Ordained

Chapter Ninety-Seven

"I can't help but think this is how we should've been during our first stay here." Cassius mused, running the tip of his finger along the edge of his wine glass and watching the contents shiver in response.

Emmeline nodded. She wasn't one to lie and tell him that she hadn't minded because at the time, yes, she had minded very much. However, she also wasn't one to dwell on the past. "Well, we are here now." She smiled warmly, reaching to hold his hand.

"What shall we order?" He asked, perusing the short menu with interest. There were only three options but neither of them seemed to mind. It was a novelty to sit amongst so many people and enjoy a meal. The sounds of chatting, laughter, and fiddle music could've lifted even the heaviest of spirits. Emmeline had never been out for dinner with a man before, and while this inn wasn't the fanciest place in the world, it didn't dampen her spirits.
"Apple tart." She announced.

"Dessert for dinner?" He chuckled; an eyebrow arched. He had an elbow on the table, his head resting in his hand as he read the menu. It would've been a scandalous slip of manners back at the manor, but here it just about seemed acceptable. Emmeline grinned to herself as she put her own elbows on the table. She still remembered distinctly being smacked across the back of the head by one tutor for such an error as a child, and it felt exciting to behave deliberately incorrectly.

Their waiter didn't comment when Cassius ordered two desserts instead of main meals, along with a basket of whatever fruit they had available.

Hours later they walked arm in arm back to their rooms. It had almost been a date tonight, although he hadn't called it such and she would never embarrass herself by asking. It felt so freeing to laugh and talk over an evening meal without Carmen's hovering figure dragging the mood down. The dowager duchess had taken her meals in her rooms and Emmeline was pleased not to have seen her.

"Well..." She trailed off when they reached her door. Cassius paused, gathering up both her hands in his and bringing them to his lips. He brushed his lips over her knuckles, painting the skin with tiny kisses.

"Stay with me." He breathed, his eyes lingering on her lips. Her body shivered in response to his touch as he ran a finger along her exposed collar bone. With a sudden twist he pinned her to the wall, his mouth on her. She reached back to open her door, the pair of them tumbling inside. It wouldn't do to be seen mid-kiss by a stranger, and she only had a few seconds of clarity before she got lost in his embrace.

"Wait." She gasped, pressing against his shoulders.

He spent a few seconds more thoroughly stealing her breath away before he withdrew. There was a slight flush on his strong cheekbones that she had never seen before. It felt nice to see she affected him as much as he affected her.

"I feel like we've done enough waiting." He murmured, his teeth grazing his throat as he talked.

It took an enormous amount of will-power for Emmeline not to submit to him when he was holding her gaze like that. He licked his bottom lick for the briefest of a second but it was enough for her to grab him again.

Hours later, minutes? Emmeline pulled away to a groan from Cassius. She had been sitting on his lap, his favourite place to put her it seemed, thoroughly enjoying bruising her lips with his. "We have to stop." She exhaled, trying to catch her breath. Her forehead was resting against his, her eyes closed as both of their chests heaved in unison.

"Why?" He drawled.

Emmeline giggled. "You know why." Her resolve was paper thin, but the small sliver of her rational brain that was working told her that it wouldn't be the greatest idea to take this final step in an inn on the side of the road.

Cassius pressed a kiss to her forehead before sighing heavily. "You are right. I know you're right but that doesn't mean I like it."

Her giggled turned into outright laughter as his face. His sharp cheekbones were flushed, his eyes intense, his hair messier than she had ever seen it.

It was with many lingering kisses and soft touches that Emmeline finally shut the door on Cassius. Clementine positively hummed with excitement when she saw the state of Emmeline's hair and makeup but didn't say a word.

"Dont." Emmeline grinned at her.

Clementine held up her hands in mock surrender. "I have no idea what you mean, your grace." She chortled, helping her out of her gown.

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Author's Note:

So close, and yet so far.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments. 

Sophie x