If they come for us, we’ll cut them a smile each.

Her eyebrow lifted slightly. "Oh?"

"Yeah." He answered, shifting in the saddle. "You looked a bit… distracted back there."

Aurelia turned her head slowly. "Did I?"

"Mm." He hummed again, entirely too pleased with himself. "Thought you were the sensible one."

She let the silence stretch a moment before answering. "I was." She answered.

John chuckled under his breath. "Was."

She shot him a look. "If I recall correctly, Mr. Shelby." She dragged out the formal name on purpose. "You were the one who started it."

He grinned broadly. "Did I?"

"You did."

He considered that as he was genuinely trying to remember. "Can't say I regret it."

Aurelia shook her head faintly, though a smile was prominent on her lips. "You're impossible."

"You're the one ridin' out with me." He smirked.

"That was your invitation."

"And you accepted."

She glanced sideways at him. "That may have been a lapse in judgement."

John's grin widened. "Funny way of showin' it."

Aurelia exhaled a soft laugh, shaking her head as she guided her horse slightly ahead of his.

John watched her for a moment before nudging his own horse forward to catch up again. "Glad you brought that dress now, are you?" He teased. "Must be hungry after... all the ridin'."

"Oh shut up." She rolled her eyes playfully.

John leaned slightly closer in the saddle, voice dropping just enough to carry between them. "Don't pretend you're not curious."

Aurelia held his gaze until she nudged her horse forward again. "Don't get ahead of yourself."

John watched her ride ahead, a satisfied smile pulling on his lips, knowing this was definitely worth the trouble. "I know a faster route." He caught up with her again. "And I do mean faster. Give them a good run."

"Lead the way." She said coolly, although his teasing had sparked nerves low in her stomach that were impossible to ignore

The ride back slowed as they let the horses cool down and the estate came back into view, the wide fields giving way to the familiar gravel drive that curved toward the house.

Aurelia guided her horse alongside John's, the quiet bustle of the stables returning them gently to reality. John dismounted first, landing easily before reaching up to steady her horse as she swung down. His hand closed briefly around the reins near hers.

"Horse nearly outran you back there."

Aurelia looked up at him, brushing a bit of dust from her riding gloves. "I believe it was you who suggested the faster route."

John's mouth twitched slightly. "Didn't hear much complainin'."

She raised an eyebrow. "You wouldn't."

He chuckled under his breath, taking the reins of both horses and leading them inside. He tacked them off while Aurelia tried to help where she could. Eyes wandering over to John now and then, curiously watching him as she finally caught a glimpse of his true self.

When he finished and they both fed the horses some hay, he squeezed her elbow gently. "Come on."

They walked up the gravel path together, the house growing larger as they approached. The afternoon sun had softened now, long shadows stretching across the lawn.

John pushed the front door open and stepped aside to let her pass first. The quiet order of the house greeted them. The faint smell of polished wood and something warm from the kitchen drifted through the hall.

Footsteps approached as Ruth appeared from the corridor. "Mr. Shelby." She gave him a short nod before she looked over at Aurelia, a polite smile on her face. "Miss Aston, nice to see you again."

"Nice to see you too, Ruth." Aurelia smiled kindly.

John nodded in response. "Ruth." He glanced over at Aurelia. "Is the room ready for Miss Aston?"

"Yes, sir." Her gaze shifted politely to Aurelia. "If you'd like to follow me, Miss."

Aurelia glanced toward John. "I'm not staying the night, John."

"I don't expect you to." He answered before he looked at Ruth. "I got this, thank you."

Ruth nodded and turned to leave.

"Come." He nudged his head slightly, gesturing Aurelia to follow him.

She walked up the stairs after him. "John, I mean it, I'm-"

John stopped in front of one of the guest rooms and turned around, making her almost bump into him. "I said, I don't expect you to. But the least I could do is give you some space to change, don't I?" He raised his eyebrow cockily.

She looked up at him, feeling the warmth of his body close to hers.

"Relax." He warned gently before opening the door for her. "Take your time, dinner will be ready shortly."

The guest room was neat and airy, the late afternoon light falling through the tall window across the bed where her small suitcase had been placed next to.

"Okay...yes." She breathed softly.

The warmth of his hand on her waist made her look up again. She smiled and brought her hand to his neck, pulling him down slightly to press a soft kiss on his cheek. "Thank you."

John grinned as his thumb rubbed over the fabric of her coat. "I'll see you downstairs."

She watched how he made his way to his own bedroom, then the room fell quiet as she closed the door behind her. The ride replayed faintly in her mind, the laughter, the teasing, the warmth of his hand steadying hers.

And the kiss.

She exhaled softly and moved toward the bed, opening the suitcase. The dress inside was simple but elegant, a deep shade of blue that suited the evening light. She changed slowly, smoothing the fabric once it fell properly into place before adjusting her hair in the mirror.

By the time she stepped back into the hallway, the house had grown quieter. Following the faint sounds of movement downstairs, she made her way toward the main room.

John was leaning casually against the sideboard with a glass in hand. Sleeves rolled neatly to his forearms, waistcoat fitted sharply against his frame and a cigarette resting on his lips. He looked up the moment she stepped into the room, a look that slowly turned into a stare. He caught himself and pushed himself off the sideboard slowly, taking the cigarette between his fingers.

"Bloody hell." He muttered under his breath.

Aurelia stopped at the doorway. "Is something wrong?"

John shook his head faintly as he pressed his cigarette into an ashtray before walking toward her with an ease that suggested he had entirely forgotten the drink still in his hand. "No." He assured her. His eyes moved over her once more, slower this time. "Quite the opposite."

Aurelia felt the warmth rise in her chest under that look. She folded her hands lightly in front of her. "Well." She started calmly. "You did insist on dinner, so I thought to wear something nice."

John's mouth curved again. "Yeah." He offered his arm almost casually. "That, you do."

Aurelia regarded the arm he offered before placing her hand lightly against it. The gesture felt strangely formal for the two of them, considering what had happened not much earlier beneath an open sky.

John seemed to notice the same thing. He smirked lightly as he guided her toward the dining room. "Don't look so suspicious."

"I'm not suspicious." Aurelia replied smoothly. "I'm simply surprised."

"By what?"

She glanced up at him. "The sudden display of manners."

John huffed quietly. "Got plenty of 'em." He replied. "Just don't bring 'em out for everyone."

His words earned a small smile from her.

The dining room was already set when they entered. Candles had been lit, their warm glow reflecting off the polished wood of the table. Dinner had clearly been prepared with care.

John pulled out the chair for her before taking the seat opposite. The two of them settled, the quiet of the house wrapping around them.

A maid entered briefly to pour wine, then disappeared again without lingering.

John lifted his glass slightly. "To surviving the ride." He teased.

Aurelia tilted her head. "That's hardly an achievement."

"You nearly fell off twice."

"I did not."

"You did." He answered calmly, trying to see if she would bite more. "Horse just had the decency to correct it."

Aurelia stared at him. "I think we've known each other long enough that I can see trough some of your manipulation techniques now." She leaned back with a satisfied look on her face.

John smirked widely, not expecting she would call him out like that. "Easy, Miss Aston. I'm just messin' with you."

Dinner began easily enough after that. The conversation drifted through lighter subjects at first, horses, the countryside, a few dry remarks about the people John dealt with in town.

At one point Aurelia mentioned a business matter she had been working on in the city. John listened more closely than she expected, asking the occasional question with a surprising level of interest.

"You enjoy it." He observed, head tilted slightly.

"My work?"

"Yeah."

She nodded slightly. "It would be odd if I didn't. I mean, everything I have was built all by myself."

John leaned back a little in his chair, studying her. "Most people build things so they can stop workin' eventually."

"And what would I do with the time?"

He shrugged. "Enjoy it."

Aurelia considered that. "I do enjoy it."

Her answer seemed to satisfy him before they ate in comfortable quiet again. John's gaze drifted over her once more, slower this time, thoughtful in a way that made the air between them shift subtly again. "You look different tonight."

Aurelia set her glass down carefully. "Is that meant to be a compliment?"

"Yeah."

"It’s a terrible one."

John chuckled. "You looked good earlier too."

"In riding clothes?"

"Mhm." His voice dropped just slightly. "And without 'em."

Aurelia’s eyes lifted to meet his across the table before she took a slow sip of wine. She looked calm but she felt her pulse skip for a second. "You are very bold tonight, Mr. Shelby."

He leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on the table. "Been bold all day."

Their eyes held again. A quiet tension stretched between them, lighter than before but not less present.

John broke it first, leaning back again as if nothing had happened. "Drink?" He asked, lifting the bottle.

Aurelia allowed herself a smile. "Just one more."

John topped up her glass before pouring one for himself, setting the bottle aside with a quiet clink.

The candlelight had deepened now that the evening had properly settled outside, the soft glow reflecting off the table and catching faintly in Aurelia's hair when she tilted her head. John had noticed it multiple times as his eyes drew him back to her every single time.

"So." He started, leaning back slightly in his chair. "London."

Aurelia looked up from her glass. "Yes?"

"You ever miss it?"

She thought about the question and shrugged her shoulders slightly. "Sometimes."

John nodded once, waiting for her to continue.

"It's… different." She continued. "Everything moves quickly. People speak like every moment is important."

"And here they don't?"

"Here people speak like they already know how things will end."

That earned a faint breath of a laugh from him. "Fair."

He took a sip of his drink. "You always plannin' on stayin' here? Or do you want to go back someday?"

"I built my company here."

"That wasn't my question."

Her eyebrows lifted slightly. "No." She agreed. Her eyes wandered over the table, then met John's again. "I'm not certain."

John looked at her quietly. "You don't like not knowin'."

"No. I don't."

He smirked slightly. "Thought so."

Aurelia rested her elbow lightly on the table, chin against her fingers as she looked at him. "You enjoy pointing that out."

"Enjoy watchin' you pretend you're not bothered."

"I’m not pretending."

"Mm."

She narrowed her eyes slightly. "You're very smug for someone who was half conscious in the street two nights ago."

John's lips parted slightly, the words stuck in his mouth. "Low blow."

She chuckled softly. "You deserve it."

He smiled at the sound of her. "Probably." He drank again, then his gaze drifted over her once more. "Glad you came."

The comment was simple, almost casual but something in his tone was different. Aurelia could tell immediately. "So am I."

The honesty seemed to surprise him. He looked down at his glass for a moment before pushing his chair back. "Come on."

Aurelia glanced up. "Where are we going?"

John shrugged as he stood. "Somewhere nicer."

She watched him walk around the table toward her side. "That sounds quite questionable."

"Hasn't stopped you before." He stood beside her chair, offering his hand this time instead of his arm.

Aurelia looked at it, then up at him. "You're being suspiciously charming tonight."

John gave a small shrug. "Don't get used to it."

The wink he gave her was the last push she needed. She placed her hand in his anyway. His grip was warm and steady as he helped her to her feet.

When she stood close enough, he leaned in just slightly, voice low enough that it barely carried beyond them. "Unless you like it."

Aurelia's breath caught and a soft laugh left her lips. "We'll see."

John's grin lingered as he led her into the sitting room, the door closing softly behind them. The room was warm with the low burn of the fire, shadows shifting lazily across the walls. He moved to the sideboard, pouring two fingers of whiskey into a pair of glasses without asking.

"Here." He said as he handed the glass to her. "Better than the stuff at dinner."

Aurelia accepted it, their fingers brushing briefly. "You say that as if I'm qualified to judge."

"You are now."

She lifted the glass, taking a small sip. The warmth spread slowly, welcome after the long ride and dinner.

John watched her over the rim of his own drink. "Careful, though. That one bites back."

"I'll take the risk."

"That seems to be a habit of yours."

Aurelia lowered the glass, giving him a measured look. "Once again, you invited me."

"Yeah."

"And you're surprised I came."

John smirked and shook his head. "Not surprised. Just… impressed."

"With what?"

"You keep sayin' yes."

Aurelia tilted her head slightly. "Should I stop?"

John let out a quiet chuckle under his breath. "Don’t start that."

She leaned one shoulder lightly against the wall, observing him. "Start what?"

"Pretendin' you don't know what you're doin'."

"And what exactly am I doing, John?"

He noticed how she said his name like it meant something more. He stepped a little closer, glass still in his hand, his expression calm but his eyes sharp with amusement. "Ridin' halfway across the countryside with me. Kissin' me like that… then sittin' here lookin' innocent."

Aurelia raised an eyebrow. "Innocent?"

"Yeah."

"You started every one of those things."

John nodded. "I did." He leaned slightly closer, voice lowering just enough. "But you did nothing to stop it."

Aurelia looked up at him, eyes challenging him as she took another sip of her whiskey. "No."

John watched her before letting out a soft breath through his nose, amused by the way she kept teasing him. "Fuckin' dangerous woman you are.” He finished his drink and set the glass down on the sideboard beside him.

He took her hand and moved toward the fireplace. "C'mere."

Aurelia frowned slightly. "Why?"

"Because." He muttered, gesturing toward the hearth.

The firelight caught the deep color of her dress as she moved. The quiet crackle of the fire filling the room again.

He glanced sideways at her, grinning. "You're smilin'."

Aurelia looked ahead, pressing her tongue against her teeth to stop herself.. "I am not."

"You are."

"That's the firelight."

John snorted softly. "Sure, Ree."

She finally turned her head toward him, the smile still there. "And you are enjoying yourself far too much."

"Course I am."

"Why?"

John shrugged lazily. "Good ride. Good whiskey." His gaze drifted back to her again. "Good company."

The way he said the last part made the air shift again. They caught each other's gaze.

John moved behind her. She felt his hands settle at her waist. He drew her back against him, the warmth of him eclipsing even the fire. He dipped his head to press a slow, certain kiss beneath her ear. When he pulled back, he let his chin rest on her shoulder. "Night's still young, eh?"

The sitting room had grown quieter as the evening deepened. The fire had burned lower, leaving the room wrapped in a softer glow, the kind that blurred the edges. Their glasses sat forgotten on the small table nearby. Somewhere along the way the conversation had faded. It had started with another drink, and another, a few shared laughs and the continuing of teasing remarks here and there.

Now Aurelia found herself half reclined against the arm of the sofa, John much closer than he had been a moment ago. Or perhaps much closer than either of them had intended.

Her legs rested on his lap, his hand on her thigh, warm and steady trough the fabric of her dress. His thumb moving gently as if he hand't quite noticed he was doing it.

"You were sayin' something." John murmured.

Aurelia dragged her attention away from him with some effort. "I was saying that I won't make it too late."

John hummed in acknowledgment, though it was clear he wasn't listening hard anymore. His attention had drifted to her lips, noticing how her lipstick had slightly smudged the corner of her mouth. Probably his fault. He reached out without overthinking it any longer, his thumb gently rubbing along her skin.

His touch lingered and they were both very aware of how close they were again.

John held her gaze, eyes soft but pupils widened.

Aurelia let out a slow breath. "This is a terrible idea."

"Probably." John quietly answered.

Neither of them moved away. John leaned in, their lips met once more, soft at first but the longer it lasted, every careful boundary they had been pretending to keep slipped quietly out of reach

John hovered over her on the sofa, one arm braced against the cushions beside her. His shirt had come open, the last few buttons had given up during one of their earlier kisses, leaving the fabric parted across his chest from where Aurelia's hands had caught it earlier. His waistcoat had long since been abandoned on the floor.

Aurelia suspected she looked little better herself. A few loose strands of her hair fell around her face, her dress had shifted higher where they had moved across the sofa, the dark fabric gathered slightly beneath John's hand as he had moved it up on her thigh.

John's lips had found her neck now, the slow trail of kisses along her skin drawing a soft breath from her that she didn't quite manage to hide. "John…"

The sound of his name seemed to pause him for only a moment. His hand moved slowly from her thigh, along the curve of her side before settling at her waist. His fingers tightened when she pulled him closer.

Aurelia tilted her head back just enough to give him space, her hands pulled him closer by his neck while her breath caught quietly as his lips brushed very carefully along her throat.

When John lifted his head again, a strand of hair had fallen loose across his forehead, his breathing slower but heavier than before. He looked at her and let out a soft laugh.

"You know..." He started, shaking his head slightly. "I don't know what you're doin' to me."

She felt her cheeks heathen up, her hands running down his chest as she softly sunk her teeth in her bottom lip,. "I could say the same to you."

His eyes darkened, lips turning into a soft smirk while he felt a joint of surprise in the pit of his stomach. "Yeah?"

She nodded, eyes not leaving his face.

John's eyes lingered, searching her as if he was trying to understand something.

Aurelia's fingers brushed the back of his neck. "What?"

He let out a huff. "Nothin'."

"John." There was a slight warning in the way she said his name.

His smile widened. "Really. Nothin'."

Her fingers came up in his hair, gently raking trough.

John reached up and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his knuckles brushing her cheek. The gesture felt strangely gentle for a man like him.

His gaze dropped briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes. "We should probably call it a night."

Aurelia raised an eyebrow. "Probably?"

"Yeah." He didn't move.

A smile tugged at her mouth. "That doesn't sound very convincing."

John stared at her for a moment, then he chuckled. "No." He admitted. "It doesn't."

He stood and offered his hand. When she took it, his grip lingered longer than necessary. "Come on."

Aurelia smoothed her dress, though the faint flush in her cheeks remained. John ran a hand briefly through his hair, as if putting distance between them might improve the situation.

The soft sound of their footsteps broke the silence of the house as John led her towards the stairs. Once they reached the top, he stopped. Aurelia barely had time to look at him before he reached for her, one hand settling at her waist as he kissed her again. Whatever patience he had been trying to hold onto, finally ran out.

He guided her down the hall. The bedroom door closed softly behind them, shutting out the rest of the house. The room was dim, lit only by the low lamp near the bed and the faint glow from the lights outside that slipped through the curtains.

John's hand was still holding hers. Neither of them seemed in a hurry to let go.

Aurelia looked around the room briefly, the dark wood furniture, the neatly folded jacket draped over a chair, the books stacked on a side table. She noticed the faint scent of tobacco and cologne that seemed unmistakably his. It felt strangely intimate to be there, standing in a space that belonged entirely to John.

When she turned back, he was already watching her. His shirt hung open now. Aurelia's eyes lingered longer on the broad planes of his chest she met his gaze again.

A slow grin appeared on his face. "What?"

Aurlia shook her head. "Nothing."

"Bullshit."

She laughed at his reply.

John took a step closer. "You've been starin' at me."

"I have not."

His grin widened. "Right." The look he gave her made denial feel pointless.

After a moment his expression softened slightly. "Still time to change your mind, you know."

Aurelia closed the remaining distance between them. "That would be terribly disappointing."

John chuckled. "Yeah. Thought so."

He looked at her, ready to lean in before Aurelia beat him to it. Her hand came up to his jaw as their lips connected, making the rest of the room disappear. His hands settled at her waist as he pulled her closer, the warmth of his body drawing her in.

Aurelia's hands slid back to his chest, fingertips brushing across the skin beneath his open shirt before drifting upward around his shoulders to push it off entirely

A quiet hum of approval escaped him against her lips.

When they broke apart, John studied her again with that same soft, amused look he had given her the whole night. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Impatient, are we?"

Aurelia smiled "You were taking too long."

He laughed. "Fair enough."

"You alright?" She asked softly.

"Haven't felt better."

"You sure about that?" Her hands drifted to his belt.

His gaze followed them, before returning to her face. "Yeah."

Her lips brushed softly against his as she worked the buckle free. "Could change your mind."

John exhaled trough his nose, eyes darkening with something more focused. "Could you now."

Aurelia pulled his trousers down, hand slowly sliding over his boxers before hooking her fingers in the waistband to pull it down, freeing him. She watched how his jaw tighten before she slowly wrapped her fingers around his member.

Her hand pumped his shaft gently, while a shaky sigh left his lips as he watched her trough half closed lids.

Her lips left a trail of soft kisses from his neck down to his chest, moving with just enough pressure to keep him desperate.

"Fuck..." A soft growl left his lips.

He watched her lower herself, leaving kisses all over his stomach before kneeling down in front of him. Before he could react, he felt her lips wrap around him, dragging another groan from his throat.

"Ree..." He let his head roll back slightly, eyes closing briefly and his hand in her hair to guide her.

Aurelia kept going. The room filled with low groans and quiet curses for a while until John spoke up.

"Fuck... Stop." His voice sounded shaky, his hand stayed tangled in her hair.

She looked up at him, slowing her pace.

His lips parted slightly. "I mean it... don't." His grip on her hair loosened when she let him go. "Fuckin' hell." A sharp exhale left him, jaw tightening as he looked away for a second, like that helped nothing at all.

Aurelia rose back up slowly, steadying against him and meeting his gaze, while she caught her own breath. "Was it-"

"It's fuckin' amazing, alright." John cut in before she could finish. "That's the problem." He let out a short, rough laugh as he pulled her close again.

A giggle left her mouth as he pressed his lips in her neck. "C'mere then."

His fingers found the small zipper of her dress and unfastened it with steady ease. The fabric loosened, slipping away as he guided her out of it without breaking eye contact for long. His hands found the opening of her bra, unclasping it effortlessly.

"Beautiful." He murmured.

Aurelia looked up at him, cheeks flushing lightly.

John tilted her chin up with a knuckle and kissed her slowly. His hand gently cupped her breast, while his thumb slid tenderly over her nipple, earning a soft whimper from her. His lips slowly trailed down from her neck to her breasts.

Her hand held onto the back of his head, as soft, breathy sounds left her mouth.

His fingers hooked into her panties, sliding them down her legs, abandoning them on the floor with the rest of their clothes.

A startled laugh slipped from her as he lifted her easily, her arms looping around his neck, lips finding his immediately. John exhaled a quiet laugh against her mouth, carrying her toward the bed without breaking the rhythm between them.

Her fingers ran over his toned chest as he hovered over her, the warmth of their bodies drawing each other in.

Aurelia's breath hitched when his hand moved between her legs, slow but certain. Moans escaped her lips as his fingers worked gently on her.

John watched how her composure slipped in small, telling ways she didn't bother hiding from him anymore. He felt her hands slip to his shoulders, fingers digging into his skin.

"John..." She gasped, breath quickining as her hips reacted to his movements.

"Mhm." He hummed softly in her ear as he added pressure with his thumb.

She felt his fingers curl, each motion more intense than the other, hitting every spot she needed him to.

Moans and whimpers became louder while he drove her closer to the edge. Her grip on his shoulders tightened and John felt the last of her resistance disappear. For a moment she could only bury her face against him, as she tried to catch her breath.

A low chuckle left his mouth as he looked at her. "There you go." A low whisper reached her ears, his breath brushing against her skin.

She met his eyes, cheeks warm and hair undone in a way that didn’t quite belong to the careful version of herself she usually showed the world. Her hands slid down his arms slowly, then settled around his biceps.

John's lips parted slightly to make another remark until she caught him off guard by pulling him into a messy kiss. A pleased groan was muffled against her lips when he felt her hips gently moving against his.

Aurelia's nails traced across his skin, sending a ripple of goosebumps over his arms.

"Needy, eh?" He murmured against her lips, voice lower now.

"Yes." Her answer came without hesitation, breath catching slightly as she looked at him.

He watched her before he responded. "Lemme fix that for you."

John positioned himself, hand steady on her waist as the other braced himself on the mattress beside her.

A gasp left her mouth when she felt him stretch her in the way she so desperately wanted. His hips rolled steadily against hers while he let out a low grunt.

Her legs wrapped themselves around him as he served her the delicious friction they were both chasing. She reached for his hand, holding it before she intertwined their fingers.

He took both her hands in his and pinned them above her head while he leaned in closer. His gaze fixed on hers, breathing turning heavier.

John's thrusts became faster and strokes deeper. He watched how Aurelia tilted her head back, eyebrows furrowed while pleasure took over. Her fingers tightening against him as the world narrowed to nothing but touch and heat and the sound of their breathing tangled together.

"Oh fuck... John..."

Low groans escaped his throat before he let go of her hands and grabbed one of her legs, lifting it to rest it on his shoulder while his other hand held onto her hip.

"Mm... Ree." He felt her every move, every shiver, every small gasp and it drove him mad in the best way.

The rest of the house had long since fallen silent. Only the bedroom remained awake, filled with uneven breaths and the occasional creak of the bed beneath them. Nothing else seemed to matter, all that was left was the press of bodies, the rhythm of breath, and the way she kept saying his name like it meant something more every time.

John's back rested against the headboard, one arm draped lazily across the pillow behind him. His eyes lingered on Aurelia as she lay next to him. Her cheeks were still flushed, her hair spread across the sheets beneath her. He found himself looking longer than he meant to

John reached toward the nightstand, his fingers closing around the cigarette case. He flipped it open and slid a cigarette free, settling it between his lips. The metallic click of his lighter broke the silence as the flame flickered to life.

He took a drag and glanced back at her. "Want one, love?"

Smoke curled from his lips as he paused "D'you even smoke?" A faint frown crossed his face. "Come to think of it, I've never seen you do it."

She looked up at him, taking in the sight of the man hanging nonchalantly against the headboard. "Sometimes."

"Sometimes?"

She shifted closer, gathering the blanket around herself. "Usually after a few drinks."

He hummed at her answer.

A small smirk tugged at her mouth. "Or when I've had sex with my boss."

John stared at her for a second, then he laughed. "Jesus Christ." His grin widened as he shook his head. "You've got an answer for everythin', haven't you?"

Aurelia smiled at him.

"Might as well start another round if you keep speaking like that." He smirked.

"I wouldn’t mind." She teased as she moved closer, her hand resting on his chest.

"Course not." John smirked. He took another drag of his cigarette and tipped her chin up gently. Their lips met for a brief, lingering kiss, then he blew smoke carefully into her mouth. "Me neither."

Aurelia let the smoke escape slowly while John watched her. He handed her the cigarette. "I thought I had you figured out by now. Turns out you've been holdin' out on me."

She put the cigarette between her lips, inhaling before passing it back. Smoke curled toward the ceiling as it escaped from her mouth. "Maybe you didn't try hard enough."

John chuckled. "If I was only just as observant as you are…" He winked, putting the cigarette back between his lips.

Aurelia rested her head against his chest. "You know more about me than you tell me."

"Hm." He hummed. "I like to be the observer now and then."

"Now and then." She chuckled and looked up at him. "Of course."

He smiled and took the cigarette from his lips before placing it between hers, holding it until she was done. "I remember you sittin' in my office downstairs for the first time." His other hand came up into her hair, fingers carefully brushing trough it while a grin grew on his face. "And look at you now."

"Oh shut up." She slapped the back of her hand softly against his chest. "I’m not that kind of person."

"Your actions speak so loudly, I can't hear what you're sayin'." He smirked.

She looked up at him, her lips parting slightly. "John!" She scolded, though the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth took the sting out of it. "It's your fault."

"Oh is it?" He stubbed the cigarette into the ashtray. "Is it that or is it because you like me?" His smirk grew wider.

Aurelia held his gaze, feeling a jolt in the pit of her stomach. "Maybe both." She mumbled.

He let his hand rest on her waist. "What was that?"

"I said maybe both."

"Thought so." He grinned and caught her hand between his fingers. The kiss he gave her was slower than the ones before.

"You know." He murmured. "For a clever woman, you miss some pretty obvious things."

Aurelia frowned, as her eyes searched his face. "Such as?"

He grinned. "The fact I took you halfway across the countryside."

A small laugh left her lips. "That's your evidence?"

"Nah." His eyes wandered down to her hands. "Just one of many."

She simply looked at him, the smile on her lips faltering slightly before understanding settled across her face. "Oh."

John looked up at her then, grin tugging at his mouth as he watched her reaction unfold.

Aurelia let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head as if at herself. Her body turned to straddle him, arms slipping loosely around his neck.

His eyes followed her movements, until they locked on hers. His hands rested on her waist, thumbs tracing her skin in a way that made her breath hitch.

"I like the sound of that." She admitted, studying his face. "You know... the thing you're not saying."

For once he didn't have a smart answer ready. Just watched her with an expression that was becoming increasingly difficult to hide.

"You're much softer like this." She murmured, noticing the rare absence of walls behind his eyes. Her lips brushed his softly. When she pulled back she held his gaze, fingers soft against his cheek.

His hand settled at the small of her back as he leaned into her touch. A strange warmth stirred in his chest, light and restless, like a thousand wings beating beneath his ribs. He couldn't remember the last time someone had looked at him this way. Or made him want to stay still long enough to be seen.

Aurelia held his face gently as she pressed small, lingering kisses across his skin.

John let her.

His hand drifted slowly along her back, his thumb tracing absent patterns. It was then that he realized he hadn’t been cared for like this in a very long time. Not just the soft touches and the caring gestures but the way she looked at him, as though there was something worth holding onto beneath all the sharp edges.

Each kiss seemed to drive the truth a little deeper. She didn't want something from him, had no expectations. She cared.

A tightness rose in his throat, sudden and unwelcome. He stared past her shoulder for a moment, willing it away. Men like him weren't supposed to be undone by tenderness. Yet his eyes burned all the same.

He closed them, concentrating on the steady rhythm of his breathing the sting behind his eyes betraying the calm he was trying to hold. Then he felt her lips brush softly against one eyelid. His hand tightened slightly against her waist.

"Enough of that." He murmured, knowing he wouldn't be able to stop himself if she kept going.

He gently pushed her back far enough to reach for her face, pulling her in. The kiss was immediate and needy, carrying everything he couldn't bring himself to say aloud. And when the ache behind his eyes finally eased, he slowly pulled away.

She looked at him, breathless and smiling. "Damn it, John."

A laugh escaped him as his hands slid down her body. "What?" He asked, amusement in his eyes.

Before she could answer he rolled both of them over with ease in one fluid motion. He braced himself beside her head and let his weight settle, just enough to remind her who was in control.

A surprised sound broke from her, quickly dissolving into laughter.

“I think you deserve something more, eh?” He smirked. His hand brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear before he leaned down.

Their lips found each other effortlessly, while their bodies moved slowly in sync. The room faded into the quickening rhythm of breath and movement, the kind that didn’t need anything said at all.

"Sir." The bartender laughed, shaking his head. "Too strong."

"That's the bloody point." John smirked.

Aurelia chuckled at her boyfriend's stubbornness.

John emerged from inside, carrying two caipirinhas. His sunglasses rested on top of his head despite it being night. Sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his tattoos disappearing beneath the cuffs of his linen shirt. Sharp lettering, faded cards and a razor blade somewhere lost along his arm. It wouldn't surprise her if he had gotten half of them at three in the morning while he was drunk and furious.

"You're staring." Aurelia teased.

John handed her one of the drinks. "Can you blame me?"

"You've seen me all day."

"Still not over it." He looked her up and down slowly before he took a sip of his drink. "Risky thing to wear around me, sweetheart."

She laughed. "You're even worse on holiday."

"No." He smirked, stepping closer. "I'm relaxed." His hand settled on her hip as he pressed a soft kiss to her neck. "Anyway." He murmured, nodding toward the beach below. "Ready for that party?"

Music thundered across the sand beneath swinging palms. Strings of lights glowed above them while tourists and locals danced together barefoot. Somewhere nearby, fireworks cracked trough the sky.

John fit into the scene effortlessly, one hand in his pocket, drink in the other while moving through crowds like he owned them while Aurelia held onto his arm.

She caught at least three women staring at him within a couple of minutes. The smug grin John gave her told her he had noticed it too.

"Oh don't start." She rolled her eyes playfully.

"What?"

"You know exactly what."

He leaned down near her ear, voice full with amusement. "Bit hard not to notice people admiring the view."

"The view?" She tilted her head slightly, shaking her head but an amused smile betrayed her.

"You." His thumb brushed along her chin. "And maybe me a little."

Aurelia rolled her eyes again but couldn't help but laugh.

"To be fair." He tilted her face up before kissing her softly. "I saw at least ten men looking at you."

"Of course you did, John." She chuckled, her hand resting softly on his arm.

The music changed gradually, turning into something faster and dirtier. John set his drink down and held a hand out toward her. "C'mon."

"You're serious?"

"Darlin', I'm good at everythin'." He answered smoothly.

The second she stepped into him, his hand settled confidently at her waist. John danced with confidence rather than precision, all sharp hips and easy rhythm. He spun her beneath glowing lights while the ocean breeze tangled through her hair. The alcohol warmed everything, the music louder, his grin rougher and the tension between them impossible to ignore.

She laughed breathlessly against his shoulder. "Where the hell did you learn this?"

He smirked widely. "Got a lotta hidden talents."

"Oh my god." She laughed.

By the time midnight blurred into something closer to dawn, they were drunk on too much dancing, too many drinks and each other.

Aurelia sat laughing on the hood of the Ferrari John had insisted he needed, while he stood between her knees, one hand resting against her thigh. His shirt hung open now, enough to reveal more ink across his chest.

"You know." She murmured, tracing one of the tattoos lazily with her fingertip. "You become even more arrogant when you drink."

John caught her hand and kissed her knuckles. "And you become even prettier."

"That was smooth."

"I know."

"Gosh." She sighed dramatically, although she was smiling. "You're impossible."

He laughed softly. "Still taking me home though."

He leaned in to kiss her. Their lips moved softly against each other, her hand warm against his jaw while one of his rested on her hip, the other braced against the car. He pulled her closer, hands sliding from her waist to her thigh and back again, lifting the hem of her dress slightly.

He felt her smile against his mouth, making him do the same. "Ah fuck." He groaned softly against her lips.

"What?" She pulled away slightly to look at him, eyes lovingly staring at him.

"Don't do that. You make it worse by looking at me like that." He grinned helplessly.

"Make what worse?" She giggled.

"I'm so fuckin' madly in love with you." He pressed his lips against hers again. "Those bloody butterflies..." He wasn't able to finish his sentence, as he quietly laughed at himself being lost for words. "Listen to me, you make me a fuckin' mess."

Aurelia laughed, cheeks flushed pink as her fingers brushed along his jaw.

John looked at her with complete adoration. "I mean it."

"I know you do." Her hand curled gently around his chin. "I love you too John." She kissed him once more. "So much."

John beamed at her words. "Lucky guy I am." He whispered, fingers slipping through her hair.

He pulled Aurelia up from the car and wrapped his arms around her. Hers found their way around his neck. Silence falling between them as they held each other close.

"What d'you think, hm?" He pressed a kiss on her forehead. "One more dance?"

She smiled. "I'd love to."

The villa was quiet when they finally stumbled back inside, the city lights pouring through the massive windows.

John barely got the door shut before pulling her against him.

The kiss was messy from alcohol and laughter, his hands roaming her waist while her fingers tangled into the collar of his shirt. His skin warm beneath her touch.

"Think that dress might actually kill me." He muttered against her lips.

"You've mentioned the dress about fifteen times tonight."

"Because it's been distractin' me for fifteen bloody hours."

She laughed softly and John looked at her like the sound alone might ruin him.

For a brief moment he just held her there, forehead resting against hers, then his mouth curved into that confident grin.

"Bedroom." He decided.

She smirked. "A command?"

"A brilliant suggestion."

Before she could answer, he hooked an arm beneath her legs and lifted her effortlessly. She let out a soft squeal which made him laugh. He carried her down the hallway while she laughed against his shoulder.

Rio glittered behind them like the night had no intention of ending.