47

Merovech has been different - distant. I haven't seen him in over a week. We haven't shared a bed in twice that.

Everyone back home thought I was making a mistake in taking off with a strange man. Others thought I'd been bewitched. Even my sister was wary and told me I shouldn't trust him but stupid me. I chose to trust my gut - to trust our connection, and I followed him halfway around the world across the waters.

We had an agreement, an understanding. We were helping each other out. However, it looks like I ran away from one problem only to find myself in the midst of another.

I had to get out of the enclosed space of my bedroom chambers in the house of stone he called a castle. I found myself in the chilly outdoors that was currently blanketed in what they call snow. It was beautiful. I just hated that it was so cold.

It was much more bearable when Merovech was with me, his large arms wrapped around me. His scorching gaze held the power to chase away any chill I felt when I stood before him naked as the day we'd met.

I shook the thought out of my head and pondered, not for the first time, going back home. It would be quite the feat considering I had no ship of my own.

The hairs at the back of my neck stood up in warning. I looked around the dark, quiet courtyard sensing that I was not alone. I couldn't see anyone but then again, I couldn't see much in the moonlight. Instead, I listened closely, moving behind one of the large pillars.

I wasn't supposed to be out here. There had been new arrivals in the kingdom, so-called emissaries that were sent on behalf of another king further north. Merovech trusted few and told me to stay out of sight in the event they were also sent to spy.

A war had been raging for years and the intruders would soon reach their territory. They were a large army that had struck fear in the hearts of the smaller tribes. Some had defected north and pledged their allegiance to various kings while others had surrendered to the growing empire.

I was curious to know more, certain that I could be of help but Merovech refused to have me around his counsel of men when they held their meetings. So, I relied on the information he drip-fed me or whatever gossip I caught in the halls of the castle whispered among the servants.

The sound of footsteps crunching through the snow drew closer to where I stood. What if it was one of Merovech's men on patrol? I peeked around the pillar and caught sight of the brown fur coat on the giant of a man. It was not a soldier. He must be one of the visitors. I pulled back, shut my eyes and held my breath wishing I had the power to disappear.

"There you are. I thought I saw a female wandering about."

I opened my eyes and gazed into the light blue orbs of the man who had an amused smile on his face. He spoke their language with a strange tongue. Nevertheless, I could understand him.

I wasn't quite sure what to say - how to respond. I rarely spoke to people except the designated few approved by Merovech. He was rather overprotective. In times like these, I realized it put me at a disadvantage.

"Who are you?" He drew closer and I stepped back, pressed against the stone of the column. He tilted his head to the side, and I wondered if he could see me better with his dazzling blue orbs than I could see him. "Do you speak the Merovian tongue?"

"I can..." I paused not too sure how to address him.

Was he high-born with a title or one of the commoners?

My thoughts were interrupted when he wrapped a large hand around my waist and effortlessly pulled me out of the shadowy corner into the moonlight. He was as strong as he looked.

His eyes scanned my face as I looked upon his which for the most part was concealed by a heavy brown beard from his upper lip down to his neck. His hair was long and fell over his shoulders like most of the men I'd seen in these parts except his strands were braided.

I felt a little unnerved in his hold, under his gaze. If we were to be caught we'd both be in trouble. I'd seen men die for less. For both our sakes, I tried to wiggle out of his hold but he wouldn't let go.

"Where did you come from?" he asked.

*

I'm wrapped in a tight hold. A strong, clean masculine scent tickles my senses. I try to break free but he's too strong. With my eyes closed, I feel the pecks of soft lips on my face and my eyes fly open.

"Brice?" I note.

Not at all who I was expecting to see.

"Oui. Time to get out of bed. You must be hungry."

I was having one of those dreams again. I'd never paid much attention to my dreams before but over the past few months, they'd taken a sudden turn in appearance and clarity. I don't know how long I've been asleep but for some reason, I'm still tired.

"Nah ah," I shut my eyes, giving into the drugged feeling that comes with being drowsy.

"You don't want to eat?"

"No, I'm tired. Maybe later," I manage to say around a yawn.

I snuggle into the warm comfort of the bed and drift back into the last scene.

*

I slammed the door shut behind me and leaned against the heavy wooden door in relief. The feeling quickly faded when I found myself staring at Merovech who'd perched himself on my bed. His grey eyes narrowed, pinning me in place

"Where were you?"

It was only a few minutes before that I'd been missing him and thinking about when I'd see him again. If it wasn't for my encounter with the stranger I'd met in the courtyard, I'd be happy to have him here. Now, not so much. I could read the suspicion etched in his brow lines which didn't bode well for me.

I needed to relax. I let out the breath I was holding and walked further into the room, paying him no mind as I took off my coat. I noted the dinner that had been left on the table for me and wondered if the server had reported my absence. Surely, they had better things to do. Then again, they were paid to be the king's eyes and ears.

"I asked you a question."

"I could ask you the same thing," I shot back with a confidence I didn't feel.

"I am your king. You will answer me!"

"And I am not one of your subjects. You do not command me!"

He stood up and marched over to me. As intimidating as he was, I held my ground and we held each other at a stare-off. He was breathing hard with rage. My heart beat harder in fear. I wasn't sure what he would do to me. Merovech was both unpredictable and powerful. The worst part was that he didn't have to touch you to break you. I would know.

To my surprise, he grabbed my face and kissed me, crashing his lips against my own. And for a moment, I let him, even kissed him back, until I remembered my previous annoyance over his neglect. I broke it off and tried to get away from him but I couldn't. His hold over me was too strong not just physically but emotionally. He continued to trail wet kisses along my cheek and neck as his hands got under my dress.

"No..." he kept going. "STOP!" I shouted.

That got his attention. He held my face in his crushing grip and stared me down, grey eyes burning bright.

"Do you dare to deny me?"

"I didn't stutter, did I?."

I tried to get away from him a second time, but his hold tightened, becoming almost painful. The comer of his mouth lifted in a sinister smile. He was not amused. I should have listened when my elders told me my mouth would one day get me into trouble. If they could see me now. Nkosi!

"We had a deal."

"I think we're past that. You have others."

"It's not the same. I need you."

"You mean you need my power. If I don't give it to you willingly, are you going to take it from me?" I challenged.

He looked at me for a beat considering my words then let me go, almost shoving me away as if I'd burned him.

***

"Soleil? Earth to Soleil?"

It takes me a moment to register the words.

"What?" It takes me a few more to register the bread roll that lies on the counter after having bounced off me. "What the hell?"

"You've been spaced out for the past 10 minutes," says Antonella. "Did you hear a word of anything I said?"

No, I hadn't.

I'd been thinking about last night and this morning. Both making love to Brice and my dreams. I can't believe I had sex. I'm no longer a virgin.

Last night, I was elated basking in the afterglow as I lay in Brice's arms after he'd bathed me and carried me back to bed. I don't know when it happened, but I'd fallen head over heels for him. However, when I finally got up this afternoon, I felt conflicted. The snippets I'd glimpsed of our relationship from times past was proving to be more complicated than I was initially led to believe.

"I never thought I'd say this but you're just as useless as Jessica and Hailey in the kitchen," Antonella said, packing the rest of the ingredients away.

"Damn. Sorry, Nella. I just have a lot on my mind. What else do you need me to do?" I ask, putting the lone roll back in the plastic and then into the bread bin.

"Nothing, I've done it all!" she shouts, banging the cupboards shut in a display of her fiery, Italian temperament.

When she reaches for the rag to start wiping down the counters, I intervene and take her place.

We're spending the day at the beach. The guys would sort out the meat and drinks while us girls made the appetizers and sides. No one could account for Brice and Hidde's whereabouts.

Four had quickly dwindled to two. Apparently, Antonella was bossy and a nightmare to work with in the kitchen according to Hailey and Jessica who'd left us to set up on the beach. I didn't understand what they meant until I found myself playing assistant to her chef.

"My Nonna calls me Nella."

"Huh?"

"Damn! How good is Brice's dick to have you in a trance."

"What are you talking about?"

She rolls her eyes and walks over to me. Reaching for my bikini top, she adjusts the material catching me off guard.

"What are you doing?" I ask, smacking her hand away and moving out of her reach.

"I knew it! You better hope that Hailey doesn't notice that love bite or your funny little walk."

"I do not have a funny walk," I counter defensively.

Other than feeling slightly fatigued and a little tender in the nether region, I was fine.

"So, you two are fucking."

I did not want to talk about this. I hadn't told anyone yet. Having this conversation with Brice's ex's friend was awkward to say the least.

"Can we change the topic? Back to your Nonna," I coached.

Antonella shook her head and raised her hands in surrender.

"Fine. All I'm saying is to be mindful if you don't want any drama. Hailey can be... obsessive. I have no horse in this race and for the record, I don't think things between those two would have worked out all things considered. Let's leave the step-sibling romances to the novels-" she abruptly catches herself and slaps a hand over her mouth.

"Don't worry. Brice already told me."

Antonella's shoulders sag in relief.

"Thank god! That was not my place to tell. I have a big mouth which is why they don't usually let me in on secrets," she shrugs.

"Are you going to run your big mouth and tell them about your suspicions of me?"

"Bella, you confirmed my suspicions, and I won't say anything on purpose. My mouth just works faster than my brain sometimes and I tend to let things slip. I'm fantastic at referrals though if you ever need me to get word out on a project or something."

I put away that little factoid and decide to let the point go. Antonella is cool. A bit high-strung in the kitchen but otherwise not malicious.

"I think everything is back in order."

She places her hands on her hips and gives the place a once-over. "Looks good. Let's go."

She carries the basket with the pastrami sandwiches made from her Nonna's famous recipe and I carry the three containers with the salads. We arrive at the beach to find Hailey and Jessica lying on the sunbeds under the umbrellas. I share Antonella's sentiments when she rolls her eyes and mutters something in Italian.

I notice Remy from last night chatting with a new girl when we settle the food on the table.

"Hi, I'm Analise. You must be Soleil," she introduces herself.

Her smile is bright and reaches her eyes. I can tell she has a bubbly personality.

"Pleasure to meet you," I smile back. "How do you know-"

"Remy is my boyfriend," she answers before I can get the question out.

"Hey, Soleil. This looks great!" says Remy wrapping an arm around Analise while his other holds a blunt.

"Thanks to Antonella. My input was minimal."

I did some chopping and tossed the ingredients for the salad. I kind of feel bad taking any credit.

"It's nothing," Antonella waves off the compliment.

"Can we get started or are we waiting for the meat to get ready? I feel the munchies coming on."

Olivier walks up to the table and grabs a couple of sandwiches. "Thanks, ladies," he calls out around a mouthful, making his way back to the braai stand.

"I guess we can dig in then," says Remy following Olivier's lead.

I grab myself a sandwich too, having slept through breakfast. It's another hour before a couple of the boys return with the meat and drinks.

While the meat is on the grill, Baptiste suggests we play a game of touch rugby to pass the time. It will be safe for us girls since it's minimal contact and no impact.

The teams are three a side with Didier and Louis manning the grill while Jessica and Hailey opt out of playing to continue lounging. Olivier, Analise, and I are on one team. Baptise, Remy, and Antonella stand on the opposite side forming another.

It takes a while for the game to get going as Baptiste calls out every offense like an offside or forward pass. Once, I get the hang of it, I even manage to score a try. The guys are competitive. Olivier keeps calling us to the side to strategize. It would be annoying if his plans weren't working. We're 2 points ahead much to the annoyance of Baptiste who has to deal with a high, uncoordinated Remy.

I'm getting a good workout in and forget all about the pain in my coochie when my glutes and quads start to burn from all the sidestepping and running on the sand. The game is much more fun than the PE runs back at school and far less stressful. I catch the ball Analise throws and dash to the try line. I touch down the ball and high-five my teammates in celebration.

"Brice, you're on my team," I hear Baptiste say.

I look up to see Brice and Hidde making their way over to us in boardshorts. Brice is topless but Hidde has on a Hawaiian shirt with the buttons undone.

"Please, save me," says Remy placing his hands together in supplication. "He's giving me a headache. And you still owe me one."

"Common Hidde. Join us in the winner's circle," cajoles Olivier, rounding us together for another huddle.

Both approach our team. Brice's eyes are zeroed in on me. I feel his gaze like a caress from head to toe. I'm already flushed from running under the summer heat but my temperature continues to rise despite the yellow two-piece I have on.

I'm self-conscious under his stare as memories of the previous night assault me. He's undressing me with his eyes and my core flutters at the thought of his touch. When he pulls me into a kiss without a word it weeps.

I'm such a gone girl.

"I see Sleeping Beauty finally decided to wake up," says Brice when he pulls back.

I nod my head a little tongue-tied.

"Did she forget to get dressed on the way out?" he asks with his brow quirked.

I come to my senses and push him away playfully. I cannot entertain his madness. He smacks my ass when I turn around to join my team who ignore our antics.

"Just you wait 'til we get home later," he calls out in warning before making his way to the other side of the beach field.

2024 / 05 / 25

WC: 2937

Anyone rugby fans among us? I swear I was watching Eben Etzebeth more than anything during last year's World Cup 😅

Shoutout to slutty4richmen. Here's your update doll and what a username! LOL

On a serious note though...how rich are we talking? 6, 7, 8 figures? Dollars, Euros, Pounds, or the Kuwaiti dinar? 👀