Valerie covered a yawn as the movie faded to black, her gaze lingering on the column of text that rolled down the screen.
That ring brought the worst out of people, and the Fellowship broke apart in the end, bonds of camaraderie severed by greed and lust for power. This was shaping up to be a tragic tale, but it was too early to tell. Just like in the books she used to read, trials and hardships paved the path to a happy ending…
She took a glance at the clock, stretching her legs under the blanket. Already half past midnight. Time flew by so quickly.
Alex tapped a few buttons on the laptop, and the movie closed, along with the screen as he flipped down the lid. They shared a quiet look, but his gaze lingered on her, the air growing thick with something unspoken as a gleam of hunger flitted across his eyes.
That strange, restless thrill stirred once more inside her as the quiet stretched on, anticipation curling in her stomach like a swarm of tiny butterflies. Her heart picked up, hammering quietly inside her chest, and she found herself tilting her chin, lips unconsciously parting as her eyes fluttered.
The moment hung, only to vanish when Alex gave her a warm smile, never making the move that she'd hoped for. A wave of disappointment flickered through her, leaving a tense knot in her stomach. She tucked the feeling aside, returning the smile as she fiddled with the hem of her shirt.
Why did he hold back again, despite that smoldering look in his eyes? Was he too considerate? Did she have to be more forward—
"Did you like the movie?" His voice broke the silence, pulling her out of her thoughts. She rested her hands on her lap, tongue poking out to wet her drying lips.
"Yes," she said as images from the movie flashed to mind. The beautiful sceneries of the Middle Earth, from the lively Shire to the beautiful land of Rivendell and the tall, snowy peaks of the Misty Mountains… It was almost as if seeing them in person.
The fighting could have been better, but those were actors in a play, not trying to slay each other in earnest.
It was a captivating story given life through the marvels of humanity. She could only imagine what else waited for her in this modern world.
"We can watch the next one tomorrow," Alex said, covering a yawn. "It's getting a bit late."
"Yes, we should get some rest," she said while Alex stretched some stiffness out of his neck. "It's been a long day." One full of wonders and thrills.
Alex gave a tired smile, placing the laptop on the nightstand while her eyes drifted to the windows, peering through the gap in the curtains. Bright lights still filled the city, keeping at bay the dark, cobalt hues of the night sky, and making it seem like this place never truly slept. The humans had conquered the night in their own way.
A faint creak reached her ears, the mattress shifting under Alex's weight, before a soft staccato of patting sounds filled the room as he fluffed his pillow.
A tiny smile came to her face as she stole another glance.
She never thought she'd see Gasper again. She never thought she'd see much outside of that lonely prison, and yet…
He gave her back the freedom of choice. And now he was taking care of her and keeping her safe, without asking for anything in return. If that wasn't kindness, then she didn't know what was.
Covering a jaw-cracking yawn, Alex grabbed his hug pillow and settled onto the bed, stretching his legs with a tired sigh. She watched him for another moment, her brows drawing together slightly.
Why did he need a pillow to hug? He could embrace her if he wanted. She wouldn't mind.
Exhaling softly, she lay down next to him, letting her body sink into the gentle coolness of the sheets. For a moment, the quiet of the room enveloped them like a cozy blanket. Then, Alex shifted, turning onto his side, head propped on his hand, eyes warm as they met hers, a smile flickering on his lips.
"Tomorrow we can do something fun," he said, voice soft yet carrying an excited note.
She turned onto her side, facing him. "You mentioned a park earlier."
A flutter went through her stomach at the thought. So much more to explore of this vibrant world. She could hardly wait.
"Yeah, but thinking about it, the forest at the edge of the city might be a better choice. I can't pull the Grail out with people around."
Ah. He did say he wanted to try that.
"I'm fine with either place," she spoke, a faint smile tugging at her lips. Just spending time together was enough for her. "But what did you have in mind?" Even if he brought along the nun, there weren't many things that they could do in a forest, were there?
"It's a surprise." His eyes brightened as he said that, a hint of something playful flitting across his face. "And I can take you somewhere even better after lunch."
She regarded him for a quiet moment, a flicker of curiosity spinning inside her like a tiny ball of yarn, unraveling with every heartbeat.
He was doing it again, this time teasing her with the promise of mystery and delight.
Did he realize how easily he could set her imagination alight? Did he know how much it made her heart flutter?
Briefly, she hesitated, the mischievous glint in his eyes and the gentle curve of his lips making her chest tighten in anticipation.
"I'll be looking forward to it," she spoke softly, an earnest note in her voice. If he wished to surprise her, then she could only wait.
The hush of the night engulfed the room once more. Alex pulled the covers over his legs, and she did the same, letting out a content breath as her head sank deeper into the soft pillow. Her gaze lingered on the dark shadows dancing across the ceiling, tongue poking out to brush along her lips as a thought unraveled slowly inside her mind.
Perhaps…
Nibbling at her lip, she stole another glance to her side, their gazes meeting again for a timeless moment. Then, he flashed her a tired smile as his eyes fluttered close. Her gaze lingered on him, a faint smile settling on her lips.
Perhaps she'd been too quick to give up hope.
Those cold and quiet walls of that castle had numbed her heart and made her forget, but just lying in this warm and cozy bed, next to the man who gave her a chance, perhaps... she could dare and dream again.
"I'm glad that you showed up on that night," she said, her voice a gentle whisper through the quiet of the night.
The silence lingered between them, and for a heartbeat, she wondered if he'd already fallen asleep. But then, he let out a deep breath, that warm smile returning to his face.
"Me too." Alex murmured into his pillow, a sleepy whisper that sent a flutter through her chest.
She smiled back, her gaze lingering on his peaceful expression for another moment. Then, slowly, to not disturb the bed, she rolled onto her side, slipping a hand under her pillow, the other draped over her hip. Her eyes found his face again, and she sat there, listening to the soft sound of his breathing.
He was close enough that she could reach over and lay her hand atop his own if she wanted to.
Her gaze drifted to the pillow under his arm, held loose against his chest. As she lay there, a stray thought rippled across her mind, unbidden.
She could roll a little closer and pluck the pillow away. Press herself against him, and—and...
Would he wake if she did that?
Would his arms envelop her, just like that pillow, and—and then...
She swallowed, her mouth dry as a feeling like a swarm of butterflies rippled through her stomach.
She could take the place of that pillow... couldn't she?
Feel his arms wrap around her and pull her close enough to feel the steady rise and fall of his chest against her own. The warmth seeping through the thin boundary of fabric that barely separated their bodies from one another.
She let out a long, shaky sigh, her eyes fluttering close. Something tangled deep inside her belly, a tense knot that pulled a little tighter with every breath she took. It pulsed with a pang of heat, a restless ache coursing down through her tummy and further still, pooling low around her core.
She shifted in place, teeth catching her bottom lip as she took a slow breath. The unbearable itch kept stirring around inside her like a hungry thing.
She squeezed her legs together, her left hand trailing further along her hip and snaking down her thigh. A digit brushed her aching place, and her breath hitched. She pressed her finger against the moist fabric of her underwear and traced a gentle line along the edge. A sudden jolt of pleasure arched her back, and her voice tumbled up her throat in a half-choked gasp.
She went stiff, eyes snapping open. Her heart raced in her chest as she sought Alex's face, and a quiet, shaky breath escaped through her nose. His eyes were still closed, and his features had further softened, the slow rise and fall of his chest leaving no doubt that he was already asleep.
A wave of scalding heat crept up her neck, setting her face ablaze. She swallowed a dry knot and pulled her straying hand back atop her hip.
That aching tingling between her legs had yet to wane, but she ignored it, pushing the naughty thoughts aside as she closed her eyes. She focused on her breathing, and soon enough, that ache drifted away, the lull of sleep edging closer. Her mind wandered idly to the events of the day, the last waking thought leaving a content smile on her lips.
She'd once given up hope, but perhaps…
Perhaps she found her knight in shining armor, just like the princesses in those fairy tales.
__________________________________________
You can support me at patreon.com/alexanderbishop and read up to 3 advanced chapters