The Magician's Witch

Kiss from a Rose

When Eilis opened her eyes, the room was dark. What time is it, she wondered. She peered over at the window; the moon, just coming out of a new moon phase, could not be seen. If she had to guess, it was sometime near dawn.

She felt thoroughly rung out, in all the best ways. She lay entangled in Erik's arms; it was hard to tell which limbs were hers and which were his. They fit together like two puzzle pieces.

Erik nuzzled his face into the center of her chest, listening to her heart as he slept. He sighed. Could he tell that she was awake?

Eilis sighed in response. She didn't want to disturb his peace, but she had to get back to her room before Bakhita and Laleh arrived. Also, there was a more pressing need making itself known. She pressed her lips to his head.

"Erik," she whispered. He stirred but didn't respond. She tried again.

"Erik."

This time, a low "Hmm" came from him.

"I need to get up," Eilis told him, keeping her voice low.

"Mm mm," he responded, shaking his head, and holding her tighter.

Eilis chuckled quietly, hugging him back. "I will be right back, I promise."

Erik groaned and reluctantly released her, sliding onto the bed to let her get up.

Eilis got up gingerly, feeling the soreness in the muscles of her thighs, her belly. She strode into the bathroom and closed the door. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her lips were swollen, and her hair looked as though a rat had nested in it. She had hickeys splotching the base of her neck. She grinned and laughed to herself. I look thoroughly fucked, she assessed.

After using the toilet, she rearranged herself as best she could, combing her hair through with her fingers and using the water from the basin to wipe off the worst of the eye makeup. She gargled water to rid herself of the nasty morning breath as much as possible. She took another look in the mirror and shrugged.

She tiptoed slowly back into the bedroom, feeling the soreness between her legs ease a little as she moved. She knelt on top of the bed, bending down to kiss Erik on the forehead. His lips curled up in a small, almost boyish smile.

"I should go. The sun will be up soon," she murmured.

Erik opened his eyes. He turned to look at her, then stretched out his hand, inviting her back.

"Stay a little longer," he urged.

Eilis took his hand but didn't come forward. "Believe me, I don't want to go. I want to stay here with you. But Bakhita and Laleh will arrive after dawn, and I don't want them reporting on me to that woman."

Erik shivered but did not let go of her hand. "Please stay. It will not be dawn for another hour."

Eilis could almost see Erik as a little boy peering out through his eyes, imploring her. She caved.

"Alright. One hour."

Eilis reclaimed her space on the bed, entangling her limbs with his once more. She looked at him, bleary-eyed, sporting his own hickeys and swollen lips. She couldn't stop smiling.

"Bonjour," she whispered sweetly, stroking his face.

"Mmm," Erik responded, lifting himself up to reach her lips, and kissing her softly. He pulled away after a minute.

"I have never slept through the night like that," Erik considered quietly.

Eilis frowned. "You have never slept through the night?"