My Love, My Bonded

Chapter Forty Five

Rey woke up slowly. Her mind was foggy from sleep and she found herself balancing between the two realms of consciousness, wanting to dip back into her dreams but continuing to balance nonetheless. She was sensitive to the way her body felt pressed against the mattress, feeling the weight of each limb against the silk sheets. The room and bed were warm in a way that made her pray she had nothing to do that day, for all she wanted to do was lay blissfully in the comfort of her room.

A soft noise encouraged her to open her eyes, which regretfully tore her from her dazy state, making her aware of the room and what had happened in it.

Her eyes peered down to see her dress and shorts gracefully strewn across her floor. She felt a small smile rise on her lips at the thought. Her body ached but in a delightful sort of way, making her grow warm. Rey followed the sound of the noise that awoke her, turning her body around to stare at the sleeping form of Ben Solo.

She smiled at him, settling herself in to study him while he slept. He looked so peaceful. His arm was propped up so he could use it as a pillow, even though one was already under his head. The soft black locks that curled atop his head laid across the bed, circling around his face as a halo did an angel; perhaps he was an angel of darkness. His face showed no sign of annoyance or anger as it normally did. He looked calm.

Rey felt her heart grow just looking at him. He was her bonded in every way and it filled her with pride knowing he was hers and she was his.

Softly, she reached forward and stroked his hair, reaching down to rub her fingers against his cheek. The skin was stubbly even though it was smooth the night before. His hair was soft and clean, feeling wonderful against her fingers as she weaved them into it. After a few moments, he began to stir, readjusting his position on the bed and slowly opening his eyes to peer up at her. She never stopped smoothing his hair.

When he opened his eyes, Rey spoke gently. "Good morning, Ben."

A lazy smile touched his lips. He closed his eyes and spoke with a deep, raspy voice that sent shivers down her spine. "Good morning, Rey."

"How did you sleep?" she asked gently.

"Wonderfully," he replied. He reached out and looped an arm around her waist, tugging her body flush to him. She couldn't help the giggle it produced. He nuzzled into her hair as he spoke. "How did you sleep?"

"I slept well. Almost didn't wake up," she answered. She took a deep breath, inhaling his scent. The leather and wood combination traveled over even in the morning.

"Hmm, I could understand that," Ben murmured into her hair. "Glad you did though."

Rey smiled affectionately. She pulled back so she could see his face, him gently opening his eyes to look at her. A warm feeling spread through her chest as the beautiful man she loved stared at her with wide, questioning eyes.

"What?" he quietly asked, his voice clearer now.

She pressed her lips against his, showing her admiration through her kiss. He groaned into her before pulling her body atop of his so she was laying on his chest. Rey giggled and kissed deeper as his hands traveled lower down her body.

"This is a lovely way to start the morning," Ben whispered as she moved her kisses down his neck.

***

An hour or so later and Rey and Ben were both showered and clean. Their morning quickly grew hot and heavy, starting before food even entered their stomachs although neither of them could complain. Ben had gathered his clothes and showered in his quarters as she did hers before meeting in her kitchen to enjoy a meal she had Atey prepare as they freshened up.