The Nest

I surprise myself with the bold action, but it is the best way I know to express this joy in my heart. Étienne shares my astonishment, hesitating. I pull away, knowing that we need reassurance about the other's feelings. "Why me?"

"You made me feel an acceptance that I have never felt before." He brushes against me, soft and sweet, a simple peck.

"Why me?" He repeats my question with a gleam of hope sparkling in his dark eyes.

I press against his full lips, trying to show my longing. He reciprocates, slipping a hand behind my head, taking control. He takes my breath until I feel lightheaded.

"Because you kiss like that." I jest with a wink. The look in his eyes harden with a determination and desire, maybe even a lust.

"Well I will just have to satisfy you then." He declares before obliging me with another kiss just as passionate as the last. I wrap my arms around his neck, holding him close. A small, unexpected noise builds in my throat, and escapes.

He pulls away and whispers in a hoarse, husky voice, "Are you sure?"

Instead of answering with words, I show him my sincerity with another kiss. Once he realizes that this isn't some dream, he wastes no time deepening the kiss, expressing his feelings with his actions, pulling me closer. I keep my eyes closed, savoring his taste.

With his free hand he moves the plate from my lap and pulls me onto his. He is sitting crossed legged, so I settle into the nest he has created, without breaking contact with his lips. I match his intensity, feeling secure in his arms.

He parts his mouth, and something wet passes over mine. I let out a small squeak of surprise. He pulls his tantalizing lips away but presses his forehead against mine.

His hot breath is ragged, and mine is no better. "Sorry, I got carried away." He says but keeps me enveloped in his arms.

I caress his cheek, before responding, "There is nothing to apologize for." I lift my head and find his lips. I mimic his action from earlier, running my tongue across his lips. He makes the same strange noise as I had. He moves from my lips, down following my jawline to my neck. He peppers me with kisses that are igniting a fire inside me. He moves back up, to my ear.

"I want to make you my Marquess." He murmurs, his voice no louder than a breeze. With that phrase I realize the implication of our union. I would be a Marquess. I would be subject to the highest of society.

"I'm not qualified." He leans back, to look me in the eyes.

"That doesn't matter. You will learn quickly." His look is full of love, admiration and longing.

"You overestimate me." I shack my head, knowing that he doesn't see my weaknesses. He pampers me, trying to protect me, an image of perfection to him. How will he react when he sees the truth, when he sees my flaws?

"Charlotte will be there. She can give you pointers at the beginning." Is warm fingers glide down my cheek as he comforts me.

"Can I have time to prepare?" I ask after a moment of reflection. Maybe if I study hard beforehand I won't humiliate Étienne when I stand by his side.

"Take all the time you need, just know that I will be by your side, helping and waiting for you." He seals his promise with a chaste kiss, yet it still brings my stomach into ecstatic knots.

"I love you." I murmur. The words leave my lips before I even think about what I am saying, before I even process these feelings myself.

A wolfish grin contorts his lips. "Do you love me or my body?" He shamelessly demands, referencing my tease from earlier.

"Mmm… that is a hard question." I say with another kiss. He bursts into laughter, pulling me closer to his chest as I sit in the nest of his legs.

"You are shameless, I might have to show you how pleasurable my body can be for you to decide." I stiffen at his words, the blood draining from my face as I understand his implication. We can't go that far. I am not ready for that yet!

His laughter again rings through the meadow. "My Camille, I am at your command. I will never force you." He chuckles. When he says my name, my heart skips a beat, then races. Am I elated or nervous? I can't tell.

"Étienne, my Étienne." I claim him as my own. With my words another grin exposes his teeth. I gaze up into his hypnotizing eyes, knowing that I am under his spell, and I will be forever. A storm brews in his eyes as I regard.

"What is wrong?" he looks away, knowing that I can see into his deepest thoughts.

"I need to apologize to you."