Pre-Arranged Love Ch. 12

I stood silently as I gazed out the window. My trunk rested by the bed. Annabel had prepared and packed everything last night, it was only going to be a short trip, four days of travel, yet a massive trunk seemed to be needed. One of the servants was going to come up and collect it, anytime now, but perhaps, given my dour mood, they had decided to leave me alone a little longer. Well good, I didn't want to talk to anyone. I had spent a good deal of yesterday in a dour mood over today's little trip. It didn't take long for Llewellyn's household to give me some space. Llewellyn himself seemed to be caught permanently in a frown and an expression of amusement. The only person whose company I welcomed was Monsieur Moreau.

There was soft knock on my door before whoever it was let them self in. I turned around, ah, no one but the lord himself.

"Ready?" Llewellyn made towards me, he had donned a sword.

"Which part of "I don't want to go" eludes your understanding?" I crossed my arms over my chest, infuriated by his lack of strong emotion. At least that might have offered me some satisfaction.

I didn't step back as Llewellyn invaded my space and uncrossed my arms. He swept a chaste kiss over my hand. "You come across loud and clear I assure you. But let me ask you, which part of "you must regain your memory" eludes your understanding?"

My eyes widened before I glared, but a smile tugged the corners of Llewellyn's lips and he let out a chuckle. His voice came out a husky low, "We are all waiting, my lady. If you do not grace us with your stately presence soon, I am afraid you will leave me no choice but to sweep you up over my shoulder."

Llewellyn's soft threat made my pulse speed, but my curt voice held no effect of his words, "That won't be necessary."

I was about to slip past Llewellyn when he snaked an arm around my waist. I looked up, and almost fled my gaze away. My heart began to race. This was different. His gaze bore into me and I could see the relentless passions swirling in the blue depths. His arm around my waist suddenly felt that much heavier, that much hotter. A shallow gasp of air passed my lips. Almost as though Llewellyn realized this, he slipped his arm away and offered it to me, "Shall we?" His voice retained that husky low, my loins tingled.

I took his arm wordlessly and we proceeded down to the carriage. My heart slowed, but I closed my eyes, realizing that we had just been seconds away from something more heated...something more desirous and explicitly more passionate and he had barely touched me... It was one thing for my body to betray me, another thing to allow my heart away like that.

I stepped into the carriage with Annabel and Gwen behind me. The carriage door closed and a few moments later the ground began to roll away beneath us. I didn't bother to peek through the curtain and Annabel and Gwen knew enough to let me alone. I did feel apologetic for my behavior, but I was grateful for their silence. Closing my eyes, I listened to the clip clop of the horses, accompanied by small indistinct chatter, there were a dozen or so knights accompanying us. I refused to let my mind wander into what was waiting for me in Staffordshire.

~*~

The traveling days passed more or less in the same fashion. My dour mood passed and conversation with Annabel and Gwen took on a lot of laughter and giggling. The small breaks in between were a hearty welcome to the continuous roll of the carriage. Llewellyn avoided any estate that would bring us into contact with the nobility, he would have been welcomed, afforded the best accommodation, but I suspected his thoughts were on keeping me safe from gossip. Llewellyn talked little, had seemed to become more reserved as the days passed. We would arrive at Staffordshire by dusk and despite my best efforts to keep my thoughts elsewhere, it permeated my mind and brought me no pleasure.

I stood a little way off from the rest of the company, it was a small tea break, but the surrounding scenery had gradually become green, the skies were a clear blue, the sun was warm on my skin and a slight breeze ruffled my hair. I closed my eyes and lifted my face, an image of a younger me running with gaiety in the paddy fields passed my mind. I could hear the laughter and the voices of those around me in the field; I could almost even smell it. I missed my old life, regardless of who I really was. A while later I felt Llewellyn's presence behind me. He was watching me but I didn't turn around. A moment passed before he drew closer and pulled me into his chest. "When you stand so still like that, I always wonder, what are you thinking?" Llewellyn's voice was soft, I didn't mind his nearness. It was our first truly physical contact in days, I could feel his chest pressed against my back, it was comfortable. For once everything between us wasn't just another passionate intimation. Llewellyn pressed a drink of tea into my hands.

I sipped before I turned my head, resting my cheek against his chest. "I am thinking it's a beautiful day. On a day like this, I used to run in those wheat fields, paddy fields when I was younger. Apart from gathering the harvest, we played games, we laughed and we ran. Life was...so simple. I miss it."

There was a small pause, "Then I'll take you back one day."

I stiffened in shock, before I turned around in his arms to look at him, "You mean it?"

"Yes."

I blinked, was he trying to play with my emotions?

Llewellyn returned my look of shock and surprise with complete sincerity. I didn't know what to say, this wasn't a Llewellyn I was accustomed to.

"It's a beautiful day; it would be a pity to miss it in a carriage, perhaps you would like to ride with me?" This time Llewellyn offered me a partial smile.

I stared at him incredulously before I laughed, "Yes, I would. Thank you, your offer is most kind." Llewellyn chuckled in return.

~*~

Laughter tore from me as Llewellyn spurred Obrion into a gallop. We had deserted our company, promising to meet up in a few hours. I felt free, the wind tickled my hair, I drank in the exhilaration, the rush and excitement of freedom. Llewellyn's own laughter joined mine; the joviality seemed to be infectious. We veered off the road and into the canopy of the trees.

"Where are we going?"

"You'll see." His voice held an allure, an anticipation of excitement that sent shivers through my body.

"Then I hope this is good." My own voice teased playfully, all inhibitions fled with the wind.

Llewellyn chuckled and pressed his lips to my cheek before whispering in my ear, "That I can most certainly assure you of."

Anticipation fluttered in my belly.

Time passed amiably, we didn't talk, but the physical closeness was a language in itself. The silence was comfortable; I rested my head against Llewellyn's shoulder and Obrion slowed to a trot. It was then that I took in the surrounding with new curiosity; a sense of familiarity had begun to stir.

"Llewellyn..."

"We're almost there."

"No..." I drew out as I looked around, "Tell me, have I been here before?"

Llewellyn hesitated before he replied, "You have."

I didn't speak.

In the next few minutes, the silence pressed against us as we rode. Despite the growing familiarity of the green surroundings no headache exploded. Curiosity got the better of me.

"Where is this place?"

We emerged into open space and I gasped, there was a lake here? The water was still, calm, the sun sent sparkles glimmering off the surface. Obrion stopped.

"Yes, we're here." Llewellyn murmured.

"Oh..."

Llewellyn dismounted and swung me down. He patted his hand through Obrion's mane before picking up the reins and followed me forward. There were wild flowers in bloom, I closed my eyes, "I've been here before..." Sensations washed over me, I knew the memory was just hovering behind the haze.

I felt Llewellyn slip his hand over mine to guide me forward, "You've been here many times."

I smiled even as my eyes were closed, "Well, enlighten me then."

Llewellyn laughed. "Come for a swim and I shall tell all."

Laughter burst from my lips and I opened my eyes, "A swim! Scandalous!"

Llewellyn pulled me towards him in a sweeping tug before he caught my chin, "And who shall hear of it?" His voice seduced over my senses, leaving a rush of sensations in its wake. It felt like we were lovers, complete as equals. Something pulled in me; I wanted this, just this once before things went back to the way they were, just this once...that couldn't hurt. I pulled Llewellyn in for a kiss, "No one". I whispered.

A slow smile spread over Llewellyn's features. Grabbing my hand he pulled me forward. We ran. As we reached the water's edge, I tripped on my kirtle, but Llewellyn caught me in his embrace. Neither of us was breathing heavily from the physical exertion, but the heat that smoldered between us was another thing.

Llewellyn traced a finger across my face before bringing his face closer to mine. The first touch of our lips was soft, tender, a new experience. We pulled away for air and I watched hesitance wash across his face, like as though he was afraid. Yet that couldn't be right...I didn't want to think. If there was going to be regrets, then I'd enjoy as much as I could.

"Don't stop." I whispered, pulling him back for another kiss, my hands roamed down his body, slipping into his shirt. His muscles tensed beneath my hand, but my touch seemed to decide him. Llewellyn pressed me closer, I moaned softly against his lips as he cupped buttocks, pushing me into the growing bulge of his member.

"Llewellyn..." His name rolled off my tongue in a growing desire of pleasure.

"Tell me you want this." Llewellyn's voice was husky.

He undid my bodice as he swept kisses along the column of my neck. My breath came out short, "Yes...I want this." I loosened his breeches and Llewellyn slipped out of his shirt before returning his attention to me, removing my gown. My corset ripped slightly from Llewellyn's harsh treatment. "Opps," he murmured, completely unconcerned as he pulled it off. I couldn't suppress my small laugh. My arms lifted obligingly for Llewellyn to slip my chemise off, it was tossed aside with no second thought. Wrapping my hands around his neck, I lifted my legs around him. My weight didn't seem to faze him at all and his hands curled around my thighs to support me. "Let's go for a swim now." I whispered before slanting my lips over Llewellyn's.

Our lips stayed melded even as I felt the water brush my derriere. There was just something intensely arousing about what we were doing and I could feel myself grow wet. Llewellyn probably felt it too because he groaned and I felt his cock jump and push at me. I chuckled, "Someone wants to play."

"Callie..." Llewellyn's voice was deep, enticed with a subtle threat but I wasn't afraid.

"Yes, say my name." My eyelids fluttered and I arched my neck, allowing Llewellyn's roaming mouth access to the sensitive skin there.

"Callie..." Llewellyn's tongue traced a trail down my neck, across my collar bone to nip lightly in the hollow.

A smile tugged my lips; the water had risen to our chests, "Let's swim."

Llewellyn ignored me, "Do you know how much you do to me...here?" In an instant, he readjusted me so that his cock was positioned at my entrance; the water had risen to our chests and offered us a lot of buoyancy. My breath came out in a short gasp, I groaned even as I glared, "Cheat."

Llewellyn laughed, "Really Callie? Are you sure you don't want this?" He slid in small inch by inch, his gaze devious as he watched my expression. My breathing had become shallow and my protest died on my lips as Llewellyn kept inching, I groaned in frustration and tried to thrust my hips forward, but his firm grip on my thighs prevented any dictating move on my part. I glared at him and opened my mouth to protest, but before any sound could come out, Llewellyn captured my mouth in a tongue wrenching kiss and slammed my thighs against him, I gasped at the sudden sensation of fullness.

"More?" Llewellyn's voice was husky as he breathed into my ear. My fingernails dug into his back, the feel of him was sensually heightened by the water that swirled around us.

"We were going for a swim. You cheated." I whispered despite my intense arousal.

A soft laugh whispered across my skin, "No more than you did Callie." Llewellyn dipped his head and captured a nipple, grazing it gently with his teeth.

I groaned, feeling the sensation root its way between my thighs.

Rational thought fled me, "I want you."

A low growl, feral almost in its pleasure hummed from Llewellyn's throat. His arms seemed to draw strength from the water that surrounded us as he eased out of me before slamming home again. The pleasure was delicious; it licked itself around me, surrounded me and pushed me higher. My head threw back in an arching moan. I wanted him. "More," I gasped.

Llewellyn needed no more urging, he plunged into me again, nipping my ear as he did. "Tell me again."

My breath came out jagged, "More."

Pleasure pulled me into it's vortex as Llewellyn took me this time without pause, without hesitation, just pure undulated pleasure. Our bodies twined together with a new passion, it wasn't just pleasure. It was more than it, far more than that.

My lips parted as our bodies slapped together again, the impact muffled by the water around us yet no less intense.

My breath dragged. The air around us felt heavy and Llewellyn took me higher yet. I felt every searing brush of his skin against mine. I felt it all.

I brought my arm around his head and slanted my lips across his, feeling tears squeeze out of my eyes as we plunged over the edge together. Llewellyn fell backwards into the lake. Water filled my nostril but the lack of air in my lungs almost seemed like an aphrodisiac. I didn't want the air, I just wanted Llewellyn.

I tingled as I sunk into the aftermaths of our lovemaking, it had been different. So much different. We broke the surface.

"Callie!"

I coughed and spluttered, opening my eyes to look at Llewellyn. I smiled knowing he wouldn't see my tears.

Llewellyn studied me and I watched conflicting emotions play across his features, "Are you well?" His voice was soft.

"Yes."

Llewellyn brushed the hair out of my face, leaving a caressing trail across my cheek. I blinked.

"If I hurt you, I'm sorry. I apologize." He spoke softly.

"You didn't, but you're ruining my mood."

A smile touched Llewellyn's features, but I could see the concern that played on his features. Llewellyn's arms moved and he lifted me against his chest. "Then I apologize for that too. Let's head back."

I laughed as I leaned my head against his chest, lightly tracing the contours of his muscles as the water swirled around us. Llewellyn looked down at me, "Tell me. What are you thinking?"

I smiled despite myself, "Must you always know what I'm thinking?"

"Yes, as is proper, you should always tell me." Llewellyn's gaze was serious.

I studied the serious look on Llewellyn's face, there was something too genuine. I smiled, not sure of what I was really feeling, "Careful then, you may be spurned."

This time a small smile touched his lips and he looked up, we were reaching the shore, "Why would my lady do such a thing?" Still Llewellyn's questions maintained all seriousness despite the infection of a smile.

I shivered slightly as the wind blew on my wet skin. Llewellyn carried me onto the shore, setting me down a little way from the water's edge and whistled. I watched as Obrion immediately perked and came racing towards his master. Llewellyn loosened the saddle and flung out the saddle-blanket beneath. It settled on the ground. He turned to me and held out his hand.

I stood there looking at him, still dripping, still wet. The sun shone its fragile warmth on my back. "Are you going to stand there all day?"

I shook my head and stepped towards him, slipping my hand into his. He brought it to his lips before pulling me down with him. We sat silently for a moment, the wind chilled my skin slightly but I didn't feel cold. I brought my legs up and leaned against Llewellyn. His arm circled around my waist.

"So...I've been here many times before. Will you tell me about it now?"

Llewellyn chuckled, "Of course, what do you wish to know?"

"Everything."

Silence reigned for a moment; I was comfortably snuggled against Llewellyn as I waited for him to speak.

"The first time you came here, you were five. Alex and I used to spurn our guards and servants to sneak here...and various other places. While I was usually the one that pitched the ideas, Alex was the one that found the means to carry them out."

I could hear the rueful smile in Llewellyn's voice.

"In a way I think he really wanted a break from the imposings of our society. For someone like Alex, he was required to know his game extremely well. And he did, Alex knew responsibility and tact. He was five years older than me, under normal circumstances it would have made me too young for the companionable friendship that we had."

Llewellyn paused again, "You followed him around a lot. Every opportunity you could. It did rather annoy me at first, but Alex really loved you, very much and he taught you many things."

Llewellyn picked up my hands, turning them over, "He taught you how to defend yourself.

"He'd send your tutors on their way if you didn't like them. Of course, the Duke and Duchess were not always pleased, but he could always turn a situation in his favor. He'd take you out but he always made sure to teach you what you'd missed from the tutor. He did a lot of things with you. You were smart, you had a sharp tongue."

Llewellyn chuckled, "I still remember one time, we were with some other boys and you had tagged along with Alex. We were mock fencing and you pointed out the flaws in Conrad's swordsmanship. Everyone laughed despite the fact you were female. You were young. You made Alex proud that time. He was different from the others."

"He sounded like a great brother."

"You loved him."

I considered, "I cannot remember anything about him."

Despite the fondness of tone, Llewellyn himself did not seem grieved. He continued before I had time to dwell on it, "He brought you here and you instantly loved this place. So he brought you here many times, of course, it was certainly to my annoyance. My preference was to explore and find new places." Llewellyn chuckled.

I smiled, "So, you didn't like me."

Llewellyn's fingers began to run circles on the sensitive skin on my stomach, "No, I didn't like you, not at first, but I assure you, you grew on me."

I laughed and turned to look at him, "Really."

He smiled wryly, "Yes, you did." Llewellyn turned my chin, "Even more so as my father began to search for you, I never stopped wondering about you."

His face drew closer. My heart stuttered. "You were destined to be mine...my pre-arranged love..." Llewellyn's voice almost sunk to a whisper as his lips played across mine. Short, but so deliciously sweet. My heart thudded, pre-arranged Love...

"Oh..." My breath wisped across his skin, "You've been seducing me." My accusation held no accusatory tone. Llewellyn drew his gaze away, "I wonder."

"You wonder?" I repeated. I received no reply. Feeling the strangeness of the moment set in, I moved to get dressed.

"Stay." Llewellyn held onto my wrist.

"I'm going to get dressed." Llewellyn arched an eyebrow and swept his gaze over my form, "Would you deny me your naked beauty?"

My eyes widened and my cheeks heated furiously. I almost fell onto his lap when he tugged. "I do not jest my lady. I find you beautiful, so much more when you're naked."

His words sent a rush of tingling sensations through my body. Feeling wickedly sinful, I pushed at his shoulders, throwing my weight behind my hands. He fell back with a satisfying thump and I straddled him. The look on his face was just absolutely priceless, ah, indulgingly priceless.