Chapter 16

He laughed, took my hand, and led me back to the table. It seemed our food arrived while we were dancing. Which was good because I was starving. We dug into the food, and I moaned at the taste of all the spices. Loki's jaw tightened at my moan and his fingers tightened on his silverware. 

"Your moans are intoxicating my dear. I love hearing them, but I would much rather turn them from moans to screams of pleasure... all night long."

Desire pooled between my legs and I squirmed in my chair. So that was the game he wanted to play. Well, two can do that. I made sure to slowly slide my fork out of my mouth with each bite. When dessert came, I used my finger to scoop up some of the whipped cream and slid my finger into my mouth and sucked on it, all while staring into Loki's eyes. He looked like he wanted to leap across the table and just have his way with me right there on the floor. I saw a muscle twitch in his jaw.

"You started this game, you know, with all that screaming pleasure talk. Especially as it's not happening tonight."

"Touché, my dear." 

Loki took a drink of his wine.

"So, I guess this wouldn't be the time to mention that I'm not wearing any underwear with this dress?"

Loki choked on his wine and gave me a burning look. 

"You make me regret my statement, Ariane. But I will hold to what I said. But be aware that when you do become mine, there is a punishment waiting for you. One I'm sure you will thoroughly enjoy."

"I will hold you to it." I gave him a wink. "So now that dinner is done, you said you had other plans. What are they?"

"It's something I've heard you Midgardians do on a date. I thought we could ride something called a Ferris Wheel."

I bounced in my seat like a little girl. "Really?! I've always wanted to go on one. To sit at the top and see the world spread around me. Can we really?"

He laughed at my childish glee. "Anything for you, my pet. Shall we go?"

"Absolutely!"

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We got to the fair and paid for the tickets for the Ferris Wheel. Loki was content to stand behind me and just wrap his arms around me and rest his chin on the top of my head as we waited in line. If the other Avengers knew about his cuddling me, they would never believe it. We were both very overdressed, but I didn't care. This evening had been a dream come true. Finally, we made it to our car, and we managed to have it to ourselves. It would be a slow ascent as other people were getting on and off. I turned to him.

"Loki, can I ask you a personal question?"

"Ask anything you want my darling."

"You said I was young even by Midgardian standards. How did you know my age?

"I don't for positive know the exact number sweetling. It is more of an educated guess. You look relatively young, and you talk of what you call a Hunter having short life spans. May I inquire as to your actual age?"

I hesitated a moment. "I'm 25. Does Asgard have different standards from us when it comes to age?"

"Asgardians age slower than humans. We live longer. And we are much more durable and harder to kill."

"So how old are you by Asgardian standards?"

"Hmmm, I am 27 years, close to your age, just a bit older."

"And how old are you in our standards?"

"Let me see... 1,070 years. A typical lifespan of an Asgardian is around 5,000 Midgard years.

My jaw dropped and I stared at him in disbelief. Over 1,000 years old? And that's only late-twenties in Asgard? 5,000?!

I closed my mouth and gave him a look over. "You look good for your age, old man. Damn and here I thought Steve was old. Wait. Is Thor your older brother or younger brother?"

"Older."

"They sure know how to grow them in Asgard." I laughed at his puzzled look. "It's an expression. It means something is better than others and it's from one place. Like how you and Thor are both from Asgard and you both are very handsome men. Which means Asgard does produce mighty fine men. "

He laughed at my explanation.

"I don't fully understand but I take it as a compliment. Look, Ariane, I believe we are at the top."

I turned and looked out of the carriage window. It was breathtaking. The whole city was lit up and seemed to stretch for miles. I felt like I was flying. I turned to Loki.

"This is the real view, right? No illusions?"

"No illusions. I promise to not use illusions to mask your surroundings without your permission. I know how the inability to tell if there is danger would upset you. And I only want to bring you pleasure and to ensure you are happy."

My heart melted. He really understood what I would like and dislike. He was beginning to know me, and I had a gut feeling he would know me better than anyone ever did. Well, anyone but Wanda but then she can read minds so she didn't really count. I moved closer to him and gazed up into his eyes.

"Thank you." I reached up and pulled his head down for a kiss. The magic of that kiss with that view, I don't know how I survived it. The kiss went from sweet to passionate very quickly. It seemed that neither of us could get enough of each other. Our tongues danced and mated, teeth nipping lips. It was the hottest and most erotic thing I have ever experienced. I pulled away as the car started its descent. We were both breathing heavily. 

"I don't think I will ever have enough of your mouth, the feel of your lips and tongue against mine. The sweet taste of you that is unmistakable and like no other." He gazed at me hungrily as he held my hand. I knew he could feel my heart start beating faster from the pulse in my wrist. 

I gave him an impish smile. "One day you can find out what else my mouth is good for." I gave my lips a slow lick.

He watched my tongue and gave a low growl. "Oh, I'm counting on it my darling."