by Jen Robyn
*****
“Honey, we’re home,” Dominick said cheerfully, hugging his arm about Julianna’s waist. As she opened her eyes, they widened considerably upon seeing the stately white castle before her, easily several stories high, and gleaming in the moonlight. “A bit speechless now, love?”
Speechless indeed! she thought, glancing about in wonder with an absent nod, barely noticing when he set her on her feet again. She was even more surprised at the title he’d called her, although nonetheless pleased.
“I thought you might be interested to see the exterior before I brought you inside,” he explained, gesturing towards the archway of the open door.
Taking his hand, Julianna was newly amazed at the modern way the castle was organized inside. Her eyes lit up at the winding stone staircase reaching towards the upstairs rooms, the steps covered by white velvet carpet.
“Where does that lead?”
“A few miscellaneous rooms, and… Julianna, wait!”
Laughing, she’d already broken free to race towards the staircase, doing fairly well considering the heavy train of the dress she carried as she ran up the steps. Just as highspiritedly, Dominick chased after his swift companion, taking the steps two at a time to catch her easily.
She squealed as she felt his arms encompass her at the very top, lifting her from the floor to carry her easily.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“No doubt keeping you from finding trouble as usual,” he chuckled, walking down a hallway to nod towards one of the many doors. “Since you’ve interrupted my plans for a tour of this place, I suppose we’ll have to postpone them, and start with the last room I meant to show you.”
The door swung open of its own accord. Julianna glanced within and gasped. The room was filled with beautiful furniture and items.
Setting her on her feet, he gestured about the room. “A few comfortable chairs for us by the window, so we might gaze out over the beach and ocean while we talk. And over there, a doorway to a hidden library, where you can find all the romance and science fiction novels your heart desires.”
Julianna remained speechless as he went on to mention a chest of jewels in the corner, a wardrobe filled with beautiful gowns—as well as casual attire for when she wished it—and minor descriptions of the other rooms in the castle that he’d show her later. Even if this dream could only be for the moment, it was wonderful to feel so cared for by someone she felt similarly about, and she intended to etch it in her memory forever.
Not that her memories towards dreams hadn’t improved lately anyway!
“And of course, a comfortable place to rest,” he added, kissing her quickly as he nodded towards the nearby four poster bed.
As she ran her hand along the velvety blanket, Julianna smiled with pleasure, glancing up at the elaborate canopy overhead. A thin veil surrounded the bed on all sides, making it seem as if the beautifully carved wooden structure was separated from the world.
In a way, thanks to the dream-state, this was true for them too.
Finally, she turned to her silent companion.
“But why did you do all this?” she asked softly. “Surely it won’t always be here when I dream every night.”
“Ah, but it shall, my dear lady,” Dominick said reassuringly. “Though you might be elsewhere in the dream-state, you can usually return here at your request. Merely concentrate, and you should be teleported hence. As to why I created this for you, consider it a gift for becoming a most special part of my life. I hope it meets with your approval.”
“Oh, yes,” she replied enthusiastically, reaching forward to hug him. “It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen, and I’ll return here often.”
“I had hoped you would.” he replied knowingly.
Kissing the top of her head as he embraced her, Dominick felt immensely pleased by her reaction, especially since he’d never conjured up something like this for anyone else. Sometimes he’d changed the backgrounds, but he’d never felt the desire to set the illusions in their minds, although his special powers could help make this possible. Hopefully the brief forgetfulness of his powers wouldn’t keep occurring—no doubt brought on by the pleasant distraction of his enjoyable companion—so he could more easily keep them from the nightmare scenes they’d experienced.
After all, they were meeting in dreams.
Yet even dreams had their own reality, and right now, there was no denying the very real desire that was building once more within him, just holding her like this. How much time had they left? he wondered. After all, time was ever difficult to determine here, sometimes seeming far longer than the reality, other times much less.
Ah, no matter. They were together now.
He kissed her again, not wanting to rush things with her. Tonight... he desired this evening to be perfect for her, and he’d make sure it was, feeling a warming tenderness towards her.
She slowly raised her head to face him, surprising him with the intensity in her eyes. His feelings of desire were reflected in them.
A desire neither could fight anymore.
Moving to the comfort of the bed, Dominick kissed her gently, his lips ever so lightly brushing against hers, while his hand caressed her cheek. Chavernos, she’s sweet, he thought. As if having heard him, Julianna’s own hands reached up to pull him closer, coming to rest about his neck. Her slightest touch was an enchantment, spurring him to clasp her tightly to him, deepening their kisses until they were left nearly breathless.
So much for fighting the inevitable.
Pressing heated kisses along her cheek, he murmured, “My dear sweet temptress...”
Through the gown, Julianna could feel the urgency in his hands as they tightened about her waist, one breaking free to stroke her back lovingly. Inwardly, she felt it wasn’t enough, silently wishing the fabric was no longer between her and his touch. All the while, he whispered sweet endearments which left her trembling with anticipation.
Despite her lack of experience, Dominick exuded an air of confidence and tenderness that was too intoxicating to resist. Deep down, she knew he wouldn’t hurt her, and the thought comforted her more than any other.
When his kisses traveled past her neck, a fluttered sigh escaped Julianna, certain that this time there would be no interruptions. Nor did she want there to be anymore.
Dominick’s hands raised slightly as he reached behind her to unfasten the dress, parting the material easily, and drawing it from her, leaving her garbed only in a thin slip. The dress fell to the floor as he tossed it lightly aside, resuming his kisses even as he tugged off his jacket and shirt.
Seeing her trepidation, he gently lifted her hands to place them against his bared chest, holding one more tightly there. “Don’t be afraid, love,” he said softly. “Feel how strongly my heart beats for you. I swear by it, and by my life, I’ll not hurt you this night.”
She nodded once without speaking as he kissed her again, resting his hands against the softness of her shoulders, and stealing a gasp from her as he edged the slip from her as easily as the dress.
“Dominick...” she protested, when he drew back to gaze at her openly. Suddenly realizing how bright the room was, and feeling most vulnerable, Julianna found herself wishing they were in concealing darkness instead. Blushing, she tried to turn away, but his hand on her cheek gently prevented this, his tender smile like the warming sun.
“Don’t feel the need to hide from me, love,” he whispered, caressing her lightly. “You’re beautiful, Julianna. If I have to tell you a million more times tonight to convince you, I shall.”
She tried to return his smile, but felt awkward. “I’m just not used to being seen like this,” she said quietly. “I’m sorry I seem...”
“No,” Dominick interrupted, silencing her with a soft kiss. “You have absolutely nothing to be sorry about, Julianna. Nor any need to be afraid. I swore I wouldn’t hurt you, and I meant every word.” Waving a hand towards the lights above, they dimmed to a s
ofter glow.
At his swift understanding, her smile became more relaxed. “I know you won’t,” she whispered.
“Good,” he replied, kissing her once before reaching forward to pull back the covers. As she quickly slid beneath them, Julianna smiled at the hidden satiny coverlet and sheets within. “Comfortable?”
“Yes,” she fairly purred, shutting her eyes as she snuggled against the feather pillows.
Dominick smiled at her warmly as he removed his remaining clothing. She was such an odd combination of child and woman all wrapped up in one, he thought. Yet for all the desire he felt, he resolved to be extra attentive to her innocence, even if this would be merely a dream to her in the morning.
When he joined her beneath the covers, she stared at him with mixed trepidation and curiosity. Dominick shifted closer, caressing her cheek and gazing into the brown depths of her wide, ever blinking eyes.
“What’s that look for?” he asked softly in amusement. “You act as though I’ve become a frightening ogre.”
“Oh, no, nothing like that,” Julianna said quickly. “Although I must admit I prefer being with you when you’re like this, rather than distant and angry.”
Dominick kissed her temples as he spoke. “Even if we have our arguments, as couples often do, you never have to worry beyond a verbal tiff. I swear I’d never harm you physically, in any way.”
“Then I’ll grant you the same courtesy,” she decided, earning a chuckle from him.
“I’m certainly glad to hear that, since you’re so good with that kicking maneuver,” he replied honestly, slipping his hands beneath the covers to caress her back and pull her closer. “Now come here, my sweet tigress, and let’s speak no more of fighting this night.”
As his mouth recaptured her own, Julianna surrendered to his embrace willingly. His warmth encompassed her totally as their bare skin touched, and she reveled at the contact. Different, yet comforting, feeling his heart beat against hers.
Dominick felt a rare wave of protectiveness flood through him as he realized how much trust she was granting him. Kissing her endlessly, while he expertly enflamed every inch of her trembling body, he silently vowed she wouldn’t regret the endowment of that trust.
As his kisses moved to her neck, her response was greater this time, only heightening his desire for her as well. Against the comfort of darkness, his mouth covered her breast, and her surprised gasp swiftly changed to sounds of pleasure as he kissed and worshipped her there, slowly, thoroughly. She clasped him against her, kissing him even as he did the same with the other, until finally he captured her mouth with his again.
She responded passionately, even as she felt his hands travel lower. Arching against his exploring touch, his increasingly intimate kisses swallowed a moan from her, while he slowly continued to set her every sense aflame.
So much so, that Julianna was becoming increasingly stirred up by the restless newness of passion, running her hands along his back and over his shoulders, her kisses as demanding as his own, sending the already burning heat between them up several more degrees. Her questing hands stroked across his chest and then tentatively reached lower.
She felt his sharp responding shudder, as he groaned against her mouth and quickly but gently pulled her hands away. Staring into his eyes, Julianna felt her face flush crimson. “I’m sorry, Dominick,” she whispered uneasily. “I’ve never done this before, so I’m not sure what to do. I guess you might have thought otherwise.”
He stifled her words with a gentle shush, holding one finger against her lips. “I thought exactly what you’ve just told me, that this is your first time,” he replied. “You have no need to apologize for anything tonight, the least of which for having a lack of experience. I’m grateful to be your first.” He smiled knowingly, kissing her quickly. “And the one to show you what to do.”
“But before...”
“It wasn’t wrong,” he chuckled. “I’m afraid you just caught me by surprise, and even dream knights only have so much self-control.”
Understanding now, Julianna smiled. “I don’t mind if you lose some of that control, Dominick.”
“I’m glad,” he replied softly, the temporarily banked flames of desire rekindling in his eyes. “Because in another moment, I’ll no doubt lose whatever remains of it.”
The urgency in his kisses emphasized this as he reached his arm beneath her waist to pull her still closer, allowing his other hand to stroke upward to caress her breast again warmly, evoking a magic all its own. Emitting a soft sigh of pleasure, Julianna shut her eyes in dreamy abandon.
At last, she understood what she’d been missing. With the right person, romance could indeed be a beautiful thing. Roger’s attempts paled in comparison. Dominick’s kisses and caresses were taking her to a realm of wonderful sensations she’d only imagined before, which she had no desire to return from.
When he finally moved over her, Julianna’s breathing quickened, her eyes opening to stare back into his own glazed expression.
“Julianna, love,” he breathed. “Tell me... are you certain of this?”
Simple words, but tenderly meaningful. In answer, she smiled with a soft whisper of consent, “I’m certain, my dream knight.”
Dominick’s features softened into a thankful expression as he kissed her again, encouraged by her response, and inwardly relieved that at least in the dream-state, there wouldn’t be any pain for her in their loving.
In the midst of his next kiss, Julianna sensed his own breathing quicken, but despite her prior words of acceptance, she was hesitant. “Trust me, love. I’ll always keep you safe,” he whispered, gazing into her eyes as he smiled upon her reassuringly. “Remember that always.” She whispered assent, clinging to him as her eyes fluttered shut.
Cradling her close, Dominick continued to whisper soft endearments to her, enticing her acceptance as he covered her mouth with his own. Enraptured further by his ensuing sweet caresses, she gave a low moan, tugging against his shoulders, pleading with him not to wait any longer. Slowly, he brought them together, feeling her sweet warmth all around him, just before she gasped softly.
Pausing to kiss her cheek comfortingly, he smoothed her hair back. “Easy, love,” he whispered. “Remember my promise. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
Warmed by the compassion in his voice as he kissed her again, she nodded slightly while he drew them closer still. What she’d heard of this act couldn’t describe everything, she realized, a small cry escaping her from the unexpected feelings of his complete possession.
Feelings that might as well have been new to him too, he decided, experiencing an unexpected deeper sense of soul-filled pleasure at finally being one with her.
Expressing this through his kisses as he held her, he waited until she’d adjusted to their newfound intimacy. It didn’t take long for her to reciprocate, kissing him back. Upon sensing Julianna’s grip tighten, her soft murmuring beckoning him, Dominick gratefully acquiesced, withdrawing only to gently thrust deeper, sending ripples of pleasure through them both, and building into a slow and easy rhythm.
Julianna’s last fears dissolved, replaced in her mind by brightly colored lights dancing before her, the sweet strains of beautiful music humming in her ears.
There was no imagining the man responsible for this.
With heartfelt happiness, she smiled against his kisses. “Dominick, it’s like magic,” she whispered blissfully.
“It is that, love. The sweetest magic,” he agreed, smiling back. “And it gets even better.” She was about to question this, but as soon as he began to move again, their thoughts became equally lost to their desire.
Before long, she caught onto the rhythm they shared, as he guided her with a quickening pace towards quenching the desire they both felt. The sounds of passion that escaped Julianna were foreign to her, yet she seemed no more able to control them than Dominick could stifle his own.
Her heart was soaring with sheer euphoria, climbing ever higher, u
ntil she suddenly felt a wave of pleasure that left her breathless. Dominick echoed this, breathing her name against her cheek, as he followed her into the timeless ecstasy of lovers.
When their racing hearts gradually slowed, Dominick finally looked down to gaze into his companion’s eyes, seeing the same tired bliss in them as she stared back. Smoothing a hand against her forehead, he smiled upon her with a wave of adoration so strong, she found herself blushing.
“Are you all right?” he whispered.
“When I can breathe again, I’ll let you know,” she replied softly. He started to move from her, but her hands clasped him tighter, her smile unmistakable. “That’s not what I meant,” she assured him. “I don’t mind.”
“Maybe not,” he chuckled, “but the rest of me will voice itself again if I don’t back off slightly, while your own sweet body deserves a respite from its initiation to love.”
Julianna blushed, but made no further protest as Dominick leaned back and pulled her close against his side. Shutting her eyes, she nestled closer with one arm resting across his chest, while his own grasp on her tightened possessively, tugging the covers higher over them.
“Seriously,” he murmured against her cheek, “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
“I was a bit surprised at first,” she replied. “But there wasn’t any of the pain I expected, and after that, all I felt were rainbows and the most beautiful music singing through me.”
“Ah, that sounds about right for a dream,” he laughed. Even as she echoed his laughter, he could feel her begin to stiffen in his arms. “What’s wrong?”
Julianna sighed once, before speaking. “I just realized that we probably don’t have much longer together,” she murmured regretfully. “Soon I’ll be awake, and this will all be just a wonderful memory.” As she glanced up at him, he saw sadness in her eyes. “Oh, Dominick, I wish we could be together in the waking world. Not just for a few hours each night. It’s so damned unfair.”
Gently resting her head against his shoulder, he kissed her forehead. “I know, love,” he whispered, squeezing her meaningfully. “But take heart. Maybe one day we can find a way around the rules that govern our being together. In the meantime, we still have our stolen moments until the dawn.”