When Lyse returned to the living room, Levi’s eyes were imdiately searching her face then as she walked to his side and just as she was about to sink into the seat he pulled her and she fell into his arms.
Lyse turned beet red as Levi started to nuzzle her neck and she shifted uncomfortably. She definitely did not enjoy this part and she wondered why he had to be so profuse with the PDA.
Laurie pretended to gag while Lily said, "Alright you love birds, why don’t you go up and wash up then co down for dinner."
Lyse quickly got off Levi and turned in ti to see his mischievous grin. She stared at him while thinking about a thousand ways to torture him and the thought of his screaming and begging brought a smile to her face.
Levi faltered when he saw the smile and wondered why he suddenly felt a sliver of fear. Then he reminded himself that Lyse was harmless, there was nothing for him to be afraid of.
"Let show you to our room darling." He said, stretching the "Our" in hopes of getting a cute reaction like a blush.
"Sure dear." Lyse replied sweetly as she wondered if he would squirm or maintain his arrogant, all knowing expression if he was punished with death by a thousand cuts.
Levi was taken aback by her smile and the far away look in her eyes and he narrowed his eyes but she ca towards his outstretched arm and they walked side by side.
The scent of old wood and polished brass filled the air as Levi led Lyse up the grand staircase. The sprawling mansion, was steeped in history and tradition. The walls were adorned with portraits of past generations, their stern expressions watching over the young couple.
Lyse, though initially intimidated by the imposing architecture, but she could not help but be captivated by the beauty and elegance of the place. As they ascended the stairs, she stole glances at Levi, his face illuminated by the soft glow of the chandelier.
They reached the top floor, and Levi paused before a grand, ornate door. "This is my room," he said, with a flourish that made Lyse look at him and wonder what the excitent was about.
She swallowed, her heart pounding then she stepped inside, her eyes wide with wonder. As expected, the room was a testant to the family’s wealth and status. A massive four-poster bed, draped in rich velvet, dominated the space. A large, antique vanity stood in the corner, its mirrored surface reflecting the intricate details of the room.
"It is beautiful," Lyse breathed, her voice filled with awe.
Levi smiled. "I know. It might seem like a bit much, but I have always loved it."
Lyse shook her head. "No, it’s perfect."
Levi hesitated for a mont before saying, "Don’t take whatever my mother might have said to you to heart." When Lyse turned to him he continued. "She might seem cold but she really is the sweetest woman when you get to know her."
Lyse wondered why Levi was telling her all that when sooner than later they would be separated. She did not want to beco attached to people that she was lying to. She however did not voice her thoughts and she simply nodded.
"Well, i gues we should probably freshen up," Levi suggested, gesturing towards the en-suite bathroom.
Lyse nodded, her cheeks flushing. She turned to leave, but Levi’s voice stopped her. "Together?" he asked, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Why don’t we just have a baby while we are at it." Lyse deadpanned even though her heart was pounding.
His jokes made her uneasy but not because they were creepy, she was ashad to admit that she was attracted to the man and she felt like he knew it. She would hate to be one of those won who just jumped into his bed simply because he crooked his index finger and beckoned.
Levi chuckled. "Alright, as you wish. But hurry up and don’t keep us waiting for dinner."
With that, he disappeared out a door, leaving Lyse alone with her thoughts. She stood there for a mont, lost in the grandeur of the room. Then, she turned and walked towards the bathroom, her mind racing.
As she washed her face and hands, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. She was in a strange place, surrounded by strangers. Yet, she could not deny the growing attraction she felt for Levi.
When she erged from the bathroom, Levi was waiting for her. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt and black trousers, his hair neatly combed. He looked handso, almost too handso.
"Ready?" he asked, his voice low.
Lyse nodded, her heart pounding. They left the room and descended the grand staircase. They walked to the dining room where the most sumptuous spread had been laid out. They had their dinner over light conversation with Lily and Laurie before returning to their room.
As they prepared for bed, an awkward silence filled the air. Lyse rummaged through her clothes and cussed inwardly. She had not been the one who packed her things so she was not prepared for the flimsy things that were supposed to pass for nightwear. With a huff of frustration she turned around and looked at Levi who had been quietly studying her while leaning on the door.
"Perhaps we should discuss our sleeping arrangents," she suggested, her voice bold voice hiding her anxiety at broaching the topic.
A smile tugged the side of Levi’s lips and he stood upright and assud a serious expression. "Of course. What did you have in mind?"
Lyse cleared her throat. "Well, I was thinking...perhaps I could take the couch?" She gestured towards the large, plush couch in the corner of the room.
Levi’s eyebrows shot up. "The couch? But... that is ridiculous! You must take the bed. I am a gentleman."
Lyse shook her head. "No, Levi. I insist. It’s fine. I’m used to sleeping on less heavenly furniture." She gestured at the large bed.
Levi hesitated, torn between his sense of chivalry and his desire to tease Lyse further. Finally, out of consideration for how overwhelming the day must have been he said. "Very well, then. But if you change your mind, you know where to find ." He could not help adding that last bit, he had discovered a new hobby, ruffling Lyse’s feathers.
"Ladies first." He gestured at the bathroom door.
"No, you go first." Lyse insisted.
With that, he turned and walked towards the bathroom. Lyse watched him go, a strange mix of relief and disappointnt. She had never imagined herself in a situation like this, sharing a room with a man she had only recently fake married.
When he ca out he quietly climbed into bed and Lyse went to the bathroom. She had taken the most substantial nightgown she could find and even that one scread sensual.
It was a white silk nightgown that was cut on bias and draped around her fra, she might as well have been wearing nothing. Fortunately it had a robe and she belted that around her and ca out.
When she ca out she saw that Levi was not moving and she wondered if he had already fallen asleep. She lay down on the couch, pulling a blanket over her. The soft fabric was a welco contrast to the crisp sheets of the bed.
She wondered at the fact that despite all the innuendos and teasing from Levi she did not feel afraid of him being anything less than a gentleman, in fact she felt quite safe with him. She simply attributed it to the fact that she knew his family were in the rooms across the hallway and he would not do anything stupid with them around.
She closed her eyes, trying to drift off to sleep, but her mind was racing. She thought about her life, the direction that it had gone when she had thought that she and Brandon would have started planning their futures. She thought about how everything had changed and the uncertain future that lay ahead for her.
As the hours passed, Lyse tossed and turned, unable to find a comfortable position. Maybe it was the fact that she was in a new place, maybe it was the couch. Maybe it was the fact that despite not wanting to, she was very aware of the man who lay only a few ters away from her.
The silence of the night was broken only by the ticking of the clock and the distant sound of nature which they were surrounded by. She longed for the familiar sounds of her neighbors squabbling and the distant sounds of traffic.
After a while of tossing, Lyse fell asleep.
Lyse woke with a start, a warmth radiating from her side. A mont of disorientation washed over her as she tried to piece together the fragnts of her dream.
Then, a jolt of surprise shot through her as she realized that she was not alone. A strong, familiar arm was wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to a warm, solid body.
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