New Puerto

The ring feels heavy on my finger, and I feel clumsy. Though the stone being much bigger than Mason's old engagement ring, I felt flustered as Quill guided me out of the carriage and into his castle.

Cold air nipped at my exposed nose, and skin, and I rubbed my hands together to sort some heat from friction. At one point, I almost slipped on an icy puddle, Quill pulling me up into his arms.

Instantly, my body was warmed, heat coming off of Quill. He walked with sure steps, greeting people to and fro, and I tried to peek out from the blankey.

The cold hit my face with enough force to have me back huddled, the icy breeze piercing through my thin dress. What was I thinking dressing like this?

"I do apologize for the weather, my dear. It got worse." Quill said, and suddenly, it stopped being cold, the blanket taken off of me.

Sudden light from chandliers, and torches made me squint my eyes after having been in the darkness for so long. I rub my eyes, then try to move from Quill's hold.

This time, he doesn't let me go, instead holding on a bit tighter.

"You can put me down now." I tell him, looking back at him.

"I can, but I don't know. You look so tired, my dear." he replied, with a serious expression on his face. If not for the twinkle in his eyes, I wouldn't have known he was teasing again.

"Darling, I can walk." I told him, as I tried to separate myself from him.

But he wasn't having none of it, and instead cuddled me closer, kissing my cheek. My face flushed, and at that moment, maids, and butlers lined up, bowing at the sight of Quill.

Okay, now he really needed to let me go.

A butler walked up to us, and Quill kissed my forehead, before setting me down next to him. his arm moved to wrap around my waist and he tugged me close.

"Leopold! Where are the others?" Quill asked the butler with bushy brows, gray hair tied off in a low ponytail, and he wore a gray green suit, with black polished shoes.

"Trouble was brewing whilst you went to fetch your betrothed, sir. Your pack went off to deal with it, and should return by nightfall." he replied, bowing at me. "Leopold Luctavias, my lady, here for whatever you need."

"Thank you." I replied shyly, holidng Quill's hand.

The butler stared at our joined hands, before offering a small smile, and heading off.

"Would it bother you if you stayed here for a couple of days?" Quill asked, as he led me away to the living quarters of his home.

"That sounds like a good idea, but I didn't bring any other clothes with me." I responded, and Quill gave me a guilty smile.

"I had the maids pack you a bag while you were getting dressed. Don't worry, it's all very warm clothing." he assured me, and I nodded, smiling up at him.

I glanced out the window, watching as snow fell faster, night spreading as the stars glittered.

Remembering the little girl from earlier, I looked towards Quill.

"I want to go outside, and touch the snow." I say.

"Of course my dear. But let's get you into warmer clothes, okay?" he says, tugging me away from the window.

I follow after him, wrapping the blanket around my shoulders like a shawl.

An hour later, I'm standing ankle deep in snow, wearing boots that are fluffy and thick, and go up past my calves. I wear long underwear, and a long sleeve under my thick wool dress, and a black overcoat on top. My maids thankfully packed three pairs of mittens, all varying from gray, to brown, to black.

I wear the gray ones, cupping my hands in an attempt to catch some snowflakes.

They melt on impact, and I walk around, staring up at the sky in wonder.

New Puerto is so different and so beautiful than my home. Even with the snow, I can see the stars glittering in earnest, the smoke from fires made to keep the small cabins and homes warm.

Quill is close to me, giving me my space to allow me to enjoy the snow, but always close by in case I needed him.

I can feel his gaze on me, though I'm trying not to blush from his attention.

I trudge forward, seeing a pile of snow. Without thinking, I turn my back to it, and let myself fall, feeling my back hit the snow pile first.

It's a soft landing, and I move my arms and legs, laughing. Quill stands over me, smiling at me.

"Join me, Quill, it's so nice!" I say, some of the snow sneaking into my clothes.

Quill chuckles, slipping off his shirt, and shoes, and pants, leaving on his underwear. I blush but then remember the cold wouldn't effect him as much as it did me.

He lays next to me, his warm hand holding mine.

This will be a memory I will hold near and dear forever.

I don't know how long we stay like this, but after a while, the cold seeps through my clothes, making my teeth chatter. Quill notices, so he gets up, lifting me in his arms once more.

"I-I can walk!" I insist, but his hold only tightens, and he sighs.

"Please, just let me do this for you my love." he says, kissing the side of my head. My face warms, and I try to turn away so he can't see the red in my face, but Quill is fast and catches my lips with his.

I hadn't kissed him like this since breaking the engagement off with Mason. I feel the heat, and passion in him, and I match his, moving my arms to wrap around his neck

Kiss me Quill. Don't stop touching me.

I don't know if I say the words out loud, because all of a sudden he's smiling against my mouth, but he's walking faster, holding on to me tighter, as he leads us back in the estate.

Remarks are made, and I remember that Quill isn't wearing any clothing. I try to stand on my own two feet, but Quill ignores me, and jogs faster into a bedroom.

The minute the door closes behind us, Quill has my clothes off. I shiver as I realize without Quill's warmth, I'm freezing.

My teeth chatter, and Quill apologizes before taking off my corset, and long under clothes so I'm fully nude. I blush, covering myself.

Meanwhile, Quill takes off his underwear, and I keep my eyes on his face, letting out a startled cry as he hugs me to his naked body.

"W-wait!" I say, but he places my face against his chest, the warmth from him going to mine.

I can feel my body tense up, but after a while, his warmth soothes me and I relax. He rubs my bare back with his big palm.

"Better?" he asks.

"Yes. Thank you." I say, without looking in his eyes.

He tilts my chin up, his eyes staring into mine, and they flick down, taking in my naked body.

I so badly want to hide myself, and I think he can read my thoughts because he catches his with mine.

He kisses my palm, and my heart is beating so loud, and fast, I fear it's going to escape out of my chest.

"We should bathe, my love." Quill says, breaking the silence.

"Yes, my darling." I breathe out.

Quill smiles, a smile so fast and fleeting, I can just see his wolfish teeth, before hiding them in again, in case he scares me.

I place my hand on his cheek, in reassurance and he smiles back at me.

"Cece...I think I'm falling for you."