Twice Upon A Time (Unfinished Fairy Tales #2)(80)

A shadow blots out the violet canopy over my head. Edward leans over me, his fingers undoing the buttons on my collar.

“You’ll have to help me,” he says. “I have no experience unlacing a corset.”

I smile and kiss him. “With pleasure.”

He loosens my heavy gown, and I lift my arms so he can peel it away from my body. Due to the cool autumn weather, I’m wearing a fine cotton chemise, a flannel petticoat, a silken petticoat, and a long-sleeved camisole, but still, he gazes at me like a starved man who is presented with a five-course gourmet meal.

“I love you, Kat,” he rasps, running his hands over my body. “I never wanted anyone as much as I want you.”

My heart contracts. I ache so much for him, not just physically, but also for the pain I’ve caused him. Come to think of it, I didn’t reciprocate his affection for at least half of the time that I’ve known him, and when I did, our time spent together was blighted by the knowledge that I’d eventually have to return to my own world.

“You have me,” I tell him, arching into his touch. “Heart, body, soul.”

His breath catches in his throat. No more words are said between us—our actions replace what words were meant to convey. The bed creaks as we fall on each other, kissing and touching like there’s no tomorrow. Like we’re the only beings in the universe.

When we are finally joined together as one, I feel complete. This is where I want to be. I no longer want to go home, back to the modern world. Edward is my home.





38





I wake up, and for a second, my breath hitches. I’m stark naked in bed, and as my gaze strays over the floor, there is a heap of clothes including garments that aren’t mine. There’s the heavy gown I was wearing earlier, the laces torn out by impatient, hasty fingers. And when I turn to the other side, I’m greeted by the shocking—I mean mouthwatering—appearance of the prince of Athelia, his face as perfect as a chiseled sculpture. My husband. My love.

Memories of the previous night return, and a mix of embarrassment and exhilaration sweeps over me. It has been the wildest, sweetest experience ever. I don’t think we got to sleep until well past midnight.

Edward opens his eyes. A smile breaks over his face, lighting his countenance like a rising sun. “Good morning, love.”

I yawn, and then, remembering something else, I can’t help giggling.

“What is it?” He kisses me. “Is my hair sticking in all directions?”

“No, I just remembered that day when I told your mother that you kept me up until late night.” I make a face at him. “Last night, I didn’t know whether you’re a prince or a caveman.”

His grin broadens. “Do you remember that day when you set up your own space in my office because you thought I was too tired from our nightly talks and needed assistance with my work?”

“Of course I do. And you told me the conversations had nothing to do with your not getting enough sleep.”

“Because I wasn’t able to fall asleep, whether we stayed up or not. The more time I spent with you, the stronger my desire grew for you. Every night, when we had to retire to our own bedrooms, I had to restrain myself from the urge to seize you. When I lay alone and stared at the canopy above, I couldn’t think of anything else except having you in my bed. I yearned for a moment like this—waking up with you by my side. I wanted you so much, but I couldn’t take you to bed.”

I prop up on my elbow and lean over him, tracing his nose and lips. “I know. But I just can’t . . . I can’t sleep with you unless I’m in love with you.”

“I knew that I should appreciate your integrity, but I wished that you could have fallen in love sooner.” He snakes an arm around me, pressing me close against his chest. “So, when the goblin comes, you will tell him you’re not going with him?” There is a note of hesitancy in his tone, like he still doesn’t fully trust that I won’t change my mind.

“Of course.” I raise my head to give him a stern, reproving glare. “You’re stuck with me, Edward. I don’t even care if you eventually get tired of me.”

“Never.” His voice is raspy, hoarse. “That will never happen.”

“There is just one thing I need to do before I commit myself to you. I want to go back to my family to say goodbye.” Seeing the hesitation in his eyes, I quickly add, “Just once! I promise that I’ll only take the time to say farewell to my family and friends, and I’ll come back.”

He exhales. “Do you think the goblin could let me come with you? I would like to meet your family.”

My heart leaps at the possibility. “I would like my family to meet you as well. Mom would like you, I’m sure of it. You could do that courtly bow of yours and kiss her hand, and she’ll definitely be charmed. But don’t do that to Paige. She’ll laugh, and besides, her boyfriend might bite your head off.”

“There was a time I resented your family,” he says. “If it weren’t for them, you would have agreed to marry me. But later, I made myself see sense. Even if you accepted my proposal, according to the spell, you have achieved the happy ending and had to go back anyway. And if it weren’t for your mother and sister, you wouldn’t have become the woman I’ve come to love. I should thank your mother for bringing you into existence. I could even thank the goblin for transporting you here.”