For the first time in days, the diamond was not the thing attracting Anna's attention.

Sat at her dresser, her long hair tumbling down her back, Anna had taken a quiet pause to make herself in the divine image Mathias apparently spent so long thinking about. Her make-up was done, a soft, smoky eye and red lip highlighting her striking facial features. Other than that, she was in nothing except the necklace, her creamy white skin a perfect contrast to her chocolate hair.

She felt beautiful.

Truly beautiful.

Standing up, she stood back to admire her body fully. She'd never really regarded it before. Not with this sort of intent any how. She'd had no real reason too. But now, she couldn't stop looking. Is this exactly how Mathias imagined her? She wasn't slender, every one of her curves overly full. She touched her fingers to her stomach, running them over the extra weight she carried there. Would he like this? It was soft and plump, just like her thighs and breasts and buttocks. And he'd certainly seemed to enjoy touching her anywhere he could in the car.

Anna liked how she looked. She felt as though she had a good all round balance of softness and edge. Her body was all curves and yet her facial features, her cheekbones, nose, eyes, where all sharp. Even her long fingers and small palms created angles that she appreciated.

The thing is, until Mathias, she'd never really scrutinised herself from another's perspective. Her whole outlook on her appearance had been about being taken seriously as an academic. It wasn't that she didn't care about male attention, so much as that she had loathed it up until this point. It made her think too much of her birth mother.

But Mathias wasn't like the men her mother attracted.

Touching the diamond lightly, Anna couldn't contain her smile. She liked the way it sat just above her breasts, how she could feel the cool press of it and all times.

There was a knock at her door, Anna grabbing her robe and throwing it on. 'Come in.'

Maria poked her head around the door, smiling warmly. 'You ready for us yet?'

'As I'll ever be,' said Anna, turning to face her dresser mirror again as Elli barged past Maria and threw herself on Anna's bed. 'I'm terrible at putting my hair into anything other than plaits.'

'Happy to help,' said Maria, inspecting the sweeping locks that trailed towards Anna's waist. 'You really should have this cut into something more chic,' she teased, beginning to brush it.

'No!' protested Elli. 'Anna's hair is so beautiful!'

'I agree little Frauline,' smiled Maria, 'but it's not practical for a professional like her.'

'I'm with Elli,' grinned Anna. 'I like it too much.'

'You two, honestly,' sighed Maria with feigned despair. 'I'm surprised your mother didn't want to stay and help you get ready.'

'She did,' said Anna. 'So papa took her out to dinner instead to stop her fussing.'

'You don't want her help?'

'She doesn't want to tell her about Captain Nemo,' teased Elli.

'You can just call him Mathias,' said Anna, swatting at Elli's legs.

'Nah. I prefer Nemo.'

'I'm excited to meet him,' continued Maria. 'Elli didn't shut up about him on Thursday.'

'I told you all of that in confidence!' whined Elli, the two women tittering.

'What did you say about him, sweet girl?' Anna asked.

'That he was obsessed with you,' said Elli falling back onto the bed.

'That's it?' Anna asked.

'What else is there to say?' Elli bit back.

Smiling, Maria leaned forward to Anna as she began twisting her hair into an updo. 'She also thought he was incredibly handsome.'

'Maria!' protested Elli amidst their laughing.

'He is handsome though,' sighed Anna, her cheeks reddening. 'And mama has done nothing but chastise me over it.'

'Why's that?' asked Maria, her mouth clenched together to hold bobby pins between her lips.

'She thinks I'm settling for him just because he's handsome.'

'And that's not the case?'

'There's so much more to him!'

'Such as?'

Anna fell quiet.

Maria cleared her throat. 'Elli, can you go and choose Anna one of your Mama's old gowns to wear? I saw what Anna picked out and it's not swanky enough.'

'Fine,' grumbled Elli. 'But don't think I don't know that you're just hiding things from me.' She shuffled out and closed the door with a thud.

'Now then, why don't you want to tell Rachel more about him?' pushed Maria as she began to pin Anna's hair in place. 'You tell her everything...'

'I'm not telling my mother that my interest in this man is becoming a sexual awakening for me,' mumbled Anna.

Maria's eyes widened briefly then became composed again. She was so good at measuring herself. 'Have you had sex, then?'

Anna shook her head. 'No, but I'm finding it really difficult to stop myself from just going all in.'

'I say just do it,' shrugged Maria.

'Easy for you to say. You and Charles are madly in love.'

Maria scoffed. 'Do you honestly think Charles was my first?'

Anna caught her gaze in the mirror.

Eyebrow cocked, Maria grinned at her. 'It was the 20's Anna. It was so bleak and depressing here for the longest time. Why wouldn't I take every opportunity to have a good time.'

'And it was fun?' Anna questioned.

'Some more than others, but yes for the most part.' Maria set her hands on Anna's shoulders, the chic updo complete. 'I know Karl will have told you this, but exploring sex before marriage really isn't a terrible thing.'

'This doesn't feel like simple pleasures though,' said Anna her head dipping. She let out a frustrated breath. 'Not on my part at least.'

'You're afraid he doesn't want a serious relationship?'

'No, that's not what I mean.' Anna searched for the words. 'I don't know that I like him more than a casual fling. He intrigues me, but I don't think I feel fireworks like my parents describe. But the way he talks about sex, the way he makes me think about it is just... intoxicating.' Anna turned to look at Maria properly. 'Its so intense, Maria. I barely know anything about sex, but the one time I had it didn't make me feel like this...'

'Like what?'

'Like I would let him devour me again and again.'

Cupping Anna's face, Maria pulled a few strands of hair free to frame her face. 'That is sexual desire Anna. That's what it feels like.'

'Really?'

'Yes,' urged Maria with a smile. 'It doesn't have to be romantic. Sometimes, it's just about tearing one another's clothes off and going wild. It's to be enjoyed.'

'But I want to experience that with someone I love. Are you honestly going to tell me that any of the other men measured up to Charles?'

Maria thought about it. 'No, they don't. But I'm glad I didn't have the pressure of all that heavy romance when I was exploring.'

'I just...'

'Anna, for heavens sake. You don't need to be so intense all the time. Maybe, just once, you should try something different.'

Before Anna could say anything, Elli burst in.

'Here, this dress,' said Elli, throwing it on the bed and then darting out. 'I just saw his car pull up!'

'Oh god,' groaned Anna.

'Let's get you dressed and then I'll save him from Elli,' chuckled Maria, helping Anna up.

Elli had chosen their combined favourite dress of their mothers. It was a sparkling 1920's evening gown. The black lace overlay was covered in delicate black beads that swept the intricate patterns, all complimenting the silvery slip beneath it. The front of it was a simple dipping v, but the back was low, designed to show right down to the dip of the waist. With her hair up, Mathias would see so much of her flesh.

It was perfect.

Dressing her hurriedly, Maria left Anna to put on her shoes, then darted downstairs. A slight kerfuffle could be heard as Elli was pulled away, and Anna couldn't help but smile. She was such a little terror.

Confident in her appearance, Anna made her way downstairs.

Elli and Maria were hovering by the stairs, Elli's hair messed and her expression sour. 'He ruffled my hair,' she grumbled. 'I'm thirteen, for god's sake.' She looked up at her sister as Anna stepped onto the floor. 'You look beautiful.'

Anna pecked her nose, leaving a red lip print in her wake. 'Where is he?'

'Sitting room,' said Maria. 'We'll hide in the kitchen now. Have fun!' Shooting Anna a final knowing look, the two of them disappeared.

With a deep breath, Anna strode into the sitting room.

Mathias was stood in front of the mantle, his back turned to the door and his gaze wondering around the room. Perhaps it was the black tux, but he seemed even taller than usual, more impressive. He caught her reflection in the mirror, his scrutiny now entirely fixed on her. As he turned to look at the reality, his jaw tightened as he licked her up and down with his eyes.

Instinctively, Anna touched the diamond at her neck; it felt heavy all of a sudden. Or perhaps she just wanted him to see that she was wearing it. He looked divine. As always his hair was perfectly slicked into place, his jawline somehow even sharper from his fresh shave. The tuxedo fit him perfectly, the black a distinct change from his usual range of blues.

His mouth twisted into a smug grin as he walked towards her, each step glacial and filled with tension. 'I knew it would suit you.'

'It's not quite how you imagined me in it,' Anna murmured. 'But that hardly seemed appropriate.'

'Hmm,' was all the warning he gave before his arm had snaked around her waist and he leaned down to kiss her. There was no banter, no foreplay. It was clear what he wanted and he intended to take it. His lips parted hers immediately, no teasing or grace about him. He was ravenous.

Anna couldn't help but melt into his embrace, her arms winding around his neck. It was just as intoxicating as it had been the last time, if not infinitely more so. Mathias pulled back a little way, the ice in his eyes melted in favour of heat.

There was red lipstick smeared over his mouth, Anna reaching up to wipe it away. 'If you look like that then I must look a mess.'

One arm still holding her close, his free hand held her wrist, her thumb still over his lips. He kissed it slowly, then dropped it so his hand crept between them to touch the diamond around her neck. 'Not a mess. Just like you belong to me.'

Embarrassed, Anna sprung back, clearing her throat as she ran to the mirror to correct her makeup. Mathias didn't seem at all fazed, content to watch her as she readied herself. From his reflection, she could see that his gaze was drawn to the low back on her gown.

'Stop that,' she mumbled, turning to face him.

He raised an eyebrow. 'Why?'

'It's not proper,' she said, daring to look up at him.

'Then you shouldn't look so good with my mark on you.'

Again Anna touched the necklace. Is that how he saw her now? Branded? It excited her, that was certain. But surely, it was ridiculous to encourage such erratic behaviour. She reached behind her and fiddled with the clasp.

He was in front of her in an instant, staying her hands by taking her wrists. 'You're not taking it off.'

'Why?' she returned, in the exact cadence he had used moments ago.

'Because I said so.'

'That's hardly a good enough reason.'

Mathias' grip on her wrists tightened and he tugged them between them so that her hands pressed to his chest. He wasn't rough exactly, but definitely firm and commanding. 'It brings me such pleasure to see it draped around your neck,' he said, leaning close to her ear so that he could whisper to her. 'And I know you like feeling me against your skin like this.' His finger traced the nape of her neck sending shivers down her spine. 'Tell me you don't like having a way for me to always touch you,' he dared before he planted a soft kiss to her shoulder, his tongue smooth against her flesh.

Damn it if she didn't crave this. 'We're going to be late.'

'We could just not go altogether?' he suggested, spinning her back to face the mirror. He began to kiss lower, slowly and deliberately trailing her spine.

Anna watched herself in the mirror. They fit so perfectly together. They truly did. But today was an important day. 'Later,' Anna said, stopping him. 'This is a big point in my career.'

With a sigh, he tucked his arm around her waist so that his hand sat on her hip. 'If you hadn't said later, I would have ignored you.' Without waiting for her response, he pulled her forward and guided her out to his car.

*

The gala was already in full swing when they arrived. Smartly dressed waiters greeted them with glasses of champagne, every attendee dressed in their finery. There was a string quartet in the corner, serenading the patrons as they flittered about the beautiful gallery.

Anna's arm was tucked firmly into Mathias' elbow, his free hand held over hers at all times. She wasn't sure if it was simply as a dominant gesture, or because they had got slightly carried away in the car again and he just couldn't help but touch her. Whatever the reason, she liked it very much. Her eyes scanned the place for Karl. He was nowhere to be found. Why was he always late?

The couple were immediately greeted by Alby and Frau Keller.

'There they are!' said Alby, holding his arms out to Anna. 'Our shining stars.' He made to hug Anna but Mathias didn't drop her arm to allow her the freedom to do so. Instead, he consented to plant a small kiss on Anna's cheek.

Frau Keller looked shocked. 'So it's true! When Doctor Hahn told me you were coming together, I was quite surprised.' She kissed her grandson on the cheek and then took Anna's free hand. 'I do hope that my grandson asked you more graciously than last time.'

'He did,' assured Anna, even though it wasn't strictly the truth. 'It's a pleasure to see you again, Frau Keller.'

'The pleasure is all mine,' said Frau Keller with a smile. Her eyes darted to Mathias. She smiled at him; a huge genuine smile filled with pride.

Mathias smugly returned it, then dropped Anna's hand so he could instead wrap his arm around her waist. His hand smoothed over the curve of her hip instinctively before he sat it back on her waist. He couldn't seem to help himself.

'I suppose I should mingle,' said Anna. 'I did say I would find Professor Krause ahead of the announcement.'

'All in good time,' said Mathias, clocking someone across the room. 'There is someone I'd like you to meet.' He turned to his grandmother and Alby. 'Do excuse us, won't you?' Without waiting for a reply, he guided Anna into the throng.

Everyone tried to greet them and catch their attention as they bustled through. They were the guests of honour after all. Trying her best to be polite, Anna made a point to say hello or thank each of them in turn. Mathias, just ignored them, intent on their destination. She did manage to catch Margot and Miriam's eyes as she passed them in the crowd. Miriam managed a thumbs up whilst Margot narrowed her eyes at Anna's date. Oh the questions she would be bombarded with later.

'There you are,' said Mathias, approaching a man who was stood to the side on his own.

'I could say the same,' laughed the man in response, shaking Mathias' hand. 'I've already been here quarter of an hour.' He was a tall man, with a long nose and strange brown eyes. Eyes that were glued completely to Anna. There was something in the way he looked at her that set Anna on edge. He seemed to know too much yet searched her for secrets all the same.

'Ernst, I'd like you to meet Doctor Anna Lehman.' Mathias pushed Anna forward a little, encouraging her to approach the stranger. 'Anna, this is Ernst Werner. He's a dear friend of the family.'

Anna cleared her throat, dutifully holding out her hand to him. 'A pleasure to meet you Herr Werner.'

Copying her, Ernst took her hand in both of his. 'I'm utterly charmed, Doctor Lehman. Mathias has told me so much about you already.'

'Really?' Anna said, glancing up at Mathias, who still looked smug.

'Of course, little cuckoo bird,' he said, his words hushed. 'Why wouldn't I?'

'I wasn't certain that I'd had any lasting affect on you,' she returned.

'Forgive me,' said Ernst, interrupting Mathias' response to tug Anna closer. 'Is that the Fortuna diamond you're wearing?'

'Y-you know it?' Anna asked.

'Of course!' said Ernst, releasing Anna's hand. 'I was with Felix when it was acquired. Didn't it belong to a Maharajah?'

'Originally,' smiled Mathias. 'Now it's Anna's.'

Anna's throat was completely dry. How much was this diamond worth?

'Suits her, doesn't it?' Mathias continued. 'My diamond around her neck.'

'You really are extravagance personified, aren't you Mathias?' she said, trying to find her foot in this conversation.

'Absolutely. Why else would I pursue you, my little cuckoo bird?'

'Me?'

'You're the greatest indulgence I've ever come across. One no one else will ever get to taste.'

Cheeks pink, Anna caught Ernst's gaze as he looked for her reaction. 'You seem to be used to his way of speaking, Herr Werner. Most people would have fainted by now.'

'Quite,' said Ernst. 'And yet here we both are, still standing.'

'An achievement I'm wholly proud of,' said Anna. She felt Mathias' fingers trace a small circle on her bare back, and she couldn't help but lean into it. She liked that she delighted him, but this topic was quickly becoming dangerous. Clearing her throat, Anna was ready to move on the conversation. 'So Herr Werner, what is you profession? I'm afraid I don't know.'

'I work with the armed forces, in weaponry,' he replied.

'So, you have a lot to do with Keller Ammunition I would venture?'

'Certainly. Felix and I met at university, not long after Mathias was born. We kept contact and ended up working incredibly closely over the years.'

'Ernst is more of a mentor to me than Felix ever was,' said Mathias. That was incredibly high praise. Mathias gave so little away usually. He must be incredibly sure of their relationship to speak so freely. It also meant, that Anna would have to impress him if she ever hoped to have a serious future with Mathias.

And that she did. Didn't she?

'You were easy to teach,' said Ernst, veritable pride in his eyes as he glanced at Mathias. 'We're so alike it was a pleasure. And it set me in good stead to start my own family.'

'Do you have children of your own?' Anna enquired.

'Three,' he said. 'A girl and two boys.'

'That's wonderful. And your wife?'

Ernst's jaw ticked. 'Ilse. Yes. She's at home with the three of them in Hamburg.'

'It's a shame she couldn't join you,' said Anna, though she sensed he didn't agree.

'Ah well this was a business trip. And a chance to catch up with Mathias here.' He looked down at Anna. 'Though you certainly seem to have the monopoly on his time at the moment.'

'I can only apologise...'

'Nonsense,' cut across Ernst. 'It's entirely understandable. You're incredibly lovely, just as he promised you would be.'

'You're too kind,' Anna said, though noted that Mathias' grip on her tightened.

'Anna!' called a welcome, familiar voice, interrupting the moment. Karl was shoving people aside to get to her, waving at her before he spread his arms wide.

Smiling, Anna pulled free of Mathias before he could stop her and wrapped her arms around Karl's neck, giggling as he squeezed her. There was something wholly comforting about having Karl here to back her up. He'd always been her rock in a stormy sea.  'You're finally here!'

'Said I would be!' said Karl, then whispered in her ear. 'Holy fuck Anna he's mouth-watering.'

Grinning, Anna turned back to the other two.

Mathias' smug smile had completely dropped, a hard scowl fixed on his face. 'And who's this?'

'Karl Von Hart,' Karl said, sticking his hand out to him.

Relaxing a little, Mathias returned the handshake, though he remained slightly stiff. 'Anna's best friend,' he said aloud as though to confirm it for anyone who might hear.

'The one and only,' said Karl. 'And I need no introduction for you, Herr Keller.'

That cracked through the ice and tugged a smile to Mathias' lips. 'My little cuckoo bird talks about me?'

'Your little cuckoo bird never shuts up about you,' confirmed Karl, Anna slapping his arm irritably. 'I was there when she got the necklace. I've never seen her cheeks so red.'

'Good to hear,' said Mathias, slipping his hand around Anna's. He pulled it to his lips, kissing it lightly to completely recapture her attention. Anna swallowed hard, her hand squeezing Mathias'. It was a kiss to claim her affection and she knew it.

Nose scrunched in embarrassment, Karl stuck out his hand to Ernst. 'I apologise, I'm afraid I don't know you...'

'Ernst Werner,' said Ernst, giving his hand a quick and polite shake. 'Family friend to the Kellers.'

'Oh so we're both the friend invite,' laughed Karl. 'I don't know about you Ernst, but I was tempted not to come. Getting between these two is tricky business at the moment.'

'Invariably,' returned Ernst.

Anna caught Karl's gaze.

His eyes widened briefly as though to say, 'tough crowd.' But he pressed on as he always did. Karl wasn't a quitter, and if anything it gave him something interesting to study. 'I haven't missed the announcement, have I?'

'No,' assured Anna. 'I'd throttle you if you had.'

'Well that would explain why Krause was looking for you,' he said. 'I heard him telling Alby as I came in.'

Anna's heart fluttered in her chest. She knew it was going to happen, but she suddenly felt overwhelmed. Ernst had provided enough scrutiny for the meantime, she didn't want to be subjected to Krause's protestations too.

'Did he say what he wanted?' Mathias asked Karl, his tone sharp.

Karl looked Mathias up and down, his brow furrowed. Anna knew her best friend. He didn't like being spoken to like that. 'I suppose it was just about the expedition announcement.'

'Yes,' sighed Anna. 'I should go and find him.'

'We have time for that later,' said Mathias dismissively. 'Anyway, weren't you going to show me some of the Greek marble before the wing is unveiled? It will be too busy later when everyone is swarming the museum.'

Anna glanced up at him. They had spoken about no such thing. But one look at his eyes told her he was providing her with an out.

One she was very ready to take. 'Of course. Do excuse us, gentlemen.'

Without looking back, the couple swept away into the depth of the museum.

'You don't seem to actually want to talk to Krause,' commented Mathias as they walked slowly down the empty corridor, Anna's heels clicking on the floor to create an echo.

'I do,' she sighed. 'But I'll be honest, he's not happy I accepted your invitation to accompany you tonight.'

'No?'

'He suggested he and I go together and was not happy when I declined.'

'Hmm,' pondered Mathias.

They were silent again for a moment as they wandered into the Greek exhibit. In the soft moonlight from the windows, the statues cast long, eery shadows whilst glinting brilliant white against the black of the room.

'Ernst seems nice,' Anna offered, beginning to wander amongst the statues.

'Does he?' Mathias said, trailing behind her. 'You like him, then?'

'Well, he's important you, so yes.'

That made Mathias smile more. Then it dropped. 'Von Hart seems overly familiar.'

Anna raised an eyebrow at him. 'I told you he's a brother to me.'

'Still. Very familiar.' His voice was strained.

Pausing her perusing, Anna looked over her shoulder at Mathias. 'Is that jealousy I sense?'

'Not jealousy. He does not possess you so I cannot covet you from him.' He reached out to touch the marble arm in front of him, not looking at Anna. 'But I'll admit that seeing another man's hands on you was not something I ever want to see again.'

'Karl isn't going anywhere, Mathias,' said Anna firmly, finally drawing his attention. 'Nor is our relationship something you need to be threatened by.'

'Then why are we here and not talking with him?'

'I'm happy to have a breather,' Anna admitted. 'It's going to be a very busy night. And it's quieter here with you.'

'Are you nervous?'

'To be here with you?'

Mathias smiled. 'For tonight, I mean.'

'A little,' Anna admitted, standing in front of one of the huge glass cases nearest the window. 'Its hard not to be stressed when everyone is looking at you.'

He stood behind her, perusing the case with her. 'Sounds like you definitely need to take this moment to relax, then.'

'Most definitely,' she sighed, leaning in to inspect the necklace in front of her. It seemed prudent to steer the subject away from Karl. 'I know that the gods are popular inspirations for gold designs,' Anna said, pointing at the jewellery.

'Which one is this?' Mathias asked.

'Eros.'

'The God of love and sex,' Mathias mused, his body lightly pressed against hers.

It stole Anna's breath for a moment, her mind taken back to the car earlier today. It had only been a small kiss in comparison to their date, but he had still showered her with such ardent passion that it made her head spin. 'I think he was the most popular god for depictions in jewellery. I'll admit, I don't know as much about the Greek period. My interest was always in mythology rather than the social archaeological side.'

'I see,' mumbled Mathias, though she could tell he wasn't interested. He didn't seem to even be looking at the display any more. She knew for certain that he wasn't when his index finger graced the back of her neck and trailed down her spine.

Anna gasped, delicious shivers running alongside his wandering finger.

'This dress suits you,' he said softly, his palm falling flat to trace it all over again.

Peeking over her shoulder, Anna saw his eyes fixed on her bare back, his jaw clenched in concentration. 'Thank you. It was my mother's.'

A hint of a smile flickered on his mouth. 'I shall make sure to be careful with it then.'

Anna's brow furrowed. 'Careful?'

'Mhmm.' Hand spread over her lower back, Mathias spun Anna and pulled her flush against him, his mouth hovering over hers as her hands pressed to his chest. Anna's breath was caught in her throat as he walked her back to the wall, his hands falling to her hips as he caged her against it. 'I need to touch you again.'

Spellbound, Anna was completely enraptured as he bent low and teased her mouth with a gentle kiss. Her arms wound around his neck as the kiss deepened, Anna's body arching into his so that every part of herself moulded to him.

It still wasn't enough for him.

Gripping her upper thighs, he pulled her up his body and seated her on the window sill. It stole her breath, her body totally succumbing as he pushed her legs apart and nestled himself between them.

'Mathias,' she managed, though her words fell away as he pulled her dress above her knees and caressed her thighs. 'What if someone sees us?'

'Who cares.' He kissed along her jaw slowly, luxuriously, before he fell to her neck, his tongue dancing circles over her sensitive skin.

Anna gripped him tight, fighting with her nerve. Her body was screaming at her, begging her to fully submit; to let him do with her as he pleased.

Her mind was another matter.

This was so fast. He wanted her, she knew that. But would he respect her if she gave him this? Or would that be it for them; just like when she was seventeen.

'Did you think about our kiss?' he asked, recapturing her attention fully.

'Yes.' In truth, it was all she could think about.

'And how much further did it go in your mind?'

'I just thought about the kiss,' she admitted, her words laboured with embarrassment.

He drew back a moment, looming over her. His angular face was perfectly illuminated by the moonlight, his icy eyes sparking with something unhinged and dangerous. 'You disobeyed me.'

The edge in his tone sent a burst of heat coursing through her, right to her core.

He couldn't help but smile. 'That means a punishment.'

Frozen, Anna studied his expression. 'What sort of punishment?'

His nails dug grooves in her fleshy thighs, eliciting a gasp from her. 'The thought of seeing your gorgeous pale skin tanned red by my hand greatly appeals to me.'

Anna didn't know how to respond. Did he actually want to hurt her? Or was the idea to mingle pain and pleasure into a delicious concoction?

Mathias leant in closer to her, his eyes lapping up her fear. 'That scares you, doesn't it?'

Anna nodded.

'But it excites you too?'

Again, Anna nodded.

He bit his bottom lip. 'Tell me why you didn't do as I asked.'

'It's new to me,' she explained, distracted by his fingers wandering closer to her inner thigh. 'This level of intimacy... I've never done it before.'

This seemed to please him greatly.

'If I tell you what to picture, you'll do that for me?'

'Yes,' she replied before she could stop herself.

'And you'll promise to touch yourself too when you're in your bed. I want you to come when you think of me.'

Again, Anna could only nod. She didn't know what he meant, what he spoke of. She was too embarrassed to ask him. In this moment, she wanted only to impress him.

'I want you to think about what would happen if I could have taken you in the car,' he murmured, pressing his lips to Anna's ear and caressing her with hushed whispers and secret pleasures. 'I would have slipped inside you right there and then. Had you completely bare for me so I could taste every inch of your body.'

Anna's breathing stopped altogether as he pulled her thigh nearly around his waist, his hard length pressing against her in the most intimate way.

'Shall I continue?' he murmured.

She wanted to hear more. She wanted to know every thought in his mind, knowing that she was doing this to him. 'Yes.'

'I would have buried in you so deep that you could taste my name on your tongue. I wanted to feel you writhe on me knowing you couldn't help but chase your own pleasure.'

Anna's eyes closed, her mind consumed by his lascivious words. This wasn't respectable. She really should stop.

'I thought so much about how your thighs would pinch around my waist as you came, the warm, wet pulse of you around my cock...'

'That's too much,' Anna spluttered, covering her face with her hands.

Mathias pried them away with one hand, the other still cemented on her thigh. 'Why?'

'It's obscene,' Anna managed, aware of how flushed her face was. He was so graphic, so overt in his desire. No one had ever spoken to her like that before. It thrilled her, an inordinate amount. But this couldn't be a good start for a lasting relationship. And no matter what Maria said, that was truly what she wanted.

Deftly, his hand moved from her upper leg to rest between her thighs, stroking down the seam of her underwear. Flinching, Anna tried to move out of his way. She was fully aware how her body had reacted to his words. She knew what he was going to find.

Mathias didn't let her leave, though he did pull his hand out from under her skirt. 'Anna, there is no shame in taking pleasure in this.'

'I beg to differ,' she muttered, hurrying her dress back down her legs and pushing him a step back. 'What you must think of me... letting you touch me in that way.'

He scooped her face into his hands, making sure she looked straight at him. 'Anna if you would let me, I would show you the world of ecstasy you keep denying yourself.' He moved closer, his nose brushing hers. 'Why not give in when this is what you so clearly want?'

'It isn't...'

'I can feel your desire Anna. It burns like mine.'

'It's not the only thing I want,' she corrected. 'I've not even known you a week. This isn't like me.'

Pausing, Mathias seemed to weigh up his options. 'Is that all you need, little cuckoo bird. Time?'

Was it? She had no idea. What did he want from her? 'Is that all you'll give me?'

'Tell me what it is that you want.'

'I've already told you, I want everything. I'm not giving myself to anyone that wants only that one small part of a relationship.'

'And I told you I wanted you to belong to me...'

Anna straightened her stance, finally planting her feet on the floor despite his hands on her cheeks. 'That could be in many capacities, Mathias. And I only want one.'

Again, he considered his response. 'Do you want that with anyone? Or just me?'

Now she was on the spot. Should she be honest with how much her heart was begging her to kiss him again? She didn't want to give him that power all the time her mind was tentative. 'You are the only person I have ever considered it with.'

Smug with a victorious grin on his face, Mathias dropped his hands. 'Then I will wait until you are as sure as I am.' He held out his elbow to her. 'Let's re-join the party. We're the guests of honour. We can't stay missing for too long.'

Together, they left for the party.