“Emmaline?”

“Mm?”

A gentle kiss sent currents of electricity down her spine, and before she knew it, she closed her eyes in pleasure once more, a soft moan escaping her lips as she savoured the simple little act. When she finally opened her eyes, she found herself staring into the depths of Henry’s cobalt blue eyes, the colour becoming exceptionally bluer with emotions.

“Don’t think.”

“I didn’t think.” She objected.

“Yes, you did.” Came the smug reply.

From then on, her voice stopped to obey her. The magic of Henry’s intense gaze had numbed her, and both of her hands going limped as she waited and waited, daring not to breathe as he lowered his face and brushed her lips with his own experimentally.

Warmth pooled in the pit of their stomach as they roamed each other’s lips languorously. They increased only their exploration after the other was comfortable. Henry nibbled on Emmaline’s lower lips as she circled her arms around his neck, drawing him closer. Smiling against his lips, Emmaline savoured the remaining taste of chocolate, licking them earnestly.

“Sweet, sweet Henry…” she whispered the words for his ears only, her smile turned into a grin when she caught his puzzled expression.

“Like chocolate?” he finished the sentence for her, drawing soft giggles from her.

Running the tip of her pink tongue along the barrier of his teeth, she slipped her hand under his garb, feeling the warmth of the skin beneath. Sucking a great deal of cold air, Henry kept his eyes open as he stroke Emmaline’s tongue with his own, thrusting and intertwining, caressing the velvety wall of her mouth. He groaned against her lips, as the blood in his veins pulsed wildly, tightening one fist on her golden tresses. His other hand circled her waist as he rose to his feet at the same time, bringing her weight up with him.

Guided by instincts, she clung to him desperately, raising her legs and circling them securely around Henry’s waist. Her own breath low and ragged, her arms locked Henry’s next, refusing to let go as her mouth hungrily sought for his. She never knew how a simple kiss could burn her mind into oblivion.

Emmaline hated to break the kiss, but she knew somebody had to stop before they did something they regretted. She reluctantly pulled away from the kiss. She almost smiled as she gazed back wistfully at the longing and disappointment in Henry’s eyes. Henry kept their eyes locked as he balanced her in his arms, steadying her up on her feet.

“Again. Emmaline.” her heaving chest and flushing cheeks were adorable, and her red and swollen lips made him want for more. His husky command tempted her to submit to her desire, but she shook her head instead.

“No. Enough of this.” her answer was firm. “I need you to answer my question seriously.”

Henry’s hands never left her waist, but finally part of his seriousness returned. “I really don’t know, Em. This is all new to me. But wait, please hear me until the end. I’m still young, and I didn’t even know what to make of myself. Raoul was the heir, and Patrick was set to assist him, but as the third child, there was no expectation on me at all. I was still searching. For myself.”

“But I know I care for you a great deal. I have always been since we were very young. And I know the ‘me’ right now wouldn’t be able to think of you as a little sister anymore. Just think of the kiss we have just shared.”

A giggle answered his bashful statement. Henry ignored it and took both Emmaline’s hands in his, “You’re an intelligent woman, Em. You always know what you want, and once you come of age, I’m sure my father would be willing to mentor you in how to manage your inheritance. As for me, I am just a third son, and –“

Arm crossed, Emmaline gave him a look of disbelief. “Yes, you are. But who cares? I think we’re perfect for each other. We entertain each other.”

Henry attempted his straightest face and failed miserably. “Ah, really?” One of the corners of his lips quirked.

“At least we won’t bore each other to death.”

Letting out an exaggerated sigh, Henry drew out his answer, “I suppose…”

A finger stopped him in mid-sentence. “We can grow together, Hen. I know it will take some time, but I don’t mind. Let’s take our time and meet in the middle. Slowly.”

Henry rewarded her with a bashful grin. Intertwining their fingers together, he gave her a long sideway glance and asked, “So, from friends to lovers?”

“Lovers?? You haven’t even said you loved me!”

Sucking a deep breath, Henry pretended to be thinking, “But we kissed! What else do you need as proof?”

A not-so-friendly smack on his arm.

“Aw, alright, alright! I do love you! There, happy?”

Emmaline’s smile deepened, and the trouble in her eyes was suddenly clear. “Lovers.” She gave her heartfelt agreement, tightening her own hold on Henry’s hands.

“Urrk…I can’t even imagine my family’s reaction. Raoul would be devastated.”

For a moment an uncomfortable silence reigned, brows furrowed as they looked into each other’s eyes.

“That’s alright, we can handle it.”

“That’s right. We can weather it. Raoul is not made of glass.”

And hand in hand, they open the hangar’s door only to find the sun shining, warming everything in its path. But nothing was warmer than the newly kindled hope in their hearts, and together they stepped out to face the world and the days of tomorrow together.