by Rachel Angel
“Come,” he said, turning to guide her deeper into the forest. “I’ve been wanting to show you this for a long time.”
They walked through the forest for fifteen minutes before he finally stopped, wrapped his arms around Harley to bring her back close to his chest and gestured to the beautiful wooded land before them. “This is my Land. My home. I wanted you to see it. Someday, I’d like for you to visit it, meet my family, and meet my adopted father, the King.”
“It’s beautiful, Oak.”
In contrast to the dense brush and dead trees of the forest, his wooded land was carpeted with long pine needles and thick rich moss. The red oaks rose high into the sky, scattering their colorful autumn leaves everywhere.
He looked at her, his eyes strange and curious. “Funny.”
“What?” she whispered.
“It’s like I can sense your energy all of a sudden.”
“Really? What does that mean?”
He shrugged. “I have no idea, but it’s strong. It’s almost like I can feel you in me. But you’re not fae, or maybe you could be? Whatever you are…it’s strong. You’re strong.” He kissed her tenderly. “And beautiful.” He kissed her again. “And so sexy, I’ve wanted you a while back. I’d had enough of Ashley for every reason and was just putting up with her for appearance sake. Then when you came along, I’ve never been hit so hard in my chest when I saw you. It was like I’ve been waiting for you all my life. But you’re human, and I couldn’t understand that. I made all these excuses why I couldn’t be with you, but then when we had sex for the first time; I fell hard for you, Harley. It’s like you’ve put a spell on me.”
He looked at her and turned her around in his arms to face him. “I hadn’t really planned on going, but I think I should ask you… would you come to the Ball with me?”
Harley smiled at him and said, “I’ve been asked by all the boys already, Oak.”
“But you’re coming with me, right, Harley?” he looked so vulnerable then.
“I don’t know, Oak,” she said. “I’ve come to care for all of you, too.”
Chapter 16
“So, have you decided what you’re going to do?” April said as she leaned against the counter and slurped her soda through a straw.
“About the Ball?” Harley said, as she dried her hair with a towel. Fresh out a shower, she rummaged through her drawer for a t-shirt. “I’ve decided to go with Kingsley. It was only fair. He was the first one to ask me.”
“Wow. I don’t know how you did it. All those sexy guys. I don’t think I could have narrowed it down to one.”
“I’m not saying it was easy,” Harley said as she pulled her shirt over her damp hair. She shrugged as she pulled her jeans out of the closet. “Anyway, he seemed happy about my decision.”
There was knock at the door just as Harley zipped up her jeans. “That must be him now.”
“Now?”
“Yeah,” Harley said with a smile. “He said I needed a nice dress. We’re going shopping.”
“Harley,” April said with concern. “You do remember what happened last time, don’t you?”
“I know. It’s not the same this time. I mean, I’ve been seeing them all for weeks now. I’ve gotten to know them. And I think I know Kingsley most of all.”
Raking her fingers through her damp hair she opened the door.
“Let me just grab my flip flops and I’m ready,” she said before he could say a word.
Kingsley glanced at April and nodded, then led Harley out to his waiting car. As they sat in the back of the limousine, Kingsley put his hand on Harley’s knee.
“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am,” he said. “You should have seen the other guys’ faces when they found out I was the chosen one.”
Harley laughed.
“You know…?” He stopped suddenly.
“What?”
“Nothing,” he said, shaking his head.
“No. What were you going to say?”
“It’s nothing. Forget about it.”
They arrived on the Strip and stopped before the Fashion Mall. The very moment that they walked in Harley knew it was going to cost a bundle.
“I’ll follow your lead,” Kingsley said. “If there’s something you like in a window or display, you go in and try on whatever you want.”
“I don’t know what to say, Kingsley. I’m not really used to shopping at places like this.”
“Well, just to put you in the mood, I’ll be wearing the official colors of my kingdom and noble attire. I expect you to fit in.”
Harley’s eyes lit up at the sight of an orange gown with long narrow sleeves and a daringly low back. “That really is pretty,” she said, pointing to the display.
“Let’s go in and see,” Kingsley said.
They entered the boutique and Harley tried the dress on.
“Nice,” Kingsley said. “But I think we can do better. Why don’t you try that white princess gown?”
Harley tried it on, but immediately shook her head. “This is so not me,” she said as she held up the ample skirt.
“Okay, then what about that canary yellow off the shoulder number?”
Harley slipped into the tight garment and came out to show Kingsley. “I think I might like this one,” she said.
“It is very nice. The color is great on your skin, and I do have yellow piping on my blazer. And the cut… just the right amount of sexy with a load of elegance.”
Harley turned in front of the mirror, then glanced down at the price tag that hung out under her arm. “Jesus, Kingsley,” she whispered. “This thing is over two thousand dollars.”
“Great,” he said without hesitation. “Let’s ring it up.”
***
“I have no idea what to do with my hair,” Harley complained to April as she pulled her hair off her face and looked at her reflection in the bathroom mirror.”
“Here,” April said. “Come sit. I’ll try to do something.”
Skeptical, Harley went to a kitchen stool and sat.
“This isn’t going to work,” April said, unable to reach up and work properly on Harley’s hair. “You’ll have to sit here on the edge of the bed.”
Harley shifted over to the bed and April grabbed a brush and pulled Harley’s hair up. She separated her hair into six sections and twisted them one on top of the other, pinning each strand into place with a bobby pin.
“How’s that?” April said.
Harley went back to the bathroom mirror and gasped at her reflection. The updo was sophisticated and chic. “How’d you do that?”
“I have many hidden talents,” April said wiggling her fingers in the air.
“Okay, all that’s left now is to slip into that freaking two-thousand-dollar dress.” As she said it, her hands trembled as she picked up the expensive gown.
“You get to go to the ball with a veritable prince who buys you whatever you want and I’m going there with a lowly wood fae,” April said.
Harley slipped into the gown careful of her every movement. “I’ve met Victor,” she said. “He’s a really nice fae. I think you’ll have a nice time.”
“I guess.” April shrugged as she stared at Harley. She then looked down at her simple white cotton dress.
“Come on,” Harley said after she slipped her yellow satin sandals on.
They arrived at the festive Ball and met up with their respective dates. While the previous ball had been in the informal grand hall, this one was at the very formal ballroom.
“Wow,” Kingsley said, looking at her up and down. “You take my breath away. You’re stunning.”
A small stringed orchestra was perched a few feet about the floor on a small stage. Golden streamers were draped from the center of the ballroom out to the corners. Huge vases of magnificent blooms were set on every pedestal, and smaller versions of the same blooms were set on every table.
Dozens of tables, draped in white linen and surrounded by a dozen high back chairs, were set
around the dancefloor.
“Come on,” Kingsley said as he hooked her hand over his arm and guided her to the table of honor. “The other guys…they’re so jealous you picked me tonight.”
“You asked me first,” Harley said. “It was only fair.”
“Not because I’m the most handsome?” Kingsley asked.
“All the boys are in their own way, Kingsley,” Harley said.
Kingsley pouted in a way that made Harley’s heart race. He was adorable.
“But I can eat you out like you’ve never been eaten, can I?” Kingsley asked. “I can feast on your delicious folds for hours, making you cum over and over again.”
“Yes,” Harley said, getting so turned on by Kingsley’s words.
“Let’s eat a little something here first,” Kingsley said in a low voice, “before we find a private place soon. I’m so hungry for you now, I’m barely able to control myself.”
Set on a platform slightly higher than the others, the long table was draped with a golden tablecloth and set with ornate china and lustrous crystal.
All along the center of the long table, platters were filled with a variety of gourmet finger food.
Harley and Kingsley chatted amiably with the other nobles at the table and munched on elegant finger food which they washed down with loads of champagne.
When the orchestra started a waltz, the nearby nobles rose to dance. Harley looked at Kingsley and shook her head.
“Don’t worry,” he said. “I’m not particularly fond of the waltz either.”
“Oh,” she sighed with relief.
“But now that we’re alone for a moment…” He pulled a box from his jacket and held it up to her. “Now, I know it might not seem like much, but this is the perfect reflection of my heritage, of my place as Prince of the Sea Fae.”
She looked at him from under her lashes, certain that she would appreciate anything he gave her. She was sure she was already close to being in love with him. With Oak, and the Dunsworth Twins. They had become so important to her over these months.
He popped the box open. Inside was a stunning black pearl choker. Three strands of pearls were held one over the other with platinum clasps. Even the box, with its black mother of pearl lined interior was spectacular.
“It’s gorgeous, Kingsley.”
“Let me,” he said, picking it up.
She turned her back to him as he clasped it at the back of her neck.
“It’s stunning. I can’t believe it. How could you say it’s not much?”
He shrugged and smiled boyishly. “I’d like you to have it, Harley. To always think of me and only me when you see it.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, she leaned in to kiss him. It was meant to be an appreciative short kiss, but it quickly heated up.
“Come with me,” he said softly. He stood and took her by the hand.
“Where are we going?” she said with an amused giggle.
“You’ll see.”
At the back of the huge ballroom, he opened a door and pulled her inside.
“What is this?”
“They sometimes use this space when they have more elaborate meals. There are none tonight, so the place is all ours.”
She looked around at the small space that consisted of shelves filled with various cooking items. Further down, it opened to a utility kitchen.
“Kingsley,” she said with a sly grin. “There’s a spectacular ball happening. Why did you bring me here?”
He pulled her close to him. “I think you know exactly why I brought you here. Because I don’t have enough self-control to wait until the ball is over. I want you now.” He kissed her and held her close, pulling her gown up until his fingers reached her delicate thong.
“Tell me you want me,” he said.
“Yes, I want you. From the first time I saw you I’ve wanted you.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” He pulled back and unfastened his pants, letting them fall to his ankles. “Turn around.”
He spun her around and pushed down on her back, leaving her to lean against a large chopping block. “Shit you have such a perfect ass,” he said giving her a playful slap.
He slipped his fingers under her thong. “Absolutely perfect.” Pulling the thong to the side, he pried her thighs further apart, then nudged his cock inside her. As he thrusted back and forth, he reached around and grabbed her breasts, kneading them hungrily as he groaned his pleasure her body gave him.
“Tell me you want me,” he said again through his grunts.
“I want you, Kingsley,” she whispered, wanting more of him.
“Only me.” He thrust deep inside her.
“Only you.”
He slapped her ass hard, then gripped her hips, pumping into her until he finally cried out his orgasm just as she reached hers.
Spent, he leaned over her, and straightened her up. “I hope I didn’t ruin your dress,” he said with a deep throated chuckle.
“I think it’ll be fine,” she said softly as she cleaned herself up and let the gown fall back to her feet.
Kingsley took a fallen strand of hair and curled it around his finger. “Hmm, I messed that up a bit,” he said. “But it still looks great.”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “You’re so beautiful, Harley. I want to savor tonight being your chosen date so much, I had to have you at least once. Now let’s head out there and party. Then I want to fuck you over and over again and spend the rest of the night eating you as I promised.”
Chapter 17
Two Weeks Later
As Harley walked out of her last class of the last day of the school year, she met up with April.
“Yahoo!” April called out. “It’s over. We survived!”
Harley laughed and leaned into her. “Yeah. I can’t believe it.”
“School’s over. Initiation’s over. Studying is over.”
Putting her arm around her friend’s shoulder, Harley pulled her close to her. “I’m going to miss you so much over the summer.”
“Miss me?” April said, looking up at Harley. “Where am I going?”
Harley laughed again and they headed to their room. “You know, coming here has been the best thing to ever happen to me. I passed all my classes, and I’ve learned so much about the realm of faes. It’s been a fascinating year.”
Once in their room, they tossed their bags aside and plunked down on the sofa to look around their tiny room.
“You know, most people probably would have killed each other having to share such a small space,” April said.
“Well, you deserve all the credit,” Harley said. “You’re easy to live with.”
“You’re not so bad.” April looked at Harley’s painting leaning up against the bed. “Is that your finished painting?”
“One of them, yes,” Harley said. “But I still have a few things I want to change on that one.”
April went to pick it up and take a closer look. “This is incredible, Harley. It’s so detailed, so realistic.”
“That’s why they take so long to complete.”
“Where are the others?”
Harley looked at her with a broad smile. “They’re at the Gallery.”
“Do you mean that your paintings are going to be at the exhibit at the Gallery?”
Excited, Harley nodded.
“Why didn’t you tell me? Oh, Harley. That’s great. My God, you’re a first-year art student and you already got an exhibition at the Gallery? No one does that. No one.”
“I know. That’s why I’m so excited.” She hopped off the sofa. “I’m gonna head into the shower. I want to take my time getting ready. You’re going to come, right?” she called from the bathroom door.
“You bet.”
***
Two hours later, Harley met up with the Fallen Boys. They all looked dapper and clean cut with their black suits with raspberry colored shirt and black tie.
“Wow. You’re stunning,” Oak said, kissing her.
The guys all gave her an appraising gaze.
Wearing a strapless raspberry colored gown with an elegant train, Harley blushed. “Now you guys are going to turn me as red as this dress.”
“How are you feeling?” Zed said.
“This is quite an honor,” Kingsley added as he hooked her arm over his, leaning in to kiss her.
“I know,” she said. “I can’t believe this is happening.
Oak hooked her other arm over his, and with the twins on either side of them they headed to the Gallery.
“This is going to be a night to remember,” Kingsley said. He looked at her with a broad grin, his eyes hinting at a surprise.
“What a way to end the school year,” Harley said as they came around the main administrative building.
In the distance, she could see the Gallery. Though well lit, the tinted windows offered her only a vague view of the art lovers insider and she could even make out April.
Her only regret was that her parents had not been invited. She longed to show them what she’d worked so hard on all year. She wanted to share with them just how much she’d grown since leaving home.
They arrived at the entrance, and Oak pulled the door open. “This night is in your honor,” he said as he made a sweeping motion with his hand. “After you.”
She smiled at him and noticed the same hint of something more to come in his eyes. She went in and they followed close behind.
Beyond the front vestibule, she could see April, but instead of a pleased smile, she wore an unpleasant frown.
Then Harley noticed the unhappy faces of other patrons, and suddenly wondered if she’d drastically overestimated her talent.
“They don’t like it,” she mumbled to the guys, but noticed that they had remained a few paces behind her.
She entered the main gallery alone and gagged. Certain she’d gone ghostly white, she put her hand to a nearby column for support.
Tears stung her eyes just as April, her eyes filled with confusion and concern, turned to her.
Harley looked up at her paintings, the hours of painstaking work, the days spent perfecting each, the nights spent plotting out the composition.
