Author’s Note: So I wrote this based on an obscure concept that popped into my head and Just. Wouldn’t. Leave. I had no idea it would end up being this long (seriously? 4K+ words?), but the story kept flowing and I kinda like how it ended up turning out.
Fair warning this is my first attempt at NSFW, so I’m still experimenting with this. Apparently I’m a big fan of sexual tension, as will be obvious in the story. As always I appreciate your feedback if you see opportunities for improvement (because smut deserves to be smutty, amiright?). 😂😉
I hope you enjoy and thank you for reading!
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Drake watched Emma mingle in the crowd, schmoozing the nobles as she formed new alliances. He admired how well her new role as Duchess suited her, how easily she navigated the complex political hierarchy while still remaining true to her own convictions. She had a knack for getting people to love her even when they didn’t share the same opinions . . . A knack she’d used on him not too long ago, despite his best efforts to resist her.
It had been two months and five days since the assasination attempt at the Palace. Tonight was the first formal event at the palace since the dreadful Homecoming Ball. During the two months the king and his entourage had traveled throughout Cordonia visiting the various noble families to gain support on the Unity Tour, the palace security team had remained behind to fortify their security protocols. Now, as Drake surveyed the ballroom, he counted roughly twenty-five undercover agents along with at least ten additional cameras to capture happenings in every scare inch of the room. The cameras spanned throughout the palace to monitor all of the public areas inside and out. Even in the private quarters, every room had been equipped with emergency “panic” buttons and high-pitch sound monitors to detect loud noises such as screams, glass breaking, or (worst case) gunshots. And behind the scenes . . . Drake had seen the new and improved surveillance stations situated in various wings of the palace, allowing the security team to patrol remotely and disperse quickly in the case of a crisis. All in all, the new security setup definitely eliminated Drake’s concerns that any intruders would be able to enter undetected . . . of course, he also had the eerie feeling that he was being watched at all times and couldn’t even sneeze alone in his room without someone knowing.
At least she’s safe now. Drake sighed to himself as he glanced towards Emma again. While he would gladly jump in front of a bullet for her any day, he was really hoping for more quiet and ordinary moments in between with her for a while. In fact, a lifetime sounded about perfect to him. He smiled as she looked in his direction and he caught her eye, her expression changing quickly from the cordial but professional Duchess of Valtoria to the warm smiling eyes of his Emma as she acknowledged him. Oh, I could get lost in those eyes forever.
If it had been two months and five days since the assassination attempt, then it had been two months and four days since they had been able to announce their love for one another and engagement to the world. During this time that the group had been away on the Unity Tour, Emma had begun planning the elaborate wedding that they all hoped would instill hope in the Cordonian people. She had plenty of help in the planning, of course. Her Beaumont brother Maxwell and best friend Hana had been intimately involved in all the wedding decisions, helping to select floral arrangements, color schemes and attending the cake tasting. Liam had provided endless advice for the appropriate protocols and publicity, ensuring that the wedding would represent the Cordonian nobility as it should. Even Bertrand had recommended a lovely string quartet to play during the ceremony at the royal abbey, claiming that he knew one of the musicians from his days back in prep school. Sometimes Drake felt as if it was truly all of their wedding instead of his and Emma’s . . . but he didn’t mind really, as long she met him at the end of the aisle and vowed to be his forever. All the rest of the wedding was just a means as long as she was his wife after all was said and done.
~~~~~~~~~~
With all the hustle and bustle of traveling for the Unity Tour, Emma’s new responsibilities as Duchess, and wedding planning, it had been difficult for Emma and Drake to spend any real quality time alone. Sure, they were able to attend the court functions together and enjoy themselves with their friends along the way, but their moments in between had been sparse. And while Drake was very appreciative of Emma’s new bodyguard Mara and her full security detail, this made it very challenging for either one of them to sneak around without being noticed. Drake had surprised Emma with a moonlit fishing trip in Portavira, but unfortunately the evening had ended with a “rocky” finish and both of them a little (ahem) frustrated. Their next attempted tryst on the train from Portavira to Kiara’s family estate had been interrupted by a very talkative Maxwell, who decided to pay Emma a late night visit to discuss the complex art of feng shui in regards to seating arrangements for the reception. After about ten minutes of listening to Maxwell rant about family feuds and the flow of the room, Drake couldn’t take any more and reluctantly excused himself for bed (alone).
The last time they had been able to steal a few moments away, Emma had arranged for them to take a private walk in the gardens at Olivia’s estate in Lythikos. Well, not completely private, but Mara had promised to keep her distance unless there was an emergency. While slowly walking hand in hand, Emma casually placed a soft kiss to Drake’s cheek and whispered breathily in his ear “I’ve been missing you, Drake. Have you missed me?” She quickly nipped at his earlobe, causing him to groan, before stepping back and giving him a suggestive smirk. Drake just stared at her, too filled with desire to formulate a response. Emma gently tugged his hand and pulled him with her as she stepped back against a trellis in a tucked-away corner of the garden. His hands found her hips as he pulled her body flush against him and his lips met hers in an urgent kiss. Suddenly the world around them was forgotten as they became a tangle of lips and limbs, desperate to be one. Unable to control herself, Emma released a loud moan as Drake’s hand found her damp panties . . . . apparently a moan loud enough to get Mara’s attention and warrant an “emergency”. As Mara approached, Emma and Drake scrambled to put themselves back together and catch their breath. After ensuring Mara that she was fine, Emma gave Drake a remorseful look as she reached for his hand again to begin walking back to the house. Another moment in between, stolen from their grasp.
Emma and Drake walked back towards the house in silence, disappointed at yet another missed opportunity. When they were out of Mara’s earshot, Emma mumbled disgruntledly “I’m beginning to think the universe has it out for us. Like a constant tease, telling us that we shouldn’t have sex.” Drake grunted in agreement, but did not respond. “Maybe we should take the message the heart. Maybe we shouldn’t have sex again until after the wedding?” At this, Drake stopped in his tracks and glared at her. Had he heard that correctly?
“Warner, we’ve just had some bad luck lately. It’s been hard to find any time for ourselves, let alone any time when we can really be alone. No one is trying to tell us anything, we’re just . . . busy.” He peered into her eyes, willing her to see reason and retract this ridiculous proposal. Praying that she was just kidding.
“I know Drake, but . . . it’s just got me thinking. There’s so much going on anyway, maybe we should just take sex off the table right now and focus on the tour and planning the wedding.” Emma gave him a soft smile, trying to reassure him. “I want our wedding night to be special, don’t you? A night we’ll always remember as the beginning of our life as husband and wife. It’s hard for it to be memorable if we’re hooking up at every opportunity we get.”
“Or not hooking up? This whole trip has been one long case of blue balls.” Drake mumbled grumpily under his breath.
Emma sighed and grasped his hand as they began walking again. “Trust me, it’s not that I wouldn’t love to sneak into your room every night and have my way with you . . . “ He raised an eyebrow optimistically at her, making her giggle. “I just think we should stop trying so hard. Besides, the wedding is only a month away.” He growled and looked away again, avoiding her next words. “I think we should . . . wait.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Drake snapped back to reality as he felt an arm reach through his as Emma sidled up next to him. ”Hey Handsome,” she said in a sing-song voice, “I saw you watching me.” She beamed up at him suggestively, making it hard not to grab her right there in the ballroom in front of everyone and kiss her senseless.
“So what if I was, Warner? If you didn’t want me to look then you shouldn’t distract me in that dress.” He eyeballed her from head to toe, admiring her curves in the sleek but elegant strapless black gown. She looked classy and regal, every bit the part of Duchess. “I was actually admiring how well you handle yourself out there. It’s almost like you are enjoying this.”
Emma chuckled. “I do enjoy this.” She said as she surveyed the room. “I’ve grown to love Cordonia and I want to do what I can to make a difference here. Most people never get an opportunity like this, so I want to use my position as best I can. If that involves kissing a little noble ass from time to time, I guess I’ll have to live with that.”
“Now there’s the sarcastic girl I fell in love with.” Drake place a quick peck on her forehead. “Did you come over here for that dance you promised me? Can the rest of the court spare you for a few minutes?”
“I did and they will, Mr. Walker. I’m all yours.” She placed her hand in his as he led her to the dance floor. He placed one hand on her waist and held the other in his as they began to sway gently to the soft music playing. Emma smiled as he riggedly tried to lead, but she dare not say a word at the risk that he would feel self-conscious. Drake may not be the world’s best dancer, but she loved the feel of him holding her and moving to the slow dulcet rhythm. Her nighttime dance lessons in the gardens at Madeleine’s estate had paid off as Drake was becoming more and more willing to leave the sidelines at these balls and join her on the dance floor.
Drake inhaled the scent of Emma’s hair as she hummed softly to melody. “I miss this,” he whispered quietly. “I miss being able to hold you.”
“I know, me too.” She replied gently. “Every night as I’m trying to fall asleep, I remember that night at the safe house when I slept all night in your arms. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more content in my life.” She gazed fondly into his deep brown eyes and lightly caressed his cheek with her thumb before tucking a stray piece of hair behind his ear and placing her hand back on his shoulder. “Just think . . . “ she said with a twinkle in her eye, “In less than 3 weeks we’ll be married and we’ll never have to sleep alone again.”
“I am literally counting down the days, hours and minutes, Warner.” Drake gazed intently at her before whisking her into a swift twirl as the song ended. Emma felt her breath catch in her throat at the sudden thrill of the spin and the ardent look his eyes. He brought her hand to lips and kissed it softly with a subtle nod. “Thank you for dance.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Emma stared out her balcony window at the half-moon illuminating the sky before turning to look at her clock again. 1:53 am. Hmmph, Emma growled to herself. She had been tossing and turning in her bed for hours, unable to calm herself to fall asleep. Her interaction with Drake on the dancefloor earlier that evening replayed in her mind. She felt his arm around her and remembered the smell of whiskey and soap on the lapel of his suit as he held her. This is ridiculous! She yelled internally. You’re a grown woman, about to be married . . . If you want to see your soon-to-be husband in the middle of the night, just do it. With that, she sat up with determination. Decision made.
She slipped out of bed and grabbed a robe and flip flops for her trek down the hall. As soon as she opened the door and stepped outside, she found herself face to face with Jacob, the night guard stationed outside her room. “Duchess Warner. Good evening.” He straightened to attention at her presence. “Is everything alright? How can I be of assistance?” He peered around her into the bedroom, ensuring there were no intruders or security breaches.
Emma tried to summon her most assertive and commanding voice before responding. “Good evening, Jacob. Yes, everything is fine. I just can’t sleep and wanted to take a walk to get some air.”
I’m “Yes Ma’am, I’d be happy to supervise while you take a walk.” Jacob’s face remained stoic.
“Ermm . . . . “ she stuttered. Shit, that will not work. Can’t I get a minute of peace around here!?!? Emma quickly ran through the list of pathetic excuses that popped into her head, ultimately resigning herself to the obvious excuse . . . the truth. Or the partial truth. “No, that will not be necessary. I was actually on my way to speak to Mr. Walker. I’ve been trying to finalize some of the wedding details and I really think I should discuss with him directly.”
“At two in the morning?” Jacob blurted out with a confused look. After realizing the inappropriateness of his outburst, he continued with a serious expression. “Of course, I’m sure planning a wedding is very stressful. I will just be down the hall from Mr. Walker’s room if you need anything.”
“Thank you, Jacob.” Emma tightened the sash of her robe around her waist as she brushed past him. She walked a few steps in the direction of Drake’s room before turning abruptly back to the guard. “And Jacob?”
“Yes Ma’am?”
“I’d appreciate it if you could keep this between us.” Emma tried to keep her face blank as she glared at him.
“Of course, Duchess.” Jacob answered, with maybe a hint of a smirk on the corner of his lips.
~~~~~~~~~
Emma approached Drake’s door and gingerly turned the doorknob to let herself in. Luckily (for her) he had a habit of not locking the door at night, something she would most likely chastise him for down the road after they were officially sharing quarters. She quietly closed the door and made sure to lock it behind her before tip-toeing across the room to his bed. As her eyes adjusted to the dark and she neared the bed, Emma smiled at the adorable display in front of her. Drake was lying on his stomach sprawled across the bed, with nothing but the sheet draped across his lean hips. One foot peeked out of the sheet and off the side of the bed. She watched as his bare back rose and fell with deep, steady breaths. A soft snore escaped his lips, which were pursed open and slightly smushed against the pillow. He looked completely uninhibited and beautiful . . . and in that moment Emma’s heart was completely full of love for this man.
She brushed a gentle stroke down his back as she sat down on the edge of the bed next to him. He murmured something softly under his breath and stirred, opening his eyes trying to focus on her. As he gradually woke up, he gave her sleepy grin and put his arm around her waist. “Hey Warner. What are you doing in here?”
“I couldn’t sleep. I just really wanted to be with you tonight. ”
“Of course.” Drake patted the bed next to him, yawned and stretched out his limbs as he scooted over to one side of the bed. Emma kicked off her flip flops and threw her robe across the chair before shimmying into bed beside him. She turned so that they were face to face, his arm draped delicately across her waist. “So how’d you sneak out?”
“Hmmph.” Emma chuckled. “Well, I really didn’t.” Drake raised an eyebrow inquisitively. “I, literally, ran into Jacob. I couldn’t think of a good excuse, so I told him I was stressing about the wedding and needed to talk to you. I don’t think he bought it.” She smiled and shrugged her shoulders.
“Well Jacob seems like a good guy. I’m sure he gets it. And he knows if he says anything he’ll have to deal with me.” Drake made a silly fake-aggressive face, causing Emma to laugh out loud. “Shhhh . . . .” Drake whispered, pressing his index finger against her lips. “All that lying will be for nothing if you get us busted for being loud.”
“Touché.” Emma sighed before continuing to speak. “I don’t know why I didn’t just do this before. I mean, why would my guards care where I spent the night? They’re here to protect me, not make sure I’m behaving.”
“I agree, Warner.” He leaned over a place a small kiss on her nose before settling back into the pillow. “And if I have the choice between you “behaving” or getting to sleep with you in my bed, I choose this every time.” He had a faint smile on his lips before blinking a few times, then giving into the draw of sleep and shutting his eyes.
They lay there in silence for several minutes, long enough that Emma was sure that Drake had fallen back asleep. She nestled in closer to him, savoring his scent and the rhythmic sound of his breathing. She closed her eyes and settled in for the night, finally feeling content after hours of restlessness.
She was just beginning to drift off when she felt a twitch at her hip. Then she felt Drake’s finger tracing tiny circles on her lower back. It was such a small movement, yet she felt her body began to tingle. She opened her eyes to find Drake staring at her with a completely calm yet serious look on his face. She reached up to trail a finger along the outline of his cheekbone and down to his lips, lingering there mesmerized by his gaze. He was barely touching her, yet she could feel her heart thumping in her chest and her breath quickening. She leaned up to meet his lips with hers, a slow sensuous kiss that reverberated down to her core. His hand gripped her lower back and pulled her towards him, gently kneading her flesh as if he wanted to savor every moment of this.
Emma’s fingers found the hair at the nape of his neck and stroked it gently at first, but as the kiss began to intensify she grabbed it with ferocity to pull his mouth into hers. She relished the feel of his lips pressing into hers, his tongue tickling her lower lip and then delicately sucking it, illiciting a soft moan. His hand moved down her back to her ass and grasped the meaty flesh above her thigh and shifted her against him. She instinctively hooked her leg around his waist, reveling in the feel of his hard length rubbing against her through their clothing. They continued to grind against each other, their movements becoming desperate and hands exploring each other’s bodies. Drake’s hand moved to her sweet spot, pressing his palm against her wet heat through her pajama shorts. She jumped a little at his unexpected intense touch, causing him to pause for a moment.
“What? Do you want to stop?” He looked concerned, but Emma could see the raw desire and pleading in his eyes as he waited for her response.
She let out a quick exhale. “No. No, please do not stop.” She smirked at the relieved look on his face before seeking his lips again in a fervent kiss.
“Thank God, Warner. I’m about to explode over here. It’s been too long.” He pulled her against him again and moved his hand to cup her breast through her t-shirt, massaging it through the fabric and then thumbing over her hard nipple. Emma groaned as she felt the vibrations of pleasure humming in her body.
“Wait,” she said suddenly, grasping his to hand to stop him a moment. “What about waiting until the wedding?”
Drake paused and shifted back to gaze at her eyes before letting out an exasperated sigh. “Right, you’re right . . . I forgot about that.” There was a look of disappointment in his eyes. “I guess I was just hoping you had changed your mind, since you sneaked in and all.”
Hmmm . . . . Emma thought to herself, then got that mischievous look in her eyes that had a tendency to scare Drake just a little. “You know . . . “ she slid her hand slowly down Drake’s chest then his abdomen and then . . . lower, “We don’t necessarily have to have sex to enjoy ourselves.” Her fingers hooked his boxer briefs and tugged them down to release his erection before grasping it firmly in her hand. “I can think of some other things we could do, which technically wouldn’t break our pact.” Drake’s breath hitched as she began to stroke his shaft up and down, causing him to involuntarily buck his hips into her.
“I think . . . that . . . sounds . . . “ he tried to respond but was having trouble making complete thoughts right now. He gave into the sensations and found her lips again, sharing fierce sloppy kisses as their excitement grew frantic. His fingers searched again for her core, this time tugging off her shorts and panties to find her slick sex. He tickled her sensitive nub, then slid down to plunge two fingers into her wet slit while pressing his thumb against her clit. She squirmed and panted at his touch, the sound of her enjoyment only causing him to become more turned on.
“Drake . . . “ she moaned, digging her fingers of her spare hand into his shoulder. “Please . . . don’t stop.” Emma continued to pump his member as her own pleasure built. She pressed into his fingers, synchronizing her own movements with his thrusts in her palm. She could feel his motion becoming more and more erratic as his breath came in short little spurts between pumps. The feel of his digits inside her and the sound of his hurried breathing had her worked up . . . she felt the pulsing in her pelvis start radiating throughout her body. “I . . . I’m gonna come.” He grunted and drove himself faster in her grip. Her vision blurred and she saw stars as she felt the wave of her orgasm take control of her body. As her core throbbed against Drake’s hand, she released a muffled cry of ecstasy and pressed her face into his neck. Hearing her orgasm, Drake was unable to hold back any longer and spurted his release with a deep groan.
As they steadied their breathing and starting tidying the wet, sweaty pile of sheets on the bed, Emma heard Drake chuckle to himself. “What’s so funny, Mr. Walker?”
He shook his head as he stared down nostalgically. “Hmmph . . . That just reminded me of two horny teenagers fooling around in someone’s basement.” He looked back up at her with a devilish look in his eyes as he strolled over to her. “Except, I don’t remember ever having THAT much fun as a teenager.”
Emma giggled at his confession, then wrapped her arms around his neck and looked him in the eyes. “If you think that was fun, just remember how much fun we have when we get to take off all our clothes and do it right.”
“Oh, I do remember, Warner. It’s pretty much impossible to forget.” Drake leaned down to place a gentle kiss on her lips. “Now, are you staying the night or did you just come over here to take advantage of me?”
Emma gave him a playful shove. “Stop it! I came over here because I wanted to sleep next to you and wake up in your arms.” She wiggled her eyebrows at him. “The rest of this was just a . . . bonus.”
“I like your bonuses. Now get in bed. I’m exhausted, you wore me out.” He slid into the bed and she snuggled up in his embrace with her back against him.
She glanced at the clock quickly before resigning herself to the bed. 3:07am. Totally worth the wait, she thought as she drifted off to sleep.
END