"BLONDE LIKE HONEY"

Aurora spent the following day as though it were any other. Yet, deep down, everything felt different. Memories of the previous night echoed in her mind: the firm but gentle touch of the man who had saved her, the subtle kiss he had placed on her lips, and the implicit promise in his parting words. As she walked through the corridors of the Ritz, her expression remained impeccably neutral, but her heart raced. She could hardly wait for their meeting later that evening.

When the sun finally sank below the horizon, Aurora began to prepare. She chose a simple dress that still accentuated her natural elegance. Her hair was carefully pinned up, though a few loose strands framed her face. She draped herself in a dark cloak, not only to shield herself from the night's chill but also to keep her identity concealed. As she slipped out the back door, she hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding. But as soon as she opened the door, she found herself face-to-face with him.

There he stood, waiting for her. This time, something about him seemed different. Though he retained the simplicity of a man of the countryside, he had made an effort to impress her. He wore a crisp white shirt under a dark waistcoat, and his leather boots gleamed in the moonlight. There was an unexpected air of refinement about him, as if to show her that this evening was special.

"You look beautiful," he said, his voice low but filled with sincerity.

"And you… you look surprising," she replied, a shy smile playing on her lips.

Without another word, he gestured towards the two horses, already saddled and ready. "I thought a ride might be… more interesting."

Aurora felt her cheeks flush but nodded. He helped her mount, his hands steady on her waist, lingering a moment longer than necessary. She noticed the warmth of his touch and, for a brief moment, felt her body respond unexpectedly. Once they were both ready, he led the way, and the two rode together out of London.

The Tavern

The journey was peaceful, accompanied only by the sound of the horses' hooves and the soft evening breeze. The scenery began to change as they left the bustling city streets behind, entering a more rural area. Aurora, accustomed to the luxury and formality of the Ritz, felt oddly at ease.

When they finally arrived at their destination, Aurora was surprised. The tavern, nestled in a small clearing, was simple yet charming. Warm yellow lights flickered from the lanterns adorning the entrance, and lively music drifted from within. As they dismounted, he offered his hand to help her, and once again, Aurora felt that firm, reassuring touch.

"Welcome," he said, leading her inside.

The interior was cosy. Sturdy wooden tables were decorated with candles, and the air was filled with the aroma of fresh bread, roasted meat, and herbs. In the most inviting corner, a table for two awaited them, carefully set with dishes already prepared: soft bread, aromatic soup, spiced meat, and a bottle of red wine.

"You planned all of this?" Aurora asked, her voice tinged with surprise and gratitude.

He shrugged, a modest smile on his lips. "I wanted it to be a special evening for you."

They sat down, and the dinner was filled with light conversation and genuine laughter. He shared stories of his life in the countryside, describing the simplicity and challenges of his days. Aurora listened intently, captivated by his perspective on the world. She didn't reveal much about herself, but her laughter was genuine—something that rarely happened in the social circles she usually frequented.

After dinner, the music grew livelier. A small group of people began dancing in the centre of the tavern, their simple, synchronised steps keeping pace with the melody. He stood and extended a hand to her.

"Do you dance?"

Aurora hesitated, but the excitement in his eyes persuaded her. She took his hand, and he guided her to the centre. Despite the simplicity of the dance, there was something magical about the moment. They moved together, laughing at their slight missteps, yet connected by an energy Aurora couldn't explain.

The Hill

On the way back, the silence between them was comfortable. Aurora, still under the spell of the evening, felt lighter than she had in years. The stars sparkled above, and the city of London gradually reappeared on the horizon. As they neared the Ritz, he pulled the reins, stopping on a hill that offered a stunning view of the city.

"I want to show you something," he said, dismounting his horse.

Before Aurora could ask what, he approached and helped her down. This time, the gesture felt more deliberate. He held her waist firmly, and as he placed her on the ground, her body slid lightly against his. Aurora's heart raced, and when their eyes met, there was something in his gaze that took her breath away.

For a moment, they stood still, simply looking at one another. The city glittered below them, but Aurora barely noticed the view. All she could feel was his presence, the intensity of his eyes, and the warmth of his body so close to hers.

He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her nearer. "I can't pretend any longer," he murmured, his voice husky, almost a whisper.

Before she could respond, he kissed her. This time, there was no hesitation. The kiss was deep, filled with passion and emotion, as if he wanted to convey everything he felt for her in that one act. Aurora let herself go, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck.

When they finally parted, both were breathless. She could feel his body against hers, and something inside her awakened in a way she had never felt before. He held her as if she were precious, but there was also an urgency in his touch.

Aurora realised how much he desired her. She could feel his excitement, the undeniable and fervent longing he made no effort to conceal. For a moment, she lost herself in the sensation, but then she pulled back slightly, trying to regain control.

"I… I can't," she said, her voice trembling. "You need to understand. I'm not who you think I am. My life is… complicated."

He looked at her, confused, but said nothing.

"If you truly want to know me, you must be willing to accept everything I am. And in return, I want to know everything about you," she continued, her voice thick with emotion.

He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently caressing her cheeks. "Aurora, I don't care who you are or what you have. I only want you, exactly as you are."

For a moment, she wanted to believe him. Perhaps, she thought, this could be the start of something real, something she had longed for.

When they returned to the Ritz, their goodbye was brief but filled with unspoken promises. Aurora entered the hotel with her heart racing, feeling transformed. That night, as she gazed out of the window at the city bathed in moonlight, she knew something within her had changed forever. The desire she had seen in his eyes—and felt within herself—was more than physical. It was the harbinger of something greater, something she didn't yet fully understand but was willing to explore.