Foul Play 🩷

Nine

Millicent slides into her seat on Tuesday, feeling slightly embarrassed after avoiding Henry for the past few days since their last encounter in the library. Her heart flutters as he smiles at her, taking the seat beside her. She tries to contain the swirling emotions inside her as he leans in close, his breath brushing against her neck and ear. She swallows hard, trying to compose herself.

"Good morning, shortcake," he teases, gently tucking a strand of hair away from her face. Her jaw tenses, and she closes her eyes for a moment. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing," she whispers, finally turning to face him, speaking softly. "I'm just second-guessing our... arrangement..."

He chuckles as her cheeks turn pink. With a playful gesture, he boops her nose, and she rolls her eyes, swatting his hand away. "Why don't you come over so we can talk about it?"

"To your flat?" she hisses, shaking her head adamantly, and he tries to stifle a laugh.

"Unless you want to talk about our arrangement here and now... or at your house with your father in his study..."

"No!" she blurts out, aware of a few curious glances directed their way. Her face turns even brighter as she sinks down into her desk. "Fine," she mumbles, relenting. "Now leave me alone..."

Henry smirks, nodding as he leans back in his chair, stealing glances at her. She catches him looking, and quickly averts her eyes, focusing on her notebook instead. The tension between them lingers as they both try to navigate the complicated emotions that have surfaced.

***

"Where are you off to?"

Millicent stops at the sound of her father's voice from the study as she gets ready to leave to go to Henry's flat later that night. She sighs and turns back to him, pausing in the doorway. "Out?"

"Like... a date?" Arthur asks hesitantly as he watches his daughter blush.

"Sort of?" She offers, not wanting to tell him that she is using Henry to learn about sex.

"What does sort of mean?" He asks playfully, standing up from his desk to cross the room to her.

"It means... it isn't serious."

"You're being safe?"

"Yes dad," she whines, slightly exasperated.

"Sorry," he offers with a chuckle, resting his hands on her shoulders. "I know you're an adult. I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry," she relents, hugging her father. "It's not serious. If it becomes serious, I'll tell you."

"Fair enough." He releases her, knowing he can't protect her forever, despite his wanting to. 

***

Millicent steps nervously into Henry's flat, her eyes roaming over the gray sweatpants and tight white t-shirt that left little to her imagination. She groans softly, realizing he heard as she hears him chuckle in response.

"Want something to drink? To relax you?"

"I don't really drink. Remember last time?" She points out as she wraps her arms around herself and it's Henry's turn to now groan.

"How many times do I have to apologize to you, shortcake?"

She sighs, rolling her eyes, and drops her arms to her sides, allowing him to remove her jacket. "You can start by not calling me that anymore."

He laughs, motioning to the small sofa as he turns off the movie that was on and grabs two beers. He hands her an unopened one, handing her the opener with it. "Sit," he offers softly as she sighs, opening the beer before taking a seat beside him.

She takes a large gulp of the bitter liquid before setting the bottle on the coffee table in front of her, avoiding Henry's gaze. "Why am I here?"

"You wanted to discuss our arrangement..." He sips his own beer before setting it beside hers and moving closer to her, pressing his leg against hers, leaning toward her. "Look at me," he demands softly until he sees her eyes turn to meet his. "Why do you want to stop before we've really gotten anywhere?"

"B—because," she stammers, her eyes falling to his lips as he brought his hand up to her chin. "Wha—" Before she can ask her question, she feels his lips on hers.

He kisses her softly, his lips gently cradling hers as she begins to lose her resolve. He brings his other hand up to her arm, his fingers gently tracing small circles through the fabric of her sweater. He tilts his head to the side, kissing her again. He knew he had her when he felt her tongue dart out against his and he moves his hand from her chin to her cheek. He pulled her onto his lap, not wanting to spook her, but also not wanting to stop kissing her.

Millicent's hands went into Henry's hair as she felt him place his hands on her lower back over her sweater. He slowly wrapped his arms around her, pulling her body flush to his as she felt him hard under her. She groaned, pulling her mouth from him as he kept her on his lap. "What are you doing to me?"

"I haven't done anything," he teases, stroking his thumb along her cheek. "You're an excellent kisser. I haven't stopped thinking about wanting to kiss you all weekend."

"Really?" She asks, pulling her lips into her mouth nervously, tasting Henry and his beer on her lips.

"Yes... why? Do you want to stop?"

"I—" she hesitates, fiddling with his shirt. "I don't know. It's just fun, right? It doesn't mean anything?"

It means everything... is what he wanted to say. Instead, he smiles, chuckling softly as he nods. "Of course not. It's just fun," he agrees, pulling his shirt off as her eyes fell to the hair on his chest and abdomen. "Want another lesson? You can keep your clothes on..."

She nods hesitantly, knowing she should say no and leave right then. But the look in her eyes and the bees that were buzzing in her veins were telling her something else. "Okay."

"Get on your knees," he whispers, his tone commanding, but leaving her an option to say no.