There be a sprinkling of spice at some point. You'll see stars. Just like Anna hehehhehe

Anna couldn't help but stare at Mathias as he poured coffee from the cafetière. His shirt was a little rumpled, tucked quickly into his trousers and his braces slung over the top. His hair was dishevelled too; well, dishevelled for him. She liked the look of his forearms, bare to the elements as his sleeves were carelessly rolled up. There was something about him being relaxed like this that was totally mesmerising. This was not a side of himself he let the world see.

As he glanced up at her with a smirk, Anna's heart stilled in her chest. He always knew when she was watching him, not that he seemed to mind.

Mathias slid her coffee across the counter to her before he did one for himself. 'Something on your mind, little cuckoo bird?'

Blushing, Anna added a little cream to her cup and stirred it slowly. 'Just enjoying the view, I suppose.'

Sipping his coffee, he reached out to tuck her straggling hair behind her ear. He seemed to be doing the same as she was; revelling in his lover's features. She shivered beneath his touch, leaning into his cool palm. His thumb moved down to brush her lips, applying the slightest pressure to open her mouth slightly. He stepped close to her, setting his coffee down so that he could enclose her in his arms. Dipping down, he pressed his lips to hers. No matter how gentle he was, his touches always felt like a claim. One that she wanted him to make over and over again.

Parting her lips, Anna let her tongue glide across his, savouring the bitter taste of black coffee against the sweet creaminess of her own. He grunted, his hands grabbing greedily at her clothes. The same hands that had hurt the person who had so badly mistreated her only hours ago.

Mathias' possessiveness made her feel safe; treasured. Her fear of his abandonment had melted away in the ecstasy they had shared in her bed. Her thighs squeezed together now at the memory of it, the mild pain between her legs a searing reminder of what they had done. She loved it.

She didn't know sex could be like that. Even the small forays they had taken together had not prepared her for the feel of him inside her. She'd never wanted it to end. Being with him felt strangely natural. Perhaps it was just that her first experience had completely put her off the idea of sex. That had just been awkward and uncomfortable. Mathias was anything but.

'What are we doing tonight then?' she asked in between kisses.

'Not sleeping,' he replied, turning to press her back into the counter and setting his hands on top of it. 'Or are you wanting detailed descriptions of my plans for you?'

Her cheeks heating even further, Anna buried her face in his chest, enjoying the reverberation of his throaty chuckle. 'I think earlier on gave me enough of an idea,' she mumbled.

'Trust me, it didn't,' he said, kissing the top of her head. Then he cursed with a hiss, tipping his head back in frustration.

'What is it?'

'I'm supposed to go to dinner with Ernst this evening,' he sighed irritably.

'Oh,' was all Anna could manage. She'd forgotten about him. He was half the reason Mathias had been cold to her; he'd stuck his nose in where he had no business to.

'Why don't you come with me?' he asked, drawing back to look at her. 'Then he can apologise to you.'

'Has he said he wants to apologise?' Anna asked with narrowed eyes.

'No. But he'll do it.'

Sighing, Anna fidgeted beneath his embrace. 'I don't want to intrude.'

'He's the one intruding,' murmured Mathias. 'I'm only going because I promised I would. I'd much rather just take you back to my apartment.'

'I highly doubt Ernst is going to want me there.'

Mathias took Anna's chin between his fingers. 'I want you there. Besides, you two need to bury the hatchet. I don't want his stupid mistake to sully the fun we can all have over our lives together.'

Smiling, Anna planted a kiss on his jaw. She loved hearing him say it with such finality. 'Fine. I'll come. What should I wear?'

'As long as you're wearing the diamond, I don't really care,' he said, planting teasing kisses over her face.

'That's so extravagant!'

Mathias shrugged, continuing his kisses down her neck.

'You don't even have a suit jacket with you. Shouldn't I dress to match you?'

'I'll have someone drop a suit to me here,' he said, pulling back so that she could see the mischievous glint in his eye. 'I'd suggest going to mine on route, but I know once I have you there we'll never make it out.'

'Fine,' she said, slapping his chest playfully. 'When do we have to leave?'

Mathias glanced at his watch. 'About an hour or so.'

Rolling her eyes, she pushed him back. 'You go and get your suit sorted out. I'm going to take a shower and get myself ready.'

Clinging to her, Mathias pulled her back against his chest as she tried to walk away. 'Yours sounds more fun, can't I join you?'

'I think it's better you stay down here, just in case my parents come home unexpectedly.'

'Spoil sport,' he sighed, nipping her neck playfully before he let her go.

It took her nearly the full hour to get herself sorted. Even though it was only a body shower, she had to try and do something relatively chic with her tangled mess of hair. And then choosing her outfit sent her into a tizzy. She was fast going to run out of appropriate date outfits, given that her wardrobe was suited to a serious archaeologist and not the girlfriend of an elite heir to one of the biggest fortunes in Germany.

She settled on the only black dress she owned; a chiffon wrap dress that cut in at the waist and fluttered to her mid calf. Despite its length, it was not a modest dress. The underlying slip was barely there, showing off a lot of her breasts and shoulders. The chiffon overlay was sheer and did nothing to cover her flesh. Even the long sleeves that billowed to cuff at her wrists, sat just off her shoulders, her collarbones accentuated and exposed. Any material placed to hide her modesty instead teased the view. It was a risqué number that Karl had made her buy on a whim. Until now, she'd never had occasion to wear it. Or the confidence for that matter. She certainly did now though.

Besides, it would compliment her diamond perfectly.

A light smoky eye completed the look. There was no point in lipstick. It would ultimately be smudged in seconds.

Glancing around her room, she also packed herself a little overnight bag. She had no intention of leaving Mathias' side until tomorrow at the earliest, so better to be prepared. Especially as they seemed to have gotten away with breaking her parents rule another two times, so a third would be pushing it.

When she heard tinkering on the piano, Anna hurried downstairs. She knew Mathias was ready. His suit had been dropped off twenty minutes ago; she'd heard the door go. Now, he must be bored.

Standing in the doorway to the drawing room, Anna watched as Mathias sat with a furrowed brow, his hands moving tentatively across the keys. She could almost imagine him as a little boy, with smartly combed hair and knobbly knees, indignantly jamming keys to prove he was 'practicing.'

Smiling, Anna cleared her throat. 'I didn't know you played.'

Looking up at her, Mathias didn't answer her right away. His gaze wandered longingly over her curves, his breath held.

The sheer intensity made Anna swallow hard. He looked utterly gorgeous in the dark navy three piece suit someone had dropped off to him. It was darker than his usual blues, but she liked that; it complimented the night time.

'I would hardly call that playing,' he finally answered, taking a sip of the drink he'd set a top the piano.

'Is that my father's scotch?' she asked, walking over to him to lean on the piano.

'Yes. I needed to take the edge off,' he said as he began tinkering again. 'I'll need another now I've seen you in that dress.'

Hiding her smile, she took the glass. 'I'll pour you one.' Anna couldn't help but giggle as he stumbled through Fur Elise, his throaty laugh more of a serenade than his playing.

'I know, I know. Beethoven would be turning in his grave,' he said, spinning on the stool to welcome Anna into his arms and between his legs.

'I'm sure you're simply out of practice,' she said, handing him his drink.

He huffed out a laugh before he swigged it, Anna watching his throat bob through the swallow of his whiskey. She'd never seen him laugh quite so much. At least, not in this casual, nonchalant sort of a way. He seemed a little lighter, here alone with her. She liked it.

Mathias set his drink down and turned back to her, his large hands on her hips. 'Ever the diplomat.' His palms smoothed up to her waist, his thumbs brushing her sides. 'You look exquisite.'

'Thank you,' she said, her hands on his shoulders and she bent low to kiss him lightly on the mouth. 'You too.'

'Whose piano is this, anyway?' he asked.

Budging him to the edge of the stool, Anna sat beside him. 'Mine.'

'So you play too?'

Grinning, Anna flexed her fingers. 'I play properly.'

Mathias leant in close as she began to play. It had been a while since she'd sat down to indulge in her favourite pastime, and now she had a captive audience. Her fingertips hummed as they glided across her best piece, the one she knew better than anything.

'I don't know this,' he murmured, his finger trailing Anna's spine.

'I wrote it,' said Anna with a smug smile. 'It's called Elli's song.'

He fell completely silent, transfixed by her as she lost herself to the music. Only when she felt him press kisses to her bare shoulder did she waver a little.

'Such a talented little cuckoo bird,' he whispered as his kisses became more ardent.

'You're distracting me,' she said, nudging him as his teeth nipped her skin.

'So give into it,' he coaxed, trailing his mouth to her neck. 'We have a little time before we leave.'

'Hardly,' she chastised, but felt herself giving in all the same.

Scooping her into his arms to a flurry of random notes, Mathias set her on top of the grand piano, nestling between her legs as his hands pressed onto the cool surface. 'How do you expect me to keep my hands to myself with you dressed like this?' he asked, his mouth hovered over hers.

'You're right,' she sighed with feigned disappointment. 'I should really go and change.'

He stopped her trying to leave, tucking his finger under her chin to lift her face to him. 'The only person removing this dress from you will be me.' His eyes glinted with mischief. 'And I don't need to do that to have you right here on top of this piano.'

'What?' she squeaked as he pushed her dress up and palmed her thighs. 'Mathias! We'll be late!'

He began to unbutton his trousers. 'So?'

'We can't have sex on my piano! What if we break it?'

'I'll buy you a new one,' he promised, leaning forward to halt her words with a teasing kiss. 'Tell me honestly that you don't want me inside you right now.'

With flushed cheeks, Anna's eyes scanned his face. He was daring her, knowing she'd fail. He could feel her need the same way she could his. 'Of course I want you,' she replied, grabbing his hand so she could kiss it. 'But I want to wait until we go back to yours. When we have more time and I don't have to sit with someone I barely know afterwards.'

His head cocked to one side. 'You're coming to mine afterwards?'

Grinning, Anna pointed to the hallway. 'I packed an overnight bag.'

With a deep sigh, Mathias tugged her off the piano and set her on her feet as he refastened his trousers. 'Lets get dinner over and done with then. I want as much time alone with you as I possibly can.'

Her hand in his, Mathias led them hastily out and to the car.

*

As they stepped into the club, Anna really wondered why she had been invited along. This wasn't the sort of place Mathias usually took her to. It was still opulent, but there seemed a seedy undertone. The single female performer on the stage was scantily clad as she sang her sultry number. Other than the waitresses, she was probably the only other female here.

'Was this Ernst's choice or yours?' Anna asked as he slipped her cardigan from her shoulders.

Mathias smiled at her, sensing her disapproval. 'It's a favourite spot for both of us. We have a booth on retainer.'

'Exclusive,' said Anna, her tone clipped as he led her towards the tables.

'It's quiet here. Easier to talk about things.'

'Dark places for dark deeds more like.'

Mathias chuckled. 'Don't be a prude, little cuckoo bird,' he whispered, draping his arm around her shoulders. 'You're hardly going to be mistaken for one of the girls here, now are you? They don't have the class you do.'

'That's not stopping the patrons from looking though,' she returned, nodding towards a group of men who were staring straight at her. 'I get the sense that the women who are brought here are likely mistresses.'

'That's because most men are boring and have boring wives,' he countered.

'Still, their assumption will be that I'm simply your plaything, and more likely to be up for grabs.'

Mathias' grip tightened around her, and his gaze hardened. 'I think you know if anyone tries anything, that they'll end up flayed.'

'Yes, but do they know that?' she asked, her hand running up his check before she took his face and pecked his cheek.

Only smiling, Mathias kissed her forehead and continued winding through the tables to their booth right at the back. Perhaps Mathias really did only like this place for the quiet secrecy it provided. He hadn't once looked at any of the barely dressed women. It wasn't even that he was trying to hide that he was, he genuinely hadn't cast them even a momentary glance. Of all the things Anna might ever have to worry about with Mathias, she felt silly that she ever doubted his loyalty to her.

Ernst wasn't at the booth, and Anna had to admit she was glad; this gave her the upper hand somehow.

'We definitely had some time to spend at the piano,' Mathias sighed as he helped her to slide into her seat, then promptly followed her, pulling her close against him.

A waitress appeared, smiling at them both and handing them menus. 'Good evening. What would you like to drink?'

'Bottle of Dom Pérignon,' said Mathias.

Anna grinned. 'My favourite.'

'Yes, I know,' he whispered, his fingers tracing her outer thigh and up to her hip.

'Herr Keller will also have a double vodka over ice. Polish, not Russian,' Anna added.

'Certainly,' said the waitress before she left.

'Well didn't you pay close attention on our date,' said Mathias, his wandering hand cupping her waist as she leaned further into him.

'I liked the precision of it. The attention to detail,' Anna admitted. 'It's highly eccentric, just like you.'

'Eccentric, hmm?' he asked, dipping down to tease her earlobe with his teeth. 'You certainly seemed to enjoy my attention to detail in your bed.'

Blushing, Anna just about managed to stop a gasp as his tongue and teeth trailed down her neck.

Then her eyes caught on Ernst making towards them.

He almost slowed to a standstill the moment he saw her, Anna watching as a range of emotions took over his face. He finally settled on a well-worn mask of ease.

As he stopped a waitress to ask for a drink, Anna cleared her throat. 'Ernst is here.'

With a big sigh, Mathias sat back from her, still staring at her. 'Shame. I was just about to tell you all the things I had planned for us tonight.'

She made to ask what they were but Ernst had arrived. 'Anna, my dear, I had no idea you would be joining us this evening.'

Well of course he wouldn't. He'd done his level best to break them up.

'I wanted to celebrate our reconciliation,' said Mathias, getting to his feet to shake Ernst's hand. 'And I thought now was a good time for an apology.' He held out his hand to Anna and helped her to stand.

Ernst clicked his tongue. Clearly, that idea didn't sit well with him. 'I was only being a good friend, Mathias.'

'Yes,' said Mathias, squeezing his shoulder to the point here pain flashed across Ernst's face, 'you were. But it also caused Anna distress.'

'Mathias,' placated Anna, squeezing his arm. 'It's all right. Herr Werner meant no offense, I'm sure. As he said, it was all for your best interest.' It would be better for everyone if this was put behind them. It was clear that neither she nor Ernst were going anywhere.

'It was indeed,' said Ernst, shaking Mathias off. 'But he's right.' He took Anna's hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. 'Forgive me, Anna, for my indiscretion.'

'Forgiven,' she said quickly, trying to retrieve her hand.

He didn't relent his grip. 'Call me Ernst. No need for formalities amongst friends.'

'Of course, Ernst,' she said, wriggling her hand free. She should really forgive him in earnest. Something about him just set her teeth on edge.

They all took their seats again as the waitress brought their drinks. Anna was immediately calm when she was tucked under Mathias' arm and sitting opposite Ernst. They all perused menus, Anna trying not to have too much of a reaction as Mathias' fingers absent mindedly traced her shoulder.

'So,' began Ernst, setting his menu down. 'What happened with Krause? I'd love all the details.' His gaze flicked to Anna for a brief moment before settling on Mathias again. Was he looking for her reaction? Or was he trying to prove he had just as powerful a connection with Mathias as she did?

Well, two could play at that game.

With a deep breath, Anna cut across Mathias' answer. 'Do you have a weak stomach? If you do, it's best not to know.'

Mathias chuckled, clearly pleased by her need to claim his confidence in front of Ernst.

Ernst's eyebrows raised. 'So you already know then?'

'I know it's unsavoury, but I found the details of that man's demise wholly...' She searched for the word.

'Invigorating?' Mathias offered, shooting her a smug, knowing look. His fingers flexed, almost as if in memory of making her come to those disgraceful images.

'Exactly,' she smiled back, before looking to Ernst again.

'I can assure you, I'm well versed in these sorts of stories,' promised Ernst. 'Did you deliver the justice needed?'

'You brass knuckles certainly came in handy,' laughed Mathias before he sipped his vodka. 'As did that ridiculous cigar cutter my grandfather insisted on.'

'You are so inventive Mathias,' sighed Ernst. 'Sad I couldn't have joined you, to be honest.'

'You want to defend my honour too?' Anna asked, her head tipped to one side.

She knew that wasn't what he meant. This man reeked of jealousy, particularly when it came to Mathias. That made sense, she supposed. He was the man that had taught Mathias so much, and he now had to watch as his pupil lived the life he wished he could.

Ernst simply smiled at her. 'But of course, Anna. Particularly as it might help to make up for my faux pas.'

'I preferred doing it alone,' said Mathias, burying his nose in Anna's hair for a moment as he planted a kiss on her head. 'This was between me and the man that touched my woman.'

'How primal,' teased Anna, but burrowed into his side all the same. She slipped her hand down to squeeze the inside of his thigh; just to tease a little further.

Mathias leaned forward a slightly, concealing her hand placement with his menu. She felt triumphant that she was besting him. That is, until his hand covered hers and set it higher so it cupped the bulge in his trousers.

He wanted to encourage her? Fine. Challenge accepted.

'So, Ernst. When are you next back in town?' Mathias asked casually, as he left Anna's hand to explore him underneath the table.

'On my own? Not for a fair few months,' grumbled Ernst. 'I'm hoping to get back in the new year though.'

Determined to get a reaction from him, Anna massaged her fingers over his straining cock. 'Will you be bringing your family in the meantime then?' she asked.

'We're due to visit my mother in a couple of months, end of November,' he said.

'That will be nice,' said Anna, smiling sweetly as she deliberately circled over the head of Mathias' cock. 'Will I get to meet your family?'

'But of course, Anna,' he said. 'I'm sure my children will love you. Freda is always asking Mathias when he's going to settle down.'

'Is that true, Mathias?' Anna asked, looking up at him.

There was the faintest blush to his cheek, but he still seemed impressively nonchalant. 'For years now. So looks like she'll no longer be disappointed in me.'

'That's very sweet,' said Anna, applying more pressure as she stroked up and down his length.

Clearing his throat, Mathias looked back to Ernst. He was clearly having to properly distract himself.  'Are you all coming to Christmas again this year?'

'Of course,' said Ernst. 'Baden-Baden is the only way to enjoy the wretched holiday.' He sipped his drink then looked to Anna. 'Will you be joining us too?'

'Actually, I haven't been invited,' said Anna, making it deliberately playful towards Mathias.

'Actually, you don't need to be,' countered Mathias. 'If I'm there, you're automatically invited.'

Pressing a kiss to Mathias' jaw, Anna squeezed a little harder and made Mathias' breath hitch in his throat. 'So romantic.' She pulled back, now setting both her hands a top the table. He really hated being denied. 'I've never had a proper Christmas. It would be wonderful to see one.'

'You haven't?' said Ernst.

'Her family is Jewish,' said Mathias, trying to hide his frustration before he adjusted himself a little.

'Not properly practicing, but still. We celebrate Hanukkah instead.'

'So I'll get to experience my first one this year,' said Mathias, planting a kiss to her temple.

'Yes, I suppose you will,' she said, her eyes catching Ernst's as he guzzled his drink. He was barely keeping up a pleasant façade.

'So affectionate, aren't you Mathias?' laughed Ernst. 'I've never seen you like this before.'

'Why would you have?' asked Mathias, as though the answer was unequivocally obvious. All the while, Mathias tried to take Anna's hand and place it on him again, but she resisted, grinning to herself as she followed Ernst's lead and sipped her drink. She liked having the upper hand with Mathias. It was thrilling.

'I like the affection,' said Anna firmly, her eyes locked with Ernst's in a clear, defiant challenge. She hope he choked on it. 'I like knowing that I'm his and he's mine.'

Ernst spluttered. 'That's quite the claim.'

'A truthful one,' said Mathias firmly.

'I was lead by example,' continued Anna. 'My parents are entirely devoted to one another. That's what I've always wanted.' She smiled up at Mathias. 'And now I have that.'

Grinning, Mathias took her hand and kissed her knuckles.

Sick to his stomach, Ernst fidgeted. 'I didn't think most Jewish couples were that way inclined. Always seemed stiff to me.'

Frowning, Anna returned her attention to him. 'I've never found that to be the case with other Jewish couples. It seems a strange thing to say.' She didn't let him cut in before she continued. 'And anyway, like I said, we don't really practice. My parents would never define themselves as Jewish.'

'And yet you celebrate Hanukkah.'

Anna snorted. 'Do you go to church every Sunday? Pray every night?'

'No, but...'

'Why celebrate Christmas then?' Anna's words became more and more clipped.

Mathias was clearly just as irritated by Ernst's probing. 'Does any of this really matter?'

Pushing away his empty glass, Ernst regained his composure. 'I suppose not. But it must have been a worrying few years for your family back in the thirties then... when that lunatic Hitler tried to seize power.'

'You're shit at dinner conversation, you know that?' said Mathias, his voice edging towards anger.

Ernst was either trying to get a rise out of her or simply punish her for ruining his evening with her presence. She wouldn't allow him to succeed with either.

'It was,' cut in Anna. 'Thank goodness for President Bergman and his regime.'

'Indeed,' said Ernst. He made to say something else but Mathias cut across.

'Ernst, flag down a waitress would you? And order the food for us.' He got to his feet, holding his hand out to Anna. 'I'll have my usual. What do you want little cuckoo bird?'

'Erm, I'll have the same,' she said, taking his hand and getting to her feet, even if she was confused.

'Where are you two going?' asked Ernst, the chagrin in his tone abundantly clear.

'Just need to have a word with Anna about something,' said Mathias flippantly, leading her away before Ernst could say anything else.

Hastily, he pulled her towards the sign for the bathrooms, leading her into the ladies.

'Mathias, what are you doing?' she hissed, as he spun her and pressed her against the long counter with two large sink basins. 'You can't be in here.'

'I can go wherever I want,' he said, caging her in with his arms. 'I wanted to put a stop to that conversation before he ruined all our fun.'

**************************************************************************************

'I was only teasing you, Mathias,' she managed as he hauled her up onto the counter. 'We're not going to fuck here.'

He groaned, pushing between her legs. 'That word sounds so deliciously vulgar when you say it.' He wrapped her arms around his neck, his hands smoothing up under her dress to pinch her upper thighs.

'Mathias,' she said breathlessly, already losing herself to his long teasing fingers inching closer to her core.

'I'm only teasing you, Anna,' he bit back, the smile he wore clear in his voice. He dipped into her underwear, running a finger over her sensitive flesh. 'Hmmm. I knew you'd get wet touching me.'

Anna complied as he pulled her underwear down her bare legs, slipping one leg out of them so they dangled from her ankle as she ruched her dress around her waist. Whether it was just the heady buzz of her quickly gulped champagne, or his mere presence alone, Anna was all too ready to submit to Mathias in this moment. And anything that made her forget about Ernst and his ire was certainly what she needed right now.

He let the tips of two fingers tease inside her, Mathias kissing her throat as her head tipped back. 'Someone is feeling reckless tonight, sweet cuckoo bird,' he murmured against her skin.

Anna could only whimper as his thumb rubbed small, teasing circles over her clit.

'You were so bad earlier weren't you? Touching me under the table like that.' His teeth grazed her neck. 'And you were even worse for stopping.'

Already, Anna's body was beginning to float on the ecstasy of his touch, her hand twisting into his hair.

When the door to the bathroom opened, Mathias' face turned to the intruder. 'Occupied,' he barked.

Frozen, Anna gripped Mathias tight, her face hidden in his chest as the woman scurried away. Oh god. What were they doing? Was she really going to let herself come in a public bathroom? Was she so addicted to this man?

'Did she see?' Anna asked, panting heavily.

'No, you're safe,' he promised.

Mathias kissed her, Anna's eyes fluttering closed as his tongue searched hers. His fingers began to coax another moan from her, Anna moving her hips in time.

Yes, she was that addicted.

'I think it turns you on that she might have seen,' he whispered against her lips, using her own wetness to tease over her clit again. 'Such a dirty girl.'

'Does that please you?' she managed.

'More than anything,' he promised. 'Do you want me to fuck you here?'

'Yes,' she gasped.

'You want me to give all of myself to you, here, in this bathroom?'

'Yes, dear god yes.'

Grinning, Mathias pulled free of her and stood back, simply sucking his fingers clean.

Gripping the edge of the counter, Anna glared at him, her breathing deep and laboured. 'Why are you stopping?'

'Not nice to be teased, is it sweet girl?' Slinging his hands in his pockets, he couldn't help but lick his lips. 'Show me the mess you've made.'

Her cheeks were a deep red as she obstinately pressed her thighs together to deny him any view.

Mathias tutted. 'You didn't like that punishment. What makes you think will happen if you deny me?' He took a step closer. 'You started this game.'

Anna sighed. 'Yes. I did.'

He rested his hands lightly on her knees. 'Show me.'

Her chin tipped high, Anna opened her legs to let him see, her pulse wild and erratic. God how she loathed his smug face right now, but her love of this thrill outweighed her embarrassment over losing to an expert.

Mathias blew out a long breath, biting his lip briefly. 'Fucking divine. I want to run my tongue up you.' His eyes caught hers as he delved into his pocket and pulled out his silk pocket square. 'Tell you what, my punishment for besting you so unfairly, is that I'll deny myself that pleasure too.'

Deftly, he cleaned her up, the silk material so smooth against her heated core. He kissed her cheek, inspecting the pocket square before he threw it in the bin behind him. He helped her down, watching as she pulled her underwear back up and into place.

'Won't it be suspicious that that's missing?' Anna asked as he wrapped his arms around her.

'You think Ernst doesn't already know we were up to something?' he returned. When she blushed again, he grinned, holding her jaw so he could kiss her slowly. 'Just dinner to get through. Then we have all night.'

'I'm counting on it,' sighed Anna, taking him by the hand, and leading him back out to the club.