Tonight, Aurora seemed truly happy, sharing many past memories with Julian, who played the role of a quiet listener throughout their conversation. By the time she reached her fourth drink, he knew she was approaching her limit-one more, and she would be drunk.
“Alright, no more drinking,” Julian intervened. He was all too familiar with the downsides of overindulgence and did not want her to feel unwell.
“Then I’ll stop here,” Aurora conceded, though slightly reluctant, already feeling a bit tipsy.
“Good girl,” Julian said, standing and offering her his hand. Aurora placed her hand in his, and together they strolled along the seaside.
The air by the sea was fresher than in the bustling city, and the unique scent of the ocean made Aurora feel wonderfully at ease. Her mind seemed to clear a bit, and she impulsively kicked off her shoes to walk freely on the sand. As the soft, loose sand slipped through her toes, she reveled in the sensation.
Julian hadn’t seen Aurora this relaxed in a long time. A faint smile played on his lips as he watched her gradually revert to her old self.
“Aurora, don’t run so fast, there are no lights over there,” Julian called out, worry filling his voice as he saw her sprinting into the distance, and he quickly chased after her.
The villa area there was still unoccupied, hence the street lights were off and it was eerily quiet, the only visibility provided by moonlight casting a silhouette.
The soft moonlight draped over her, making her appear like a fairy under its glow.
“What’s there to fear? There’s no one around, no cars; no one will see me, and even if they do, they won’t know who I am. Here, I can let go of all pretenses and just be myself without worrying about others’ stares,” Aurora declared with a childlike exuberance.
“Yes, yes, whatever you wish,” Julian sped up to match her pace. From behind, he playfully tackled her onto the sandy beach. “You’ve reminded me, since there’s no one around, maybe we could…”
“Rascal,” Aurora chided softly, yet she didn’t push him away but instead pulled him down in front of her.
“So, Young Master Barnet, what would you like to do?” Perhaps it was the alcohol, her head was already spinning slightly.
The boldness that came with intoxication was evident as Julian’s hand wandered up her fair, long legs.
“Of course, to do something that will make us both happy,” Julian ought to be thankful for Aurora’s good mood tonight, having drunk a little more than usual. If it had been any other time, she would have never consented to such acts here, still being the shy girl she used to be.
Emboldened by the alcohol, Aurora did not push him away but whispered seductively in his ear, “I promised you, tonight I am yours.”
She nibbled Julian’s earlobe, an act that alone was arousing for him, let alone in such a thrilling setting.
It was his first time being so daring outdoors; although there was no one around, the thrill was exhilarating, stirring his heart with anticipation.
The scent of her perfume mixed with the alcohol was intoxicating, making his heart race.
“My little temptress, you do know how to light a fire,” Julian murmured as he sealed his promise with a long-awaited kiss.
Their bodies were familiar to each other, and his hands seemed to wield magic, igniting sparks wherever they touched.
Aurora’s body shivered slightly, and a soft moan escaped her lips, further fueling the fervent blaze. There was no one around, no light; even the moon seemed to shy away behind the clouds as the waves swallowed Aurora’s voice.
Alone on the beach where couples lingered, a special feeling enveloped the two; in the depth of their passion, she clung tightly to his neck.
Freed from the restraint and shyness of wakefulness, she revealed her true self, rendering Julian helpless to resist. It was late into the night when he finally disentangled from her, and they lay quietly on the beach, their bodies still heaving from the intense encounter.
Exhausted, Aurora could no longer move; all she desired was sleep. Julian gently picked her up, and she quietly fell asleep against his chest, her sweet face resting peacefully in his arms. “Little Bunny, sleep now,” he whispered.
He carried her back to her villa, knowing the butler would be asleep at this hour. As he prepared to go upstairs to clean her up, a figure emerged from the kitchen.
“Miss, you’re back… Who are you?” A burly woman stood nearby, staring fiercely at the unfamiliar man holding Aurora.
Mrs. Hill, having settled her affairs only today, was unaware of Aurora and Julian’s relationship. “What have you done to her? Who are you?” she demanded.
Judging by her attire and manner of speaking, Julian guessed her identity. He replied calmly, “I’m her husband! She’s asleep.”
“Husband?” Mrs. Hill scrutinized Julian carefully, his dignified appearance not fitting that of a criminal. Thinking to herself that if all thieves looked this good, they might as well be movie stars. She glanced worriedly at Aurora, reassured only when she saw she hadn’t awoken.
Ignoring Mrs. Hill, Julian proceeded upstairs, familiar with the house. Mrs. Hill, seeing his confidence, chose not to interfere further. That Aurora could sleep so securely in his arms signified his special place in her heart.
Upstairs, Julian washed away the traces of the night from her body before tucking her into bed, setting the stage for a beautiful night.
Aurora was awakened by a commotion, Mrs. Hill’s loud voice echoing in her ears, her words indiscernible.
“I’ll go check; you get some more sleep,” Julian offered, knowing she was still groggy from the four glasses of wine she had the previous night.
“No need, this is my house; I’ll see to it,” Aurora insisted, realizing she was naked under the covers. Blushing, she quickly grabbed a nightgown and threw on a knit sweater before hurrying downstairs.
“Mrs. Hill, what’s happened so early in the morning?”
Aurora’s voice filled the room.
“Aurora, why are you everywhere!”
A familiar voice responded even before seeing her face. Surprised, Aurora didn’t expect Susan to be there. “Susan, what are you doing at my house?”
It seemed Mrs. Hill had provoked some issues with her words earlier, likely causing the commotion that had woken her. “Stop that! I didn’t think you’d be so shameless as to move in next door!”
Susan hadn’t forgotten how humiliated she felt at the engagement party due to Aurora.