Adeline's fingers trembled as she held onto the paper. She lifted her head from the results, and then back to Elias. With parted lips, she stared at him, unable to form a single sentence.

Suddenly, he snatched the paper from her hand and placed it onto the table. He smirked down at her, arrogant and haughty, knowing she was indebted to him for getting the results so quickly.

"Thank you," she finally said.

"Actions speak louder than words," he responded.

Elias bent down and brought her into his arms, blankets and all. He lifted her and headed for the bed. He heard her heartbeat rise faster with each step he took until she was on the break of a heart attack.

"Show me you're thankful." Elias tossed her onto the bed, where she quickly sat upright before he could even do anything. He simply laughed at her pathetic attempt, knowing he could easily push her onto the bed.

He leaned forward, one knee resting on the bed, and the other planted on the ground. He gingerly grabbed her chin, pulling her face up towards him.

"With your body," he whispered in her ear, before kissing the corner of her mouth.

Elias heard her sharp intake of breath and felt her trembling finger touch his shirt. She always liked to touch that part, bunching the material with her hands, the same way she'd grab the blankets and writhe in pleasure, searching for a distraction.

Her other hand softly touched his jawline, as if he'd break under her fingertips. He nearly laughed at the idea of her human fist doing any damage to him. Slowly, he sat upon the bed, waiting for her to do something, anything.

"C-can't we wait until marriage?" she softly whispered.

Elias raised a brow. What did she think he meant?

Hearing his silence, Adeline's heart skipped. She leaned forward a bit, until she was slightly seated upon his lap. She held onto his shirt tighter, hoping it'd give her control over her anxiety.

Adeline kissed his jawline, wishing it'd appease his hunger, but it only seemed to stoke the flames.

His fingertips pressed into her naked upper back, traveling lower and lower, until it slipped under the blankets.

She swallowed, feeling her body begin to hum with warmth. Soon, both of his hands were under the blankets, grasping her waist, squeezing it.

"I want more than that, darling."Adeline had never learned how to kiss a man. None of her books mentioned how… She tried to think of what he always did. She shifted into his lap and rested both of her hands upon his face. Then she pecked his lips, only to hear his taunting chuckle.

"Is that all you've learned from me, darling? How disappointing."

She knew it was a mindless provocation, but it still infuriated her. Without warning, she captured his lips, kissing him gently at first. Then, she slightly opened her mouth, and angled his face as she pleased, putting more pressure. She heard his low growl of approval, his hands beginning to wander.

"Is it still disappointing?" she softly whispered for a split second, only to kiss him again.

She licked his bottom lip and slid her tongue inside, feeling his warmth for once. She took his tongue and softly sucked, before pulling out and kissing him harder. He groaned in response, pulling her even closer towards him. She felt something hard press against her thigh, like a rock or a tent…

Her body unconsciously moved on its own, filling with heat, as warmth gathered in her lower abdomen. She straddled him, naked and all, instinctively knowing exactly what he wanted.

He was certainly surprised when she pushed him onto the bed and kissed his jawline. His fingers dug into her waist for control, but she gently suckled upon his neck, nipping as he did, then kissing as he did.

"Goodness, Adeline," he breathed out.

Adeline wanted to tease him even more, the same way he teased her. But he slid his large hand behind her head and pressed her face into the nook of his neck.

"T-that's enough, darling."

It was the first time Adeline heard him stutter. But it wasn't the first time she felt his control being tested, nor was it the first time he wanted to enter her. She simply smiled and hugged him with one arm whilst the other played with his hair.

"Did I learn from my lesson?" she softly taunted him. His chest rumbled when he chuckled and kissed the side of her head.

"You've learned lots."

Adeline finally registered their position. She was lying flat on him, all of her assets pressed upon his clothed body. Her thighs straddled him, her bottom pressing dangerously close to his friend. She shifted her hips, only to hear his quiet groan.

"If you'd like to wait until marriage," he gritted out. "You better behave yourself."

He sounded like a starved beast. Or perhaps, a man under the scorching desert sun, and she was his droplet of sweet nectar.

"What do you mean?" she innocently asked, continuing to move her waist. "I was just adjusting to a comfortable position…"

"Fuck's sake."

Elias aligned her womanhood directly upon his hardened member. She froze, her eyes widening. Even through the fabric, she could feel it growing, pulsating even. Her heart skipped and her stomach fluttered.

"Just keep in mind, darling. Only thin fabric separates us, and I will not hesitate to rip my clothes off."Adeline settled down. She stopped moving, and allowed him to adjust her body so that he would be a lot more comfortable.

"My clothes," she finally said.

She heard his quiet chuckle. "I'll tell the maids to fetch it while I take a bath."

Adeline slowly nodded.

"You'll join me."

Adeline's head snapped up. She rose from her position and viciously shook her head. "No—"

"I've already seen everything to be seen. And I like every part of it."

"That's not it," she hissed.

"Wouldn't you like to see every part of me?" he teased.

Adeline's thoughts flashed to his firm abdomen. She thought about the powerful eight ridges he had, his chiseled chest glowing with health, the clench of his muscles as water droplets slid towards the sharp lines dipping into...

"No!" she blurted out. "No, I don't."

Elias loudly laughed, sending her face blushing red. "You'll like it, darling. I'm sure."

"E-even if I like it, it's improper."

"As if teasing me and then not giving it to me isn't improper. Why do you think I need a cold bath?"

"A cold bath…?"

Elias rolled his eyes. He sat upright, forcing her to come along with him. She was seated upon his lap, his blankets resting upon her shoulders

"I'll have the maids bring your clothes. Go and take a warm bath before I regret my decision."

Adeline wondered where he planned on taking his shower. Only when she stepped into this bathroom, with his blanket pressing onto her chest like a dress, did she get her answer.

His bathroom was enormous, and could effortlessly pass as a bedroom. There was a large bathtub seated near the windows, but a sleek, folding partition was placed there for privacy. The bathtub could fit an entire family and their children.

Directly near the bathtub, on the other side of the bathroom was an enormous see-through shower. For some reason, there was a black obsidian platform inside of it, as if it was meant for… sitting?

"You'll enjoy the show."

Adeline jumped when he placed his hands upon her shoulders. She gulped, wondering what he meant by that. She turned around, realizing he was naked. Mortified and not wanting to look anymore, even though her eyes said otherwise, she rushed to the bathtub, followed by his taunting laughter.

"I'll certainly enjoy mine, darling." magic