lennie.
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Jun 18, 2021 14:45:04 GMT
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Post by lennie3 on Apr 22, 2021 16:45:43 GMT
Genevieve immediately sighed as she heard his apology, an exassperated sigh accompanied by a small shake of her head, "you have nothing to be sorry for," she insisted. The words could have meant so much more than just an insistance he did not need to apologies for the ache in her ribs as she had laughed. Genevieve hated how Benedict may have felt any need to apologies to her for anything which had occurred, there was nothing he needed to apologies to her for. Even though she had brought what they had shared to an end it did not mean she had not cherished it, she still did cherish it, the issue was how her heart had begun to cherish the time shared with him too much.
It was a line she could not allow herself to ever cross, not with him, perhaps not anyone.
Even so in the shock of what had happened tonight she needed the comfort of his embrace. One more night would not cause her to fall apart. Genevieve was reasonable enough, far enough from being a young girl with her dreams showing clear in her eyes, to walk away from him in the morning. She may have been told the injuries she had obtained would not hinder her for long, that it was not quite so bad, but the stress and emotional toll of the event remained undealt with.
Once again Genevieve felt laughter bubbling in her chest when he spoke, she pressed her lips together into a smile instead this time. It was so easy to relax with him, to feel at ease. She had many times wondered how it could be that way, how he just made her feel so very comfortable when they were together. But aside from the entertainment she gained from his words she noted the kindness of the meaning in them. Benedict had hesitated in finding a way to ask if he could hold her because he wanted to respect the decision she had made and Genevieve was touched by his actions.
Finally it seemed his mind had allowed him to make a decision, to move his limbs and Benedict sat on the edge of the bed. Genevieve let out a small breath as she shifted to make room for him and he followed, pulling her into his arms as he settled onto the soft mattress. She smiled. Shuffling close to him, slowly breathing him in as her arm snaked around him, fingertips pushing into his back with clear pressure. She was grounding herself in him, in the comfort and safety of his embrace she was finding her footing after what had happened.
He still held her other hand, a gentle and firm hold she had not too long ago allowed herself to get used to. Her breathing stuttered as she felt his lips warm against the inside of her wrist, and Genevieve felt her eyes grow misty, pressing her face into his neck to hide the emotion splayed across her features. But she did not pull away from him, instead she shuffled her frame closer, needing to feel the heat eminating from his form against her. "Thank you," she said, her words muffled against him, "as am I," Genevieve admitted, she knew how horribly the evening could have gone, the outcome could have so easily been so different.
But she was here. She was in his arms and now she felt truly safe. It had been her heart she allowed to guide her to his doorstep after what had happened. Genevieve had been unable to reason her way to safety. From the moment when she saw him as the door opened she had known it was only this which would have given her back the feeling of serene safety and comfort which fell upon her as she curled into his frame.
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lennie.
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Jun 18, 2021 14:45:04 GMT
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Post by lennie3 on Apr 22, 2021 16:18:33 GMT
It was clear her understood how much more she had put into that one word which could have been assumed. Nice could have been seen as stand off-ish, it could have been seen as not encompassing all they were sharing. But Benedict understood it for all she meant it to be, for the peace and the joy she felt as they laid together in her bed. While there were so many words she could have used none of them would have perfectly described the ease and simplicity of all which was taking place. It would have been so much more embellished and yet it would not have captured the right feeling in Genevieve's heart.
"Thank you," she replied, her voice thick with emotion; it mattered, she realised, what he thought of her honesty mattered more to her than she had expected. Turning her head she dropped a kiss onto his forehead as his lips moved over her neck. She did not believe he expected her to be honest in regards to all in her life, she did not expect it of him, but the words which she told him were true. The things Genevieve did not want him to know were simply things she did not share, and she knew how a lie of omission was still a lie, however some secrets were only healthy.
As Benedict looked up at her, gaze warm and soft Genevieve met his eyes with a smile on her lips, she leaned forward to meet him, head falling back against the pillows as he kissed her deeply. She wouldn't grow tired of this. The feeling of his weight on top of hers, fingers running through the tresses of his dark hair, the way his muscles flexed beneath her fingertips and his lips leaving a hot trail across her skin. "How very noble of you," Genevieve teased playfully, lips parting and gasping softly as he trailed kisses down her frame, lips brushing across her abdomen and hips. Her eyes fluttered close, fingers tightening slightly in his hair before loosening to brush through the locks. Feeling his lips against her center Genevieve moaned, head pressing back into the pillows beneath her, hips straining with the will to roll forward, his name falling off her lips in a soft sigh.
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lennie.
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Jun 18, 2021 14:45:04 GMT
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Post by lennie3 on Apr 20, 2021 17:11:14 GMT
Genevieve had spent her childhood and adult life much the same, developing her skill and building her name in an industry where being noticed by the right person could change everything. She had been fortunate, she knew that, to have been able to build the shop she now owned, curate the group of clients who were as loyal as Daphne was proving to be. Taking the young duchess's measurements and discussing suitable fabric options which would not only work well for the condition Daphne was now in but also be a good fit for her post in society.
"Wonderful," Genevieve nodded approvingly, "Rose should be able to take a few of these dresses out for you when needed if I design them in such a way to allow it, it will save you the trouble of finding yourself in a pinch with nothing to wear." She knew not many women would choose to wear the dresses they purchased more than once. It was a decision Genevieve herself had benefited from many times. But, in such an everchanging and delicate state which Daphne was finding herself having the safety of a gown to fall back on seemed practical, and sometimes practical trumped all other things.
She nodded, "a lace trim sounds like a most perfect addition, your Grace," Genevieve hummed in agreement, none of the Bridgerton women seemed to favour the heavily embellished frocks, and it seemed even in marriage Daphne was staying true to enhancing her own beauty. "At a time like this there is no need for heavy embellishment, not when a woman such as yourself is absolutely glowing."
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lennie.
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Post by lennie3 on Apr 17, 2021 19:14:08 GMT
She laughed. The sound was light and airy, bubbling up and escaping before she got catch it. Her ribs ached slightly by the action and clenched her jaw, hoping he had not noticed the way it caused her to wince. Not only did Genevieve knew he could be stubborn, she also knew the concern it would cause him to feel if he had made note of her reaction. Regardless of the pain her reaction to his words were comforting in a way she had not expected it to be. Knowing she could feel relaxed enough around him to allow herself to laugh was a soothing feeling for her soul. It indicated somehow the comfort of knowing him still remained, perhaps she was unable to read his mind, but she was reminded that she did not need to in order to know him.
At a time Genevieve had been able to tell what he wanted from her, what he needed from her. That time had passed and now as silence lingered for a beat or two between them she was almost ready to do as she had pleaded he would not make her feel the need to. Just as her lips parted, ready to ask him once more Benedict spoke instead and her shoulders dropped as she relaxed. Genevieve knew there had to be many reasons why it was him she had turned to tonight. Most of all she believed it to be how she had always felt safe with him, and tonight letting adrenaline and her heart guide her in what she needed it had been that, to feel safe.
His confession was revealing, and not just in how it revealed his wishes; but how they longed for similar things even now, even as they both required so much more bravery than before to put it into words. She barely noticed him move closer before she could feel the heat of his breath against the side of her face, before she realised she had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. Her breathing stuttered as her gaze met his, fingers itching to reach out to touch him. The way he revealed he had been finding a way to ask her permission caused her heart to ache, to want to tear her eyes away from his hypnotising gaze in shame she had caused them to end up in a place where he felt there was such a need. He was so kind, so good. Even now as Genevieve knew she would never have it in her to reject his touch he was remaining respectful to the wishes she had proclaimed when she ended what they shared.
Though perhaps it was not so simple as to ending it just like that. The need clearly remained within them both to feel the other's touch and eventually with time it might fade but not now. "My answer would have been yes," she felt the need to inform him, her voice remaining a soft whisper, fingers twisted together, her own hands intertwined together, "if you had found the words you were searching for to ask, my answer would have been yes." Not despite of, but rather because of, the past they shared Benedict deserved her honesty more so than anyone else and she gave it to him with as much sincerity she could muster.
Even if she had been the one to require his touch the light feeling of his hands on her arms was almost enough to cause tears to well in her eyes. It was so simple, a touch which might have even been accepted between two friends. Even so, her skin immediately heated where he touched her, her mind falling both silent and so very loud at the same time and her body obeyed his words on its own accord. She eased herself down onto the bed, her hand reaching for his as she did and she tugged lightly, "lie with me," Genevieve said, emphasising her words clearly, her head settling agains the comfortable pillows, comforter on the bed giving way to the pressure of her body on top of it, lacing her fingers together with his.
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lennie.
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Jun 18, 2021 14:45:04 GMT
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Post by lennie3 on Apr 17, 2021 18:38:50 GMT
His tease made her smile, unguarded and brightly, his playful words so full of flirtatious intent. Discovering the ease with which they spoke to each other, how the flirtatious teasing came natural almost immediately had been a plesant surprise. It had been her surprise, her curiosity and perhaps the slightest bit of prejudice that drove her to approach him at Granville's party. She didn't regret her decision to do so one bit. How could she ever regret it when it had lead to this? He made her smile with words seemingly simpler than nothing else, kindness and a touch which seemed nothing less but addictive.
"Is that so? I must say that sounds most enticing," Genevieve responded in light jest. Her features soft and yet earnest as she stroked her fingers through his hair. "And that you will always be able to trust," she promised him, "my word, any person's word in fact, may be the most important thing to keep honest one could have," Genevieve mused, and it was not just her word to him, even in her work her word mattered. Women came to her with secret reasons for needing all from dresses to wedding trousseaus made, and all they had to trust was her word to keep quiet; her word and the knowledge of the damage anything else would do to her business.
There was no other way for it Genevieve decided as an airy breath passed her parted lips as his moved across her skin in bold discovery. Time appeared to truly have been the key to unlocking so much more between them. In passionate moments they had managed to capture before it had never been possible to explore in such ways. Now, Benedict had time to spare to kiss along her neck and chest, to find the spots which caused her fingers to tighten in his hair and breathy moans to fall from her lips. They were getting to know each other better physically and even so they had taken it beyond that. After tonight Benedict knew more about her than she had expected to ever reveal, not quite her deepest secrets, but he knew of her love for her family, for the life she had.
She did not know if he could displease her. In this moment the mere idea of it seemed entirely impossible to even imagine. When he held her in his arms and kissed her in ways which made her heart soar and her logical mind slip into a lulled state there was no part of her left to reason forth the possibility of ever feeling displeased. "You could never," Genevieve murmured, tilting her head to press a fond kiss to his forehead, smiling against him as her lips lingered on his skin. She shifted once more to nuzzle her cheek against his, kissing the corner of his mouth, smiling softly, dark eyes brimming with emotion and sincerity. "Missing this, missing you," she admitted, "it would leave me experience quite a restless night." She cupped his face and kissed him quickly, "so stay, and I you will have saved me from such a fate."
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lennie.
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Post by lennie3 on Apr 16, 2021 19:50:07 GMT
It was strange how not so long ago neither one of them would have doubted their place in each other's company. Only weeks earlier Genevieve would have known her place to be in his arms to exchange soft kisses and playful words filled with emotion they both ignored. She was sure Benedict had sensed it too, how their playful remarks had become so much more than just that, heavy with emotions that had ultimately been impossible to deny. Her inability to deny it had caused her to push him away and as much as Genevieve wished any other course of action had been possible she knew it remained the only plausible option. Even now as she wanted to seek comfort in his arms she knew she needed to let logic dictate her decisions.
Before she never would have insisted she could not take his bed, she would have just known she would share it with him. But they did not share things in such a way now, she had insisted such could not be the nature of their relationship, of their friendship. "If I did not know how stubborn you can be I would argue with you," Genevieve hummed, letting her lips curl into a slightly teasing smile, "but I only will if you let it remain yours as well for the night," her tone grew more sincere, not quite serious, but close as her fingers played plucked at the sleeves of the shirt she wore, far too long for her.
She could not deny she had not missed the tease in his voice. Could not deny she had not missed the way they would flirt and tease with one another. In a way which she knew to be far too dangerous it felt so very comfortable returning to something so familiar. "After all, you would not make me beg after I have already asked you to stay, would you?" she mused, sighing lightly, and while her words were playful her stomach clenched as the nerves settled heavily in her gut, no longer sure of the faint tone of flirtation her words held around him anymore.
He had done so much for her and the fact he did not seem to believe he had done enough caused her heart to ache. The last thing she ever wished for him was to doubt himself. During the time they had spent together he had never made her wish for anything whether it was pleasing her physically or satisfying her mind. Even now Benedict was not leaving her in need, at least not on purpose, he was giving her the comfort she needed of being in his presence so freely, his kindness, his hospitality, his protection, his aid. For him to feel as if he needed to do more seemed preposterous and she wished she could reassure him somehow of just how enough he was.
Genevieve shook her head, "I'm fine," she insisted. It was the truth. Mostly. She needed him to stay, it was not just the yearning in her heart screaming at her mind for permission to allow herself to be held by him once more. In this moment Genevieve could not imagine closing her eyes and not seeing the faces of those who had attacked her. The thought was naïve but somehow she wanted to believe the safety of his embrace would chase away any haunted dreams sleep may bring. "Just stay," she repeated, her voice trembling slightly, lower than normal, a vulnerability clear in her voice that seemed so strange for her when she so often spoke so courageously. Her mind and heart were fighting a battle to decide what would be best but with a shaky exhale Genevieve spoke, letting her heart decide the words, "stay and hold me."
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lennie.
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Jun 18, 2021 14:45:04 GMT
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Post by lennie3 on Apr 16, 2021 19:25:39 GMT
Now that it was clear he would stay Genevieve couldn't help but feel there could not have been any other way this night would have gone. The idea of him leaving seemed so strangely incomprehensible, as if it would not even be possible for him to do such a thing. Yet what it entailed was such an intimate thing, was and the irony of it was not lost on her that it felt as if sleeping next to him was somehow more intimate than anything else. It different, a good different she imagined, but nonetheless sleeping next to him would continue pushing the relations they shared into a direction she had never planned on it to go.
Genevieve had never planned on Benedict Bridgerton becoming important to her. She had not gone to Granville's party that night with the knowledge he would be there and she had not approached him with the intention of making even conversing with the second born Bridgerton a habit. It had become so much more. He was important to her, she cared about his thoughts and his desires, wanted to hear what was on his mind as he fell silent and wandered off in his thoughts, wanted to feel the steady beat of his heart and the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed.
Hearing him continue speaking of the joys of staying in her bed Genevieve smiled. Her fingers combed through his hair, lips ghosting over his cheekbone, across his temple and his brow in feathery light kisses. "The company is indeed most enjoyable," she hummed, her voice containing that ease and playful tone that seemed only natural around him. She pulled her face back to look at him, hand moving to stroke his cheek and when she spoke her eyes held a sincere shine, "I truly am delighted you accepted my invitation, to have this... time, with you, it's nice."
Nice. It was such a simple word and perhaps because of that it suited the situation better than anything else she could have said. Being in this moment as his lips moved across her skin, his touch firm and warm, simply just being with him was nice. There was no other way she would want to describe it, every other word she could think of seemed too superfluous. When she considered how their time spent together could be summarised as having felt so simple a word more complicated than nice seemed to not fit as well.
"I will always ensure I do my very best to remain true in any certainties I assure you of," Genevieve murmured, her fingers moving over his skin as he kissed lower ascross her neck, tilting her own head back in a way that elongated her neck and exposed her chest to him further. Genevieve laughed, the unhinibited amusement feeling most liberating, "that would be one thing I doubt anyone would be displeased to be blamed for," she mused, her voice still filled with the mirth and joy of her laughter. His words held so much meaning, so much danger. She could imagine him awake in his own bed, thinking of her and the thought of it happening filled her with a dangerously large sense of pride, of joy. "I meant it before, when you are here I have no wish to chase you from my bed, I believe it is quite clear I desire your company in every way, if it will rescue you from a restless night than I would only be further pleased."
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lennie.
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Jun 18, 2021 14:45:04 GMT
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Post by lennie3 on Apr 15, 2021 19:53:32 GMT
Never before in her life had Genevieve wished she could freeze time. But this moment right here, if it could have remained forever she would have been happy to stay in it. To lie with him in her bed, being held by him as they spoke so freely and easily, it was simply magical. But as much as Genevieve wished for the ability to make things remain the way they were exactly like this she knew it to be impossible. She knew the world would await them outside her door, knew the responsibilities they both had would not go away and demand their attention. For now though, their attention could be on just each other for a while longer and she would cherish the time they did have.
She hummed, a warm smile on her lips forming at his teasing jest, shivering as he dragged a finger over her cheek his hand cupping her chin and her own fingers splayed across his skin. "I believe I am saying I have grown fond enough of your company to not wish to banish you from my bed quite so quickly, Mr Bridgerton," she returned the formality with a look of mischief in her dark eyes, bright smile matching his as laughter bubbled up in her chest. For a moment she pursed her lips, humming as if she was contemplating his question in all seriousness, "I do not doubt we shall find a way to share our time togheter," Genevieve said, her tone continuing to match his in playful jest, "no matter how, I am certain it will be most... enjoyable."
The danger was she knew she would have no complaints if they remained just like this. The physical desire between them was strong, and it was damn near insatiable at times and he could cause her to burn for him with a simple brush of his lips. But this, this calm of just being in the moment with the man was so very enchanting she could never grow tired of it. So if they spent some time doing absolutely nothing, spent some time just being, then that would have been so very nice as well.
Genevieve exhaled sharply as he dropped his lips to her shoulder, fingers tangling in her long hair. She could feel her skin warming where he left kisses, slowly pressing his lips against her skin causing her to shiver as she arched into him further her body pressed firmly into his. Keeping a logical line of thinking seemed entirely impossibe, keeping a thought in her head was difficult enough of a task when he kissed her like he did. She shifted, tilting her head to press her lips to his temple, kissing him where she could reach.
The feeling of his lips on her skin was nearly too much, a moan passing her parted lips as her murmured words far too charming against her. He continued to draw quiet moans from her, fingertips pressing into him further as he finally brought his lips down on her own, swallowing the sounds she made. He was right. In this moment she felt as if her desire for his company, for his touch and his kiss was nothing less than insatiable. "So very much so," she murmured, lips still pressed against his for a moment before they barely parted, "no one could ever blame me," Genevieve spoke softly, caressing his cheek, "not for desiring you this way."
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lennie.
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Jun 18, 2021 14:45:04 GMT
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Post by lennie3 on Apr 15, 2021 18:57:49 GMT
It seemed the one thing they were still able to do was communicate in a way which was so very undeniable. Their words may have become more guarded, carefully selected as to not complicate anything further. But while they were going through all that effort to do such their emotions were betraying them through looks and the way they simply moved. Genevieve sucked in a shallow breath as Benedict placed his other hand over hers, clasping her smaller hand between his as he looked at her, emotional intent in his eyes seemingly impossible to look away from. She could spend a lifetime looking into his eyes, and she would have been happy had it been her place to do so.
Genevieve understood why he let go. She understood and knew if he had not done so she would have needed to find reason within her to do it. They could not stand there not speaking and holding each other's hands too afraid of what their next actions may be. It still brought shivers down her spine as his skin brushed over hers as their hands parted, slowly dragging away from one another and Genevieve's hands fell back to her sides.
Her eyes never left his. The magnetic attraction between them remained even now and the way he looked at her told her he wouldn't reject her if she decided she wanted him again. If she told him she still wanted him. Now it seemed there would not be a time she did not want him. She couldn't want him. Wanting Benedict was dangerous and it was a risk she could not allow herself to take, she could not allow her heart to go on this way, putting herself on a path which would inevitably end as he decided to accept the duties society placed upon him. Their fates would never be joined, and so Genevieve needed to remain strong in her decision; she needed to protect her heart.
"Quite," she admitted with a small laugh, she hadn't realised it before but as the adrenaline which had pumped through her veins as a result of the attack faded she was left feeling drained, limbs and head feeling heavy and the soft bed in the room looked more and more tempting. "I can't keep you from your own bed, you've done too much for me already..." Genevieve shook her head, yet despite her words she looked longingly towards the bed, turning away from him to sit upon it, curling her legs up beneath her and a soft sigh passed her lips.
But it seemed rather than being prepared to guide her to another room Benedict sounded as if he intended for her to stay right where she was. It sounded more like he was asking her for permission to stay. The idea of him needing to ask was a painful reminder of the ruined relationship they had shared, of how what they had shared had broken, how he no longer just knew she desired his presence. No matter what happened between them Genevieve meant every word she had ever told him and even now she wanted nothing more than to be near him. If what he wanted to do was ensure she was not in need of anything all he had to do was stay. But how could she ever ask that of him? How could she possibly make that fair?
Her brows furrowed, jaw clenching tightly for a moment before she spoke, her voice a soft whisper to barely break the silence settling between them. "Stay," Genevieve murmured, "if you want to ensure I am not in need of anything... stay."
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lennie.
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Jun 18, 2021 14:45:04 GMT
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Post by lennie3 on Apr 14, 2021 19:09:19 GMT
Even this, standing a few steps away from him both of them speaking in a tone of voice which lacked the simple teasing which always had seemed to be there felt wrong. From that first conversation that had turned out to change so much Genevieve had always found it so easy to talk to him. Now, their words sounded so very carefully strung together, conversation no longer flowing like it was no big deal, like there was nothing which could ever come between them. She wanted that feeling back, more than anything did Genevieve wish for things to be simple between them again.
She was the one who had ensured simple was not possible. But ignoring the inevitable ending of what they had shared had started to feel impossible. For her entire life she had looked after herself, and ending her affair with Benedict had been nothing more than that. She had made the decision to put herself first no matter how much it pained her to do so when that decision meant she wouldn't get to see him again. At least she had thought she wouldn't get to see him when she made the choice; Genevieve hadn't planned on being mugged and him being the only one she could think of to turn to.
Just as she was about to insist she'd leave Benedict spoke and her shoulders sagged in relief, revealing to herself just how much she had hoped he wouldn't ask her to leave. Despite all thoughts of rational thinking telling her she should ask him if he could arrange a way for her to go home Genevieve wanted to stay. The small smile on her lips twitched slightly, threatening to grow larger and Genevieve pressed her lips together tightly to stop it. Reaching for the glass of brandy he had set down on the table Genevieve took a rather generous sip of it before setting the glass back down. She had never felt the need for liquid courage before around him, but quite obviously things had changed.
"I do not wish to leave," she exhaled softly, emotion swimming in her dark eyes as they met his. She knew she did not have the right to stay, but as he told her he wanted her to stay her confession seemed impossible to hold back. Benedict was right, regardless of her injuries the experience had still taken place and that was enough reason for her to want to stay somewhere safe. He made her feel safe. Even if nothing about what they had shared had turned out to be safe for her heart Genevieve felt safe in his company and now it was a feeling she wanted to cling to more than ever. "So, if it is not a bother I... I believe I will stay."
He spoke of trust and Genevieve's blood ran cold as ice. Without closing the distance between them fully she stepped closer, close enough to reach out for him, only stopping herself as she curled her fingers into the sleeves of the shirt she wore. "Of course you wouldn't," she insisted, "you could never do anything to betray my trust, Benedict," her voice was soft, but the sincere passion burned in her eyes, no matter what had happened between them she needed him to know this was the truth. It all may have changed but the faith she had in him, in the person he was, it was still there. Genevieve let out a small breath, fingers unclenching as she relaxed and her hands reached for his, holding it in both her own as she said in a quiet whisper, "I trust you."
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lennie.
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Jun 18, 2021 14:45:04 GMT
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Post by lennie3 on Apr 14, 2021 18:40:45 GMT
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?"
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lennie.
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Post by lennie3 on Apr 14, 2021 17:40:54 GMT
Genevieve offered Lewis a small smile in thanks as he left the room, she knew she had already said her thanks but after the trip the surgeon had made it seemed he had earned her gratitude. Left alone in the bedchambers Genevieve uncorked the vial of laudanum before downing the contents of it. She sighed, setting the empty vial down on the side table before falling back to sit on the bed, hands twisted together on her lap.
For so many reasons Genevieve knew she should take her leave now, she could ignore her corset and slip back into her dress and catch a cab to get home. Benedict's home had seemed like the reasonable place to go as adrenaline pumped through her veins and now as the rush was dying down her own decision making no longer seemed so sound. Doubt rushing through her mind. She had no reason to believe he'd want her in his home. Benedict was kind, kinder than most men she had encountered in her life, him helping her was not proof he would not prefer if she left.
The sound of his voice was enough to break her from her train of thought. Genevieve swallowed. She wondered if there'd come a time when seeing him would not make her heart feel as if it was close to stopping. It was beginning to hit her how overwhelmingly his kindness had really been since she arrived on his doorstep. He had called a physican to his home in the middle of the night to inspect her injuries, a trip which it turned out Lewis Anwyl had mostly been forced to make in vain.
Her gaze followed him as he stepped into the room, setting the glass down on the table. At the time when Lewis told him to fetch it Genevieve had been ready to protest against him leaving the room; now that she saw the glass standing there it looked more tempting. She smiled softly, her eyes moving back to his, "I'm fine," she insisted, "merely a dose of laudanum for now, and a rather stern insisting I'll take it easy for a few days." Silence settled for a moment. She wanted to stay. But it couldn't be up to her and Genevieve stood, "do you want me to leave?"
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lennie.
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Jun 18, 2021 14:45:04 GMT
she/her.
Tag me @genevive
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Post by lennie3 on Apr 13, 2021 20:14:29 GMT
There were many women whom would not have understood the meaning of Lewis' words, Genevieve was not one of them. Even as the polite smile on her lips remained she took a step back, her skin flushing warmly across her face and neck. She understood well enough the belief Lewis seemed to have formed of her relations with the man whose bedchambers they were currently in. Considering that was where he was examining her certainly did not do them any favours in making it appear as if they were anything but just friends.
Truthfully Genevieve was not even sure if her and Benedict were friends. If this had happened weeks earlier Lewis would have been right in his assumption, and yet now those strenuous activities he referred to were surely nowhere near in the separate futures her and Benedict needed to share. The two of them had shared so much, they had lives which were so very different, for them to simply be friends it was a development to what they had shared Genevieve was not sure she could take.
But she still acknowledged Lewis' instructions with a nod, "I will ensure to get the rest you have recommended," she said, not quite commenting fully on his words, it seemed unnecessary to provide detail or excuses as to how she would listen to what he had told her to do. For a moment the smile on her lips appeared amused, "in fact I believe the medical recommendation to avoid a corset for a while might be the most wonderful news I have received tonight," she mused. She accepted the little vial of laudanum with a grateful nod, "thank you," Genevieve hummed, "again, despite the misunderstanding of the extent of my injuries I appreciate the speed at which you were able to come," she said. It still felt as if the surgeon they had practically dragged from the comfort of his own home for not a very large reason deserved further thanks.
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lennie.
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Jun 18, 2021 14:45:04 GMT
she/her.
Tag me @genevive
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Post by lennie3 on Apr 13, 2021 19:55:53 GMT
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.
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lennie.
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Jun 18, 2021 14:45:04 GMT
she/her.
Tag me @genevive
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Post by lennie3 on Apr 13, 2021 19:22:22 GMT
It hit her she did not actually know what message Benedict had sent to the surgeon in order to get him to pay a home visit at this time of night. But his words made it seem perhaps her injuries had either been slightly exaggerated and it explained the disbelief the doctor had seemed to show of his mere presence in the house. Genevieve felt her skin flush, offering an apologetic smile as Lewis ensured the injury on her head would not need any further dressing.
The least she could do since the doctor had come all the way to Benedict's home was to follow his instructions as he tended to her. "I am sorry, if you rushed away from something important to get here," she insisted, "I'm sure Mr Bridgerton was simply concerned, our own lack of medical training made it more difficult than it was for you to determine how superficial my injuries seem to actually be," the smile she offered was polite, carefully constructed across her features to remain small and not pull too much at her face. Her injuries may have been superficial but it did not mean the bruising did not hurt when her muscles shifted below her skin and Genevieve would avoid it if she could.
She moved her head with the direction of his touch, tilting her chin to allow him a better look at her wounds. "Is there anything I should think of especially during the next few days, or even weeks?" She asked, it seemed the least she could do was to at the very least ask Lewis a few questions since he had made the journey. Considering how he had seemed it had been a journey he had had to perform in a rush as well.
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