Read Chapter 9 Episode 9 - Love Beyond

I realize what day it is before I even open my eyes, before I fully escape comatose. I'm cold, colder than when I fell asleep. And before I even look, I know Henry is not in the bed with me. There's a lump in my throat as I realize how much I wanted his arms to be around me this morning, as they were last night. How much I want him here.

I open my eyes, slowly, raising a hand to my face, pushing my hair back. The room is dully lit. My alarm hasn't even gone off so it must not even be seven. My hand stops on my skull when I feel a strong gaze, and my heart picks up immediately. My eyes flicker forward and to my relief, Henry is there, sitting in the loveseat, watching me. His index finger is pressed up against his lips in silent contemplation. He doesn't smile when he knows I see him, he doesn't move. So I don't either, frozen by the tickling atmosphere.

Even from my spot, I see the wheels turning in his brain. Why he's up, why he's been staring at me, why he hasn't spoken are the only questions that begin churning in my head. His hand drops down onto his lap and he nods, not to me but himself. He breathes in, clasping his hands together.

"Don't go, Mia."

I gape slightly, knowing there's no joking here. He's serious. "H-Henry..."

"I will figure out a way to get out of my engagement. I will do that, because I can't bear to see you get on that plane. I can't bear to think that I'll never see you again." I swallow, watching as he holds his hands out, fingers flared as he thinks. "I-I know we just met. I know it will be hard. I know we barely know one another but we will have time for that if you just... if you stay."

He stands up, walking over to the bed. He takes my hand immediately. "I think there is something here, something important, Mia. F-For once in my life, I want something."

When he lifts my hand to his mouth, kissing my palm tenderly, I feel palpitations. I'd be a fool to leave him. I'm a fool to stay. I realize if I say yes, my faith in this relationship has to be true. I have to believe this is more than what we've let this be.

"I want you," he whispers.

My head is moving up and down slowly before I know it as I gape, trying to speak. "O-Okay."

His lips purse slightly, as if he's trying to comprehend what I said. He chuckles warmly, squeezing my hand just a little tighter. "Okay?"

I'm having a hard time breathing when I nod, more confidant this time, reaching out to clasp his jaw. "I'll stay, Henry."

His hands reach out, clasping onto the curve of my waist, pulling me closer to him. I hear a soft chuckle come from his lips as he presses his forehead onto my shoulder. I run my hands over the newly-formed stubble growing over his skin, closing my eyes emotionally, trying to understand what I just agreed to.

...

I've got my suitcase contents spread out on the bed before me. I stare down at them in curiosity. My life right now consists of a few outfits, a brush, toothbrush, and my makeup. Oh, I can't forget my ridiculously heavy gown either.

That's it. That's all I have with me in London. And I've just told a man I'd stay here, with him. I place my hand on my forehead, rubbing deeply. My god, Mia. You don't even have two thousand dollars in your bank account.

I have to get a job. Like soon. I can't believe I'm actually considering this. My eyes zone in on my cell phone for the fifth time this hour. Ida is imagining me on a plane right now. I have to call her and tell her... however, I know it's going to be a fight. A bad one.

I've told Henry I'm staying though. And I know I'm not willing to leave him so the phone call is inevitable. I reach for my cell, pressing on my most recent caller and lift the phone to my ear, shuffling in place nervously. She picks up on nearly the first ring. "Mia, aren't you supposed to be on the plane?"

"I'm not coming back... yet," I say, immediately, just wanting to get the worst over with.

"What do you mean not coming back?"

"I'm staying here, for a while. I'm not sure how long."

"Because of that man? Mia," she utters, her tone reproachful.

"Ida, I know it's sudden and I know it's impulsive but I'm happy here, with him. And there's nothing for me in Queens right now other than a job in retail."

"Except the only family you have is here."

"I know. And I'm still going to come back, just not right now."

"Mia, you barely know this man."

"I know. Ida, it's not like I'm moving in with him. This just- it feels right, with him. And I don't want to cut this short."

"So, what? You're going to get a job, an apartment there? You're going to transfer your dollars to pounds? I mean, Jesus Christ, Mia!"

I breathe in, garnering the little courage I have. "I'm twenty-six years old, Ida. I can decide where I want to live."

"You're staying for a man! A man, Mia! You have a bedroom here!"

"I will still send you money to help pay for it. I know you can't afford it all on your own... But I want this. Ida, this could change my life."

"You're playing with fire," Ida states, angrily. "You're giving him all the power."

"He asked me to stay and I said yes, and that's it. There were no power games, no tricks. He likes me, I like him, that's all."

"Look, I can understand moving when you love someone. But, you don't love this man. You just met him. What if he leaves you in a few days? You'll have a job and apartment in London."

"Then, I will have a job and apartment in London."

The line is quiet for a moment. "Mia, you and I have never been apart for long. I don't like this. I can't help you there. You will be completely on your own!"

"I will still call, Ida. It's not like this is goodbye. And of course, I'm going to come home soon. I'm just taking some more time here."

She exclaims loudly in anger and I pull the phone away from my ear, eyes wide. "I can't believe this. I promised your sister I'd take care of you! That I'd remain close to you through your life, protect you!"

"You have !"

"And now you're making me break that promise!"

"No, I'm not, Ida."

"You are, Mia. Nothing good can come from a relationship started from paperwork. From a relationship that forces you to give up your basic rights. You seem to gravitate towards men that require this from you!"

"What does that mean?"

"Why can't you just date a normal man?"

"I didn't go searching for this, Ida. It found me. He found me. He came to me and I've grown to deeply care for him, much more than I had expected."

"Just a couple days ago you were telling me this wasn't going to work out."

"I don't know if it will!" I shout, frustrated. "I don't! But don't you think I have the right to find something real? Something good? Ida, I've never felt this way before. Not for John, not for anybody." She doesn't answer. I grow nervous quickly. "Ida, I love you... and I'm sorry. I know you're worried-"

"No, hey. You have to make mistakes in life. I have to get to work, Mia. I'll talk to you later."

"Ida." There's no answer.

I hold the phone out in front of my face, jaw hung open when I realize she hung up on me. She hung up on me...

I place the phone down onto the bed gently, surprised by how quickly the axis to my world shifts. Ida and I have always been close, I've always been grateful to her for everything she's done for me. I knew this would be a blow but never in a million years did I think she'd be this opposed to me leaving Queens. This opposed to me following my heart, apart from my head. I don't want the sensible thing. Henry was right, I do think too much. I do take the easy way out, hoping to preserve my heart.

But I don't want to live like that. And being here, I know he won't let me live like that. I barely know him and I'm already sure of it.

This is the right thing. I nod to myself, reaching for my clothing to put into the drawers. This is what I want.

...

I exit the Bentley, still awed by the enormity of the Kensington Apartments. Henry is leaning against the railing to the stairs in front of his home, hands tucked into his dress pants. Ivan shuts the car door behind me, nodding to my thanks.

Henry starts towards me, stunning me with a wide smile. I get to him as fast as I can, having been waiting all day for this moment.

"I've been waiting for this moment all day," he murmurs, reaching me. I nod, flushing when he kisses my cheek.

"Me too."

"How did the call to your aunt go?" he asks as we make our way over to his apartment.

"It went fine," I lie, smiling. "How was the brunch?"

"Well, considering the fact that my brother and Prime Minister spoke of their chess days for a good portion of the time, I'd say I was seconds away from sleeping in the bisque. Then brunch turned into golf. Then golf turned into dinner. I left when they brought out the chess board."

I laugh, shaking my head. "It sounds like you may have actually missed me more than I missed you today."

He opens his front door, holding it open. "That's a given in any day."

"I don't think so," I hum, stepping into his apartment. "I have more free time on my hands at the moment."

He shuts the door. "That is true."

I gasp, smiling in shock when his arms come around my waist, pulling me to him in one swift movement. I close my eyes when he kisses my shoulder. The moment is incredibly delicate.

"Would you like some wine?" he asks, after a moment, letting me go.

"Love some."

"White? Red?"

"White, please. I'm not a fan of reds."

"Too bitter?" he asks, headed towards the kitchen. I follow him, knowing it's a long way from the living room. One thing I notice is there are no maids around. No butler. I lean against the door to the kitchen, watching as he reaches for two wine glasses, holding the stems between in fingers in one hand. He grabs the wine from a cooler with the other.

"Usually, yes. I like sweet more than anything."

"That makes sense," he replies, kissing me chastely on the lips, smiling softly. "And why is that?"

"Because you're sweet."

"That's unbelievably cheesy." I laugh, shaking my head.

"Yes, it was. Come on, let's go to the living room."

"Which one?" I ask, knowing he's got three sitting spaces.

"Here," he says. I grab two parting doors, pulling them open, which leads to another section of his apartment. I shake my head.

"This place is never-ending."

"It can sometimes feel like that," he says, walking to set the glasses onto the glass table in the middle of the room.

"Can I ask why there's no one here?"

"You mean the staff?"

"Yeah."

"I don't have a around the clock staff like my brother. I like to be alone. They come during meal times and have a adjoining place on the grounds, in case I need them. Other than that, I like to feel like I'm not being watched."

"Do you feel like they watch you?"

"Everyone watches me, Mia," he says, chuckling, although I don't think he finds it funny at all. "I go on the street, I go to get coffee, I go running, and someone is always following me. And the pictures are on social media within seconds."

"That's what happens when you're gorgeous," I add and he smirks, rolling his eyes. He looks down then, at his pants and pulls out his cell. By the way he looks at the number, closing his eyes in distain, I know he has to take it.

"I'll be right back," he murmurs, kissing my cheek before standing. I take the time he's gone to open the wine and pour. I'm four sips into mine when he walks back into the room, looking shaken. Like deathly pale.

I sit up, suddenly aware. "Henry?"

He rubs his forehead, clearly lost in thought. "I'm sorry, Mia. I have to go. Something important came up. Um, I shouldn't be late."

"Oh, okay," I utter, standing slowly. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, it's going to be fine."

"Okay... let me get my purse before I go."

"No, stay," he says, clasping my face. I blink at how quickly he kisses my lips and walks for the door. "I won't be gone too long."

I frown, still staring at the empty doorway, unsure of what to do. Unsure of what that was.

...

I sit up in the bed when I hear footsteps in the hall. I've been lying here since ten and it's just hitting two in the morning. The door opens, letting in light into the dark room. He sees me awake but doesn't smile. His tie is undone, dangling around his neck.

"Henry?" I whisper softly, when he removes his tie and jacket by the window. He's staring out and from my spot, with only the moon to light the room, I can see the rigidness of his spine. I push aside the covers when he doesn't answer me, stepping onto the ground. I come up behind him, resting a hand on his back. I rub gently, but he doesn't relax.

"What happened?" I ask, nervously. I rest my cheek against his back when he doesn't answer yet again, worried now. His arms are crossed but I still manage to wrap my arms around his waist. "Hen-"

He turns, at an unnatural speed, clasping my face tightly. He consumes my lips with his, taking my gasp for breath as a chance to enter me with his tongue. He's breathing heavily against my mouth as he pulls back, opening his eyes slowly. I stare up at him, my hands rested against his chest.

"I don't want to talk about it right now," he whispers, weakly. "I want to lose myself in you completely. Help me forget."

My mouth gapes slightly as I stare at him with uncertainty. He runs his thumb down my cheek, looking lost somewhere far away. I lift my hand to his face, pushing back his hair, letting the softness of it drift between my fingers slowly. He turns his cheek into my palm, closing his eyes.

"I'm here," I answer, with a wary nod. He reaches for my pajamas, grasping onto the top button of my shirt. I watch as he undoes each button until he's at the bottom. His fingers grasp each side and he pulls it open, grazing his lips gently along the skin above my collarbone. Bending down, his lips drift further, his hand grasps my breast. My eyes close in pleasure as his tongue runs down along my stomach and when his fingers grasp the sides of my pants, bringing them down. I step out of them with his help, removing the shirt completely as well. When he straightens, we leave the pile of clothing, moving towards the bed.

"Sit down," he breathes, reaching for his belt. I lean back comfortably, watching him strip. In the glowing moonlight, his muscles are extenuated, thick and masculine. My mouth goes dry as he removes his briefs, his last article of clothing, dropping them onto the ground, straightening to dazzle me even further with a full view of him. The soft waves of his dark hair lie over his forehead, parted perfectly even though he's been out all day.

My body reacts as he bends down, getting down onto his knees, his hands clasping beneath my knees, spreading my legs further apart. My breaths are now gasps as he pulls me closer to the edge so his mouth is aligned with my sex. Hands pressed to the bed, I watch as he lays soft, quick kisses along the inner parts of my thighs, leading up to my excitement.

"You're glistening," he utters, his piercing blues leaving my sex, resting on my wanting gaze. My body is already trembling, I don't even know how it's possible. I'm not nervous. I simply want him too much, my nerves are reacting to every sound he makes, every caress he pleasures me with. I would think I'd be embarrassed by his brazen words, instead I'm invigorated. I'm glad he knows what he does to me.

I bite my lip, drunk with need. "Taste me."

He smirks, and his hands slide upwards, until they're beneath my thighs, holding my legs in place. His head lowers down onto me and I exhale shakily, unable to stop my eyes from rolling into the back of my skull. His expert tongue glides along my slit until his lips close around my clitoris, shocking every nerve in my body.

"Henry," I breathe, with difficulty. He's taking his time, rolling his tongue over me, slowly showing me the extent of his experience, which is impressive. I bring my hand to his head, running my fingers through his hair, shamelessly rocking my hips onto his face, unable to help it. His fingers dig into my thighs as they begin to tremble, my build up approaching fast. My grip tightens on his locks and he groans, vibrating my entire lower half, making me call out. I fall apart within seconds, barely able to breathe. I have to place both hands onto the mattress to keep myself upright as he makes my orgasm last for all it's worth, flicking his tongue over the sensitive area over and over again until my hands reach for his face.

I clasp his jaw on both sides, bringing him back to me. He leans over me, kissing my lips deeply. His tongue tastes of my excitement. He's breathing heavily, having worked hard to make me feel good. My hand goes to his cock, which is erect between us. He pulls on my lip with his teeth, making me gasp as I slide my grip over him, loving the feel of him beneath my fingers. His eyes go dark as I lift one of my hands to my mouth, running my tongue along it before I bring it back down onto him, sliding it over him to make my contact feel smoother.

"Christ, Mia," he breathes against my mouth, clasping my face. I watch his eyes as they close, tightly in pleasure. When he opens them again, his lips meet mine with so much force, I practically fall backwards.

"Stand up," he commands, breaking apart from me once more. I stand onto my feet, looking up as he grabs my arms, turning my body so my back is towards him. I hear the drawer open and the tearing of a condom wrapper. In mere moments, he presses his body to mine, moving me forward until my knees hit the bed and rests one hand on my back, so my torso is flat against the bed. I press my cheek into the comforter, humming when his lips caress my back.

He enters me with a quick thrust, knocking the breath from my lungs.

"Fuck me," I gasp, in shock as he grasps my shoulder with one of his hands, my hip with his other and rocks into me again, this time deeper. I hear a noise escape my lips, deep and utterly strange as his pace picks up, not yet punishing but strong, splitting thrusts. Already lost in an unworldly amount of pleasure, I'm then pleased when he lets go of my shoulder and leans forward, kissing the nape of my neck, letting his hands slide down my sides, exploring and teasing. He pulls out of me, as he feels I'm getting closer and I feel his hands grip my hips and within seconds, I'm spun onto my back, gaping in shock as he clasps my face with one hand, devouring my lips as he enters me again easily, moaning deeply.

He's bent over my body, grinding his hips into mine, knowing exactly where to hit so I tense up, my anticipation growing. And I'm desperate. I'm so desperate you'd think I hadn't just had a earth-shattering orgasm. He smiles when I moan, he watches when I can't keep my eyes open or my mouth shut any longer. It urges him on.

I wrap my arms around his shoulders, running my teeth along his shoulder, teasing the area as his fingers tangle into my hair, gripping. He pulls my head to the side, so my neck is exposed to him. His lips caress my throat, his breath warm against the skin.

"Henry, oh god," I whisper, feeling my body begin to tense, awaiting pleasure. His mouth leaves my neck, pulling back till he can look at me. He pushes my damp hair from my eyes, clasping the nape of my neck. He grunts, thrusting deeper, staring into my eyes.

And watching him sends me over the edge for the second time.

"Fuck, fuck, fu-" I repeat, unable to finish my words as I lose all sense of anything, only able to focus on the pleasurable pain of my orgasm. He stills, only releasing a strangled gasp as he finds the unspeakable pleasure with me.

We tremble against each other as we slowly come down from our highs, letting our hands explore each other's sensitive bodies. Still struggling for breath, he slides a hand beneath me, lifting me up against him as if I weigh nothing. I wrap my legs around his body, pressing my lips to his waiting ones. He sits down onto the edge of the bed, pulling me closer, my knees against his hips. His fingers are spread wide, gliding down the length of my back as we kiss, tenderly, feeling the intimacy of the moment.

And if I hadn't already known it before, this the point of no return for me.

...

In the process of turning throughout the night, my hand grazes the mattress beside me, searching for his warmth. However, I end up with just cool fabric. My eyes part slowly, in search for Henry. They find him almost immediately, he's standing on the balcony, in just a pair of pajama pants. He's leaning against the railing, looking out over the grounds.

I'm pulling the sheet from the bed, wrapping it around myself as I make my way over to where he is. As I get closer, I notice he's got a cigarette between his fingers. I stop by the door, feeling out of familiar territory.

"Hi," I finally say. He turns slightly, looking at me. His eyes are clouded as he smiles, softly.

"Hi, what are you doing up?"

"The bed was cold without you."

"I'm sorry. I'll be back in a bit."

He turns, back to the stance he was in before. I shuffle to each foot at the door.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I ask hesitantly.

He sighs. "Not really."

"Does it have to do... with us?"

"No. Nor Annabelle, if you were going to ask."

"I wasn't."

"Okay," he replies. He's not yet curt, but it's obvious I'm intruding on his thoughts. So, I turn, making my way back over into the bedroom. Lying down, I can't help but keep glancing over to the balcony, worriedly.

What made him like this? What if he's lying? What if it is about us?

I clutch my pillow, hoping to find a way back to sleep. However, it doesn't come. And almost thirty minutes later, I finally hear the doors to the balcony close. The bed beside me sinks. After a moment of complete silence, the mattress moves again as he slides closer to me, bringing his arm over mine, entwining his fingers with mine beside the pillow. I smile to myself as he plants a gentle kiss on my shoulder before his head rests behind mine on the pillow.

And I can close my eyes.

To be continue.

Chapter 9 Episode 9

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