Frostbound

Chapter eleven

The snow fell in a gentle cascade as evening settled over the cottage. 

Eve sat curled up on the couch, flipping through a book she couldn't focus on, her thoughts distracted by Jack. He had disappeared earlier in the day, offering no explanation, just a sly smirk and a cryptic, "Trust me, Grey. You'll like it."

The sharp knock on her door pulled her from her thoughts. She frowned, setting the book aside as she rose. 

Opening the door, she found Jack standing there, the cold biting at her face as he grinned, a devilish glint in his eyes. He was dressed sharply, his usually messy hair smoothed back slightly, giving him an almost regal air.

"What are you doing?" Eve asked, crossing her arms against the cold.

"Stealing you for the evening," Jack said, holding out a hand.

Eve raised an eyebrow. "Stealing me?"

"You heard me. Now come on."

She hesitated, glancing down at her cozy sweater and leggings. "I'm not even dressed for anything fancy."

Jack rolled his eyes and, with a flick of his wrist, snow swirled around her, dissipating a moment later to reveal a stunning deep blue dress that hugged her curves perfectly. "Now you are," he said, smirking. "Don't fight me on this, Grey. Just say thank you."

Eve gaped at him, then down at herself. "You can't just—"

"Oh, I absolutely can," Jack interrupted, grabbing her hand and tugging her out into the snow before she could protest further.

The world around them sparkled as Jack led her through the trees. 

His hand was cool but firm in hers, and she couldn't help but notice how natural it felt to let him guide her. 

After a short walk, they arrived at a clearing where a breathtaking sight awaited her.

The trees surrounding them glimmered with frost, their branches heavy with sparkling icicles. 

In the center of the clearing, a small table sat, illuminated by the soft glow of enchanted lanterns that hung from the branches above. Snowflakes drifted lazily in the air, caught in the golden light, and the whole scene felt like something out of a dream.

"Jack..." Eve whispered, her breath visible in the cold air. "You did all this?"

He stepped behind her, his voice low and smooth in her ear. "Anything for you."

She turned to face him, her eyes searching his. "Why?"

Jack shrugged, his usual cocky grin tempered by something softer. "Because I wanted to see you smile."

Eve blinked, her heart skipping a beat. "You're impossible," she muttered, though there was no real bite in her tone.

"Impossible, but charming," Jack quipped, pulling out her chair with a dramatic bow. "Your throne awaits, m'lady."

Eve couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head as she sat down. "You're ridiculous."

Dinner was surprisingly intimate. Jack had somehow managed to conjure a spread of her favorite foods, and as they ate, they talked—really talked. Jack teased her as usual, but there was a depth to his words that made her stomach flutter.

When the meal was done, Jack stood, holding out a hand to her. "Dance with me."

"In the snow?" Eve asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Why not?" Jack said, pulling her to her feet before she could argue.

She tried to resist, but he spun her effortlessly, his magic creating a melody that filled the clearing. 

His hand rested on her waist, the other holding hers as they swayed together.

"You're not terrible at this," Eve admitted grudgingly, though her cheeks flushed at the way he was looking at her.

Jack leaned in, his lips brushing her ear. "You're not terrible at letting me lead, for once."

Eve glared up at him, her retort dying on her lips as she realized how close they were. 

His eyes, icy blue and piercing, locked onto hers, and for a moment, the rest of the world faded away.

"Eve," Jack murmured, his voice dropping an octave. "If you don't want this, tell me now."

Her heart raced as he leaned closer, his hand tightening on her waist. She didn't speak—couldn't speak. Instead, she closed the distance between them, her lips brushing his in a tentative kiss.

Jack responded immediately, deepening the kiss as his hand slid up her back, pulling her against him. 

The coolness of his touch sent shivers down her spine, but it was the heat of his intensity that left her breathless.

"Finally," Jack muttered against her lips, his voice rough with desire. "I've been dying to do that."

Eve pulled back slightly, her eyes narrowing. "You're insufferable."

"And you're irresistible," Jack countered, his smirk returning as he kissed her again, this time more fiercely.

Eve's hands found their way to his chest, her fingers curling into his shirt as the kiss deepened. 

Jack's control faltered as his grip on her waist tightened, his dominance taking over. He moved them effortlessly, pressing her gently against one of the frost-covered trees, his bulge pressing at her warmth.

"Jack..." Eve whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of hesitation and desire.

He pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his expression softening. "Tell me to stop, and I will," he said, his voice husky but earnest.

She stared at him for a long moment before shaking her head. "Don't stop. But let's take this at home?"

Jack smiled, his lips curving into a devilish grin. "As you wish."

The night stretched on, filled with stolen kisses, teasing whispers, and moments of tenderness that neither of them could deny. 

By the time the snow began to fall more heavily, they were tangled together under the stars, the line between resistance and surrender long since blurred.