by Seyna Rytes
"Maybe this is a good point to stop, Magnus. I can't afford pining over a man who has an entire life at the other end of the world."
"You think I can afford waking up horny for you, with no perspective of when I can see you again?"
A self-deprecating smile tugs at the corner of my lips: I say pine, he replies horny…
"Or wanting to talk to you, to hear your laughter, smell your hair, touch you…"
Ohhh…
"Mag', we need to stop. Right here and now. We're both getting in over our heads."
He stays silent for a beat, then:
"Give me a half-hour. I'll be at your place."
"Magnus…"
"Be. There."
And, he hangs up!
* * *
MAGNUS
When I get to Ina's house, she's on the front porch. Dressed in jeans, a turtle-neck, and cavalier boots. The outfit, meant to subdue her feminine charms. But, all it achieves is make me want to undress her like a wrapped gift…
I park the Porsche Panamera along her sidewalk, letting the motor run. Step out of the car, and walk to her. Bending at the waist, I press a soft kiss to her cheek, inhaling her delicious scent. A, I hear her sharp intake of breath at my proximity. I loosely wrap the fingers of one hand around her trim midsection.
Her hair’s tied up in a loose bun, her face free of makeup: she’s simply gorgeous. Her big brown eyes observe me with a mixture of expectation and carefulness. Same here, baby: I have no clue what we got ourselves into…
When I woke up this morning, extended my arm to pull Ina against me, and found her side of the bed empty, I felt lost... Last night was so much more than sex. I felt a true connection to this woman. I’m not sure if she came into my life at the right moment, if our current circumstances are to blame, or if this was simply meant to be, but Ina feels right. From the moment I laid eyes on her, our incredible attraction was undeniable. Then at the first glimpse of her fiery nature, I knew I had to have her. Now after hours spent worshipping each other’s body, teasing, whispering sweet nothings, and simply holding one another… I don’t think I can let go.
“Come on, honey. Let’s go somewhere nice and quiet, where we can talk.”
“Magnus…” She tries protesting.
“Ineissa, get in the car.”
With fascination, I observe her temper flare behind the seemingly calm facade. Ina’s growing irritation climbs up a notch at my smirk.
“Want me to carry you?...” I ask, cocking a challenging eyebrow.
She sends me one last deadly look, before marching to the open passenger-side door, throwing herself in and buckling up before I can assist.
My smile grows at Ina’s exasperation: this is good, such a strong reaction has to be meaningful.
Once seated back in the driver’s seat, I tell her genuinely:
“Thank you for agreeing to come.”
We both know I can’t make her do anything against her will. Ina nods sternly, and asks reluctantly:
“Where are we going?”
I give her my most charming grin, paired with a wink.
“Surprise.”
She shakes her head and her mouth starts relaxing into an unwilling smile. Much better.
Ina's slender fingers glide over the beautiful wooden dashboard. The gesture reminiscent of her hands caressing my body, tracing my features, running through my hair. I feel a yearning at my core... and my dick starts hardening! Not now, buddy. Today’s not about fucking her brains out. We need to talk, and try to figure out this insane thing between us.
I let go of the steering wheel with one hand, reach across the space between us, and gently hold the side of her neck in my palm, rubbing my thumb over her soft cheek. Ina leans into my touch, and presses a long kiss on my hand, making me shiver and want her even more. At the next stop light, I bend over the central console to steal a kiss. At first it’s just a quick peck on the lips. But, she grabs my face between her hands and kisses me full-on. Wet, open-mouthed, hungry! I plunge my tongue into her mouth and we start making out… till the cars behind us lose patience waiting on my horny ass to notice the light turned green, and start a concert of honks! Ina hides her face in her hands, giggling.
“Youre so much trouble.” I tease her, and she peaks at me between her fingers, shaking her head.
“It’s entirely your fault, Your Majesty. You look and smell good enough to eat.”
I frown slightly, throwing a quick glance at my linen pants and shirt: casually stylish, just convenient and comfortable summer clothes. I noticed she likes my cologne, though. Or the smell of me: last night Ina kept sniffing me and burying her nose in the crook of my neck for long drags...
“You’re crazy, lastan. I want to rip off this beautiful package and play with my gift. And you’re the one who smells like a field of roses.”
She smiles softly, pressing her hand over mine on the gearstick.
“You started calling me that last night. What does it mean?”
Fuck me, I didn’t even realize I started addressing Ina in Montesquan! I’m definitely beyond comfortable with this woman.
“It’s Montesquan for darling.”
She smiles again, looking me in the eye, studying my face. A ray of sunlight breaking down the deep brown of her gaze into a lighter shade.
“You’re trouble, mon coeur.” My heart… it’s just a term of endearment, but my own ticker starts beating faster at her tender words. And… another chorus of klaxons signals the light change. We’re a complete traffic hazard right now!
* * *
INA
When we park on the Marina, I expect we’ll be dining at one of the oceanfront restaurants, but Magnus guides me to a motor-powered cruiser. All sleek, white lines: spacious enough for a small group of people. I love the fact that he didn’t rent out one of the monstrous triple-decker luxury yachts. Just a beautiful boat, for an afternoon at sea…
We climb aboard and meet the crew: a captain and a steward. Both casual and friendly. I can’t tell if they know or recognize Mag’. We take a seat on the deck, facing the seemingly infinite expanse of gently splashing waves. Navy blue ocean against clear blue sky. The sun is shining brightly. A few clouds adorning the horizon. No other noise but the soft purr of our motor, seagulls and clapping waves. Pure paradise. Once we’ve sailed far enough from the coast, the steward starts serving us a simple and delicious lunch. Chicken Caesar salad with nuts, apple and cranberries, fresh fruit juice and fruit salad. We simply eat, and enjoy the beauty surrounding us. Once the steward has cleared all remains of our lunch, Mag’ invites me to stand at the railing and watch for whales or dolphins. This is the time of year when our peninsula is visited by migrating pods.
The marine breeze fills my nostrils with its amazing scent and tousles Mag’s hair. His tan has deepened over the few past days, the freckles on his face show more. His hair appears lighter than his natural golden blond. The scruff on his face has grown into a shortly trimmed beard. I observe his tall, bulky frame, committing the image to memory. And my fingers reach for him, start running over the soft dusting of hair covering his muscled forearm. My eyes get misty. I’m going to miss him so bad! His deep voice, his heat, the sound of his laughter, the feel of his hands… of his entire body! Just staring at his handsome face, talking to him, being teased by Magnus. Laying, cocooned in his arms. My heart squeezes in a sharp, painful grip of fear, anticipated loss and incomprehension.
How did this happen? How did I let this happen? Allow a stranger into my head, my body, my mind… No, I refuse to go there: he’s still here for a few days, and I’ve promised myself to enjoy Mag’s amazingness for as long as life gifts me with it. I’ll rebuild myself once he’s gone. I’ve done it before. I know in my heart of hearts, I’ll never be the same. That Ina, the one who’s never been kissed by Magnus of Montescu, never been pleasured by him, made laugh, cuddled, looked at tenderly… That Ina is gone, and never to be seen again. I accepted I’ll always carry the beautiful scars
of my few days with my King. This amazing man. Warm, sweet, fun, affectionate. A gentle giant and a rascal all in one. I smile wistfully and feel my eyes overflow. Magnus takes my face into his huge paws, and wipes at my cheeks with his thumbs.
“Please, lastan. Don’t cry.”
I emit a choked laugh and nod, looking up into his sapphire gaze, pulling a brave smile.
“What are we gonna do?” I ask in a broken voice.
“Continue to see each other.” He deadpans.
My smile grows sadder.
“We covered this, Mag’. That’s almost impossible, living on two differet continents.”
“Almost impossible means there’s a chance. I’m not walking away from us for convenience.” He almost growls with frightening resolve. And I almost believe him, almost… Clearly reading my doubts, his intense look gripping me.
“Come sit with me, I want to tell you the story of my family.”
I’m taken aback by this sudden change in the course of our conversation, but still follow him obediently. Magnus leans back into one of the lounge chairs set on the deck and pulls me into his lap, straddling him. A favorite position of his where I’m concerned.
“We had a semi-peaceful revolution after World War II. I say semi, because although no one was killed, the new parliament forced the royal family to abdicate all power and renounce our wealth. Everything. They confiscated the crown fortune, turned the royal palace into a museum and let my family leave with a small pecule.”
I watch with fascination as his features harden, the weight of his family’s sufferings heavy on Mag’s heart.
“They were allowed to keep a vacation property on the Meditterean, far from the capital. Just a small fishing town with gorgeous beaches.”
The pain starts subduing from his voice and something sounding almost like excitement replaces it.
“With their connections and hardwork, my grandfather and his sons built a touristic empire from that small town. An empire that pulled our entire country out of the post-war depression. Despite being thrown out, my family kept its word to our people. Our mission, our purpose.”
His eyes are blazing.
“That’s who I am, lastan. A man of his word, not afraid to fight and work hard. Alex and I might appear like frivolous royalty, but we took over our fathers’ responsibilities after they retired, after years working by their side. We inherited an empire and are making it even stronger.”
He presses a hard closed-mouth kiss on my lips.
“I don’t give up, I don’t back down. I don’t know how.”
He brushes back a strand of hair that’s escaped from my bun. I’m glued to his words, enraptured. At the same time terrified and bursting with hope.
Resting his forehead on mine, in a gesture that simply melts my heart, Magnus forges on:
“What's happened to you? Why won't you allow yourself to at least try?"
I let out a sob and throw myself on his large chest.
"Shhhh. It's ok, sweetheart. We don't have to talk about it."
His lips travel over my face, his hands run atop my hair. He pulls me in deeper and I bury into his warmth, his scent.
This man, this situation, the turmoil in my mind, body and heart turn me into a crumbling pile of emotions!
I wipe under my eyes with the pads of my fingers and get up from Mag's lap, regaining my own seat. I take a deep breath, eyes to the ocean, before turning my full attention to Magnus. Finding him alert, attentive, intrigued.
"I haven't felt my heart open, and hope, and choose someone since I was a girl. I'm shit-scared, Mag'."
A small smile burgeons on his full lips at my words. I can't help but smile back, slightly shaking my head.
"You cocky bastard."
His grin widens.
"I met this guy my first year in college: he was a bit older, supposedly more mature."
I have to look away for a bit, starting to feel ashamed at what I'm about to reveal. I never completely forgave myself…
"Handsome, confident in appearance. We were attracted to each other, dated for a year or so, and got married. It all happened super fast."
I look back into Mag's eyes: he's keeping a neutral expression, waiting.
"Ryan, that's his name. We were married for six months. From the moment we moved in together, his attitude completely changed. He became controlling, demeaning, insulting…"
I take a deep breath, feeling my heart break all over again for the young woman who fell apart when her prince charming turned into a beast.
"I was powerless, Mag'. I told you, I grew up in a simple, happy family. Educated middle class: no drama. I was completely unprepared to deal with a young megalomaniac, self-doubting asshole."
I hang in to the movement of the waves, letting it anchor me into the present.
"He was verbally and emotionally abusive. Never physical, but people don't always understand how hurtful and damaging words, looks and silence can be."
He reaches out for me, and takes my mouth in a fierce kiss.
"You're here now, with me."
"Yes," I smile breathily against his lips. "I'm with my Magnum King."
He chuckles reluctantly.
"Mag', you're the first man I've let my guard down with since Ryan. I've dated, I've been physical with a few guys, but my feelings have never been involved past the initial excitement. This is scary."
I noticed his jaw tighten at the mention of my getting intimate with other men, and run a soothing hand over the sharp lines of his gorgeous face.
"Easy, Your Majesty. No one has ever been anywhere near measuring."
I press a kiss of my own on his firm lips.
"I want you, I want to be with you. See what becomes of this amazing thing between us. This crazy attraction. The warmth in my heart whenever I'm near you, or think of you. How much your touch and your voice soothe and ignite me."
He's smiling softly and I kiss him again, longer this time.
"But I'm scared, bébé." Baby. "Scared of what will happen if we try and it doesn't work. We both have full schedules, responsibilities, only a few days of vacation every year, and a whole eight hours time difference playing against us."
Magnus still doesn't say anything, silently inviting me to be fully honest.
"And I don't know how much I trust that your manwhore ways have changed overnight."
His blinding grin breaks lose.
"Manwhore, eh?"
He chuckles.
"Again, there were never as many women as advertised. Secondly, what you said about your heart opening for the second time? It's my first time."
His gaze is intent, resolute, impossible to deny, blinding in all the truth it conveys.
"Oh Magnus…" I breathe against his lips.
After we've made out for a good amount of time, he lifts his head and asks with a stern expression:
"Does this Ryan person need to be dealt with?" His accent thicker when he spits out my ex's name.
I simply shake my head and flip my hand in a dismissive gesture.
"We have some interesting connections on Alex's side of the family, if you ever change your mind."
This, thrown innocently as he's checking his short trimmed nails.
"What connections?!" I ask bugg-eyed.
He smiles mysteriously. I shake my head.
"Unbelievable. And no, my brother flew in from Montreal to kick his ass, when I finally told him what was going on. He stayed with me while I got stuff sorted, then I spent some time in Quebec."
"Good." He smiles. "But, you know some people need reminders…"
"Nah, Ryan can barely look me in the eye when we bump into each other."
"You see him?"
"Rarely. He's in the business, so sometimes in professional events. Plus he seems different, matured. Doesn't give me the same creepy vibes."
I shake my head once more.
"Enough talk about my ex. He has no importance in my life."
"Other than still
making you extra cautious…"
"Caution is not what I exercised with you, Your Majesty."
A wolfish smile spreads over his gorgeous features.
"Very glad you didn't. Come on, time to give you a tour of the cabin."
"Magnus, I've barely regained full function of my legs. I'm not ready for another fuckathon and I have to work tomorrow."
"Who said anything about fucking? Jeez lady, get your mind out of the gutter. I'm just being a good host and showing you around."
I giggle when he picks me up bride style, and lays a hot and heavy one on me… No fucking, my ass!
* * *
Some time in the middle of the night, I’m awakened by loud male voice whispers in a foreign language… As my mind starts to emerge from slumber, I realize it’s Magnus and Alex speaking agitatedly. I push my messy hair from my forehead, pull the sheets higher on my naked body and lift myself on my forearms.
“Mag’?”
My voice is coarse, used from moaning and screaming his name in pleasure. I hurt all over from our energetic love making.
He’s haphazardly dressed in the wrinkled clothes we threw around the cabin earlier. Magnus’s eyes come to me and what I see scares me. The playful glint, the hungry blaze, the confident acceptance of us are gone… and in their place, all I see is worry and heaviness! I reach out for him.
“What’s wrong, honey?”
He leans into my touch, eyelids falling over his troubled gaze, scruffed cheek rubbing against my palm.
"I have to go home."
"Home? What's happening, Mag'?"
He just shakes his head.
"I'll call you. We need to talk."
I pull back my hand, try reading his disturbed expression.
"You're scaring me, Mag'."
He presses a quick kiss on my lips.
"Don't be. This has nothing to do with us.”
He holds my face between his large palms, and I wonder how just a few moments ago I could have been so blissfully sure of this man. Now he seems a stranger, his mind already miles away.
“Brother!” Alex calls impatiently from the door. “I’m sorry Ina, but we really need to go.”
