Mountain Love

Chapter 14 - Tuesday

Qualeb peeked into my eyes before quickly continuing: "Remember that day we went to the castle?"
I nodded my head as he went on.
"I had to rush you away from the corridor with the family portrait because... because that castle belongs to my family. I...I... actually my brother is the Duke, which makes me a Lord."

He looked at my face to see what I was thinking. I didn't know what to think. I was in shock. He placed a hand on my cheek before he told me: "I have nothing to do with my family now. I was meant to be next in line to be the Duke but when I tried to take my life, my father disowned me. My brother is the Duke and Rose is the Duchess. It doesn't change anything babe but I didn't want to hide anything from you."

I tried to stand up to keep my distance. Qualeb helped me up and then let go off me as I took a few steps away from him. I hugged my arms around myself and was staring at the lake. While we were talking it had started to drizzle and now it was raining. The sound of the rain hammering against the lake felt a bit soothing. Qualeb came to stand behind me, as I started to sway. I turned to face him and he looked scared.

He whispered: "Selena, please say something."

I felt a tear slide down my cheek . Qualeb looked in pain. I told him truthfully: "I don't know how this makes me feel and I need a bit of time to process. Can we please go home?"

He nodded and let me to the sleigh. He quickly turned and started walking back to the cottage.

Once we got in, he helped me up and into the shower before going into his room.
I laid in bed afterwards thinking. I didn't want any dinner and Qualeb looked at me sad and worried. He brought me a cup of hot chocolate and left. I didn't know why this information made me feel scared but I needed my space. Qualeb seemed to understand and didn't come to my room again for his cream.
It really bothered me what he had told me. It might be because I was an orphan who had no family or anyone to call my own. My parents abandoned me when I was little. If my own parents who were meant to love me unconditionally were ashamed of me, how long would it take a Lord to tire of me. I realised how childish I had been, in my little bubble not thinking of the outside world. It felt like reality suddenly came crashing down on me and I realised that I might love this man with all of my heart but was I the best thing for him? Could I fit into his lifestyle and be accepted by his family and friends? I reluctantly went to sleep, whilst silent tears were streaming down my face.

The sound of thunder awoke me from my nightmare. I was covered in sweat and I was shivering. I was grasping for Qualeb, to feel his warmth. That's when I remembered that he had stayed in his room. I couldn't sleep and kept tossing and turning. My heart was aching and I needed his warmth. I somehow managed to get to his door. I stood in front of it, not sure what to do. I gently tapped the door but there was no reply. I tried the door and it was open. I peeked inside and I saw Qualeb painting. He looked engrossed in what he was doing and I could see that he was wearing headphones. When I had opened the door, the moon light from the corridor illuminated him and he looked up. His face lit up and he quickly got up and put his headphones away and started to move towards me. He didn't say anything as he took me into his strong arms. I sighed as I held on to my man and inhaled his scent. He lifted me off the floor and carried me to his bed. He looked at me and traced a finger along my face. He asked me: "You okay my angel?"

I nodded my head, my throat dry with emotion. I cupped his face and smiled softly. I whispered into his ear: "I love you so much baby! I honestly don't know why what you told me scared me. I'm just an orphan who was abandoned by her own parents and I am a nobody. I just feel like I'm not good enough to be with you. I feel like I will let you down."

Qualeb stared at me in frustration: "You silly idiot. That's what worried you? I told you that I don't have anything to do with my family. I only talk to Rose and Emma."

"But you are a Lord. You grew up in a castle for goodness sake! How could you be happy with just me?"

Qualeb stroked my cheek before kissing my forehead. "I can only BE happy if I am with YOU. The only perk that I can think of is that I have some money. My brother and me don't talk anymore since the fire. My parents loath me. As far as I am concerned my past life is like a bad nightmare. You woke me up and since I have met you, my life has been a beautiful dream. You're all I want Selena. You are all I need."

"I love you." I smiled at him and teased him: "So you're a Lord? Should I be addressing you as Lord Qualeb?" I smirked at him as I say it and he stiffened. He took my hand in his and started to murmur into my ear. "You should call me that when we are in bed. It sounds damn sexy when you say it like that. I don't think I ever wanted anyone to call me Lord as much I want to hear it from your lips."

I couldn't help but blush furiously at what he was implying. I chuckled and I kissed him. He kissed me with a profound sigh and then moved down and started to kiss and nibble my neck. He moved my body so that I was straddling him. He kissed me deeper and as our tongues danced, I could feel myself shaking with desire and I started to rock my body into his. He stiffened for a minute and took my face into his hands. He looked at me to ask for permission and for confirmation.
I could see the worry in his eyes.

"We are going to see each other naked. I have my scars...I know you were okay with them on my back but to be actually be naked and making love... I don't know how you would feel about them..." He trailed off as he held my face in his hands.

My heart broke at the sadness and pain on my man's face. He looked so vulnerable and unsure. All I could do was show how much I truly loved him. I gently started to pull at his shirt. Qualeb's intense gaze followed my actions as I pulled his shirt off. He was watching my reaction to his shirtless body. His scars at the top of his chest just looked like a sunburn. My gaze traveled along his chest to his defined six pack. I couldn't help myself- I had to feel them. As I put my hand on his abs, he took in a sharp breath. He closed his eyes and marvelled at my touch. I traced my finger along his abs and stopped at the hem of his boxers. I peered at him. He then took my shirt into his hands and was asking for my permission. All I could manage was a nod. That's all it took to start our passionate first night together.