The Art of the Corset

Chapter Four- What The Rain Thus Brings

Marth opened the front door to reveal a quaint cottage. It was spacious due to the location and size of the exterior and beautifully decorated with bookshelves, a fireplace, a kitchen, sleeping area, and restroom. There was something in the way that he was with her that made her feel safe. A special feeling that she had not felt in quite some time. He brought her to a kitchen where he had her sit on a stool so she was just below his height. He took something from a plant on a wooden counter and placed it on her forehead before doing the same-only wetting this one with boiling water from over the fireplace.

"If it is not too much trouble, would you mind looking at my knee, I believe I may have scraped it..."

"Not at all..." He said as held his hand out for her to place her leg. She pretended not to see his action as he then lifted her leg and moved her skirt up just enough to see her knee. In deed, there were scrapes and he repeated the action he did to her forehead with her knee. Only now, he tore a small piece of his shirt off and tied it around her knee. Gently, he placed her leg down as she tried to recover from the goosebumps that he made her feel by his touch.

"How does that feel?" His voice was now even deeper than before as he attempted to calm himself. He turned to hide his trembling hands before looking toward her and making eye contact. But instead of their eyes meeting, he was looking down in embarrassment. "I am so sorry. For scaring you..."

"It is not your doing. What were you doing out so late? If you do not mind me asking?"

"I am visiting a family friend and prefer to ride at night. And you?"

The question made her panic. She did not want to lie, but also knew that telling him the truth would end any relationship they could have.

"I was walking and got attacked in the alleyway."

"Did you know him?"

"No." This was the truth, just phrased differently. She rose with wide eyes and a smirk before moving toward the door.

"Where are you going?"

"You aided me and now I should leave."

"No. It is about to storm. I can't let you leave. You could get sick or hurt again."

"I am perfectly capable of dealing with my own self."

"I do not doubt that Eve but just because you can does not mean a young beautiful woman as yourself should have to." They both smiled before he continued. "I ask you stay for the night-at least and let me make you some breakfast before you leave in the morning."

"Alright." She found that fighting was pointless and she thought to herself how much she really wanted to stay. To get to know the man she had an undeniable physical attraction to.

As the night became early morning, Marth and Eve slowly began to get to know one another. She learned he was a hunter for the village and got paid quite handsomely to do so. He learned that she was an only child that was orphaned and is being raised by a friend to her mother. Although she stretched the truth, she tried to keep it as authentic and true as possible. Slowly, she began to fall asleep as they talked and he covered her with a blanket as she was beside the fire.

He smirked to her before brushing a piece of hair from her cheek and kissing her forehead. He pulled away and placed his hands upon his lips before closing his eyes.

"You fool." He said to himself as he made his way toward the back to sleep himself.

They late morning was made known by the bells deep in the village that rang every day at ten for the school children. Eve was the first to wake and decided she would try to leave before having to continue to lie to the handsome hunter. Just as she opened the door, she saw how the storm outside became worse. She was unable to see five feet in front of her. As she turned back, she saw Marth shirtless and standing before her. He bore a long scar upon his collar bone that appeared to be perfect with the bone.

"What happened?" He asked motioning to his chest, before gulping from the sight of his toned physique.

"A long story-to make it shorter, I was cut by my brother. He was envious of my relationship with a maiden and did not take well to her choosing me. I did not return to admiration and he took a knife to me."

"Oh wow. I am so sorry." She said motioning toward him.

"Don't be. I showed him." He smirked.

"What happened to him?"

"Lost as sea. He was a very skilled sailor." He looked down as if recollecting moments better forgotten before moving his way to the kitchen. "What are you hungry for?"

"What do ya got?" She asked leaping on the stool like a little kid.

"Fruit. Vegetables. Eggs. Bread."

"Yes please."

"All of it?"

"Should I not want it all?" She asked blushing.

"I don't mind. I have just never met a woman who admits to eating so much-not that that is a problem. In fact, I admire it."

"Thank you."

He readied her breakfast and sat it before her. Placing a wooden set of silverware beside the plate, he watched as she ate it within a handful of minutes.

"That was delicious!" She said aloud as she gave him a pleased smile. "I should get going though. You have been incredibly hospitable and I do not want to take advantage..."

"You aren't. Do not be foolish! It is raining hell outside and you should stay here. At least until the rain ceases."

She smirked before arguing for a short amount of time. He eventually convinced her to stay for another night, making her heart race and stomach to flutter.

Night came quick as he decided to give her his room. He did not take no for an answer as he placed himself outside on the floor. Due to the light of the fire, he was able to see her silhouette through the curtain and he gulped. Trying to remain with chaste thoughts, he was unable to tear his eyes from the scene. He saw her perfectly sculpted body and had trouble calming his breathing. The curtain jolted open and she peeked her head from the corner.

"May I borrow one of your shirts?"

He nodded, as he found himself unable to speak. In all honesty, he was unable to tell her what he truly wanted to; he desired her. He placed his head on the floor before attempting to sleep but found it impossible. Although he admired her since he saw her, he was not lustful for her...until this moment...