She laid her coat over the back of the sofa and turned and smiled at Ceran. “Thanks for dinner. I feel much better now that I have eaten. Would you mind if I go take a bath?” She asked as she made her way up the stairs turning to him as she reached the top. “I won’t be long.”
He nodded, never taking his eyes off of her slim figure going up the stairs. With a bit of a disappointed tone, he said, “I assumed that it wouldn’t be a good night for an evening run. Have a nice bath.” He waited until he heard the sound of the door closing to the bathroom and made his way to the front door. He needed to talk with Zane immediately. He crossed the lawn to the tree next door and knocked.
Grace answered the door with her hand protectively over her belly. She wasn’t quite showing yet, but he could see the motherly glow of pregnancy displayed on her features. “Hello Ceran, I wasn’t expecting you tonight. Come in.”
“Where is Zane? I need to speak to him.” Ceran was unable to hide his frustration and Grace was quite perceptive. He could see it on her face that his demeanor was upsetting her. He was angry with the prospect of his mate being used to medically treat the Theron traitor that would cause her to question her own idea of medical ethics pushed him over the edge.
“Is something wrong with Laura?” she asked.
“No, Laura is fine. Is Zane home?” Ceran asked again. This time he tried to be a bit more pleasant. He did not want to upset her any further.
“Yes, he is in his study. Why don’t you go in and talk to him?” Grace said as she sat on the sofa in the living room picking up her knitting where she left off, silently counting her stitches.
Ceran marched into the study ready to attack his neighbor for using Laura for some dangerous agenda that was still unknown to him. “What in the hell were you thinking Zane? Are you intentionally trying to put my mate in danger?”
Zane went to grab a couple of crystal tumblers and poured each one of them a drink. “Come on, Ceran. You are a captain of the fleet. You should fully understand why Laura is the only person that could have any contact with him. It’s our custom to put the man to death for the crimes he has committed. However, in light of the fact that he might hold valuable information that we need access before he is put to death, there was no other alternative. I left it up to her, you know. Your mate agreed without complaint to accept him as a patient. She stepped in where others would not. You know as well as I do that she is an honorable physician. She would never allow someone to suffer.”
“I want to be involved in any decision that involves my mate stepping foot into Lars’ vicinity from this point forward. I should have been notified of your intentions before she was assigned to treat him. Laura is putting her life on the line and that means I’m involved now,” He glared at his neighbor. “I am not asking you Zane, I am telling you. You will keep me informed of everything,” he demanded. He hastily took the glass from Zane and tossed the contents of the tumbler back in one gulp. It was lemony and refreshing, just what he needed.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way Ceran,” Zane asked looking at Ceran’s now empty glass. “Another?”
“No, thank you. I wasn’t given all the details of what happened today. Laura only knows so much,” Ceran countered.
Grace walked in to check on the men. “Is everything alright? Where’s Laura?”
“She is at home taking a bath. She had a busy day today.” Ceran looked toward Zane for input. He did not know just how much Zane had told Grace or even if she knew that Lars was back. Given how Lars treated Zane’s mate at their last meeting, Ceran figured she had no clue that he had returned.
Zane quickly interjected, “Well, you know that we found Emma. I must admit that she was critical for a while. But, because of Laura’s quick thinking, she is stable and doing very well. She should make a full recovery very soon. Besides that, it was a hard day today. A fighter craft crashed today near to where we found Emma.” Zane held out his hand for Grace to join him on the sofa. Ceran found a seat in the chair across from them.
“I’m glad to hear that Emma is going to be alright. I only hope the people injured in the crash alright as well.” Grace smiled at Ceran and asked, “So how is it going with you and Laura? Are you making any progress with your mate?”
“Oh that. I am not entirely sure what I am doing. I have never really had a serious relationship with anyone before and neither has she. I have a feeling she is waiting for something. I just wish I knew what that was.” He looked a bit discouraged.
Laura and Ceran held hands when they were together and kissed a couple of times, and they generally enjoyed the time they spent together, but their relationship was at a standstill. He knew that he would never be able to adequately protect her until they were officially bonded as a mated couple. Neither Ceran nor Laura had a lot of experience with relationships and they would be going backward if it were not for Grace’s suggestions to him on nights like these. “Do you know what she might be waiting for? Maybe it is some earth tradition that I am not aware of? I just want to make her happy?”
Zane interjected, “So how is the ship coming along?” Ceran was happy for a diversion as he immersed himself in all the details of the Pyxis.
Grace sat only half listening to Ceran discuss the progress they were making with his ship. She found herself thinking about what Ceran asked. What could Laura be waiting for? Just then, a thought occurred to her. “Excuse me for just a minute guys,” she said as the men started to talk about Ceran’s ship. She thought she just might have a solution to the problem at hand. Now, where were they? Grace entered her bedroom and went over to the dresser where she had put her jewelry box. She moved the many small velvet boxes and fabric bags around. Near the bottom of the box, she found what she was looking for. She opened the box to inspect the contents. Now, all she could hope for was that they would fit.
Ceran watched quizzically as she approached him with a small velvet box. “They may need to be sized to fit, but my Great Grandfather had huge fingers so there is hope that they will be just fine as they are.”
He looked puzzled as he was trying to figure out what she was talking about, he opened the hinged black velvet box to find a set of rings. One had a setting with several large diamonds and there were two plain gold bands that were and polished to a high glossy shine. “What are these?” he asked.
“On earth, the traditional custom for a young couple in love is to be engaged to be married. Maybe, this is what Laura is waiting for. I can’t be sure of course, but I know for a fact that she is very fond of you. She has told me so herself. Maybe you should ask her to marry you with these rings. Doing this might get you both going in the right direction again,” Grace said optimistically with a wink.
“Could you tell me how this is done, Grace? I would be in your debt forever if this is what she wants.” He had a big smile crossed his face. No wonder the girl was smitten.
She took the box from his hands and pulled out the ring with diamonds on it. “You will have to get down on one knee.” He immediately followed her directions and placed one of his knees on the floor in front of her. She gave him a diamond ring, “You will need to take this ring with the diamonds in it, and ask her to marry you. If she says yes, you will slip it onto her left ring finger like this.” She demonstrated the ring on her finger, but the ring was a bit small for her and she could not slide it past her second knuckle. “Would you like to practice on me?”
“You wouldn’t mind?” Ceran said as he remained on his knee. When she shook her head, he took the ring that Grace had handed him and held it out to her. He said, “Will you marry me?” Grace giggled and gave her best impression of Laura’s voice and accent, saying yes. He slid the ring on her finger as far as it would go as she nodded in approval.
“That will do. But, if I could, I’d like to make a suggestion. When you sense the perfect opportunity arise to ask her you should tell her how you feel about her and why you want her in your life
,” Grace added. “Girls always like to hear all the good things that their men think about them.”
“What can I give you for these rings? They look valuable after all, and they must mean something to you. I mean, you brought them all the way here with you.”
“My mother’s grandparents got married using those rings. They were simply one of the many family heirlooms that I brought along with me and one that I didn’t necessarily need to keep. I see no better purpose for these rings than to give them to you. They are just sitting in a dark box waiting to be used again. I believe that it would honor my great-grandparents by letting you and Laura have them. Go on, take them,” she said. “All I want in exchange is details. I want to know everything that happens when you ask her to marry you. You know, I can even perform the ceremony for you both if she wishes. I was once asked to marry a couple of friends of mine. Robert and Edward were in love and the state of New York had just legalized gay marriage. I took an online course and I am actually an ordained minister in the state of New York.”
“Thanks, Grace! This is really great,” Ceran said as he looked down at the rings in the box pulling out the largest one and placing it on his finger. It was a perfect fit as if it was meant to be his. He looked at them and smiled. “I’m going home. Thanks for everything. I’m sorry I was upset with you earlier Zane, but I meant what I said. You two have a good night,” Ceran said as he showed himself out.
Once Grace and Zane were alone, she said, “You know Zane, I am so glad that we bypassed all the awkward stages of a relationship and jumped right in.” She leaned over and kissed him on his temple. Zane pulled her into his arms and kissed her. His lips tasted of the lemon liqueur he was sipping. He made her lay down on the sofa as she giggled with anticipation of what was to come.
“Agreed,” he mumbled as he kissed down her neck. “How was your day?”
“Oh, Doctor, I have been a very naughty girl today,” she shivered as he nibbled down her neck to her shoulder blade. His hands were busy exploring her body.
“So,” He was now beginning to unbutton her blouse, “Are you saying you need to be punished? Is that what we are aiming for tonight?”
“Oh, yes I am!” She pulled his head to hers and gave him a kiss. The kisses were getting hotter by the second. Letting out a moan, she could feel the need for him burning inside her. “Do you know of a cure for my unruly behavior, Doctor?”
“Do I ever!” He kneeled in front of her and lifted her off the sofa. Carefully he placed her down on the rug near the fireplace as he opened her shirt over her shoulders. She could see him rake over her with his gaze. Her breasts were fuller and tender with pregnancy. He took off her bra and started to kiss her lower and lower, tracing a path to her nipples. Each tender touch brought on a sense of urgency. She arched her back to bring him closer as he wrapped his arms around her using the now open space beneath her. She pulled his uniform top over his head and threw it over his shoulder, hearing the buttons of his uniform when they hit the floor. He unbuttoned her pants and tugged them down over her hips.
He returned his attentions to her breasts, fondling them, surrounding the darkened pink tips with his mouth as she heard herself moan in pleasure. He slowly kissed his way lower and lower until he reached the hem of her black lacy panties. He looked up at her from below with a mischievous stare. “Are you sure you want to be punished? My punishment can be rough. Is that really what you want?”
“Oh, hell yes!” She moaned as he kissed over her most sensitive parts as he removed her panties. She reached down, running her fingers through his short, thick hair. The tips of his hair were starting to curl. It was about time for a haircut. With each lap of his tongue, expertly exploring her sex, she wildly grabbed at anything she could reach. Every time she squirmed it made him wilder as he held her more firmly. As the wave of orgasm crashed over her, he focused his attention downward, lapping every drop of her sweet honey. She said as he looked up at her with his chin sitting just below her belly button, “If that is my punishment, I should be bad more often.” She laughed breathlessly.
“I assure you, I am just getting started.” He growled beastly as he reached around her grabbing hips and turning her over. He bit the cheek of her ass playfully as she reared up to him on all fours.
“Oh yes! Yes!” She shouted as he took his hard cock and hid it deep inside her. She intensified the intensity of her desire by rocking hard back into him. He pushed into her faster and faster. The fire was burning hotter and hotter with each thrust. She could feel the tight grip he had on her hips as he pulled her to him over and over again. She felt the pulse of his release deep inside of her as she let go. Their bodies starting to still as they relished in the pleasure they found in one another. They laughed and she turned over to her back as they both collapsed on the floor. She snuggled in close with her head on his shoulder, hip to hip. As she lightly ran her fingers across his chest, she said, “Zane, You make me so happy. I love you.”
“I love you too, Grace.” He said then brushed his lips across her temple.
Ceran walked in through the front door slipping the black velvet box in the pocket of his pants as he entered. Before he brought Laura home, his house was always too big for just him when they assigned it to him. Now, with her in it, he could see it for all if it’s potential. There would be plenty time and space to add many memories. Maybe, in the relatively near future they could add children. They would also have many great neighbors. All the officers on the ship lived in this sector and Zeb and Avery lived several houses away close to Brylon and Emma. Avery and Grace were already with child so if he were to succeed with Laura there would be plenty of kids for their children to play with nearby.
He found her where he usually did when she was home. He entered the study and found her sitting with a book in her hands near the lamp. She was a voracious reader and always had a book nearby. Her long blond hair was draped over her left shoulder slightly darkened from washing it. He watched her as she twirled a lock of golden hair around her finger with her lips silently forming the words as she read. He thought about the time she insisted on bringing every book in her small library at home when she was given the opportunity to retrieve her belongings. Most of the books were medical school textbooks, but she also enjoyed the classics and historical fiction as well. Fortunately, most of her stuff was already packed up in boxes and ready to go. “How was your bath?”
“It was just what I needed,” she looked away from her book. “Where were you? I looked for you when I came down.”
“I went to Zane’s house,” he said as he sat across from her.
“How is Grace, I’ll have to go and visit her soon,” she finished reading the sentence, marked her place, and closed the book on her lap. “Do you think that she knows Lars is back?”
“I got the feeling that she doesn’t know yet. It isn’t any wonder with the beating he gave her at their last meeting. He probably would have broken the bones on her face if he would have hit her any harder. I wouldn’t volunteer to be the one to tell her that the Theron traitor has returned,” Ceran shook his head at the thought. He looked out the open French doors that lead out onto the balcony. He always loved this room in the house. He was fond of the rich red tones in the fabric of the furniture to the warm brown finish of the woodwork lining the walls of the room and doors. The cool breeze coming in from the open doors of the balcony felt nice against his skin.
“So you did not tell her, right?” Laura looked worried.
“I didn’t tell her anything. It’s not my place to. I initially went over there to tell Zane that I didn’t appreciate him ordering you to take care of Lars. When he explained his reasoning behind it, it makes perfect sense why you were assigned to treat him. When I look back on my reaction and my initial compulsion to personally go over there and kill Zane for putting you at risk, I realized that I was a bit irrational. I know that Zane would never put you in harm’s way. I am sorry Laura. I have this unexplainable ne
ed to protect you even though I’m more than aware that you will do just fine on your own. You are one incredible woman.”
She started to blush and a smile began to settle across her face. “I knew you would come around.” She looked deeply into his eyes. Gods, she’s so beautiful. It was like this room would have never been complete without her in it. She belonged with him. He thanked the Gods for her at that moment and prayed that she would never leave.
Ceran thought what Grace had said about the traditions on earth. He took a moment to figure out the best way to press forward in his own relationship. He needed to find a way that would give him the best chance to ask for her hand in marriage. “Could you tell me a story about your parents? How’d they meet?”
Laura smiled at the memory of her parents. All her life she dreamed that she would find a love that would stand the test of time as her parent’s had. “My mom and dad grew up in the same small town that they raised me in. They lived five houses apart in the same neighborhood when they were children. They played together every day. One day when my mother was about 7 years old, she was walking home from school and got picked on by a couple of bullies named Margo and James. The bullies followed her after school one day to the small blacktop basketball court in the neighborhood park and punched and kicked my mother in the stomach more times than absolutely necessary. She said was down on the asphalt after the first punch begging for them to stop. They left her there alone. When she knew that they were gone, she got up and cried all the way home.”
“For the next few days, she refused to go to school. One day when her mother intended to force her to go she stood over the sink, stuck her finger down her throat and threw up all her coco puffs. When my mom missed a couple days of school, my father went to her house to check on her. My father was furious when he found out what had happened. He said that he felt that he should have been there to protect her. He insisted on walking her to school every day from that day forward. They were inseparable from that day.”
The Theron Residency (Brides of Theron Book 4) Page 3
