~Joan~
Everything happened too fast. One minute, my gown brushed against my thighs modestly, and in the next? It was bunched around my waist, leaving me exposed. The sound of something being torn filled the air and I knew that was my panties. A shiver ran down my spine as the cool air hit my bare skin, and despite myself, a twisted smile crept onto my lips. I can’t believe we’re doing this. His dick pressed against the crack of my ass, and I arched into him, as warmth rushed to every part of my body “This is what you want, right?” he whispered, his voice rough and breath hot against my ear. A knot twisted tight in my stomach as I shook my head. “Don’t bring your mouth near me,” I bit out, keeping my voice steady, almost detached. I couldn’t let him see how this affected me. I felt him smirk against my neck as he pulled back. “Oh, Joan.” His voice was almost mocking. “I have no intention of touching you with my lips.” His fingers found their way inside me, and a moan slipped out before I could bite down hard enough to hold it back. “Yeah. Moan for me, like the little slut you are,” he growled, and something inside me tightened, the fire burning hotter. “So wet for me,” he muttered through gritted teeth, his fingers moving rhythmically. “How long have you wanted this? Wanted to get me out of your system just like I do?” His voice was taunting, and I gritted my teeth. “Just shut up and fuck me,” I spat, trying to erase the smug satisfaction in his tone. I heard the sound of a zipper, the crinkle of foil, and then—before I could fully process it—he was inside me, filling me in a way that left me breathless. Oh, he carries a condom around? That was.... well, I'd think about it later. His hands stayed planted on the wall beside me, caging me in without a single touch. His chest didn’t even graze my back, but he was inside me, dragging me into something dark and dangerous. His thrusts were hard and fast, pulling nearly all the way out before slamming back in. I shuddered when he found that sweet, perfect spot that sent pleasure rocketing through me. I was on the edge, so close, when suddenly—he pulled out. He fucking pulled out. I glared at him from over my shoulder, furious, as he rubbed my clit in lazy circles with his finger, but it was not enough to push me over. “Already coming apart, huh?” he sneered. I huffed. “Pretty pathetic for a guy who doesn't last,” I snapped, trying to hit a nerve. His laugh was low, unbothered. “I know exactly what you’re trying to do, Joan. It’s not going to work.” He slid back inside me, keeping just enough distance to deny me the release I craved, hitting every part of me except the one that would send me over the edge. My nails scraped the window, frustration building, pressure coiling inside me. “Say it. Beg me to let you come,” he rasped, his voice a growl, and the sound of our skin meeting filled the room, the scent of us thick in the air. I knew Rhoda could walk in at any moment, and somehow, the thought only made me grow wetter. “Say it,” he repeated, his hand wrapping around my throat. It was the first time he’d truly touched me, and my pulse jumped beneath his fingers. He hit that spot again, teasing me, once, twice, enough to drive me to the brink, then pulling back. My lips parted. Screw this. “Pl… please,” I murmured, holding myself up even as my legs threatened to give way. My control was slipping, and I hated it—hated him for pushing me here. Then he drove into that spot again. Once, twice and I shattered, my walls clenching around him as I let go, letting the orgasm tear through me. I closed my eyes as light burst behind them, every nerve alight. It had been so long—too long. He didn’t slow, his movements becoming frantic as he chased his own release. I felt him swell inside me, his groan rough in my ear, and then he let go, his grip on my throat loosening as he came. Reality crept back in slowly. I watched him as he removed the condom, tying it off with an unreadable expression in the reflection of the window. I tugged my dress down, already feeling his absence between my legs. What have I done? We didn’t look at each other as I picked up the torn scrap of my panties from the floor. I walked towards the room I shared with Rhoda, opened the door with trembling fingers, and slipped inside. The door clicked shut behind me and I leaned against it, closing my eyes. I'd just fucked my best friend's brother.Ten months laterAstrid“Oh my God,” I breathed, staring down at my parted thighs while Adrian held my hand tightly. He also watched quietly, or maybe fascinated.“You’re doing good, Mrs. Voss. I can see the baby’s head. We just need you to push a little more,” the doctor said before flashing me a quick smile.Adrian squeezed my hand reassuringly before rubbing my hair.“You can do it, baby. You’re so amazing,” he muttered, still stroking my hair. And with the last strength left in me, I pushed — hard.And then just as quickly, a little cry filled the room as I slumped into the bed, my eyes quickly filling up.Adrian had insisted I get an epidural because, according to him, he wouldn’t be able to listen to me cry or stand around comfortably while I was in pain.Probably the best decision. I felt a little pain, but it wasn’t as severe as the first time when the contractions started.“That’s our baby,” I whispered as tears spilled down my cheeks, watching as the doctor raised the baby u
~Astrid~I’d gotten a gift for him, but somehow I was scared to give it to him. Not scared particularly, but well, I thought it would be odd especially when our relationship wasn’t as defined. But now? Hell yeah.“Can you give a hint? I hate surprises,” he muttered, and I chuckled as he unlocked the door, pushing it open for me to walk in.“Trust me. It’s nothing that would kill you or give you a heart attack of some sort,” I muttered, but he only gave a small groan. The man was impatient, that much was obvious.I’d gotten them with me before our flight since I’d done them in New York, but well, I’d been looking for the right time that wasn’t forthcoming up until now.I walked into our bedroom and towards my suitcase while he stayed by the door, leaning on it with legs crossed.I grabbed the box from the side before walking back to him. I was a little nervous, wondering if he’d love it or not. Wait, was this how he felt before proposing?God, second-doubting oneself sucked. Really suc
AdrianShe stood in the middle of the rink with a bunch of roses in her hand, looking confused. It was cute somehow, and it didn’t help her confusion in the slightest considering that Freya said nothing to her.She turned around and stared at me, blue eyes wild with confusion. I drew in a deep breath.This was it. Now or never.I walked towards her slowly, trying to calm the bunch of nerves in my stomach. God, I never knew proposing would be this hard.I was scared of the many different ways this could go. What if she said no? What if she didn’t like it?It was in that moment I started doubting everything I’d thought, and if maybe I’d misunderstood everything all along.She loves me, but what if she doesn’t want to be with me? What if she needed more time?“What’s going on? I just saw Freya. What’s she doing here?” Astrid whispered, looking around the rink where the skaters skidded.I was sure Freya must have disappeared. She’s with Maya somewhere around.“You sure she’s the one?” I a
Astrid The next few days passed by quickly, and it was fun. So much fun. Adrian became my tour guide, and we explored so many places in England and, of course, with me properly wrapped in layers of clothing to keep me warm. Not like I’m complaining. “You’re really not telling me where we’re going next?” I asked, hooking my hand around Adrian’s arm as we sat in a cab, driving to God knows where. He hummed, glanced at me, and gave a small smile that seemed almost shy. It was sweet. “I can’t convince you to tell me?” I asked, making my voice sultry and sweet. I scooted closer to him, and he narrowed his eyes at me. “Nope. And no, don’t do what it is you have in mind,” he said, and I chuckled before rubbing the beard that was beginning to grow on his chin. “I have nothing in mind,” I muttered, meeting his eyes, and he raised a lazy brow at me that said otherwise. I laughed. “Well, yeah, I do have a couple of ideas in convincing you,” I said, and he opened his mouth to speak
~Adrian~“What do you want for dinner?” I asked, turning the heat up a notch as Astrid sat in front of the fireplace she’d lit after we came inside.She hummed, folding her legs under her on the chair.“I’m not hungry.”I glanced at her and rolled up my sleeves.“And I’m supposed to believe that?”Her eyes flicked to mine. Even from where I stood, I could see the flames reflected in them.“Yeah.”She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. I shook my head and headed toward the kitchen.“I’ll make some eggs. For later, if you get hungry.”I heard her shifting before she called out softly.“That’d be nice. Thank you.”Silence followed, though a million thoughts crowded my mind.I’d always known England was Astrid’s dream country. That’s why I thought—no, knew—that proposing to her here would be magical. Freya had agreed when I told her. It was bound to happen soon. Her family would be flying in—without Astrid knowing. But for now, I just wanted her to enjoy herself, without pressure.
~Astrid~I had no idea how Adrian managed it, but we were in England within two days, and goodness—it was snowy.I’d never been more excited about anything in my whole life. Tugging at his arm, I pointed at a car half-covered in snow as he pulled keys from his pocket and unlocked a door.Well, he’d said we weren’t going to stay at a hotel, and then he went all out and rented a summer house sitting pretty by the side of the road.It was nice. And the thought of having him all to myself for the next few days was thrilling. Okay, yeah—a lot of things thrilled me.He hummed, glanced down at me, then followed the direction I was pointing. He raised a brow. I giggled.“Do you think we can maybe catch some snow later?” I asked.He pressed his lips together before dropping his eyes to mine. Those pretty brown eyes, framed by lashes far too long for a man—if you ask me.“No, we can’t,” he said, adjusting the coat around me before pushing the door open and holding it out for me.I pursed my lip