Clandestine Meetings

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

He smiled at that, hearing her speak of how she too was enjoying their, mutual exploration. "Really?" He asked with clearly feigned surprise. "I would not have thought the enjoyment to be mutual." His words were teasingly sarcastic, unable to resist as his lips broke into a wide smile, a slight chuckle to add to the humor of even doubting that it was mutual. She spoke of how Lucy had invited her after buying a few dresses. Ah yes. It made perfect sense. With Genevieve as a modiste -- the most reputable one -- she most certainly had several connections to notable families in the ton and beyond. At least, with the women. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Then it seems she detected your taste for things other than dresses," he said a bit flirtatiously. For his mind would not soon forget the first night he arrived at the party between not only him and Genevieve, but Lucy too. Since then however, he found himself rather pleased that . . . despite whomever Genevieve was with prior to his attendance at these events, she was with him when he was there. And he felt rather, flattered and pleased by that. Though now knowing that their, relations had extended beyond that setting. Something that only further fueled that flattery and pleasure. When she then apologized for distracting him, Benedict couldn't help but smirk a little, torn between playing into the 'inconvenience' she had posed -- which was not true at all of course, and of telling her honestly how much this had helped him. His uptight nature when it came to his art had been a hindrance. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Drink had not even fully helped ease him and loosen him up. No. It wasn't until he had found the comfort of her, that he was able to truly let go of himself. That his Bridgerton status meant little and that he could just . . . release all that tension and stifling façade. He gave a sound of contemplation, as if thinking over what he could tell her she could do to make it up to him. "Yes. You have proved to be quite a distraction," he told her with playful accusation. "And yet at the same time, have inspired me to become better." More teasing words, though only partially. The truthful ones that she inspired him; the not so certain ones that he was any better as an artist. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ He turned his body a little, propping his elbow with his hand on his head so he could properly look at her and he was not lying on his back. His eyes lingered over her, a playful gleam in them as his smile remained. "Perhaps I will allow you the means to be creative, in how you see fit to compensate for your . . . distracting nature," he told her, words full of jest as he leaned forward, placing a few kisses down the front of her neck, continuing to speak between each one, his tongue tasting her when he was silent. "So long as you continue to inspire me." And she did. Perhaps more than she knew. And he doubted, that she could do anything to change that. Tag lennie3

                        the rules of society.

[lennie3]

Genevieve giggled, brushing the pad of her thumb across his lips as he showed off that grin. "No?" she laughed, "then I must be doing something wrong if you are under the impression that sharing my bed with you is such a chore," Genevieve mused, her words holding the same sarcastic tone as his. She liked this, how simple it could be for them to laugh together, how they seemed to understand one another.

She had felt that connection between them since they met. Genevieve was not sure why she ensured Lucy joined them that night. Perhaps it was her own nerves she had needed to calm and Lucy had been there, a dear friend to ground her in the moment. It was not as if it was her first time having sex with a man, or a woman, at one of the parties the Granvilles threw. But Benedict Bridgerton was not any man, and she had spent a significant amount of time telling her dear Siena not to continue to get into Anthony Bridgerton's bed. Besides, she had enjoyed corrupting him that night, he did not show any inexperience but, he had been wide eyed with amazement at the secretly libertine ways he was finding out existed.

Hearing she had eased his nerves was flattering, in fact she was delighted to hear his confession. Genevieve felt the smile form on her lips, bright and impossible to contain and she cupped his face, pulling him into a deep kiss. "I am flattered you find me inspiring," she assured him, she kissed him again, murmuring her next words agains this lips, "and even more so I am happy to have helped you, and maybe it is quite nice to hear that I am able to distract you."

Benedict shifted on the bed, propping himself up above her and Genevieve arched her back into him, hands slipping into his hair as he dropped his mouth to her neck. A small gasp falling from her lips, fingers tangled in chestnut locks as his tongue swiped over her skin, "Benedict..." Genevieve sighed softly, moaning as she tilted her head back, giving him better access to her throat. He wasn't making it easy for her to pay attention to his voice but she was managing to, somehow, trailing her fingers down his back, pressing into his skin, "I would be delighted to continue distracting you," she teased lightly, her own voice breathy with desire. She moved her hands to cup his jaw, guiding his face towards hers and Genevieve smiled, kissing him quickly, whispering against his lips, "just let me inspire you."

tag Benedict Bridgerton .

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict knew he had started the sarcastic comment about him not realizing the feeling was mutual . . . but the moment she said she must be doing something wrong, he knew he couldn't agree; even in jest. His smile still remained, as did the escape of another sound of amusement. Even in teasing and sarcasm, he never wanted her to think that she had done anything wrong. "Never," he told her genuinely. "I do not think it is possible for you do any of this wrong," he continued to tell her, silent praise in his voice, lips soon silenced when she pulled him into a kiss. He immediately responded, closing his eyes and breathing into the deep embrace, continuing to quench his never ending thirst for her. When she eased out of it, she told him she was flattered and well, she deserved to be flattered at the very least. He wanted to flatter her especially where it was so easily earned and warranted. He chuckled when she stated it was nice to hear that she was able to distract him. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "You do it so effortlessly," he told her between kisses. Her mere presence was distraction enough; it had after all, pulled him from the artist's room on the night of his first party. And despite her telling him to go home, he had been far too inclined to keep her company. How wonderful that had all turned out to be. "I doubt you even have to try," he told her teasingly, implying his thought words which were that she merely had to stand there, and he would gladly come to her. Hearing her name fueled each touch, positioning himself a little more on top of her as she granted further access to her neck, to which he took advantage of. Caressing the soft skin with his lips and teeth, soothing it with his tongue in between. He moved where she directed him, kissing her before she spoke against his lips, telling her to inspire him. Benedict moved to close the distance between them again, kissing her more deeply and feeling his body start to come alive once more. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ How was it, that she always seemed to stir desire and passion within him? His hand moved along her thigh, moaning into the kiss, her words belatedly processing in his mind, lips curling into a smile as he kissed her. Then, in one swift movement, he flipped them so that he was the one lying on his back and she was on top of him, his arms wrapped around her, and his lips never leaving hers during the shift. He eventually redirected the touch of his lips to her cheek, towards her ear, pressing his mouth against it, practically breathing the next words. "Then inspire me," he encouraged, a challenge in his words as one hand slid up her back, fingers weaving into her hair and as always, enjoying the feel of her soft ringlets as his lips gently nipped at ear earlobe. Tag lennie3

                        the rules of society.

[lennie3]

Not quite pinned beneath him Genevieve enjoyed feeling the weight of him against her, pushing her into the mattress of her bed. Whether it required her to put a lot of effort into her actions of not if she could continue to inspire him in any way she would wish to do so. Genevieve sighed breathily as he laved at her neck, fingers tangling tightly in his hair, back arching her chest into his. If this was what inspiring him meant she would spend whatever time fate would allow her to spend in his company in absolute bliss. This was an intimacy beyond anything they had shared before, getting further and further away from bursts of passion to simply be quenched before they parted. They were truly getting to know one another and Genevieve was willing to let him into at least part of her mind, to let him know a few of the secrets she tended to keep so close to her heart.

Her body moved at ease with his, and Genevieve smiled in surprise, hands falling against his chest as he flipped them around. "As you wish," she purred, lips moving over his cheek, trailing a slow path across his neck as she mimicked his earlier actions. Her lips and teeth exploring and nipping at his skin before her tongue would soothe the skin. Rolling her hips against his Genevieve felt the growing evidence of his arousal pressing against her and the brunette let out a breathy sigh. She reached behind her as she leaned down to kiss him, fingers wrapping around him and she pumped her hand leisurely over his sensitive flesh, feeling him grow thicker at her touch. She lifted her hips, guiding him to her core as she sank down, a moan of pleasure falling from her parted lips, fingertips pressing into his shoulders as he filled her.

She moved her lips back to his, rolling her hips agains this as her tongue swiped across the seem of his lips, a silent plea to allow her to deepen the kiss. Small moans vibrated off her lips, "Benedict..." there was no need for her to say his name except her own desire to do so, to let him hear the desire in her voice as she moaned his name, hips rising and sinking down against his to drawl mewls growing in volume from her. She continued to roll her hips, chasing the euphoric high of her release as it built inside her, tightening pressure of her own pleasure causing her fingers to dig into his skin further.

tag Benedict Bridgerton .

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Benedict drew in a slow breath, a sign of clear enjoyment of her attentions upon his skin. Her mouth moving over his neck, teasing and caressing it as she rolled her hips against him. The gesture caused him to reflexively shift his hips up a little, to further press them against one another. But he needed more. He needed more of her. His body aching for it, perhaps even begging considering the strength of his need . . . but fortunately, she would not leave him unattended for long. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ He let out a moan of pleasure as her hand expertly went to his length, stroking him as he sunk his head deeper against the pillows from the sensation. Her hand moving over this sensitive area drawing another groan of both pleasure and need. He opened his eyes, gaze glazed over with the passion she always inspired within him, and soon enough, she gave him exactly what he needed: guiding him to her and moving down onto him. Benedict moaned her name at the relief of being inside of her once more, this time, allowing her to set the pace . . . though he knew he would not be able to remain idle for long. Her lips met his and he kissed her fervently, granting her whatever access she desired, parting his lips, his tongue taking in her taste as he deepened the kiss. One hand remained tangled in her hair, pressing her close to him while the other slid down to the curves of her behind, moving along with her motions of rising and falling on him. His own hips thrust upward, delving deeper and deeper into her with each motion. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ His breath quickening, yet refused to let go of her lips. Breathy grunts of pleasure and need and where he previously thought to ease any control of the pace, he hardly had control of his body as is strove to find that peak of release. Feeling himself throbbing within her, his hand in her hair moved from its position and fell between them instead, touching her where their bodies were joined, wanting to feel her even more. Moaning her name against her mouth, he gently sucked her bottom lip, releasing it only to speak against her. "I'm close," he breathed, words barley above a whisper but even in the height of being so robbed of thought . . . he still needed to give warning, holding himself off only as long as he could so to ensure that she too -- or first -- found her own release of pleasurable bliss. Tag lennie3

                        the rules of society.

[lennie3]

Benedict had flattered her with his kind words and yet the moans filling the small flat caused her to feel even more pride. She liked knowing she inspired him, that her presence in his life had made an impact on him in such a sense. Even more so she enjoyed knowing how his body responded to her touch. She craved his touch far more than she had expected she ever would. From the magnetic pull bringing them together that night they met at the Granvilles' party to now. His touch cause a spark of excitement to rush through her, skin feeling as if it was on fire whenever his touch fell.

The brunette whimpered softly against his kiss, fingers curling around his shoulder as her hips met his movements. She smiled as he granted her the access to deepen their kiss, her tongue exploring his mouth eagerly, bodies pressed tightly together. While speaking with Benedict had proved easier than she had thought it would be, being with him like this seemed like second nature. Her body understood his in ways her mind and soul would never be allowed to.

She understood the meaning of his words, the warning in it all too important for them to not ignore. There were a few very particular rules Genevieve knew she could not break. She may have been breaking one of her own rules by having him in her home in the first place, but there were other rules far more important. They may have changed what it was they shared between them by him being there. But risking her becoming with child was a rule she could not allow herself to budge on, it was a risk far too big to take. So, his words were not only a compliment to her own actions, but also reasonable warning.

Nodding she pressed a kiss to his jaw, lips continuing to explore the side of his neck as she rolled her hips against his just a few more times. Chasing the height of her own pleasure and Genevieve forced herself to separate her body from his as her high hit her, eyes fluttered close and lips parted in a moan. She reached to wrap her hand around him once more, her strokes less slow and less teasing than they had been before, her hips rocking against his thigh as she rode out her high.

tag Benedict Bridgerton .

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

He could feel her acknowledgement of his warning, and allowed himself to continue focus on reaching that high. With her on top of him, he knew it was necessary for him to tell her . . . even if she perhaps already knew his body. Which, he imagined she did. Considering she knew exactly how to touch it, how to move against it, how to drive out the very core of his desires out both slowly and quickly. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Despite their ability to get lost in one another . . . he knew that this was something that would always be in the back of their minds. He would not compromise her, and yet he wondered . . . what it would be like to be with someone where they could truly just lose each other in this bliss. Yet these thoughts dare not broach his mind . . . a deep, inner thought never to be brought to the surface. Perhaps not even fully realized by Benedict. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ And fortunately, she did an excellent job of ceasing his ability to think. As she kissed along his skin, he continued to thrust inside of her for as long as she permitted before withdrawing, feeling the immediately loss of her warmth. Yet, he kept his finger where it was between them, on her, gently moving inside of her where his length once was. As she knew his body well, he liked to think that he also knew hers. Feeling her reach her climax, and ensuring he reached his own as she stroked him purposefully. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ His breathing quickening, his hips involuntarily jerking upward further into her touch. His head turned into the crook of her neck, nuzzling against it as he teased the skin with his teeth only to soothe them with his tongue, as if trying to muffle the moans caused by her actions. It did not take much longer for him to spill, letting out a sound of satisfaction -- despite his attempt to stifle it -- as the ecstasy coursed through his body, his finger still caressing her inner walls, gently pressing on that singular point within her, as she rode out her own high and if her body allowed it, to feel a second wave of pleasure. Tag lennie3

                        the rules of society.

[lennie3]

Had she been younger perhaps Genevieve would have been naïve enough to imagine a future with Benedict. If she had met him when she first arrived in London, not quite the picture of uneducated innocence as the daughters of noblemen led into ballrooms in pristine gowns, but at least more innocent than she was now, things would have been different. Genevieve could not ensure herself she would not have wished he would reject whatever rules declaring she could be nothing more but a mistress. She was not sure she could have stopped her mind from creating mindless fantasies of a future which only would have broken her heart in the end.

Because younger or not Genevieve would have been forced to eventually understand that what they shared between them needed to remain physical. She could not afford any feelings to develop for the man in her bed, no matter how charming or eloquent he might have been, no matter how he could make her laugh without worrying about how her laughter sounded. Genevieve would not allow it to happen, and as long as she remained aware of what she needed to avoid it was quite safe to continue to spend time with him.

His touch was as intoxicating as his mind, his fingers moving between her legs prolonging the pleasure she felt. Genevieve rocked her hips against his touch, fingers wrapped around him tightening slightly and she whimpered softly. She pushed the thoughts from before out of her mind, they seemed unimportant as she felt his touch, as her body wanted nothing more than to melt into him and she dropped her forehead to his shoulder. She felt him spill over her hand and Genevieve's hand fell to her side on the ruffled covers, his name whispered on her lips as she moaned, hips rolling into his hand her body yearning for the pleasure he brought her and Genevieve gasped as the second wave of her high rolled over her.

Slowly coming down from the feeling which rushed through her Genevieve dropped to his side, hand on his chest and she kissed his shoulder quickly, "I believe it may only be fair of me to confess that neither of us having the need to rush out the door is nicer than I imagined it would be," she hummed, her tone playful and light as she propped herself up on her elbow, smile softening as she looked at his features, "sincerely, I am happy you are here."

tag Benedict Bridgerton .

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

He felt a strong sense of satisfaction when he felt her reach her second wave, the liquid evidence pouring onto his hand that moved inside of her. Between his release and hers, he finally relaxed his shoulders, feeling her do the same as she dropped to his side. He slowly withdrew his hand from where it had been tucked between her legs, unable to resist letting his fingers drag along her inner thigh in the process, stroking her soft skin. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ His touch continued down her leg, moving to the side so that he touched her upper thigh. His chest heaved from the vigor of their actions and he closed his eyes for the briefest of moments, allowing the waves of ecstasy wash over him. Run through every inch of his body, giving him a chance to steady his breathing and fast beating heart. The need to see her overpowered any other challenge to keep his eyes open and he slowly brought them back to her gaze. Heavily lidded by the bliss he felt. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ He smiled at her words, raising his head to kiss her shoulder, her collar bone, a trail of light kisses before he lay his head back on the pillow, his gaze returning to her once more. He let out a small breath of amusement and . . . relief at the thought -- though he knew it to be true the moment she had invited him here. Still. Hearing it was quite . . . nice. To say the least. "Then perhaps I too should confess, that I completely agree," he told her, feeling the exact same way. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "And as we have been granted this time, I find my desire for you . . . rather insatiable." How he loved to see that soft smile of hers, gazing at him, a sense of pride that it was he who drew such an expression from her. Unguarded. Sincere. It was beautiful. His hand moved to her cheek, fingers delicately touching her skin, moving down to her lips as he gently brushed his thumb at the corner of her lips. His expression clear indication of being taken by such beauty. Hearing her tell him she was happy he was here . . . warmed his heart. Perhaps more than it should have. Perhaps more than he even realized. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "I am happy to be here," he told her softly, matched sincerity in his voice, leaning in for a light kiss as if to solidify the words before drawing back. His finger still caressing her skin. How long would she permit him to remain? He was unsure. He longed for the night with her. The entirety of it. Was it too bold to assume? Was it too much to ask? "Though I must admit that in this current state, I find it impossible to move anywhere else," he said a bit teasingly, yet . . . it was true for two reasons. The first, being that he was spent from their vigorous actions. The other being, he didn't want to be anywhere else other than right here. Tag lennie3

                        the rules of society.

[lennie3]

She felt little goosebumps rise, following the path his fingers took as he caressed her skin. Smiling softly Genevieve resisted the urge to she felt to let her eyes flutter close, laying her head back against the pillows as she watched him. It all felt so very serene, like a calm washing over her and all that mattered to pay attention to in the world was present right there with them. She couldn't remember a time when she had felt so relaxed, when things had felt so simple.

His words made her think that, perhaps, the world outside could be ignored for a little while longer. She knew what the world outside was like, knew it existed, knew what they shared would stay hidden in plain sight at parties, and now the secure lodgings of her home. But for now the world could be ignored, Genevieve couldn't help but think in a way they deserved it. For at least a little while she deserved to be selfish with her own wishes.

Genevieve recognised the teasing tone in his voice, she'd become far more familiar with his playful nature than she ever would have dreamed of. While she had not spent a lot of her time considering much of the second eldest Bridgerton son's person the last thing which would have come to mind would have been that. Knowing him know it seemed even more unfair her only comparison had been the tales heard from Siena about his older brother. Benedict was kind and intelligent, and he made her smile, and meanwhile she was not sure she could stand to be around Anthony longer than two minutes at a time; at the same time she realised she wanted Benedict to stay.

Despite the tone in his voice the words registered with her more than anything else. The trail of his kisses across her skin and the way his touch brushed over her something she didn't want to loose tonight. She was happy. Happier than she may have wanted to admit to herself. But having him in her home made her happy. He told her he was happy as well, his words echoing through her mind and a feeling far too warm spreading through her chest. Hope. Happiness.

"Stay," she murmured, her gaze holding his and Genevieve brushed her fingers over the shape of his jaw, "tonight," Genevieve felt the need to clarify, sucking in a breath, her voice softening further, "stay," she repeated, leaning forward to press a soft kiss to the corner of his lips, mimicking the way in which he had just kissed her moments before. Genevieve swallowed, suddenly feeling more nervous as she leaned back slightly, still keeping her eyes on him, she wasn't going to beg him to stay, if he wanted to now he knew he could, that she wanted him to.

tag Benedict Bridgerton .

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

His eyes remained on her, studying her expression, and well . . . just simply enjoying the ability that he could watch her. That he did not have to quickly dress himself or keep reminder in the back of his mind that they had to part ways soon. Yes. This was truly a moment of peace and ease. But then her words came out that somehow made all of this feel even . . . better. Was that possible? Apparently so. For she was asking him to stay, for the night. Being invited to her home was one thing; being invited to stay was an entirely different privilege. An honor really. That she was allowing him in his home for more than just the physical pleasures they found within each other. It was about the company. Allowing him to lay in her bed, a place so personal to her. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ His eyes continued to watch her, softness behind them that touched his entire expression. So unguarded in this moment. But then, it was easy to find that feeling of not having to . . . pretend. Of just being able to himself. And to be someone at the same time. To not fade into the background nor be referred to as a number. With her, he was simply Benedict and it felt incredible to be considered such. And furthermore, to be desired as such. Desired, in a deeper way than -- as he previously thought of -- just physical. She leaned in to kiss him and he kept his eyes open, not wanting to shift his gaze from her. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Though, he did realize that he had been simply staring -- in awe perhaps -- for quite some time without giving answer. And though it was subtle, he could see the slightest change in her own expression . . . awaiting his answer. Was it nervousness perhaps? He could hardly blame her. But nor did he wish her to doubt he could ever deny her, anything. So before being able to find the words, he leaned forward and place a light, soft kiss upon her lips. It was moments like these that maybe seemed more dangerous than the need driven ones. For they were far more . . . domestic. Born of emotion rather than physical need. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Easing out of it, he kept his forehead close, this time his eyes closed as his lips curved into a small smile once more. "I would like that," he answered. Knowing that like perhaps was inadequate a word. "I would like that very much," he added on, hoping she was able to sense the sincerity in his words so that she did not understand it to simply be polite acceptance. No. It was something that he truly wanted. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Opening his eyes, his hand went to the side of her head, gently tucking a loose strand of her curls behind her ear. "You are a most gracious host," he told her, playfully but also with truth. For he wanted her to hear not only hear how much he longed to stay . . . but also the gratitude that came with it. "And it would be an honor to stay," he said, barley above a whisper. Not taking it for granted. Not letting any sense of entitlement lead to expectation that he should be here. No. He was grateful, and honored to be here . . . with her. Tag lennie3

                        the rules of society.

[lennie3]

For a moment silence lingered between them, following her soft spoken request. Genevieve was not a soft spoken women, she gave her opinions boldly and when the social scene allowed her to without fear of repercussion. This was not a moment which felt free of consequence, her words could have meant Benedict would pull away with an excuse to leave. What they shared between them had remained undefined, simple in its outspoken nature and this evening had already done so much to change that status. If Benedict pulled away from her now unwilling to stay it would send a rather simple to comprehend message of what he wished for there to be between them.

But before her thoughts could poison her mind too far Benedict had leaned in to brush his lips against hers. It was not a voiced agreement to stay, and yet the concerns she felt melted away. He would not have kissed her if her words had frightened him enough to leave into the night. It was a simple kiss, soft and gentle against her lips and yet the sweet gesture felt so very important. These little shows of affection were becoming more frequent, and it was a dangerous game to play as their affections became less just about the physical pleasure they shared.

Even as Benedict's eyes closed hers remained open and she observed the expression on his features. He was so calm. Genevieve could not remember having ever seen him quite this relaxed. Then again, while they had shared small conversations after finding the release of their passions this was so far beyond anything they had shared before. She had never had the chance to see him quite like this. This was different. She liked this. At his spoken words a relieved smile grew across her lips, tugging at the corners of her mouth and she let out a small sigh.

"I would like it as well," Genevieve hummed, barely needing to lean forward to kiss him, again it was simple, a movement that felt as natural as anything, "very much," she repeated his words with a teasing tone, laughter bubbling up in her throat. This was the feeling she did not want to loose. It felt as if it went beyond happiness and just for now Genevieve was allowing herself to indulge in the joy his company brought her. As simple as his words may have been Benedict had told her he wanted to stay with her, that this moment they shared mattered to him as it mattered to her.

Speaking to him like this, honestly, sincerely, in quiet voices not because they were hiding but because their words did not need to be spoken in a higher volume it was... nice. Nice seemed such a weak word to describe how she felt when she was with him. It was still perfect, being with Benedict was nice. He continued to assure her how he wanted to remain in her home and Genevieve responded to his words by kissing the corner of his mouth, a small smile on her lips as she felt his fingers brushing through her hair to tuck a tendril behind her ear. "I am the one who should be honored you wish to stay," Genevieve hummed, her tone matching his, the volume soft and yet their voices were full of emotion.

tag Benedict Bridgerton .

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

He could see her features ease when he offered reassurance, and had to fight back any words of apology for making her doubtful that he would be anything accepting of her words. Of her. Hearing the mutual like of this . . . situation, of them being able to spend the night together in a way far more intimate than any physical relations could ever be, brought joy to his heart. While he did not doubt he, knew that with his name -- Bridgerton -- came status. And with that, expectation and as he previously thought, entitlement. But they had never been as such; no distinction of class different nor rank. He was drawn to her because she was beautiful. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ And now, for far many more reasons than surpassed beauty. And she, wanted nothing from him because of his family name. It felt so simple; resorting to just base desire to be with each other and in one another's company. Company he found far more delightful than any ball or grand event he had attended. He enjoyed her soft kisses, each touch causing his body to warm and feel soothed. When she told him that she was the one who was honored, he could not resist the playful words that came after. "Hardly," he commented . . . though it was true. The honor was all his. "The honor is all mine." In this case, he was the one so deeply honored by her words and want for him to remain. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Placing a light kiss on her cheek he moved an arm to wrap around her so that he could bring her even closer to him, not wanting even the slightest distance of the bed between them. "I shall ensure you receive proper rest tonight as well," he told her, flirtatious tease evident in his tone. "I would not want you to feel . . . too fatigued come tomorrow." His words holding suggestion as to what could possibly exhaust her so. For he was also keeping in mind her job. Her work. Her responsibilities to her shop. All things that he found quite inspiring and as he had said, admirable. Still, the words came out as his features held a bit of a smirk, allowing the continued comfort of their teasings to linger. It seemed that all types of conversation were so easily had with her. Tag lennie3

                        the rules of society.

[lennie3]

Genevieve knew the idea of him staying should not have brought her this much joy. She should not want him to stay. But as Benedict not only expressed his wish to stay but he told her just how happy he was about it. Letting a smile form on her lips as he pulled her closer Genevieve rested a hand over his heart while her other curled around his neck, the tip of her nose brushing against his. Genevieve knew if she allowed herself to reflect on it she would come to the decision that having asked him to stay was a terrible idea. But even with as terrible as it was she was unable to deny how nice it was to lay with him like this.

She laughed softly, tracing a finger over the smirk resting on his lips, "I'll let you in on a little secret," Genevieve whispered, "the benefit of being my own employer gives me the opportunity to decide my own work hours, it makes being late for work difficult," she mused, pausing before adding, "the short commute downstairs also helps with being on time." Genevieve knew she had responsibilities, clients to attend to, dresses which needed to be hemmed before the next ball. But all those responsibilities seemed trite and unimportant when she considered sacrificing them for a few hours into tomorrow if it meant spending more time with Benedict tonight.

"Besides, I would not say I have quite reached fatigue yet," Genevieve hummed, lips curling into a small smirk copying his. Teasing Benedict was easy, the light report they shared comfortable even now as they had allowed for this shift in what they had between them. Leaning in she brushed her lips against his quickly before following the gesture along by pressing a kiss to his cheek, lips trailing over his jaw slowly, "and really, has a little fatigue ever caused too much harm?"

tag Benedict Bridgerton .

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

Once more, he basked in the enjoyment of hearing her laugh; of seeing her so brightly smile. Pride and honor indeed so keenly felt for his words -- or actions -- eliciting such a reaction from her. Her touches on his skin, a hand resting upon his heart, or her finger moving over his lips . . . it was all such a warm sensation, unable to understand how someone's touch could be so soft. He looked at her with intrigue, a slightly raised eyebrow as he was quite keen to hear this secret, having to subdue his laughter when she revealed it -- if only to play along with his exaggerated interest. Though, it was quite enticing . . . incredibly enticing. To know that she could open her shop later, that there was no set time they needed to wake up to go back to their lives outside these walls. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Though, hers just being that of downstairs. But his . . . his would start the moment he stepped out her door. And he was not ready for it. So to know that they would have tonight, and apparently tomorrow morning . . . brought him a further sense of ease, and excitement. "Ms. Delacroix," he began to say, the formality very clearly a playful tease. "Are you telling me that you may have some free time tomorrow morning as well?" He asked, evidently drawing out the time they could have together to not only tonight . . . but in the morning too. "Whatever will you do with said time?" He asked in the same tone, only this time perhaps more suggestive. Simultaneous to his words, his finger traced along her cheek, moving to her chin where he gently cupped it, letting his thumb caress the bottom of it. "Whatever will we do?" He added in in flirtatious jest. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Hearing her state that she had not yet reached fatigue yet . . . oh yes. Excitement for all the night continued to hold was felt quite keenly by the male. His lips curved in a smile, enjoyed her attentions along his jaw, his hand on her chin slowly sliding to her neck, trailing behind it under her hair. His own lips sought out her shoulder, placing a few light kisses upon it as she continued to speak, inquiring as to whether a little fatigue caused any harm. How could he possibly disagree when she kissed him like this, and when he felt her warm body against him in such a way. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Most certainly not," he said between each kiss. "Particularly when the actions that may lead to such fatigue are quite worth it." Drawing his head back, breaking the contact of her lips on him and his on hers . . . the distance was short lived as he pressed his mouth against her, breathing into the embrace. "Insatiable indeed," he mumbled against her skin, lips lowering to her chin, to the column of her neck. His words repeated as he had stated how his need for her was insatiable. Desire for her seeming to constantly build within him . . . beyond physical desire. Simply, desire for her company. For any part of her she allowed him to have, to experience. "For how is one so, incredibly desirable," he said against her skin, a playful accusation in his voice. Though the question remained in his mind. How, was one so desirable indeed. Tag lennie3

                        the rules of society.