Chapter 6

Chapter

Natalia

“You made it,” Nathan whispers when I enter the cottage late at night. The dim lights give me a perfect view of his handsome face. His smile draws me in, and I can’t help but return it. My father’s disapproval is the least of my concerns. Of course, the old man would have gone crazy if he knew about the love between Nathan and me. What matter is that I’m here with Nathan, and there’s no way my father will find out. My grin widens when he crosses the distance between us and hugs me.

“My love,” he says before planting kisses all over my face. I melt in his arms just like always. We saw each other earlier this morning before everyone in the house woke up, but it feels like it’s been ages since I was last in his arms.

“Happy twenty six  birthday,” he whispers, that ever-dashing smile of his lighting up the room. I doubt my father has anything special planned for me.

“Thank you,” my smile beaming.

“I got you something,” he says, his hand hidden behind his back. He reveals a red box when he brings it forward.

“Consider it a token of my love,” he whispers as he opens the box. I gasp at the sight of a beautiful necklace with a love pendant at the center.

“This is beautiful and the best gift ever,” I tell him, my eyes welling up with tears that I struggle to hold back.

“I’m glad you love it. It’s the only thing I have left from my mother,” he says, and I freeze. I know how much Nathan loved his mother before her passing. She used to work as our housekeeper before she died, leaving him to take up a position as a staff.

“No, I can’t accept this. It must mean the world to you,” I protest, shaking my head.

“Yes, it does, but you mean so much more,” he insists, and I can’t help the tears that escape my eyes.

“What is wrong, princess?” he asks, his eyes filled with concern. ‘Princess’ is the nickname he gave me; one I hold dear.

“Nothing, Nathan. I love you,” I whisper, marveling at my incredible luck in finding him. He is truly the best thing that has ever happened to me.

“I love you more,” I whisper back as he catches one of my tears in his hand.

“I'll cherish this forever,” I tell him withawrysmile.

"You will forever be in my heart my love," he response, and gently places a kiss on the top of my forehead. I close my eyes relishing the tenderness of his touch. When he withdraws his lips, I open my eyes and meet his gaze. This is the moment we've been waiting for.

"Jeffrey," I whisper, pleading with him to make our dreams come true. I yearn to be bound to him every possible way.

"My love," he whispers, while stroking my face. In this moment, I lose all sense of reason, overwhelmed by the rough yet strong touch of his hand. Though he insisted on not having sex with me, we have always found solace in our passionate kisses.

"I want you," I whisper, pressing myself closer against his body. I can feel the evidence of his arousal, sending tingles throughout me. I want for this moment to last forever, to be in arms of my lover. Sealing the fate of our love.

"Phebe," he hesitantly calls my name, his desire evident in his eyes. The moonlight filters through the small cottage window, illuminating his features.

"Please Nathan. I've been waiting for this so long," I plead, not caring if I appear desperate.

"My love for you is beyond measure. I want to adore your body like the princess that you are. I want to savor every inch of your skin, knowing it will taste better than the finest wine. But," he begins to say, and I quickly place my finger on his lips to silence him, refusing to let him ruin the moment. My body burns with desire from his words, and I won’t let this opportunity slip away.

"There is no ‘but.’ Let's seal the fate of our love. That is all that matters right now. I want you so much Nathan," I declare.

"Phebe, are you sure you want this?" he asks while gently caressing my face. I lean into his touch, savoring the sensation, and imagine how having his hands explore the rest of my body would feel.

"I've never wanted anything more,” I confess, locking eyes with him.

"Goodness Natalia, you've sealed our destinies," he murmurs before leaning pressing his lips against mine. I let out a moan as our lips meld together, unable to resist the urge to wrap my hand around his neck, pulling him closer. I don’t want this moment to end.

He passionately kisses me, and I revel in every second of it. Without hesitation, I reciprocate the same intensity. My breath catches when Nathan cups the back of my head, deepening the kiss. As our bodies merge, he groans, and I revel in the sensation. I want him to unleash his desire for me, just as I will for him. I momentarily lose focus when he tilts my head to gain full access to my lips. He tastes is exquisite, and I know I will never get enough of him.

I’m in a daze as Nathan releases my lips, my focus solely on his firm, irresistible mouth. They have the power to break down my self-control, beckoning me despite just having tasted them.

“Nathan,” I moan, my hands instinctively finding their way to the back of his neck, urging him closer. I pick up where we left off, and he meets my urgency with his own. Excitement fills me as our kisses intensify.