No one has to know

Chapter 7

Thorough the day Catherine and Bash reverted back to stolen glances, only now they weren't trying to hide them from each other, only from everyone else. With each time that they ran into each other, accidental or otherwise, it became increasingly harder to hide their emotions. Catherine was beginning to worry someone would notice.

Finally, it was time for her to meet Bash in the garden. When she got there, he was already waiting for her. She took a look around, just in case, before greeting him with a kiss.

"I do believe this was the longest day of my life, although it was most definitely worth the wait." Bash said as she pulled back. He took her hand and they sat.

"I agree, it was a rather...frustrating day. And that's what worries me. It's only been one day and it's already difficult. I'm afraid we are in over our heads." she said.

"Are you looking for a way out?" he asked.

"No, no I'm not, I just don't know how this is supposed to work. I don't even know how to act around you, I mean when other people are around of course. And Mary has already picked up on your strange behavior this morning. Luckily I was able to make an excuse." she explained.

"That was my fault, I should have been more careful. I wasn't thinking. I find it difficult to think when I'm near you." he said running a thumb over her hand. She placed her other hand on his cheek and he closed his eyes leaning into it. Then he moved it down to his lips and kissed her fingers. "It may seem daunting now, but we will figure it out. I promise."

"I do hope you're right." she moved her hands to his. "I don't want this to end up being a terrible regret." there was a short pause and then he changed the subject.

"I brought a token of my own for you to call upon me with." he said pulling out a coin from his jacket. He looked her over. "Although you don't seem to have any pockets for me to slip it into." she grinned at him.

"Don't even think about it." she joked. She took the coin with one hand and leaned into kiss him again, both smiling as she did.

Later that night Catherine was getting ready for bed when she heard a strange sound. She stood up quickly and turned towards the noise. She picked up a letter opener and held it defensively. Just then came out from the shadows. Catherine jumped and almost screamed.

"What on earth? What are doing? You scared me half to death. How did you even get in here?" she said putting down the letter opener and lightly tapping his chest with the back of her hand.

"Well I thought about what you said. And well...coming and going from each others rooms could become rather conspicuous. So I found a path through the passageways." he informed her. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"The passageways? Is that safe?" she said a bit worried.

"Well there are some parts that aren't, but the ones I used are, I assure you." he said putting a hand on her arm.

"So then you can just break into my room whenever you want?" she said.

"No. But I can break into your room whenever you want." he said putting his arms around her waist. She grinned up at him.

"I see. Well since you're already here..." she said leaning in for a kiss. Bash tightened his grip a bit and ran a hand up her back to rest behind her neck while hers stayed at his waist. He led her to the bed and sat her down.

"Is that all you want from me?" she said mostly joking. Bash grinned.

"You think this is all about what I want?...Well let me show you how wrong you are." he said kneeling in front of her. He ran his hands under her nightgown, up her legs, slowly lifting it as he went. He placed a trail of kisses starting from her knee and going up the inside of her thigh until he reached his destination. Catherine's face flushed with anticipation. Placing one of her legs over his shoulder he began pleasuring her with his mouth. Catherine's eyes shut tight and she grasped at the sheets. She moaned and her hips arched up. Her whole body was on fire. She ran her hand through his hair and then pulled back from him.

"I think you've sufficiently proved your point, but you should finish this the right way." she said pulling him up to face her. He grinned.

"If that's what pleases you." he said then began kissing her neck as she yanked at his belt. They continued on to make love to each other, this time more confidently. No longer letting the caution they held the first time slow them down.

When they were finished, they held each other and talked for awhile, until it became apparent Bash needed to be leaving soon. They were both laying on their sides facing each other. Bash was playing with Catherine's hair while her head rested on his other arm.

"I wish I didn't have to go. If only that I could wake up with you in my arms." he said. Catherine didn't reply. She only stroked his face with a slightly pained expression. "Although, I imagine if I could stay, we would not be sleeping." he added. She breathed out a small laugh at that and nestled her head further into the crook of his arm.

"You confound me. You're young and gallant, and you could have almost any woman you wanted. Yet you choose me. What kind of sense that makes I don't know." she said putting a hand on his arm.

"I think it would make far less sense if hadn't. You are fierce as you are lovely. And I've never seen someone protect the ones she loves so fervently. What about you would make me want to choose anyone else?" he explained.

"The way you speak to me." she smiled and kissed him.

"I hate to leave you in a moment as sweet as this, but it will probably be getting light soon." he informed her.

"If you must." she said running her hand through his hair one last time. He got out of bed and loosely pulled on his clothes. Catherine started to get up to see him off when he stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't get up. I want this beautiful image to be the last thing I see before I sleep." He sat on the edge of the bed and kissed her goodnight. Then quietly slipped into the passageways