43: 43 Afterglow (AVOT)

43 Afterglow (AVOT)

Daisy lay nestled in the darkness, her body flush with the lingering tremors of their shared intimacy. Her breath, still somewhat ragged, gradually found its rhythm in harmony with Rhain's slow, steady inhalations. The room was dense with the heady scent of their shared intimacy—a mixture of musk, sweat, and something uniquely them, a scent that was raw, primal, and intoxicating.

Rhain's presence beside her was more tangible, and his warmth more real than it had ever been. His body was flesh and blood next to hers, humming with life and vitality, so human in its needs and responses.

A blanket of satiety began to settle over her, and her eyelids fluttered close, her body succumbing to the exhaustion of their intimacy.

Awakening to the dawn light, she found herself wrapped in a different kind of warmth - the living heat of Rhain's body, his form fitting seamlessly against hers. A momentary panic surged, quickly extinguished by the hazy memory of the passion they had shared last night. 

She felt a flush of embarrassment, recalling her needy pleas, the cries of pleasure she could scarcely believe had come from her. Who was this woman she had become?

Carefully, she pulled back to check if Rhain was still asleep, praying for a few moments of solitude. A sudden urge to clothe herself before he woke hit her, making her all too aware of her bare state.

Managing to slip out of his hold, she tried to rearrange her gown, which had bunched up around her waist. It was only as she was pulling it up, threading her arms through the sleeves, did she notice the odd tears—a series of holes on one arm and slits running along the side of her waist.

They looked as though they had been created by sharp claws, but neither of them had long nails. Puzzled and slightly alarmed, she glanced at Rhain, his nails were short and so were hers. She distinctly remembered her nightgown being intact last night.

What had caused this?

In the midst of examining the mysterious tears in her gown, Daisy was suddenly startled by Rhain's hand wrapping around her wrist. She whipped her head around to find him awake, his golden eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her heartbeat spike.

"Are you trying to escape?" He asked, his voice still thick with remnants of sleep, and something else, something raw and full of yearning.

Daisy's heart skipped in her chest. "No," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. Although, truth be told, she was entertaining thoughts of fleeing, of escaping this exposure that felt all too revealing.

He squinted at her, his gaze penetrating and questioning. With a swift movement, Rhain maneuvered them, nudging her gently back onto the bed, pinning her beneath the strength of his body. A startled gasp escaped her lips.

"Daisy," he began, his eyes, a pool of molten gold, locked onto hers, their intensity making her feel exposed, and yet there was a tender undercurrent that drew her in.

One of his hands released her wrist, the cool fingers trailing gently down her cheek. "Your shyness," he continued, his thumb brushing over her lower lip in a light caress, "your need to hide and escape, it only makes me want to lay you bare before me even more. To uncover every secret you're trying to hide, every fear you're trying to overcome, and every desire you're too shy to voice."

His fingers trailed down her body, the heat of his touch seeping through the thin fabric of her gown, causing her heart to thump wildly in her chest. "I want you, Daisy. Unveiled, unabashed, and unapologetically."

Closing the small distance between them, his lips grazed the corner of her mouth. A gentle peck that stirred a yearning deep within her. He pulled back slightly, his breath warm against her lips as he murmured, "And in return, I promise to give you everything you're too shy to ask for."

His promises hung heavy in the air, like clouds of desire, ready to pour down a rain of passion upon them. Her body resonated with his words, her gaze instinctively seeking the promise of his lips, her body yearning to meet his touch.

As if heeding her silent plea, his hand resumed its exploration, skimming over her body with a familiarity that both unnerved and aroused her. It roamed over her covered curves, caressing the swell of her breast, trailing down the dip of her waist, and lingering on the swell of her hips.

"You've awakened the slumbering dragon, Daisy," he murmured against her ear, his breath teasing her senses.

"Am I in trouble?" she found herself playfully responding, her voice barely a whisper.

"You're in a monumental trouble, my dear," he retorted, his lips nipping teasingly at her neck, drawing a sharp gasp from her.

"This is just the dawn, my vibrant blossom," he continued, his voice holding a promise that made her shiver with anticipation. "I plan to gently unfurl each petal, savoring the sweet sting of every thorn."

Rhain was turning out to be a man who would undoubtedly be her undoing.

"Rhain," she managed, her heartbeat a wild rhythm in her ears. "Even a flower can drown if you water it too much."

A deep, resonant chuckle echoed through him, his amused gaze meeting hers. "I certainly wouldn't want to flood the garden," he conceded, gracefully disentangling himself from her and giving her the space she seemingly craved.

Still catching her breath, Daisy sat up. "I'll prepare breakfast," she said, a wince marring her expression when she swung her legs over the edge of the bed. She felt sore, a reminder of their shared passion.

"No need," Rhain responded, as he walked around the bed. He was standing beside herwith the sheets wrapped around his waist, his bare chest on display. "I must depart early today."

She looked up at him, concern creasing her brows. "You intend to leave on an empty stomach?"

"My appetites are well sated for now," he responded, a mischievous glint in his eye. "But be warned, I may return ravenous tonight."

The teasing lilt in his voice sent a warm flush up her cheeks. "Then, shall I assist you with your attire?" she offered.

Rhain met her suggestion with a gentle smile. "I'll manage, Daisy," he reassured her. "You should rest for a while longer. I'm afraid I kept you awake."

Considering his words, she decided there was indeed no rush, especially given that he wouldn't be joining her for breakfast. Her body still hummed and she felt spent. Giving into the urge, she slid back under the covers, enjoying the lingering warmth as Rhain went to the privy room.

When he returned, refreshed, Daisy had nearly drifted back to sleep. But then, as if drawn by some instinctive call, her eyes fluttered open just as Rhain shed the sheet around his waist.

In the darkness of the previous night, she hadn't fully seen him. But now, with the morning light filtering through the room, he stood bare before her.

Her gaze skimmed over the firm landscape of his backside. It was beautifully chiseled, the muscles moving subtly under his taut skin. The sight was raw and masculine, and incredibly appealing in a primal sort of way.

It evoked in her an involuntary surge of desire. She watched, her heart thumping in her chest, as he pulled up his trousers, covering what she had just begun to appreciate. A sense of loss brushed through her, coupled with bashfulness at her own reaction. She hadn't expected this raw, physical interest, this...appreciation for his form. 

Her cheeks heated at her own boldness, her gaze swiftly averting as if she had been caught staring. The memory of the view, however, imprinted itself in her mind. 

Once fully attired, his gaze swung back to her, curiosity dancing in his eyes. "You're still awake. Am I causing too much noise?"

Her mind supplied her with an immediate response. No, but you are incredibly distracting.

"No," she managed to utter aloud, although a part of her wished he'd recreate the sounds from last night.

Good heavens! Her thoughts were turning bolder with every passing moment.

"May I visit my mother today?" she found herself asking, hoping for a shift in her thoughts.

"You're free to visit her anytime, Daisy," he assured her, approaching the bed. He leaned over her, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. The innocent contact caused her heart to flutter. "I shall see you tonight," he promised, and with that, he left the room.

Daisy lay there, still wrapped in the warmth of their shared bed, the fleeting sensation of his lips on her cheek slowly permeating the rest of her body. It felt surreal. Her husband was the marquess, a man who had married her despite her tarnished reputation, who was not only breathtakingly handsome but also kind, intelligent, and irresistibly seductive.

The act of consummating their marriage was far more pleasurable than she'd ever imagined. Everything just felt to good to be real. Too perfect. 

She shut her eyes, pulling the covers closer around her. This was real. There was nothing to worry about... and yet a small voice inside her persisted, urging her to be wary.

Shaking off the unwelcomed anxiety, she resolved not to let it ruin her morning. After all, it had started off so wonderfully. 

After finally rousing herself from the bed, she enjoyed a soothing bath and allowed the servants to pamper her. The morning concluded on a delightful note as she indulged in a hearty breakfast.

Meanwhile, Armand had already arranged a carriage that would take her to her mother's home. As she arrived outside the new mansion, she was met at the door by her mother. Helena's smile was broad and warm, but a flicker of concern danced in her eyes.

"Oh Daisy," Helena enveloped her in a warm hug, "I've missed you already, but... " Her eyes studied Daisy, an edge of worry creasing her brow, "Should you be here? Aren't you still in the newlywed phase?"

"It's alright, mother. Rhain is at work," Daisy assured her, dispelling any concerns about interrupting her marital duties.

Leading Daisy inside, Helena's influence on her new home was evident, with touches of her personality adorning the sprawling residence.

"Do you enjoy the new place?" Daisy asked as they settled into the parlor.

"I love it, but I'm still getting used to the size," Helena confessed, her voice echoing a touch of loneliness in the expansive home. Daisy made a mental note to visit more often.

"And how are things for you?" Helena probed, her gaze sharp with maternal instinct.

"Good," Daisy answered, but the hesitant tone in her voice betrayed her.

Helena's brows knitted together, "That doesn't sound convincing. Is he …"

"No." Daisy was quick to quell her mother's fears. "He is very good, mother. It's just... it all feels too good. I can't quite explain it."

Understanding dawned in Helena's eyes, "Oh, Daisy, don't let your doubts tarnish this happiness. It is good because you deserve it."

Daisy sighed, grateful for her mother's reassurance. It felt as though she needed it. 2

She spent the rest of the day immersed in different activities, chatting, dining, and tending to the garden. As their conversation flowed, they touched on the events of the wedding day, and Rhain's enigmatic friend, Tiberius, became a topic of discussion. Daisy could tell from the soft blush that dusted her mother's cheeks as she spoke about him that she liked him and he had visited her since the wedding.

"He is very charming, but… I can't understand what he wants from me," Helena confessed.

"You," Daisy said.

"I am old, Daisy," Helena countered.

"So is he," Daisy replied matter-of-factly.

"But it's not the same. He could easily find much younger women," Helena argued.

Daisy resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the familiar tune of this argument. "Maybe he prefers the allure of maturity, wisdom, and kindness," she suggested.

Her mother shook her head, skepticism lining her features, "Nothing is going to happen. He should not waste his time."

Daisy felt a surge of frustration. She knew what her mother meant. People would scorn her if she got remarried at this age with a daughter who was already married. Daisy wanted to tell her mother not to worry about it but she did worry about Tiberius. 

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