Leora's dessert was as extravagant as her personality. It was a delicate pavlova adorned with vibrant fruits, edible gold flakes, and a drizzle of passion fruit sauce that gleamed like liquid sunlight. As soon as the plate was set before us, I couldn't help but gasp.
"Wow," I breathed, staring at the masterpiece. "Leora, this is stunning."
"Of course it is," Leora replied, sitting down with a self-satisfied grin. "I don't do anything halfway."
Ciara gave an exaggerated eye roll. "We get it, Grandma, you're perfect."
"Finally, you admit it," Leora shot back, winking.
The banter continued as we dug into the dessert. The combination of textures and flavors was heavenly, the crisp meringue shell, the fluffy interior, and the tartness of the fruits all melded together beautifully.
I couldn't stop myself from making a small noise of delight with the first bite.
"This is amazing," I said, turning to Leora. "You might've just ruined all other desserts for me."
Leora laughed, clearly pleased. "Good. That was the goal."
Ciara leaned closer to me, her purple eyes glinting with mischief. "Don't let her fool you, Aeliana. She's just trying to make sure no one else wins you over with their cooking."
I blushed, nudging her playfully. "I think you're safe, Ciara. You're not too bad in the kitchen yourself."
"Not too bad?" she repeated, feigning offense. "After all the meals I've made you?"
Leora snorted. "Don't push your luck, little one."
The rest of the dessert passed in a flurry of teasing and laughter, with Leora dominating most of the conversation as usual. By the time the plates were empty, I felt both full and completely at ease.
"Alright, lovebirds," Leora said, standing up and stretching. "I'll leave you two to your devices. Try not to burn down the castle."
Ciara grinned. "No promises."
As we left the dining hall, I couldn't help but glance at Ciara, who seemed to be deep in thought. Her hand found mine as we walked, and the gentle squeeze she gave me sent a warm flutter through my chest.
When we reached her room, she opened the door with a small flourish. "After you, my lady."
I laughed, stepping inside. The room was cozy, with soft lighting and a faint scent of lavender lingering in the air. Ciara had always kept her space welcoming, a reflection of the warmth she carried with her everywhere she went.
She shut the door behind us and turned to me, her expression softening. "Come here."
I moved toward her, and before I could say anything, her arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me close. The intensity in her eyes made my breath hitch.
"You're too pretty for your own good," she murmured, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
I laughed nervously, feeling my cheeks heat up. "Says the one who's always stealing the spotlight."
She smirked. "It's not stealing if it's mine to begin with."
Before I could come up with a witty reply, her lips were on mine. The kiss started slow, her hands resting gently on my hips, but it didn't stay that way for long.
Her lips moved against mine with increasing fervor, and I couldn't help but respond in kind. My hands found their way to her hair, tangling in the soft strands as she deepened the kiss.
Ciara guided us toward the bed, and we collapsed onto the soft sheets together. Her touch was electrifying, each brush of her fingers against my skin sending sparks down my spine.
"You're breathtaking," she whispered, her voice low and full of emotion.
I couldn't help but laugh softly, pulling her closer. "You're ridiculous."
"And yet, you love me for it," she teased, her lips trailing down to my neck.
I gasped, feeling her lips linger just long enough to leave a mark. "Ciara!"
"What?" she asked innocently, though the mischievous glint in her eyes betrayed her.
"You're impossible," I muttered, though I couldn't stop the smile that tugged at my lips.
Her hands found mine, intertwining our fingers as she leaned back just enough to look at me. "Aeliana," she said softly, her expression suddenly serious.
I blinked, surprised by the shift in her tone. "What is it?"
"I..." She paused, her gaze searching mine. "I want more than just kisses for tonight."
Her words sent a shiver down my spine as I realized what she meant. I nodded wordlessly, my heart pounding in my ears.
She kissed me again, her mouth moving against mine with a fierce possessiveness. It was like the world around us melted away, leaving only the two of us.
My back hit the bed as she pushed me down, her body covering mine. Her hands slipped under my shirt, stroking my sides and sending shivers down my spine. I gasped when they reached the waistband of my pants.
"Can I undress you?" she whispered against my lips, her fingers already tugging at my buttons. I nodded, feeling a little breathless.
She leaned back slightly, giving herself room to work. Her gaze was soft, and her touch was gentle as she undid the last of my buttons, her hands trailing over my skin in the process.
"Ciara," I breathed, arching into the touch.
She made a low sound in the back of her throat before leaning forward to kiss me once more.
When she pulled away, it was to tug my shirt and pants off, tossing them onto the floor. I wasn't left with much more than my bra and panties, and Ciara's eyes darkened as she took in the sight of me lying on her bed.
"You look perfect like that," she said, running a finger over the edge of my bra. "I'm going to make you feel good, Aeliana." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Really good."
I swallowed hard, my skin tingling from the anticipation. She reached behind me, and I felt my bra snap undone, then it was pulled away.
Ciara's lips found my breast, her tongue tracing the outline of my nipple. My back arched as she sucked it into her mouth, and a soft moan slipped free from my lips.
"Fuck, Aeliana," Ciara breathed against my skin, her breath sending another shiver through me. "You taste amazing." She switched to the other breast, her fingers trailing down to my waist and dipping beneath the hem of my panties.
The first touch of her fingertips to my clit had me bucking up off the bed, my nails digging into the sheets.
"Ciara," I gasped, my voice strained. "Fuck..." My words were cut off by her lips covering mine, and she swallowed my gasps as she continued to tease my clit.