Ten

                                    

                                          
My eyes flutter open and I hear small snores from Julian as he sleeps. Asra's even breathing indicates that he's also asleep. Julian is on his back with an arm draped over his eyes while Asra was on his side facing the wall. I rub my face and slowly slip out of the bed, careful not to wake them up. I make my way to the kitchen and quickly made a mug of tea. I wave my hand to light a lamp, careful to not make it too bright. It can't be long past midnight, but I'm not surprised that I'm awake. My mother's threat, as empty as it is, still runs through my mind. I know her well enough to know she will come up with a plan to either keep me quiet, or she'll try to force me to go back to the kingdom. I shudder at the thought of being back in that horrible palace. 
                          
"Rae?"
                          
I turn and see Julian standing in the doorway connecting the kitchen to the hallway. He has a confused look on his face as he runs his hand through his hair. 
                          
"Why are you awake, Ilya?" I ask softly. "I'm sorry if I woke you."
                          
"You didn't, my dear," he replies as he starts to walk towards me. "But I should be asking you that. What's the matter?"
                          
"Honestly, it's my mother," I tell him before taking a long drag from my mug. "I know she doesn't really have the ability to force anything while she's here, but I know her well enough to know she'll plan something."
                          
Julian sits next to me at the table and places his hand on my knee, rubbing his thumb on the inside of my leg. I scoot my chair closet to him and lean my head on his arm before letting out a sigh. We sit in silence as I finish my tea, just enjoying each other's company. I place my empty mug on the table before I stand up, planning on cleaning my cup and going back to bed, before Julian grabs my hips and pulls me onto his lap. Now I'm straddling him with a huge blush on my face. I instinctively place my hands on his shoulders to steady myself.
                          
"What are you thinking, Julian?" I ask softly, moving my hands to fun my fingers through his hair. He closes his eyes and lets out a sigh.
                          
"Just trying to get you to relax, dear. That's all," he mumbles. I smile and gently tug his hair to make him look at me, which he does. His eyes are slightly glossed over, but it's obvious there's desire in them. I move one of my hands to his cheek and he automatically leans into my touch. He bites his bottom lip and his eyelids flutter halfway closed, and the sight of him now makes my heart race. I feel a heat between my legs as well as a shiver going up my back. I slowly lean down and place my forehead against his gently.
                          
"Ilya," I whisper. "What in the world are you doing to me?"
                          
"I could ask you the same thing, Rae," he replies, his voice shaking slightly. He gently rubs his nose against mine, and it feels like he's asking permission to kiss me.
                          
Permission I will willingly give.
                          
I feel his lips on mine, soft as a feather, as he kisses me softly. I move my hand from his cheek to the back of his neck, pulling him closer as I kiss him back with passion. Julian moans and wraps his arms around my waist tightly as he pulls me closer, making me let out a small whimper. He takes this opportunity to move his lips from my lips to my jaw before kissing and nibbling his way down my neck. I let out a small hiss and tilt my head to give him more room. Suddenly, he bites down on the base of my neck. It wasn't a hard bite, but it also wasn't gentle. I automatically move my hips against his as I let out a semi-loud moan. Julian raises his hand and lays a finger softly on my lips, moving his head up to give me a smirk.
                          
"Quiet, my dear. We wouldn't want to wake our Asra, would we?" he mumbles. I slightly shake my head as I let out a shaky breath. I could feel my shoulders shaking, and Julian takes notice. "Don't worry, my Rae. We won't do anything you aren't ready to do, alright?"