Wait for me in bed

"I can't sleep." She squeaked softly and the butler closed the door behind her, "Can I be with you tonight?" She then asked.

I nodded. "Go and lie down, I'll be right with you." I assured her and leaned back to the table.

Damn damn damn damn... Did she come here because of that? I rubbed my eyes with my fists. No, definitely not. But what if she did?

I stood up so fast I almost knocked over my chair. I managed to grab it in time and motioned impatiently for the servant to get out. I walked over to the bedroom and glanced in. She was standing by the window, looking out.

"I want to hold on to you." She turned to me and pulled the blanket closer to her body. I just smiled, bridging the distance between us with a few steps and pulled her into my arms.

 I leaned down to her lips and kissed her for the second time today. Mine. I ran my hands down her back and went against her with a bigger appetite. She was breathing heavily and tried to return my hungry kisses as best as she could.

I took her hands in mine and placed them on my chest. The blanket fell from her and her hands flew higher. She touched the back of my neck and my hair, too.

She was breathing heavily and pressing against me with her whole body. I gripped her tighter and brought my lips down to her neck. She smelled intoxicating, and I briefly nuzzled her neck and pulled away from her before losing the last strands of my self-control.

"No, not yet." She murmured in a muffled voice, pulling me back.

"Don't tempt me. I can barely hold myself." I said softly, pressing my lips to her neck. She was embarrassed, her cheeks were as red as a crayfish. She rested her forehead against my chest again and after a moment she sputtered:

"I am a widow. My honor doesn't matter. Besides, everyone thinks you had me the first night anyway."

"Let's hold out until we're married, Valleria. At least I want to give you the privilege of a wedding night." I brushed a strand of hair out of her face, "I don't want to deprive you of that, we don't have to rush." I added with a smile. She nodded and snuggled up to me again. I clasped her in my arms without the slightest intention of ever letting go again.

For the first time in a long time, I felt completely at peace. It was so strange. She tensed up, pulled away a little, and sneezed. I found it funny, she was probably cold but still prefered to simply hug me, instead of speaking up.

"Wait for me in bed, I'll warm you up." I laughed and pushed her towards the bed. She climbed up and covered her legs with my blanket.

I stuck a handful of dry twigs, some kindling, and two large logs on top of the dying fireplace.

We slept leaning against each other for the whole night.