Page 76 of Cloud Storm

Lancelot goes to get the cupcakes we brought home from the bakery and while they eat them and praise my baking skills, the subject of the conversation morphs, centering on me.

Ugh!

“So, we know you’re a talented baker, but what about your academic background?” Morgana says.

“The truth is, I never went to school,” I confess, staring at the floor, embarrassed, but refusing to lie about it, because sooner or later these things always come to light. “My mother taught me the basics at home, you know, reading and writing, as well as how to keep accounts, but that’s it.”

Morgana looks at me, her jaw almost touching the ground.

“I don’t understand,” she adds. “How do you know so much about history?”

“The public library,” I answer. “I’ve spent a lot of time there. I love knowing the great mysteries, travelling the world through someone else’s eyes. It was never possible in reality for me, I don’t even know how to swim. But I don’t need it, there’s no better ship than a book.”

I lift my head and my eyes meet Lancelot’s. He’s staring at me, as if I were a thriller he wanted to read himself. There is something else in his stare, something resembling pride and that makes my heart beat faster in my chest.

Thanks, Suit, I say in silence.

“Ariel, you have great merit, sweetheart,” Morgana exclaims loudly, clapping her hands under her chin dramatically. “There are so many people who only go to school just to walk around and be able to display the name of a prestigious university on their chests. You have nothing to be ashamed of, nor should you feel a lesser person. You are a very brave woman and a great example, I am very proud of you.”

“And those are the most delicious cupcakes I’ve ever tasted.” Percival grins. “You will smash some asses at the contest. When are they broadcasting it? I want to watch you on TV, it’ll be something to brag about.”

“It’s a live event at the hockey stadium next Saturday, you can check the network calendar on their webpage. I’ve been so busy getting ready for it, I haven’t even checked out that info.”

They leave around eleven and I don’t know if I should leave with them too. I may have stayed here last night, but maybe Lancelot isn’t ready for more.

I’ve never had a real relationship and I’m scared to death.

But am I assuming too much? Is this really a relationship?

Great, now I’m walking on eggshells.

When we’ve said our goodbyes to his family, Lancelot takes me in his arms, resting his chin on my shoulder, filling me with something that up until now has been unknown to me.

Belonging.

“You’re staying, right?”

“I wish I could, but as you know I have loads to do in the morning,” I reply, trying to sound casual. “And don’t forget about the new furniture you have to assemble in the bakery.”

“I was thinking I’d accompany you to pick up what you need and then maybe we could return here. I’m feeling tired and need the care of my favorite nurse.”

“Oh God, your fever has returned,” I exclaim, touching his face anxiously.

“Yes, I’m burning up,” he replies in a raspy voice, whispering in my ear. “Come on, let’s go to your house, then bed awaits us.”

Why does that sound like an invitation and not just to sleep?

Twenty minutes later we’re in his room again. I’m not sure why, but this time makes me nervous. Something has changed, it feels different, the urgency has gone, now there’s another thing filling that void. I know what it is, but I’m afraid to say it out loud.

“You don’t know how many times I imagined having you here, like this, waiting for me.”

He knows what to say to make me feel wanted, that’s what he did in our emails until they went cold. He has the perfect touch, one that makes my hormones dance.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispers, sliding his hands across my face. Tilting my chin up using his thumbs, he kisses me.

He kisses me with his entire soul.

Between kisses, my clothes disappear, his as well, gathering on the floor, forming a messy pile.

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