"Oh Benedict, you didn't need to get me a solstice gift! I feel terrible I didn't return the favor," I said, embarrassment coloring my cheeks.
"Please don't think twice about it; your company with me here tonight is gift enough."
I highly doubted that, and I gave him a look that said so, but I found the end of the dainty bow and pulled. The ribbon fell away, and I lifted the lid of the box to find a magnificent teardrop of black diamond suspended on a delicate silver chain.
I looked up at him then, truly speechless at the generosity of this beautiful gift. He saw this flawless gem and thought of me of all people?
He was smiling softly at me, an emotion I was too afraid to acknowledge in his dark brown eyes.
"Would you like me to help you put it on, my dear?" he asked quietly. I nodded at him, my eyes filling with tears.
He picked the necklace up from its box carefully, and I turned my back to him. My hair was already up, so he draped the necklace in place and fastened it. His fingers brushing against the back of my neck sent a chill down my spine, and I closed my eyes in pleasure.
"Thank you," I whispered. "It's…I don't know what to say, Benedict."
"It looks lovely on you," he said. I glanced at him from over my shoulder, turning to face him again. I tried to read the emotions on his features, but he made it easy for me as he continued, "Iris, may I kiss you?"
I nodded, leaning into his space. Our lips met, gently, reverently—full of more feeling than a kiss would have if he felt nothing for me. Yearning took flight in my chest, and I pressed into him, silently begging him for more.
"Benedict," I said breathlessly as I pulled away, my hands on his chest now. "Please, I want you."
"My love I thought you'd never ask," he answered, his own hands exploring me. He had clearly kept himself leashed, waiting for my permission, and now that he had it, he moved more confidently. He let his desire for me show through every touch.
"Put your arms around my neck," he said gently, and I obeyed without hesitation. He scooped me up, and I laughed in surprise as he carried me back into the house and down one set of stairs. We made our way down a long hallway and stepped into a cozy bedroom. The massive bed had a downy, dark gray blanket and so many pillows I couldn't see them all. A fire crackled in a fireplace on the other side of the room.
Benedict didn't hesitate, but carried me to the bed and set me down gently.
"My love, if I don't have you out of that lovely dress right away I'm going to go mad," he said, already reaching for the laces of my corset.
I smiled at him again and turned to make his job easier. He undid my laces with deft fingers, and each second that drifted by building my anticipation.
When I was finally free of it, he made quick work of the dress, until all that was left were my lacy stockings. I stepped out of my shoes,and stood before him, basking in the way he looked at me like I was a work of art.
I could see the evidence of his appreciation for me in his trousers.
"Benedict, it's only fair that you follow suit," I said, a hint of a playful pout to my voice.
He nodded and began shrugging out of his elegant black coat jacket. "Touch yourself for me," he said, and again, I obeyed.
I slid back onto the center of the bed, leaning up on my elbows so I could watch him react to me. I pulled my knees up slowly, snaking my hand between my legs to block his view of my cunt. I smiled at him, knowing I was teasing and enjoying it. I began to lightly stroke my clit, teasing the sides gently, letting myself savor the first brushes of my fingers.
I had been wet since the moment I set foot in this house, but now I was truly aroused. By the time Benedict had removed his jacket,cravat, vest, and shirt, I let my knees fall open for him to see what I was doing.
I slid my fingers down, pushing one into myself. I held his gaze as I moaned softly. Benedict always seemed like he was in control, but just then, the raw need in his eyes and the flare of his skeletal form on his face made me wonder how close he was to giving in to his instincts.
"By the old gods, Iris, you're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
"Come and take me, then, Benedict," I said, still stroking myself.
He unbuttoned his pants and stepped out of them, and I took in the sight of him. He was lean but strong, the most graceful-looking person I'd ever seen. His collarbones were sharp, just like his jaw. I could see his lich form more now that he was bare before me—the skin of his chest was a bit translucent, and I could see his ribs curving to meet his spine.
He closed the distance between us, crawling over me on the bed, and I laid fully back and he caged me in.
"I never thought…" he began, but hesitated, studying my face. "I never thought someone as bright and brilliant as you, with so much life ahead of you, would want to be with someone like me. I thought you'd change your mind after what happened in the library."
I caressed his face. "You make me feel like the most special person in the world, Benedict. Why would I not want to be with someone intelligent and kind like you? I don't care that you're older than me; in fact, I rather like it." He closed his eyes as if savoring my words.
"Iris," he groaned as he pressed his face into the curve of my neck. He began kissing a trail down my body, taking my hardened nipple in his mouth. I moaned; they were sosensitive already.
