Loyal Lies

I made my way downstairs and tried to act normal. Silas prepared a simple breakfast for us. Just eggs, bacon, toast, and fresh fruit.

I couldn't help stealing glances at Silas and compare him to the version in my dream. His hair was short and neat, his clothes crisp and proper, but those blue eyes were exactly the same.

"Would it be okay if I look around the lake after breakfast?" I needed something to clear my head. 

"Of course, milady," he replied before pouring water into the glass. "Just be careful near the water."

I just nodded and finished eating quickly. I tried to help with the dishes but Silas wouldn't let me, so I headed outside to get some fresh air. 

The lake was pretty peaceful while swans gliding around. The wooden dock creaked under my feet as I ventured further out.

"Milady!" I heard Silas's voice so I turned back and saw him standing on the porch. He's still wearing the apron he had on while washing the dishes. 

"Please come back! The dock is slippery. You might fall."

I was about to respond when a swan suddenly flew toward me, causing me to panic and slip. I barely had time to gasp before hitting the cold water.

Am I going to die here? I should've taken that swimming lesson my grandfather insisted I take!

While struggling to stay afloat, I heard a splash nearby. Silas strong arms wrapped around my waist and his body pressed against mine as he kept me above the water. His skin felt incredibly warm despite the cold lake. 

He guided us to the dock and lifted me up first. Water dripped from his white shirt as he pulled himself up after me. I couldn't help but stare. The wet fabric clung to his body, revealing a perfectly toned chest and abs. I'd never seen him look so... undone.

"Are you alright, milady?" he asked but I couldn't respond right away. My body still shivering from the cold.

"Stay here. I'll get you a towel." 

Something came over me as he turned to leave, maybe it was the dream still lingering in my mind, or the way he'd just saved me, or how he looked right now. I don't want him to go so I called his name.

"Silas!"

When he turned to meet my gaze, I rose on my tiptoes and grabbed his collar. I saw the surprise in his eyes before I closed mine and pressed my lips to his. It felt like the entire world stopped. All I could hear was the pounding of my heart.

Then reality pulled me back when he gently pulled away.

"Milady–"

"Don't you... don't you like it?" My voice was barely above a whisper. "Am I not pretty enough?"

I saw the conflict in his blue eyes. There was hesitation and worry, but something else too. Then without warning, his fingers tangled in my hair as he pulled me closer. His lips crashed against mine, fierce and hungry, like he had been holding back for too long. He kissed me with a desperation that made my breath catch, as if he was afraid I would disappear the moment he let go.

I didn't have much experience with kissing, but I tried to match his passion. My heart was racing so fast I thought it might burst.

In one fluid motion, he swept me up into his arms. Everything became a blur. All I could feel was his strong arms around me, his lips never leaving mine, and the water dripping from our clothes. The next thing I knew, we were at the front of the house. Silas kicked the door open without breaking the kiss and while holding me like I weighed nothing.

When we finally caught our breath, I saw my own desire reflected in his darkened eyes. The intensity in his eyes made me shiver. Our wet clothes were dripping on the wooden floor but neither of us seemed to care.

"Aurora," his voice rougher than I'd ever heard it. He was still holding me with one hand tangled in my wet hair. "We shouldn't..."

"Why not?" I asked while my fingers tracing the side of his face.

He closed his eyes at my touch, like he was fighting some internal battle. When he opened them again, they were filled with a mix of longing and restraint.

"Because once I start," he breathed against my lips, "I don't think I'll be able to stop."

The raw honesty in his voice made my heart skip.

"Don't stop."

And that was all it took. The last thread of his restraint snapped. Silas kissed me again, deeper and hungrier. His hands slid beneath my soaked shirt, peeling it away inch by inch, his fingertips tracing the goosebumps rising on my skin. My breath caught as he undid the clasp of my bra, his lips following the path of exposed skin, worshipping, and tasting.

My fingers fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, pushing the wet fabric from his shoulders. His bare skin warm against mine despite the chill. When his hands found my hips, he gently pulled down my jeans.

He lifted me again and lay me gently onto the couch. His lips never left my body, trailing lower, pressing kisses to my stomach, my hips, every inch of me that he could reach.

He hovered over me, his breath warm against my skin. "Are you sure?" he asked.

I nodded before pulling him down to me. "Yes."

He entered me slowly and carefully. His lips murmuring against my skin as I tensed beneath him. A sharp sting shot through me, that made me whimpered and gripped his arms. He stopped immediately and brushed the damp strands of hair from my face.

"Breathe," his blue eyes searching mine.

"I got you."

He kissed me softly, giving me time to adjust. His hands moved over my sides and back to soothe away the tension. "You okay?" he asked against my lips.

I nodded while my fingers gripping his shoulders. "Move."

His movement was slow at first while his touch never leaving mine. Every movement sent heat coursing through me, every whispered name making me shiver. "You feel incredible." he breathed while his lips tracing my jaw.

Each kiss, each touch, each thrust unraveled me in ways I never knew possible.

As we reached the peak together, all I could feel was the heat of his skin, the rhythm of our breaths, and the way he held me like I was something precious.

Silas buried his face in the crook of my neck, his lips brushing against my skin as we came down from the high. He held me closer as if he could keep this moment frozen in time.

I ran my fingers through his hair while my heartbeat slowly finding its rhythm again. "Silas…" I whispered, unsure of what I wanted to say but calling his name was enough.

He lifted his head, his blue eyes soft in the dim light. "I'm here," he smiled before pressing a kiss to my temple. "I'm always here."

I snuggled closer to him, feeling a different kind of warmth now. Not the rushing heat from before, but something deeper and calmer. Like coming home after being away for too long. His heartbeat was steady under my ear and I traced lazy patterns on his chest. Being here with him like this felt right. No titles, no duties, just us.

God. I don't want this moment to end.