The Perils of Love and Courtship

Chapter 15

By the time they finish their third dance that evening, Lambert's head is spinning from the overwhelm of it all-- the sights, the smells, the noise. Luckily, Aiden seems to notice the way that he wavers slightly as they leave the dance floor and takes Lambert's hand in his.

"Come with me," he whispers, leading him towards the stained glass doors that open onto the garden terrace. "I think we could both use some air. Besides, there's something I want to show you." The alpha spares a quick glance over his shoulder to make sure that no one is paying attention to them, then slips through the doors.

Lambert lets out a sigh of relief the moment the night air hits him. It smells fresh and earthy and feels cool against his skin-- a welcome contrast from the heat of so many bodies packed into the ballroom. The sky above them is cloudless and dark, with twinkling stars and a waxing moon. It's eerily quiet in the garden, save for the chirping of crickets, though the muffled sound of voices can be heard through the glass doors. It's a perfect night that is a soothing balm for the senses.

"This way," Aiden whispers, darting around the corner of the building and gesturing for him to follow.

When Lambert does, his breath catches in his throat.

Aiden has brought them to a section of the garden with a circular mosaic patio surrounding a white marble fountain. Through the trees, hundreds of tiny lanterns have been strung above the patio in rows like shining pearls, illuminating the space around them with a soft, warm glow.

"Holy shit," Lambert breathes, gaping at the space in awe. It's like the stars themselves have been brought down from the heavens for this moment alone.

"I know," Aiden replies. "It was my father's idea. Something to make tonight worth remembering. When the clock strikes midnight, everyone will be brought out here to watch the fireworks. But I thought you deserved a more...private viewing first."

"It's..." Lambert shakes his head as he grips the terrace railing, leaning in to get a closer look. He's never seen anything like this before. "It's beautiful."

"It is," Aiden says, placing a hand over his. But he's not looking at the lights. And when Lambert turns, Aiden's eyes are on him.

"And the fireworks are at midnight, you say?"

"Yes."

"What time is it now?"

The alpha glances towards his pocket watch, but Lambert has a sneaking suspicion he already knew the answer. "A quarter past eleven."

"So we're entirely alone," he concludes.

"Yes," Aiden breathes, stepping closer.

"Then perhaps," Lambert murmurs, tilting his head up towards the alpha, "you should kiss me again."

The other man leans in, so that their lips are a hair's breadth away from one another. "Perhaps I shall." Then he closes the distance between them.

Their lips meet in a slow collision, as if Aiden is afraid that Lambert will change his mind at the last second, but he relaxes into it as soon as the omega reaches up to cup his face in his hands, pulling him the rest of the way in.

It's just as achingly good as it felt the first time. Aiden's mouth is soft and tastes of the plum cordial he'd been drinking earlier. His hands are warm where they settle on Lambert's waist. There's something about the way that Aiden kisses him; how gentle the alpha manages to be, yet devouring him as if he's water in the desert. A warm, giddy feeling spreads throughout Lambert's body, from his chest to his stomach, all the way to the tips of his fingers and toes. He wants to get lost in it, to have Aiden all to himself and never let him go.