directly in front of Demetri and he gently took my hands in his. He looked into my eyes.
I think he was a little nervous. He didn't smile. This was very important to him.
"Grace," he began in a very velvety voice.
He pronounced my name so lovingly that I got weak in the knees.
"Grace, you changed my life so much in twenty-four hours that I can hardly believe it myself. The transition from child to woman was so smooth with you back then that I didn't notice it. I always saw you as one of the royal children to be protected and guarded. When I saw you at the airport, I realized that you were no longer a child. When I saw you crying, my heart ached. When I saw others who could threaten you, I was afraid for you. When another man touched you, it hurt me. When I held you in my arms, I felt something I couldn't place. When I danced with you, my heart overflowed with joy."
I felt tears running down my face. What a marriage proposal.
Now he whispered.
"And then when I kissed your lips, I was lost, lost to you and your love for me. I am so terribly sorry, Grace, for making you suffer for so long, please forgive me. I want to use the next few centuries to spoil you, to fulfil your wishes, to bring you flowers, to read books to you, to take care of you, to cherish you, to love you, and I want to have children with you."
He sank to his knees, still holding my hands.
"Grace, I love you, please become my wife. Ti voglio sempre avere al mio fianco. Sposami!" (I want you always by my side. Marry me!)
Sobbing, I also sank to my knees. I took a deep breath and looked at him.
"Demetri, io sono tua. Senza di te non sono niente. Sei l'uomo dei miei sogni!" (Demetri, I am yours. Without you I am nothing. You are the man of my dreams!)
"Was that a yes?" he asked.
"Yes, si, of course, I love you!", I said.
Tenderly he kissed my hands.
"Thank you," he said.
Then he pulled out of his pocket a jewelry box, opened it and took out a ring.
Where had he gotten it? Is that why he had been gone so long this morning?
He took my hand and carefully slid the ring over my ring finger.
A beautiful ring. With a light blue stone. Because he liked my blue eyes so much.
"Demetri, it's wonderful, thank you," I whispered, moved.
We kissed.
Gentle and tender.
Then he stood up and pulled me up into his arms, spun me around to face my family and shouted, "SHE SAID YES!"
They all laughed and then came down to us.
Demetri carefully led us out of the heart.
We were congratulated and kissed.
It was just great, everyone was happy with us.
Bella handed out champagne for the hybrids among us and one toasted to us. Hope was so happy for me. She kept hugging me.
Demetri held my hand or arm non-stop and it made me so immensely happy.
At one point Grandpa told me to slowly lay back down, I was too pale around the nose.
We said goodbye and went back to the palace.
"Do you want to sleep in your room or mine?", Demetri asked me on the stairs.
"I don't care. I'll sleep on some stairs too, if you're just with me," I said.
He laughed.
"You won't get rid of me," he said, hugging me tighter to his side. "I'll take you to your room now. Then you can already go to the bathroom and I'll quickly dash to my room to get my things. Okay?" he asked.
"Yes, please hurry," I said.
Humming, I washed, changed, and quickly sat down at my desk to jot down a few thoughts.
Demetri came back and disappeared into the bathroom. After that he turned on soft music. (Yiruma - Love Me)
I heard him coming closer. He bent to me and kissed my head, pushed my hair aside and kissed my shoulder, which was bare.
My nightgown had only gauzy straps.
"What are you writing?" he asked.
"Diary," I said, folding it shut.
"Oh, I didn't mean to disturb you. You're welcome to keep writing," he said.
"You're not bothering me," I said and stood up, turning to face him. "You made me the happiest woman in the world earlier," I said softly.
"And you make me the happiest man!" he said with a smile.
He was so beautiful.
My index finger ran over his beautiful smooth lips.
He opened it slightly and sucked my fingertip into his mouth, circling it with his tongue.
I smiled.
He smiled back.
Slowly I stood on my tiptoes, pulled my finger out of his mouth and kissed his lips.
Very light. Many little kisses. After that I penetrated his mouth with my tongue and he immediately kissed me again. Our tongues played with each other, caressed each other.
I detached myself from his mouth. Kissed his cheeks and eyes, his ears, his neck, his chest.
"It's so nice to touch you," I whispered.
Finally I was allowed to touch him. He was wearing only boxer shorts, but no top. His bandage was off and I saw many small scars, which I kissed all individually.
"I want to touch you too, all over ... Grace," he breathed into my ear.
His cold breath brushed over my neck and made me shiver with arousal.
He had said that he needed my father's blessing and wanted to be engaged to me at least. Oh God, now it was like this! I wonder if he wanted to sleep with me?
I was trembling with excitement.
"But you've had a man before, right?" he asked.
I nodded.
Hopefully he didn't care. After all, he was a bit old-fashioned ...
"Do you want to use contraception?" he asked, kissing my hair.
"No, if you don't mind kids?", I said.
"I love kids, especially when they're mine and you give them to me," he said.
And I could hardly believe my luck.
Kissing me, he pushed me to the bed, sat on it.
He was so beautifully muscular ... wow.
Gently he pulled me on top of him, let himself slide back with me and kissed my face, caressed my back, my sides.
We stopped and just looked at each other.
I was caught in his gaze and he in mine.
"Please, don't ever let me go," I whispered.
"Never again, Grace," he breathed.
I laid my head on his chest and he stroked me gently. His cool fingers painted circles on my skin.
"That feels so good," I said.
He smiled as he gently turned me onto my back.
"Can I touch you, Grace, anywhere, kiss you and love you?" he asked softly, his voice thick with excitement and anticipation.
"Yes, Demetri, everywhere," I said quivering.
His mouth conquered my body.
From neck to toes I was pampered with wet kisses and everything tingled. He gently placed my hands above my head and ran his fingers over my arms, the insides, all the way to my armpits. It was a firm pressure, not ticklish. It excited me a lot. From my feet to my knees, he ran his thumbnail over the skin - on the backside and this touch also lit a fire in my abdomen. I became wet. Very wet.
He took off my nightgown and looked at my breasts.
"You are so beautiful, Grace," he breathed, kissing my nipples in turn.
Then he sucked on them and stroked them both, rubbing them, twisting the nipples between his fingers.
I had to moan. He had such cold fingers and it was so exciting.
Then he kissed my belly and left wet kisses again that made me tremble. He spread my legs and slipped between them, took off my panties and I held my breath with excitement.
The way he looked at me, that alone made me quiver.
He bent down and kissed my vagina, put many little wet kisses just on it, pushed the labia apart and kissed me in between, sucked on my clit and let his tongue circle around it.
Then he straightened up again.
His fingers gently caressed my vagina, penetrating me, and I moaned softly, "Demetri!"
"That's music to my ears - say it again," he demanded softly, rubbing his fingers inside me.
I groaned.
"Demetri, Demetri," and he smiled with pleasure.
With vampir-speed, he pulled off his boxer shorts and lay on top of me, propping himself up.
Very slowly he put himself between my legs, spread them tenderly and penetrated me in slow motion. Inch by inch he filled me and withdrew, penetrated me again, paused, slowly pulled out ... It was so emotional that I had to close my eyes. I concentrated on the sensations he triggered in me.
Very slowly he continued his thrusts and very slowly we approached a sensual climax.
I moaned softly.
His lips suddenly touched my mouth and I opened it. He entered my mouth with his tongue and we kissed fiercely. After a while I had to turn my face away to breathe.
"Grace," he breathed, and his voice was occupied with excitement.
And then came my release and he felt it immediately, also let himself go and so we exploded at the same time. Very gently and softly moaning.
I felt him pour into me violently and coldly.
"I love you, my Princess," he said, gently pulling out of me.
"I love you, my Baron," I said with a smile and snuggled into his arm.
"Are you okay?" he asked, holding my hand in his.
"Yes, how often I have dreamed of this," I sighed happily.
"Now you don't have to dream about it, you can have it anytime," he whispered.
He held me in his arms and I looked at my ring on my finger.
"It's so beautiful. Did you get it this morning?", I asked.
"Yes," he said, "I had to do everything very quickly. I wouldn't have lasted another night next to you without touching you," he smirked.
God, that was sweet.
I kissed his chest.
At some point I fell asleep and at some point I awoke in his arms.
"Slept in, beautiful?" asked Demetri as I stretched.
"I've never slept so well. But really, I should have showered first. I'm afraid I got it all smeared," I whispered.
"That doesn't matter. Then just go take a shower now and I'll put up the bed," he said.
"Hmm ...", I said.
"Not?" he asked.
"Then I have to let you go," I sighed and snuggled up to him, putting my leg over his, stroking his chest.
"You better not do that," he whispered, and I heard excitement in his voice.
Sex in the morning, that would be nice too, I thought.
Slowly I let my hand wander over his belly and he squirmed slightly under me. I grabbed his penis and Demetri moaned.
He was already erect and that totally turned me on. It was so great that he had desire for me. He on me!
I rubbed his best part, stroked his testicles and was excited about what I felt.
I couldn't stand it for long, swung myself on top of him with a jerk, propped myself up on his chest and felt his penis against my vagina. With a little wiggling I positioned it in the right place and looked at Demetri. He eyed me with eyes black with excitement and slowly I let him slide inside me.
What a feeling! Now I moaned!
"Grace," Demetri breathed.
I moved on it, found my rhythm, closed my eyes and just enjoyed it.
Demetri held my buttocks tightly and joined in the movements, then he sped up and I came violently, slumping on top of him.
Demetri thrust violently into me a few more times and then came too. He moaned loudly, pulled my face to his and kissed me.
"You are my downfall, Grace," he then said.
"Your moral one?", I asked with a grin.
"Yes," he said, smiling with satisfaction.
We showered together and put new sheets on the bed.
Then Hope called and asked if I wanted to have breakfast at her house.
Of course I agreed, because Demetri also felt like playing a round of chess with James while the two of us girls enjoyed ourselves.
I joined Hope at the dining room table and the men took seats at the living room table.
Hope poured me coffee and slid me rolls and jam.
"How was your night?" she asked softly.
I sensed that Demetri was listening.
How embarrassing!
"Very nice," I said with a smile and took a sip.
She raised an eyebrow.
"Just nice?" she asked skeptically.
"And your wedding night?", I asked.
"I guess I have those with James every night," Hope said with a wink. "What does very nice mean, Grace?" she continued.
She did not give up ...
"Hope!", I said indignantly.
She smiled and bit into her bun.
I had to laugh.
"What?" she asked sanctimoniously.
"You're impossible, you know that?", I asked.
"Yes, sweetie, always have. You know that, too. Now tell me!" she demanded.
I sighed.
"It was beautiful. He's all tender and gentle. I have never felt so desired and loved," I whispered.
Hope took my hand.
"I'm happy for you ... finally!" said Hope.
"Thank you, I know. I'm so happy," I sighed and saw Demetri smiling to himself.
"Show me the ring," Hope said.
She was admiring my engagement ring and I was admiring her wedding ring.
"When are you going to get married?" she asked.
"Yesterday," I sighed, and Hope laughed. "I don't know. We haven't talked about it at all. It's not important to me, either. I'm so glad he loves me. Everything else is beside the point," I said.
There was a knock.
"Are you guys expecting anyone?", I asked.
"No," Hope said, shrugging her shoulders.
James stood up and walked to the door.
"Oh, Your Majesty," he said in amazement. "Please come in," he said, opening the door.
"Grandpa!" said Hope and I in unison.
"James, if you ever address me as 'Majesty' again or hint at a bow, I'll have you tortured in the dungeon," Grandpa said with a grin.
"Sorry, Carlisle," James said, laughing.
Grandpa came over to us, kissed me and then Hope on the cheek.
"There are my sweet granddaughters. Good looking you guys. Grace, I'd ask you to make Hope happy with your presence all day today, because I'm going to kidnap you James," said Grandpa.
"Okaaay," I said slowly, looking back and forth between James and Hope, who looked just as perplexed.
Grandpa walked over to the men and shook Demetri's hand.
"Good morning, Demetri. You too will be on first-name terms with me from today, and I with you. You are part of the family now. When are you two getting married?" he said and asked in one breath.
Demetri said, "Thank you, I'm honored, Carlisle. I have no idea yet. Grace and I really haven't had time to talk about it yet. But I don't think she cares. When does it fit into the royal schedule?" he asked.
"Well, if you guys don't care, I will think with Edward when it is useful and inform you, okay?" asked Grandpa and Demetri nodded.
"Thank you!"
"What did you want from me? Where do you want to kidnap me to?" James then asked him.
"Since Demetri and Grace are your best friends, I assume I'm allowed to talk about intimate things here?" asked Grandpa.
Hope rose and squeezed into the armchair with James, who immediately pulled her tenderly onto his lap.
"You can do that, Grandpa. We tell each other everything anyway," Hope said, looking questioningly at James.
He nodded, too.
I sat down on the sofa with Demetri and he put his arm around me.
Grandpa took a breath and began, "I've been researching and reading with Jasper, trying around and thinking. We don't see any way to make you a new penis at the moment, James. But we've asked all the eunuchs in both palaces to let us examine them, and we've actually found a way to take sperm cells from your old sperm strands in your body and use chemical processes to make them usable. In plain English, we would like to operate on you today, take these cells from you and treat them, and put them into Hope in a day or two. If that's what you guys want. Then you would have a biological child in four and a half months. A child of the TWO OF YOU."
James looked at Carlisle, stunned.
Hope had tears running down her face.
"So that's why Mom was trying to find out when I last had my period? So that you know when it's right for me - the implanting of the sperm?" asked Hope.
"Yes, little one. Jasper and I only talked to your parents about it. We didn't want to get your hopes up either until we were sure. But now we are. If you guys want to do it, we will. Only, then it has to start today so that the sperm is ready to go when you ovulate, Hope," Grandpa explained matter-of-factly.
James looked at Hope and Hope looked at James.
"You don't have to do this, darling. I can do without a child. I'm so happy. For me, no would be okay, really!" said Hope.
"But not for me, Hope. I love you so much. If we could have a biological child this way, I would be willing to do anything for it. I like children!" said James with a smile.
"Are there risks, Grandpa?" asked Hope.
"No, Hope. Either it works or it doesn't. The biggest risk is actually you. We'll have to take it easy on you and keep a close eye on you, but that should be possible for four and a half months with this goal in mind, right?"
James kissed Hope.
"I'll carry you around all the time, feed you, wash you, massage you ..." he whispered in her ear.
"Convinced! Okay, we'll try it!", Hope said and hugged James tightly and we had to smirk.
He returned the hug and I had to hug both of them too.
And then it was a matter of keeping our fingers crossed and reassuring Hope when Carlisle had left with James.
Before she was conceived, I wanted her.
Before she was born, I loved her.
Before she was an hour old, I would have died for her.