Twisted Fate || Loki Odinson

51.

"Was it everything you had hoped it would be?" Loki's voice dances with playful curiosity as I sift through the photos of the Portland Head Light on my camera. 

"It was absolutely breathtaking," I confess, my voice softening as I tuck the camera away into my purse. "It's hard to believe I've lived in Maine for five years and never seen a lighthouse up close before."

A genuine and warm smile spreads across his face, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm happy you finally got to experience it."

"And I'm even more delighted that I got to experience it with you," I respond, my smile widening into something both tender and joyful. His hand slips into mine, our fingers intertwining with a familiar ease that sends a comforting thrill through me.

We stroll down the cobblestone streets as sunlight filters through the canopy of trees. As we approach a quaint candy shop, my eyes widen with childlike delight. I tug him inside with an excited grin, earning a soft and affectionate chuckle from him.

The shop is a sensory delight as the scent of candy and chocolate fills the air with a sweet and nostalgic aroma. I lose myself among the rows of tempting treats, selecting a bag of popcorn, an assortment of rich fudges, and a carefully chosen collection of chocolates. As we head for the door, I catch his gaze and shake my head slowly.

"Not a word," I say, feigning exasperation with a smile.

"I wasn't going to say anything," he protests, though his eyes sparkle with playful mischief.

I hum in response, rolling my eyes. "Mhm, sure you weren't."

Our stroll continues past charming boutiques and distinctive shops, each one filled with character. We eventually slip into a cozy bookstore, its warm and musty scent wrapping around us. Time slips away unnoticed as we lose ourselves among the shelves, the promise of discovery written in every spine.  I select a thrilling novel, the suspense promising to keep me on edge. Loki, meanwhile, finds an ancient tome on Norse mythology, a satisfied gleam lighting up his eyes as he carefully examines its pages.

As the afternoon sun begins to dip, my stomach lets out a loud growl. We laugh, the sound mingling with the ambient hum of the street. 

"Time to head back?" Loki suggests, his tone light but his eyes reflecting a touch of concern for my growing hunger.

"Definitely," I agree, feeling a flutter of satisfaction at the thought of returning to the hotel. We walk back hand in hand, our hearts lifted by the day's adventures and the connection we've deepened.

|| || ||

With the bathroom door securely closed, I take a deep breath and begin to shed my clothes, folding them neatly on the bathroom counter. Despite the deep connection Loki and I share, I find a thrill in preserving a hint of mystery tonight. 

Slipping into my black dress, I relish the feel of the fabric against my skin. The dress molds to my figure, highlighting the curves I've come to embrace. Each movement is both graceful and assured, and I catch my reflection with a sense of satisfaction.

As I curl my hair into soft, cascading waves, a smile tugs at my lips. The transformation is almost magical; each curl and brushstroke of makeup adds to the image I'm embracing tonight.

When I step back to survey my appearance, a wave of anticipation sweeps over me. My reflection reflects a blend of confidence and playful excitement, and I feel ready to embrace the night's promise.

I reach for my opal necklace before stepping out of the bathroom. "Hey, Loki. Can you put this--," I begin, but my words falter as I take in the sight of him.

He stands there in a classic black suit, the sharp tailoring highlighting his elegant frame. The white shirt beneath the jacket is a pristine contrast to the deep black of the suit. Draped around his neck is a long scarf in gold and emerald green. His presence commands attention, effortlessly blending sophistication with a hint of mischief.

"Wow," I breathe, my gaze lingering on him. The sight is so striking that it leaves me momentarily speechless, my lips parting slightly as I struggle to find my words.

A playful smirk tugs at his lips. "I've left you speechless, haven't I, darling?"

Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I clear my throat, trying to regain my composure. "Only slightly," I manage, my tone soft and breathy. I glance down at my own outfit, feeling a mix of pride and slight self-consciousness. "And I thought I looked nice."

He strides toward me, his eyes sparkling with admiration. "My love, it's evident you have put immense thought into your appearance and you look absolutely stunning."

His words make my heart flutter, and I can't help but smile, the warmth of his praise enveloping me. I clear my throat again, feeling a flush of pleasure at his compliment. "Do you mind...?" I extend the necklace towards him, my voice tinged with a hint of nervous anticipation.

He accepts it with a gentle and deliberate touch. "Of course," he replies, his tone soothing.

Turning away, I carefully pull my hair off my neck. His hands are surprisingly agile as he wraps the delicate chain around my neck. I can feel the softness of his breath against my skin as he clasps the necklace, his touch light. The pendant rests against my collarbone, and I shiver slightly, savoring the closeness of the moment.

His fingers linger for a moment longer before I slowly turn around, my eyes locking with his. The intensity of his gaze makes my heart race. "I must admit, it will be hard to keep my hands off you tonight," he murmurs, his voice a seductive whisper that sends a shiver down my spine.

A thrill of anticipation courses through me, and I bite my bottom lip, my gaze steady and playful. "Perhaps I don't want you to." 

His smile widens, a glimmer of mischief dancing in his eyes. The space between us feels electric, charged with the promise of what's to come.

His eyes search mine with a burning intensity, making my heart race. His hand, resting lightly on the small of my back, pulls me closer. 

"Let's not waste any more time."