Cecily
Five Hundred Years Ago
Even though my lips are swollen from all of the attention, I never want this kiss to end. It’s like I went through a battle just to get our first kiss, but I’m confident they will be free-flowing from here on out. Marcellus breaks off the kiss and puts his forehead to mine again while we just breathe each other in for a few moments, knowing that as soon as we start talking the peace will come to an end.
“I’m so sorry, Cecily, are you okay? I didn’t hurt you, did I?” He pulls away and turns me around to inspect my back. When he doesn’t find any signs of injury, he expels a relieved sigh. His hands lovingly squeeze my shoulders as he draws me back against his chest and wraps his arms around me. I instantly relax into his hold. It seems like my world keeps changing left and right these days, but at least now I can count on not speaking with drastically different versions of Marcellus. There’s been a change in him, and it can be felt all the way to the farthest depths of my soul.
“I’m okay, Marcellus. I heal quickly, remember?” I offer him a wink. “Although, I'll admit I’m quite drained after unexpectedly using so much magic.” I let my body sink further into him, letting him hold some of my weight. He immediately scoops me up into his arms, and sits back down on the ground with his back to the tree. I burrow into his chest, while he rubs circles into my back.
The soothing motion helps me to further unwind and before I know it I’m fighting a losing battle to keep my eyelids open. “Take a nap, Cecily, I'll be here to protect you. We can talk once you’re rested.” There’s power threaded through his words. Not like normal magic, but one that comes from our bond and is made with love.
Maybe, I’ll just take a moment to close my eyes and get a little rest. With them closed, I hear the solid constant beating of his heart. That's what I concentrate on...
I swore I only closed my eyes for a few moments, but I must have fallen asleep while listening to Marcellus’ heart beating in his chest. I further come to this realization as I peek and see the sun is beginning to set.
Warm lips are pressed to the top of my head followed by, “Did you sleep well, Darling?” Taking a deep breath, I think through his question. I admit I do feel quite rested. The exhaustion of having all my energy sucked out of me is gone. I used a lot more magic sharing those memories than expected. I've now recouped at least a portion of the magic expelled.
“I feel better than I thought possible. Thanks for being such a lovely pillow.” I lift my head up to smile at him, but as soon as my head turns toward him, his lips are on mine. He gives me a chaste kiss, but it serves as a pleasant surprise bringing with it the memory of our first kiss to the forefront of my mind. This new level of intimacy is significantly more enjoyable than where we were before. Somehow I know, the need the bond was demanding is sated for now.
I sit up higher on his lap and wrap my arms around his neck. “Is this okay? Now that I think about it, your lap might be stiff from having me sitting here for so long.”
His arms tighten around me, “Don’t you even think about moving. I want you to stay right here!” Well, he won’t receive any arguments from me. I love being this close to him. He adds in a moment later, “So, should we talk about what went on earlier?” My stomach clenches with the thought. I was hoping we could avoid it for a little longer, but I suppose it’s a good idea to get it out of the way.
I pull my bottom lip between my teeth as I think about what to say as to what happened. As I’m thinking, he lets out a groan and I glance over to see he’s staring at my lips. A smile blooms across my face. “Sorry, was that distracting for you?” He doesn’t say anything, just gives me an incredulous glare like he can’t believe I wasn’t doing it on purpose.
Ignoring his glare, I gather my thoughts and finally say, “I’m sorry! I handled telling you about your parents so poorly. I didn’t realize how stressful it would be for you.”
He cuts me off before I can continue, “Don’t apologize for me acting like a bastard. You’re in no way responsible for my horrendous reaction. I can't explain it any other way, than something within me snapped.”
I can’t wait for this to all be behind us. I want Marcellus and I to find peace between us, the loving tenderness which now seems within reach. “Did you have enough time to process everything I shared with you?”
Giving a sharp exhale he says, “It’s hard to come to terms with what I’ve been told my whole life versus everything you showed me. It’s like I’m having to merge two different realities and remember which one is the truth at any given moment. It’s difficult to believe my parents are alive when I've believed they were dead my whole life. And I’m not sure who that kid was, but it definitely wasn’t me. I've never been allowed to leave the area around this castle. But one thing’s for sure, my uncle is up to something and it isn’t going to be good.”
Taking his hand in mine, I lace our fingers together. “I know you said you’d consider leaving with me, but I think it’s crucial for us to leave as soon as possible. If Silas is up to something nefarious, then it would be a dreadful idea to stick around and risk the possibility of him finding out you’re suspicious of him.”
“I know you’re right, however I want one more day to try and find out what his plans are. He’s been manipulating me my entire life. I want the opportunity to find some answers.” I nod my head in understanding. As much as I wish we’re leaving right this minute, I can give him the time he needs. One day shouldn’t make much of a difference.
“So would you be okay with leaving tomorrow night after everyone has gone to bed?” Departing after dark sounds like a good plan. We can leave by way of his secret exit so no one knows we’ve fled and tries to come after us. I still need to let Baxter and Frances know what the plans are so they can be ready too.
I glance at Marcellus and can tell he’s thinking things through. “Yeah, that’ll work out perfectly. Silas has been tight-lipped about what his plans are, but he might tell me what is going on if I show him enough interest. He asked me this morning if I could help him with a spell tomorrow. It should give me the perfect opening to convince him to open up and give me some information. As soon as we’re done and he goes to his chambers, I'll come for you and we can leave.”
An overwhelming sense of relief crashes over me with having a formed plan in place, I can’t wait to get away from here. I would be the happiest woman, if I never have to return to that dark depressing castle again. “I’m excited to introduce you to my parents and show you around our home. Once we get there, we can start our joint training on taking over for my parents and I know you’d like to get some training on using your magic too.”
I’m rambling, I know. I can’t help but let the bubbling excitement inside of me show on the outside too. My excitement might be contagious, because Marcellus has a smile on his face too as he watches me closely. “You look so beautiful when you’re happy, my darling. I hope one day I can learn to be the source of your joy. Then, I want to put that smile on your face every day for the rest of our lives.”
I grab both sides of Marcellus’ face and lean in close so my lips can enticingly move against his as I say, “I have it on good authority you make me happy, but would you like to know a secret that will assist you in accomplishing your goals? If you kiss me again like you did earlier, I won’t remember anything other than the joy you’re giving me. And if you do it every day…”
He doesn’t waste a second and beats me to initiating the kiss. He puts his hand on the center of my back and holds me tighter, but it isn’t close enough for me with the way I’m sitting across his lap. I turn toward him and straddle his lap after a bit of rearranging of my skirts to allow the movement.
As soon as my skirts are situated, I’m able to mesh our bodies together. I love being able to hold him so closely. It’s like a full body hug and causes tingles to course through my blood, pumping into every cell of my being. Our tongues are swirling together as soon as we deepen the kiss. There’s a need driving through me causing my hips to move slightly.
I’m unsure on how to solve the need building inside me, but the movement of my hips is minutely helping. As I rock, something hardens below me that wasn’t there before… realization dawns on me and I gasp as my eyes widen. It continues to grow in length and Marcellus gives me a moan knowing the reason for my reaction. A blaze of desire ignites within me, without any means of extinguishing. An image of my dream comes to mind and a blush creeps up my neck. I wouldn’t mind if Marcellus decides to slip his hand up my skirt right now.
Instead of his hand going up my skirt, they both grip my hips and he encourages me to continue my rocking motion. My core is sliding along his hardness, and his own hips begin moving to my rhythm. His hands put downward pressure on me and I press even harder against him. His movements cause the hardness below me to slide against the most perfect spot, sending shocks throughout my body on each pass. I’m panting and moaning between our kisses, until I suddenly see shooting stars fly across my vision.
My body shakes as pleasure courses through me, to the point I can no longer kiss Marcellus. I drop my head to his shoulder and he holds me to him closely, placing soft kisses to my brow. His hips roll a few more times before he lets out his own shuddering moan. We remain in the embrace as our breathing returns to normal. I never knew such pleasures could be shared with my mate, and now more than ever I want to seal the bond with him.
Before I can act on it, a sizzling pop sounds from above us, effectively pulling me from my thoughts, and the smell of burning wood assaults my nose. As much as I don’t want to pull away from his lips, I glance up to see what has caused the sound. My jaw drops when I see it. “Marcellus, you need to look at this!”
