Radhika stared; her heart seemed to have skidded to a complete halt, her brain turned into mush, ignoring her pleas for normalcy. Her eyes filled with tears of joy.

Arjun took her hand, and in an unexpectedly courtly gesture kissed her fingers. "You’re stunning, my Radhika.”

His sudden sweet gesture, made her feel light, as if she had sprouted wings, "You could have fooled me," she tried to find appropriate words as she finished, struggling not to be charmed.

But, dammit, she was thoroughly and completely charmed and entranced.

She had never been made to feel so very wonderful!

So, this is why he refused her, to make her feel so very special. Gosh, he was cute, very cute.

Her hero!

The entire room sparkled with candles, lit, drenching everything around them in a golden glow. Light, soft, romantic music oozed out from somewhere and hundreds of petals were littered all around the room, adding to the creation of a perfect dreamy atmosphere.

She turned and shared a look with Arjun and seeing his soft smile, melted a bit more into him.

Arjun loved the way her eyes glittered and flutters of pure joy took over her body, he could feel her relaxed and peaceful. He wanted her to release herself from the deep bondage of compulsion to give herself to him.

If she had to come to him, it would be because of her need and not just want. Want could always be satisfied by anyone but no one could ever replace need. And, he wanted to be her need.

Arjun put his hand on her back, heating her everywhere he touched as he guided her inside the room.

Radhika took a step, mindful of his hand on her back, mindful of the feelings it created inside her but unmindful of her eagerness to bask in the wonderful gesture, he had done for her, especially for her.

His room, no longer resembled a hotel room but a fairytale romantic scene, where they were the characters. For tonight, she got to be the princess, who deserved everything special and extraordinary.

Radhika smiled at Arjun and took off her shoes, in her hurry to feel the smoothness of the petals beneath her feet.

This was too much; she had never pegged him to be such a romantic! She felt special, she felt prized. Arjun stood back fascinated, as he watched Radhika enjoy everything he had done for her.

She could have pouted and shown attitude but the way she squealed and enjoyed his surprise, made him feel ten times taller. It was so easy to make her feel wholesome, she was the same woman who could win over a board of self-proclaimed, high ended individuals in a meeting, showcasing herself as an ice princess and here, she had let go of her inhibitions simply enjoying the basic flowers and candles.

Lord, she was one terrific piece of work.

He realized, being appreciated with enough enthusiasm was at times more than enough. Right now, seeing her tread carefully, barefoot on the petals, swirling, twirling, in the candle light glow was more than any reward, any words; she could have offered to him.

“Arjun,” Radhika whispered, as she bend down and picked up few red petals in her palm,” thank you,” she blew them away and captivated, watched them swirl around.

He walked towards her and cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes,” Radhika, you deserve the best.”

She met his gaze and seeing his intense look, her heart skipped a beat,” I believe it.”

Arjun stood up straight, taking her hand in his, running his fingertips on her knuckles, guided her towards the table, where she could see a champagne glistening to be drunk,” Some Champagne?”

Radhika nodded as her nerves went on an over drive, everything was so beautifully set, just like she always had dreamed of, but did she want this? Of course, she wanted him; she was more than ready for him, he was everything she had ever wanted in a man, he was considerate, caring, sweet, ambitious; everything that her heart desired. There was no doubt in her mind but what about the morning. Should she think of the consequences before jumping into action or just let her heart guide her through the night. Radhika, as far as she remembered had never been careless when it came to such intimacy, now what was she expected to do. Shy away from her desires? Was this just a want or becoming her need?

No, she added, as she enjoyed the feel of his hand in hers, she would never let him become her need.

He was just what she wanted and knowing him, she was sure, not to expect any commitments or words of promise. She knew that, she was prepared for that. This was a one night deal, that’s it. Tomorrow morning, she will collect her thoughts, her feelings bury them deep and simply leave with her dignity intact. Hurt, pain would follow rejection, but she would deal with them later, right now, she did not want to think about them.

Thoughts led to over- analysis, they always hazed the brain, and she wouldn’t do that today. She wouldn’t think.

Yes, that is what she would do. She wouldn’t think of it much.

At all.

Maybe this was not the right chapter of her life, maybe it was. Who was she to judge? She had lived all her life following guidelines, but today she wanted to feel free. Feel the love even if it was for just one night. Today, she would let go of her inhibitions, he may have rejected her once long time back, but come tomorrow morning, she wouldn’t give him the chance to reject her again, and it would be the other way around.

Her dormant feelings wanted an escape, she wanted to burn, to experience, to feel.

For now, she would ease into him and see the world from his eyes, entwining her heart with his; one night, free of barriers; this night, free of needless obstacles; this one night she would give to him, would imbibe it deep in her heart and treasure it forever.

Radhika came out of her thoughts as she felt Arjun tug her hand; he had already popped the bottle and poured the contents.

He handed her a glass. She took it, looking at him, he was so handsome. She smiled.

Arjun looked at her smile, he was speechless, standing in front of her drenched in the golden light filtered in by the candles, she looked like a woman, who was born to be loved -- by him. He had long ago accepted the fact, of his love for her, he needed no re- confirmation, she was what his heart desired, his heart needed. He couldn’t think of living one day without her.

Life with her wouldn’t be easy, he was sure of it, but he had stopped looking for easy the day he had fallen in love with her again. She was, had been the only woman, who had managed to turn his heart around, make it beat again. He didn’t care if she had been with men before, he would forget that, all he needed was her with him from now on.....forever.

He looked at her and groaned.

He didn’t need her to be in that black lace to be aroused, seeing her right now, looking at him, smiling at him as if he had handed her the moon on a platter, made him want her, need her, incessantly.

Arjun took a sip and fighting but losing to his need to touch her, walked closer to her.

Her breathing had quickened without her being aware of it. Gently, he tucked her hair behind her ear and nuzzled her neck.

“You know now why I refused your flattering advances,” he whispered as he licked his way, loving the glorious sensations, her taste, her sweet scent.

“Hmmm but don’t you think you should have,” Radhika’s voice trailed off as Arjun grazed her ear,” told me...earlier," she finished in a husky voice.

"I imagine, I should have," Arjun murmured. Brushing the hair away from the nape of her neck, he nibbled on the sensitive skin.

What was she supposed to say again? God, she loved his closeness, the sensation seemed to melt her knees. Why weren’t they sitting?

 His hands skimmed down her sides to rest at her waist and he turned her as he brushed a kiss over her shoulder. "Now, how about I show you how I intend to make love to you and," he lifted her chin with his finger and dropped a quick kiss on the corner of her mouth,” you can tell me if you want to continue.”

Few seconds passed as Radhika did not utter a word, "Mmm." Arjun trailed his lips around the side of her neck and loving her taste, skimmed his tongue over it and listened to her quick, unsteady inhalation of breath.

“Your hand is shaking, Radhika.”

“Ye...ah, I know that.”

He stopped his sensual ministrations to look at her and took her glass from her hand to put it aside,” and?”

“I want.....you,” Radhika whispered enjoying the fire that started somewhere deep in her belly.

Her tongue came out to moisten her lips as if in anticipation of something sweet and strictly forbidden.

"Open your eyes," he demanded. While he watched, the heavy lids opened to reveal eyes misted with pleasure. "Look at me when I kiss you," he murmured.

Then his mouth crushed hers, ruthless, ravaging. He could hear his own heartbeat raging in his chest as he plunged deeper. He kissed her as she'd never been kissed before. Taking it all and giving in everything. They were both lost, lost in each other, lost in the pleasure, unturned, unaffected by the world.

Nothing mattered, nothing was of consequence. It was a mingling destined, written down. Nothing could stop them.

He kissed her tracing her lips with his tongue until they trembled. "Come to bed with me."

Radhika looked at him, forgetting her steely demeanor, presenting before him, her vulnerability,” But.”

Arjun took her hand in his and kissed her palm,” yes?...whatever you want, Radhika.”

She took her hands out of his, her gaze slipped down, she was embarrassed to voice her views,” I...I am not wearing that black teddy.”

Arjun shook his head and gave out a loud booming laugh, he took her hands in his again and nibbled delicately on her fingers," I love this," he murmured, and traced a finger over the little buttons on the front of her shirt.

Inching closer, he slowly unbuttoned her shirt, one by one, pressing his lips on her skin as and when it became exposed for his eyes.

He stopped, looked at her and found her eyes staring right back at him. They were full of trust and that humbled and honored him.

He kissed her right then and there. Unable to resist, meshed his tongue with hers. She might have been with others, but he vowed to show her his love, memorable and unforgettable.

Gently prying himself free, he brushed a soft kiss on her shoulder as he fingered her white laced bra.

“Beautiful,” he murmured and laid kisses on the soft material encasing her magnificent mounds.

Arjun unsnapped her jeans and slowly levered them down, running his hand on her smooth skin of her thighs, legs as it came completely off.

Leaning down, he kissed her toes, legs and thighs as he ran his fingers all over them. Feeling them, sensing them. He stood up and looked at her, encased only in her white laced underclothes, drenched in moon-light, she looked beautiful and every bit of an angel that she was.

“I only need you, Radhika," Coaxing, he smoothed his hands down her back. "Lie down with me, Radhika." He lifted her, cradled her in his arms and as she shivered laid her on the bed, strewn with rose petals.

He turned her hand over and kissed her palm, watching her. "Exquisite."

Her hair spilled like black tresses over the crisp linen, subtle waves of it catching glints from the candlelight.

She looked as if she belonged there, on his bed, surrounded by petals.

Soft, alluring and his.

Radhika closed her eyes.

"Yes." Arjun traced a fingertip down her chest, guiding his finger through her cleavage. "Simply exquisite."

The touch brought a quick shudder, a more concentrated arousal. Radhika's eyes flew open. "Arjun?"

"Yes?"

She looked him, unaware with eyes filled with love and unconsciously, laced her fingers with his,” I want you. Show me.”

He glided his hands on her sides and bent down to kiss her.  It was torture.

Delicate, unbearable and irresistible.

Radhika acted on her instincts and drew him closer, loving the hard, lean feel of his body against hers, the brush of his clothes against her skin, the whisper of his breath across it. She loved the way his heart beat as fast as her own, matching their beats to perfection.

The touch of his fingertips against her stomach, his tongue kissing her belly button, sent pleasurable waves rocketing in her heart; her body tensed, her breath locked when he moved lower to brush a kiss on the piece of cloth hiding her true treasure.

She felt exposed and marvelous!

He looked at her, and when their eyes met, his keeping hers captured, he pulled the material down, lowering the straps off, wanting to explore every inch of her mercilessly. Dying with need!

He savored her, delicately, taking his time. Her eyes closed on its own.

"I want to be inside you." Her eyes opened at that, and in them he saw nerves gloriously mixed with needs. "But there's more first. I have to touch you. Everywhere. Mix my scent with yours."

He skimmed a hand down to her breast, circled with a fingertip, and forced a moan through her lips as his thumb scraped over her peak. She felt an answering tug, deep inside. An echo of shock and pleasure.

“Beautiful, beautiful,” his voice echoed in the room.

He slid forward, cupping a mound in each hand. "I am going to lick them, kiss them till you would lose all sane sensation in them."

 She flushed deeply, his dirty talking making her delirious with immediate need, and leaned forward to kiss him once more.

He kissed across her collar bone, his kisses traveled lower, across the top of her chest, moving down her alluring cleavage.

He looked at her as if asking for permission to continue. Radhika simply nodded her head, too lost in his sensual biddings.

Arjun's fingers fought their way towards her delectable mounds. He traced a sensuous path down the smooth path between her breasts, as Radhika moaned appreciatively. 

She was truly enjoying the torture inflicted by his fingers. She grasped his arm and urged for more. 

He looked at her and found her eyes glazed with lust. Arjun moaned. His tongue and lips circled around her chest, lavishing utmost importance and attention, gradually getting closer to the red buds at the center, making her shiver in sweet anticipation.

Her breath caught and her hand came up to his head as his lips found her peaks, his delicious tongue circling, licking, sucking; one then the other.

She trembled and exploded with pleasure as she dug her nails in to his shoulders, arching her back, their moans coming out in a sweet symphony.

She pulled him back up to her, their lips meeting again. 

So this was what it was to feel like a woman. To know he was the first to bring that flush to the skin, that weakness to the limbs, that quiver to the muscles. God, pure beauty, that’s what it was.

They were lost. Completely lost.

And when he took off his shirt, her body seemed to burst from anticipation.

My, oh, my, she thought. His body was . . . an education. Perfect, tanned, lean and muscled.

She ran her fingers over his chest, her tongue following its path, burning and melting him at the same time.

He stopped her lingering hands and smiled, in a quick flash she was out of her last piece of cloth, guarding her modesty. He slid the garment off, revealing for the first time her fully naked body.

 “Gorgeous,” He breathed as she shivered.

Hell!

He was going mad, she was astounding. Beyond beautiful.

When she stopped her hands near his jeans, to look at him, he took it off along with his boxers and in a moment covered her body with his.

Their chest touched each other, thighs merged, bare; skin with skin mingled as they kissed, deep and long.

 She sighed in appreciation.

She felt awakened, her every pore seemed to melt with his.

“I nee-ed you now," she groaned out before she could stop herself, not sure herself of what she wanted to say after that.

“I am here,” he whispered, kissing every part of her.

He moved to cover her treasure with his mouth, showing her what it felt to be like his woman. One of her hands gripped his wrist in a vain attempt to make him stop doing what he was doing to her.

She couldn’t take it, she wanted him. She didn’t know how but she wanted him.

Soon, she stiffened, enjoying her release.

He held back, gaining his pleasure from hers, stunned by the way she responded to each touch, to each kiss. With the breath laboring in his lungs, the blood pounding in his head, he entered her, joining them as one.

When he felt the barrier in her, he was shocked, speechless, and thunderstruck.

What? How? When?

“Radhika,” he asked, he didn’t know what to say to her.

“Don’t, just please, I need you,” Radhika whispered.

She was innocent....untouched....pure! His brain went on an over-drive. He didn't know what to say, what to think, he was too gone in desire. 

“But.”

“Please, I beg you,” Radhika was ready for him, she wanted him and only him.

He entered her, caressing her softly, pouring out all love for her, kissing her, soothing her, he braced for her to stiffen and cry out. Knowing he would have to stop, no matter how his body craved completion, if she asked it of him.

 But she didn't stiffen, only gasped out his name as her arms came around him. The brief flash of pain was instantly smothered by a pleasure greater, fuller, than she had ever dreamed possible.

 His, she thought. She was his.

And she moved against him with an instinct as old as time.

Rose petals clung to their skin, sweet, romantic kisses. Candlelight glowed against her heavy eyelids, soft, romantic light. He murmured to her, approval, promises, his voice mesmerizing.

She felt loved, cherished and above all, treasured.

Complications were bound to come but one night, one beautiful memory would be etched in their name. Forever!

..........................................