⚠ This chapter is a little long so sit tight (wordcount 5k).

Excuse the descriptions of the dancing, I tried...

Also this chapter has smut so read with caution or skip it of you don't like that stuff. To sensitive readers it's toward the end 👍

A week passed since the capturing of Berg and with that end unraveled a new beginning of passion and emotion for many.

It was as if cupid had struck a potent arrow into the air, compelling the vampires to move according the ways of love.

Edmond Monroe cleverly set the date to host his ball at a time when people needed cheering up most.

After the dreaded case of Johnsen Berg had come to its end many officials were left wary and upset at the many deeds of the criminal aristocrat.

Edmond wanted to officially announce his engagement to the masses but kept it as a surprise segment of the ball.

He handed out personal invitations to all of his co-workers and colleagues.

Almost everyone willingly accepted, looking forward to the event held by the young handsome Lord.

The heady air perfumed with blossoms and soft breezes, set the perfect tone for such an event.

Whether the tide of time had washed over couples or if it was just TRUMPs way of mending broken hearts, many of the vamps were to put it 'subtly' feeling amorous.

Henrique sat at the dinner table opposite his wife who pretended to be busy slicing into her food.

A smirk lifted his face, noticing her facade.

"Marry could you bring in more wine and another serving of this side dish." Henrique asked politely to the maid that waited on them.

Kate snapped her head up immediately her eyes widening.

"No! You can't, you're allergic to that!" She exclaimed in a panic.

Henrique lifted his glass up to the light, swirling the wine with a pleased grin. He gazed over to where she stared at him in dismay.

"It's fine Marry, just the wine for now." He said in a soft, kind tone.

"How was your day?" He asked, smirking at his wife who seemed out of her element.

"Fine. Just the same." She replied nervously.

"Hmm. Why not take some time off?" He asked frowning at her with consideration.

"Why would you suggest that? Do you feel like I am slacking off work?" Kate looked up at him with indignance.

Henrique lifted a brow up at her, an amused smile teasing her further.

"No. It's just that you look tired. You need to rest for yourself. Think about yourself as an individual and not an employee. You're much more than that Katie." He replied in a warm tone, his eyes turning a darker shade.

"I can't."

"I think you can. But it's your decision ultimately." He said lifting the new glass of wine the maid had brought.

Downing it all in one fluid motion he left his wife stunned. Her eyes followed the column of his neck that bunched and relaxed as he swallowed.

Wiping his lips on a napkin he pushed his chair back, excusing himself for the evening.

Kate's knife clattered to the table, the vampire speechless at his new side.

Henrique was usually a cautious speaker that supported and encouraged her dreams.

But somewhere down the line she lost her companionship she once had with her spouse and it turned into a tired work related journey with her barely having time for anything else.

Her duties as a Lorca seemed to get in the way of her work and she lost her own identity in the process.

She bit her lip nervously, wanting to talk to him about it but unsure of how.

Seeing him smile and talk to her with ease only made her feel all the more guilty.

Here she was not having time for even a smile and he handled a greater workload with such ease.

Excusing herself from the table herself she retired to her bedroom.

A double knock on the door followed by the door cracking open made her jump in fright.

She stood in her corset her shirt hanging open off her shoulders.

"Busy?" He asked inviting himself in. She stood still on the spot, watching him make himself comfy on her bed.

"Lord Edmond Monroe invited us to his ball. It's tomorrow." He said, folding his arms behind his head.

She blinked, waiting for more.

"And?" She asked in a curious, tentative voice.

"It starts as eight. Let me know if you're coming." He replied with an amiable expression.

There he was, being supportive and sensitive again.

"Well, I guess that's that. Please let me know by morning if you cannot make it. I'll need to convey my apologies properly." He spoke in a crisp voice, before pushing off to leave.

"Henrique, wait! I wanted to talk to you." She called out.

The aristocrat turned around waiting expectantly. Kate fumbled and babbled, trying to get her wording straight.

She wring her hands and looked at the ground growing more nervous by the second.

A warm hand cupped her face, lifting her gaze to meet his.

"I know, I understand." He said rubbing his thumb over jaw.

"You do?" Her brows and mouth rounded with surprise.

"Mhm. I notice you, all the time. I know you Kate. You work hard because you're insecure about your standing. You feel like throwing yourself at work will help you feel better about the comments you heard." He said.

"When we got married, I vowed to always support you. So I'll never stop your work but-" He halted his words lifting a finger up.

"I will not accept my wife feeling inferior and compelled to work herself to exhaustion to feel relatively equal to the title you were given when you married me. You being my wife and mother of my children is more than enough. You're amazing Katie." He said in a soft voice that felt like a warm hug.

She thought back to the time when their alliance was forged. Women gossiped about her being less than for Henrique Lorca who was the attractive, young Lord.

She was plain next to the handsome Lord. But Henrique's parents insisted on Kate being the one.

She matched his energy and completed him perfectly. But regardless of it all, the words of others stung her. Something Henrique tried to clear out and rid from her life.

After the twins were born something happened in his absence and it left her a workaholic that closed in on herself.

"Kate I may be playful and light hearted but I am not ignorant nor blind. I won't hold you or force you to any duties as a Lorca but I urge you to be kinder to yourself." He took hold of her hands and looked deep into her eyes.

"My father arranged for our alliance but I'd have chosen you anyway. Only you." He said hoping she'd understand his meaning.

"Rest well." He whispered before leaving the room.

She remained rooted at her spot, maintaining a hard stare at the door until a single tear rolled down her face.

✵✵✵

Gerhard knelt in front of the tub, washing Angelico's hair for the third time, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of a certain raven haired lady.

"Umm dad?" Angelico called.

"Huh? Yes?" Gerhard snapped back into the present, blinking away his thoughts.

"The water is getting a little cold." He said softly, large eyes blinking up at his father.

Sticking a hand into the water, he felt the water which had turned ice with how long he took.

"Sorry. I'll be quick." He said rinsing Angelico's hair. Wrapping the boy up in a large bath sheet, Gerhard carried him off to the fireplace to warm up.

He towelled his son's hair dry, hoping he didn't catch another cold. Standing in his bleachers Angelico stared silently into the fire enraptured with the orange glow.

"Uhmm my Lord?" Lifting his face up he saw a maid waiting at the door.

"If you would, allow me to take over Master Angelico's dressing. There's a visitor waiting for you in the study." She said with her head bowed low.

Gerhard patted Angelico's head before leaving the room.

A while later:

Gerhard sat glaring at the invitation that had been delivered by the Monroe butler.

Edmond was throwing a ball for all the aristocrats. He felt his abdomen twist and tighten at the thought of Serina attending with Edmond.

For the first time in his life he felt old. She was closer to his age but given the responsibility heaped on him from young, he felt robbed of his life.

It was something he only came to fully comprehend when he met her. Serina made him want things he could no longer pursue given his ranking, like courting a lady.

He was a father and leader of the Fra clan and that meant no frivolous behavior.

Gerhard had to put his duty to the Agency and his clan first before anything else.

And yet Edmond and Serina traipsed around so in love and free.

'Hell, I didn't even have that with Maria...' He thought, running a palm over his tired face.

For as long as he remembered, he was forced into the rigid path of behaving and acting the perfect part of a noble.

Since meeting Serina a few weeks ago, Gerhard became all too aware of the yearning in his heart that left him bereft and alone.

Her smile ran in a continuous loop in his mind when he couldn't sleep. His memory of them together on his last mission ate at his insides, tormenting him what-ifs and should-haves.

His heart warred with his mind insisting on how perfect she was for him. Serina even got along with Angelico, the little boy listened to her without troubling or kicking up a fuss.

Seeing her work with such confidence made his heart leap with an achy emotion. Serina had proven herself to be a strong independent woman free from the usual stereotypes of being weak.

His heart hammered and chest fluttered each time he saw her at work. The way she thought, the precision and dexterity of her skills. The flexibility to adapt to any situation.

He slammed his fist hard on the desk in front, trying to halt his thoughts that only triggered a hopeless feeling of want in him.

But then the memory of them stuck in the winery goaded him. The scent of her skin, the softness of her body pressed to his tortured the Lord.

Gerhards mouth watered. His eyes dilated and the back of his neck prickled. It took all of his restraint to not slam her against the nearest wall and seal his lips over hers.

He wanted to leave bite marks on her neck, screaming to the world that she was his.

'I hate how perfectly poise she is! How can a woman be so beautiful and strong. She balances on the precipice of dainty and bold. It's a maddening, heady mix! I want to-' He forcefully put an end to his thoughts.

The veins in his neck strained with the emotion he held back.

He rued and loved the day he met her equally. Serina had created a torrential nightmare of emotions in him since.

'I can't! As the leader of the Fra, I cannot allow myself such frivolous niceties!' He chided himself.

But internally his heart weeped, knowing that being with her was not frivolous at all. It would only better the way the Fra house was run.

'It's too bad. She's engaged to Monroe, a good Aristocrat who will make her happy.' Gerhard tried to convince himself despite his somber tone.

"What has become of my life!?" The Aristocrat vamp whispered under his breath, resting his head on the desk.

✵✵✵

Henrique casually strided into the parlor where Kate was dressing.

She chose an off shoulder dress that had a sweetheart neckline. Lacy-mesh fabric hugged her form, flattering her feminine side she usually hid. The golden champagne colour of the dress, complemented her hair which set a glow over her.

Her arms reached out behind her neck, struggling to link the clasp of her choker on.

Warm hands brushed over hers, a sense of comfort rippling into her as Henrique pried the necklace out her hand.

"That's a lot of neck you're showing, wife." He whispered in a husky tone.

A soft gasp escaped her lips that were painted a deep plum colour in reaction to his masculine tone.

He ran the back of his knuckles over her collar bone, trailing up to her neck and over her cheek.

"So beautiful..." He said in a low intimate tone.

His voice dropped to a low purr, a warm bubble shimmered over the couple, locking them in the moment.

Her eyes met his in the reflection of the oval ornate mirror in front of them.

Henrique's soft lips curved up into a smirk, wild eyes roving over her form that reflected grace and elegance.

"Plan to keep me busy tonight...?" He asked leaning in close to her.

"Huh?"

Spellbound by the handsome aristocrat that stood half dressed behind her she gaped at him wordlessly in awe.

His shirt remained un-tucked, a hint of his belt that wrapped around his hips, securing his pants poking out at the front.

His hair was styled in a side braid with loose curly tendrils framing his face. His red hair complementing his creamy skin.

Kate inhaled the scent of clove and citrus which clung to him at all times.

"With that dress, I'll be busy warding everyone's eyes off from you. You look breathtaking." Henrique said with a soft smile.

"I-I could take it off. Would you prefer I wear another?" She asked in a wavering voice, the proximity of his presence knocking the wits out of her.

"No it's fine. I'll take it off later..." He said with a wink looping the choker around her thin neck and fastening it in place.

Running his fingers down the back of her neck he hovered over her neck.

"Share my room with me Kate. Don't be shy anymore, I miss you..." Henrique's voice caressed her senses in a barely audible whisper sending waves of excitement down her spine.

His lips brushed against her neck before he stood up fully.

Blood rushed through her ears, her heart thundered as a result of his meaning.

"I'll be out in five minutes. Wait for me." He said squeezing her shoulder before turning to leave for his room.

Kate inhaled ragged breaths the spot where his lips grazed, still burning hot.

The ride to the venue was silent but not awkward. Henrique kept his gaze locked on the dim night that whizzed past a small please smile on his content face.

Arriving at the Monroe estate he climbed off the carriage before holding out a hand to Kate to help her down.

Locking her gaze with his, he kissed the top of her hand before leading them to the entrance.

They were led to the grand hall that was set up beautifully for the elegant night.

While marble floors shone glossily. The marble pillars that flanked the circumference of the room had thick maroon drapes hanging haughtily.

The velvet of the drapes added to the thick, romantic atmosphere that Edmond had arranged for.

Gold accents in the form of frames, crockery, table cloths and chairs tied the entire theme up making it appear royal and luxurious.

Feeling Kate's hand slip from his hold he caught it deftly, lacing their fingers tightly together as they moved to greet familiar faces.

✵✵✵

Edmond waited for Serina on the upper floor. He watched the guests mingle and enjoy the party while he waited on his princess.

He planned on announcing their engagement that night. An eager nervousness gnawed at his insides.

An amused snicker escaped him at the sight of women approaching the bachelors in the room without any bashfulness.

While boldness in a female was commendable the lecherous intent in their eyes couldn't be hidden.

He and Serina were childhood friends and Edmond counted himself lucky that they were compatible enough to enter an arrangement of marriage.

Noticing someone enter he squinted in concentration noticing Gerhard Fra stride into the room, drawing all of the women's attention to him.

The vampire was dressed impeccably in black and white with gold trimmings. His shoulder cape added enough of colour to tie the entire ensemble up.

Gerhard stuck to his signature fashion style and wore corsetted, high waisted pants and thing high boots.

A frilly, bishop sleeved shirt dyed in obsidian black his his taut, muscular chest. A double breasted white coat with gold trimmings completed his look.

He finished his look off by wearing a black cravat that matched his shirt.

Golden hair was was arranged in a loose braid that hung over his shoulder.

The man was dressed to kill, a handsome sight that bespoke of opulence and impeccable taste.

'Hm not bad...' Edmond pouted, watching Gerhard cross the room to meet with a few officials.

Women tottered about in droves dressed in their finest gowns, hair arranged in pretty styles with jewels glinting off them like stars in a solar system.

Dali Delico stood in the middle of the room trying to talk over a swarm of women.

He wore a navy blue evening suit with his cape secured proudly over his shoulder. His family crest pinned to the front at his heart.

Dali's shoulder length locks were tied back in half updo. The only other accessory he wore was his charming smile which made even men blush.

Spying a figure dressed in the same colour as he was, his eyes followed Marietta longingly, her face floating into the thick of a crowd.

He frowned, excusing himself to find her.

Edmond let out a sigh turning to see Serina watching him with a hint of a smile in her eyes.

"The wait was so worth it." Edmond uttered, his voice expressing the awe in his face.

Serina looked away shyly, her eyes glinting with a familiarity that bespoke of their old friendship.

Holding his arm out to her he led them down the broad staircase that connected the upper floors to the grand hall below.

Serina smiled politely, holding the edge of the trail of her gown in her hand as she walked down the steps with Edmond.

Gerhard scanned the room his eyes widening as they settled on the couple descending the staircase together.

A sickly feeling twisted his insides making his lips thin out into a grim line of bitter distaste.

She smiled at her friends and colleagues, her arm so casually linked with Edmonds which made his feelings for her feel hopeless.

Gerhard felt a heat claw at his cheeks, disappointment urging him to leave immediately.

Never one to be jealous, Gerhard for the first time in his existence, couldn't stand the sight in front of him.

Their happiness felt revolting and despite Edmond being a good vampire he wanted to run his blade through his torso.

His heart like a spoilt child, insisted that he could do better and make Serina happier.

"If you glare at them any more you'll burn a hole into her dress." A voice said at his side.

The persons words drew his attention to the alluring shade of garnet that was draped beautifully over her lithe form. The dress was an off shoulder cut with a sweetheart neckline.

A hint of cleavage peeped out from her dress. Just enough to be feminine and not down right promiscuous.

Her raven hair was swept to side, flowing down one shoulder. Pretty ruby hair pins held her curls in place.

"Stop staring so hard. You'll make yourself obvious." The owner of the voice elbowed him as well this time.

Turning his glare to the owner of the voice he found Dali next to him casually sipping on a flute of champaign.

"I'd like to see how you react to Lady Sommers holding someone else." Gerhard snipped, not hiding his feelings any longer.

"Who's near her!?" Dali exclaimed looking around for Marietta.

Like a water nymph, she evaded his presence. Popping up for a second before disappearing into the crowds.

Dali decided to wait for the evening to thin out before seeking her out again.

But hearing Gerhards comment forced his eyes to search for her again.

Completely missing the point, he left the room in search of his old love.

Gerhard sighed heavily, turning to walk to a quieter spot to wallow in self pity.

✵✵✵

"Looks like Lady Sommers is being hunted." Henrique chuckled, watching Dali from the opposite end of the room.

"Sir Gerhard is just as love struck." Kate responded, thinking back to how Gerhard reacted the first time he saw Serina.

He was willing to barter and bargain to find out more about the mysterious lady that evening.

A few moments later Kate found herself engrossed in conversation with a fellow co-worker while Henrique left to her them drinks.

"Why if it isn't the most unlucky husband of all." A woman said behind the Lorca leader.

Henrique stiffened, his brows pulling down into a furious look.

"Beg your pardon?" He asked, voice heavy with threat.

"Nothing. Would you perhaps be interested in a dance with me. How long was it since you saw an actual woman?" The female asked.

She continued, indifferent to the fact that Kate came looking for her husband and happened upon the conversation.

"I plan to dance with just one lady tonight. My wife. The only woman in my life." He said dismissively, not wanting to cause a scene.

"Let's go Katie." He said holding his hand out to his blind spot to where she stood.

Surprised that he noticed her presence she followed quietly.

Henrique wrapped his hand around her waist, hugging her to him, while his other arm held hers in an outward stance.

The orchestra that Edmond has arranged, began playing a waltz.

He led them in boxed strides, their feet gracefully rolling onto to each step.

"Don't pay heed to anyone Katie. Some vampires never learned any manners or respect." He said between them as they moved about fluidly.

He spun her around, the momentum of their weight helping finish the dance in a perfect dip.

"No one can read me like you. We're I'm perfect tandem. I'll prove it later..." He said with a wink.

Henrique went all out to make his intentions clear.

An official asked Kate for a friendly dance which Henrique promptly turned down by striding off with her again. He twirled her around and possessively held her waist.

Edmond and Serina hadn't joined the dance floor yet, still greeting the guests and thanking them for attending.

"Ah! Lord Fra. How remarkable you look this evening." Edmond complemented, shaking Gerhards stiff hand.

He ignored Serina, a fact that she didn't miss.

"I am very curious to see if your dancing skills are as impeccable as your dressing. Why haven't you graced the dance floor yet?" Edmond asked genuinely.

"Surely you do not lack for partners." Edmond teased.

"I've worked with him, and if he's as meticulous and picky as he is while at work, then it's no wonder he's alone." Serina commented, glowering at him.

"Dance is about aligning your body and mind with another's. One cannot be frivolous about that." Gerhard shot back.

"You can't be stiff either Sir Gerhard." She parried.

"That's why the right partner is required. So that a perfect balance can be maintained." Gerhard answered back. His eyes pinning hers with an intense scowl.

Edmond watched their exchange with an amused smile.

"The fierce friction the two of you share makes me wish to see you partnered up." Edmond chuckled.

Serina's gaze fluttered over Gerhards longingly. Catching her eyes he felt himself cave. Something snapped in him.

Holding his hand out expectantly with a winged brow he waited for her answer.

Serina blinked up lifting her jaw haughtily before placing her palm in his.

Gerhard led her to the marble flooring that was sectioned off for dance.

She sniffed, refusing to look at him while they waited for the orchestra to begin their piece.

Gerhard straightened up, getting into the stance to lead.

"Who said you get to lead?" She asked in annoyance, catching his movement from the side of her eye.

"Your dress provides a disadvantage." He pointed out, holding his hand out to her.

"You sound like a true novice." She commented smugly before broadening her shoulders and matching his footing.

Ignoring her he placed one hand at her waist and one into her outstretched arm.

The teasing staccato notes of the violin cut through the air announcing the beginning of the dance.

Angling herself subtly to the side, she reluctantly followed his lead.

Gerhard overcome with emotion and need began dancing in a manner that made him seem almost possessed by the fire of love and passion.

His eyes flared with a secret that Serina answered to with an expression of need and want.

Placing a foot between hers he pivoted them in a full circle, Serina kicking out her bent knee in an answer to his rugged masculinity.

He stepped forward as she cross stepped back reverently.

Bending her back against his knee he gripped her jaw between his long fingers forcing her to meet his eyes.

Slinging her arm around his neck she lifted her knee up, hugging it against his form.

With a sudden drop of her leg she took a few quick steps alternating with long languid strides.

Gerhard caged her knee between his in a classic move making her dip back, catching her and helping her arched spine up.

For each masculine stride she answered back with a soft feminine strut.

Gerhard lost himself in the dance with her, their faces so close to each other that their breaths mingled.

Encircling her hip they ended with one of her legs dragging out in a half circle before moving to link itself on his hip.

The crowd faded back into view, the thundering applause mimicking the drumming in his heart.

Serina extricated herself from his embrace, immediately feeling alone without him.

The fact that she more than liked him hit all at once.

Edmond stood silently at the edge of the room watching the two. The music continued to caress the guests with its melody and rhythm.

Most of them partnered up to dance for the next song.

Serina excused herself, briskly making her way to the court yard for some fresh air.

Footsteps echoed behind her which she ignored until she was yanked around by the shoulder.

Gerhard stood in front of her, face unmistakably suppressed with restrained attraction.

"Sir Gerhard I-" He cut her words off, abruptly slamming his lips onto hers.

Flicking his tongue into her mouth he tangoed with her tongue much the same way they had just a few minutes ago.

She moaned helplessly under his overbearing strength.

He frowned into their kiss, angling his mouth to deepen his hold on her lips.

"G-Gerhard!" She moaned in anguish, pushing at his chest.

She begrudgingly ripped her lips away from the intoxicating man, her chest heaving once again, although not from dancing this time.

He swallowed thickly, hands resting on her shoulders. His long fingers caressed up her thin neck, his eyes reflecting a sadness and loneliness she wanted to remedy.

Growing overwhelmed and caught between love and her promise she stepped back.

The usually fiery tempered lady had nothing to say and simply took off, lifting her skirts up to break into a run.

✵✵✵

"I thought I'd find you here." Edmond said smiling softly at Serina who sat on a stone garden bench, tears dripping down her face.

He took a seat next to her handing her a handkerchief.

"I appreciate you. You're my dearest friend." He said, giving her a tight smile.

She nodded, unable to answer him back.

"I wanted to give you this tonight but I think it's best to call it off." He said showing her the engagement ring he had made for her.

"Oh Edmond..." She gasped, looking at him with hesitancy and guilt.

"Our marriage was planned before we even left for clan. But if I am honest with you... Romantic love isn't the feeling I have for you and I never will." He confided.

"I wanted to make my family proud but I worried about what marriage would do to our friendship. After seeing you today I feel like the idea of us being together is completely wrong." Edmond spoke in a soft hushed tone.

"I worried about that too. Our relationship always was platonic." She agreed.

"I hope you are able to find happiness in the Fra home. I'll always be your friend but I can't be a husband." He said, squeezing her hand comfortingly.

"I am more confident now in my chances of finding a wife." He admitted, laughing at his own silliness.

"Thank you." She whispered, squeezing his hand back.

"Of course. I am just glad I realized this before we were married. Would be quite the pickle wouldn't it Sir Gerhard?"

Edmond turned to face Gerhard who stood behind them, his eyes shining with pure hearted innocence.

Getting up from his seat Edmond patted Gerhard on the back.

"She's zesty and opinionated but a sweetheart all the same. I don't want to ever have to challenge you to a duel." Edmond warned before leaving them alone.

"Serina..." He whispered, not believing his luck.

She sniffled, looking away to dab her tears.

He took a seat next to her, the usually proud aristocrat now softer and sensitive.

"I am a single parent and widower in essence. I am the leader of the Fra clan and have responsibilities heaped on me. Still... If you're willing, I'd love to have you at my side." He spoke honestly, telling her of his insecurities and wishes.

"Yes." She whispered, covering her mouth with the back of her hand.

✵✵✵

The remainder of the ball passed with and uneventful ease.

Dali returned home without locating Marietta again that evening. A displeased scowl on his handsome face.

All of the other aristocrats were duped with good wine, music and company so that no one noticed the the thick attraction with Gerhard and Serina.

Henrique and Kate retired from the ball as soon as the first few guests began to leave.

The Lorca château was fast asleep by the time Henrique and Kate had returned.

Stifling a yawn Kate made her way to her room, ready to get out of her gown and sleep off the exhaustion.

Henrique however, had other plans...

She found herself once against struggling with trying to undo the buttons and zipper of her dress.

Swatting her hands away he loosened the choker she wore, the jewel slipping further down into her cleavage now that it was unclasped.

"I thought I told you, that I'll be taking this gown off tonight." He whispered in her ear, his warm lips brushing over the shell of her ear.

Swallowing nervously she remained still, her shallow breaths of anticipation egging him on.

"Rightfully only my eyes should be feasting on you. You had no right to look so breathtaking. I feel jealous." His low, husky voice dripping with want.

She felt her the top two buttons of her dress come free.

Lifting her up in his arms he walked through the connecting door and set her down in his room.

Turning to face him she silently unworked the buttons of his shirt.

Her fingers slipping down to undo the buckle at his hips.

She felt him drag the zipper of her dress down before the fabric pooled around her ankles.

"Kate." He stated, cupping the back of her neck he pulled her close until their lips ghosted against each other.

With practiced familiarity Henrique, slipped his mouth against hers, warming her up for the rest of his intention.

Her eyes fluttered close under the potent touch of his.

Hours later:

The darkness began to fade, welcoming the pale rays of dawn.

Henrique lay with his thrown back, an arm crooked under his neck in bed. His wife next to him resting under the sheets.

Angry red marks littered her decolletage. Similar markings trailed down her back and hips.

The boyish smirk and feral glint in his eyes as his made them still fresh in her mind.

Despite not being as young as Dali or Gerhard, the vampire's stamina wasn't harmed at all.

His usual sweet demeanor turned into dark and dominating. She felt his lips ghost down her side, coaxing her to lie on her back.

"I can't anymore..." She whined.

"You can and you want to." He whispered, pressing his lips to her neck.

She hitched a breath, her body relaxing in invitation for him.

"See..." He teased with gloating smirk.

Kneeling above her, he pushed in again, reminding her of just how good at loving he was.

"God! Henrique!" She gasped.

"Kate..." He moaned, ducking his face into her blushing neck.

Biting her lip she squirmed, shutting her eyes tight.

"Don't do that. It's me that will bite that lip. Let me hear how much you enjoy this." He crooned in her ear, before raking his teeth over her plump lip.

"Goodness Kate... You just feel better each time." She heard the smile in his voice, before she was completely sucked into his world again.

___________________________________________

A/n: Hookaayy and that's a wrap for this chapter.

As usual if the events don't add up. Just pretend that they do... 🥺🙏🏻

I normally don't do this, but I wanted to show you what I kinda pictured they'd look like for this ball.

I know the dresses may be a little modern (just go with it 🤫)

I pictured the men to dress something like this... 🤷‍♀️ I dunno.

Also all these pictures were found on pinterest (credit to owners.)
I own none of this work and just put them all in one picture.

Thanks for reading 😉 😘